Chapter 17: Connections

"They - Are - Criminals!" Mortius Griven shouted, his hands grasping the edge of the table so that they didn't fly out and hit someone. His knuckles white from the pressure. The co-pilot had felt as if this argument had been going on since the moment the door sealed behind them. He knew somewhere in the back of his mind it had probably been about an hour. However, it was an hour too long in his opinion.

Fen Lessik stood committed to his decision. He knew that Griven would force the issue again and was prepared for the opposition. Determined to stand by his word, he re-informed the irate man, "We have a bargain with these criminals. I will not…"

"YOU!" he shouted. Carefully, he lowered his voice knowing the Pirate vermin were just outside the door. He didn't want them to intrude on their debate. But deadly emphasis still permeated his tone, "You have a bargain with these Bastards! Not the rest of us and especially not me." Glancing around, both men swept the room. Sitting around the conference table, the crew of the Zenah waited for their arrival on Onderon. Most of them were too shocked by the debate to take part. And the rest knew that it was not their decision to make. Content to let their Captain make their choice, most found it alarming that a fellow shipmate would question the man so. This defiance only caused confusion for the younger members, and Lessik could see it on their faces. He had been desperately trying to curb this argument until a more opportune time, but Griven would not hear of it.

Now, in order to try to resume command and end the dispute once and for all, he resorted to using his rank. "You are under My command, Lieutenant. And what I say goes." He hated having to stoop so low. He always prided himself on the discipline of his crew. He never had to pull rank or treat them as children, yet now he was forced to do just that with one of his senior members. And that fact bothered him greatly.

Disgruntled, Griven mumbled under his breath as he sat back down. "Not unless you're relieved of command."

The comment made all his annoyance seem insignificant. Startled, that the suggestion was thought let alone voiced, Fen stared hard at his co-pilot, "Are you threatening me?"

Nonplussed by the anger in the tone, the man returned the glare. "I'm just stating your judgement may be off."

"If anyone's judgement is off, Mort, it's yours." Lessik pointed at Griven, then stood and motioned to the room they were in, "Take a look around you, just look at where you are."

Leaning forward, he snapped, "In a ship filled with accomplices to my brother's murder." His hands balled into trembling fists.

Fen had been hoping that the man would figure out his meaning on his own. Chastising, himself, he should have known better. Griven was so hell bent on his own perspective, he failed to see the whole picture. Shaking his head, Lessik pressed his hands onto the table, edging closer. "You are so shortsighted. You are on a ship taking you back to civilization. Don't you understand? These Togorians are taking us home. They don't have to do this. They could have left us there to die, but they didn't. Or worse, simply killed us when they had the chance, which I fully believe they could have. Still, their generosity is enough to rectify any wrongs previously committed."

Jumping back to his feet, Griven spat, "I can't believe what I am hearing! You have gone daft. Those creatures were the reason we were stuck on that rock to begin with." His hand pointing to the door to underline his words.

Shaking his head, again, Fen discounted, "Now there you're wrong. Despite their intentions, if they hadn't attacked us, we would all be dead right now."

"What are you talking about?" Confused, Griven's eyes narrowed forming ice blue slits.

"You haven't listened to anything else I have told you except what you wanted to hear. The device, Griven, the device that was meant to blow our engines up as well as the rest of us."

"A device they probably planted!" he protested.

"No," waving his hand dismissively, the Captain thoughtfully continued, "no, I don't think they did. They seemed just as confused by it as we were, if not more so." The incident in the engineering room returning to the forefront of his mind. The way that the Pirates reacted to the discovery only solidified this thought. They themselves didn't know the true origin to their technology, at least not enough to disclose to strangers. For some reason, he believed what they had said, and the boy genuinely looked perplexed. He also remembered what Nev had told them upon their return from captivity. The young rogue had been looking at the mass of wires and managed to find the same thing they had. He even questioned it, possibly due to the fact they were vaguely familiar to him. Obviously, confused as to how they ended up on a passenger vessel.

