Sorry for the short chapter.only 8 long but I figured I had made you all
wait long enough.and I should give you SOMETHING at the very least. College
life sucks let me tell ya. No time to do anything fun ;)
Chapter 4: The Force's Torment
"It's time."
Telly stared out her window into the darkness. She knew what time it was and what was about to happen, she just didn't want to face it. She closed her eyes and held back the tears threatening to fall and tried to put a clamp on her uneasy feelings.
"Why couldn't they leave us in peace? Why must we face this?"
"A test."
She smiled a bit, turning to face Xanatos. He was dressed in his formal robes, the hood pulled up to hide his face and features. She still feared his discovery and the implications it would bring if they did indeed figure him out. It would risk open distrust between all and the Jedi would have a reason to condemn them; they were, however, harboring a known killer.
"I thought you hated tests."
"I do." he shrugged. "Doesn't mean we still don't face them."
"I just wish they were easier."
"Yeah well we all know where that leads.."
The sarcasm wasn't lost on her and she did finally laugh. "You're not supposed to do that you know."
"What?"
"Make me look bad."
"No one's here to see it happen."
"Yes but you know it in your head and you'll hold it against me for weeks."
"Now why would I do that?"
They began walking; heading towards the council room. The grand processions began soon and they would be expecting their heads. The Jedi too would be expecting them.
"How do you think Jareed's holding up?"
"Probably more nervous than the first day they showed up." Telly grinned. "But he will do well in showing them the way."
*************************************
The halls of the White Tower took on a new look at night. The once shimmering stones of white gray now showed a softer light and made the large compound seem closed in and cozy. Obi-wan could feel the tensions that had risen steadily through the day and knew why it had; tonight was the night that the Nikir Council would meet with them. It was the night they found out what this was really all about.
Jareed had come after evening meal to guide them to the room. He was dressed differently than the days before, his robes much more formal looking and his posture much more reserved. His short dusty blonde hair had been sculpted and behind his right ear there was a string of green and white beads hanging down.
He was now leading them down a long narrow hallway and Obi-wan shuddered a bit. This place felt too familiar to him. As if he had been this way once before...
"I can feel you know this way." Jareed took a quick glance back at him. "You uneasiness is quite apparent."
"I can't shake the feeling I know this way." Obi-wan responded. As if I've been here before."
"We are indeed going to the room where you witnessed..." he stopped and let the sentence trail off; turning his attention back ahead of him.
"Where we witnessed Telly fighting those demons." Obi-wan whispered to Bant who had glued herself to his side. She only nodded in response. The rest of the walk was in silence. It could have been mostly because they were observing their route and what had changed about it or because Jareed had become extremely tense and uneasy himself.
Obi-wan could tell he was worried about what was going to happen. After all, their future's rested on this meeting and their ability to see eye to eye on what was happening here.
They stopped in front of a pair of large oak doors. Jareed pushed one open and ushered them inside. It suddenly became apparent of just how much they had done to the tower and the room they were now in.
"This is so much different from when we were last here." Bant breathed, looking up at the high vaulted ceilings and decorated sitting areas.
Jareed walked across the large oak floor to a small sitting area which was considerably less colorful. "We don't often get observers in here so this is where you will be sitting." he said as they found their seats. "The procession will begin shortly." he bowed and turned to leave the room.
"What do you suppose the procession is?" Bant leaned over and whispered to him. Her eyes kept going up to the ceilings and the banners that hung over every area but their own.
"Must be the way the Councilors are supposed to enter." Obi-wan shrugged looking at the same things. "Their use of color is strange. Each banner has a different combination."
"They stand for different sects Obi-wan." Qui-gon interrupted pointing upwards. "The greens are Healers. The Blue/green one across us are the Mediatators." he paused thinking over the other colors that they had been taught. "From what we were told each sect is given a color to separate them and give them a sense of individuality."
