Defeated

by B L Lindley Anderson

Mi'al is depressed over the council overruling him concerning Jareel's fitness for duty. He decides a working sabbatical will help him regain his focus. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are sent to help negotiate a peace treaty. The governor claims to want this peace, but does he want a fair peace? Do the Jedi know the real story?

Defeated

by B. L. Lindley-Anderson

Mi'al Noseen sat and toyed with his food. It was interesting, the designs he could make with it. Eating it never occurred to him.

"Good morning," Qui-Gon said as he set a tray down next to the chief healer. Before he sat he caught a view of Mi'al's plate. "Taking up a new hobby?"

"Hmm? Oh…good morning Qui-Gon…Obi-Wan," he added as the padawan walked up.

"What's the matter?" The Jedi master knew that it must be something significant to keep the normally cheerful healer in such a somber mood.

"Nothing really. Just one of those days."

"It's been one of those days for a couple of days…hasn't it? And besides that, if I were to make art out of my food for several consecutive meals instead of eating it, you'd have me in for a check up quicker than I could power on my light saber."

Mi'al didn't even smile. He set his fork down and leaned back in his chair.

"Good morning gentlemen," a dark bald man walked up to the table.

"Good morning Mace," Qui-Gon replied.

"Good morning Master Windu," the healer said.

"Excuse the interruption. I just wanted you to know that Jareel and Daven reported in last night about their mission to Atlan III."

Qui-Gon stole a glance at Mi'al. "How did it go?"

"Very well. As we feared, there was trouble. Someone tried to assassinate the new emperor. With some quick thinking and appropriate reaction, Jareel and Daven were able to thwart the attempt. The emperor sent back a glowing report of our two Jedi and how well they protected him."

"That's very good news," Mi'al replied.

"I'm glad to hear you say it," Mace responded. "You do recognize now that it was the right thing to get Jareel back on active duty?"

"I give Jareel all the credit he is due for this, Master Windu. My opinion is not changed."

"Even after this you still think he isn't ready?"

"He is still recovering."

"You think so? I'm sorry to hear that because we have already given them their next assignment. Jareel and Daven will be leaving Atlan III today to go on to Flochon." He watched for Mi'al's reaction. The healer was careful to reveal none. Windu leaned his elbows on the table. "Mi'al, I'm sorry that we've had this disagreement…at least on the level we have. I would like to think we can agree to disagree. As council leader and chief healer we should be able to put personal differences behind us and work together for the good of the Jedi."

"There was nothing personal in my decision. It was completely professional judgement," Mi'al said in an even tone.

"Yes…well, sometimes we all make those kind of decisions that just don't pan out. I appreciate the fact that you were concerned about Jareel, but I think it was just a bit of over reaction. However, you are our chief healer and have proven yourself on many occasions. So, I have no less confidence in you for one…misguided judgement. I'm sure it was hard because of the severity of Jareel's injuries. I understand you wanted to be sure of his recovery. But…now, I think we are sure after Atlan III. Can we put this behind us and go forward?"

Mi'al had sat straight and impassive through Windu's oration. He had been professional about the entire incident and was determined to let that guide his demeanor now. "It is a mistake to dwell on past things that one can not change. It is best to look forward."

"Good. I'm glad you feel that way. That only increases my confidence in you." Windu stood and walked away.

The healer stared at his plate, picked up the fork, and returned to his doodling.

"Is that what this is all about?" Qui-Gon asked. "You're down over the situation with Jareel?"

"I understand that sometimes unpopular decisions have to be made…and that sometimes the most expedient thing isn't the best thing…" his voice trailed off. He sighed and said, "But I still think it was wrong to allow a group of…lay people to decide Jareel's fate. They didn't understand all the details…or implications."

"I wish I knew what to say. I agree with you. But it does seem as if Jareel performed well on his mission…but you still don't think it's over?"

The healer turned his green eyes upon the Jedi master. "I should think you would know well the answer to that." The quietness of the remark kept it from sounding snide.

Qui-Gon made no reply. Memories washed over him of his own struggles…and how long it had taken him.

"It doesn't matter now. The decision has been made. There's nothing to be done but accept it…and be here for Jareel if he needs me." Mi'al's tone sounded defeated. He stood, picked up his tray and walked away.

"I've never seen him like that Master," Obi-Wan noted.

"Or I." The elder Jedi considered for a quiet moment. "I suppose recently he's had a little more…activity than he usually does. There was that trip to Garin. He was wounded and kidnapped. And…there were the clones…and the related…problems. Jareel and Daven's mission to Charon came soon after. He's been through a lot recently. Maybe he's just tired…not only physically but also emotionally."

"Yeah, I suppose so. Who does a counselor talk to when he needs counseling?"

"A good question Obi-Wan. Maybe just a friend? But Mi'al doesn't seem to have many of those either."

Mi'al dropped into the chair at his desk. He had a little free time before he should get started on the day's activities. So, he decided to catch up on some reading. The healer picked up a viewer to get back to a journal he had been reading. There was an interesting article about the epidemic on Orino. Mi'al had heard about it and was curious to know the status.

The illness was a cholera-like sickness. It was contained to a certain region of Orino. The situation was complicated by a war in the area. The infected region was battling against their neighbors so the people were suffering from the sickness and from war inflicted injuries. Another factor that worked against the people was lack of medical personnel in the area. Some doctors had been brought into the area, but the conditions were so harsh that it was difficult to find not only doctors, but any kind of caregiver, willing to come. However, the article also mentioned that a group called Intergalactic Relief was coordinating efforts with medical personnel from several planets as Orino reached out beyond itself for help.

As he finished the article, Mi'al sat in quiet thought. He had worked the Intergalactic Relief before. There must be something he could do. Here on safe Coruscant, in the Jedi temple, he was millions of kilometers away and felt helpless. Before he could finish his thoughts, the buzz of the comm panel on his desk sounded.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry to bother you Mi'al," Kiel began. "I know it's not quite time for your shift to start…but I could use your help…"

"I'll be right there."

Qui-Gon stood and carefully watched his padawan. Leish was next to him but said little. He, too, was busy watching the sparring match between Harld and Obi-Wan. Harld seemed to have an advantage right now and Obi-Wan seemed to be not entirely focused. The elder Jedi reached out and could sense a little confusion and some frustration from his apprentice.

Patience. Focus Padawan.

Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan was more skilled with a saber than Harld. However, he apparently had changed his technique somewhat and surprised Obi-Wan. A small smile played at the corners of Leish's mouth.

"Seems a bit rushed, doesn't he?" the green humanoid remarked.

"Obi-Wan will be fine," the elder Jedi replied confidently. He could feel the change in his padawan as he focused himself. Now he knew that his words would be borne out. Obi-Wan would be fine.

The apprentice successfully blocked two thrusts from Harld. As Harld withdrew from the attack, Obi-Wan took advantage of an opening the other apprentice left in his retreat. Before the other padawan realized it, Obi-Wan's blue blade had connected with him. Harld yelped mostly in frustration. Obi-Wan struck again immediately. The lapse caused by Harld's annoyance had given him ample opportunity. Now it seemed as if Leish's apprentice was completely undone by the sudden shift in momentum. He suddenly became totally defensive, trying to ward off any more touches. Obi-Wan knew he had rattled the padawan. It was easy to attack now…even with Harld's more aggressive defense. It was overly aggressive and that was stealing his energy and attention. Now Harld was backing away as Obi-Wan continued to advance. Completely losing track of where he was as his focus drained away, Harld backed into the wall. The unexpected cool hardness against his back was enough to completely distract him. One sweep of Obi-Wan's saber sent Harld's clattering to the floor. At once Obi-Wan stepped back and powered down his saber.

Leish was very unhappy about this ending. He had worked hard with his apprentice and knew there had been improvement. It was just hard for him to accept that his method of teaching…a very logical and rational method…had failed. For Jedi…who should be logical and rational, it seemed the only way. However, in the heat of battle there are many factors to be considered. Some of them are beyond logic. And even a Jedi can lose his control in a fevered fight. That was part of Qui-Gon's lesson to Obi-Wan. Apparently, he had been listening.

Trying to be as gracious as he could, Obi-Wan offered a hand to his friend and said, "A good effort Harld. You had me for awhile there."

The apprentice accepted the hand. "Not long enough apparently." He tried to smile, but it was obvious he was embarrassed. Harld retrieved his saber and turned to face his sour master.

"Harld, come with me," Leish began. As they walked away, the rest of the words were lost in a whisper.

"Well done Obi-Wan. You became frustrated but were able to over come that. Very well done."

"Thank you Master. I just hope I didn't make Harld feel too bad."

"I wouldn't worry about that. Better he should feel bad here at the temple when he loses. It will spur him on to learn. Then perhaps he will have no regrets at the end of a real battle. Come along and let's get cleaned up."

"Do you know when we will be assigned to a mission Master?"

"I know it is being discussed Padawan. That is all I can tell you. Bored here?"

"I'm sorry Master, but there's so much of the galaxy I haven't seen yet."

"Is that the only reason you wish to be away?"

"Do I have to answer that?"

"You just did."

"Hello Kura," Mi'al smiled as he shook the metal hand. "It's good to see you."

"Please come in and have a seat. I've seen so little of you recently. Let's talk. Busy?"

"Yes. Busy." Mi'al's answer was short and quiet.

"Hmm…that doesn't sound good."

"Let's just let it go for now. I came over hoping you'd have a good word for me."

"Well…the clones are making lots of progress. I have been training them…to help me out in the lab. A little selfish I suppose. But they are so much like children. I suppose most people want their children to take after them."

Mi'al grinned. He knew that Kura had spent more time with the replicas than anyone else…but thinking of them as his children…. He was amused. "So you are teaching them to be researchers?"

"Eventually. Right now, they are still learning basics. But they do catch on quickly. They are very helpful. Would you like to see Vita?"

"Maybe in a bit. I just wanted…to talk a little."

"Mi'al what's wrong?"

"Ah…you're going to think the only reason I came is to cry on your shoulder. I don't have many friends at the temple…and we worked together well at the temple hospital."

"Yes we did. I think we're pretty good friends. If you want to cry on my shoulder…it's free right now."

The healer smiled a sad smile. "Well…I do need to…get a few things out." Mi'al summarized the disagreement with the council over Jareel…without going into the details of the big Jedi's struggles. "I guess I'm feeling a little beat up right now."

"And picked on?"

"Maybe," Mi'al managed a little smile.

"You've had a rough time of it recently, since Garin," Kura observed. "Perhaps it's just that you're not used to all the…turmoil. As I told you, you live a very protected life at the temple."

"That's just what I was thinking recently. Funny you should bring it up. I, ah…actually was thinking about getting away from the temple for a bit."

"Really? What are you going to do?"

"I was going to request a sabbatical."

"Ah…a good rest will help much."

"No…I don't want to rest. I want to get out into the 'real world'. Like you said before."

"What have you got in mind?" Kura looked sidelong at him. "No more of this Jedi duty thing I hope?"

"No. I want to get away from the Jedi for a while…see what it's like away from them. I was reading about a planet with a raging epidemic…and a war. They are having problems getting enough medical help because of the conditions."

Kura put a hand to his chin. "Are you sure that's what you want to do? It sounds dangerous." Mentally the bionic creature kicked himself. Since when did you become so caring about what happens to Jedi? I thought that would be over once I got away from that temple.

"Yes, quite sure. This is a chance to help some truly needy people. They need medical types. My chance to get out of the protection of the temple."

The metal man was fighting the war of his growing fondness of the gentle healer…and his determination to not have emotional ties of any kind. He forced himself to not think of Mi'al's safety. "You sound determined. I suppose I shouldn't try to talk you out of it?"

"Don't try. I've thought much about it. Getting it out in the open like this has only helped me solidify my decision. As soon as I get back to the temple, I'm going to request sabbatical and book transport on the first flight out."

"Hmm…Vita has certainly missed you. It's too bad you're going away so quickly. You would be surprised at how he is maturing." Kura was quiet for a moment. "I've got an idea. Why don't you take Vita along with you?"

"What? I don't know if that would be such a good idea."

"Sure it would. You two get along wonderfully. You would work well together. Remember I have been training Vita. He could be much help to you. Besides that…he is a big boy. He's strong. Vita has emotionally matured. And…I think maybe you could use some company right now."

The healer's bruised psyche welcomed the idea of having the enthusiastic and affectionate clone as a companion. But…he also had to think of Vita and the environment he would be taking him into. "This is a war ravaged area Kura. Do you think it's such a good idea?"

"Life is uncertain Mi'al. I don't know that the first time he sets foot out of this building that he won't step into some kind of trouble or accident. It really would be one of the best learning experiences he could have. At once he would learn of the outside world, society, conflict, helping, friendship. In a couple of months he could learn more than I can teach him in many times that."

The Jedi healer settled back in his chair as he thought it over. "All right. I would consider it a privilege to have him along. But…I have to make sure of my request for sabbatical first."

"Very well. Why don't you take care of that and I'll speak with Vita."

"Now," Kura's processed voice intoned, "Vita, listen only to the sound of my voice. You will obey the instructions I am about to give you, but you will not remember being hypnotized or that I told you to do these things. Do you understand?"

"Yes Kura," Vita's voice was quiet and wooden. "I will do as you say."

"There are some things I need for you to find out from Mi'al. He trusts you. Listen carefully now…"

"A complex situation this is on Orino," Yoda was saying. "Claim do the Gorinions that the Brations have invaded their land. Old this dispute is. Very old. Last century did the invasion take place. No objection was there at the time to the invasion. Accepted was the Bration rule. Voluntary subjects to the Brations have the Gorinions been for many years now."

Mace Windu took up the explanation. "Now, however, the Gorinions have decided that they want back the land that was taken from them and did manage to push the Brations out. The Brations reformed and went back to take the land that was now rightfully theirs because it was surrendered to them last century. Theirs is the legitimate claim. The Gorinions are led by…." Windu looked down at some notes before him.

"Haas Kahira," Qui-Gon supplied.

"Oh…that's right. You two have…met before," Windu tried to say without smiling.

"Yes, we have. However, I only know what he has told me about what is happening or Orino. I have not heard the other side before."

"Kahira claims to be leading his people in a freedom fight. The Gorinions and Brations have lived in peace since the invasion. There has been no repression. And…as I said, theirs is the legitimate claim to the land. We are assigning you and Obi-Wan to go to Orino and negotiate a settlement to this dispute. We will meet with you again before you go however. As Yoda said, the situation is complex. You must understand more about it before you leave. At first blush, it may seem as though Kahira is correct. Also, we want to discuss negotiation strategy with you. This is not as straightforward as siding with the legal government and taking their side. All claims from last century are verbal agreements. There is little to back up what the Brations claim. Tomorrow morning we will cover this and you may leave the following day."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed and turned to leave. In the lobby outside the council meeting chamber, Mi'al sat, waiting.

"Hello. I thought we were the last on the agenda today."

"You are," the healer replied. "I'm waiting for Master Yoda."

"Must be important for you to be waiting to catch him as soon as the council breaks for the day."

"It's important to me. I'm waiting for formal approval of my sabbatical. I was supposed to get an answer earlier today…and I have flight arrangements for a ship leaving in…about an hour and a half. I need to know so I can go on or change my plans."

"Whoa…wait. What are you talking about? You're going on sabbatical?"

"Sorry. I've been so busy preparing I suppose I forgot to tell you."

"This is sudden…and unexpected."

"Yes…but it's what I need right now."

"A break?" Qui-Gon remembered his conversation with Obi-Wan about what the healer had endured recently.

"No, a working sabbatical. Oh…excuse me. Master Yoda." Mi'al hurried over to the small green Jedi who was hobbling away. "Master, you were supposed to let me know about my request earlier."

"Sorry I am Mi'al. Preoccupied I have been. Approved you have been. Where go you, hmm?"

But the healer had decided that he didn't want anyone at the temple to know his plans. On leave, he would be free to do what he chose as long as it did not violate the Jedi code or rules. However, if he chose to spend his time in a pursuit not popular with the temple…although well within the code, then there might pressure on him to do the politically correct thing. Pressure he did not want or need right now.

"Where I am needed," he said cryptically. "I will be working with Intergalactic Relief. They will know where I am should you need to know." Then he bowed and hurried away. Mi'al hit the button for the lift.

"Well?" Qui-Gon asked as he walked up.

"I'm approved. All I have to do now is get to the spaceport."

"You're in a hurry…and you seem happier."

"Yes on both counts," the healer replied as he entered the lift car. "I'm going to help some people who desperately need help. They will welcome any medical aid they can get."

That last sentence said more to the Jedi master than Mi'al intended…and Qui-Gon understood. Perhaps it was all that had happened since Garin, but it was obvious that Mi'al was taking the situation with Jareel particularly hard. Now he had a desire to feel needed.

"Where are you going?"

The lift doors opened and Mi'al exited. "Where there is need," he replied simply before he turned to leave.

"Hello Kura. Sorry for the rush. I should have planned better. Actually, I planned well. It was the council who caused my plans to go awry. I didn't find out until late whether I was approved or not."

"Don't worry. It's not a rush. I had Vita ready. I knew when your flight was scheduled to leave. So, I decided it would be better to be ready and possibly have to wait instead of waiting to see when you would be leaving. Just a minute and I'll get him."

The healer shuffled a little and then rebuked himself. He took a deep breath and held it briefly. Even if he missed this flight, he could get one tomorrow. No need to be upset. That's when he realized it wasn't that he feared missing the flight. He was that anxious to go to Orino.

"Hi Mi'al!" a familiar voice called.

The Jedi healer turned to see Vita hurrying his way carrying a travel bag. He gave the healer a quick embrace and seemed to blush deeper green over it. "I guess I just missed you. You've been gone a lot."

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry I haven't been to see you much. But…I guess this will make up for it. We'd better hurry." He turned to shake hands with the bionic creature. "Thanks Kura. I appreciate what you're doing for me."

"Don't mention it. Just…be careful both of you."

"I'll look after Vita. I give you my word."

"Goodbye Kura," Vita called over his shoulder and he hurried with Mi'al to the waiting speeder."

Kura waved a metal hand and congratulated himself for his brilliance.

"Master?"

"Yes Obi-Wan?"

"You're very quiet. You have been since we left Mi'al. Is something wrong?"

"I suppose I'm just being silly. I shouldn't worry about him."

"Why are you worried?"

Qui-Gon folded his big hands together and laid them on the dining table. "For the same reason he was worried about Jareel. I think that Mi'al thinks he has something to prove."

"I don't understand."

"You remember that exchange over breakfast recently between Master Windu and Mi'al?"

"Yes Master."

"I think our chief healer is taking this situation harder than he is admitting. Now he feels he needs to prove to the council that he hasn't lost his edge…that he wasn't wrong."

"That's what has you worried?"

"I'm not sure how far he may go to prove it. He seemed as if he didn't want to mention where he was going. I guess I worry when people appear to have something to hide."

And Obi-Wan had something new to think about also. He wished he hadn't thought of it.

"What is it Padawan?"

"I was just thinking…about what Mi'al said before about…how he performed on Garin. He said he should have done better at holding off those who tried to kidnap the clones. You don't think…"

"That he would try to prove he could handle a saber better?" Qui-Gon finished for him. "I don't know Obi-Wan. I just don't know. I'm wondering if he should have been sent out in his state of mind…"

Vita was excited and awed by all that he saw. This was really his first outing since coming to Coruscant. He had seen much from windows…but to be out in it all! The clone didn't say much as they walked through the spaceport…but he was wide-eyed as he looked around at all the different beings. Vita watched every move the clerk and the counter made and asked many questions about what she was doing. Mi'al tried to explain that she was busy, but she smiled and tried to answer all she could.

