Chapter 4 Against His Master's Wishes

Qui-Gon sat on the couch for a few hours more, trying to read. But not being able to concentrate. He could understand Obi-Wan's feelings. When he was that age, he had lost a friend. He was murdered in cold blood on a mission by a hired assassin. And he had felt the same way. But Yoda had refused to allow him to go. Obi-Wan would be mad at him, but he would see that Qui-Gon had his best interests at heart and would get over it.

Finally, Qui-Gon dimmed the lights in the apartment and went to his own room to retire for the night.

The lights of Coruscant illuminated Obi-Wan's darkened room. He reached over the bond and found his master was sleeping soundly. Obi-Wan quickly withdrew and closed the bond.

Quietly, the teenager climbed out of bed and dressed. He then picked up the travel case that was under his bed. It was already packed. In an under pocket of his tunic Obi-Wan placed all of his savings. It was almost a thousand credits, not a lot of money by Coruscant standards, but it was enough to get him where he was going. And from that place, he would be able to cover his tracks. As long as the friend he was traveling to see came through for him. Obi-Wan left a bogus note for his master on his desk. But he would need help if he was to pull this off.

Bant was seated at the desk in the healers ward. It had not been the same since Klea passed away, Everyone missed her. But the healers had to continue with their work.
Bant was filling out paperwork when the soft knock came. "Obi-Wan, what are you doing here so late?"

Stepping inside the small office, Obi-Wan dropped his bag. "I'm leaving."

Eyeing the bag, Bant got an uneasy feeling. "What do you mean, leaving? Where's Master Qui-Gon?"

Obi-Wan took his friend by the shoulders. "Qui-Gon is asleep, and I need you to cover for me."

Bant rolled her eyes. "Obi-Wan, no offense, but Qui-Gon is a little smarter then that. He is going to know your gone the minute he wakes up."

Shaking his head, Obi-Wan responded. "No, I left a note for him. He will think I left early for class. I just need you to cover for me until dinner time. By that time, I will be where I am going and on my way to my next stop."

The healer apprentice wrung her hands. She did not like the sound of this. "Obi-Wan, what's going on?"

With determination that he never had before, Obi-Wan said. "I have done some research and I am going to Thanills. I have to. I am going to blow their operation wide open."

Bant did not know what to say. "Obi-Wan, you can't be serious. It's too dangerous. And the last thing this temple needs is another dead padawan." The words were sharper then she intended, but she could not imagine losing Obi-Wan.

Seeing the worry in her silver eyes, Obi-Wan tried to reassure her. "Bant, I know its dangerous. But I have the upper hand. I know what they are capable of. So, will you please cover for me?"

Closing her eyes, Band agreed. "Yes, I will cover for you, but only until dinner. Force, Obi-Wan, who died and made you the hero of the galaxy?" The girl realized her mistake to late, her hand went to her mouth.

But Obi-Wan was not angry. He shrugged. "I don't know. Cerasi, Klea, Bruck. Take your pick." He hugged his friend and turned away. "Thanks, Bant. Your the best."