The door creaked open and all four turned. Three young women in all green robes came in, whispering to each other. They walked to the green banner and sat down, every so often their eyes would dart to them and then quickly back. They continued to talk in hushed tones and tried to ignore the Jedi in their midst's.
Shortly after another trio entered through the doors. They were men and more strong built. They wore leggings and dress shirts in muted browns and leathers. Their strides were long and quick and they splintered off to three different spots around the circle. They also remained standing.
The procession followed in that order, each sect coming in at a time, usually in groups of three. Some stared at them and others ignored them, while others just acted as if these were normal observers that they didn't have to worry about.
After about six of these groups had entered Jareed and two others came to sit down. Jareed was at the head of his group and that had to mean he was the Empathic representative. No wonder he had been all dressed up and chosen to guide them.
Five more entered and took their places. Silence fell upon the room and Obi-wan and Bant shared a look. Everyone in the room was looking towards the door, as if waiting for something.
"I counted, what are they waiting for?" Bant leaned back over to him.
Their question was answered when she stopped at the door and stared in. It was like she was debating if she should or not. Her steps were slow and measured and she was heading directly for the center of the room, where an oak platform stood out in the oval room.
Everything stopped. The white robes flowing around her were the very same as the dream. Green and orange adornments decorated the thick fabric down the front. Beads of the same colors were woven into her thick red hair and she nearly looked surreal.
Obi-wan quickly looked to his side to see Bant's reaction. Her silver gray eyes never once looked away from her. He could see the conflict she was now having, to be relieved and happy or angry and betrayed. His eyes continued on to the Empathic Sect, seeing the colors woven into the white robe were the same as theirs. Like she was one of them but not at the same time.
No matter how it added up, however, it was still Telly Liksani coming through the rows.
A few steps behind her another was following. Taller and more broad, the hooded robe was drawn up to hide the face beneath it. Instead of the orange and green adornments accenting the white it was deep blue that streaked the white fabric. Obi-wan straightened as the uneasy feeling he had been battling with all night intensified.
Both of them stopped at the platform in the middle. Telly stepped up and stood right in the center while the other stood behind her and to the right. She began looking around the room, as if mentally checking that everyone was there, then bowed and smiled. "Good evening to you all."
Many murmured back to her and some stood to bow in response. Instantly Obi- wan was in shock. This looked like Telly but it didn't act like her. Something was different. She wasn't afraid.
She held out her hand, palm up towards them and he straightened. Her smile was still on and she was still not looking at them. "I would like to remind you that we have our guests with us. The Jedi from Coruscant." all eyes turned to them. "We knew this day would come and we will all deal with this together, all I ask is that we keep an open mind and understand where the Jedi are coming from."
Telly then turned to them. The emerald green eyes bore into his and he couldn't look away. It was if she was trying to make him see without having to go through any of this. "Honorable Jedi, we know why you have come to us and all I ask is that you too will keep an open mind to us.
Qui-gon and Tahl both nodded and Telly nodded in response. "Then we open the floor to you Master Jinn, Master Tahl. Explain to us why you have come."
Qui-gon was the one to stand and he folded his arms in front of him in his usual fashion; hands tucked inside his sleeves. He bowed respectively then began to speak. "We have been sent on the behalf of the Jedi Council. We are here to inspect the concerns they and the Republic have about your planet and your practices."
A young man in dark blues stood up to their right. "What fears do the Jedi harbor about us? We have done nothing more than make a life for ourselves since our arrival here on Diriala."
"The Jedi have concerns about your acceptance of all ages and backgrounds. As well as your seemingly unrestrictive teachings. What will happen here if someone turns and goes back out into the Galaxy, fully trained and dangerous?"
"I believe the Jedi have had this same problem as you are predicting for us." The one behind Telly spoke lowly. "Several have been lost from the Order because of restrictions and misunderstandings."
Qui-gon only stopped for a moment then nodded. "I do not dispute this fact, but as an Order and as part of the Republic we have the resources to deal with this threat should it arise. Diriala seems to let anyone leave without restrictions or worry."
