Anya's going! And Qui-Gon isn't happy. What is Luke's reaction to this new development? Read and fine out.
Chapter 4
Kneeling for several hours, Qui-Gon's knees were protesting as he made his way to the shared quarters he had with Obi-Wan. He was hoping that meditating would help give some hint as to what the council and Anya were planning. He had learned that Obi-Wan and Anya left for the senate building two hours ago. Now, he would have to wait even longer.
What is going on? Why can't I figure this out?
Several young initiates brushed past Qui-Gon, laughing as they ran towards the dinning hall. It was evening meal and half the Temple was making its way to get something to eat. He didn't realized what time it was. Perhaps eating something will help.
Turning a corner, he bumped into Artoo. The little droid whistled as it backed up. The beeps and chirps that followed sounded like Artoo was cursing. The sound caused the Jedi master to grin.
"Sorry, Artoo. I didn't see you there."
Artoo rattled off several more beeps. He wished he could understand him.
"Artoo!" A voice echoed from the direction the droid was just come from.
Qui-Gon could see Luke running towards them. There was several grease smudges on his face and he was carrying a datapad.
"Where do you think you're going?" Luke asked when he stopped next to Artoo. Artoo swiveled its dome head back and forth. "Anya will not fry your circuits. She'll understand."
"What did he do?" the other Jedi asked.
"We were trying to fix Sparky. He blow his motivator while Artoo and him were working on the Relic." Luke said.
Artoo wobbled on its legs as the dome swerved back and forth. Again, Qui-Gon wished he knew what the little droid was saying.
"Artoo, Anya will not take you apart for spares. She'll understand." the other man said.
Qui-Gon knew who Anya babied the Relic and Sparky. The other astromach was designed especially for the Relic. As the old ship was being redone over, Sparky was being put together. The Relic, a once old SoroSuub XLG 500 cruiser, was fitted with the top of the line, state-of-the-art equipment. There were features that were designed just for the ship. Sparky, who Anya named after he was first powered up and sparks flew from him, was added to help with the Relic. Both ship and astromach droid are integrated into each other. Almost with the brain of a human, naming its creators, can pilot, fix, navigate, and even talk to the ship like it's a living being. The droid knew the ins and outs of the ship. Sparky was programmed by Artoo, Luke, Jaina, Admiral Wedge Antillies; head of the New Republic military, Jaina's husband Jag, Luke's wife, Mara Jade Skywalker, Jaina's little brother Anakin Solo and several others.
Once the Relic and Sparky were finished, they totaled how much the ship and the droid would cost if someone tried to buy it. Luke, Anya and Jaina never gave the cost amount. But the ship and Sparky were worth more then the Imperial Fleet, the New Republic Fleet, The Trade Federation Fleet, a small moon, and all the knowledge and art from Candra out in the Outer Rim combined. The council, Obi-Wan, Bant, and himself were stunned. Of course, they didn't pay much for them. Everything they either did themselves, someone gave them the parts or they trade or bought. If first glance, no one knew the shear power of the Relic.
With a high pitch whistle, Artoo bumped Qui-Gon out of the way and rolled down the hall. Luke shook his head. He looked over at the other Jedi master.
"Qui-Gon, is there something wrong?"
"Anya and Obi-Wan are being sent at Naboo."
"What?"
"Chancellor Valorum asked the council to send two Jedi to the Trade Federation with his demands."
"Anya's talk with the council. There's reason behind her motive, Qui-Gon. I don't think she conspire agents you." said Luke.
"I've been trying to think of what would cause the council not to send me."
"Perhaps you better explain." Luke suggested.
"I was on my to the dinner hall for evening meal. Care to join me?"
The two masters decided it was best if they talked in privet. They went back to Luke's quarters so Luke could freshen up. During the meal, Qui-Gon explained about what happened in the council chamber. Luke was as stump as the other was. There could be several reasoning about Anya's strange mood. A thought had occurred to Qui-Gon. What if the council didn't send him because of what happened, or what would happen? Noticing the change in him, Luke asked what was on his mind.
Qui-Gon told one possible theory. He explained what had occurred the last time on the mission. Everything from meeting Anakin; his father, to telling the council he'll take Anakin as his padawan learner. Now that he realized what he did by doing that and how hurt Obi-Wan was by it, he regretted it. He should have talked to the young man before doing it. But it was a spur of the moment. He knew Anakin was The Chosen One and that he should be trained. He even wished he could take back the hurt he did. Thinking about it now, he felt as if he was abandoning his Padawan. . . his son! How could a father do that to his own son? Even his last dying breath, was that the boy was The One. Now he can fix the regrets. And he will tell Obi-Wan this the moment he got back.
The door to the quarters slide opened. Qui-Gon stepped inside and nearly tripped over something. He looked down and saw a small travel bag sitting next to the door. He recognized it. It was Obi-Wan's.
Good, he's back.
He looked around the room and saw no sign of his student. Moving further into the common room, the master spotted several data pads lying on the table. He was about to pick one up when he felt the presence of his padawan enter the room.
For a brief second, Qui-Gon felt irritation and annoyance come across the training bond. Was the young man hoping to escape before his master returned?
"Master."
"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said turning to face his student.
Obi-Wan hurried over to the table to collect the data pads. To Qui-Gon, it seemed like the padawan didn't want his seeing them.
"How was you meeting with Valorum go?"
"The same as usual." the young man hurried into the kitchen.
"I see you already have you travel bag packed." The older man said folding his arms in his sleeves. "Are you leaving tonight?"
"No. We leave in the morning." the young man replied, walking back in.
"Then, where are you going?"
"I'll be staying at Anya's tonight."
A small smile appeared on Qui-Gon's face. Talk to him before he leaves. His mind told him. Taking a deep breath, Qui-Gon let it out slowly. He didn't realize he was nervous. He let his nervousness flow into the Force. When he was centered, he was able to speak. "Ob-Wan, before you go, I need to speak with you."
"Can it wait? I'm in a hurry." Obi-Wan asked, mentally crossing his figures, praying his master won't asked about Naboo.
"No, it can't. It's about the mission."
Damn! "Master, I can't tell you anything. I promised Anya. You'll know when the mission is over." Obi-Wan said.
"That's not what I wanted to talk about." replied the master.
Obi-Wan was a little surprised. If he wasn't going to ask about Anya, then what did he want? Realizing time was slipping by, he became fidgety. "Master, I must be going. What ever it is, can it wait until I get back?"
"I suppose. . .yes." Qui-Gon said as his heart sank.
"I'll see you when I get back."
Without another work, the young man picked up his travel bag, bowed to his master and left. Once the door was closed, the Jedi master sank down into one of the table chairs. A strange feeling wrapped itself around him. What was this feeling?
Disappointment.
Somehow, Qui-Gon was disappointed in Obi-Wan. As a father would a son. Why would he be disappointed? Obi-Wan was his own person. He can come and go when he wants, to a degree. Another thought struck him. By the way he was acting, it seemed that Obi-Wan wanted away from his master. As if the young man wanted to be gone before he came back. What the hell was going on? And why was he disappointed?
Closing his eyes, Qui-Gon reached out and felt the warmth of the Force flow around him. Then reaching deep into himself, he searched for answers. The feeling of disappointment was starting to worry him. What seemed like hours, were only a few minutes.
There. Finding the answer he sought, Qui-Gon clung on to it. He wasn't disappointed in Obi-Wan! He was disappointed because he wanted to talk to the young man before he left for Naboo! He wanted his padawan to know that he will not abandon him for Anakin.
Qui-Gon silently prayed that Obi-Wan knew this. And that no matter what, he was very proud of him as a student, friend and son.
