Chapter Six

Note: Special thanks to Kynstar for helping me iron out this chapter and working on Dooku for me! I could not have done it without her :D

Dooku resisted the sigh that threatened to leave him. He knew very well that if he allowed the slip of concentration he would be rewarded with a smack from the wooden walking stick.

Frowning, the youth rolled his left shoulder slightly. Holding Qui-Gon had stiffened the muscles in his shoulder.

I can't focus... And this time he couldn't stop the quiet breath that left his lips.

Yoda frowned disapprovingly. "Distracted you are. No place here does distraction have."

Looking down at his clasped hands, he fidgeted with the sleeves of his robe. The look was one being chastised. "I'm sorry Master...it is due to what happened last night..."

Yoda sighed and ended the meditation for the day. "Thought it was, I did. News I have for you that like you will not."

The Padawan's head shot up, as brown eyes locked on yellow green ones. "What is it...?"

"Listen you should -- my idea this was not before angry you get. Called before the Council today you are and Initiate Jinn."

Dooku blinked once as confusion crossed his face further. "Whatever for? I have done nothing wrong. I comforted the child last night... should I have not?" The youth's eyes narrowed slightly. I knew it... I should not have went...

Setting his jaw, he lifted his chin slightly to look down his nose at his Master.

"A good thing it was that you went. Needed you he did. However -- concerned is the Council about the bond forming between you when Jinn is of such a young age. Concerned they are for the chances he has to become a padawan of anyone else with his attachment to you. My idea this is not."

Dark eyes flashed as Dooku got up from his kneeling position to walk a few feet away.

Crossing his arms, he kept his back to the small Jedi Master. "It was your idea, iMaster/i. You wanted me to work in the crèche." The young man was trying his hardest to keep his voice level.

"They are worried about the fact that the two of us are of the Living Force...aren't they?" Turning, he uncrossed his arms to eye his mentor. "They don't like it do they?" The edge was heard this time.

Yoda whacked his shins smartly. "Rein in your anger you will," he snapped. "When calmer are you discuss it with you I shall."

A curse nearly left his lips, but he stopped it not wanting to further irritate his Master. "So it is true."

Crossing his arms, he closed his eyes to slow his breathing. This is ridiculous...why would the Council care?

After achieving some calm, he reopened his eyes to stare down at the Master. "Well? It is, isn't it?"

"No. Reason for this that is not. Know I do that a good match you are for Initiate Jinn. That was why sent you were. Disagrees do some on the Council. Power to overrule them, I have not. Called before them you are to discuss this bond forming between you."

"He is three years old! How can they even think of him and me... even consider that possibility of him ever being my Padawan? He is only a child with an infatuation with me..."

"Search your feelings you should on this matter," Yoda said gently.

Turning his head away abruptly, Dooku pushed the option away. "There is none to search." He would not appear weak in front of his Master.

"Too much pride you have my apprentice. Feelings there are."

Grinding his teeth, he turned to say something but hesitated at seeing the warmth in those large luminous eyes.

Swallowing, his shoulders slumped slightly and he bowed his head. "The boy said he loved me last night..." His voice was a quiet whisper in the room.

"When is the meeting, Master?" The youth asked, clearing his throat.

"Early this morning." Yoda placed a tri fingered hand on Dooku's knee. "Now love you two do. Never forget that proud of you I am."

The Padawan smiled a small sheepish grin and nodded once. "I do my best to make it so. It isn't easy being a student to the best Master." The grin turned slightly cocky.

Yoda harrumphed. "Work with me flattery will not."

Dooku chuckled deep in his chest. "Only in the evenings then, I take it?" Dark eyes sparkled with mirth.

"Do we need to leave now?" The certainty in his voice became unsteady at the idea of being brought in front of the Council. On a normal basis he had no problem standing in front of the elite Jedi, but with it dealing with Qui-Gon...he had no idea how this was going to turn out.

"Prepare yourself you should. Qui-Gon will need your support. Young for this he is."

"I...but if they are questioning how we are spending time together...then how am I to help him?" He was frustrated. The Council was going to slam him for spending time with a child. A child that his Master sent him to help with...