Tahl stood as well while Obi-wan and Bant watched their Masters interact with these people who saw them as a threat. "We do not, however, see any indication that this place trains such people or would harbor those capable. Your city has been hospitable and respectful. Your teachings follow closely to our own. The only difference I have see is the more ancient and traditional ties that are rooted in your lives."
A woman with dark red robes stood as Tahl and Qui-gon sat. Bant and Obi- wan instantly recognized her as the Telepath that helped them in Nikir.
"I am Krista, Telepath of Monroe. I must say your concerns and suspicions do hold basis. But in truth and light we have all come here to learn and find our place in the galaxy. None of us have come here out of ill or gain. No one is forced and if they wish to leave once their training is finished they are allowed. They only wish to return to their families and homes."
An Elemental stood forward, dressed in black with blue accents. He straightened and cleared his throat. "I tend to disagree with my sister in one matter. We in a way were forced to come here. The Jedi Order may refuse training to anyone they see unfit for their training, but Force Sensitivity does not go away just because one is deemed 'unworthy'."
"Yes!" the original man in blues stood again. "Those deemed too old or not strong enough still grow up with Talents and Feelings they cannot explain nor do anything about! They are driven out of their communities and to crime or other venues to survive. Here they are given an alternative to such lives and given a chance to understand what they've been given."
The discussions began going and Qui-gon couldn't argue with their logic, neither could Obi-wan. They were right, just because the council didn't want to train someone didn't mean that their presence wasn't any less important or different. It just meant they had to find a new way to cope with it.
"Quiet."
Instantly the room fell silent. Bant and Obi-wan stared now in true shock. Gone was the quiet, shy Telly from the temple, replaced now with this woman. She led these people and could command them quiet easily.
"We discussed before the way to do this, we have our reasons and they have theirs."
There was another long draw of silence. Telly looked to the figure behind her... as if looking for an answer. Obi-wan saw flashes of the vision again only this time it was a light figure behind the reborn Telly, not the dark version of Xanatos.
"We do not wish any conflict, Jedi Masters." Telly's voice forced him back to reality. "We only wish to live here in peace." She paused and then stepped down from the podium. "If it would suit you I would like to talk to you privately about this."
I think that would be a better idea. This is in some ways personal." Tahl said standing back up and walking out to where she stood. Telly was always good at explaining herself and they held no doubts she would do so now.
"I expect the rest of you will get on with business." Telly turned back to the delegates surrounding them, a playful smile on her face. "We have been too slack as of late and gotten nothing done."
Many laughed and the hooded figure took to the center to take the roll as leader. Telly began walking towards them, Tahl in tow, and she motioned for them to follow her. "This way."
They exited the grand hall and went the opposite direction from which they had come. Telly was ahead of them, her eyes glued to the floor in front of her and she never really took a glance back at them.
She was too afraid to look back at the Mon Calamari behind her.
As they walked up stairs and through different areas it soon began becoming less crowded and less busy. The noise level was now to a hush and their boots clicking on the stone floors echoed loudly in their ears.
Telly stopped and opened a door and ushered them in. Inside was a small living area, decorated in dark blues and golds. Instantly Bant knew that it was Telly's room because the colors resembled what she had seen in Telly's room back at the temple. She hadn't changed too much.
"Please sit." she asked quietly taking her own seat
All but Bant sat down. The Mon Calamari girl couldn't make her feet move and she just ended up staring dumbly at the girl across from her.
"I know." Telly whispered lightly, her head instantly hanging and for once she looked like the old Telly they knew.
"You have been here this whole time." Bant finally erupted. Her voice betrayed no emotion, but her eyes were blazing. "All this time we thought you were...you were dead."
"I know." Telly looked up tentatively and let her gaze go out the large window that looked out on the vast plains surrounding Nikir. "You have every right to hate me for this to."
"I do to." Bant's voice took a dangerous turn and Telly did look at her then. "You didn't come home when you should have."