His musings left him lost in thought. An odd silence filled the room from lack of argument. At mention of the device, Obser sat up. It was something he could not get out of his mind since it's initial discovery. Recognizing his opportunity, he voiced his yearning, "Captain, I want to help with the investigation."

Pulled from his quiet contemplation, he acknowledged the request, "Alight, Nev, I'm sure we can work it out with Security. I'm sure the company will want to know how a device like that got onto one of their ships. I don't think that will be a problem."

"I think the Jedi should be involved as well. It might have been intended for them." Obser had suspected that someone wanted to get rid of Jedi, guessed that the prospect of a large group of them was enticing. Then as an after thought, he added, "Perhaps we can enlist the boy's help if it is their type of technology."

A quirk of a grin crossed the older man's features. Apparently, his engineer had come up with the same conclusion he had regarding the boy. "We should be able to arrange something. It may help in his case," he added. For some unknown reason, Lessik had grown fond of the boy. He didn't really have too much interaction with him, but there was an appeal he didn't fully understand. But his wayward thoughts were once again interrupted by harsh tones.

"Are you serious? You are trying to help that murderer?" Griven regarded his Captain and now included his fellow crewmates with an angered glare.

Fen countered quickly, "I'm trying to give him a chance, something you are not doing."

Laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, he spoke the words as if they should crush any doubts about the boy's character, "He is a thief and a murderer."

"He saved us when you were flat on your back. He has sacrificed himself to get us home. Is that not enough for you?" Even barely knowing the rogue, Lessik did understand what it means to surrender yourself. You give up everything - freedom, happiness, family, everything. But as he had often mused over the past few hours, he could not see the boy as a murderer. Softening the edge in his tone, he tried to appeal to reason one last time, "It is possible Kiiv's death was an accident, like Obi-Wan said. He deserves a second chance for trying to make things right again."

Infuriated beyond his limits, the co-pilot was unable to form words to express the raw emotion boiling inside of him. At last, his body released the fury in a roar of frustration. Minutes passed as they waited for the rage to ebb enough for rational conversation. Taking the lack of argument as a good sign, Lessik did his best to try continuing to smooth over the situation, "Mort, I know how much Kiiv meant to you. And I'm not saying it's easy to deal with. If the roles were reversed, it's quite possible I could be doing the same thing you are right now. But try to see reason, the boy has confessed, and he will face trial for that crime. But he has also done things for us, to help us out of the predicament we were in. He may not be the cold blooded killer you thought he was."

He sighed as the other man still trembled with bridled fury. There was only one thing left he could offer to compromise with his old friend, "If it means anything to you, I will let you contact the authorities to inform them of the boy's capture. And have Coruscant Security Forces awaiting our arrival once we return home. There they can assume responsibility from the Jedi." He waited for a moment but did not receive an answer, "Would that be acceptable to you?"

Sitting back with a huff, the co-pilot knew that he would never be able to enlighten these fools of their folly. The faux generosity of their benefactors was conditional, not sincere. Why couldn't they see the beasts for what they were? Despite, the rage that coursed through him he managed to mutter passed gritted teeth, "Yes." The conversation died then. All that was left to do was wait until they arrived on Onderon.

*

Qui-Gon followed silently behind his escort. When they reached the bridge, Mrrogh indicated for him to wait while he spoke with the Captain first. Now as he stood, he noticed the wary glances of the young navigator and both pilots. Only a minute later, Mrrogh re-emerged saying, "I will take you back to your cabin now."

Qui-Gon knew he was being dismissed prematurely, and he was never fond of that type of treatment. His body went alert and he replied curtly, "Very well." The Togorian headed for the door, as did Qui-Gon only in a different direction. Mrrogh didn't notice until it was too late and he dashed to stop the Jedi. Qui-Gon managed to get into Tuuvu's private office and strode up to the edge of the desk. "I must speak with you Captain," he announced.

The large Togorian guard who matched the Knight's stature hung his head slightly at his commander, "Sorry, Captain." The quiet apology was virtually ignored by the annoyed leader.

Tuuvu didn't bother looking up from the data screen he was reading. Wanting to give the impression he was very busy, he scrutinized the readouts further. Curtly, he addressed the inconsiderate human, "I already told Mrrogh that I didn't want to talk to you."