Sighing, Dooku shook his head and straightened his robe. "Then are we to drop by the crèche then first?"

"Retrieve him we will but wish to be there does Master Perchel. Her observations are part of this."

Standing up straighter, Dooku's jaw tensed once more. "Who informed the Council of this to begin with? It should be none of their concern." The rising anger slowly became real confusion. "I don't understand Master...doesn't this happen regularly? Why...it is because we are both strong in the Living Force...isn't it?" His voice lowered. Dooku hated not knowing the truth of things and this was puzzling to him.

"Stop insisting of that you should," Yoda said whacking his knees. "Form an attachment so young one rarely does. That is why this meeting is. Concerned Master Perchel is for his chances to be a padawan."

The youth flinched at the smack. At the later words, an eyebrow rose. "Isn't he a little too young for her to even be thinking of that?"

"I hope so Master...it really isn't a bond, it's just that he doesn't have too many friends. He is going through what I went through..." He stated quietly. "I guess we should go to him then...they should be done eating by now." Dooku smiled a little at his Master's enthusiasm.

"Go you should. Wait for you in the Council room, I will," Yoda said serenely.

"Is she going to be there...or already at the Council Room?" Dooku paused as he turned back to the small Master.

"She is already there," Yoda replied gently. "Called there early she was."

The youth sighed with relief. "Good, I won't have no trouble then..." Bowing, he left to head for the crèche.

In the lift, Dooku reached out with the Force and stopped the descent. What was I thinking? The Council would be concern for the boy...they have the right to be. But I don't think it is right for them to pick on me Gritting his teeth, he tugged on his braid. It isn't fair! Just because I am strong in the Living Force and as well as Qui-Gon, they have no right to pick on us!

His mood becoming worse, the youth sighed and tried several methods that his Master had taught him. I must regain control...he will be puzzled if not frightened at my temperament.

Once he achieved some calm, he resumed the lift's journey to the crèche's level.

Qui-Gon was waiting for him by the door, playing with a stack of blocks. "Hi Dook," he said with a shy smile.

"Hello Qui-Gon. Did Master Perchel talk with you this morning any?" Dooku smiled warmly as he squatted down next to the boy.

He looked away then. "Yes." His eyes teared. "I'm sorry for getting us into trouble."

Dooku lifted his chin with his long fingers and turned the head back. "Do not, I repeat, do not apologize for their problems. They don't like it because we are close friends. We are just going to explain it to them. Okay?" His voice softened towards the end.

He nodded a little wiping his eyes. "Okay Dooky. But I'm scared. I've never been to the Council."

"Then stand next to me and I will protect you from the old people." His dark eyes sparkled with mirth.

Qui-Gon giggled. "They're really old."

"Come on now, they are waiting for us. Like I said, stay next to me and let me talk. They might ask you a few questions...but I'm willing to bet that they will be addressing me mostly..."

It was hard...oh very hard, but Dooku kept his anger capped and his frustration on a tight hold.

Qui-Gon frowned glancing at him. "You're upset. Are you mad at me?" His eyes filled with worry.

"I..." He swore he had shielded his feelings. At the boy's question, his eyes flashed slightly.

"No...of course not. My frustration lies in the meddling of the Council. As if they don't have anything else better to do..." Mumbling the last words, he got up from his kneeling position and looked around.

"Who do we need to speak to in order for you to accompany me?"

"Nobody -- Master Perchel already gave her ...per..per.. what's the word?"

"Permission, yes very well then. Come along so we can get this over with." Smiling warmly he gently patted the boy on the shoulder and started to leave.

Qui-Gon hurried along after him.

Master Lynas Dixo rubbed his furred chin. Being a Bothan had it's benefits as his ears twitched to pick up the whisperings of the crèche Master. She was not too happy of the meeting, but knew it had to be held.

Glancing over at the oldest member of the Council, his ears cocked forward as he noticed the yellow-green eyes staring at him.

"I am aware that you do not agree with this, Master Yoda. But it needs to be done."

