Chapter Title: Spider Bite
Series Title: Turn the Page
Chapter Summary: When Qui-Gon is bitten by a venomous spider during a mission, Obi-Wan must get him home to the Temple healers.
"Master, there you are. Did you get my com?"
"I did. Come sit with me." Qui-Gon Jinn said, patting the ground beside him.
"You didn't respond. I was concerned."
"No need, I'm all right."
Obi-Wan Kenobi shook his head while finding a cross-legged position on the lush grass that overlooked the massive green ocean beyond.
"But you're not." The apprentice said, countering Qui-Gon's claims to the contrary.
The master turned to look at his student. Nineteen years old. Still much to learn but having grown immensely in their time together.
"You have such a future ahead of you, Obi-Wan."
"I hope so," the boy replied hesitantly, "But…you're still not all right."
"What makes you think so?"
"You didn't respond to my com for one."
"You are an adult, you can function without me for thirty minutes."
"Master, you've been gone for five hours."
Qui-Gon paused briefly to check the time on his com unit.
"Huh. So, I have. I suppose gauging time by the sun's movement on this planet is not so accurate as I thought."
That had Obi-Wan worried. Qui-Gon never lost track of time…he just didn't.
"You've been more reserved than usual, even for you, Master. You didn't even correct me when I purposely bowed incorrectly to the Lower-Prince this morning."
Had the boy done something wrong? Qui-Gon couldn't recall. So often on recent missions, he and his apprentice were on automatic pilot. They clicked and worked so well now that he'd have noticed something as major as an error in greeting a member of the royal family? Yes, he would have caught Obi-Wan's mistake. Right?
"Master?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't recall that error, Obi-Wan. Are you certain it happened?"
"Yes, Master, I even received a glare from the Mother-Queen for it. I couldn't tell her I'd done it intentionally, that would have required explanation. I did tell them that we would not be attending the dinner this evening. Probably they were grateful. I don't think they like me much."
"Nonsense, they like you just fine."
"Have you not been paying attention during these three weeks? Master, something is wrong, are you ill?"
Obi-Wan resisted the urge to reach out and feel the man's forehead for fever. Whatever mood Qui-Gon was in, it was new, and treating him like a child was the wrong way go to about helping the situation.
"I am not ill. At least I don't feel ill." The man's eyes fluttered hard and he blinked rapidly to keep them open. A cloud of fatigue hovered.
"You're tired. Master, let me help you to quarters. We can turn in early. It's been a very long three weeks, especially after that horrid public transport flight here. And then before this mission, you were locked in those Council sessions for days on end. That is enough to exhaust even the strongest of Jedi."
With an easy movement, Obi-Wan latched a hand onto Qui-Gon's arm, raising him to his feet. The expected resistance did not come and that worried the boy further. When Qui-Gon was up and moving, his pace was slow and wandering, so he locked his arm to Jinn's and began escorting him back to their assigned Palace quarters.
"Go gently, Master. I won't let you fall."
"You won't, will you? Such a good apprentice, Obi-Wan. Such a good apprentice."
More worry. This was not Qui-Gon at all. He was in some sort of floating space all his own. Maybe drugged? Maybe the food last night not agreeing with him? Or maybe just the exhaustion. No way to know for certain. They kept up their methodical pace, ignoring any passersby.
"Master, keep your head down, watch where you step. I'm here, I have you."
The walk to quarters seemed to go forever. Obi-Wan pressed his palm to the door's control panel and ushered Jinn inside. Qui-Gon leaned toward the couch, Obi-Wan directed him toward the bed.
"Master no. Not the couch. You'll be more comfortable in the bed. You can even have the one next to the window so you can watch outside. Maybe meditate some. Don't pull against me… Stars, you are heavy."
In the end, the boy pulled on his connection with the Force to get Qui-Gon into the large sleep chamber. Two beds, the one closest to the window had been Obi-Wan's, but he moved Qui-Gon to it hoping the bright sunlight and beautiful nature outside would help him regain his marbles.
"Here, Master. Sit. Let me get your boots and robe off."
Every so carefully, Obi-Wan shed the robe from Qui-Gon's back and the boots from his feet, then pushed him onto his back while lifting his feet onto the cushion.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon cast a hand out blindly.
The apprentice grabbed the flailing hand in his own. "Here, Master. I'm right here. I've got hold of your hand."
"Can you see me? I can't see you. Obi-Wan, is that you?"
Well, this situation had just gone from worrisome to frightening. Still, Obi-Wan did his best to stay calm and take stock of it all.
"Yes, Master, it's me. Obi-Wan. I'm here with you, holding your hand. Let me check you for injury, all right? Just in case."