"I find it rather incredible that you even survived." Qui-gon interjected, stopping whatever fight was about to happen. He didn't blame Bant but they still couldn't afford an altercation with what appeared to be the head of Diriala.
Telly's emerald green eyes darted to him instantly.
"After all, we left the planet shortly after what took place."
"I was guided by the Force, Master Jinn." she whispered back. "I was brought here for a reason."
"For these people." Tahl leaned forward. She knew what Qui-gon had been getting at and so did Telly but it didn't need to be said yet. "There are so many, and so many different cultures here. It makes it easier and yet more complicated."
"It is fine for us." Telly smiled a little. "We've had no trouble since we've been here."
"That's another thing. You keep saying 'we'." Qui-gon interrupted again.
Telly was silent for a long time. She stood up and moved to the window and just stared out blankly. She had to figure this out, she had to make them see somehow. "What do you want here?" was all she could get out. There had to be more reasons than the stated ones.
"I thought we explained ourselves in front of your congregation."
"If those were the only reasons you'd had seen we were doing no wrong here and been gone by now." Telly glared back at them. "There's something else going on here."
"Then tell us where he is." Qui-gon finally said and leaned back in the chair he had sat in. They had been skirting around the question long enough.
"We just want to be left alone."
"We just can't let it go that easily. He has to answer for what he's done."
"You've buried him. He died five years ago, remember. Let him stay dead for once."
"When he's really not."
Telly's attention turned to Obi-wan an sighed heavily.
"You can look for him. I, nor will anyone, stop you." she went over and opened the door and kept her head down. "But you won't find what you're looking for. Thank you for being honest Masters, I wish you luck with the rest of mission. If you wish I can someone to accompany you back to your quarters or you can do as you wish."
Qui-gon and Tahl bowed respectively and moved to leave. "Thank you as well Miss Liksani. We will show ourselves back."
Obi-wan stopped briefly and she stared back at him. "You're the only one that can stop this Obi-wan." she whispered after they left. She knew now it was their only chance to avoid conflict.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Chapter 4: The Force's Torment
"It's time."
Telly stared out her window into the darkness. She knew what time it was and what was about to happen, she just didn't want to face it. She closed her eyes and held back the tears threatening to fall and tried to put a clamp on her uneasy feelings.
"Why couldn't they leave us in peace? Why must we face this?"
"A test."
She smiled a bit, turning to face Xanatos. He was dressed in his formal robes, the hood pulled up to hide his face and features. She still feared his discovery and the implications it would bring if they did indeed figure him out. It would risk open distrust between all and the Jedi would have a reason to condemn them; they were, however, harboring a known killer.
"I thought you hated tests."
"I do." he shrugged. "Doesn't mean we still don't face them."
"I just wish they were easier."
"Yeah well we all know where that leads.."
The sarcasm wasn't lost on her and she did finally laugh. "You're not supposed to do that you know."
"What?"
"Make me look bad."
"No one's here to see it happen."
"Yes but you know it in your head and you'll hold it against me for weeks."
"Now why would I do that?"
They began walking; heading towards the council room. The grand processions began soon and they would be expecting their heads. The Jedi too would be expecting them.
"How do you think Jareed's holding up?"
"Probably more nervous than the first day they showed up." Telly grinned. "But he will do well in showing them the way."
*************************************
The halls of the White Tower took on a new look at night. The once shimmering stones of white gray now showed a softer light and made the large compound seem closed in and cozy. Obi-wan could feel the tensions that had risen steadily through the day and knew why it had; tonight was the night that the Nikir Council would meet with them. It was the night they found out what this was really all about.
Jareed had come after evening meal to guide them to the room. He was dressed differently than the days before, his robes much more formal looking and his posture much more reserved. His short dusty blonde hair had been sculpted and behind his right ear there was a string of green and white beads hanging down.
He was now leading them down a long narrow hallway and Obi-wan shuddered a bit. This place felt too familiar to him. As if he had been this way once before...