"Proceed the Council does without my approval. On record this shall be," Yoda said with an edge to his voice.

The Bothan nodded, ears drooping slightly. He did not like having Yoda disagree with the notion. He was about to say something else, but stopped when the door opened to reveal the two in question.

Dooku patted Qui-Gon one more time, gently on the shoulder before stepping inside the room.

Looking over and down, he smiled warmly and motioned for the boy to follow him in. "Remember stay next to me if you are frightened." He whispered softly

Qui-Gon tried to hide behind Dooku's knee. Being in the presence of so many Masters scared him.

Bowing, Dooku mumbled a greeting to the Masters. Then without thinking, Dooku placed his hand back onto the boy's small shoulder and left it there, squeezing gently for reassurance.

The Bothan nodded to Dooku's bow and nearly smiled at the young boy hiding behind the tall youth.

"I have been assured that your Master informed you as to why you are here, Padawan Dooku?"

Dooku stood straight as a rod and nearly as stiff. Rising his chin a little, he eyed the furred Master back. "Yes Master Dixo. Master Yoda told me we are here because you all believe we have developed some sort of...bond. " It was hard not to say it sarcastically, but he resisted.

"That is correct. Master Perchel, why don't you state what you have observed between them the last few days while he has been under your charge."

Master Perchel stepped forward. "Several times I have noticed the two of them together. Padawan Dooku ignores the other children whenever this boy is around to the point of distraction. I have observed that Qui-Gon thinks of Dooku first rather than his crèche Masters when he is upset, unlike most of the other children."

The Padawan shrugged. "Qui-Gon is special and you can not disagree with me on that. We who are gifted with the Living Force are mocked and shunned. The boy needed the extra attention. He does not need to grow up feeling left out or even resented. Those are not the Jedi trait." As he was saying this, a slight dread filled Dooku. He was basically stating the truth as to what he went through.

Glancing down at Qui-Gon, he swore that the boy would not grow up feeling the sensations that he had experienced. It is not right...

"As for young Qui-Gon latching onto me...I think it is due to the Living Force as well. He can sense that we are alike in that way." Shrugging, the youth waved his left hand slightly. "So he is infatuated with me. A lot of Younglings attach themselves to an older Padawan. It would not be normal if this sort of thing did not happen."

"We'll keep our own council about what normal is for an initiate, Padawan Dooku," another Councilor said.

Dooku tensed, but prevented the grinding of his teeth as his eyes flashed toward his mentor.

"As you wish, my Masters..." He said neutrally.

The Bothan rubbed his muzzle once more in thought. "Tell us of last night's incident. Master Perchel mentioned that you came into the crèche late."

Dooku's blood ran cold. He did not really want to talk about how he had heard Qui-Gon's call.

Swallowing he nodded. "I was returning to the quarters I share with my Master when I felt a disturbance...it was quite late and I had just had a vigorous lightsaber workout." Pausing, he glanced down at Qui-Gon.

"The disturbance was coming from the general direction of the crèche and I headed there without thinking. Would not a Jedi listen to the calling of the Force?" He raised his chin and eyed the Masters seriously.

"Once inside the crèche I felt the fear emanating from where Qui-Gon normally slept, so I went there and found the youth in the middle of a bad dream. Reacting as any would, I attempted to calm the boy and I did. As to where the crèche Masters were..."

"You felt a disturbance you say? But Qui-Gon told Master Perchel that he called to you."

Qui-Gon backed away from Dooku at that. The padawan would surely be upset with him now. He glanced at his boots.

Without a thought, long fingers reached back and gently brought the boy back to his side. Giving Qui-Gon a reassuring look, he turned back to answer the Master.

"Calling, disturbance, a rustling in the wind...what difference does it make. It was a disturbance in the Force. And I ask again...where were the crèche Masters? Do they neglect the children so?" He knew he was going to get into trouble, but this was too much now that he thought about it. Where indeed had been Master Perchel or the other Master that was usually on nightshift?

"Uncalled for that comment was," Yoda slammed his gimmer stick down. "On trial you are not. On trial they are not. A question this is only."

