Qui-Gon led a sleepy Obi-Wan to the infirmary. Stopping at the desk, An-Paj greeted them warmly.

"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan. What are you doing here so late? Or should I say early?"

Qui-Gon answered the master healer, "Obi-Wan was having trouble sleeping and we thought that a visit with Ja'lisa might do him some good."

Giving Qui-Gon a knowing look, An-Paj replied, "It may do Ja'lisa some good as well. She too has had a restless night. Mace is still with her."

That surprised Qui-Gon. Mace was a very compassionate man, but he usually did not sit up with hurt padawans. Qui-Gon suppressed a grin and guided Obi-Wan to Ja'lisa's room just down the hall.

Master and Padawan were greeted with a heartwarming sight, Mace was sitting on Ja'lisa's bed, leaning against the wall. Ja'lisa was wrapped up in a warm blanket and was snuggled on Mace's lap. Mace was rubbing her back and slowly rocking her. Ja'lisa's eyes were closed but they opened as soon as she felt her friend's presence.

"Hi, Obi." Was the tired greeting.

Obi-Wan made his way to his friend's side, "Hi, Ja'lisa. How are you feeling?"

A slight shrug made the girl wince in pain, Mace felt this and quickly dampened it. Ja'lisa allowed a small smile and replied in a soft voice, "A little better. Master Mace has been sitting with me."

That brought a smile to Qui-Gon's face, "That's very nice of Master Mace."

Ja'lisa nodded and closed her eyes. Her head snuggled more against Mace's chest and she said, "Yes, I feel safe." She then drifted off to sleep. Once Mace was sure she was peaceful, he looked to his Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

"She has had a hard time relaxing tonight. But your visit seemed to have helped, Obi-Wan."

The apprentice looked at the dark skinned master with innocent eyes, "Really?"

Mace carefully placed his charge on the bed and brought the covers up to her chin. "Yes, the healers wanted to sedate her, but I thought a needle would be upsetting, so I took over. She did not fully relax until you came in, Obi-Wan."

That made Obi-Wan feel much better, and Qui-Gon noted that he could also feel Obi-Wan relaxing through the bond. He placed his arm around his student who welcomed the warmth of his master's side. It was very easy to see that the night had taken its toll on the two youngsters, as well as the Masters.

Qui-Gon turned to make his leave with Obi-Wan, he then turned around and adressed the Council member, "By the way, you look very natural doing that." Then flashing his friend a knowing smile, he left the room.

Mace sat in his chair staring at the door. He then chuckled and said to himself, "I am a natural. Aren't I?"

Master Mace Windu opened his eyes and found that his arms still held his young charge. If possible, the child looked even younger in sleep. Mace tried to place her back on the bed without disturbing her, but in his movements, the girl stirred awake.

The council member was just about to apologize but a smile on Ja'lisa's face stopped him. The student asked in awe, "You stayed with me all night?"

"Of course I did, young one," was Mace's response. "And it was my pleasure. Where else would I find such wonderful company?"

A blush creeped over Ja'lisa's face and she smiled again. She really liked this man. If only her master has been like Master Windu.

Mace noticed her features turn cloudy. He gave her a quick hug and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Ja'lisa shrugged and wondered how long it had been since she had eaten. But her stomach still seemed to nervous.

"How about some tea and maybe some toast?" Mace offered. When he got a positive response he went to go fetch the padawan her breakfast. When he came back with the tray, he flashed Ja'lisa a smile. "The healers think you can be released this afternoon."

Ja'lisa almost dropped her teacup in excitement, "really?" But once again her features turned troubled, "where will I go?"

Touching her hand Mace tried to assure her, "This is still your home Ja'lisa."

Tears came unbidden to her eyes, "but I have no Master. Where will I go?"

Once again wrapping his arms around her, Mace replied, "You let me worry about that."

A knock on the door caused the pair to look up. It was Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Mace smiled, "Good morning, you two. I see that your right on time," Gently releasing Ja'lisa's grip on him he said, "Obi-Wan is going to stay with you while Master Qui-Gon and I go to the Council Hall."

Ja'lisa nodded, "OK, Master Mace. But...but your going to come back, aren't you?"

Gently patting the girl on the head, the man responded, "Of course I will. Wild tauntauns couldn't keep me away."

After a few moments the masters were out the door and on their way to the meet with the council. Obi-Wan noticed the worried look on his friend's face and tried to assure her.

"It's going to be all right, Ja'lisa," He said. "Master Galen will not be able to hurt you anymore."

Meeting the eyes of the other padawan, Ja'lisa replied, "What will happen to me?"

Obi-Wan didn't know how to reply to his friend. For he did not have an answer.

Mace and Qui-Gon stood silent as the lift carried them up many levels to the floor the held the council hall. Both seemed to be struggling remain calm. Aggression was not a good trait for a Jedi to feel, but they were human before they were Jedi and in this situation, the feeling could not be helped.

Master Yoda considered both men as they entered the hall. He tapped his stick on the floor as he addressed his fellow council member. "How feel Padawan Ja'lisa?"

Mace bowed and answered, "she is feeling better," the council member took his seat. "But she is still very frightened. She feels alone."

"Hmmmph, alone she is not," stated the ancient master. "Learn to trust again she will. Once find a master to trust."

Before a response could be made, another man, surrounded by guards was led into the room. He glared at Qui-Gon, who calmly stared back. Since he could not intimidate Qui-Gon with his icy stare, former Jedi Master Dern Galen turned his attention to the council.

Mace spoke first, "Master Galen, you have desecrated the sacred bond between a master and padawan," there was no mistaking the cold tone in the man's voice. "What say you?"

Dern merely shrugged and sarcastically answered, "What does it matter what I say? You have made your opinion."

Yoda was having no parts of Dern Galen's brazen attitude. "Abusive you were! To a child Jedi no less!"

"I was merely instilling discipline," was the vehement response. "To be a good Jedi, you must respect!"

"Is that so, Master?" came a retort from the doorway. "I'm sorry, Master, but I would beg to differ."

All eyes turned to the young knight standing there. Ardeth Kralin was about 28. He was medium height and build and had sandy colored hair and blue eyes. He walked without hesitation and bowed to Qui-Gon and then to the council.

In a tone that would have at one time sent Ardeth into shivers Dern asked, "What are YOU doing here?"

But Ardeth Kralin was no longer a padawan, he was no longer a child and he was no longer afraid of the man he once called master.

"I'm not surprised you are not happy to see me, Master," Ardeth said while shaking his head. "But when I received Master Jinn's message I returned to Coruscant as quickly as I could."

Dern Galen's head jerked towards Qui-Gon who stated, "Yes, I did send a message to Knight Kralin. I knew something was amiss, but I did not know what. I thought that perhaps Knight Kralin could shed some light on the situation."