Scanning his teacher, Obi-Wan saw nothing out of sorts until he looked again at boots on the floor. A tiny multi-legged insect-type creature was crawling it's way out of the right-foot boot. Instinctively, the boy snatched the creature into a cup that he'd called from the table. Another cup on top and the thing was trapped. Obi-Wan then pulled the sock off of Qui-Gon's right foot to find it swollen and purple. Whatever that creature was, it had embedded it's fangs into the ankle. It explained the slight limp and assuming it was poisonous, also explained Qui-Gon's odd behavior.
"Master, you were bitten by that thing, whatever it is. I'll send a message to their Palace doctor. Hold on, all right? I won't leave you."
"Don't leave me."
"That's what I just said, hold on."
Moments later, the Palace doctor returned his call. "Can you describe the creature?"
"It's bright green in color with red eyes. Eight legs. Two pinchers in front. A spider of some sort?"
A pause, then the doctor concluded, "Indeed. A rather poisonous one at that. The Ember spider. It's bite is quite a nasty spell. Generally not considered too dangerous long term, but it's venom is toxic and disorienting for a period."
"Is there anti-venom? How long will the effects last?"
"We've yet to perfect an anti-venom and effects can be tedious. For a man Jinn's age, I'd give it weeks to clear his system."
"Weeks? But… I can't…" Obi-Wan quickly settled himself. He was a senior Jedi apprentice, he could handle this. "All right. Thank you, doctor. I will put in a call to our Council. They will send a replacement negotiation team so that I can get Master Jinn back to Coruscant. I appreciate your time."
He hung up and turned back to Qui-Gon laying sprawled on the bed appearing as if he was counting invisible spots in the air.
"Master, I have a bad feeling about this. You've been poisoned by a spider and it's likely to last for weeks. Can you stay in the bed while I call Coruscant?"
"I would like to train you, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Yes, right. You can train me. Just let me make a few calls, then we can start training."
"Impatient boy. The other masters said you were so very impatient, turned you down time after time. But look at you now. So much the opposite."
This was spiraling quickly. Qui-Gon had fallen back years ago to when they first began their training together. Obi-Wan had not been known for his patience then or now, but he played along with it to try and keep Qui-Gon settled.
Obi-Wan pressed in the code for Yoda. Yoda's aide answered and reported that the old master would return the call momentarily. Obi-Wan then sent a message to the Temple's chief healer, Terran Va'lor along with a holo-pic of the spider.
"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan began, relieved on his face at seeing the ancient Jedi. "Master Qui-Gon was bitten by a venomous spider here on Sendris. I've spoke to the Palace doctor, and the poison is long lasting. My master is… not himself. You must send a replacement negotiation team immediately. If I can get him on a private shuttle tomorrow, we will be on our way home. Not certain I can handle him on public transport."
"Young Padawan, public transport, the only way, it may be. If sick, Qui-Gon is, return you must. Discussed with the Chief Healer have you, hmm?"
Obi-Wan shook his head on the holo-com. "No Master. I've left a message for Terran. Will you send a new team?"
"Dispatching within the hour. Too long a wait for their shuttle it will be."
No private shuttle. Public transport would be the only way. This was not the best idea.
"Master Yoda, there could be trouble if the wrong persons see a weakened Jedi unable to fight back."
"Your Jedi attire you will leave on Sendis. Return with it the replacement team will. Local attire you will wear."
Borrow clothing here. Leave their Jedi tunics. Keep sabers hidden. Got it. Obi-Wan ran it through his head. Seemed simple enough. Then to anyone on public transport, Qui-Gon wasn't some drunken old Jedi past his prime. He was simply a drunken old man past his prime. They could pass for father and son well enough, they'd managed it before. This would work.
Obi-Wan's com chirped. "Master Yoda, there is an incoming call from Terran. I will get Master Qui-Gon home. Thank you." One click, then another. "Terran, thank the Force. Did you see the holo-pic I sent?"
"I did, that is one nasty looking critter, how in the stars did it crawl into his boot?" Healer Terran Va'lor sat hovered over his desk, researching as he spoke. "I can confirm what the doctor there said. Looks ugly all the way around. Your message said his foot was purple?"
"And swollen. It's unnatural. There's no fever though. Well, not yet. But his mind is all over and he's not himself. I can't leave him, he'll wander off, and he keeps thinking that I'm thirteen again."
"Sounds like the normal progression according to the data. You'll have to get him home. Assuming the foot is infected, we will treat that. The longevity of the venom, there's not much we can do except watch him. But get him home."
"I will. I need to steal… well, borrow some clothes here. Qui-Gon is better with these people than I am, but I am not above using the Force to get what we need to fly out."
"Do what you can, Obi-Wan. I'll see you soon."
Obi-Wan stashed his com and checked the room's closet. A blue tunic and pants, looked about his size. That was a lucky find. Qui-Gon was taller and broader.