Master Perchel lifted her chin. "I was sleeping like a normal person, Padawan Dooku. We rotate the shifts at night to where those of us who were awake all day can get to sleep," she said with an edge to her voice. "At night there are fewer disturbances and thus fewer teachers needed with sleeping children."

Dooku's face fell slightly at the admonishing from his mentor. Bowing his head slightly in submission, his jaw tensed. "I am sorry my Master. I was caught off guard that nobody was around when Qui-Gon was suffering...perhaps being strong in the Living Force, I over reacted on the situation. Next time I will not disturb the crèche and allow the Masters to do their job." He couldn't help it, the words left his mouth before he could stop it. Closing his eyes, he awaited another rebuke from his Master. What is wrong with me? I don't do this normally in front of the Council...

Yoda glared at his padawan. "Take this up with you later, I will. Heard what we need to we have. Dismissed for now you three are. Called back when our final verdict is rendered you will be."

Not even making eye contact, Dooku bowed to the Masters and left, gently tugging Qui-Gon with him. Once outside, Dooku let out a long and quiet sigh. He could not believe what he had just done. He was a senior Padawan of all things!

Waiting until Master Perchel walked by and only then did he kneel down on one knee next to the boy. "I am sorry Qui-Gon...that did not go well. What I did...how I acted is not the way a Padawan is supposed to act." Closing his eyes, he bowed his head. "I don't know what came over me..."

Qui-Gon put a small hand on Dooku's shoulder. "I'm scared -- what if they don't let me see you anymore?"

Dark eyes flashed as the Padawan's head shot upward. "They would not dare... They have no right at that young one. Fear not. No matter what they decide I will see you even if my own Master denies it of me." His eyes widened for just a moment at his declaration. Would I? Would I defy my own Master's will...?

Qui-Gon's eyes went wide. "You would? "

Dooku only hesitated for just a moment as the feeling of rightness penetrated his surprise. "Yes, yes I would." Lifting his chin, he nodded with certainty.

Qui-Gon gave a small blush. "But I don't want you to get in trouble for me."

"Why should I get in trouble over this? They wouldn't dare...and I won't any ways, so don't you fret, okay?" Dooku stated as he thumbed the boy's chin gently.

Qui-Gon sniffled slightly. "Promise?"

"Promise? Promise that I won't get into trouble? Well my boy I can't promise you that. My mischief alone if not my rebellious ways do that enough. Now if you are meaning about with you. Nah, you won't get into any trouble. You are young and they are only worried about your future. They think with you hanging out with me will affect your chances of becoming somebody's Padawan."

"Will it?" Qui-Gon asked worriedly.

"No, they are just being old people...worrying about everything. They worry that the lights won't shine just right." Dooku made out to roll his eyes and smirked for the boy's entertainment. "Old folks for you." He chuckled.

Qui-Gon giggled and just then Master Perchel frowned at Dooku coming up to the pair of them.

"Qui-Gon, come on. We must go back to where we are supposed to go."

Qui-Gon looked at Dooku and then at Master Perchel. "But I wanted to stay with..."

"Qui-Gon Jinn...all this is doing is proving my point. Who are you supposed to listen too? Now come along or you will be meditating on your bed for the rest of the day." Her voice was stern as she pointed down the hall towards the lift.

Dooku came close to speaking out, but the harshness of the look that the woman glanced over at him stopped him dead. I have messed things up...I better not speak any more of it..

His face quivered and moisture gathered on his face. "But I wanted to stay with Dooku until the meeting.."

The woman's eyes flashed slightly as they locked on to the dark browns of the Padawan. The look she gave the young man sealed the earlier made point.

"Then you will spend the rest of your day sitting on your bed. I gave you a chance Qui-Gon. Now come or you will have further meditation leading in to tomorrow as well."

Qui-Gon looked away. He did not think it was fair that he be punished for wanting to do something. It wasn't as if he had actually gotten to do it. He waved good-bye to Dooku, struggling not to cry as he put his hand in the crèche Master's.

