Master Jinn lingered in the doorway, craned his neck around, and nodded from the council to the boy on the bench visible just outside in the hall.
"Did you wish me to summon HIM for you? Shouldn't he be witness to my request to take him as my apprentice?"
Qui-Gon didn't use Obi-Wan's name. He feared his anger for the apprentice would show through if he did.
"Yes, but first, questions on the mission we have. Questions about the fallen Master Tahl and the reason behind Bounty Hunter Jett. The young one does not need to hear details of that. Suffered much he has. Drag him through gory details to suffer more not necessary."
Oh my master you are so gullible when it comes to this Kenobi boy. I cared the most for Master Tahl but I must be forced to relive her death while the boy sits and twiddles his thumbs, no doubt basking in his abilities to pull the wool over my master's eyes
Qui-Gon stiffened. He was so anxious about exacting his revenge on Obi-Wan; he failed to remember that the council would want every little detail about the mission, Jango Fett, and Tahl's death. While Obi's destruction spurred him on for this meeting, the sudden realization that he must recant every little detail of his beloved's death hampered the excitement he had managed to let push away the memory of Tahl's last breath.
"Discuss your mission we must. Most curious I am the reason for Jango Fett on your trail he was."
Qui-Gon shut the door, without another thought for the boy who sat just outside it. Obi-Wan Kenobi was forgotten as he began talking to his former master. Although all the council members were there, Jinn directed his speech and gaze at Yoda, not caring about the others. There was still a part of Master Qui-Gon Jinn that was Jedi. Master Yoda's piqued interest in his mission had fired his up as well. He had forgotten, nearly.
"I can't imagine why Jango Fett was set on me. My dealings had nothing to do with Darth Sidious and it stayed undercover of that I am sure until Tahl's arrival then all Hades broke lose. I did as the council and as Chancellor Valorium requested. I investigated the holdings of the iranni mines that Nute Gunray claimed. Valorium himself knew to send a Jedi cloaked as another. After all, it would appear coated with improprieties on the Jedi and the republic senate's part if it got out that we suspected the viceroy of intergalactic Trade of any wrongdoing to the point of breaking entering and rifling through his privates files. I know that Neimodians are notoriously slick when it comes to handling credits, stealing them actually but everything was in order. Nevertheless, his papers seemed in order. There did not seem to be any abuse of his power to procure the mines. Signed and sealed the title to the mines were. Paid a fair price for them as best I could judge. Also I took a schematic from my data pad of his headquarters and searched the third floor. I went over every piece of document Gunray had stored there, nothing. I tell you all his business transactions were above board."
"So think you do, he had nothing to do with Jango. Then Sith Lord entirely it was? Droids that attacked Master Tahl, belonged to who they did?"
There, it was out in the open, the mention of Tahl's death. Now Qui-Gon was forced to mentally reenact the events that led to Tahl being gunned down in an alley way. His thoughts lingered a little longer than they should on the death of his first and only love.
"Qui-Gon I know this is difficult to speak on but it is important. Were the droids that attacked Master Tahl the property of Gunray or possibly in some conspiracy with Jango Fett?"
Qui-Gon looked to the speaker of the words and saw only compassion in Adia Gallia rich brown eyes.
"Just how in the Sith am I suppose to know that. They didn't wear ID tags proclaiming who their owner was.
Plo Koon who never missed a chance to rile the taller and more gallant master.
"Well did you happen to see any droids in Gunrays' compound that resembled the ones that killed Master Tahl?"
Ice-like shivers shot through Jinn. He didn't like to say Tahl's name, let alone discuss her with Koon in any great detail.
"I assure you I didn't see any battle droids that were comparable to the ones who attacked Master Tahl anywhere near Gunray's mines or compound. NO, I would say Gunray and his cronies had nothing to do with the attack on me or Master Tahl."
"Sith lord reported to have taken sanction on Neimodia."
"Rumored to be there only my master, for I saw no sign of the sith at all. I heard rumblings of suspicion by the street Neimodians that Sidious that taken up residence. I did not see him, nor did I feel his evil presence through the force. If he is there, his M.O. is different than past Jedi recall it. I was not aware the Sith used battle droids."
"Rumor it also is assembled an army of droids one just like the other to do his extra menacing work in the galaxy."
"Since when have the Jedi rested any faith in rumors my Master?"