The replica was very friendly to the stewards and stewardesses who were checking passengers in and guiding them to their cabins. Used to bored passengers who seemed to want to be left alone, the crew members welcomed Vita's enthusiasm and friendliness.

"Wow! Mi'al this is great!" Vita exclaimed as they walked down the corridor of the liner. "I've never seen so many different creatures before. How many kinds are there?"

The tall grey haired man chuckled. "I can't answer that Vita. There are many, many worlds in the galaxy. Many species. Here it is…our cabin." The healer opened the door and let the Klastarian clone enter first.

"Wow!" That seemed to be Vita's favorite word now. "This is great!" His other favorite word. "This is even nicer than my bedroom in Kura's building."

"It's nicer than my room in the temple," Mi'al admitted as he looked around. "Come on. Let's go have our evening meal. Then we can tour the ship.

"What are you going to have?" Mi'al asked Vita as he poured over the menu.

"It's hard to pick. Everything sounds good…and I'm starved!"

"There are many delicious items for very hungry people," the waiter said as he placed water glasses on the table. "Are you ready to order?"

"Vita?" Mi'al asked.

The green creature changed his order three times. Finally, he looked sheepishly at the healer. "Can I order two things?"

"Do you really think you can eat that much?"

"Sure!"

The waiter took the order and left with a chuckle. Vita openly stared at everyone, until he realized some looked back. Then he slumped in his chair and seemed uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" the healer asked.

"Everyone is staring at me. I'm different…and they are all looking at me."

The Jedi looked around and smiled a little. "You were just looking around at all the different creatures. That's probably all they were doing. We're all different."

The clone tried to look around surreptitiously. "Are you sure? I don't look…strange or anything do I?"

"No," Mi'al assured him. "You don't look strange." Kura had told him that he estimated the clones to have emotionally matured to adolescence. Even during the short time the healer had been around Vita, he agreed with that estimate.

The pair was strolling along the corridor. "I'm impressed with your…appetite Vita."

"Kura says that between the five of us we are going to bankrupt his company," the clone said seriously. Mi'al laughed and Vita looked stricken. "What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry Vita. I thought you were trying to be funny. Remember I haven't been around you much recently while you were 'growing up'. I didn't hurt your feelings did I?"

"No," he mumbled. Then he spotted the observation lounge. The big green creature hurried into it. "Wow! That's what hyperspace looks like?"

"You know about hyperspace?"

"A little. Kura told me so I would know before I left on my trip."

"I've only seen it a few times myself." The healer sat down and stared out the window.

"Mi'al?"

"Yes?"

"I'm…scared…only a little…but…"

"About where we are going? I know it sounds scary with all those sick people and fighting, but if we are careful, we should be all right. We are going to help those people. Other doctors are afraid also. Some won't come because of that…but others know it could be dangerous, yet they choose to come. Do you want to go back home?"

"No. Kura talked to me about it. I know it's dangerous…but you always told me about how you wanted to help people, that's why you're a healer."

"That's right. I do want to help people who are hurt or sick. Someone has to be the helper."

"You are…careful when you heal people. You aren't like those doctors who used to stick us. They only wanted to get blood and then left. Even when you helped them that time, you still wanted to know if I was OK after it was over. That's the way I want to be."

Mi'al wasn't sure what to say. It was true that Vita was quite intelligent. He remembered the incident…and had bothered to take the time to think it through. The healer was impressed with that…and glad that the clone now realized he had not meant harm.

"Will you teach me Mi'al?"

"I don't know that I can teach you to care Vita. That has to come from inside. But you do seem to have that characteristic. You want to help. I'll teach you all I can. It won't be easy. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's…messy."

"I'll try," Vita said a little uncertainly.

"That's all I can ask…that you try."

Two days after the healer and his companion had left for Orino, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi boarded a small transport in the landing bay of the Jedi temple. The elder Jedi's mind was filled with questions. Haas had tried to compel him to come to Orino to fight with his people. He had kidnapped Obi-Wan for the same reason. Then suddenly he had a change of mind because he said that Kura had shown them a way to settle their dispute without fighting. However, there was a battle going on. Was that due to the Gorinions or the Brations? The Brations were the ones with the epidemic. Why would they be fighting if sickness were ravaging their land? Or had Haas gone back on his word and started the war up again? It was all very confusing to the Jedi.

"We are cleared to lift Obi-Wan. Are you ready?"

"Yes Master."

"Very well. Let's go."

The silver and blue transport cleared the landing bay and then angled up and out of the atmosphere. Once away from the controlled space and gravity well of Coruscant, the jump to hyperspace was made with the small ship diving through the star lines.

"All systems are in nominal operating ranges," Qui-Gon announced.

Obi-Wan loosed his seat restraints and stared out at the mottled hyperspace tunnel they were traveling through. He was trying to recall what he could about Haas and the trip to Orino…which wasn't much. The padawan had been very ill for most of the trip. Most of his memories were of Kura tending him. The metal creature was so gentle in his ministrations. And later…there were memories of a couple of the Gorinions helping. He remembered the big brown furry creatures. It was almost like waking from a nightmare the first time he saw one of them bending over him. However, the tall brutish looking creatures had treated him kindly. He had some memories of their high words for Kura and his peaceful solution to their problem of invaders. Going back to Orino was almost like stepping into a dream. That's what most of the trip seemed in his semiconscious state.

The first that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had heard of the epidemic was a casual mention by Mi'al. The apprentice had wondered if it was the exposure that the Gorinions had to him that took the disease to their planet. At first, he had felt somewhat guilty. However, he realized that he had no control over events while he was sick…and no knowledge of what he had or the possibility that it was contagious.

"Obi-Wan."

"Hmm? I'm sorry Master. Were you speaking to me?"

"Yes. Preoccupied?"

"Just thinking about Haas…and Kura."

"Yes…this will be interesting. Haas has no love for me, first refusing to help him and then threatening him when he kidnapped you. Now, we are going to be showing up to help the Brations. This may be complicated."

"I wonder now what Kura suggested to Haas as a peaceful way to settle their dispute. It obviously didn't work."

"No, it didn't. However, we will be acting more officially than Kura did. Perhaps we can bring a more official…and longer lasting truce to this. I'm very curious to see what is going on there."

The Jedi healer had worried that the trip might be boring to Vita, being in an enclosed space for so long. But it was a large ship…and it was his first excursion. The Klastarian was interested in everything and everyone. Still he was very shy around the other passengers. It was an amusing sight to see the big green creature trying to stand behind Mi'al. Even as tall as he was, the healer couldn't conceal the clone. Mi'al had to constantly assure Vita that he wasn't strange looking and that everyone wasn't staring at him.

His overly healthy appetite never ceased to amaze Mi'al either. A large breakfast only meant that Vita could wait until midmorning before he needed something else to eat. The healer was sure there were other creatures with voracious appetites…still, he was a little embarrassed at the huge meals the replica easily put away.

"Mi'al?" Vita said as they were walking slowly down the corridor.

"Yes?"

"This fighting on Orino…. Can't they agree to split the land between the two groups? Each side would get the same amount. It would be fair and they wouldn't have to fight anymore. Wouldn't they be happy then?"

The healer drew in a deep breath. Now he understood what Qui-Gon meant about the children in the crèche asking simple questions that needed complex answers. "I know that sounds like a good idea Vita…but that's not the way everyone thinks." He stepped into a lounge, "Come here. Sit down." Mi'al sat down and interlocked the fingers of his hands as he rested his hands in his lap. He was stalling to think. "The Brations have owned the land for over a hundred years so they claim it belongs to them. The Gorinions that lived there then gave up the land to them…so they say. But now the Gorinions that are living today say that isn't right. The land was stolen from them and they have the right to take it back. That is what the argument is about."

"But…wouldn't just dividing the land satisfy them?"

"It should…but it won't. Each side thinks they own it and each side wants it all…not just part of it."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do they want all of it instead of part of it?"

Mi'al sighed deeply. "Because some creatures are greedy. They want it all. Your idea is a nice one…but it would only work with nice beings. These creatures are not like that."

"But why doesn't the government just come in and tell them it will be this way…half and half?"

The healer ran a hand through his grey hair. Even his padawans had not questioned him like this. They seemed busy enough just trying to learn their lessons and keep up their training. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know Vita."

"Oh."

"Come on. We haven't been to the gift shop yet. You can buy presents for your…brothers and for Kura." He hoped that would sidetrack the discussion.

"OK," Vita said happily. "That would be great."

Qui-Gon always tried to make sure he had plenty to keep him busy while traveling. The long distances involved could make for some boring trips if he didn't prepare for them. There was the information on the conflict on Orino that he could look over. However, in their desire to hopefully settle this quickly, the council had talked in depth with the Jedi about the situation. The elder Jedi didn't want to go back over all that…again. He had brought books to read…and had spent some time in meditation. Interesting…and time consuming…yet he still found his mind wandering from the book resting in his lap.

He thought bout Jareel and Daven. He had been more than relieved to hear how well his friend had handled his first mission back from his injuries. However, he remembered what it was like to be in the position that the big Jedi seemed to be in. Qui-Gon knew that what Mi'al said was true. Jareel was not over this yet…in spite of what the council seemed to think. The elder Jedi couldn't help but be concerned about his friend. He had told Obi-Wan that the Force would be with Jareel and Daven…and that it had been with them on Charon. That was a reminder that the Force didn't deliver a Jedi from all his troubles. Sometimes a trial had to be endured…yet the Force would see one through it. So, even though he knew the Force would be with them…that still didn't mean they had a clear road before them.

And what of Mi'al? He had suffered his own trial through this…and had come up seeming defeated. He was going where he was needed. Did he truly think the Jedi didn't need him anymore? It had to be a blow to have the head of the Jedi council question his judgement…to call on one of the assistant healers to look over his shoulder. Mi'al knew he was right and Qui-Gon knew the healer was right. So…what was Windu's motivation in his action? The Jedi didn't think it was because Windu was trying to show up Mi'al. They had never had such conflicts before. Their working relationship was good. Maybe it was the simple fact that Mace just didn't understand. All he saw was the outer Jareel…and only knew the inside Jareel from what the big man told him. Qui-Gon only hoped the healer practiced what he preached…and didn't try to prove anything.

The Jedi was roused from his thoughts by Obi-Wan sitting down hard at the table in the common area. He was busy munching on some snack and trying to read while he sat down without looking. That's why his impact on the chair was hard. He almost missed it. But the padawan said nothing and didn't take his attention from the viewer in his hand. This was a new distraction for Qui-Gon and he tried to watch surreptitiously.

The apprentice drew one foot into the chair under him. The other he put against the edge of the table. Immediately his master started to chastise him for putting his feet on the table they also ate on, but he chose to watch the display first. As Obi-Wan was pulled more into whatever he was reading his chewing slowed down. His eye movement sped up. It must be interesting. Then he seemed to relax and resume his eating. He pushed against the table and the chair leaned backward. Another habit Qui-Gon had reproved the padawan for. Many times he had watched Obi-Wan's chair lean back so far that he was certain it would tip, only to have the apprentice lean forward just in time. Good instincts the master assumed.

Qui-Gon now watched openly since it seemed certain that Obi-Wan was taking no notice of him. He must have found a good, exciting novel to occupy his time. The padawan was rocking a little on the back legs of the chair. His cheeks puffed out with the big bite of food he has just taken. He stopped chewing and was quite amusing looking, as if he had mumps with the food still stuffed in the sides of his mouth. The apprentice's eyes opened wider and he leaned back some more. The plot was consuming all his attention now, that much was obvious. Now his eyes were ever wider and moving rapidly. Just as he was coming to a particularly climatic and unexpected scene, he swallowed hard and lost his balance. The chair fell over backward. The viewer flew one direction and food the other. The smack of the chair on the floor was accompanied by a yelp.

Qui-Gon leaped up and hurried over. "Obi-Wan! Are you all right?"

The apprentice looked up sheepishly. "Yes," he said quietly.

Assured the padawan was not injured…and replaying the scene in his head, Qui-Gon burst into laughter.

Slowly getting to his feet, Obi-Wan mumbled, "It wasn't funny. I could have been hurt."

"Yes, I know. That's why I tell you not to do that."

The padawan's cheeks flushed slightly. His attempt for sympathy had only helped his master make a point. Obi-Wan said nothing more but just cleaned up his mess. Then he retreated to a sleep couch to finish reading.

Qui-Gon said nothing more about the incident, but hid a smile behind his hand as he sat back down to read.

Finally, the day came when the commercial liner settled onto the landing pad at the spaceport on Orino. Vita was filled with excitement about visiting another planet…and the promise of adventure. That was tempered with some trepidation over what awaited them. Mi'al had tried to prepare the adolescent in an adult body for what Orino might be like. He described…graphically, the illness that was sweeping through the Brations. The Klastarian had to be prepared for the reality of what they had come to help with. Vita tried not to react too strongly to the colorful depiction of the illness, so similar to what Obi-Wan had been sick with. Then there was the specter of war that the healer had tried to present. A more frightening picture to Vita. Violence and hate inspired more fear than the thought of someone lying weakly in bed suffering.

Several times during the trip, the healer had made the same offer. "Would you like to go home? There would be nothing to be embarrassed about if you decide to go back. It's not going to be easy. And this is the first time you've been out of a protected environment. I'll understand if you want to go back."

However, Vita had come to respect the healer even more during their time together on the trip. Kura was nice enough, but always distant. Mi'al was warm and caring. The first time anyone had really cared about what Vita thought or felt. The Jedi healer didn't realize that the clone was beginning to look up to him like a father…a father he wanted very much to be like. A caring and compassionate father. Something the Klastarian greatly wanted in his life.

"No Mi'al. I know that I have to get out in the world some time. I want to do it now…with you. I want you to teach me. I want to be like you."

That statement left the healer dumbfounded. Why was it different with Vita than with padawans? Maybe because Vita wasn't a Jedi…or a padawan. The relationship was very different. The clone didn't seem like an apprentice he had to admit. But…he wasn't sure what Vita was to him either.

With all the dire warnings Mi'al had given him, Vita expected to step off the liner into the middle of a war zone. He had to admit he was relieved that it didn't happen that way. Still, the check in procedure was difficult for him. The clone was not used to being questioned so heavily or distrusted. With the war going on not so far away, every passenger was under suspicion. However, when Mi'al made it known that he was a healer who had come to help…and that Vita was with him, everyone's attitude changed. They pulled them out of line and quickly cleared them.

"The building used by Intergalactic Relief as their headquarters is not far away," a humanoid Bration officer told the Jedi healer. "I'll be glad to have one of my men take you there."

"We don't want to be any trouble. I'm sure you must be busy with the hostilities…and trying to check passengers."

"You are no trouble," the officer was emphatic. "We welcome any medical help we can get. If I were able to, I'd carry you there on my own back. That's how welcome you are." He motioned one of his men over. "This is a Jedi healer and his assistant who've come to work with Intergalactic Relief. Please take him to their headquarters."

The soldier saluted smartly, "Yes sir. This way please." The young man picked up their bags and carried them out to an army speeder.

As he settled into the seat, the soldier said, "I wish I could give you a better welcome. It's hard to come by in the current environment…but welcome to Orino. We are particularly glad for medical assistance."

"How far away is the capital from the battle?"

"The line constantly changes. However, this city is in no danger. Most of the fighting is taking place away near the hills. A group of rebel Gorinions started this. So, they hide themselves in the rugged area making it more difficult to spot them. That's their advantage right now."

"How about the epidemic? Has there been much progress in slowing it?"

"We at least think we know how it started. The water supply has been contaminated. There have been many warnings not to drink from it. However, with the war going on, some of the people have no other source of water. Unless we can stop the fighting…and hopefully help with the water situation, there seems little hope of stopping it."

"What about negotiations to end the war? I assume that's being addressed."

The soldier looked sidelong at the healer. "Negotiate with the Gorinions? That's like negotiating with a stone wall. They are obstinate, unreasonable and aggressive."

Thinking back on what he did know of Haas, Mi'al agreed. "That is true. However, some effort is being made, isn't it?"

"I really can't address that," the soldier replied. "News travels slow from the hills. I'm not certain what is going on there."

Mi'al glanced at Vita who seemed very confused by all this.

"Why can't your side and the other side just sit down and talk?" the clone asked.

The soldier was taken aback by the question. He glanced at Vita then at Mi'al. Looking out the front windscreen he replied, "It isn't that simple. You don't understand."

The Klastarian started to ask another question but Mi'al laid a hand on his to forestall it. The soldier didn't understand Vita…and the clone probably wouldn't be able to accept whatever "official" answer the soldier might give. The healer would try to explain things later.

The speeder came to a halt in front of a run down building. The soldier seemed a little embarrassed. "It was the only thing available at the time. With the war…"

Mi'al let him off the hook. "Things are hard during war." He grabbed his travel bag and got out. Vita followed closely and timidly.

Looking for a familiar face as he entered, the soldier smiled and walked over to a desk. "Dr. Harroh, I have some help for you." The medium height dark complexioned doctor stood. A look of surprise came to his face.

"Mi'al! It's good to see you again." Dr. Blan Harroh was the doctor who did Jareel's surgery on Charon.

"Dr. Harroh. This is a surprise. I certainly didn't expect to find you here…of all places."

"It happened rather quickly actually. I came here a day or so after you left Charon. How is Jareel?"

"He has healed well and is back on duty now."

"That's good to know. So there were no complications to his recovery?"

"Ah…no. There were not. This is my helper, Vita. This is Dr. Harroh."

"Hello," Vita said quietly as he shook the offered hand.

"Since you two seem to know each other, I'll leave you to your work," the young soldier said."

"Thank you for the ride," Mi'al called after him.

"Come and sit down," Harroh offered. "There's a lot to be done. I'm glad for your assistance. You say Vita is your helper?"

"Yes," Mi'al wasn't sure how much to explain…especially right now. "He is a clone. Grown…but raised in a very sheltered environment. He is emotionally an adolescent. However, he has received some training in assisting in a lab setting. I think he can help me."

"Very well. We can use any kind of help. Even someone to help feed the sick…anything. We need more than just doctors or healers. I haven't been out into the middle of it yet. That's what I preferred…but so far I haven't gotten far from the administration." He leaned back in his chair and sighed. "That is needed though. It was a mess when I got here. Shipments were being lost. Contact had been lost with some of the doctors in the field. This is a chaotic environment as you can imagine. Someone has to keep up with this…and I guess I got the job. I keep telling myself this is just as necessary as the field work."

"It is Dr. Harroh. You know that. If you weren't doing this, the doctors in the field couldn't do their work."

The middle-aged doctor smiled a little. "If you keep talking like that, I'm going to keep you around here to cheer me up." Then he leaned on his desk. "I have a settlement here that needs someone. They have no medical personnel at all right now…only the townspeople caring for one another. However…it is close to the hills where the fighting is taking place."

"I didn't come here for comfort. I knew what I was getting into. If that's your greatest need, I'll go."

"Well…it is. This is all the welcome you get. We have an old speeder that the government let us have. I can have someone take you out near there…but not all the way. The Gorinions will shoot at any vehicle…no matter what symbol it has on it. They seem to have no respect for anyone or anything. You may have to walk the rest of the way. Are you two up to this?"