"I can feel you know this way." Jareed took a quick glance back at him. "You uneasiness is quite apparent."
"I can't shake the feeling I know this way." Obi-wan responded. As if I've been here before."
"We are indeed going to the room where you witnessed..." he stopped and let the sentence trail off; turning his attention back ahead of him.
"Where we witnessed Telly fighting those demons." Obi-wan whispered to Bant who had glued herself to his side. She only nodded in response. The rest of the walk was in silence. It could have been mostly because they were observing their route and what had changed about it or because Jareed had become extremely tense and uneasy himself.
Obi-wan could tell he was worried about what was going to happen. After all, their future's rested on this meeting and their ability to see eye to eye on what was happening here.
They stopped in front of a pair of large oak doors. Jareed pushed one open and ushered them inside. It suddenly became apparent of just how much they had done to the tower and the room they were now in.
"This is so much different from when we were last here." Bant breathed, looking up at the high vaulted ceilings and decorated sitting areas.
Jareed walked across the large oak floor to a small sitting area which was considerably less colorful. "We don't often get observers in here so this is where you will be sitting." he said as they found their seats. "The procession will begin shortly." he bowed and turned to leave the room.
"What do you suppose the procession is?" Bant leaned over and whispered to him. Her eyes kept going up to the ceilings and the banners that hung over every area but their own.
"Must be the way the Councilors are supposed to enter." Obi-wan shrugged looking at the same things. "Their use of color is strange. Each banner has a different combination."
"They stand for different sects Obi-wan." Qui-gon interrupted pointing upwards. "The greens are Healers. The Blue/green one across us are the Mediatators." he paused thinking over the other colors that they had been taught. "From what we were told each sect is given a color to separate them and give them a sense of individuality."
The door creaked open and all four turned. Three young women in all green robes came in, whispering to each other. They walked to the green banner and sat down, every so often their eyes would dart to them and then quickly back. They continued to talk in hushed tones and tried to ignore the Jedi in their midst's.
Shortly after another trio entered through the doors. They were men and more strong built. They wore leggings and dress shirts in muted browns and leathers. Their strides were long and quick and they splintered off to three different spots around the circle. They also remained standing.
The procession followed in that order, each sect coming in at a time, usually in groups of three. Some stared at them and others ignored them, while others just acted as if these were normal observers that they didn't have to worry about.
After about six of these groups had entered Jareed and two others came to sit down. Jareed was at the head of his group and that had to mean he was the Empathic representative. No wonder he had been all dressed up and chosen to guide them.
Five more entered and took their places. Silence fell upon the room and Obi-wan and Bant shared a look. Everyone in the room was looking towards the door, as if waiting for something.
"I counted, what are they waiting for?" Bant leaned back over to him.
Their question was answered when she stopped at the door and stared in. It was like she was debating if she should or not. Her steps were slow and measured and she was heading directly for the center of the room, where an oak platform stood out in the oval room.
Everything stopped. The white robes flowing around her were the very same as the dream. Green and orange adornments decorated the thick fabric down the front. Beads of the same colors were woven into her thick red hair and she nearly looked surreal.
Obi-wan quickly looked to his side to see Bant's reaction. Her silver gray eyes never once looked away from her. He could see the conflict she was now having, to be relieved and happy or angry and betrayed. His eyes continued on to the Empathic Sect, seeing the colors woven into the white robe were the same as theirs. Like she was one of them but not at the same time.
No matter how it added up, however, it was still Telly Liksani coming through the rows.
A few steps behind her another was following. Taller and more broad, the hooded robe was drawn up to hide the face beneath it. Instead of the orange and green adornments accenting the white it was deep blue that streaked the white fabric. Obi-wan straightened as the uneasy feeling he had been battling with all night intensified.
Both of them stopped at the platform in the middle. Telly stepped up and stood right in the center while the other stood behind her and to the right. She began looking around the room, as if mentally checking that everyone was there, then bowed and smiled. "Good evening to you all."