"Go on Qui-Gon...take care of yourself." He whispered as he got up from the floor. "I have duties to do as well." He wanted to say more, but did not want the boy to get into further trouble. The sadness emanating of the child was breathtaking.

Ruffling the boy's hair slightly, Dooku then left the two and walked towards the lift to take him down to the shared quarters.

Master Perchel waited until the lift returned from dropping off the Padawan. She could not understand the outburst from the young man. She had known that Dooku had his moments...but like that...in front of the Council? She had been taken by surprise.

Once they reached the crèche level, she glanced down at the boy who walked next to her holding her hand. The boy looked like he lost his favorite toy. The tears had fallen quietly and the slight sniffling could be heard.

Taking Qui-Gon to his small sleep couch, she gently put him down on the bedding.

"Qui-Gon...your attachment to Padawan Dooku is not natural. You must understand this." Her voice was soft and gentle as she wiped the tears away.

"But...I couldn't help it. It just happened," he said trying to explain how he felt.

"The Force works in mysterious ways...we can only hope the Council can decipher what just happened then. Now meditate on why you talked back and did not obey me the first time I asked you to leave with me. Padawan Dooku is just that, a Padawan. Not a Master. If a Master is present, the Master's word is over a Padawan's. This you should know."

Qui-Gon looked down. "I'm sorry, Master Perchel."

Reaching out, she gently caressed his face and pushed back some hair from his face. "I know Youngling, now meditate for a little while. I will let you know when we are to reconvene with the Council." She smiled warmly and left the boy to think on what he had done wrong.

Qui-Gon sat on his bed the rest of the afternoon. He hated sitting still. He was bored. He thought of his actions for about twenty minutes and then decided thinking of it was boring. He sighed impatiently watching the chrono on the wall.

He wasn't sure what the numbers meant exactly -- but it gave him something to look at.

Master Perchel walked into the room and smiled at Qui-Gon. "We are expected back now."

He slid off his bed. "Master Perchel?"

"Dook will still be able to visit me won't he?"

The smile faltered. "I am not sure...we will have to see what the Council decides." Reaching out, she lightly touched his shoulder and guided him out of the room and down the hall towards a lift to take them up.

Qui-Gon looked away trying not to cry at the knowledge that his friend might be in trouble and wouldn't get to visit.

"I am sorry Qui-Gon...but we have to be careful. You are a promising Jedi and we don't want that opportunity to pass you by." Her voice was sincere, as she squatted down in the lift.

Qui-Gon sniffled. "But I want Dooky."

"We will see what the Council decides young one. Just have patience, okay?" She wiped the tears away and stood back up as the lift's door opened.

Dooku paced outside the Council Room silently fuming. He was not happy...not at all.

"Dooky?" Qui-Gon frowned sensing Dooku's anger. "What's the matter?'

The Padawan turned, eyes softening slightly from the hardness they were earlier portraying. "Nothing...this is foolishness..."

The crèche Master walked into the small adjacent office to let the Padawan on duty know that she and Qui-Gon had arrived.

Qui-Gon reached up for Dooku's hand.

Without thinking, Dooku squatted down next to the youth. "I know this isn't easy for you either...it isn't right for them to make you go through this."

"But they watch us don't they? Aren't they just watching for me when I grow up?"

"They believe we have formed some sort of bond...I guess they don't think it's only because we are both strong in the Living Force." Shaking his head, the apprentice sighed heavily. "I just want this to be over with..."

Qui-Gon sniffed. "Me too. I just want to go finish our holovid and get some more sweet snow."

Dooku chuckled. "Ahhh I nearly forgotten about that due to all this mess. Yes we must finish that and get more." His eyes warmed as he stood back up at the crèche Master's return.

Qui-Gon giggled slightly. He saw the doors open.

Master Perchel took Qui-Gon's hand and said softly," It's time, Qui-Gon."

Dooku stiffened and allowed the two to enter before him. I hope you are happy Master…Dooku thought dejectedly. His mentor had indeed had words with him during the Council's break as he had said. Yoda had made it very clear that he was not pleased with the padawan's outburst.

Dooku stood behind the two and bowed as one with them.