Mi'al looked over to Vita. His golden eyes were dull looking. Mi'al could feel the anxiety in him. The healer laid a hand on his big green one. "Would you rather stay here…or maybe go back home? I know you're scared. I have to admit I am too. It will be hard Vita…and maybe dangerous. There would be nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of it you decide you don't want to go."

The clone was silent for a long moment as he looked into the healer's gentle green eyes. There he found some strength…and the desire to be like the man behind the eyes. Quietly he said, "I'll go. I am afraid, but I'll go. Someone has to help. I want to."

The Jedi smiled warmly and squeezed the clone's hand. "You're very brave Vita. I'll be honored to have you by my side."

"You are brave," Dr. Harroh added. To Mi'al he said, "I think you've got quite an assistant there. Here is a map of the area. I've marked where you will be and here is the capital. The major roads are easily recognizable. If you need to get out of there…don't hesitate. After all, you'll be no good to us dead. And if you are accosted by soldiers or by rebels…cooperation is the best way. Once they figure out that you are no threat to them and have no weapons to offer, they usually will let doctors go. But some have been taken back to camps to tend wounded. I just want you to understand what you are getting into."

Mi'al took one more look at the clone who nodded slowly. "We're ready."

"Great. Let me tell you how we operate around here and get your ID in order. Then I'll have someone take you…as far as he can."

Even though Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had left much later than Mi'al and Vita, their flight had been a direct one. Going commercially, the healer and clone were subject to other stops and transfers. This allowed the Jedi to catch up. Their transport landed in the capital city about three hours after Mi'al and Vita had set out for their assignment.

The two Jedi left their transport and walked into the terminal building. Qui-Gon was looking around for the check-in desk. Obi-Wan was just looking around. A big brown creature was hurrying toward him. In his haste the furry being was shoving people out of his way without looking...or apologizing. The big brute seemed completely oblivious to the glares that were being aimed his direction.

To the apprentice he was a familiar big brown creature. The being came to a stop directly in front of the padawan. He put his hands on his hips and with a huff he said, "You are Obi-Wan. I remember you. I'm Jinant."

The padawan smiled, "Yes, I remember you. You helped take care of me when I was sick." He shook the big furry paw. "Oh…you probably remember Master Qui-Gon."

"Yes, I do remember you," he offered his hand.

"Jinant, good to see you again." Frankly, Qui-Gon wasn't sure how to react to the Gorinion. He had taken care of Obi-Wan…but he had helped kidnap him as well. "Where is Haas?"

"I'm here on behalf of our people for the negotiations. Haas is…hiding right now. The Brations blame him for starting this war and want to arrest him." He hesitated. This had seemed a good idea…and the creature still thought it was. He was just uncertain how to ask…and uncertain how the Jedi would react. He directed his comments toward Obi-Wan since the apprentice seemed friendlier. And he also remembered the creature caring for him. "The Brations make much of how…civilized they are. They say the Gorinions are just beasts. I want to look more civilized for the negotiations. Can you help me?" He seemed very sincere in his request, but Obi-Wan couldn't help notice that Jinant was vigorously scratching his rear as he talked.

Obi-Wan looked at his master who seemed slightly amused. "Am I allowed to Master?"

"I don't see why not. It has no direct effect on the mediations. It is not as if you are negotiating behind their backs. At least…I assume that will be the case."

"Oh yes," Jinant assured him. "I don't want to play the Brations' games. I want to look smarter and better behaved. That way they will take me more seriously. I won't have to do things behind their backs."

"It's your choice Padawan. Do you want to do this?"

"Well, it would be a way to thank him. Yes, I'll do it."

"I will tell you where I am staying here in the city. You come to me. I don't want the Brations…or the governor to know what I am doing. They will say I am not being honest. They think everything the Gorinions do is wrong."

"Really?" Qui-Gon replied his interest piqued. "No wonder you have so much trouble getting along. You have my permission to do this Obi-Wan…as long as you do not try to make any deals away from the negotiation table and as long as it doesn't interfere with our mission."

"Thank you Master Qui-Gon," Jinant said as he grabbed the Jedi's hand and vigorously pumped it. He let out a sudden loud belch. "Good food at the hotel," he said as his licked his lips.

"You're welcome," he replied as he tried to pull away. "While you two are making plans, I'm going to look for our escort."

The Jedi received a very warm welcome from the officer in charge at the spaceport. He had high hopes that the arrival of the two emissaries would soon put an end to this war…and put the Gorinions in their place. The brutish creatures seemed to accept no authority save their own and the officer wondered how they would react to the involvement of the Jedi.

The general accompanied the pair to the governor's mansion in his speeder. He seemed almost to fall over himself in introducing the Jedi to the executive officer.

"You are most welcome Master Qui-Gon and you Obi-Wan." Governor Gahd shook their hands. "Please sit down. Refreshments will be brought. I certainly hope you can help us with this awful situation. I have been trying to get the Brations and Gorinions to settle this dispute for some time now. It is almost as if Haas Kahira and his people prefer to fight instead of settling it. The Brations have indicated to me their great desire to see an end to this. However, I don't have the complete trust of either side. Each seems to think I prefer the other. I hope that an outside interest can help."

"As I do Governor. I am a little confused however. I had an…encounter not so long ago with Kahira. He indicated at the time that he had found a peaceful solution to this conflict and hoped the war was at an end."

"Oh? I wasn't aware that you knew him. I hope this influences you none."

"I assure you Governor Gahd that it will not. My personal feelings are not at issue here. If the Jedi council did not believe I was capable of being objective I would not be here."

"Hmm. Well…. Anyway, I don't know what Kahira told you, but I assure you there has been no slowdown in the hostilities, has there General?"

"None," he lied. There had been a time when the Gorinions had backed off…not long before the epidemic broke out. However, the general was Bration and his view was tilted. He justified it by telling himself the break in battle had been short lived enough that he considered it merely a slow down…not an end.

"At any rate, when I found out you would be coming here, I summoned leaders from both sides to meet with you. They are here in the capital now."

"Oh? I was under the impression that I would be going to their camps to meet with each side."

"I don't think that is warranted…or necessary. I can't protect you if you go out into the fighting. I'm sure they will shoot at anyone they think may have an interest in this."

"I assure you we can look after ourselves Governor."

"Well…what's done is done. They are here and we can talk in the peace and quiet of the mansion instead of the disturbance of the war. Don't you think that would be better? General, summon the Bration and the Gorinion to the mansion."

"The Gorinion. Is that Haas Kahira?"

"No, it is not. He refused to come. He would not leave his people. It is Jinant Kahira…a relative of his."

"Yes, I know of him also."

"Well," Gahd leaned back and looked somewhat down his nose at the Jedi master. "You seem to know them well. I didn't realize you were so well acquainted. At any rate…I hope that helps you. They do seem rather…unrefined and crude. My advisors know I have tried to deal with them. Kahira is most unreasonable."

"Perhaps he has a reason to be."

"Are you talking sides all ready?"

"Excuse me. Allow me to rephrase my sentence. Perhaps he perceives that he has a reason to be."

"I'm sorry. This is as far as I can take you. That last shot at us convinced me. They are less likely to shoot at people out walking than at a vehicle. They probably think I am bringing supplies."

"You don't deliver supplies to the people?"

"We have to sneak them in at night and in small shipments. The Gorinions will shoot at any vehicle so we can't openly drive a speeder into town. Someone will be in touch with you about when to expect a delivery. I'd better get out of here. Good luck to you."

Mi'al and the clone got out of the speeder. The healer looked over to his companion, "Are you ready Vita?"

"Yes," he said with as much determination as he could.

The pair set off down the pockmarked road.

"Are all creatures in the galaxy like this?" Vita asked.

"Some are not…and some are worse. There are as many mentalities, personalities, and views as there are beings…and every one of those characteristics…and more determines how creatures react in situations like this."

Vita didn't answer. He was beginning to see there was much of the galaxy he didn't understand…being shut away from it all.

Evidence of battle was all around them. There were large holes in the road where blaster cannons or bombs had been fired. Fires had burned away some of the trees and vegetation. Then Mi'al noticed a couple of bodies just off the road. He looked quickly at Vita, wondering how the naïve Klastarian would react.

Vita stopped suddenly as he saw the blaster fire-ridden bodies. He turned away at once. Mi'al put a hand on his shoulder and the clone grabbed at the healer, sobbing. "That's horrible," he cried. It was the first time he had seen a dead body…and it was a mutilated one. "How can they do this to each other?"

Mi'al embraced him. "I really don't understand it myself, Vita. Some beings hate others for reasons that don't make any sense. I wish I had an easy answer for you…but there isn't one. Are you all right?"

"Yes…I guess," he sobbed as he pulled away from the healer. His golden eyes were dark and wet. "How can they hate so much to want to kill someone?"

"I know what it's like to be angry with someone Vita…and to not like a person…but I don't know how it feels to hate someone that much. I just can't explain these things to you. I know it's hard. It's hard for me to understand too. It's just that…I've seen it before. You're going to see much worse before this is over with. Do you think you can handle it?"

Now the healer could feel genuine fear in the clone. Worse? Worse than this? Anxiety threatened to overwhelm Vita. Could he handle it he wondered?

"I'll be here with you," Mi'al assured him gently yet firmly. It would be harder to turn back now, but if Vita couldn't handle it he wouldn't force it on him. "Do you want to go back?"

The clone looked into the sympathetic face. Mi'al may not understand what was going on around him…but he did understand how Vita felt. "I guess if there are other places in the galaxy like this…I have to get used to it. Or go back to Kura's lab forever."

"If you want to help other people…this is what you have to face sometimes. I tried to tell you. I know it's harder to see it than to just hear about it."

Even though he was still unsure, Vita wasn't sure that he wanted to leave Mi'al either. His father….

"I have to do this. Even if it's hard…I have to do it."

"OK. I won't leave you…I promise. Whatever we have to face…we face together."

"OK," Vita said…still uncertain. They began walking again and the Klastarian tried to keep his eyes on the road.

Governor Gahd led the two Jedi to a lavish bedroom. It was easily big enough to be three rooms…but it was only one. "You will stay here Master Qui-Gon. Through that door is the adjoining bedroom where your apprentice will stay. Worry not…it is just as nice as this one. I will leave you to refresh yourselves until we are ready to begin the talks." The governor turned to go, pulling the double doors shut behind him.

Obi-Wan whistled as he looked around the room. A high ceiling with elaborate designs cut into it. Large chandeliers that threw rainbows all over the room as sunlight shone through the large crystals that hung from them. A thin silk-like material hung in huge billows from the ceiling to the floor at each tall window. The furniture was of light wood and carved with native floral designs. A huge bowl of fruit, which looked as though it could feed one person for a week, sat in the middle of a large table.

The apprentice crossed to the bed. A rich thick red quilted spread covered it. Obi-Wan turned his back to the bed and fell onto it. "Ahh…. If my bed is anything like yours, I'm going to sleep good tonight!"

"Don't be so impressed with material wealth Padawan. There's so little depth to it. It's like qualla fruit…beautiful on the outside but bitter on the inside. You know as well as I do…it's what's on the inside that counts."

"Yes Master. You are right, of course. But…is there anything in the code about enjoying it when it's offered to you?"

Qui-Gon gave his apprentice a sour look. "Perhaps some early morning meditation might clear your head."

Obi-Wan sat up. He supposed he had gone too far. The padawan walked over to the table where his master had sat down and pulled out a chair.

"We may have been put here for a purpose. I don't know where the governor's sympathies lie, but I feel certain he probably does support one side over the other. Most politicians usually do take sides. That is why you can not allow yourself to be blinded by the glitter around you Padawan. Governor Gahd may be trying to influence us. We must be mindful."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan said penitently.

"What can you tell me about Jinant? Anything that may be of help to us right now?"

"Not much Master. He seemed nice when he was taking care of me. He was very interested in how I felt. And…he never complained when he had to…clean up after me." Obi-Wan's cheeks reddened a little.

"That sounds in direct contrast to the picture that the general and the governor are presenting of the Gorinions. They speak of them almost as if they were animals. And they say they are completely unreasonable and hard to deal with. Were there any others that were around much?"

"There were a couple of others who helped Jinant. They did seem to be a little…argumentative among themselves a couple of times. Kura seemed to get along well with them. That's only a few memories. It was only at the end that I really remember much. The rest of it is almost like a dream…like images."

"That's all right. Only provide what you can. Anything that we have to work with is better than nothing. I know in my dealings with Haas that he is…unreasonable. Yet, he seemed…different when I last talked to him…after he told me Kura had told him of a peaceful solution." Qui-Gon thought as he toyed with the strands of his chestnut-grey beard. "I'm not certain what to make of this. Two different images of the Gorinions. But one could be an act to deceive."

"You are inclined to think that Haas' actions…in relation to you at least…reveal his real personality."

"That seems reasonable. After all, he was the one who originally approached me…and attacked me when I wouldn't cooperate."

"So, what do you think of Jinant?"

"That's a good question. If it were true that Kura gave them a new way to handle their dispute, then Jinant could have been nice to you so you wouldn't want to act against them for kidnapping you. Helping care for you would be a good way to win you over. And…you really don't know what transpired among the Gorinions…or between them and Kura while you were sick."

"Between the Gorinions and Kura?"

"Yes. It may be true that Kura was trying to help them…or if all the Gorinions are like Haas, they may have threatened Kura the same as Haas threatened me."

Obi-Wan considered before he answered. "So…we really have nothing definite to guide us…even though we have much information about Haas and his people."

"That is correct Obi-Wan."

The Jedi healer and the clone saw the small town just ahead. Sweat poured down their faces. The walk had been long and hot. They had not encountered any fighting…although the sounds of it echoed from the nearby hills. Vita seemed to be startled by every blaster shot or other weapon sound he heard. Mi'al held onto his hand to reassure and comfort him. The Klastarian was careful not to look away from the road. That didn't stop the view of death however. There were bodies in the road as well. The healer had seen one from a distance that had small animals around it. He knew what that meant about the condition of the body. He pulled Vita close to him and tried to keep his attention away from it. The clone seemed to sense that Mi'al was trying to direct his attention away…and even his curiosity couldn't over come his fear and uncertainty.

Even a Klastarian body will only be fearful for so long. Then it begins to tire from the elevated metabolic processes. Vita began to relax in spite of his emotions. He no longer jumped at every noise. And he was learning to look away from large dark figures along their path. Even thought the town was in sight, the emotionally adolescent clone was too exhausted to stand anymore.

Vita sank down to the ground and began sobbing. Mi'al knelt next to him and drew the Klastarian to him. He could think of no words…but just held the green creature. This had to be traumatic for one who had been shut away in a lab most of his life. The release would be good for Vita.

"I'm so tired…and sick," he wailed. "I can't do this Mi'al. I'm sorry. I don't want to see any more dead bodies. I want to go home."

The healer didn't answer right away. Instead he let Vita get all the hurt and confusion out through his tears. He held him close and just let him cry. When at last it seemed as if the creature had expended himself, Mi'al pulled away so he could look him in the face.

Vita's face had tear tracks in the dust caked on his face. The Jedi healer took a cloth and gently dried the tears, trying to remove as much dirt as he could. "You've been very brave Vita. This has to be hard for you. I never had to face all this at once the way you have…but I know it must be hard to do. It's hard even for me right now. I suppose I should have thought more about it before I brought you into this. I'll turn around right now and take you back if you want to go home. But…you are going to have to walk all the way this time…and see those same dead bodies. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I just want you to understand that turning around isn't going to remove it. It's still all there. And you do realize that if you go back to Coruscant, I won't be going with you. I have to stay. I have to do this. You'll be going back by yourself." Mi'al looked into the agonized face. It was almost heart breaking to him. "Now…you tell me what you want to do and I'll do it."

Vita looked down at the ground. He hadn't thought about what going back meant. He just wanted to be away from all this…but going back wouldn't take it away. He would have to see it all…and maybe more as they walked all the way back. Such a long walk too. He was so tired. Even if that's what he truly desired, the Klastarian wasn't sure he could do it right now anyway. What he really wanted was to collapse into a bed…and then maybe go home. And what about Mi'al? After he walked Vita all the way back, he would have to turn around and return to this town. And if he did go home…it would be without the healer's company. As upset as Vita was, the one thing he wanted right now was the company and comfort of the one person who truly seemed to care about him.

He reached out and grabbed the tall thin man, who was still kneeling next to him, in a hug. "I don't want to leave you. I want to be with you. You care about me."

"Yes, I do Vita. That's why I want to help you in what way I can right now. I don't want you to be hurt by all this if you can't handle it."

"I want to stay with you. I know it will be hard…but I want to be with you. Please."

"It's your choice Vita…but you have to be sure. You may see more things that…are not nice to look at."

"I know. I'll try hard to…get used to it. Please don't send me away."

"I won't send you away Vita. It's your choice."

"I'll stay," he said quietly.

Mi'al smiled a little. "I'm glad…and proud of you. We're very close to the town. Then you can sit and rest for awhile. Can you make it?"

The clone nodded and got to his feet. He started walking, looking only at the buildings just ahead. Mi'al wondered how much Vita could endure before it would be too much. Was this a mistake?

Arrangements had been made for the negotiations to begin the following day. The governor wanted to entertain the Jedi, lest they think him a negligent host.

"This isn't necessary Governor Gahd," Qui-Gon insisted. "I know that you must be a busy man. We can see to ourselves if you need to attend your business."

"But you are part of my business," the tubby man insisted. "What kind of host would I be to ignore two such important visitors?"

"As you wish. Can you tell me something more about the Brations? I know little of them."

"Ah…they are people of technology and culture. Hard at work to make sure their society advances."

"And the Gorinions…they are not creatures of technology?"

"No," he answered flatly. "They are not. Backward is the best way to describe them. But," he added quickly, "That seems to be their choice. They insist on fighting for example."

"They are combative," Qui-Gon agreed.

"The Brations have offered many times to end this conflict, but the Gorinions…gah! Who can understand them? We have tried to work with them, but if they can't have things exactly their own way, they are not interested."

That sounded like Haas. At their first meeting, the big brown furry creature had insisted that Qui-Gon come to Orino with him. The Jedi had tried to explain that he was on a mission and directed the Gorinion to the Jedi council to get help. Haas had not been happy with that suggestion. It seemed only to increase his insistence that the Jedi master come with him. And…further refusal had only precipitated an attack by the creature the next day. Insistent and combative. Yes, that described Haas Kahira perfectly.

Governor Gahd continued, "The Brations have even tried in the past to help those creatures…only to have their offers practically thrown back in their faces."

"Please tell me more."

"They have offered to send in advisors to help them with food production. Medical services were offered."

Qui-Gon's brow creased in confusion. "Why did they refuse?"

"Who knows the workings of their fuzzy brains? I can not say. The Brations who were thrown out of Gorinion land say that they were told to leave or they would be killed. That's all I know."

"What is the industry in Gorinion land?"

"There seems to be little. They farm and build their own dwellings. There are some metal smiths and other craftsmen who make other supplies. They even make their own clothes. Things such as transports they must buy outside their land. If it weren't for that, they would be self-sufficient. However, that sufficiency only applies to families. There is no area wide farming as an industry. Each group takes care of their own needs."

"How do they make money?"

"By selling some of what they make. Their hand made items are very well made…good quality. It is quite unique in the higher technology areas. Other beings are willing to pay a few credits for such things that they would not normally have."