Qui-Gon stood tall with his perfect Jedi serenity in place. "Never-the-less, I feel it's vital we speak."

"I don't really care Jedi," he sighed.

Mrrogh jumped in, reaching for the Jedi he managed to get his hand around the man's bicep. "I'll take him back now. Come on Master Jedi."

Qui-Gon shook off his escort's hand and leaned on to the desk. "This isn't about you or me, Captain. I am here about Obi-Wan."

Already angered by the intrusion, Tuuvu sprang from his seat and matched the Jedi's posture. But the use of his gentle Cub to invoke an unwanted conversation irked him even more. "What do you care about Obi-Wan? You abandoned him five years ago."

The Knight acknowledged the rebuke with weary acceptance, "A decision I have regretted every single moment since that day. One that I would give anything to rescind. One that I will forever be seeking atonement for."

Silence lingered between the two men. There was something in the way the human spoke that hit a cord with Tuuvu. He realized after a second that it was utter sincerity. And not just that, he could sense a deeply rooted melancholy (more than likely brought about by that choice) that seeped in to his words, making it apparent he meant what he said. Deciding then to allow this discussion to continue, he said, "Mrrogh, it's ok. I'll speak with the Jedi - for now."

"Yes, Captain," his friend muttered before leaving the pair alone.

Now that they could speak privately, the tension slowly dissipated although never fled completely. Their stances shifted, poised yet accommodating the shift in mood. Bright jade and clear cerulean eyes locked. It was Tuuvu who eventually broke the stand off when he began pacing, "So, you regret?"

"I may be a Jedi, but I am also human. We make mistakes and we regret them."

"Contrition does nothing to mend a broken spirit." It was something his mate Jorri had consistently reminded him of. He felt it applied to the current discussion with absolute poignancy. Although he never would have dreamed that he would be repeating her advice to a Jedi Master. For the first time, he truly understood its meaning.

"I know. But it's the only thing I can offer at the moment. And a promise to amend for my misjudgment."

Tuuvu crossed his arms and glared at the man. "And what misjudgment would that be?" He wanted to see if the Knight was brave enough to admit his fatal error. To find out if Jedi could own up to their mistakes. But more importantly, he looked forward to the moment where he could twist Jedi honesty and multiply his so-called misery. He was almost disappointed.

"For denying the will of the Force. For neglecting the advice of my Masters and peers." Qui-Gon's voice wavered slightly at the remembrance of that time and how Obi-Wan's disappearance effected them all. He added quieter than before, "For turning Obi-Wan away."

"For destroying a life? And all you can offer are a few pathetic apologies," Tuuvu scoffed. "What would you know?" For the briefest instant he relished the pain the verbal jabs inflicted, before his thoughts returned to his cub. Deep down he knew Obi-Wan would not appreciate his actions, but he couldn't help himself. Someone needed to point out the grievous error that was made the day they sent him away. And if Jinn was the only one there to get an earful, well, then that would have to suffice.

Qui-Gon hastily answered, "I know that my actions, my decisions were wrong. And I have come to ask you about what my errs have done. That is why I needed to speak with you."

Tuuvu found it ironic. All these years, he couldn't wait for the chance to give them all the gruesome details. To explain every minor ache that was inflicted on the sweetest child he had ever met. And now that he had his chance, now that there was someone standing in front of him he could relate the nightmare to, he found he couldn't. It would have been all too easy as well. Afterall, the man gave him the opportunity to describe every disturbing detail. Yet he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He guessed, he knew that doing so would not change any of it, so why bother? Now all he wanted was to get these people off his ship and head back home. To where he hoped happiness could be restored. With an even tone, he spoke, "Does it matter? It's in the past. Let him move on with his life. Without you."