"The laundry droid!" The boy shouted to no one, then pressed the call button. The droid arrived quickly. "I need another blue tunic and pants set, two sizes up. Please bring that back to this room as soon as possible."
The droid beeped acknowledgement and sped off.
"I hope that worked."
"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon's voice from back across the room. The boy hurried over after tossing the blue tunics on the bed.
"Here, Master."
"I've seem to have lost my boots. Can you locate them please?"
That might be a problem. Qui-Gon's foot had swollen to a size beyond fitting back into that boot. "Damn it. I need footwear." He called the droid back and added soft shoes to the order.
His back turned for a moment, Qui-Gon was struggling to get out of the bed. Obi-Wan rushed back over and pushed him back down. "Master, you need to stay lying down. You're sick. We're going home soon."
"Home. I remember my home. Long ago. Maybe I had a sister. I had a family, did I not?"
Jinn was floating back in time, well beyond the thirteen year old apprentice phase now as Obi-Wan tried to keep himself from going into panic mode. He sat down bedside next to his teacher, grabbing the flailing hand again.
"No, Master. Home. Coruscant. I am your family."
A brief tussle and Qui-Gon freed his hand to set it on Obi-Wan's cheek. "You are. But so young. So much to learn. You will be such a good apprentice, Obi-Wan. I know you will."
"Thank you, Master, I have you to look after me, that's why. But right now, I need to look after you."
The door chime sounded, the droid rolled in, dropping the blue tunics and shoes before speeding away.
"Great. Now, how to get you into the clothes. This should be adventurous."
It was. It was also frustrating beyond belief. Without much help from Qui-Gon who kept slumping over when Obi-Wan got him upright, it took almost thirty minutes to exchange the Jedi tunic and pants for the blue ones, get Qui-Gon's belt back on him along with the soft shoes that he kept kicking off because they were not his boots.
"Master, stop kicking the shoes off! Stop moving!" Obi-Wan yelled; his last nerve of worry broken into irritation. "Please just be still for a moment. Stop it!"
Qui-Gon stopped in his tracks, going completely still, blue eyes watching the boy kneeling in front of him. Then he took his hands and placed them on either side of Obi-Wan's face. "Shhh. Trying to focus. Do not yell."
"I know, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just, the poison is making you not yourself and I have to get you home, and the mission, and…" Kenobi's voice paused when Qui-Gon hung his head.
"Pain. Inside. Confused. Head." Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan's frustration had broken through the venom cloud for a moment to find the real Qui-Gon Jinn inside, fighting to form those few sensible words.
He was hurting inside. His mind going sideways.
"Yes, Master, I'm sorry. I know you are hurting. I'm here, okay? We need to get you home. I was hoping to wait until tomorrow, but it's too much. Can I you just keep the shoes on for me please? And I have your lightsaber. I'll keep it safe, I promise. You have to listen to me and follow me. Don't let go of my arm no matter what. We are going on public transportation as father and son if anyone questions us. Do you understand? I took off your Jedi clothes. We are just regular passengers. Can you stand for me?"
"A trip? Where should we go?"
The minuscule second of semi-clarity was gone. Obi-Wan sighed and refocused, pulling Qui-Gon upright. Checking the room, he left the clothes with the droid to be given to the new Jedi team. Qui-Gon's robe and boots the same. Obi-Wan had secured both his and his master's lightsabers on his belt and drew his Jedi robe around them.
"Come on, Master. I've already left a message with the Mother-Queen's aid that we are taking leave due to illness and to expect a new team tomorrow. She is extremely unhappy with my decision, but there is no other option. Security will get us to the spaceport and from there, public transport. Walk with me, Master, keep your feet under you."
"I do enjoy a good walk, Obi-Wan. It's beautiful here. Where are we? Have we visited before?"
Without responding to those questions or the forty that followed, Obi-Wan hustled them forward to the security shuttle. Grateful that the ride to the spaceport was short, he kept quiet, and fruitlessly encouraged Qui-Gon to do the same. The man's mind still wandered in a deep poison-driven fog.
Thankfully, the man still remembered his apprentice. If that went sideways, it would be a very long ride home.
Obi-Wan thanked security for the swiftness and half-carried Qui-Gon into the spaceport. He found the ticket line, got their codes for the next ship and sat down not far from the entry point. Qui-Gon's head lolled from side to side as he struggled to determine where he was.
"Busy here. Very busy here. Coming and going, all walks of life. Creatures and people and oh look, that might be a being that you would call a pathetic life form."
The long-eared frog like creature bounced by, giving the older Jedi a curious look.
"Master, please keep your voice down. Only a few minutes and we can board our flight home. Stop moving your head like that, just keep still. Master, please keep still!"
