A/N: Thanks to all those reviewed. Love ya!

ShalBrenfan: Er…I should have put in a note or something: this story's takes place in the 'Jedi Apprentice' timeline' – which means it's before the 'Phantom Menace' movie. :) No Anakin in it, sorry.

Killer Goldfish: You'll know, soon. :)

amber75: Update – now…and thanks for reading!

Szhismine, The dancing Cavalier: You'll know more soon:)

LuvEwan: That is really sweet of you. hugs Thank you, my dear.

Little One: Yep…you get to relive it all over again :). Here's the next

NuEvil: he hasn't been there in ages – how depressing grin

Estel Baggins: Welcome…and thanks for reading!

Lady Ivy Castillo: Wow. My thanks to your daughter. I hope you'll enjoy the ride. :)

And now…a very short post.

II

/If this is an attempt to initiate me into some obscure mind-reading technique, master, I'm yet to see the point of it. / Obi-Wan murmured through their bond, as they walked off the Royal Scaltian shuttle hangar—of truly impressive dimensions. Armed humanoid guards flanked them, providing what Obi-Wan thought quite unnecessary escort, leading them to the transport that would take them to the Scaltian Royal Palace.

Qui-Gon appeared to be immersed in the sight of a rich azure blue sky, tinged with streaks of rose and yellow. /Mind-reading, Obi-Wan?/

/Why this acceptance of King Zor's Royal invite, under the cloak of a 'mysterious mission'?/

/Mind-reading may be a skill you've cultivated—but patience seems to elude you./

/Is that the point you're trying to make?/ They had reached their Royal transport—a sleek, blue and gold ground car that seemed to be furnished on the inside with cushions tinged a rich mauve - trimmed with gold. Obi-Wan was used to finery, by now - yet, he could not resist blinking at this display.

His musings were disrupted by a voice in his head. /Considering you've been my padawan learner for years, and in a position to know my thinking processes—you ought to know./

/You relish taunting me. And the guards have been darting suspicious looks at each other ever since we landed. After all, we haven't spoken a word since we stepped off the shuttle./

/I believe they think we might be dumb./

/Ah. That was the point you wished to make./

/Insolent, are you?/

/Perhaps./

Qui-Gon frowned, his fingers toying with his beard in a gesture of thoughtfulness. /I've nourished a Tatooine sand-viper all these years./

Obi-Wan sank back onto the cushions, and grinned.

tbc...