"Please, let me speak. Perhaps if you understood why I did it." When the Togorian made no objection, he continued, "I was a fool. A thickheaded, arrogant fool, who was caught up in my own self-pity. I had been betrayed. Someone I cared for deeply, like a son, betrayed me. The thought of opening myself up to that kind of pain again was…"

"Pain?" Tuuvu couldn't help but interrupt him. "Your Pain? Insignificant. I will never understand how Cub survived. His pain was far greater, multiplied by the physical as well as the mental anguish that plagued him. His was more than that of just one betrayal. Your son was only one man, who betrayed you. How would you feel if your entire family decided to reject you when your only crime was not being good enough? How would you feel when everyone you ever knew or ever trusted suddenly turned their back on you because you turned a certain age? Does one man's betrayal even compare to a galaxy's?"

"No," he admitted quietly. The Knight's view once again skewed from his original perspective. He never really suspected that that type of reasoning took place in those dismissed from the Temple. Yet it made perfect sense. A child's mind, although trained might not fully understand all the intricacies of the decisions that led to their release.

"You teach and preach and teach again, what it is to be a Jedi Knight. And even though you hint at the possibility of not reaching that goal, you never teach and preach about what to do if you are rejected."

"It is not emphasized no, because it does not often happen."

"But for those few it does happen to, it is heart breaking. It is the first step to their undoing. The second is when your heartless Council sends them off, unguided and naive to the dangers that they face. The suffering they must endure." Tuuvu stared at a darkened corner of the room. Tears brimmed the brilliant emerald gaze. His memories assaulting him. Finally, he tore his eyes away to bore into the man across from him. "Do you know what it's like - Do you have any idea what it's like to watch a child get tortured to death?"

Swallowing hard, Qui-Gon responded flatly, "no."

"Then you are fortunate. I have been witness twice, almost a third." A small chuckle escaped him, not a joyous sound but one that is made when a situation is so despairing there's nothing left to do. Quietly, he mumbled, "The gods are merciful afterall." Falling silent, Tuuvu turned away from the Jedi. Vivid memory reminded him of the wretched condition the child was in when Drrov was finally killed. Calling his cub's survival mercy was giving it more credit than was due.

Qui-Gon allowed the silence to fill the room. The thought of watching any being suffer was a horrific thought. And it was also something that was embedded in a Jedi's soul. They existed to stop suffering in all forms. But when a child is involved it becomes ten times worse. Innocence is precious, which is why they protect it so. But what happens when the innocence of a Jedi child is lost? Drifting on the currents of such possibilities, Qui-Gon was brought back to reality when he was certain he heard the other man sniffle. It was obvious these memories still pained the Togorian. The Jedi's heart demanded to know why, so he obliged it. "What happened? To the children? To Obi-Wan?"

Long moments passed before Tuuvu calmed his voice enough to speak again, "Tell me, what do you see in that corner?" He indicated the darkened area behind him, the place his eyes often reverted to during their conversation.

Carefully, the Knight squinted to peer through the darkness. As his eyes became accustomed to the lack of light he began to make out a couple of metal rungs welded to the walls. Already guessing at their use, he was afraid to learn more about them. However, Tuuvu was willing to divulge the information in order to get his point across. The Togorian observed the Jedi and when he saw the recognition on his face, he continued, "That -is where Drrov kept his - pets - most of the time. Drrov was a cruel man, as you've heard before. And I am certain the galaxy is glad to be rid of his festering presence, as much as we are. But he did not leave without making his mark. Or marks, I should say." Qui-Gon shivered at the observance.

"Drrov took few prisoners, thankfully, but those he did take never lived very long. Cub was the youngest and longest to survive Drrov's wrath." Tuuvu's heart ached terribly at the recollections, baring his teeth he went on, spitting out the words as is they left a foul taste on his tongue, "And when that - beast - was killed, I was ready to rid this world of everything he touched. It took me a while, but I was almost finished. That corner was the last of it. I was prepared to cut the whole thing out - including the bulkhead, when cub stopped me." He paused in his narration. Taking a deep breath a weariness fell over the Pirate, his shoulders slouching in defeat. "He begged me to leave it alone. That it should stay to remind us of the past - and of the future. It has come to remind me to be a better person, despite our career. To never be overtaken by greed and corruption. To never become a monster. I can only guess what it reminds cub of."