Yoda knew Qui-Gon had suddenly grown weary of their questions and toyed with him and the other council members; a question answered with a question always perturbed the little green master. Qui-Gonsensed through their bond Yoda's condescension for his reply. He bowed graciously but only to his much-loved master.
"Forgive me Master Yoda, I cannot tell you who the droids belonged too or who Jango was sent by, though I voiced my suspicions it was the sith lord that set Fett the hunter on me. Jango alluded to that fact."
Master Plo Koon moved restlessly in his chair. The reason for the restlessness was the desire to ask more ofhis own questions. Without waiting his turn again or for permission from Yoda he interrupted Yoda and Jinn's conversation.
"Master Jinn, did you not believe the hunter Jango Fett when he implied he was sent by Darth Sidious?"
"Master Plo Koon, you question my judgment in believing a bounty hunter now you question my judgment for not believing him. Can't have it both ways my illustrious master. Look, I have reported to you on my mission concerning Gunray. Is it not enough we know Tahl is dead? Does this need to be further discussed? My assignment is complete and Tahl is dead."
"We thought you might be a bit curious as to who was responsible. If it is true what was implied, Sidious has his hand in this, pursue further we should the reason attack the Jedi now he does. Underlying reason could concern all here at this temple."
Master Jinn's anger visibily flared, his brow creased heavily and his fisted hands had to be hidden up inside his Jedi robe.
Of course he was curious as to who was behind the attack on he and Tahl. He had been so busy plotting his revenge on Kenobi that he hadn't thought through the possibility of locating who was actually responsible for Tahl's death. He hadn't really considered the possibility that the council would allow him to return.
"Are you telling me that I have your blessing and that I may investigate Tahl's murder, find out exactly who sent the droids?""
"Thought you would have been here before now to ask us to return."
"And I thought you would say revenge is not the answer."
"Revenge is not what the council seeks. On your mind it should not be either. We need to know if the Sith, Lord Sidious is amassing an artificial army of beings to attack the galaxy. After all, he can't be on all the principle planets in the trade federations at one time. He can have overseers but he would need help in taking down all of us at once. Yes, this is important especially if it is the Jedi that are being signaled out."
Now Jinn's revenge became two-fold. He was being gifted with another person to blame for his Tahl's death. Although he felt sadden by discussing her death he felt rejuvenated in thought he could render his punishment on both factions that killed her; Kenobi for his part, and Fett plus possibly his master for their part. Decided it is, Master Jinn your new mission is to learn more about Tahls' death and Sidious' Black Hand in it. Now to other business at hand. The boy we will see too."
Qui-Gon was a little surprised they had not even discussed the pros or cons of him taking Obi-Wan as his apprentice.
"Then it is agreed upon that I will train Tahl's apprentice?"
Mace spoke.
"It is agreed upon Master Jinn but not without some trepidation from more than one Master on this council, me included. We trust you in this because of your loyalty to Tahl. For my part that is about the only reason I see to actually hand Padawan Kenobi over to you. Never before since Xanatos turned have you expressed a desire to mentor another apprentice. Just a surprise to all of us, now."
"Yes, well like Master Yoda likes to remind all of us, in motion the future is. With Tahl's passing a lot of things have changed. My desire to train Obi-Wan Kenobi is only one of them."
Nothing askew in the force. Like a sly fox, Qui-Gon managed too blatantly lie to the most high of masters in the Jedi order and there had been no backlash. Yoda seemed impervious to his mistruths.
Mace pushed a button on the intercom system and Obi-Wan nearly jumped out of his skin when over the speaker in the corner of the hall the master's voice boomed out.
"The council will see you now Padawan Kenobi. You may come in."
Obi-Wan made it through the big double doors but remained frozen with his back touching them after they slammed together. He kept his gaze glued on Master Yoda.
"Step forward Padawan Kenobi you will."
Obi-Wan knew it took him longer than it should to walk the few steps forward to the stand in front of the council, but his legs did not want to take him there. Each step felt like he had lead in his feet. Finally he stood right in front of them. He wasvery awareof Master Jinn just to his right, though he really hadn't looked at the crazed looking Jedi master in dred locks.
"Willing to become this master's apprentice you do?
"Yes!" was spoken barely audible and without looking up at the council masters. Obi checked his shields. He didn't believe any of the masters would look deep enough to see if he spoke an untruth but he would be prepared if they did.