Many murmured back to her and some stood to bow in response. Instantly Obi- wan was in shock. This looked like Telly but it didn't act like her. Something was different. She wasn't afraid.
She held out her hand, palm up towards them and he straightened. Her smile was still on and she was still not looking at them. "I would like to remind you that we have our guests with us. The Jedi from Coruscant." all eyes turned to them. "We knew this day would come and we will all deal with this together, all I ask is that we keep an open mind and understand where the Jedi are coming from."
Telly then turned to them. The emerald green eyes bore into his and he couldn't look away. It was if she was trying to make him see without having to go through any of this. "Honorable Jedi, we know why you have come to us and all I ask is that you too will keep an open mind to us.
Qui-gon and Tahl both nodded and Telly nodded in response. "Then we open the floor to you Master Jinn, Master Tahl. Explain to us why you have come."
Qui-gon was the one to stand and he folded his arms in front of him in his usual fashion; hands tucked inside his sleeves. He bowed respectively then began to speak. "We have been sent on the behalf of the Jedi Council. We are here to inspect the concerns they and the Republic have about your planet and your practices."
A young man in dark blues stood up to their right. "What fears do the Jedi harbor about us? We have done nothing more than make a life for ourselves since our arrival here on Diriala."
"The Jedi have concerns about your acceptance of all ages and backgrounds. As well as your seemingly unrestrictive teachings. What will happen here if someone turns and goes back out into the Galaxy, fully trained and dangerous?"
"I believe the Jedi have had this same problem as you are predicting for us." The one behind Telly spoke lowly. "Several have been lost from the Order because of restrictions and misunderstandings."
Qui-gon only stopped for a moment then nodded. "I do not dispute this fact, but as an Order and as part of the Republic we have the resources to deal with this threat should it arise. Diriala seems to let anyone leave without restrictions or worry."
Tahl stood as well while Obi-wan and Bant watched their Masters interact with these people who saw them as a threat. "We do not, however, see any indication that this place trains such people or would harbor those capable. Your city has been hospitable and respectful. Your teachings follow closely to our own. The only difference I have see is the more ancient and traditional ties that are rooted in your lives."
A woman with dark red robes stood as Tahl and Qui-gon sat. Bant and Obi- wan instantly recognized her as the Telepath that helped them in Nikir.
"I am Krista, Telepath of Monroe. I must say your concerns and suspicions do hold basis. But in truth and light we have all come here to learn and find our place in the galaxy. None of us have come here out of ill or gain. No one is forced and if they wish to leave once their training is finished they are allowed. They only wish to return to their families and homes."
An Elemental stood forward, dressed in black with blue accents. He straightened and cleared his throat. "I tend to disagree with my sister in one matter. We in a way were forced to come here. The Jedi Order may refuse training to anyone they see unfit for their training, but Force Sensitivity does not go away just because one is deemed 'unworthy'."
"Yes!" the original man in blues stood again. "Those deemed too old or not strong enough still grow up with Talents and Feelings they cannot explain nor do anything about! They are driven out of their communities and to crime or other venues to survive. Here they are given an alternative to such lives and given a chance to understand what they've been given."
The discussions began going and Qui-gon couldn't argue with their logic, neither could Obi-wan. They were right, just because the council didn't want to train someone didn't mean that their presence wasn't any less important or different. It just meant they had to find a new way to cope with it.
"Quiet."
Instantly the room fell silent. Bant and Obi-wan stared now in true shock. Gone was the quiet, shy Telly from the temple, replaced now with this woman. She led these people and could command them quiet easily.
"We discussed before the way to do this, we have our reasons and they have theirs."
There was another long draw of silence. Telly looked to the figure behind her... as if looking for an answer. Obi-wan saw flashes of the vision again only this time it was a light figure behind the reborn Telly, not the dark version of Xanatos.