"Well…the other societies don't require these hand made items. Still, there does seem to be a mutual support of economies…yet, there is the fighting."

"Yes, quite strange isn't it? The Brations have quit doing business however due to the renewed hostilities. However, there are other beings around besides those two. So, the Gorinions still have a market and a source of durable goods."

"This is a most unique situation Governor."

"Yes. I know. Come…let's go in to have our meal." The chunky man led his guests into a huge dining hall. A long table was covered with dishes and utensils that glimmered in the bright light from the tremendous chandeliers, which hung over the table. Savory aromas assaulted their noses. Music sounded from a quartet playing odd-looking instruments off in a corner. Chatter sounded from the other guests all ready seated. They looked up at the entrance of Gahd. All talk ceased. Only the music sounded in the room. As one, they stood to greet their host.

In an aside to Qui-Gon, the governor said, "I hope you don't mind that it is a larger dinner than what was planned. I just couldn't pare down the guest list. Many influential business and political leaders are anxious to meet you." Then in a loud voice he announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our esteemed guests, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Please make them feel welcome."

He walked forward and took the seat at the head of the table. Slowly Qui-Gon followed, feeling uncomfortable…and used. However, that was nothing new to a Jedi who had been involved in many mediation sessions. Politicians were always willing to do whatever they thought would win someone over to their view.

"Come, come. I have saved the two seats next to me for you. Master Qui-Gon, here on my right, next to the lovely wife of our senator…"

Mi'al and Vita were looked upon with great suspicion when they first entered the town. It was small but seemed quite modern. The city showed evidence of the war. Bombed out shells of houses, rubble littering the streets, broken windows even in houses that had not been attacked. The streets were almost void of people and it was very quiet. Many eyes followed their movements from the windows however. The healer was wondering where to go when a man in uniform came up to him.

"May I ask who you are and what your business is here?" the tall, thick man asked in a quick clipped tone.

"Yes, my name is Mi'al Noseen. I am a healer with Intergalactic Relief. This is my assistant Vita."

The man's demeanor changed…somewhat. "Do you have anything to prove what you are saying? I hope you understand, with the war…"

"Of course. Here is a letter of introduction from Dr. Harroh of the relief agency. He also issued us these identification passes."

"This is in order." He passed the items back. "I am sorry indeed, but we must be careful. I am most happy to have you here. We have been without medical help since our doctor was killed in a raid. The hospital was hit. The damage was extensive and the building is not useable. You will have to go out to the homes to treat your patients. Please, come with me. You can stay in the doctor's house. I don't mean to seem coarse…but I thought you might use his office…and his medical supplies."

"There are some supplies? Good. Yes, I would be glad to stay there then."

"One moment please." The uniformed man took out a communication device and activated it. "This is Farre. You can let the mayor know that everything is fine. They are medical personnel from Intergalactic Relief. I'm taking them over to the doctor's office now." The security policeman put away the comm unit. "Please. This way."

It was a short walk to a building that had been boarded up. But already there were humanoids at work removing the blockage.

"It was necessary to keep the office from being looted. I didn't know what was in there, but I knew it would be important to a doctor…if one came. And I knew these people wouldn't know what to do with it."

Vita looked around as he waited. At least there were no bodies in the streets here. He wondered if no one was killed…or if the bodies had just been moved. Certainly with this kind of damage, someone must have died. The doctor did. He shivered a little and moved closer to Mi'al.

Farre pushed the door open. "Please come in." He turned to one of the other men. "Food! Make sure of where it comes from. We can't afford for them to get sick. Come in and sit down." Mi'al and Vita entered the house. Part of the roof was caved in. "If I can get enough men who are not sick, I'll get that fixed," Farre said. He pulled up a couple of chairs and dusted them off somewhat. "Sit. Please. I know you are tired…and soon you will be busier than you know. I wish we could give you a nicer welcome…and a rest before you start work. However, about three quarters of our town is sick."

"Are you still using water from the same supply?" Mi'al asked.

"No…at least most of us aren't. We try to boil the water as they say. Still some people won't drink it. Don't use the water from the tap. We will bring you water from a source we have found. I drink from it myself. It is safe…and guarded. Blasted Gorinions. I'll bet they had something to do with it."

"Do you really think so?"

"How else would a supply used for years and years suddenly become so dangerous to drink? They are our only enemies. What would you think?"

Mi'al considered that. Obi-Wan had been on the Kahira's ship…and now these people had an illness very similar. Was Farre's implication a reasonable one? Or was he just being paranoid because of the conflict? There were other ways for water supplies to become contaminated without it being deliberate. A big green hand taking his interrupted his musings. Mi'al gently squeezed Vita's hand and looked over to him with a smile. Both actions seemed to reassure him and he gave a small smile.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes Mi'al. I am now."

"But…this is just the beginning."

"I know…but at least I get a break before…"

"It'll be all right."

Two men came bustling in with food and water…and many assurances about their safety.

"I'll give you a little peace to enjoy your meal," Farre said. "Then…we need your help as soon as possible."

"We'll be ready," Mi'al assured him.

All left and the healer turned to the food.

"It's almost dark Mi'al," Vita said quietly.

"Yes. I know, but these people have been waiting. We have to help them. I told you it wouldn't be easy."

After their quick meal, Mi'al entered the doctor's office to see what was available. He was glad to see that some medical supplies had been delivered…apparently before the doctor was killed. The boxes were unopened. Vita was of great help in opening the boxes and sorting through the contents. Apparently, the doctors who had already been working on Orino had gotten a good handle on what the illness was…and what was the best treatment for it. There were some antibiotics in the supplies. However, what made up the largest part of the shipment was a rehydrating solution. The high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with the sickness quickly depleted a body of fluid. Vita organized the supplies as he unpacked the boxes while Mi'al checked over the type and amount of items they had. He made a few notes so he would be familiar with other shipments that Intergalactic Relief would be sending. Then the healer sent the clone to find something to carry their equipment since they would have to go house to house to see the sick people.

"Thank you Vita. You've learned a lot. You're going to be a big help to me," Mi'al encouraged the uncertain Klastarian. He hoped that seeing sick people would be easier for him than seeing dead bodies. "I know you're tired…but we need to see how sick these people are. We can get some rest later."

However, the small rest they did have and the meal seemed to revitalize the clone…and being away from the dead bodies. He seemed almost eager to get started. When they stepped out Farre was waiting for them.

"I'll show you who the sickest ones are if you'll come with me."

Mi'al and Vita fell into step next to the security officer. He walked purposefully to a damaged house. "At least it's not cold weather season," Farre remarked. "Hopefully, enough people will recover in time to repair houses before then." He knocked shortly and waited. The door opened a small amount until the woman saw the security officer.

"Officer Farre," she said quietly as her eyes darted across her visitors.

"We have medical help now Klair. They are here from the relief agency. May we come in?"

The first sign of animation came to the dark face. The woman's dim eyes lit up and she almost smiled. "Please, come in," she threw the door wide and stepped aside. At once, she led the way to a bedroom. A tired looking man was sitting on the edge of one of the two beds, bathing a child's face with cool water. He looked up, alarmed at the strange faces. "It's all right," the woman assured him. "Doctors! They finally got a doctor for us."

Mi'al took the man's place on the bed and checked over the little boy. He had a fever of just over 102 and looked emaciated. Turning to Officer Farre he said, "We are going to need a large supply of clean water to mix the rehydrating solution. How quickly can you get it?"

"I'll bring you what I have available and send men for more." The man turned and hurried out.

The healer crossed to the other bed, a slightly older girl. She was equally sick.

"Can you help them Mi'al?" Vita whispered.

Mi'al glanced at him and turned to the parents. "Have they been vomiting much?"

"Yes," the woman wrung her hands. "Even water they can't keep down. How can they get well?"

Mi'al picked up one of the packets. "This will get fluid into them. They can't vomit this up. If we keep them hydrated well enough, the sickness will last only a few days and then it will be over. Do you have access to a clean water supply?"

The couple looked at each other. "Isn't our water clean?"

"No, it isn't. That's what is making them sick. You mustn't drink the water out of the tap. Hasn't anyone told you that?"

The man said a little uncertainly, "We don't go out anymore. During the attacks, many people are killed. Only at night can I go out and get food. I don't see many people. I didn't know."

"It's all right," Mi'al assured him. "They will be all right now. I've gotten to them in time. But you must not use that water. Officer Farre said he knows of a clean water supply. Ask him about it. But do not drink water from the tap. Are either of you feeling sick?"

The man looked bad, pale and drawn. Whether that was from caring for his children or the sickness Mi'al didn't know.

"I don't feel very good," the man admitted.

Officer Farre and another man came in each carrying a large plastic container of water. They set them down and Farre said to his companion. "We need more…a lot and fast." He hurried away.

To Vita Mi'al said, "Can you take his temperature for me?" The clone nodded. The Jedi healer turned to the task of mixing up one of the solution packages.

"Is there anything more I can do," Farre asked.

Mi'al considered. "You can watch me. If you have as many sick people as you say, we may need more help. Do you think you can help me out?"

"I'll try," he answered uncertainly.

Vita came back. "His temperature is 99.8."

"All right. Watch how I do this Vita." Mi'al began to mix a second packet. Farre and Vita watched each move as the grey haired man explained every step. "That was the easier part." To Farre he said, "I think that's about all you can do for me." Then to the clone he said, "Come and watch what I do. You may be able to help on this part."

Mi'al sat on the bed and handed the bag to Vita. "Hold this up." Then he explained to the clone how to insert an intravenous needle as he did it. "Now the fluid will rehydrate them. It doesn't have to go into their stomach so they won't vomit it up. They just need fluid replacement until the sickness runs its course." The healer looked around for a place to hang the bag. Understanding came to the mother and she hesitated none to bring a hammer and nail to make a place for the bag.

Mi'al looked into Vita's face. "Do you think you can do that? I'll be right beside you and talk you through it. I'm going to need your help. I can't do it all myself. Can you do it?"

The green creature licked his dry lips. "I'll try. I remember how they took blood from us. It's the same thing, isn't it? Except that we are putting in instead of taking out."

The healer smiled. "Yes. That's right. Here, I'll help you do this." Vita slowly and hesitantly did the steps. He wrapped a tourniquet around the girl's arm. It was tight…he remembered. Mi'al showed him how to feel for a vein. The green face lit up when Vita put a finger to the arm and found it himself. "You must be slow and careful inserting the needle. You don't want to push it through the vein…but into it. Remember you have to slide the needle in at an angle." He took Vita's uncertain hand and guided it. "Yes. That's it. You did it! Good job!" The clone glowed with satisfaction.

The tall man turned to the parents. "I'll be back to check on them in awhile. There's little you can do for them right now…except try to keep them clean." To the father he said, "I think you may be coming down with this. I don't have any idea how many people I need to treat…or when the next supplies will come. Try to drink as much clean water as you can so you'll be well hydrated if you do get sick…and get some rest. Your children should be fine in a few days. Both of you try to get some rest. Remember what I said about the water. And tell as many people as you can…don't drink the water from the tap."

Vita and Farre picked up the water containers and followed Mi'al out. The security officer began directing them to the next house.

The dinner had gone on long. Too long for Qui-Gon's liking. It certainly seemed as if this wasn't just a state dinner. Far too many guests had taken far too much time to inform the Jedi of their business interests on Orino and the economic impact of the war and the epidemic. The only business interests that seemed not to be represented were the ones who may actually be profiting from the state of affairs. There were no metal workers, who may be making weapons. No one from a pharmaceutical company or any related industry. Even transport makers were not there. Certainly, the war effort was only a small part of their production. Yet, they were not at the dinner. It seemed like a planned litany of "look what the war and sickness are doing to Orino".

However…also obvious was the fact that there was no Gorinion representation at the dinner. No mention of them at all…even when talking of the war. One thing they had neglected, but which had not escaped Qui-Gon's attention…each of these suffering businessmen were richly dressed for the occasion. It was so easy to see through the farce. Did Gahd think that he and Obi-Wan were that simple?

And now the last guest was finally gone and the governor had called for a servant to prepare the Jedi's beds.

"That won't be necessary Governor. We don't need to be attended."

"Ah," he waved his hand dismissively. "You say that because you are not used to it. I understand. But you are my guests…and I want to treat you with the decorum you are due." He put a chubby hand to his mouth as he tried to contain a small burp. "I'm so glad you enjoyed your meal gentlemen," Governor Gahd said. He certainly seemed to have enjoyed his…and part of another. "The best that Orino has to offer. Yant from the Gorinion lands."

"Oh," Qui-Gon replied. "I thought there was an interruption in business with them because of the war."

"We did not buy them," the chunky man seemed happy with himself. "We took them. After all, I am governor over the entire province."

"Yes, that is true. I just thought that if the Gorinions are so reliant on…lower technology for their food, wouldn't it be a hardship on them to take what they do feed on?"

It was obvious that thought had never occurred to the governor. He seemed to be lost for an answer. Finally, he managed, "Ah…well…we really take so little. I only took the one for a state dinner."

"I guess the Brations don't need to rely on that since they are so much better off than the Gorinions."

The tubby man seemed to be breathing even heavier than usual. Ignoring the question he said, "Let's retire to the terrace. Such a lovely evening." Without waiting for an answer he stood and walked away.

When the Jedi exited to the terrace, Governor Gahd was already seated. "You do realize that the Brations are the legal government over that area, don't you?"

"Yes. The Jedi council has explained it to us. I do understand that."

"Oh. It just seemed as if you were defending the Gorinions."

"I was defending no one. I was only trying to find out more about the two societies and how they interact. I understand the larger political issues. However, sometimes the smaller things can contribute even more strongly to a disagreement."

"Whatever is causing this disagreement, you are here as a negotiator, not a usurper," Gahd said in irritation as he accepted a large rich dessert from a servant.

"I'm sorry that I have given you that perception," Qui-Gon answered as he took a dessert. "It was not my intention. I do not have any preconceived notions…and I have been instructed by the council. We are here to settle the claims of the legitimate government over those lands. I assure you I am not taking sides in the dispute. If I were to be prejudiced, it would be against the Gorinions not in their favor. My encounters with Kahira have not made him a friend of mine. However, my feelings in the matter are not at issue. I'm sorry my inquires have upset you so."

However, hearing that Kahira and the Jedi were not friends encouraged the governor and he didn't hear the rest of Qui-Gon's statement. Perhaps he had been wrong about the big Jedi. All his questions seemed to make Gahd think he was favoring Haas and his people. That would not do. Those brutes were clearly in the wrong with what they had done…and were setting back a society that was clearly their superior. Gahd wanted to see the brown furry creatures put back in their place…out of the way. Their gruff, unreasonable, and crude ways were an embarrassment to the rest of the planet, which was more civilized. No…it would not do to let the Gorinions past the borders that held them away from the rest of the planet. Gahd was glad to know that the Jedi were going to act according to their orders…and that Kahira was an enemy to the Jedi. He tried not to smile.

"Is there anything else I can tell you about the Gorinions?" Gahd asked as he settled further into his luxurious seat and sipped the drink his servant brought. "They really are the instigators of all the trouble that they have been involved in. I certainly would like to see them brought to heel for once. Do you think you can help us more…to take the negotiations a little further?'

"What did you have in mind?"

"I'd like to see them disarmed. They could never start another war then. The Brations only want to live in peace. I'm sure they would be willing to disarm…if only those creatures would first."

"I'm uncertain about that. We were sent here to negotiate a truce. If you want to make that part of it…that both sides will disarm, then I'm sure we can include that…"

Gahd interrupted him. "No, no. Don't you see we'd never get the Gorinions to agree to a peace at all if we made that part of the treaty? It must be a separate issue. Besides, if it were part of the treaty then you would know that only the Gorinions were disarmed.

"I will have to contact the Jedi council to ask about that. It is beyond what we were asked to do."

"Very well. I await your answer." The governor grew quiet.

"If you will excuse us Governor, we are going to retire for the night."

"Of course. If you require anything, don't hesitate to ask any of the servants."

In a few minutes, the elder Jedi was settled deeply into the plush bed. All around him was the best that Orino had to offer. The planet seemed wealthy enough. Why were the Gorinions so far behind the other races? Gahd made it sound as if that were their choice. But it was a choice that added to their problems. It was very confusing to the Jedi.

It was almost midnight and Mi'al and Vita were still hard at work. Officer Farre had not exaggerated at the great amount of people who were stricken. The healer was running low on supplies though. At one house, he patiently explained to an upset mother how to trickle a sugar, salt and water mixture down her child's throat. After several attempts and in her impatience to get the child to quickly take the solution, she was ready to give up. It took time and coaxing to get her to try again. Finally, she seemed to catch on. Happily, she took up the task, renewed by the thought that her child would recover.

The Jedi healer slowly stood and stumbled. Vita caught him. "Are you all right Mi'al?" he asked in concern.

Farre stepped forward. "I think you need some rest yourself."

"But there's so many more," he objected. "I have to get to them."

"You'll be no good to us if you exhaust yourself or get sick. You've been working for hours without a break. Come on. I'm taking you back to get some sleep. You both need it. You can start again in the morning."

The Jedi healer had to admit he was fatigued. Vita was tired also, but he knew how much harder Mi'al had been working. The clone had assisted as needed…and had done some more practice on inserting IV needles. It was necessary. At houses where there was sickness, there seemed to be multiple cases. Vita's aid had increased the number of people the healer was able to attend this night.

"Come on Mi'al," Vita insisted. "You need to rest." He put an arm around the tall man and pulled him along. The clone's size and strength left little room for argument.

Farre walked them back to the doctor's house. "There hasn't been an attack for a couple of days. That means they are overdue. It might come in the middle of the night. I just want you to know so you won't be caught by surprise. They sometimes attack at night because it is more startling to be caught off guard in the dark. However, with what they are using, their aim isn't so good at night. So, even though the night attacks are more alarming, they usually are less damaging." He stopped at the door. My own house is just four doors away if you need anything. I hope you will both get some rest."

"I'll make sure he does," Vita assured the security officer. The clone was exhausted himself, but he knew how much more important Mi'al's help would be. His knowledge and training far surpassed the clone's. The Klastarian took the healer to one of the bedrooms and got his boots off him. That was good enough he judged. Mi'al was too tired for the clone to be fussy right now. Vita pulled a blanket over the grey haired man.

"Thank you Vita…for everything," he muttered.

"You're welcome. Go to sleep."

Vita didn't have to repeat himself. Very soon, he could hear soft snoring. Satisfied that Mi'al would sleep the Klastarian sought out another bed. Even though he was so very tired, Vita had a little trouble settling down. It had been quite a day for him. From the fear and distress of the war and the dead bodies, to the satisfaction of helping a person in great need. Vita was still riding high on the enthusiasm of working next to Mi'al as he assisted and learned from the man he looked up to so much. With a smile on his green lips, Vita finally fell asleep.

The loud boom startled Vita. He yelled out in fear as he sprang to a sitting position in the bed. As he looked around wildly, another boom sounded. At once, he jumped from the bed and hurried to Mi'al's room. The healer was looking cautiously out the window. Vita came close to him. Feeling the fear the green creature generated, the tall man put an arm around Vita. "I think this is the attack Officer Farre was warning about." Then they saw a flash accompanied by the thundering sound. The healer pulled the clone with him away from the window. "I don't know where we can go to be safe, but we probably should get away from the window." Mi'al's voice was groggy sounding.

"You need to go back to sleep."