This was not going to go well, was all Obi-Wan could think. A disaster waiting to happen. If Qui-Gon lost his mind on the shuttle, who knows what action anyone might take against them. He'd have to lean heavily on the father-son story and that his father was very ill.
"Here, Master. They're calling for boarding. Stand up." Jinn didn't budge. "Master, stand up. Stand. Up. Please!" Finally, a budge.
"Obi-Wan, where are we going? Aren't you flying us home? You're such a good pilot, but you hate to fly. Get to the pilot seat, make sure you strap in with the harness. Have to be safe."
Was it worth it to try and explain again? In this state, Qui-Gon comprehended very little. Each time the boy tried to reason, it only created stress. So for now, he went along with it.
"I will wear my harness and get us home safe. But you have to come with me or I can't get to the pilot seat. You need to move your feet."
The struggle to check in was tedious but they did manage. Obi-Wan was grateful the tickets were first come-first serve rather than assigned seat numbers. He moved Qui-Gon to the back as far as they could go. Last seats on the left. Only two across on this side, so he could sit his teacher on the inside and at least partially control the situation. The old grey-haired woman across the aisle watched them carefully. She appeared to have a grandchild with her and perhaps that child's father. Obi-Wan smiled at her and wished her a good day. Be polite and smile. If all else failed, that one usually did not. Qui-Gon's wise words of the past.
"Ma…" no, Obi-Wan paused. They were not Jedi on this flight. Had to remember. "Father, we're about to launch, let me help you with your lap belt." A reach over, Obi-Wan locked Qui-Gon into the seat, hoping the man's fidgety hands stayed away from the belt.
"Father." There was confusion there. "Obi-Wan, I'm not… what's happening?"
"You're sick, M… father. Remember? We're taking you home for medical care. It won't be long. You should rest though, all right? Can you rest for me? I'm here with you. I'm right here."
"Obi-Wan."
"Hush, father."
"Is your father not well, young man?" The old woman that had been watching them spoke quietly.
Obi-Wan turned to see her face. It seemed kind and concerned, so there was no reason for him to be on guard, still he kept a hand on his master's arm with a gentle push through the Force to keep him in his seat.
"Yes, ma'am, he fell ill while on holiday. He's had a reaction to insect bite. We are traveling home for treatment. Are you on holiday with your family?"
Trying to turn the unexpected conversion away from Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan motioned toward the small child next to her.
"Oh, yes, we are. My first in many years and my first with my grandchild. We are happy to be traveling together finally." She continued on, apparently pleased that someone was willing to speak with her. "I spent so many years traveling for work, I have time now for family. It's nice to see other families as well. I'm sorry your father is ill. Will he be all right?"
"He will. It will just take a little time for the venom to clear his system. He'll be more comfortable at home in his own surroundings."
"You still live with your father to care for him?"
"I do, yes. He still needs me from time to time. Now especially."
"You're a sweet boy."
Qui-Gon stirred next to him, Obi-Wan excused himself and moved his attention toward his teacher.
"Spiders. Do you see spiders, Obi-Wan? Bright green. I saw it, I think it wanted to eat my boots."
It wanted to eat more than boots; it wanted to eat your flesh, Obi-Wan said to himself. His hand settled on Qui-Gon's. The man was becoming agitated, Obi-Wan felt it through their bond. The image of the spider setting off something. Not that Qui-Gon had any fear of bugs in general, his mind though… it was not where it should be.
"That spider is gone. It bit your foot and made you sick."
Qui-Gon looked down as his feet, noticing the soft shoes again, then thrashing his feet to get them off.
"Father, no. Please don't do that." The boy's voice was a whisper but a strong one. He grabbed hold of both Qui-Gon's hands now and squeezed them hard. "Father. Qui-Gon. You have to be still."
"Obi-Wan? Is that you? You're still here. I thought you left me to speak with that Mother-Queen person."
"That was our host, father, remember? I didn't leave you. I won't leave you. We're going home."
Trying to cover and sidetrack the random things Qui-Gon was spitting out… It was… a challenge.
"Home. Home. Yes. For treatment. For the pain. Yes. Hurting." That was Qui-Gon breaking through again. The real Qui-Gon, not the brain-fogged version. He squeezed Obi-Wan's palm tightly, painfully.
"Ow, Sith! Not so hard, father. Qui-Gon, stop squeezing so hard! Ma…ugh, father, that hurts."
" . Pain. Inside. Obi-Wan."
His hand finally released, Obi-Wan looked to Qui-Gon's eyes. There was intense pain there, more so than before. He touched his master's forehead. Heat. No, not heat. More like burning fire. Infection, it had spread rapidly from his foot to the rest of his body.
"Damn it," Obi-Wan whispered to himself more than anyone else, though Qui-Gon heard it.
"Obi-Wan. Are we home yet?"
