Chapter 10 ~ Negotiations

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sat in the senators presents for six hours straight. Obi-Wan was trying to pay attention and follow along, but his mind kept pulling him in different directions. His attention finally landed on his father and dead mother. He wanted to know everything about his heritage, but he knew he shouldn't find out.

'My life is with the jedi now.' He said turning his attention to the man sitting next to him. Qui-Gon had always been in his life, ever since he was a young initiate. He realized he owed a lot to his master, especially his attention and commitment. Qui-Gon was his father figure and Obi-Wan knew there was nothing anyone could do or say that would change his mind.

"Very good. This is reasonable, I'm sure the planet will be civil once again after they hear this new proposal." The senator said, bringing Obi- Wan from his thoughts.

"We're very happy to help senator." Qui-Gon said and stood. Obi-Wan did the same and they bowed.

On their way back to the Kenobi manor Qui-Gon realized his apprentice was being rather quiet.

"Something on your mind padawan?"

"Hmm? Oh, no master, I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Hurry up and getting home."

A smile crossed Qui-Gon's face at the thought that Obi-Wan didn't want to be here anymore.

"But Obi-Wan, I thought you wanted to go to the beach?"

"Oh! I totally forgot. I do want to go to the beach."

"Good, because our ship doesn't depart for another four days."

"So we can go there tomorrow?"

"Yes, but we have to make sure the new proposal works."

"So we have to go to the courthouse."

"Yep, bright and early, so I want you to sleep well tonight."

"Yes master, I'm sure I will."

When they arrived at the house, the two jedi went immediately to the guesthouse they were staying in.

"Obi-Wan wait." Qui-Gon said quietly.

"What is it?"

The older jedi didn't say anything; he just walked in front of Obi-Wan and stopped at the front door.

"Someone is in there." He said and put a hand on his lightsaber.

He quickly opened the door and in the middle of the room stood Wayne. Qui- Gon let out a sigh and walked in, closely followed by Obi-Wan.

"Hello Master Jinn, Obi-Wan."

"Hello." Obi-Wan said.

Qui-Gon eyed the man suspiciously.

"Well I bet your wondering why I'm here." He said to Obi-Wan who nodded his head. "Well, I was wondering if you would want to come to the house and sleep for the rest of the time you're here."

Obi-Wan could feel his master tensing next to him.

"No that's okay, I'll stay here with my master." He said politely and felt Qui-Gon relax immensely.

"That's fine. If you change your mind come on up."

"I appreciate it, but I will stay with Qui-Gon."

"But if you even think about it once. . ."

"I won't." He said sternly.

Anger started to flare in Wayne's eyes and Qui-Gon took a step toward him.

"I think Obi-Wan has made up his mind Kenobi."

"Fine. But whatever you have filled his mind with, I will override."

"Is that a threat?"

"Take it however you want Jinn." He said and walked out.

Qui-Gon put a hand to his head and sat down on the couch. Obi-Wan went to sit next to him.

"Master? You know I would never go with him, right?" He asked and Qui-Gon looked up.

"Yes Obi-Wan, I know." He said and pulled his apprentice close to him.

"I love you master."

"I love you to my Obi-Wan." He said and felt his apprentice fall asleep.

Before letting sleep claim him, a tear escaped from the large master's eye.

~TBC~