They both drifted off in speculation of the answer. The respectful stillness bound them together in a way they had not yet come to realize. Both were fathers in a sense and both had sons that they cared about. At last, Tuuvu once again broke the silence, "You loved your son?"

Looking up, Qui-Gon answered, "I had given him everything, including my heart."

"I love my - son, too. I have comforted him when the nightmares tore him from his sleep. I have strived to revive him from the desolated creature he had become. And for my labours I have been rewarded with a real smile and honest laughter. Now, for all that I have gained, in an instant it is lost. You have caused him to regress and I am not sure I will find a way to bring him back to me."

The accusation was harder for Qui-Gon to take than he expected. Inwardly, he searched for the right words to say. When he found them he said them with sincerity, "I never wanted to harm him. I never meant for him to revert to his former self, not in the way you described. I had only wanted to regain what I had lost. Pleaded for the chance to get the bright initiate back to the Jedi - to me. If I had known about what has happened, perhaps I would have approached this differently."

"If. The Galaxy is full of ifs. I have enough of them myself. If I had challenged Drrov. If I had rescued cub earlier. If I had not relented to his will when he had almost gone back - to the Jedi. To you. But they get me no where except a whole lot of heartache. Regret."

"Regret." Qui-Gon repeated, echoing the word and the emotion. "Regrets, as you said, do nothing to mend a broken spirit." His mind slowly began to wrap itself around a subtle fact given. Obi-Wan had tried to go home. But something - or someone - stopped him, he wanted to know why. Unfortunately, now was not the time to seek those answers, besides the only one who could provide them was not present. Suddenly, he realized the feline Captain was speaking again.

"So, you see, I regret too. But I have done my best to atone for the decisions I have made."

"As I am trying to do right now." Qui-Gon seized his opportunity. Invigorated, he pressed on, "I cannot change the past any more than you can. But you have had the chance to repent for your mistakes. All I ask is to get the same chance as you."

"What would you do with that chance?" Tuuvu peered at the Knight questioningly. "What is it you want from me, exactly?"

It had finally come to the moment Qui-Gon had been waiting for, a moment where he could ask to take Obi-Wan for a time. Determine if the boy could become a Jedi Knight, if he so wished. To say that he would protect Obi-Wan as best he could during the coming trials he would face. And then his mind screeched to a resounding halt. Tuuvu did not know of the bargain his cub struck, and he had promised Obi-Wan that he would not tell him until it was too late. So what would he say - what could he say? His mind searched for an answer but could not find one. Minutes passed and still no response.

Tuuvu began to grow impatient. "I'm waiting Master Jedi."

Before Qui-Gon knew it, his mouth began moving, "I would like your approval. I want to offer Obi-Wan the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a Knight."

Considering this proposal, Tuuvu weighed his options. Something was prompting him to regard the man's request seriously. He wasn't sure why. Perhaps he realized it was only fair to allow the man the same chance he had to correct some of the mistakes made. Maybe he knew that his cub needed to reconcile his past in order to find his future. Or possibly, because it felt right. Denying the fact that somehow the Jedi would leave them alone now, was a farfetched dream. Granting his consent would prove to them, that he was not a monster like Drrov. Before he could stop himself, Tuuvu began speaking, "We are returning to our home for the mating period. In four weeks, it will be his birthday. My mate and I have been planning it for a special reason to mark this momentous occasion. He will be 18 standard years then. And even in our culture it is the age of manhood. Come then and make your offer to him. But not until after his birthday."

"May I ask the significance? Is it a right of passage?" It was obvious to the Knight that there was something very important about that day, he only hoped he could learn what it was. Amazingly, it was revealed.

"Of sorts. The Margrave and Council govern our people. They must accept and bless particular requests before we can officially announce them. My mate and I have been waiting 2 years for them to approve our request. We will finally have it in four weeks."

His Jedi mind was still fervently working and he gathered what it was that they had been waiting for. "Obi-Wan will officially be your son."

"Yes, Master Jinn." Tuuvu was not surprised by the deduction. "Let me be with him until then. After that, it will be his choice to do what he wants with his life."