"Not yet. But you've got a fever, the infection has spread. You have to keep still, Mas… ugh. Father. Please. The more you move the worse you'll feel."
"Young man, here." The woman again. Obi-Wan flashed a tinge of irritation for the woman's interruption, but swallowed it down. He couldn't take his frustration or anxieties out on a stranger. Not when he was trying to keep this chaos together.
He turned his head to see that she held out small towel for him. "His face is flushed. I dampened my hand towel in the 'fresher. Take it for him, please."
Obi-Wan immediately felt horrible for almost lashing out at the woman for butting in, he accepted her kindness. "Thank you." Then back to Qui-Gon. "Here, father. This will feel cool on your face, so you're not so hot."
Gently, he patted the towel over Qui-Gon's face and neck, then letting it rest behind his neck to cool the burning skin.
"Father. Obi-Wan, why are you calling me father. I feel so badly. My leg. Fire. Do you remember why I chose you when no one else did? Only a few days ago now." His head lolled to the side, "You're only thirteen. If only I'd given you a chance before. Obi-Wan. Hurts. Pain. Are we on a ship?"
So much to digest in that rambling moment and for the benefit of their own identity, he ignored most of it to focus on doing what he could do to regain calm. "We're going home, remember? It'll be soon. Then the hurt will get better."
Very subtly, Obi-Wan touched a hand to Qui-Gon's temple. He didn't think it would take much to push the man into a sleep, it was the last thing he wanted though. He'd never manage Qui-Gon off the ship if he was dead weight, but keeping his agitated unpredictable behavior under control…
Into Qui-Gon's ear, Obi-Wan whispered, "Sleep, Master."
The strong mind in it's right mind would never be susceptible to a Force suggestion from an apprentice. Qui-Gon was not in his right mind, so his resistance was weak.
Still, even weak, the Jinn's instinct was to resist something that would put him in danger. Best alternative, he calmed. Eyes heavy, his voice lowered, his head fell to the right.
"You can rest now. I won't leave you." Obi-Wan hushed.
"Said that before. I know. Such a good boy. Stable. Sane. Not like the other one. Xan… Xan…"
"We won't talk about him right now. Your other son. He's not with us, it's just me, father. I'm looking after you now."
"Always do. But you're so young. Thirteen. Impatient. Angry."
"Not anymore, you've been teaching me better ways, remember? You need to sleep, father. Please. Just for a little while."
Qui-Gon's head bobbed forward and he saw his leg. "My leg, it's purple and black. Not good colors. You see that? Probably bad. Is the doctor here?"
"We'll be seeing our healer when we get home. He's waiting for us."
The old woman patted Kenobi on the arm from across the aisle. "His mind is troubled, young one. He worries for you, his son, but he loves you."
The boy offered an unsure nod, grateful for her words, but anxiety creeping high with his master's deteriorating condition. He couldn't see the trip map from his seat either.
"Miss, can you see how long until we reach Coruscant? That is our stop."
She smiled hearing the name of the planet. The smile was genuine however, not anything more. "I figured as much. Less than an hour, young one. Not too far. Your… father… will be there in plenty of time for help from your healers."
So, she knew what they were. Obi-Wan didn't know how, perhaps he was Force sensitive or saw the lightsabers on his belt. Maybe she just put the obvious clues together; after all, he wasn't doing a very good job at being subtle. Or so he believed.
"You wish to keep yourselves undercover to make the trip easier. I understand. But you worry so. Far too much worry for one so young. You should fret less and shine more. Confidence you have, young one. I see it."
He didn't disagree. It's was no secret that anxiety was one of his faults that he constantly strove to improve. In fact, it was one of the key reasons why he'd been bypassed by so many other masters prior to Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan wasn't so certain about the confidence thing. At least at the moment. As the years went on, he gained more confidence by learning and training and Qui-Gon's guidance, but he still struggled.
"A good boy you are. Your father is correct. Once you get home and get him well, you will see. Proud of you he is. Especially in difficult times. Did you need another cool towel?"
The nod was involuntary as Obi-Wan swallowed her kind words and waited for her return from the fresher with another towel. Back onto Qui-Gon's face and neck it went, the skin so hot that it warmed the towel much more rapidly this time. The woman had another at the ready.
"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon's voice was more pained and strained than anytime before. "Home?"
"Not yet, fath… Master. Not yet. Soon." A glance to his right and the woman indicated a twenty minute ETA. "Twenty minutes." Obi-Wan dug the com from his belt and sent a message to the Temple. "I've com'd Terran. He'll be there when we arrive. Not much longer."
"Damned spider."
For reasons unknown, those words coming out of Qui-Gon's mouth at this moment and in his condition, Obi-Wan was unable to choke back a laugh. For a brief second, he saw that all would be okay.