"We do not wish any conflict, Jedi Masters." Telly's voice forced him back to reality. "We only wish to live here in peace." She paused and then stepped down from the podium. "If it would suit you I would like to talk to you privately about this."
I think that would be a better idea. This is in some ways personal." Tahl said standing back up and walking out to where she stood. Telly was always good at explaining herself and they held no doubts she would do so now.
"I expect the rest of you will get on with business." Telly turned back to the delegates surrounding them, a playful smile on her face. "We have been too slack as of late and gotten nothing done."
Many laughed and the hooded figure took to the center to take the roll as leader. Telly began walking towards them, Tahl in tow, and she motioned for them to follow her. "This way."
They exited the grand hall and went the opposite direction from which they had come. Telly was ahead of them, her eyes glued to the floor in front of her and she never really took a glance back at them.
She was too afraid to look back at the Mon Calamari behind her.
As they walked up stairs and through different areas it soon began becoming less crowded and less busy. The noise level was now to a hush and their boots clicking on the stone floors echoed loudly in their ears.
Telly stopped and opened a door and ushered them in. Inside was a small living area, decorated in dark blues and golds. Instantly Bant knew that it was Telly's room because the colors resembled what she had seen in Telly's room back at the temple. She hadn't changed too much.
"Please sit." she asked quietly taking her own seat
All but Bant sat down. The Mon Calamari girl couldn't make her feet move and she just ended up staring dumbly at the girl across from her.
"I know." Telly whispered lightly, her head instantly hanging and for once she looked like the old Telly they knew.
"You have been here this whole time." Bant finally erupted. Her voice betrayed no emotion, but her eyes were blazing. "All this time we thought you were...you were dead."
"I know." Telly looked up tentatively and let her gaze go out the large window that looked out on the vast plains surrounding Nikir. "You have every right to hate me for this to."
"I do to." Bant's voice took a dangerous turn and Telly did look at her then. "You didn't come home when you should have."
"I find it rather incredible that you even survived." Qui-gon interjected, stopping whatever fight was about to happen. He didn't blame Bant but they still couldn't afford an altercation with what appeared to be the head of Diriala.
Telly's emerald green eyes darted to him instantly.
"After all, we left the planet shortly after what took place."
"I was guided by the Force, Master Jinn." she whispered back. "I was brought here for a reason."
"For these people." Tahl leaned forward. She knew what Qui-gon had been getting at and so did Telly but it didn't need to be said yet. "There are so many, and so many different cultures here. It makes it easier and yet more complicated."
"It is fine for us." Telly smiled a little. "We've had no trouble since we've been here."
"That's another thing. You keep saying 'we'." Qui-gon interrupted again.
Telly was silent for a long time. She stood up and moved to the window and just stared out blankly. She had to figure this out, she had to make them see somehow. "What do you want here?" was all she could get out. There had to be more reasons than the stated ones.
"I thought we explained ourselves in front of your congregation."
"If those were the only reasons you'd had seen we were doing no wrong here and been gone by now." Telly glared back at them. "There's something else going on here."
"Then tell us where he is." Qui-gon finally said and leaned back in the chair he had sat in. They had been skirting around the question long enough.
"We just want to be left alone."
"We just can't let it go that easily. He has to answer for what he's done."
"You've buried him. He died five years ago, remember. Let him stay dead for once."
"When he's really not."
Telly's attention turned to Obi-wan an sighed heavily.
"You can look for him. I, nor will anyone, stop you." she went over and opened the door and kept her head down. "But you won't find what you're looking for. Thank you for being honest Masters, I wish you luck with the rest of mission. If you wish I can someone to accompany you back to your quarters or you can do as you wish."
Qui-gon and Tahl bowed respectively and moved to leave. "Thank you as well Miss Liksani. We will show ourselves back."
Obi-wan stopped briefly and she stared back at him. "You're the only one that can stop this Obi-wan." she whispered after they left. She knew now it was their only chance to avoid conflict.
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