Chapter 14 Finding Closure
"Master Jinn," Called Commander De'Pard, "I have just got word. Your padawan has been found. He is at a hospital, not far from here."
Qui-Gon was a bundle of nerves on the ride to the hospital. He knew his padawan was alive, but the bond was strangely silent. He did not know what condition he would find his student.
Stroding down the hall, Qui-Gon rushed towards the room that held his apprentice. Darick was not far behind him. After what seemed to be an eternity, the Master reached the room that held his student.
Pushing open the door he stepped inside and saw Obi-Wan sitting on a bed laughing quietly with Anika and Marcas who were standing next to his bed. To Qui-Gon's delight, he was fine. He had some bruises and a bloody lip, but he was safe.
Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon and broke into a smile, "Master!" He jumped up to greet his master whose companionship he greatly missed.
But Qui-Gon made no move towards his apprentice. All of his pent up emotions had finally met the breaking point, "What did you think you were doing?"
The smile faded off Obi-Wan's face, "I...I..."
Crossing his arms, Qui-Gon continued his outburst, "You could have been killed! Do you realize that? Do you have any idea what you have put your friends through? What you have put me through?"
Tears came to Obi-Wan's eyes, "Master...I"
But Qui-Gon turned around and slammed out the door. Obi-Wan turned to Darick, "Does he hate me now?"
Sighing, Darick placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, he replied, "If he hated you Obi-Wan, he would not be acting like this."
Suddenly the door opened again, and there stood Qui-Gon, his hands at his sides and tears in his eyes. Not trusting himself to speak, he just opened his arms. That was all Obi-Wan needed. He flung himself into his master's safe embrace and was able to breath a sigh of relief. After a long time apart, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were finally together again.
Obi-Wan's throat constricted as he began to speak, "I...I'm sorry Master."
Qui-Gon hugged his apprentice tighter, "No, Obi-Wan, there is nothing to be sorry for. I'm so proud of you."
The teenager basked in his master's pride, his eyes then turned serious, "General Raff?"
"General Raff has been captured and he will pay for his crimes," Kavin stepped into the room. "Thank you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thank you for giving us the courage to take back what is ours."
His arm around his apprentice, Qui-Gon said, "Come, Obi-Wan. Let's go home."
Nodding, Obi-Wan responded, "Home. That sounds good about now."
Several weeks later Obi-Wan and his master stepped into the Senate Hall. Thanills would officially become members of the Republic and Anika and Markas would be part of the planet's leadership. They would also determine the punishment of General Raff.
Darick was present as well. Qui-Gon wondered if this would be to hard on his friend, but finally decided that it could bring closure. Bruck's murderer would be brought to justice.
The three Jedi were seated and listened to the Senate welcome Thanills into the republic.
But when the time came for the sentencing of General Raff, there seemed to be something amiss. Chancellor Valloram could be seen speaking in hushed tones to his aides.
Finally, he nodded and stood up to address those in attendance, "It seems as though our judgment against General Raff is not needed."
The three Jedi looked at one anther confused. Then turned their attention back to the Chancellor.
"General Raff was found dead in his cell. It seems to be that he hung himself."
Gasps could be heard through the great hall. Obi-Wan felt as though his heart was beating a mile a minute. He chanced a look at Darick, who had the look of shock on his face. It really was over. General Raff would not be punished. Instead of paying for his misdeeds, he chose the cowards way out.
Later that afternoon, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon saw Anika and Markas off.
Anika hugged Obi-Wan, "For a boy who stepped out of the shadows, we are beholden to you. Thank you for everything."
Markas shook the padawan's hand, "We owe you everything, you are always welcomed on Thanills."
Grinning, the teen responded, "I'm sure you will return Thanills to its original beauty."
Qui-Gon shook both of their hands, "We know you will be successful, may the force be with you."