"Look at me when speak with you I do, young one. Forgotten we have not. Question our decision to make you senior padawan so early this council does. Now to be sure, blame you we do not for your master's death but council has decided it has, defer you promotion until proven to us more worthiness for it. Understand this you do as does your new master?"
Yoda gazed from one, the master, to the other, the apprentice. Jinn shifted his weight from one foot to the other and nervously moved his hidden hands in his robe cuffs. The head master feared Jinn would put up an argument because Kenobi was being demoted. After all. His apprentice Kenobi is. Defend him now Qui-Gon should.
Little did the master know Jinn was elated by it. Obi-Wan however, was horrified by it. His cheeks pinked with shame. Not only his shame but the shame he felt he must have brought on his master though she was gone.
"Masters… I .. Don't' think.. I .. Well I don't think I should be demoted. It was my master's desire I not go on her last mission.There was no objections to my becoming senior padawan when it was bestowed upon me. Why now? I did as my master requested, I stayed behind. If demoting is not because I did something wrong, then what is it? I… I should have foreseen my master's death. I didn't. Censure me for that if you feel obligated to do so, but a demotion? Had I any inkling there would have been trouble, I would have gone. Master Yoda, You have to know that."
"Question your maturity we do, question our decision to place you as senior padawan we also do, but not your ability or your reasons for not tending your master. Look behind we cannot, look forward, time it is to do. This demotion can only improve your skills, hone your connection to the living force. Enough I hope, this error not made again by you."
There was no malice in Yoda's voice.
"Up for argument your demotion is not. Prove to your new master worthy to be senior padawan quickly, reestablished as one you will be. Further we need not speak of this."
Yoda dropped his gaze as to not to stare into the disheartened padawan's face. Everyone in the council chambers felt the sadness roll from the severely reprimanded Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The loud and sudden tapping of Yoda's gimer stick to the tiled floor made everyone look his way.
"Now, a mission you both have to prepare for. Suggest I do, acquaint yourself with each other before tomorrow morning. Master Jinn brief the young one on the mission you will this evening. Now other business at hand this council has."
back with Fett and Sidious
Bounty Hunter Jango Fett stood rigid in front of his master. He wanted the devil of a man to speak, belittle him, debase him verbally, just not stand there and glare at him with those steely glowing embered eyes. He watched the dark cloaked figure clinched and unclench his fists.
Well fool take one of them and punch me, knock me down, just don't' stare. I hate that. Never know what the man is planning or has planned for you. I have seen his treachery. One moment speaking with you, the next, his saber drawn and glided through your heart in the same breath. Yes, I know of your tactics Sidious. Deal with me now rather than later.
Fett remained on guard, though he knew that if his new master wanted him dead then he would be.
"Care to tell me what caused your mission to fail?"
"It did not fail. Yes, Qui-Gon got away but that is not the Jedi you wanted was it?"
"No, but have you brought me the Jedi I sent you for? On that count I call it a failed mission."
"Master, Lord Sidious had you wanted the Jedi you named you should have sent me to Coruscant. That is where Obi-Wan Kenobi remained when his master was sent to join Master Jinn."
Sidious cocked his head in a manner of disbelief.
"The master did not have the apprentice tend her? What a shame… NO matter she would have been just as dead. I would liked to have had Jinn in my clutches but all that can wait as well. What can not wait is my desire to search through Kenobi's mind. There, I'll find the truth I think, whether he is the chosen one or just another with an extraordinarily high midichlorian count like Master Yoda… Back to your mistake.. Kenobi was then not on the planet?"
"I have said no."
Jango waited for what would come next. He suspected that if his life was in peril from this dark lord it would be now and not necessarily by his hands.
The hunter was accustomed to being attacked unannounced. Out of the corner of his eyes he watched for any sudden movement by the master's apprentice that had eased his way closer and closer to the hunter.
It was not out of the norm for Sidious to pass the dirty work to his right hand man, his newly appointed apprentice.
Yes, I must keep my guard up against both of them. The apprentice, Syfo Dyas is no less deadly than the master.
Back at the temple
Jinn followed Obi-Wan out the chambers door and once there shut them with his new apprentice on the outside. He did not want the boy involved.
"Masters?"
The shuffling of papers on the long chamber council table stopped as did the chattering among them. Once the Jedi master had their attention he went on with his question.
"Excuse me masters for interrupting but there was one other thing."