He chuckled a little. "Hard to do with the noisy neighbors. I will lie down though." He practically fell into the bed. "I don't know where to tell you to go to be safe Vita."

"Don't worry about it. I'll stay here with you."

The blasts didn't last long. There were only a handful more and then it was quiet. Mi'al was quickly back to sleep. Vita longed to stay with him so he curled up on the floor and told himself to remember to move the other bed into this room sometime tomorrow.

A loud banging on the front door woke the clone. He hurried to see who it was. Officer Farre was there with a large basket.

"I know it's early yet, but there are more people to be seen to."

"But," Vita started to complain that Mi'al had not many hours of sleep…and even that was interrupted. However, he knew Farre was right…and that Mi'al would agree. "Just a minute. Come in."

He hurried to the bedroom. "Mi'al, Mi'al. You have to wake up now."

The healer was slow to wake. "Oh…it's morning already? OK. Just a minute." He didn't move for a bit and just when the Klastarian thought he'd gone back to sleep, Mi'al moved to sit up. "Ohhh," he groaned as he stretched. "Short night wasn't it? Sure a lot different from the temple," he smiled. Even though he was still tired and didn't really want to get up, what Mi'al had done last night was very satisfying to his soul. Helping those who had no other medical personnel. Knowing he had made a difference. Yes…this is just what he'd hoped for when he decided to come to Orino. That thought refreshed him. "Ready to face another day?"

Vita was surprised at the change that seemed to come over Mi'al so suddenly. He only stared as the healer walked past him and out of the room.

"Good morning," Farre bowed. "Sorry to be so early, especially since I know you were…wakened last night, but to try to make amends I have brought you breakfast."

"That's very kind of you. You don't have to," Mi'al replied.

"No, but it is a way to say thank you…and one way I know that I can help. Please, sit and refresh yourselves." The healer and Vita sat and dug into the basket, which was filled with breads, fruits, and a container of juice. "The gifts of grateful people."

"Thank them for us," the healer said around a big bite. "I assume you have some way of communicating with the capital?"

"Yes, I do. How can I help?"

"I'm out of the rehydrating solution. If you could get word to the Intergalactic Relief office and tell them we are in desperate need of supplies, that would be another way you can help."

Farre's face went dark. "You can help no more until you get this solution?"

"No. There are other ways to do it. It will be more time consuming and slow us down."

"As soon as I guide you to the first house, I will go and see to it."

"Thank you."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were each gently wakened by a servant who brought their huge and sumptuous breakfast to them in bed. The elder Jedi was not used to such treatment…and somewhat uncomfortable with it. Obi-Wan, however, could think of nothing better than being able to eat breakfast without having to get up and get ready first.

Each servant lingered to see to any other needs and to draw a bath for each. The tub was large enough for several people Qui-Gon thought as he entered. All this luxury certainly seemed like a waste of resources to him. But he pulled his attention away from it and hoped their talks would begin soon. The delay in beginning was not just wasting time. It was another day for people to suffer and die. Something the governor was so far removed from that he almost seemed not to care. The elder Jedi tried to relax into the warm water. He closed his eyes and pulled the Force to him as he settled into meditation.

Sometime later he opened his eyes and was aware the water was still warm. He looked around to see if there was an obvious sign of a heating unit for the tub…or did the servant come in and warm the water while he was unaware?

All these distractions were pulling at his focus…another reason he desired to get on with the talks. Qui-Gon got out of the water, dried and dressed. He knocked at Obi-Wan's door and received no answer. He knew the apprentice was still in his room. Qui-Gon hesitated to enter unannounced…but under the circumstances….

He pushed the door open. The bed was made. "Obi-Wan?" No answer. Louder he called, "Obi-Wan?" The Jedi master walked into the room and looked around. That's when he heard the gentle sounds of splashing water. He knocked at the bathroom door.

"Thank you, but I don't need anything else."

Qui-Gon smiled wryly and gently turned the doorknob. He eased the door open and looked in. The padawan had his head resting on a vinyl pillow with eyes closed and was up to his neck in thick soapy bubbles. The master entered and quietly shut the door behind him. It was obvious that Obi-Wan was lost in thought. If he had sensed his master, he gave no indication. Qui-Gon simply sat down and waited.

Finally, several minutes later, Obi-Wan slowly opened his eyes. "Master! When…how…what are you doing here?"

"Wondering where my apprentice was when we have work to do."

The padawan's cheeks colored. "I'm sorry Master. I'll get dressed at once."

Qui-Gon stood to leave. "Thank you."

Obi-Wan at last came out of the bathroom dressed and with pruny skin. He waited for the rebuke from his master but it didn't come. He simply turned and walked out the door. The padawan followed.

Qui-Gon inquired of one of the aides about the talks. They were to begin this morning…but Gahd had not mentioned a specific time. The aide seated the two in a conference room and went to make the inquiry.

After a short wait, the aide returned and informed the Jedi that the Bration representative was present…but the Gorinion was not and they were unable to contact him.

"The governor will be in shortly to speak with you."

As the aide closed the door, Obi-Wan spoke up. "Jinant must be stalling for time. Since you will not be having formal negotiations, may I go to him Master?"

"Yes Obi-Wan. I think that is a good idea…especially after last night. Go ahead. I'll make your excuses to the governor."

"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan said with a bow and he was gone.

"This is the way you have to do it," Mi'al said to the man. "You have to do it very slowly. She's barely conscious so you can't expect her to drink it like she would if she were awake." He cradled the woman's head in his lap and brought a cup to her lips. He poured the smallest amount of sugar and salt solution into her mouth. "Now watch her throat. See…she swallowed. Now you know you can pour some more." He poured again. Behind the husband, Vita stood watching carefully. With his big and bulky hands, Vita knew it would be especially important for him to learn the slow and gentle moves.

"Now you try it." Mi'al gently put the woman's head down and moved so her husband could get into position. "Careful, support her head. You don't want to hurt her neck. Comfortable? You need to be…you might be in this position a bit. OK. Here's the cup. You try. Slowly. Wait…too much."

The woman started coughing. The healer gently rolled her on her side. "That's why you have to use such a small amount. Maybe it might be better if you used a spoon. Vita…"

Before he could say more, the Klastarian was on the way to the kitchen. He came trotting back with the utensil.

"Here. Now don't use a whole spoonful. Just half. You'll still get enough into her. It will just be slower. Slowly. See? Not as hard as you thought. You might want to keep a bucket next to the bed. If you have one…"

"In the kitchen closet."

"Vita, please."

"She will probably keep vomiting for another day or so. That's why you have to keep doing this…to keep fluid in her. She'll be able to recover if we can keep enough liquid in her. I'll come back by to check on her. Hopefully we'll get some more of the hydrating solution soon and you won't have to do this."

"If it keeps her alive, I'll do it."

Vita returned with the bucket. He placed it near the bed.

"We'll be back," Mi'al assured him.

"Thank you."

Outside the house, the healer paused. "Vita, this is taking a long time. Do you think you might be able to go to a couple of houses by yourself? You know what symptoms to look for. If it's something different, let me know, but if it's what we've been seeing, do you think you can show people how to mix the solution and administer it?"

"I think so. I've tried to pay attention." He paused. "I'll try."

The Jedi put a hand on his shoulder. "That's all I can ask…that you try. If you need help or you don't think you can do it just let me know. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. We all have to start to learn somewhere. If you need to learn some more…don't hesitate to tell me. We want to help people, not make things worse…right?"

"Right," Vita smiled a little. He was still somewhat uncertain.

"If you are just slow and careful, you can't hurt anyone. Use a spoon if you're more comfortable with that. You know what to do. I know you can do this. If you can insert a needle…this should be easier. Thank you for helping. There's no way I could treat everyone in time by myself. I'm going to the row house. I'll talk to you in a little bit."

The healer's confidence buoyed the clone. He turned to go.

"Mi'al." The Jedi looked and saw Farre heading his way. "I was able to get through finally. There are supplies available, but you know there are Gorinions nearby because of the attack last night. The relief workers are uncertain about getting them up here. It may take time because of having to get past those beasts. However, they said they would get here as soon as they could. Dr. Harroh was shocked that you were down to spoon feeding sugar water to people." Farre smirked.

"Hmm. He said he hadn't been out of the office yet. Don't be too harsh on him. He doesn't know what the conditions are like. I didn't either until I got here. What were you doing before I arrived?"

"Dieing," the security officer replied before he walked away.

Mi'al couldn't miss the bitter tone in Farre's voice. He shrugged it away. Time to think about that later. He had patients to tend. The next building was the row house…several houses built together as one structure. The healer knocked on the first door and waited.

Vita stood uncertainly at a different house as he waited for someone to acknowledge him. He wondered how he would be accepted. Could he do what Mi'al did? Not just treating people…but instilling trust and confidence? His time to wonder was ended by the door opening. Stories had begun spreading through the town of the doctor and his green assistant. The Klastarian's worries about not being accepted were completely unfounded. The woman who answered the door practically dragged him in because she knew this meant help.

At this house, the woman's mother and child both were sick. It was easy enough to recognize what they had. For that, the green creature was thankful. He had already instructed the woman and her husband on mixing the solution. Now he was demonstrating on their daughter how to administer it when he heard a loud boom outside. Everyone in the room froze in startled silence. Then another boom sounded…and another.

The parents went to the window at once, concerned if a friend may have been injured…or killed. In curiosity, the green blobby creature followed them. He looked over their shoulder to see the structure that had been hit…one end of the row house was caved in! Vita's heart started pounding in his chest…that's where Mi'al said he was going! At once, he was out the door and running. Other missiles were falling from the sky but the Klastarian didn't care. There was only one thought on his mind.

Vita started at the undamaged end, banging on doors and inquiring if the healer were there. Each "no" he received increased his anxiety. Arriving at the damaged end, the big creature started digging through rubble as he yelled, "Mi'al! Mi'al!"

By now the attack had stopped. Farre ran to Vita's aid. Other people began coming out to see if they could help.

"Shh!" Farre hissed. "Listen."

They could hear the faint sound of someone calling out. Hurrying to the muffled sound, they began throwing debris aside. A bed was uncovered. Sticking out partially from underneath the somewhat collapsed bed was an arm and leg. Vita leaned down to have a look.

"Mi'al!" he exclaimed in relief and concern. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," he said with a cough as he tried to pull himself out. Gently the clone helped him. "I'm fine," he insisted. "There's someone else under there."

Vita looked under the bed. A crying child and mother were underneath. He reached for the child. The clone began talking gently to the little girl as the mother crawled out.

The Jedi healer had blood on his arm and face, yet he resisted all aid as he tried to see about the mother and child. They were mostly shaken up and frightened. The bed had protected them from the falling roof. They were away from the wall that collapsed, so that had not hurt them.

Convinced the pair was all right, Mi'al slowly sat down on the ground. His injuries were minor…mostly cuts and bruises from falling debris because he had not been able to fit completely under the bed. Vita sat next to him and put an arm around him. Then he burst into tears.

"Vita," Mi'al said in surprise and concern. "What's wrong?"

"I was afraid…I thought you'd been…"

"Oh…it's all right now," Mi'al hugged the clone to him.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a baby. I…I…thought I'd lost…my…father," he sobbed.

"What?" the healer responded, thinking he had misunderstood.

"You're the only one who cares about me. You've been so nice to me… especially while I was having trouble…getting used to this. You've taught me. You have more patience than Kura…and more concern." Vita straightened up and looked the Jedi in the face. "You're like a father to me. And…I thought I'd…lost my father," he sobbed.

Mi'al tried to hold back the tears that were welling up in his eyes. One escaped and ran down his cheek. He hugged Vita close to him again. "And…you're like…a son to me. I love you Vita."

"I love you Mi'al."

Jinant was indeed stalling. "I was wondering when you'd come."

"I'm sorry. I still have a job to do. I couldn't exactly walk out on the big dinner the governor had last night."

"That's a good place to start. I do know that we eat differently…but what is wrong with it?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen you eat. Show me what you do."

In his great desire to settle this, Governor Gahd had arranged for a room for Jinant at a local hotel. It was a certainty the Gorinion couldn't afford to provide for himself in the lavish capital city. What Gahd hadn't told Jinant was that the Bration representative was staying at the governor's mansion. The governor couldn't stand the thought of the Gorinion "beast" staying as his guest…so he left him in the hotel.

Jinant called room service and ordered something…anything…just get it up here fast.

"While we are waiting, show me how I should walk in and greet the governor."

Obi-Wan wanted to help, but he didn't want all Jinant's actions to seem stilted. Perhaps if he worked off the creature's normal behavior.

"Show me how you would greet a Gorinion leader. Pretend I am your leader."

The big furry creature came up close to Obi-Wan, bared his teeth and growled deep but loud. Then he knelt down. The apprentice tried not to smile. "Why do you do it that way?"

"The growl is how one warrior greets another. Then I kneel to show he is my leader."

"That is interesting…but I think if you showed your teeth and snarled at the governor, they would arrest you."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Jinant said in exasperation.

"There is a custom of showing your hands to someone you meet. That way they can see you have no weapons. This is how we do it now." Obi-Wan reached for the furry hand and shook it.

"That's all? You don't kneel?"

"No, we don't. But we do bow to show respect. Here…this is how I would greet the governor." Obi-Wan bowed, "Very happy to meet you sir." Then he extended his hand. "Except you should wait until he puts his hand out first."

Stiffly Jinant bowed. "Very happy to meet you sir." Obi-Wan put his hand out and Jinant grabbed it.

"Wait! Not so hard. Not everyone is as strong as you…especially this governor."

"You mean like this?"

"Yes…better. Good!"

The Gorinion smiled. "Now what?"

"Always wait for the governor do to everything first. Don't sit until he sits. Don't eat until he does. Don't leave the room until he does."

"What if I have to…you know….go…"

Obi-Wan put a hand to his mouth to hide a smile. "That's when it's OK to leave first. You just say, 'Please excuse me.' Then you go."

"How do I know where to go? Will the governor tell me?"

"No…that's not a good idea. Don't ask him that. Wait until you can ask one of his servants."

"You can't talk to him about things like that?"

"It's better not to."

"But why? It's something we all have in common. It's something we all need to do."

"I understand Jinant…but there are certain things that you don't discuss in polite company."

"Oh…you mean like…" he thought for a moment. "You mean like when you were sick? I shouldn't tell him about cleaning up your vomit."

"Exactly! That's one thing you should never discuss with him." Obi-Wan was beginning to wonder what he had gotten into.

"But how will he know how I took care of you?"

"You can tell him that you watched over me while I was sick without the…details."

"Oh…"

The door chime rang. Jinant's paranoia showed. He hurried to the door and peered out. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"It's room service sir."

He was still slow to open the door, but when he saw the trays, Jinant quickly stood aside. The young man brought the cart in and announced the entrée. "Will this be all right?"

"Yes, fine," Obi-Wan answered as he dropped a tip into the discreetly outstretched hand.

After the door closed Jinant said, "What was that for?"

"It's to thank him."

"For doing his job? Doesn't he get paid?"

"Uh…let's discuss that later. We have to get you ready for the governor. Sit down and show me how you eat."

The big furry creature sat down, grabbed the slab of meat with a big hand and took a huge bite.

"No! No! You can't do that. Here, put the meat down. See these?"

"Yes, I've seen those before. We don't use them."

"But the governor does use forks and knives. It's not polite to pick up food with your bare hands and eat it. You cut it into bites like this. Then you use the fork to pick up the bites."

"That takes a long time."

"But that's how the governor does it. Oh…I forgot something. Before you start eating you need this." He held up the napkin.

Jinant took it and looked it over curiously. "What do I need a scarf for? Do I cover my head while I eat?" He was putting it on top of his brown furry head."

"No," Obi-Wan laughed. "You spread it in your lap like this in case you drop food."

"I don't drop it there. I drop it here," Jinant pointed to his chest. "Down there is far away. The food usually stops before it gets to my lap."

"I have that problem too…but still that's where you're supposed to keep it. And you use it to wipe your mouth with. Don't use your hand or arm."

"Oh…. You mean like this?"

"Uh…yeah. Just try not to look like you are washing your face with it. Go ahead and try eating. And…you'll probably have to make small talk with other people at the table while you're eating."

"Small talk? Why do they talk about little things?" Jinant said around a big bite.

"No," the apprentice was getting exasperated now. "You shouldn't talk with your mouth full. Wait until you swallow before you answer…and they don't talk about little things."

"But what if someone talks while I'm waiting to swallow?"

Obi-Wan put a hand to his head. "If someone talks to you and they see you have a mouthful, they will wait on you to answer. Don't worry about it. Small talk means the kind of things you talk about to someone to pass the time."

"You mean like talking about the last hunting trip or the last raid on a town?"

"No, no." A deep sigh.

"But that's what we talk about."

"I know, but in civilized company you talk about things like the weather…or how nice the dinner is…or how lovely the lady is you're talking to."

"But what if she is ugly?"

"Jinant…"

"But…what if she is?"

"Then talk about something else!"

"Oh…"

"Now…eat and we'll talk. You go first."

"Talk or eat?"

"Talk and then eat while I answer," Obi-Wan sighed again.

"The weather? Um…it's sunny today." He crammed a big bite into his mouth.

"Yes. Do you think it will be hot today?"

"I guess. It's the time of year to be hot. Won't they know that?"

"Yes…this is just the way they talk. You have to have something to talk about with someone you don't know."

"Why can't I ask them about themselves?"

"That's good. You can do that."

"Were you still pretty sick when you left Orino? Did Kura have to keep cleaning up your…bodily fluids?"

The padawan slapped a hand to his forehead. "You can't say things like that when people are eating!"

"I was just asking you about yourself." The Gorinion let out a resounding belch.

The apprentice fell back into his chair and just groaned.

An aide flitted around the large rectangular conference table, seeing to each person's need, be it food, drink, information, or data recorders.

"This is Virnon Gless, leader of the Brations," Governor Gahd said. "I have not received word of Jinant Kahira yet. Not surprising. But that is irrelevant to our current business. We can still talk with Mr. Gless about the current situation."

"I will be happy to speak with Mr. Gless," Qui-Gon replied. "There is much I do not know about this dispute. However, we can not conduct peace negotiations without both parties present."

"I hardly understand that attitude. After all, the Brations are the ones who are wronged."

"That may be true, however, it would be unfair to make decisions that will affect the Gorinions without their representative here."

"That is fine Governor," Gless replied. "I have no problem with this. After all, when the Jedi see that Kahira's people are so unreasonable as to avoid the peace talks, perhaps they will see the Gorinions as they truly are."

"Mr. Gless," the Jedi replied, "Can we talk about the Brations right now? Would you tell me more about how your people came to have this disputed land in the first place?"

"It's simple. We needed room to expand into. Our ancestors went into the Gorinion region…and they gave up their land willingly. There was no war. This 'invasion' that Kahira speaks of was hardly that."

"Was there a treaty negotiated?"

"No, there was not. Treaties end wars. There was no war. The brown creatures just gave up their land. The history of this planet is well documented. It has been well known for many years by all that is how it happened. Even the beasts acknowledged it…until this Kahira stirred them up. Now they want to reverse what their ancestors agreed to."

"Do you know why?"

"What does it matter why? The Gorinions don't need a reason. Always, even in times when there was no war, they have been difficult. That's just the way they are."

"I understand what you are trying to tell me, however, that doesn't answer the question. You said they don't need a reason, but I am asking you if there does exist a reason for their outburst."