"Padawan Dooku and Initiate Jinn will please step forward," Master Lynas Dixo said as he stared at the pair of them.

Qui-Gon glanced worriedly at Dooku and did as he was told. He tried not to fidget.

The Padawan's jaw clenched tightly as he rose his chin and stared pass the Councilor. Lightly tapping the boy's arm with assurance, he kept his stoic expression as he tried to push his rising aggravation into the Force.

"The bond that is developing between you will be allowed to remain. Master Yoda has successfully argued your case that you might intend to later take this boy as your own padawan learner. In compromise with those of us who disagree, we are sending you on a solo mission to see if the bond lessens over time and dies a natural death or if it grows stronger."

The forced calm fades into shock and the start of denial as Dooku opened his mouth to reject their idea. "It is not a bond..." He growled, but Jedi discipline prevented him from further slipping of his control.

"If the Council ordains it...so be it." Dark eyes flashed, as the apprentice stiffened in attempt to hold back the rise of his anger. This is wrong...how can they be so blind! The eyes narrowed just a little.

Master Dixo frowned at the interruption. "That's enough, Apprentice. Perhaps you would rather be censured on Coruscant instead of going on a mission?" He said warningly.

Blinking once, Dooku swallowed heavily. "I accept the mission." Breathe... The Padawan took several slow and deep breaths as he tried to push the anger away. The child should not have to suffer this...he did not have to be here for this..

"You will be allowed to speak with Initiate Jinn when you return as long as he requests that you do so. If he wishes to say goodbye before you leave then we will allow it. However, there should be no contact between the two of you while you are away," he glanced from one to the other of them. "Is this understood?" he asked more gently for Qui-Gon's sake. The boy looked so worried and frightened he lowered his voice.

The Padawan's breath caught in his throat at the idea of not talking with the boy at all. A slight twinge of fear...something he was not quite familiar with flickered though him.

"How long...am I to be gone?"

"You will be gone for six weeks to the planet of Chandrila. Their Prime Minister has requested Jedi assistance in eradicating a troublesome pirate group that has been preying on the local tourism population and he mentioned you particularly." The Bothan's mouth twitched. "Your orders will be on your datapad when you go back to your quarters."

Chandrila... Dooku's face lightened, but then fell as he glanced over at Qui-Gon. He knew that this mission would not be bad, for in actuality he was beginning to feel a little repressed. He could never stand being at the Temple for long periods of time. Master Yoda and I have been here for a while...

The thought that the Prime Minister asked for him personally caused a slight smile to twitch his lips. He had enjoyed his time with the politician when him and Master Yoda had been there last year.

"Yes Master..."

"We trust your time will be well spent. This session is now adjourned."

Dooku bowed and glanced at his Master. /Thank you.../ He said through his training bond as relief was evident in the connection.

Yoda's ears twitched and he gave a harrumph. /Next time be so quick to argue you will not/ he said knowingly.

The Padawan took the rebuke and nodded once as he turned to smile down at Qui-Gon.

"Come...let's go and do this goodbye together."

"Dooky I want to go with you," Qui-Gon said.

Walking outside the Council Room, he waited until the door shut before replying.

Kneeling down, he grasped the boy's shoulders gently with his hands. Dark eyes looked into pleading blue orbs.

"No young one. Missions, particular ones with pirates...are no place for initiates. You will stay here and be a good little Jedi. Learn all that you can from your crèche Masters. You have a long time coming before you can go on missions of your own. You will have to learn a lot prior to being able to." He said quietly and softly as he was aware of Master Perchel standing off to the side allowing them this talk.

Qui-Gon pouted at the idea that he wouldn't get to go but he understood even if he didn't like it. "Will you get hurt?" he asked worriedly.

Dooku would not lie. "The possibility is there." Then the Padawan smirked mischievously. "But do you not have any faith in my swordsmanship?"

Qui-Gon hugged him around the neck and he giggled a little. He knew Dooku was the best with a blade. He had given a demonstration to his age group during his punishment and he had bested the padawan that he had sparred with. "You'll be okay then. Be careful," he said.