Jinn waited. Finally Yoda spoke.
"Qui-Gon, more info you have for us? Speak you may."
"There was mention of one name in some of Gunray's files and once from Jango Fett. I have never heard of him and it may be nothing but since his name was associated with both thorns in our side I thought maybe it was worth relaying it to you. His name, though I hadn't heard spoke before, sounded uncannily familiar."
Yoda rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger.
"Interesting it is that Gunray and Fett would bring him up. Yes Master Jinn, name of the man we wish to know."
All the council masters assembled there nodded their agreement.
"I remember quite clearly… It was such an odd name. I don't recall ever hearing it before but like I said, it seemed so… so very recognizable. …Syfo Dyas…"
Padawan Kenobi had never been so glad to go on a mission than he was right now. He hadn't been briefed on the mission so he wasn't even sure where they were going. Though he suspected it had something to do with the death of his master, he wasn't sure about that either. He just knew that leaving the temple would get him out of the apartment he now shared with Master Jinn. The apartment seemed to close in on him just with the knowledge that Qui-Gon was just on the other side of the wall, any wall of the small four room apartment, he was there.
The idea of finding who was responsible for his master's death was the only thing that brought him any solace. He knew instantly upon arriving at his new home with his new master that the said master cared no more for him than he did for that master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
There had been little spoken between the two. Master Jinn instructed the apprentice to store his things in his former padawan's old room, eat something, then pack for the mission. Obi-Wan didn't have time to fix of his room up the way it was at his old apartment but that didn't' matter to the teen anyway. He didn't think that his new room in this new apartment with a new master would be anything but a layover for him. He doubted it would ever be his home like the flat he'd shared with his former master, Tahl.
Once on the ship, Padawan Kenobi was pretty much left on his own. The transport ship that carried them on their mission was quite large. Although he and his new master had to share a compartment while traveling there was a large common area, an equally enormous dining hall, and an exercise room. Plenty of places either the master or the apprentice could go to avoid each other, except of course when sleeping.
Right before Jinn left their sleeping room was when he finally relayed to his new apprentice their mission plans and then it wasn't an entirely informative briefing. It was as Obi-Wan thought, they would go to Neimoidia to investigate who was behind Tahl's murder but before that they would visit Geonosis. Master Yoda wanted them to check on the possibility that the droids came from there.
There was no emotion in Qui-Gon Jinn's voice when he gave Obi-Wan the information about their mission; nothing that denoted kindness, yet no sound of hatred. Just a lackluster instruction of what was to happen and then without another word he was gone.
Jinn let his thoughts lead him as he languidly wandered the large double wide halls of the ship. First he entered the dining hall, checked briefly the menu before he left. Next he stumbled onto an exercise room.
AH… Could do me some good. Get in a little exercise of the body. My mind has worked enough reliving what happened. Maybe Yoda is right and maybe this going to Geonosis won't be a wild goose chase as I first thought. Yes, Yoda has good premonitions.
Once inside the large gymnasium he couldn't have been more surprised to see another master/ padawan there, already on the floor going through the Ranga kata.
The noise of the door opening and closing drew the master and padawan pair's attention.
"Halt Padawan, let's take a breather. Master Jinn, thought I would run into sooner or later."
"Oh, so you had the fore knowledge to know I was on this ship. It is not so with me. Headed out for a mission or a retreat?"
"Come on Jinn old boy, you figure it out?"
Master Starworth was a down to earth master, literally. Humanoid , ancestors from Earth before they were forced off. She still possessed many traits of her ancestors. Of course one would have had to study earth and its cultures which all Jedi were forced to do, to know those odd little traits. Earth was the one planet used to teach how a planet can self destruct.
"Figure what out? I assure you, I don't know."
Starworth gave him an odd look, slapped the side of her thigh, and let out a sound like a high pitched yelp.
"Why, that old crow. He didn't tell you anything about us, did he?"
The female master noticed her appentice, Bruck Chun watching curiously over to the side.
"Oh, this is my apprentice, Bruck Chun. Bruck this is the famous Master Jinn."
Master Jinn knew without hearing his name that the other master was referring to his own former master Yoda.
Chun reached his hand out but only got a briefest of nods from the Jedi master and certainly no hand shake.
Dorrie Starworth, Bruck's master seemed to noticed the unease Jinn had with the apprentice there. She hoped if Bruck was excused Qui would be more open. It would be only a hope.