Gless waved his hand dismissively. "They say something about how they are not respected and even the land they have is being taken from them." Then he pointed a finger. "That is a lie. We have not tried to take any more land from them."

"Has anyone in the province tried to take more land from them?" the Jedi asked the governor.

"Well…of course not," he sputtered. "We have left them alone."

"But, you did indicate to me last night that their resources are not being left alone."

"Now look here. I am governor of this province. I allocate resources as I see fit. That is part of the job I was elected for. No beast is going to tell me how to do my job."

"It certainly seems they are not respected. You seem to refer to them as beasts often."

"Because that's what they are!" Gahd's face was quite red by now. He mopped his brow with a kerchief. "Excuse me for my outburst," he said in a calmer voice. "You have not had to deal with them. I have. They do act like beasts. They insist on acting like beasts. Perhaps that's why they get treated the way they do."

Qui-Gon said nothing. He gently tugged at his beard as he thought.

Gless took up the argument. "We are not here to discuss what people think of the Gorinions. We are here to try to settle this war."

"Perhaps that's part of it," the Jedi master said quietly. "Maybe the Gorinions are fighting for the right to be respected."

"Respect is not something that has to be fought for," Gahd huffed. "It is granted based on how one conducts oneself."

"Ironic that you should say that," Qui-Gon tried not to smile. "Still…if one tries to earn what is not granted…then perhaps they try to win it by fighting."

"Are you going to help us with the negotiations?" Gless said in frustration. "Or do you intend to continue this mock lesson on morality?"

"Morality figures into all conflicts. Sometimes lack of it. I recognize that you have the legal right to the land. That is not changed, even if the Gorinions don't accept it. However, negotiating a peace that can be maintained will be very much affected by your attitude toward them. If their land is misused…or their dignity, then they will not respect a treaty no matter who mediates it or who signs it. A piece of paper will mean little to them compared to the practices that they see in effect every day."

Gahd was getting red faced again. "You acknowledge that Kahira and his people are wrong…yet you stand up for them? What has the Jedi council sent us? A two faced negotiator? Which side do you stand on?"

"Neither side. That is what the council has sent you. I'm not here to take sides. I'm here to be objective. That means that I can see both sides without standing on one side or the other. Yes…Kahira is wrong in his battle, but I also think the Brations are wrong in their attitude and treatment of the Gorinions. I would very much like Jinant Kahira to be present. I would like hear his side of the story."

"But…but…" Gahd was sputtering again. "I asked him to come…and he will not."

"But how did you ask him…as fellow countryman…or beast?"

Vita had been loath to leave Mi'al's side after the attack. The fear that overwhelmed him at the thought the healer had been killed was not easily forgotten. Still, one other thing the Jedi had impressed upon Vita during the short time they had been on Orino was a sense of caring for others. The Klastarian knew there were still many sick people to be tended. So, he put his personal feelings aside to do what he now looked upon as duty. Mi'al's reaction to that still warmed him. "I'm proud of you Vita."

The two had visited uncounted homes. It seemed as if at least one person in every house were sick. Mi'al realized it was a good thing to be teaching the people how to mix and administer the sugar-salt solution. Even when the supplies did come through, hopefully tonight, they would probably run out quickly because of the quantity of ill people. Unexpected help came from neighbors helping neighbors, passing on what they had learned about the sugar-salt solution. The Jedi healer was grateful for that. Not only did they have to visit homes for the first time, there were still return visits to be made.

Again, they worked until after dark. Finally, in exhaustion Mi'al himself insisted on a need to rest. And…there was still the likelihood of the supply delivery. He would have that to deal with as well. The healer found Vita and the two of them were returning to their house in the dark when a call from an alleyway got Mi'al's attention. Expecting a townsperson seeking help, the Jedi stepped into the alley to see who it was. He was surprised to see a tall brown furry creature standing in the shadows.

"Don't be afraid," he said. "I won't hurt you. I just wanted to ask you to help us."

"Who are you?"

"I'm Parne Kahira. I'm a Gorinion. We know you came here to help the Brations because they have no doctor. We have no doctor either. Some of my people are hurt from the war and need help. Please help us."

Mi'al thought for a moment. The Brations needed him. Still…many of them knew how to care for the sickness. War wounds…that sounded serious. There was only one doubt in his mind. He knew of the Gorinions' treachery.

Almost as if he knew what the healer was thinking, Parne said, "I promise I won't hurt you. We just want someone to help us."

Mi'al closed his eyes and concentrated a moment. It seemed the right thing to do. The Force was leading him and he would follow. "All right. I will help you, but I need to go back to the office and get some things."

"I can't go with you. If I get caught here in the city, they're liable to kill me."

Kill? Would they? The townspeople seemed like such gentle people…but it wouldn't be up to them. And he remembered Farre's bitterness. "I'll meet you just outside the town in a few minutes. Do you trust me?"

"I have no choice. I'll wait for you over there." He pointed to a copse. Then with a glance around, the big creature trotted to the knot of trees to wait.

"Mi'al, are you sure you should do this?" Vita asked with wide eyes.

"I know you don't understand about the Force, but it is leading me Vita. It's the right thing to do." Then he stopped walking and looked at the green creature. "You don't have to go. It will be dangerous. You stay here and help."

"No," Vita answered immediately. "If you go, I'm going with you." He didn't want to have to sit and wonder about what was happening to Mi'al. The scare today had changed many things for him.

Mi'al hurried to the office. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"I don't want you to get hurt either."

"I could order you to stay here."

"Please don't. I want to be with you."

Entering the office, Mi'al began gathering supplies he imagined he would need to treat weapons wounds and such. "I don't have time to argue with you Vita…and no time to try to force you to stay. I have to go. It's important."

"Good. If you don't have time to argue, then I guess it's settled."

Mi'al looked at the clone. His golden eyes were glimmering. He couldn't bring himself to insist Vita stay away. The healer admitted to himself that he wanted the Klastarian's company. He patted the big green arm and they hurried away.

"Shouldn't we let someone know where we are going Mi'al?"

"We probably should, but you heard what he said about the Brations killing him. If the townspeople thought that he kidnapped us…I don't know what they would do. And leaving in the middle of the night like this will make it look like a kidnapping. I'm not sure what to do. But right now, the Brations will not know that we are with the Gorinions, so they won't harass them about us. We'll straighten it out later."

The pair hurried to the edge of the town. Parne was waiting for them. "You did keep your word. Thank you. I wanted to trust you…but it's hard to trust…right now."

"We don't want to hurt you or your people. I just came here to help the sick and injured. Please…show us the way."

Parne kept to the trees until they were further from the small city. Then he moved out on to a path that was beginning to show signs of regular use. "This is the easiest way to get to the hills. After that it will be a harder path."

The Gorinion could easily out walk his companions with his long legs, but he tried not to push them. It would be a good walk and then the wounded awaited. Parne did not want to wear them out. He wondered if the healer would be ready to go to work after working the day and walking part of the night. The creature let the thought go and concentrated on the path.

Finally, they came to the end of the dusty trail. So far Mi'al and Vita were tired, but easily able to continue. Neither had complained although they were beginning to wear down. Parne stopped for a short rest. He watched the two while they sat.

"I think we should stop for the night. It's safe here. This is Gorinion land. No one will hurt us here. You two need to get some sleep."

"Are you sure?" Mi'al asked. "I am tired…but if your people are badly wounded…"

"Is any wound good? I know you have worked hard today. The doctor must rest even when there are those who need help. We will sleep in a nearby place that is hidden. Tomorrow morning we will climb to my village."

To Qui-Gon's great surprise, Obi-Wan was up early, dressed and finished with breakfast.

"Tired of being pampered already?"

"No," Obi-Wan said wistfully. "I'd rather be in bed…but I made a promise."

"How is Jinant coming along?"

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "I don't know if I can get him ready…not in the time we have. You should know that Jinant is going to stay away from the talks again today. He will at least send a message this time. I told him that was the polite thing to do. Master, I don't want to say this…but I know why the Brations consider them beasts. That's why I'm up early. I have a lot of work to do."

The elder Jedi patted his apprentice's shoulder. "You are to be commended for what you are doing. Now that I have a clearer picture of what is going on…. This will help the Gorinions more than you realize Padawan. Just because they are not so refined does not mean they deserve less…or to be treated as less. I'm proud of what you are doing. And I will help in how I am able. There isn't much I can do. But…I will be gracious in my understanding when Gahd tells me Jinant won't be here today. You'd better get going."

Mi'al slowly became aware of a hand on his shoulder shaking him. He opened his eyes and was confused for a moment about the big brown creature before him. But as he became more awake, he remembered.

"I know you are still tired, but we must go."

"Of course." He sat up and shook Vita. "Wake up Vita. We have to go on."

The green creature was so tired, but in all they had been through on Orino, he had not heard Mi'al complain once, so he didn't either but just got up.

"Here," Parne held out some fruit. "It grows nearby. That is all the breakfast I can offer you."

"It's food. That's good enough. Thank you," Mi'al smiled as he accepted the bright red ovoids.

"Thank you," Vita said.

Parne took a large bite of one of his fruits and then turned to start walking up the angled hill. It was a challenge to eat and walk the steep ground, but somehow they managed it. And just in time, they tossed away the last core. Now they would have to ascend a rocky slope that was even steeper.

"There is a trail," the big creature pointed. We don't have to climb straight up. The trail is narrow so you must be careful. Watch me." He stepped up on a rock and began walking the rocky way.

"You go next Vita," Mi'al said. "Lean against the hill. That way if you slip, maybe you won't fall forward. Be careful." At the uncertain look on the green face, Mi'al asked, "Are you all right? Would you rather go back?"

Listening to the exchange Parne said, "It's not far up the hill. We are almost there. It's just behind that big rock." He pointed upward.

Vita looked up. He took a deep breath. He had come this far…not just with Parne, but from Coruscant. "I can't go back now," he whispered to himself and began to follow the Gorinion.

Mi'al watched for a moment and then began to follow. He wasn't sure whether to be glad or concerned. Always Vita went forward. He never turned back. So far, he had succeeded in facing all his fears…but when would it be too much? Did the Klastarian know when to back down? He hoped so. This was enough of a trial without having to deal with an emotionally disturbed adolescent.

There was no talk as they ascended. Each being was focused on watching the trail and his steps. Vita kept looking up to that rock. He had to keep going. He had to…for Mi'al, for himself. When Parne disappeared behind it, the green creature could feel some relief…he was almost there.

Mi'al had wondered how the big green blobby being would negotiate the rocky way. He would not allow Vita to continue if it looked as if he would not be able to make his way up, but somehow he was able to keep his balance on the narrow trail. The healer was relieved to see Vita disappear behind the big rock. As he neared it, green and brown hands were reaching down to help him up the last few steps. Mi'al gladly accepted the help. It had been a tiring climb.

The village was small and made up of rough hewn cabins. Smoke from cook fires snaked out through chimneys. A few children played quietly at the far end of the village. They stopped and looked at the strangers who just arrived. There were few females outside and they started pointing and talking. The males only stared.

"Come," Parne said. "I will show you where you are needed." Mi'al and Vita followed him into the village. The healer smiled a little and waved at the staring brown beings. They continued to merely stare. Vita waved to the group of children and they shyly waved back. Parne stopped briefly and let out a snarl. "You have things to do. Go do them," he said to the gathered Gorinions. "We don't have many visitors…especially like the green one." He walked up to a cabin and entered without knocking.

"I have a doctor. He came from the Bration town down the hill," he announced to a female. Then he walked over to a bed. "I have brought help," he said as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Mi'al walked over to look at the patient. There was a bandage on his arm and one on his head. Looking under the one on the arm, he saw a nasty infected wound. "When did this happen?"

"Several days ago," Parne said.

"What? It looks awful. What has been done for it?"

"We have nothing to do for it. Even our simple remedies do not take care of things like this. We can't get any medicines or bandages because the Brations will not sell them to us."

The healer began cutting the cloth away. "They will not sell you medical supplies?" he said incredulously.

"No. They say that is how they will get rid of us. That is why I asked you to help. You are not a Bration. I thought maybe you didn't hate like they do."

Mi'al began cleaning the wound, much to the displeasure of the creature lying on the bed. "I know it doesn't feel good, but if you want this to heal, I have to do this," he said softly. "All right?"

The Gorinion looked into the gentle green eyes. There was compassion he had not seen in a very long time. The creature said nothing but merely nodded his head.

Vita watched and listened. That same compassion that had drawn him to the Jedi healer. Yes…this is what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to be like Mi'al.

As he worked, Mi'al talked to Parne. "Is there some other place you can get medical supplies?"

"Most of our land is surrounded by the Brations. The Gorinions in the places that are not near the Brations have tried to get medicine. The Brations are trying to make everyone not do business with us."

Anger boiled in the healer. One thing he had learned as a Jedi, there are rules even in war. Only savages would be so cruel as to deny medical care to the injured. To allow them to die slowly from their wounds was merciless. He wondered if anyone knew that this was going on.

"Now," Obi-Wan began. "I think you've learned your table manners pretty well." He thought about it again. "Well…we'll review them again later."

"What else do I need to learn? What do they do at negotiations?"

"You will be telling the governor what your people want in order to end the war."

"Oh…like…you will stop the fighting. We demand our land back."

"No…not quite." He sat down and tried to figure out how to explain this. "Do you know how it feels to have someone yell at you and tell you what to do?"

"Yes. Haas…ordering me around like a child."

"Exactly! If you talk to them like that, they will feel the same way. How would you rather Haas talk to you? Tell me in that way."

Jinant thought about it. In a quieter voice he said, "Our people are dying because of the war. We don't want to fight anymore. We want peace. Our people don't have enough land to farm or make a living. We are crowded. There's not enough room for our people…and the new ones being born. We need more area."

"Excellent! That's perfect! You explained in a reasonable way what you need and why. Now…what if the governor says…no. You are the wrong ones. We will not give you more land."

Jinant snarled and growled. "Then we will take what we want!"

"Wait! Wait. You're back to demanding. You've got to learn to control your temper."

"I can't help it. That's the way our people deal with each other."

"I understand…but you wanted to know how the governor does it. That's not how."

"But…how can I keep from being mad when he won't listen to me?"

"It's easy. All you have to do is remember he's no different from you just because he is governor. He's just like any other person on the street. He puts his pants on the same way as everyone. Think of that. Think of what Gahd would look like standing there in his underwear."

Jinant looked incredulous. "In his underwear? Why would I want to do that?"

"Because it's funny. If he tries to make you mad…don't let him win. Think of something funny…like him in his underwear. If he wants to treat you like a beast then you treat him like a child…in your mind that is…not to his face. Think of him as a whiny baby…one that needs to be changed."

"Yeah…like you did when you were sick and we had to clean you up!"

"Uh…yeah…like that," Obi-Wan reddened. "Think of him that way and I'll bet it will be harder to get mad."

"You were quite a mess. It took awhile to clean you and the bed…"

"OK," the apprentice interrupted. "I remember. Now…let's think about the governor instead…"

"That beast, Jinant Kahira, didn't show up again," Gless hissed. "He said he was 'unavoidable detained'. That isn't the way he talks. Someone else sent that message."

Qui-Gon tried not to smile. "Perhaps they sent it on his behalf. If he was detained then he may not have been able to get a message to the governor."

Governor Gahd looked down his nose at the Jedi master. "I hope this helps you see the mentality of those creatures. An important thing such as the peace talks…and he continues to ignore us…to ignore his governor! I told you how uncivilized they are! How do you expect me to deal with them?"

"You assume you have been affronted," the Jedi master calmed replied, "But you have no proof of it. How do you know there isn't a real problem that is keeping Jinant away? After all, his people are involved in a war."

"A war that might not be going on if he were here right now!" Gahd exploded.

Qui-Gon studied the red-faced man for a minute. "As far as I know there is no cease fire in effect. The fighting is continuing. He may have been called to the funeral of a relative. You certainly seem to have no sympathy for the Gorinions at all Governor. Your consideration seems to lie with the people who you entertain while Kahira's people are dying."

"We did not start this!" Gless brought his hand down on the conference table. "Those brutes did and yet you seem to have no understanding of our side of this!"

"But I do," Qui-Gon said calmly. "I have understood your history, your claims to the land. I have seen the Bration businessmen paraded before me with stories of how they are losing money because of the war. I understand it well…because you two have made it so. I can not miss it…because you have made it so." He quietly folded his hands on the table and then continued. "The only thing you have told me of the Gorinions is how brutish and uncivilized they are while you try so hard to show me how cultured and educated the Brations are. The Brations seem to have all the advantages. The Gorinions have little. Perhaps that is why they fight." Then locking eyes with Gahd he said, "What can you tell me of the Gorinion society? Of how their economy is being affected by the war? What of their children, their old ones? How much suffering have they endured because of it?"

It was after midday. Mi'al and Vita exited a cabin. The healer was blotting his brow on his sleeve. The Klastarian looked a little lighter green in color.

"Are you all right Vita?"

"Yes…I guess," he whispered.

Mi'al put a hand on his arm. "It's never easy to see an amputation, whether it's the first time…or the fifteenth time. But…you should remember we probably saved his life by doing that. That leg was dead. There was no way he would ever be able to use it again. If no one had removed that leg, the gangrene would only have continued to spread. He's not suffering so much now. Soon he'll be able to get up and move around. That's better than lying there with a useless limb, isn't it?"

"Yes," he answered quietly.

Parne had followed them out and listened quietly. "You have worked hard for a long time. Come and eat. Rest."

"We could use a break," Mi'al admitted.

The big brown creature led them to an outdoor table, which was already being prepared.

"This is my mate, Tyne."

"Hello Tyne," Mi'al gently shook her hand. "Thank you for the meal. We are grateful."

"We are grateful for your help. Please sit and eat."

Vita sat but just stared at the plate before him.

The healer put an arm around him. "I know it's hard to eat at a time like this, but you haven't had anything since this morning. Try to eat at least a little. You need to keep your strength up." Then he turned readily to his meal. "Is this typical of other villages?"

"Yes," Parne answered. "All our villages are small. We have so little land now there is no choice but to split into small groups. The Brations have our land and will not give us more to live on."

"That is what the war is about?"

"Yes. Our ancestors gave their land to the Brations willingly, but they treated our people with dignity and allowed them land and rights. It is not like that now. We are forced into smaller and smaller areas. The Brations will not let us live among them. We must stay in our own little areas. And they can come in any time to look over the land…to decide if they want it or not. We used to live in the flat area. It was easier to farm, easier to get supplies to. The Brations wanted it so they made us move up here."

Mi'al had stopped eating and was listening in earnest. "So the Brations have changed…and changed the way they treat you?"

"Yes. They change their laws every time they want more from us. Today they promise not to take more land, tomorrow they say a new law has been made. They try to make us feel better by offering us medical care. Our own people could take better care of themselves. They send doctors who know nothing about Gorinions. The Brations say they will help us learn to farm better but they bring machines that we cannot repair…and the parts are expensive. To get the Brations to fix the machines is expensive too. They have many businesses in their big towns. Do you see business here? How are we supposed to get money to pay them?"

"They bring you the machines…but not the parts to fix them?" Vita asked.

"That's right."

"Why?" he looked at Mi'al.

"I don't know Vita. Like I told you before, there are some things I don't understand…like why some creatures hate others."

"The Brations hate us because we are different," Parne said. "Because we are furry and they are smooth skinned. Because they think they are smarter than we are. We don't live like them so they think we are dumb. And the government of this province protects them…but not us."