Dooku sighed with content. He could not understand what this child had done to him, but for some reason...at this moment...he felt complete.

Embracing the youth in return, Dooku laid his chin on the boy's head.

"I will young one...I will. You must promise me to be good."

Qui-Gon looked indignant. "I am always good!" he protested.

Master Perchel resisted the chuckle as she saw the Padawan move back a little to look down at the boy.

"Qui-Gon...Jedi do not lie...and we are human. Humans err." He said in a slight rebuking tone.

Qui-Gon pouted. He knew he hadn't lied. He was good, most of the time.

"I just want you to promise me that you will attempt to be good as best to you abilities. Which I hear is pretty darn well. I have faith in you that you will succeed in this. If you want...consider it a request...or even an order." He smirked a little, dark eyes sparkling.

Qui-Gon looked up. "I am good, most of the time," he said aloud. "I promise, Dooky."

"That is all I can ask..." The older boy's voice choked slightly, as he reached up and thumbed the chin. "I will miss you..."

"Will you bring holos back?" Qui-Gon asked.

The misty eyes brightened as the smile added to the Padawan's face. "Yes of course. Chandrila has purple lakes...did you know that? It is one of my favorite places to visit."

Qui-Gon looked awed. "Purple lakes? But lakes are blue!"

"Not on this planet. I will show you...if Master Perchel does not mind? We can look in the Archives."

Dooku looked up and saw that Master Perchel was thinking on his idea. Sighing quietly she nodded her approval. "But he needs to be back soon. Bring him back to the crèche."

Qui-Gon looked excited at the idea. He beamed at Master Perchel and reached for Dooku's hand. He had only been to the archives once before.

Dooku smiled and bowed to the crèche Master. "I will Master Perchel." He then led the boy to the lift to take them down to the Archives' level.

Once they arrived Qui-Gon looked around in awe at all the rows upon rows of holobooks. It had amazed him the first time and was just as interesting now. "It's so big!" He said forgetting in his excitement to be quiet.

"Shhh... come on I'll show you where and what Chandrila looks like." Dooku chuckled quietly.

Qui-Gon obediently followed the padawan down to the correct section where the apprentice pulled out a holobook.

Qui-Gon's jaw dropped as he stared at the pictures. "It's pretty!" He said in eagerness. "That's where you're going?"

"Yes...the beaches provide a great place for relaxation. Perhaps once the pirate issue is done I might go there and take some holos for you." He paused and turned to see the boy. Excitement radiated from the youth. "Would you like that?"

Pushing several more entries, a close up of the water and the outline of the beach could be seen. Qui-Gon could see that indeed the waters were purple in coloring.

Qui-Gon blinked in astonishment and giggled. "Purple water!" He said with a squeal.

"Better than pink...I can not abide pink." Dooku chuckled.

"Pink is for girls," Qui-Gon said in disgust. "Tahl likes pink."

"I quite agree young one. Pink is for girls. I am lucky that my friend Jocasta is not all that fond of pink. She tends towards green." He smiled and powered down the terminal.

"When are you leaving Dooku?" Qui-Gon asked as they headed out of the archives to go back to the crèche.

"I do not know...I have to check once I return to mine and my Master's quarters. I will let you know." He paused at the entrance of the crèche.

Fingering his chin once more, he smiled sadly. "I will contact you shortly with the information."

"Okay, Dook," Qui-Gon said as they arrived. "Thank you for taking me!" he said.

"It was a pleasure, the Archives is great to visit." He waved goodbye as he turned and headed toward a lift to take him to the Master/Padawan level of the Temple.

"Bye Dook!" Qui-Gon said shouting after him before turning and heading back into the playroom.

Dooku stepped off the lift and headed to the shared quarters. I will miss the boy. This child has affected me in more ways than one.

Dark brows furrowed as he entered the sitting room and headed for the terminal to check on the Orders. He was to leave first thing in the morning and it was afternoon all ready.

Sighing, he went into his sleep room and packed. I will say goodbye to Qui-Gon after I get done here. He still had to do the dishes from the morning's meal.