Qui-Gon's heart constricted. He knew that there would be no way for Obi-Wan to stay until his birthday, but he could at least offer some sort of solace. "I can only promise you that he will be there for your announcement."

Tuuvu nodded briefly before suddenly stiffening. His head suddenly jerked toward the Jedi, a panic in his jade eyes, "You must not reveal what I have told you Master Jinn. He knows nothing of our efforts, only that we are planning a great celebration for him. It was to be a surprise, one we have hinted at for a while but one he is, at this time, unaware of."

Taken a little aback by the intensity of the Togorian's worry, Qui-Gon nodded. He was shocked, he had assumed that they had already adopted the boy by the use of the earlier endearments. Now he knew that they were merely hopes of such a relationship. No matter what they were, Tuuvu did love Obi-Wan, truly loved him with his entire being. Had been able to bring the wounded soul back to life, to learn what it was to feel and love again. And for all his shortcomings, this Pirate's gentle care saved Obi-Wan from the pits of despair. Torn with the desire to reclaim the boy and the growing knowledge that Obi-Wan belonged with his father, Qui-Gon was once again heavy-laden. He knew that this loving spirit would be ripped apart when Obi-Wan was taken away, yet he could do nothing to warn him of it.

Exhaustion swept through the room as the intensity of emotions gradually waned. Accepting the nod, Tuuvu sank into his chair. His hands came up to support his head adding to the appearance of fatigue. Wearily, he asked, "Are you finished?"

With nothing else to say at the moment, lost in his conflict, Qui-Gon replied in a tone matching the Captain's, "For the moment, Captain Tuuvu."

"Then I will ask you to leave."

Turning, the Jedi complied willingly. "Thank you for your time," Jedi etiquette took over as he left. Once the door closed behind him, he glanced around expecting his escort. The navigator and pilots were absorbed in their duties but his guard was no where to be found. Not wishing to trouble the Captain any further, Qui-Gon took the opportunity to be alone with his thoughts. Quietly, he slipped out into the halls of the vessel.

*

With Master Qui-Gon gone, the girls decided to keep the children occupied by involving them with some simple Jedi Force exercises. Unfortunately, they were intended for children younger than the age group with them, but they didn't have anything else. So this was the best the pair could come up with. To their disappointment, some of the children looked bored despite the participation. It was obvious they were only doing it because the boredom would be worse without it. They just wished there was something more they could offer. Pressing on, they tried to make it as fun as possible.

Some time passed, when they heard the door open. The group expected to see Qui-Gon returning from his talk, but instead found a young Togorian Pirate framed in the doorway. Bant and Siri rose instinctively to greet the arrival. "May we assist you with something?" Siri inquired with a hint of skepticism. If there was ever a perfect match for Master and Apprentice, it was Adi Gallia and Siri Tachi. Both were cynical of everyone else and neither planned on correcting that behavior. So when the young pirate came in, she wondered at his purpose.

"I had come to speak with Master Jinn," Liior stated plainly, unfazed by the Padawan's tone.

"He's not here right now, he went to speak with your Captain," Bant informed.

He glanced at her for a moment, not speaking, just looking at her. Bant suddenly got the impression she was being assessed for something. There was a faint ripple in the Force, the two girls glanced at each other quickly. In the end, he offered a small smile. (At least that is what it looked like to them although it was a little hard to tell for sure.) "Well, I was also here to offer your children something. Obi had made some games for me and I thought they would enjoy playing with them." Liior moved toward one of the wardrobes along the wall. Opening it he extracted a couple of items, all of which the girls recognized. They were surprised to find the advanced mind games in the pirate's possession. But neither remarked about it. "We used to take turns to see who could do it faster. Obi always won. Although sometimes he would let me win to boost my confidence." Leaning in closer to the Padawans, he added, "But I could always tell when he did." Then he winked, which surprised them.

"Thank you." Siri took them from the Togorian and offered them to the children who were excited to do something a little harder.

As Siri distributed and instructed the children, Liior turned to Bant, "You're Mon Calamari, aren't you?" She nodded and he added, "It's funny, I've never run into one of your kind before. You think I would have eventually, but maybe it isn't a surprise. I've never actually been on a raid before."