"He's in there, young one. Your… father." She was careful with the words, to any ears nearby. "He knows what's happened and what is happening. Only he can't put it all together with the venom raging in his system. He will come back to you fully, I know he will."
So sure. She sounded so sure of this. Maybe she…
"Are you a healer or doctor?"
"In my younger days, yes. I frequented many a planet in my day, floating here and there. Helping those I could. I've aided all kinds. Wookiee to Pantoran. Jedi to Jawa."
"Your grandson there, might he like to see the Jedi Temple?" Obi-Wan's voice was low, careful.
The woman's face lit up as brightly as if she was a teenager again. "He would indeed. I myself would as well. Many times I've been on Coruscant, only to witness it's beauty from the outside.
"If you are coming to Coruscant as part of your holiday, I will invite you as my guest."
"Nonsense, young one. You have a loved one to attend. We're heading to the next planet over for a weeks time. However, on our way home…"
Obi-Wan grabbed his com again. "Here's my com code. You let me know when you might be on your way and I will meet you. You've been so kind, it's the least I can do to repay you. Please?"
She nodded out a short breath. "Deal. Oh look. Just five minutes out. You get your father ready to move."
"Obi-Wan? The trials. Are you ready for them? No… the spider. My leg. Hurting. Obi-Wan."
"Here, Master. I'm here. Almost home. And no, I won't be ready for the trials for quite some time. I have much to learn from you first."
"So much to learn. So much to teach. I feel like hell."
"I know you do." Obi-Wan gripped the man's hand tight. "I'm here."
The chime sounded, indicating the next stop. The announcement said Coruscant. They'd be set down on Level 2, below the Temple, but Terran would have a shuttle ready. Obi-Wan unclipped Qui-Gon's safety belt and tucked his arm inside of Jinn's. "Let's go, Master. Slow and easy, I won't let you fall."
"Never have." Qui-Gon mumbled out, just loud enough for the boy to hear it and inspire just a bit of that internal confidence he'd been seeking.
The old woman set a brief hand on Obi-Wan's elbow. "Take care of him, young one." She said.
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you again. I will see you soon."
Along with half the transport, the pair meandered slowly down the aisle and safely off the ship. A thin, weathered, gray-haired Jedi was there a few feet away to meet them, immediately taking Jinn's other arm.
"Obi-Wan, here, just to the left here, I've got a shuttle." Healer Terran Va'lor escorted them away from the landing zone. "He looks like hell." Terran said, with a quick glance at the wounded man.
"He feels like hell, Terran. He floats in and out, rambling about the past and the future. Then he'll find a brief moment of clarity. The leg is horribly discolored and there's a bad fever. It gotten much worse since we left the planet. I did what I could, it's not been enough."
Feeling the boy's control waning after keeping it together on the ship, Terran offered, "The doctor there was correct, these bites aren't usually deadly, but they can present many difficulties until the venom clears. We'll get him there. You've done well. Rest easy, young man."
Deep breaths and Obi-Wan found calm. The shuttle set down onto the Temple platform and Qui-Gon was ushered toward the hospital.
—-
Qui-Gon did get worse before he got better. Obi-Wan was there, as he'd promised.
A week came and went. No com from the old woman to plan a visit to the Temple. Obi-Wan began to believe she'd just be humoring him in an anxious moment. Still, he was most grateful for the help she had given.
Qui-Gon escaped the hospital after ten days. Weak and limping, the leg still fighting the last of infection. Most importantly, his mind was clear. The master and apprentice pair walked together toward one of the overlook balconies.
"Master, you look so much better. I can't even describe. I've never seen a leg that color purple and black before. And you kept thinking I was thirteen or that I was taking the trials. Keeping track of where your mind jumped from one second to the next was excruciatingly difficult."
Arms folded into the sleeves of his robe, Qui-Gon stood stoically a few inches from his apprentice. Eyes watching the heavy city traffic gently floating past in an almost choreographed rhythm.
"It certainly feels good to have my mind back. That feeling, impossible to make sense of it. I could see you and feel you, and knew who you were, but the where and when were lost on me. It felt like I was flashing backwards and forward and perhaps even sideways. And sometimes all in the same moment." One arm reached out to lay on the nape of the boy's neck. "You, however, I could focus on you. Perhaps I didn't know which age-version, but it was you. You were calm and there was nothing complex that you asked of me. Perhaps that saved me from going over the edge. Your decisions were quick and correct."
"Thank you, Master. Your voice was in my head walking me through it all. Or so it felt that way."
"I do, however, my Padawan, have one question."
"Yes?"
"Where are my boots?"
