"So you believe this woman, the one who lives under the great tree, could be instrumental in enacting the treaty?" Adi Gallia suppressed a small sigh, it had been a long day of pointless bickering and endless discussions of protocol. She stood before the table of food deciding, and wondering vaguely where her padawan had got too.
She had not seen Siri all day, but she wasn't worried, there was little danger on the planet. All indications pointed to a peaceful transition, the terms of the new government long ago agreed upon, only the formal signing of the treaty and newly drafted constitution remained a sticking point. Tradition required that the head of the oldest most distinguished family be the first to sign any new law or decree. This had proved to be a major obstacle as several of the ruling families present in the city lay claim to the distinction. Endless days of discussion and exhaustive debates over lineage had ensued and little progress had been made.
If Qui-Gon's research into the old woman's ancestry proved correct, if she really was the last descendant of the city's founding family, and if she was willing to sign the documents, it could end the dispute and save further delay.
"If you are right, it is a rather important errand on which to send your young padawan alone," Adi said, choosing a ripe piece of fruit and her words carefully. She did not want to sound as if she questioned the other Jedi master's judgement, although if truth be told she rather doubted the wisdom of sending an inexperienced boy on such a critical assignment.
If Qui-Gon picked up on the censure in her tone, he showed no outward sign. He sliced a small red melon with a knife and offered her half. Adi bowed her head, graciously accepted the offering.
He waited until she had bitten into the fruit before responding. "But Obi-Wan did not go alone. Siri went with him."
Adi swallowed hard and had to clear her throat twice before she trusted herself to speak without choking.
"You sent her with him?"
"No, she decided to go on her own."
"And you let her!"
"I saw no reason to stop her."
Adi closed her eyes briefly and Qui-Gon was almost sure he saw her elegant brows crease ever so slightly in chagrin, before her features relaxed back into perfect serenity, her voice betraying nothing a long moment later when she finally spoke.
"Siri is a fine Jedi padawan, her dedication, loyalty, and natural fighting ability are unquestionable. However, as a negotiator of a delicate situation, I am afraid she still has much to learn. This woman may be difficult to persuade."
Qui-Gon smiled inwardly. It was rare for Adi to admit weakness openly. "Siri and Obi-Wan have worked well together in the past, they each have individual strengths that compliment the other's, I am sure there is no need for concern."
"I must respect the trust you place in your apprentice, Qui-Gon, but although Obi-Wan has shown some promise as a diplomatic negotiator, he is young and inexperienced, and Siri is not easily lead. I do not believe the council would approve of sending them alone on this assignment. There is still much that could go wrong."
"Then this could prove to be a valuable lesson for them both." The expression in Qui-Gon's green-grey eyes was mild, but his jaw was set. He was not always as cautious as the Jedi council could hope.
Adi looked as if she had more to say on the matter, but seemed to change her mind for all she said was, "I certainly hope you are right, Qui-Gon."