"This is not right," Mi'al muttered. "And you shouldn't have to suffer this way either. I am a Jedi healer. I know that some of your people have tried to get a Jedi to help them…and it didn't work. But that's only because of the way they went about it. I have seen with my own eyes though. I will be glad to bring your side of the case before the Jedi council. When I finish my work here, I can contact them…"

Parne interrupted the healer. "There are Jedi already here. Jinant, our relative has gone down to meet with them at the peace talks."

"Peace talks? And Jedi already here? Good…very good. I intend to go to those talks myself."

"What else Obi-Wan?" Jinant insisted. "I must not let my people down. I must conduct myself correctly. I have to show the Brations we are not so different from them." He rubbed his furry chin as he thought. "What about the women? How do I act toward the women? Do the Brations treat their women differently?"

"Well…I suppose they do just because your two societies are different."

"What should I do?"

The apprentice shrugged his shoulders. His method had worked so far. "How do you greet a female in your society?"

"We usually don't, not unless it is our own mate. The women have to stay home and take care of it while we fight. I usually don't pay attention to the other women."

"But the Brations are not like that. There are many more of them so they don't all fight. The women are more a part of their everyday lives. You can't ignore them…and still be polite anyway…"

"What do I do?"

The apprentice thought that over. He blushed as he thought of trying to demonstrate some of the things.

"What's the matter Obi-Wan?"

"Well…first you can't grab a woman's hand hard when you shake hands with her."

"I have to shake their hands?"

"Yes. Now…this is the way you do it." Obi-Wan took Jinant's big hand and held it out palm down. Then with his right hand he took the fingers and gently shook them.

"You wait until the lady holds her hand out. Don't take her hand first. And then you gently do it."

"That's strange."

"Well…it's a little strange. If you want to be really gallant…"

"What does that mean?"

"If you want to be very gentlemanly…"

"I do!"

"Then you have to do this. Hold your hand out the way I showed you." The Gorinion held his big hand out. Obi-Wan gently took it and leaned down. He stopped short of the furry brown hand, took a deep breath…and kissed it. Then he tried to resist the temptation to wipe his lips.

Jinant's eyes were wide. "I've never kissed another female before! They do this?"

"Yes, in polite society it is considered to be very charming."

The Gorinion thought it over for a long minute. He shrugged his shoulders. "I told Haas I would do whatever you told me to do." Before the apprentice could move, Jinant took his hand and kissed it. Reflexively Obi-Wan drew it back. Now his hand was wet. He quickly turned away so he could wipe it on his pants leg without hurting Jinant's feelings.

"Why did you pull away? Is that what the women do?"

"Uh…no. They aren't supposed to do that. You…just…surprised me." The padawan put his other hand to his chin as he thought. "If there is a treaty signed, there would probably be a celebration. A big ball. Do you know how to dance?"

"You mean like this?" The big creature started stomping his feet, jumping around and clapping his hands.

"No, no…no. You don't know how to dance slow and quiet?"

"We only dance to celebrate. You said this would be a celebration. They don't dance like that at their parties?"

"Not exactly. Well…it doesn't matter. You don't have to know how to dance. Not everyone dances anyway."

"But is it…gallant to dance?"

"I suppose so."

"Then you must teach me."

"I don't know…. It isn't necessary. Look, we need to go back over your table manners."

"I know. Fork and knife. Don't pick up the food. Use the napkin on the lap and wipe the corners of your mouth…not your whole face. And…don't belch." The Gorinion smiled looking very pleased with himself. "I know that. You must teach me to dance. Please Obi-Wan. You told me you would help me…to thank me."

Darn you! You would have to bring that up. I do owe you. Obi-Wan took a deep breath and focused himself. After all, no one else would see this. "OK," he grumbled. Then he stepped close to the brown creature. Obi-Wan put an arm around his back. Jinant backed quickly away.

"What are you doing? I don't like that."

"You wanted me to teach you to dance. This is how they do it. Do you want to learn or not?"

"All right." Now it was his turn to grumble. Jinant stepped back up to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan slipped his arm around the creature's furry back and took a big hand in his other one. "Now I'll show you how to lead. When you dance with a woman, you will lead. Now watch…"

A snicker sounded from the doorway. Obi-Wan turned to see Qui-Gon leaning on the doorframe. "Master!" He quickly backed away from the Gorinion. "What are you doing here? How did you know where I was?"

"Go ahead. I might learn something. Maybe you can show me how to lead."

The sun was disappearing below the horizon. Mi'al and Vita had just finished with their last patient and were watching the final rays fade.

The healer stretched long and loud. "It has been an interesting few days, hasn't it?"

"Yes," Vita said in a weary voice.

The tall man looked over to him. "I'm very proud of you. You have done a great job helping me…and handling all this. You will make a wonderful doctor. You have the natural gifts of compassion and mercy. All you need is the right training."

"Do you really think so?" the clone said in a more enthusiastic tone. "I could be like you?"

"Not exactly like me. I'm a Jedi. But you could help many people Vita. I've seen you do it. I hope you'll think about becoming a doctor."

The green faced beamed at Mi'al's compliments. "Thank you," he said quietly. They watched for a couple minutes more. "Mi'al?"

"Yes?"

"Can I sleep now? I'm exhausted."

"Yes Vita. You've earned it. You can sleep as long as you like."

They made their way to the cabin that Parne had pointed out to them earlier. With very little talk, the pair went to bed at once. In short minutes they were both in a deep sleep.

Mi'al opened his eyes. He still felt groggy. The sun seemed like it was well up. As much as he wanted to sleep some more, he knew he had to get up. There was something he had to do. The healer sat up and looked to the other bed. It was empty. Vita wasn't there. Mi'al pulled his boots on and went out to look for the clone.

Vita was sitting with Parne and his family enjoying a big breakfast.

"Good morning Mi'al."

The healer came over and sat next to him. "Good morning Vita. Good morning Parne, Tyne. Thank you for the meal," he said as Tyne set a plate before him.

"Thank you for all the help you have given our people," Parne replied. "You have relieved much pain and suffering. We are grateful."

"Is there anyway I can get back to the capital city…quickly I mean?"

"Our village has a small ship we use in emergencies. Only in emergencies because the Brations will not let us fly over their territory. Is it important?"

"I have an idea. I'll tell you and let you make that judgement."

Qui-Gon was awakened again by the same servant that had been his shadow since he had arrived here. No amount of insisting would dismiss the man. It was a luxury the Jedi was not used to and did not appreciate. He was more than able to take care of his own needs. At the Jedi temple, the only time a knight received any kind of assistance was for something he was unfamiliar with or if he were physically unable to do something for himself. That is what Qui-Gon was familiar and comfortable with. Gahd found it amusing and insisted that the Jedi were his guests…and this was the way he treated his guests.

So, the Jedi master merely thanked the man for bringing his breakfast and tried to shut out his presence as he ate. It was most difficult to do however, when he was constantly being asked if he needed something else. He greeted his bath time as one of the few escapes from the overly helpful fellow. And it seemed to be the only time he could easily meditate. Qui-Gon had discovered that the tub had a re-circulating and heating function for the water. So, he didn't have to worry about the servant intruding on his bath time.

In the midst of all this overly luxurious surroundings and very taut political posturing, meditation became even more important to the Jedi master. He rested his head back and closed his eyes. The warmth of the Force pulled him deeply into it. With a sigh of pleasure and relief he gave in to it and felt almost as if he were melting away into nothing as his body relaxed more and more deeply. This was real gratification to him…not this artificial environment that Gahd was trying to bury them in. Qui-Gon reveled in it and was sorry when it was over. The Jedi master emerged from the bathroom a relaxed and content man.

"Good morning Obi-Wan," he said as the apprentice entered. "I trust you slept well…as you have done all week."

"Yes Master," the padawan said cautiously. He was waiting for the teasing.

Qui-Gon realized very well what his apprentice was expecting, but he was in much too calm a state of mind to pursue it. "Are you ready for the talks this morning? Or should I say is Jinant ready for them?"

"I hope so Master. I tried to teach him all I could. I think he will do all right…for the most part."

"For the most part?"

"I fear if he loses his temper, he will forget everything I told him. The Gorinions do seem to be very short tempered."

"Yes, I've noticed. Shall we go downstairs to wait for all to arrive?"

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were quite early. The talks were not set to begin for some time. Gahd was very busy getting himself out of bed and ready. So, this was the first undirected time the Jedi had for themselves since they had arrived. The pair decided to walk in the gardens behind the mansion.

"This is beautiful," Obi-Wan said as he looked up at the towering plants. They were a very dark green color with sturdy stalks to support their height. Large blossoms of many different colors sprang out along the length of the stalks. The oversized fauna warped the padawan's perspective because he had never seen such large flowers before. He felt very small. Filling in the spaces between the tree-plants were smaller, daintier bushes overflowing with tiny flowers. Whatever type of insects helped to pollinate the blooms were buzzing about happily. Obi-Wan couldn't see them. Then a new thought occurred to him. What size were the insects that frequented the big flowers? He looked overhead again wondering if he really wanted to see the big bugs or not.

"Yes, it is," Qui-Gon agreed. He breathed in the scents and it was like balm to his soul. The Jedi master realized the feeling came from the strength of the living Force in the verdant garden. Yes…this was just the thing he needed before he had to face Gahd and Gless again. At the point furthest away from the luxurious building, there was a small lattice work structure covered in vines with a bench inside.

"I think I'll just sit here…and maybe meditate," the elder Jedi said as he sat down. He did not want to pass up the opportunity to cover himself with the living Force in a place that radiated it so strongly.

"All right," Obi-Wan replied. "I'm just going to walk some more."

How much later it was when Qui-Gon heard his name called, he did not know. He opened his eyes and saw Obi-Wan walking toward him.

"They are ready to begin the talks now Master."

Qui-Gon drew in one last deep breath as he stood. "Very well. Let's go."

The two Jedi made their way to the conference room. Gless and Jinant stood uneasily on opposite sides of the room. Gahd had not yet entered. He was waiting in a nearby room until the others were in place…then he would make his entrance.

"Ah," Gless began. "The Jedi. I wondered where you had gotten off to, apprentice. I have seen little of you."

"I have been occupied in…some training," Obi-Wan replied as courteously as he could.

"Of course. You are an apprentice. And you," he said to Qui-Gon, "Are you quite prepared to talk with this…ah, creature."

"I am here to complete my assignment of mediating these peace talks. I'm very ready to meet with all the parties involved…for as long as is necessary. I hope we can emerge with an agreement satisfactory to both sides."

Gless snorted quietly at Qui-Gon's remarks. He turned away and sat down at the table.

While the Bration was trying to begin a verbal duel with the elder Jedi, Obi-Wan walked over to Jinant. He shook the outstretched hand. "You look great," the apprentice grinned. "And…you smell…good. You used that shampoo we picked out?"

"Yes, I did," the big creature replied. He ran his smooth palm over his furry arm. "It was strange. I had to work to get all that out of my hair."

"But…the more you use it, the easier it will be. Don't you feel cleaner?"

"I guess," Jinant started to scratch but stopped. "No scratching in public."

The apprentice grinned. "That's right. You remembered."

"This is hard."

"Most worthwhile things are."

"Hello Jinant," Qui-Gon walked over. "You're looking…nice." He was impressed with the neater appearance.

The Gorinion smiled, showing his sharp teeth. "Obi-Wan is a good teacher."

"I hope after all this effort that it works. I think I know what you mean now about the Brations and their attitude toward the Gorinions."

The aide hurried in. "Governor Gahd," were the only words he said as he bowed.

The chunky man looked like a blue balloon in his bright blue breeches and intricately sewn jacket. A blue balloon with a smaller red one atop it. His big smile made his cheeks almost glow a rosy tone. Gahd stepped inside the door and stopped as he looked around. Apparently he was waiting for some particular acknowledgement as he stood and stared.

Gless was more than happy to provide it. "Ah…Governor, you look remarkable. A new suit…just for this most important occasion."

"Why thank you Gless," Gahd tried to sound modest. "It's just a little something I had made up. No fuss. But I thought a new beginning deserved a new suit. Ah…don't you agree Kahira?"

Jinant quickly glanced at Obi-Wan who barely nodded his head. "Governor Gahd," he bowed. "I am most honored to have this chance to talk with you."

The tubby man seemed surprise at the response. "Oh…really. Well…let's sit down then." He slowly made his way to the head of the table and took great pains to seat himself in a particular way. It was as if he enjoyed making the others wait on him. However, he finally set his large rear in the ornately upholstered chair and looked at the other four as if to give them his permission to sit. To Gahd's right sat Gless and next to him sat Qui-Gon. On the left was Jinant who sat tall and stiff with Obi-Wan next to him.

"Well," Gahd breathed out. "How shall we begin?"

"I think hearing a statement from each side summarizing their protests and desires would be good," Qui-Gon offered.

"Ah yes! Very good. An excellent suggestion. I think that perhaps…Gless…you begin."

The Bration launched into a history lesson of the original expansion of his ancestors into Gorinion territory, taking great pains to explain this was no invasion and that the land was given up voluntarily. He had much material before him to support his argument. Not official documents, since none were drawn up. However, he had gone back into the recorded history of the province to show that it was an accepted fact that the land had been ceded voluntarily. Gless talked long and loud and expressively.

Jinant tried to listen but his attention began to flag. Gless' language was too advanced for the simply educated Gorinion. The brown creature began to look around at the lavish surroundings, none too subtly either. As he turned in his chair to look behind him, Obi-Wan nudged his leg with a booted foot.

"Ow!" he cried. Gless, Gahd, and Qui-Gon all stared to see what the problem was. Jinant started to say something to the apprentice but understanding came to him at the look Obi-Wan was giving him. "Sorry…a bite…or something…"

With an indignant glare the Bration picked up his oration. The Gorinion tried again to be attentive. He began playing with the hair on his arms and scratching his itches. Again Obi-Wan gave him a sharp nudge. The brown creature was able to keep silent but he glared at the apprentice and scooted his chair away.

"Is there a problem Mr. Kahira?" Gahd said in a displeased tone as he looked down his nose at the Gorinion.

Provoked to the limit of his patience Jinant said rather loudly, "Yes. There is a problem. He talks too much. Why can't he just say he thinks he owns the land? What is the point of all this talk?"

"What else did you expect from him Governor?" Gless said with a satisfied grin. "He doesn't even understand the point I am trying to make. How can he comprehend when we begin the negotiations?"

The Gorinion came to his feet. "I may not be as smart as you are…with all your papers and words, but I have seen my people. They are suffering. We want our land back because we don't have enough for all of us. There are babies being born all the time, but you expect us to live on the same amount of land. You offer to help…but you don't really help us. You help yourselves. While you are living in…this," he waved his hand around, "my people are crammed into small cabins that barely have enough room for each person to lie down to sleep."

"We have sent advisors to help you learn to farm and to learn to build bigger houses. We have tried to help you learn birth control…"

"Birth control? You expect us to only have as many babies as you tell us we can? Look at how big this city is. Look how many people live here…with many babies. Why do we have to stay on a small piece of land that you choose for us?"

The Bration opened his mouth to reply but Qui-Gon gently grabbed his arm. "I'd like to hear what he has to say."

Gless pulled away. "We have offered to help the Gorinions in many ways. Our advisors have been threatened and roughed up. You should be taking our side in this. We own the land and we are being endangered by these…creatures," he snarled the word out. "We have been wronged. We have done no wrong. Here's the other part of what I have to say. How many Brations have been killed in a war started by him and his people? Now we are sick. And we have reason to believe that it's because of those beasts. Our water supply has been safe for many years. Now it is polluted. How many people have died from that sickness? And we can't get enough medical help to treat the sick ones. The Kahiras have always been at the forefront of any attacks from the Gorinions. You should arrest this man instead of wanting to listen to his weak excuses for what he does. I…"

The Bration was interrupted by a noise from the hallway. Loud voices and some scuffling sounds were muffled through the door. Gahd feared trouble from Jinant's relatives. After all, Haas had been quite invisible during the recent troubles. The governor was certain he was in hiding and preparing his next move. The disturbance made him think his worst fears were coming to pass. The chunky man slipped to the floor and tried to get under the table.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan headed for the door, light sabers in hand, but not powered on. The elder Jedi threw the door open.

"Mi'al! What are you doing here?" Qui-Gon looked at the worn and soiled healer.

"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan. Are you the Jedi who are negotiating the peace talks?"

"Yes. What are you doing here?" he repeated.

"I came to help with the epidemic. But I have something to tell you that may affect these talks. You need to hear me out."

"Who is this man?" Gless demanded. "He has no part of this. Why should we listen to him?"

"He is a Jedi also," Qui-Gon responded. "A healer. If he has been out among the people and has gained information that may help us, then I think we should hear it."

"I protest," Gahd yelled from his position. "We were told that you and your apprentice would negotiate. Nothing was said about a…a…healer having anything to do with it."

"Yes…I agree," insisted Gless. "He has no right to interfere here. You didn't even know he was here. We know nothing of him. The Jedi council only told us about you two."

Qui-Gon held his hands up for silence. "It may be true that he has not been assigned by the council to these negotiations. However, he is still a Jedi…and obligated to conduct himself by a certain code. If there is information that will have a bearing on these negotiations then he is required by that code…which is upheld by the council…to present it. Whether you gentlemen want to hear what he says or not, I will listen. There is nothing in my assignment that prevents me from gathering information from any reliable source."

Gless huffed and Gahd was still trying to get from under the table. "I still protest. I will take this up with the council. You have no right. I'll…I'll take this to the Supreme Chancellor. This is highly irregular."

"Truly?" Qui-Gon said calmly. "You fear anyone speaking except those you have chosen. Is there a reason for it? Do you have something to hide perhaps? You have been careful to show us the Bration way of life and tell us of the Gorinion way. We have seen nothing of them. We have heard from many Bration people at the dinners you have planned…but nothing of the Gorinions until today. Why is that Governor? What is it that you do not want us to know about?"

Gahd stood with a red face and clenching his fists. Gless had retreated behind him and seemed to have no words. Before either of them could recover enough to answer Qui-Gon grabbed Mi'al's arm and pulled him into the room. "What do you have to say?"

"I have just come from one of the Gorinion villages. We have treated many wounds caused by the war. Wounds that were being ignored. They were infected…festering. I had to amputate one leg because of a neglected injury. They have no medical supplies because the Brations have cut off their access to them. They will not sell supplies to the Gorinions…and are pressuring other races not to. Parne, the Gorinion who asked me to help them, said that medical help has been offered…but by doctors who know nothing of Gorinion anatomy or physiology. They could do nothing for them because they didn't understand how their bodies worked. These doctors were doing more harm than good. That is why they were being driven away…so they could hurt no one else."

The healer had started out a little stiffly, but now his compassion guided him and he spoke with conviction. "You should see the conditions of their village. It's deplorable. Living in small cabins that have been patched again and again. And on top of a rocky hill. It was a long and hazardous climb to the top. Parne said they used to live in the valley until the Brations decided they wanted the land. Then they forced these people to uproot their entire village and move to the top of this hill. A rocky hill. The soil is hard to farm."

"We have tried to help them farm it," Gless insisted.

"Yes, I saw the results of that also. Machinery that was too technical for the Gorinions to understand. They could use it but when it broke down they were unable to repair it…or to even get the parts." He was giving his complete attention to Qui-Gon now. "Parne said that the parts were so expensive they could not afford to buy them."