"Oh, oh right. Ah, well. They are on a journey or maybe on a mission? I'm not sure which. I had to remove them because your leg and foot had swelled so badly. I left them there for the incoming replacement team to bring home. But that team was called to another mission completing ours. So… they are flying your boots and our tunics, oh and your robe, to ah Hoth I believe?"
"Hoth. All right. As long as you get them back."
"I will. One day." Obi-Wan smirked one of his famous smiles at his master, and all was good. Then his com chirped. "Oh, Master, we have to go. She's coming after all."
Kenobi turned and sprinted off toward the nearest lift.
"She who? Obi-Wan! I wasn't done here. Where are you going? And stop walking so fast, you know I am not healed. Would you slow down and explain."
Realizing his sudden speed of excitement was much too fast for Qui-Gon's still healing foot and leg, Obi-Wan slowed his rush to a dawdling pace and said, "The woman, I never actually got her name. The one who assisted me on the ship bringing you home. I invited her and her grandson for a tour of the Temple."
"You did what?" Qui-Gon's graying brow raised several inches in surprise.
"I invited… wait, was that wrong?"
"It's not normal, no. Did you clear it with the Council?"
"Master, you have told me that the Council does not need to know every bit of our lives."
"Hmmm" The man scratched at his beard as he hobbled along, using a cane for assistance. "That does sound like me. Still, are you certain this woman is no enemy?"
They entered the lift.
"I never sensed any darkness. Sure, she could be covering and only befriended me to get into the Temple, steal all our secrets and then go on a one-woman crime spree across the galaxy."
"Please don't get smart with me."
"Sorry, Master. You've taught me to trust my instincts and to know that there is still much good in the galaxy, if I am open to it."
"That sounds like me as well. When exactly did you start listening to me so closely?"
Obi-Wan grinned as he stepped through the opening lift doors. Steps later, he waved to the woman approaching at the short distance, however, remained glued to Qui-Gon's side and pace.
The boy responded, "I always listen, Master. It's just the second part of putting that into practice that I'm not always the best at."
"Hmm, well, you are still young and foolish. I supposed this one old woman is more than likely not here to attempt to kill us all."
"Hello there!" With a quick step, Obi-Wan bounced away from Jinn and toward his new friend and her grandson.
"Obi-Wan! It's good to see you, young one. And your father… Your Master… is seemingly so much better. I am happy for you both."
A small bow before introduction as Qui-Gon approached. "Master Qui-Gon Jinn, this is… ah, I apologize Miss, in my worried state on the ship, I never got your name."
"Because I never offered it, you were preoccupied. I am Rona. This is my grandson, Trevaris. Master Jinn." Mimicking Obi-Wan, she leaned into a bow, to which Qui-Gon shook his head.
"No formality necessary, Miss Rona. And you may call me Qui-Gon. I understand you were of great help to my apprentice on the transport ship. I am most grateful."
The group moved back toward the overlook, taking a seat on the benches there. Rona, with her gray hair and wrinkled skin, seemed to be in in her seventies for a human age. The boy, likely seven or eight.
"Your boy, Qui-Gon, he certainly didn't need my help, but I was there. He was very determined to keep you calm and safe, despite your condition. Quite the challenge, yet he met it bravely. Worried sick he was though."
A blush flushed over Kenobi's face and he bowed his head a touch, feeling Qui-Gon's gaze on him.
"My mind was somewhat twisted with the venom in my veins, however, I knew he was there to keep me grounded. For which I am most appreciative. Thank you, Obi-Wan. Again."
"Yes, Master."
"So, Rona and Trevaris," Qui-Gon went on, "I believe a tour of the Jedi Temple is owed to you for your kindness. If you'd not mind my slow pace, I'd like to tag along. I've always wanted to see Obi-Wan's skills as a tour guide."
That comment meant a few things, including avoiding curious Council eyes who would seek to lecture them at another time in regards to strange non-Jedi persons wandering the Temple. He was proud of the boy though. He had trusted his instincts and decided that accepting a bit of help wasn't a bad thing in a troubling situation… even for a Jedi.
Rona stood and held one hand out to Qui-Gon, taking his arm. The other to her grandson. "We are ready for that tour."
Certain areas would always be off limits for non-Jedi, yet other areas, the most beautiful of sights welcomed Rona with open arms. Her personal favorite were the Gardens. The flowers and water and nature thriving within the bounds of such a large man-made structure. She'd not ever seen such a sight before.
"It is magical here," she said, sitting in awe at the enormous collection of flower colors. "I've not even known some of those colors existed. Careful, Trevaris." She said to her grandson, who was near the stream a few feet away.
Qui-Gon reassured her. "He's all right there. It's safe and Obi-Wan is quite good with children."
"How old is he now?"
"Obi-Wan is nineteen. I took him as my apprentice when he was thirteen."