Curious now, she inquired, "Why is that?"

"I'm not old enough yet. Obi's the only exception because of his abilities. You know, he's mentioned having a friend that was Mon Calamari. Mentioned her a lot, along with a few other people. He said she was the most gentle and loving person he has ever known." The smile faded slightly. Liior watched the children absently as his thoughts wandered aloud, "When he talks about them, he changes, like he's longing to be back in the past. Like he's missing a piece of him. He must have been happy back then. We've become friends, but I still think he misses that camaraderie. I've always wondered what he was like before. I guess that's why I'm here. Qui-Gon Jinn knew him before he came to us and I wanted to ask him about it." He realized then that he had forgotten something very important. Turning back to Bant, he added with a grin, "Oh, by the way, my name's Liior."

She had been blushing from the moment he mentioned Obi's compliments. Unwittingly, the Togorian's ramblings had provided her with some of the answers she had been seeking. Moisture clung to her large silver eyes threatening to fall. Quietly, she managed to murmur, "My name's Bant."

Liior's face went blank from shock. It took some seconds before he stammered, "Not Bant Eerin?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Then perhaps you could answer my questions better. You knew him well back then right? So what was he like?"

"How can I put to words something so beautiful? He was always kind and generous. Sweet and thoughtful too. He never forgot a birthday. Always shared his meals even if he wasn't quite full himself. And the times we had. Sometimes I still wonder how he talked himself out of a couple of punishments when we were crèche-lings. I swear that boy could charm the skin off of a krayt dragon if he had to. I think it was his smile. I know I could never resist it for long." Good and happy memories floated across the landscape of her mind. Each one sparking joy inside her. Her gentle tone mirrored the feeling.

Liior looked down in wonder, "I can't imagine him smiling all the time. Most of the time he is so stoic, barely any emotion. Only on rare occasions can we even get a smile out of him. I wish I knew him before…"

Bant recalled the encounter in the rec room of the Zenah and the scars that crossed her friend's body. How much he had changed, how much he wasn't like the boy she had described. The scars reflected a tortured spirit within, one she no longer knew. "I wish I knew what changed him," she echoed his thought.

"No, you don't." Liior answered her whisper. His voice not harsh but firm. "Remember him how he was. And pray that somehow there's a way to bring him back. Knowing that his emotions are held deep within him, unable to be set free, I can only imagine what he once was. You were lucky to have been there when he was happy. Not the reserved person he has become."

Bant's voice grew small in contemplation. "There must have been a lot of pain." The tears broke from their birth and coursed down salmon cheeks. Automatically, Liior reached up to wipe them away. Compassion filled his hazel eyes, adding a soothing balm for her heart.

"My father said he was amazed Obi lived through it all. I've heard a few of the vets say Drrov was a cruel man. It's about the only thing they will say about him. Let that be enough for you for now. I know little myself, but on those rare moments when I catch him gazing at the stars, my mind tries to imagine what it must have been like. To survive that kind of pain. And the images that come up are not pretty. My heart aches for him and there is nothing we can do to fix the wrongs done against him."

Gazing up at the surprisingly gentle feline, she said, "You sound like a good friend."

"So do you," Li replied smiling. An idea formed in his head at that moment. Without hesitation, he voiced it, "Let us be friends, and together we can work to make him happy again." Liior stretched out a hand toward the Padawan. She hesitated looking down at the open paw. Her gaze moving from hand to eyes, she could see the sincerity of his offer within the hazel depths. An odd connection crossed between them that made her smile, her own flipper-like hand went out to meet his paw. A pact was forged in that gesture, past and present uniting for a common cause. And a future, who's outcome was still as unpredictable as a breeze.

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Wow, where did everyone go??? Is anyone still reading this?? I would hate to think that all my work is only for me. :( As much as all writing is for oneself, it's much more fun sharing it. Well, for those reading, thank you! And I hope you liked this chap. :D

Liyanette – I'm glad you were able to find this again. I've always intended on finishing, but my hiatus I guess really through people off. And it was totally unintentional. Well, hope to see you again. ;)