"You gave them machines to work the soil…but no parts?" Qui-Gon asked Gless. "How did you expect them to use this equipment?"

The Bration lost patience now. He leaped to his feet and pointed a finger at the Jedi healer. "You are taking the word of one of those beasts as truth? How do you know he isn't lying to try to win you over? That's what they do, you know."

"Beasts?" Mi'al said quietly. "You think of them as beasts? Because they are different? Is that all? You are different from us. Why shouldn't we think of you as beast?"

"Let's stick to the subject, Mi'al," Qui-Gon put a hand on the healer's shoulder. "Is this true, Jinant?"

"Yes. All he says is true. The Jedi isn't lying…and Parne isn't lying."

"The Gorinions have lied before," Gahd charged. "I can't accept the word of one I know has lied to me before."

"Qui-Gon, there is a way that you can determine some of the truth yourself," Mi'al said. "You could come to the Gorinion village."

"No. That isn't necessary," Gahd replied. "That isn't what you are here for. We are here to have talks…not to tour the province."

"I am here to negotiate a settlement," Qui-Gon replied. "Anything that will help me accomplish that is acceptable to me. By asking the Republic to intervene you have invited this. I do have the authority to seek the information that I require to see what the truth is. You may ask the chancellor about that when you contact him." He looked back to the healer. "I think I would like to see this village. Can you get us there?"

"If our safety is guaranteed by the Brations. The Gorinions are not allowed to fly ships over Bration territory."

"Is this true?" the Jedi master looked to the governor.

"We are at war with them. What do you expect? How do we know what they will drop on us?"

"We are going to the Gorinion village. You may do as you like, but I warn you that assassination or attempted assassination of a Republic representative is a serious charge. Let's go."

The three Jedi and Jinant walked out. Gahd was shouting, "You can't do this. I will contact Chancellor Valorum."

"That's quite a story Mi'al," Qui-Gon said as the ship was settling in the hilltop village. "This is what you took sabbatical for?"

"Well…I knew I was going into a dangerous area…still I didn't know all I was getting myself into. Oh…by the way, there's something that you and Obi-Wan need to know about before you get out of the ship. Vita is with me."

"Vita? You mean…"

"One of the Klastarian clones. I know how you feel…how you both feel, but please try to not judge him harshly. He has been a lot of help to me. There's no way I could have treated as many people as I did if I didn't have his help. He's been not only a great assistant, but a good support person through all this."

Qui-Gon said nothing but just followed the healer out.

"Mi'al!" Vita called as he hurried up. "I see you got to them in time. Hello Master Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan," the clone said shyly.

"Hello Vita." Qui-Gon tried to keep his tone even.

"Come with me," Mi'al said. "First I want you to meet Parne."

After a long day of touring the village and trying to see everything that Jinant, Parne and Mi'al wanted Qui-Gon to see and hear, he finally begged off. "I'm exhausted. It's been quite a day. We're not going anywhere in a hurry. Let's continue this tomorrow. We need a break."

"Sorry," Mi'al replied. "I guess I got a little carried away. I don't know what the governor is up to while you are away. I wanted you to see as much as you could before he tries to…have you removed or…whatever is in his devious little mind."

"If he truly does contact the council or the chancellor, I think he's going to be in for a surprise. If he tries acting on his own authority…well, we may be outnumbered by his security forces. We may have to leave then. I don't think the council would look favorably on Obi-Wan and I attacking them. Where would that leave you?"

"The Intergalactic Relief personnel are supposed to be protected…by an arrangement Orino agreed to. I don't fear for my safety…but they may try to go back on their agreement since I poked my nose in their political affairs. I was speaking on my own behalf and not the behalf of IR…but they may hold it against them. I may have caused irreparable damage to the relief effort here," the healer said sadly. "Perhaps I should have thought more carefully about what I did."

Qui-Gon patted his arm. "I'm glad you spoke up Mi'al. I've had the feeling all along that Gahd was trying to influence me and hide something. If you hadn't brought it to my attention, I may not have known of it. They were working together to try to keep Jinant quiet as well. You have done more than help one village. If we can now negotiate a realistic settlement…maybe the relief effort will not be needed any longer. And…I assure you, if the peace talks fall through I will go to the Jedi council myself on behalf of IR to try to make sure they are not punished for what happened here."

The healer smiled. "Thanks Qui-Gon. I appreciate it. Now…as your healer, I prescribe a good night's rest."

"I'm not your healer…but as a friend, I prescribe the same for you."

The next day Parne conducted Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan around and told them more of the unfair treatment of his people. Mi'al and Vita had patients to revisit. Word had spread of the arrival of the Jedi and the Gorinions were grateful to Mi'al for his further help.

Parne and Jinant took the two Jedi to another nearby Gorinion village. They managed to make the hop in the village transport without being shot at. The conditions were very similar here and the stories were the same about the so-called help the Brations had offered…and how they moved the people around as they chose. Qui-Gon was thorough in his investigation and his questioning of the creatures there. Unlike Gahd, Parne did not try to direct the Jedi to particular Gorinions that he insisted be interviewed. The Jedi were given complete freedom the wander the village, looking at whatever they liked and talking to whoever they desired. It did not escape Qui-Gon's notice that the Gorinions seemed to have nothing to hide.

Sometime in the middle of the following day, Jinant, Parne and the two Jedi returned to the Kahira village.

"Well…what do you think?" Mi'al asked.

"I think I've seen enough to convince me that the Gorinions have some legitimate complaints. If I still cannot get the governor or the Bration representative to admit they are trying to hide something, then I intend to make a recommendation to the Senate. I will suggest that a team be sent here to more thoroughly study the situation until they come up with hard evidence that cannot be denied. While such a study is ongoing, the actions of the Brations will be monitored. So…they can admit it now…or admit it when the evidence is gathered."

Mi'al smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. I think Vita and I will pay that other village a visit tomorrow. It sounds like they could use some help as well."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan returned to the capital city to find a more subdued Gahd and Gless. Apparently the governor had made good on his threats…and had been put in his place for trying to interfere with a Republic representative who was doing his assigned job. They tried again to deny what Qui-Gon accused them of. Then they backed down somewhat and said they were misunderstood…and had misunderstood. Seeing that the pair was not going to admit anything, the Jedi master laid out his plan to suggest a formal investigation.

"You wouldn't!" Gahd said indignantly. "How dare you?"

"If you have nothing to hide Governor, why do you so strongly resist the closer looks at what you are doing? It only makes you look guilty. But to answer your question…yes I would. I dare do it because I suspect a grave injustice has been committed and it is my duty to expose it. Now…the choice is yours. You can consider negotiating a settlement…that will address the protests of the Gorinions…or you can look forward to a group of Republic investigators who will come here indefinitely and leave no nook in the dark."

Gahd slumped in his chair. Gless was still indignant. "You aren't going to let him push you around like this, are you?"

"Shut up!"

It took four long weeks of talks to finally get a treaty that both sides agreed to. The Gorinions had definite, but reasonable requests. The Brations still felt a need to "keep them in their place." However, the Jedi worked long and hard hours, deliberately keeping the Governor and Gless up until late at night. The two were not used to that with their laid back life style. Actual hard work took its toll on them. The Jedi master hoped they were getting just a taste of what life outside their ideal world might be like.

The longer the ordeal went on, the more Gahd was willing to give in just to settle everything. Gless mostly sat and brooded in silence as he saw his view of the world crumble before his eyes. Qui-Gon was not willing to be unfair to the two politicians however. Once the final agreement was reached, he put it aside for a couple of days and allowed all involved to rest and think over all that had come to light, the long discussions they had about the Gorinions, and how all they really needed was a chance.

The Jedi master called the participants back after their days of rest and laid the document before each one. "This is what you have agreed to. You've had time to think it over. I want you to be sure of what you are signing. This is not just a piece of paper. It is a covenant. The Republic will watch to see that both sides honor it. So…you need to be mindful of what the document says."

Gahd was loath to even look at it again, but Qui-Gon insisted. Gless refused. "If you will not take up your role as negotiator," Gahd wagged a finger at him, "I will find a Bration who will." The man said nothing but snatched up his copy to look over.

"What do you think Jinant?" Obi-Wan asked him.

"I am very happy Obi-Wan. This is more than I had hoped for. You and you master have been of much help to us. I am grateful…very grateful."

"You worked hard too. You are to be congratulated for all you have done. Do you remember all you learned about etiquette? I think there probably will be a big celebration of this treaty. You're going to need to know it."

"I remember. I practice every time I can. Napkin, knife, fork, don't belch."

The apprentice covered his mouth and tried not to laugh.

"Governor?" Qui-Gon asked several minutes later.

"Yes…yes. I agree to it. I suppose they are not quite the brutes I thought they were. Jinant here seems to be more refined than Haas. Maybe I haven't given him the credit he is due. I agree. Let this be over with."

"Mr. Gless?"

"I suppose I have no choice since the governor agrees to it. I can't say that my people will be happy…or live up to it…"

"That is why the Republic will be watching. If you can't convince your people…there are penalties outlined in the treaty for violating it."

"Gless," Gahd snapped. "Can't you even admit when you are wrong? We've been defeated. It's over. If you're so arrogant that you can't even see you are wrong…then I need another advisor on the Brations."

"I will do all I can…but I still make no promises," Gless replied.

The concerned parties all signed the agreement. At once the Bration stormed out of the room. Gahd rose slowly. He glanced at Jinant who had stood when the governor did and waited to see what the chunky man would do.

"I'll…try to work with you. Do you think that maybe you could…teach your people some of your manners? You do seem…not as crude…" Gahd's voice trailed off.

With a short bow the tall Gorinion replied, "It would be my pleasure to pass on what I have learned Governor."

Qui-Gon smiled a little. "If the Gorinions are willing to learn your ways, perhaps you could learn something of their ways. It might help you see them differently if you knew more of them."

"Well…I…suppose. I'll…think about it."

Late in the day over their evening meal, which noticeably lacked the usual large crowd of guests, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were talking quietly with Gahd. The governor was trying to steer all talk away from the events of the last several days. He wanted to look forward…but did not include much talk of the Gorinions…or of Gless in his plans for the future.

"I think it would be a nice gesture to have a little get together to recognize the signing of this treaty," Qui-Gon said. "I understand that is a tradition on this planet anyway."

"Um…yes, it is. However, I don't know if that's such a good idea. You see, the Brations are not very happy with the Gorinions right now…and I don't know that celebrating with them…would be looked upon favorably."

"Celebrating with an enemy would not," the elder Jedi agreed. "But celebrating with new friends and allies should be a happy occasion. Governor, if you really are going to try to live up to this treaty, don't you think you should try to change your attitude toward the Gorinions? You are going to have to interface with them…work with them. Wouldn't it be easier to do that if you could accept them?"

Gahd was slow to answer. He knew what Qui-Gon said was true…about having to work closer with the big furry creatures. Perhaps he should try. After all, the Republic would be looking over his shoulder. "Very well. We will have a state dinner to observe the signing of the treaty."

"That's a wise decision Governor. The beginning of a new era for you to lead your people into."

The huge ballroom in the governor's mansion was festooned with many bright flowers, bunting, and even woodcarvings that the Gorinions had done. A small symphony played at one end…next to a band of big brown creatures playing hand made instruments. The two groups alternated playing during the night. Jinant had brought Parne and Haas with him and a few Gorinions from other villages. He had been carefully instructing them in etiquette in the short time that they'd had to prepare. With a careful eye, he watched his people and any infraction was met with a sharp elbow in the ribs. The female Gorinions looked lovely with their simple yet tasteful handmade jewelry.

Noticeably absent from the gathering was Gless. Gahd made apologies to the Jedi and explained that a new representative of the Brations had not been chosen yet, so he was acting in that behalf. The governor actually appeared to be enjoying himself. Seeing the big fur balls acting with decorum instead of the brutish behavior that he'd only seen little of but heard much about seemed to be having an influence on him. Qui-Gon knew a breakthrough had been reached when Gahd gallantly asked Tyne, Parne's mate to dance. She shyly but politely declined, admitting that she didn't know how to dance.

"It would be my great pleasure to instruct you," Gahd bowed.

She seemed to catch on quickly and the two were slowly but surely making their way around the dance floor.

"I never thought I would see that!" Obi-Wan said to Qui-Gon.

"Or I," Mi'al added. He and Vita had been invited by Qui-Gon since the healer had played a significant part in the treaty. The elder Jedi still wasn't completely relaxed around the Klastarian clone. He had been watching Mi'al and Vita interacting. Their relationship was much different…closer. The Jedi master made a note to ask Mi'al about it.

"Just know you had a part in it," Qui-Gon replied.

"A small part. Parne deserves all the credit."

"Still…if you had not spoken up when you did, there's much I wouldn't have been aware of. Small or big…it was a significant part."

Jinant hurried up to the small group. He grabbed Obi-Wan in a big crushing hug, lifting him and swinging him around in a circle. "Everything has gone even better than I expected! Thank you so much! Come, you and I will dance like you showed me to celebrate!"

Obi-Wan's eyes were wide at the unexpected action. He yelped, "What are you doing? Put me down!" Jinant complied at once, but looked crushed. The apprentice was straightening his tunic and looking around. "Men don't dance," he said while trying to regain what dignity he could.

Jinant looked shocked, "What? You didn't tell me that part of it!" Jinant looked around quickly. "Did anyone see me? Will they think I am…what was the word…backwards?"

Qui-Gon had been trying to contain his laughter throughout the incident. "It's alright Jinant. Everyone is so busy celebrating, I don't think anyone saw you."

"Good. Obi-Wan, you should be more careful when you explain things. Is there anything else you forgot to tell me?"

"I think you're doing fine," Qui-Gon answered for the apprentice. Then he gently pulled the Gorinion to the side. "I just want to congratulate you on the treaty…and how you've handled yourself. I think you are showing Governor Gahd that your people aren't just beasts."

"Thank you Master Qui-Gon. Thank you for letting Obi-Wan teach me."

"There's just one thing that puzzles me about this. You were still fighting…but you said that Kura had told you of a peaceful way to settle this. It doesn't seem to have worked. What exactly did he tell you?"

"We got a great idea from Kura! Then the water supply was contaminated." The big furry creature suddenly realized what he was saying and tried to back pedal. "Kura warned us…to be careful…about the…bodily fluids that were coming from Obi-Wan when he was sick. He said they were full of germs…and that anyone who might…ingest any of them would get sick…like Obi-Wan."

To clarify the point since Jinant seemed a little confused, Qui-Gon directly asked. "Did Kura tell you to…put that in their water?"

"Well…no," Jinant knew that Haas didn't want anyone taking credit for what he considered his success…and he couldn't admit what they had done. But now…how to explain it to the Jedi? "Well…you see…at first we weren't able to help with Obi-Wan much…because of…all the engine trouble." Yeah! That was it. "But then later…after we got the engines fixed…we were able to help. Kura was insistent about being careful with the bodily fluids…but I guess…I wasn't…careful enough…. But," he added quickly, "I'm sure it won't be a problem anymore now that the treaty has been signed. Everything will settle down and return to normal...and no more problems," he grinned crookedly, hoping that Qui-Gon wouldn't question him further.

The Jedi tugged at his beard. Jinant didn't say it…but he felt certain now that the water supply had been deliberately contaminated. But…he could prove nothing…and it seemed certain Jinant would admit nothing. And…Kura? Certainly he didn't really suggest doing this…did he? It was true that the Gorinions were not excessively high in IQ. He felt certain they didn't come up with the idea of putting…bodily fluids in the water themselves. Was it just a misunderstanding…or an accident? Qui-Gon made a note to…ask Kura…maybe indirectly. But…that's all he could do. There was nothing legal to be done about what the Gorinions had done without any proof.

At the Jedi's long thoughtful silence Jinant tried to sneak away. Qui-Gon noticed but decided to let him go. What else could he do? Putting it out of his mind for the moment, he turned back to enjoy the festivities.

Gahd had really loosened up now and was dancing mightily next to Haas over near the Gorinion band as they played a lively celebration tune. The Gorinions had learned some refinement…and the governor was learning to be less stuffy. These two societies would be good for one another. There was much they could teach each other. Yes…even though it may be shaky…and may go through fits and starts, Qui-Gon was certain this treaty was just what the province needed to bring the former enemies together.

Mi'al and Vita stayed the night in the capital city so they could bid farewell to the departing Jedi. Then they still had many patients to get back to.

"You're quite a man, Mi'al," Qui-Gon said. "I've always thought that, but…all this just increases my opinion of you."

"Don't think too highly of me," the healer responded. "It's a long way to fall from a high pedestal. I'm just doing what I think is right."

"True…but there are few who would go through this hardship when they have an easy life waiting at home for them. And…it sounds like Vita has had quite a bit to endure as well." He still was having some problem dealing with the clone…but things like this were changing his viewpoint slowly but surely. "It must be really tough to come out of a protected environment into this," Qui-Gon said to the clone.

"I just want to be like Mi'al," Vita said shyly. "He cares so much about people. I care too. I want to help like he does. I want to be like my father."

"Father?" Qui-Gon said as he lifted his eyebrows.

"I'll…explain that later," Mi'al said a little sheepishly. "We've just gotten…close through all this."

"I see. I think that explains enough," Qui-Gon replied as he put an arm around Obi-Wan.

"You've been very quiet since we've left Orino," the Jedi master said to his apprentice.

"Oh…just thinking. A lot to think about…the Gorinions, Jinant and how he wanted to change to help his people, how Gahd changed…Mi'al and Vita. It's kind of overwhelming when you think of this whole mission."

"Yes. It is," Qui-Gon agreed. "I'm happy that we were able to bring these two races together. After all the years of fighting and hate…I hope the treaty holds."

"Me too. I keep thinking about what you told me about…my bodily fluids and what Jinant did with them. I guess I shouldn't feel badly about it. I didn't know…and I was too sick to do anything about it anyway…but I do feel bad that so many people suffered…and died…because of me."

Qui-Gon put a hand on his apprentice's shoulder. "Padawan, as you say, you didn't know what was being done. You can't affect what you don't know about. Also, you should realize that even if they had not made the Brations sick, the Gorinions would still have been fighting them. People would have been hurt and killed whether Jinant did that or not. Those are the fortunes of war…sad as it is. It is not your fault. And…now peace has been declared. The Brations know what the problem with the water is and steps are being taken to remedy the problem. Let's look forward…as they are looking forward."

Obi-Wan nodded but said nothing for a long time. Finally he said, "Do you think that it's all over with Master?"

"No, Obi-Wan. It isn't. Even a treaty cannot change hearts. There will still be bigotry and abuses for some time. People have to change. I hope that as the two sides meet and work together that hearts will change. The Brations will see that the Gorinions are not so very different. The Gorinions will see the Brations as they truly are. Even then it will not really be over. There's always the chance of warfare breaking out again…because we live in an imperfect galaxy. There are dark forces at work. As long as they are there, there will always be warfare, bigotry, and abuse. But that is why we are here, Padawan. The Jedi are sworn to uphold justice and peace because we oppose those dark forces. As long as there is someone to carry on that duty, there is always the chance for things to change…to get better. It's a big job, a big responsibility. Are you up to it?"

It was a sobering thought, but one the apprentice had thought much about…especially at times like this. He knew…as he had known since he had become a padawan, that he would have to be up to it. It was the choice he had made. "Yes Master."

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