"Ah," she nodded, "That explains the flashbacks you had, several times you asked about him being thirteen. I figured it was a trigger age for something." Rona closed her eyes momentarily to take in the intense silence of their surroundings. No outside noise at all, and on a massive city planet such as Coruscant, that seemed impossible. "You've done well raising him, Qui-Gon. He's very kind, even when his anxieties were at a high level. Very determined to make you understand that he wasn't leaving your side."
"Dedicated too. He's a good apprentice. I couldn't ask for better."
"More than that, he is family. I saw that on the ship."
"He is."
"Perhaps one day he will accomplish great deeds within the galaxy."
Qui-Gon thought about that one as he watched his apprentice with the boy nearby. Rona's tone wasn't mocking or simple small talk, she honestly and truly felt the words. Was Obi-Wan destined for a greatness of sorts? Impossible to know with a boy of nineteen that still struggled with patience and finding his focus. But Qui-Gon had seen moments that held such promise for Obi-Wan's future.
"If he does indeed accomplish such," Qui-Gon finally said, "I wouldn't be at all surprised."
And now he truly felt those words.
A chirp from Qui-Gon's belt brought his attention back to the present. "And unfortunately, this appears to be where we must say our goodbyes, Miss Rona. A message from our Jedi Council that we must attend to." Then he against brushed Obi-Wan's mind with a tendril from the Force; the young man stood and brought little Trevaris back to his grandmother.
"Master?"
"We must attend a Council matter. Let's escort them to the landing bay."
The shuttle arrived promptly to take the pair to the level 2 arrival zone for public transport. Obi-Wan took Rona's hand. "Thank you again. Most likely I'd have been all right on my own, but it was a relief to have a steady voice with me while he was ill."
"You look after him, young one, and he'll look after you. All good things to your future. Just keep him away from those pesky poisonous spiders."
Obi-Wan bowed softly. "You have my com. If you ever need our assistance…"
"And if the galaxy ever gets to be too big for you, you have mine as well."
She waved to the Jedi team as she and her grandson moved to the shuttle. Obi-Wan returned the gesture and stayed until the shuttle departed.
"Perhaps, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon began, "You are beginning to develop my talent for finding allies in the most unlikely of places."
"She's not a pathetic life form, if that's what you're getting at."
"No, and no matter what you call them, an ally is an ally. Keep them close. Treat them with kindness and respect. You will never regret it."
"Yes, Master."
Qui-Gon patted the boy on the shoulder and turned, "And now, let's go see what lecture the Council has for us."
"We didn't… well, I didn't do anything wrong getting you home. I mean, I probably should've waited for the replacement team, and the Mother-Queen was quite angry with me. But I made the best decision based on the situation on the planet - which was non violent - and your condition - which was not good. Although I did leave your boots behind."
"No, I don't suppose it's that. Probably has something to do with how we ended up on that particular mission to begin with."
A slight falter in his step when the cane got in the way of the leg, Qui-Gon stumbled a second, to be caught on the arm by his apprentice. Obi-Wan felt something from his teacher then. Something… mischievous.
"Master, what did you do?"
"It was more of getting out of another mission than getting into that one. I sort of influenced Apprentice Fylis with a… slight Force suggestion."
"He's only eleven years old. That was no match. Wait, how and why did you do that?"
"I convinced him to tell his master that he was very curious about the swamp mission."
"The swamp mission?"
"Oh there are many such planets in the system where swamps are prevalent. I had no desire to go visit another swamp after our last adventure on one. You remember that time with the leeches."
Obi-Wan scratched at his back. "Do I ever. I still have nightmares and phantom itches."
"So with a gentle tug on the Force, I suggested to Fylis that swamps were fascinating and intriguing for young Jedi so inclined toward animal kinship. I also suggested that if he were to talk to his master, perhaps they could get that mission and well..."
"You exchanged missions, sending them to Gamus IV and us to Sendris! Hmmm. You know, Master, that didn't work out well for you."
"It did not. However, it worked out less favorable for Fylis and his master. I suffered an infected spider bite. They both returned with red bulging blood-filled leech bites all over their bodies."
"How many?"
"Oh, several hundred bites between them. I believe Fylis may have ratted me out once he put two and two together."
"You will definitely be in trouble for that one."
"Indeed I will. However, you will be with me. After all, you promised to not leave my side until I was well." The older Jedi tapped his cane and exaggerated his limp. "And I do still have some recovery left. Obi-Wan, shall we go see the Council?"
"You're on Temple rest until you're recovered. I'm guessing the worst that can happen… punishment will be delayed?"
"It will. But I suspect we will not enjoy any millisecond of whatever that next mission is. So, I ask you, do you still wish to stay at my side?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and gave an affirmative nod. "Always, Master. Let's see what punishment awaits, shall we?"
"Indeed we shall, Padawan."
…
…turn the page…