"Bruck, you go on to the showers now. Master Jinn and I have some things to discuss."
Bruck bowed respectively to both masters and left. That is not what he wanted to do. He knew something must be going on if the great Jinn didn't even know they had been sent to help him. He also wanted to learn more about Oafy-Wan. There was no sympathy from Bruck over Obi-Wan's loss. In fact he enjoyed Kenobi being in misery no matter what the reason.
"That old troll didn't tell you that you and your new apprentice would be coupled with another Jedi pair on your mission did he?"
It was an awkard situation for Qui-Gon. His master had never before let him be so misinformed about a mission. He knew the reason though. Qui-Gon didn't want anyone else with him and he suspected his former master knew that. He hadn't even wanted the Kenobi boy to aid in his search for Tahl's killers but Kenobi couldn't be helped. This master and padawan pair he did not want or need with him.
"Oh Qui-Gon I am truly sorry for this surprise. I knew Master Yoda had something up his sleeve, with all this. Too much secrecy. I suggested we get together before the mission but Yoda and Mace said it wouldn't be necessary. That was not normal, not normal at all."
The short little stout master stood shaking her head.
"Sorry about that Jinni old boy. I guess Master Yoda thought two heads were better than one."
Dorrie Starworth attempted to interject a bit of humor to relax the nervous looking Jedi master in front of her.
"I will comm Master Yoda right away. There must be some mistake. I can do this alone. Allow me to rephrase that, without seeming rude about it. I would prefer to do this alone."
"Do what ever Qui-Gon but you are not the only friend Master Tahl had. I was very close to her. If you remember we shared a room as intiaties. There are more than just you who want to see her murderer brought to trial."
"I am well aware of that. Forgive me if I minimize your loss in this. However, I am perfectly capable of doing this for Tahl."
Master Starworth moved closer to the Jedi master and tenderly laid her hand on his forearm.
"You go comm Master Yoda. I will see you later. I don't think he will change his mind Qui-Gon. He is conniving and stubborn. You should know that better than anyone. After you have been given time to soak all this up maybe you will feel easier about my apprentice and I. Remember this Qui, I am not your enemy. I want what you want, to find the person or persons behind Tahl's death. I will not hinder you in anyway. I am only here to help as a friend, to you and Tahl."
Qui-Gon was as close to being angry as he could get without really being so. Never before had his master gone over his head and done something so unconscionable as to trick him. He knew that Dorrie Starworth cared a great deal about Tahl. The smile he put on was fake and he knew Dorrie also could see through his façade.
"Yes, I will see you later. And Dorrie, forgive me if I seem preoccupied."
"I know better than most how you hurt inside Qui-Gon. Let's not make ourselves enemies in this."
Jinn turned abruptly to leave.
"Oh Qui, since you just acquired Obi-Wan as your apprentice you might not know this but there is a riff between your apprentice and mine or there use to be."
Qui-Gon stopped dead in his tracks and turned around.
"Are they both not Jedi?"
"Well yes but you know how the young are."
"I assure whatever my apprentice Oh, how I hate to refer to Kenobi as that once argued about with yours, it will not be a problem now."
"Just giving you a heads up, my dear man."
"Thank You, but it really isn't necessary. Your apprentice appeared very mature. I am sure you will not have a problem with him either. I am not on a babysitting mission."
"Good, just thought I should let you know. And yes Bruck has grown much closer to the living force. Nevertheless, deep-seeded in him is a core of resistance I have yet to totally breach. Let me just say we do a lot of meditating and that my apprentice has come a long way. But like I said, should there be a problem between the two I suggest you and I both work to nip it in the bud immediately."
"I will make sure my apprentice stays in line. As for yours, I doubt he is half the problem you make him out to be. I could only stand here and admire his stance during his katas. The flow he exhibits leads me to believe he is truly gifted with the living force."
"I am working on it Master Jinn. Maybe he and Obi-Wan can engage in a little one on one, you know sorta keep themselves in shape and out of trouble. It is three days out to Genosisi and then two back to Neimoidia."
Jinn's thoughts had already gone to the two planets in question. Though he tried to act interested in what Master Starworth said, he could have cared less how much practice his apprentice got or how much trouble he found himself in.
Just maybe this Bruck Chun will help me push Kenobi over the edge, if indeed they have a rivalry between them.
PEACE ewen