Consequences
Rating: T+
Summary: All choices have consequences whether they be good or bad
Disclaimer: All cannon characters are owned by the Great Flanneled One, and now Disney. All Enterprise characters are owned by the Great Bird of the Galaxy. All others are mine. I make no money off this.
Note: This is a sequel to Choices
Timeline: 40BBY
Speech: " "
Training Bond communications: /
Internal thoughts: italics
Chapter Seven
/Master?/
Qui-Gon blinked his eyes and stretched, coming out of his meditation. He had not expected to hear from Obi-Wan quite so soon. /Yes, Padawan?/
/What happened? I can't understand anything going on here./ There was obvious confusion coming from that side of the bond.
/I'm coming, Padawan. Don't worry, all will be explained./
After receiving an affirmation, Qui-Gon rose from his place in the corner of the cabin. On the small desk were the data files he retrieved earlier, now in at least some sort of order, along with the reader. If there's anything Obi-Wan could do, it would be studying. Leaving the room, he went in the direction of the medical ward. He wasn't quite sure how he would deal with the healer. Healers were notoriously fickle when it came to visitors. If he was asked, or demanded to leave, he would not. Obi-Wan needed his help more than ever at this point in time.
Stepping inside the facility he could easily sense Obi-Wan's confusion. He never made it across the room for Phlox cut him off. The Denublian folded his arms while giving him a pointed look, "Mr. Jinn, what are you doing here?"
"My apprentice cannot understand you," Qui-Gon indicated the bed where Obi-Wan was currently resting. "He needs one of these translating devices," he indicated the translator he now kept with him all the time.
Phlox grumbled something then stepped away. This gave Qui-Gon the time to come over Obi-Wan. "Padawan," he began, deliberately not using the translator, "I will show you what the humans use here for translating."
/You make it sound like we're not in the Republic./ Obi-Wan was at least able to turn his head to look at Qui-Gon, though the movements were jerky.
"I don't believe we are. The humans here have never heard of the Republic or Coruscant."
Obi-Wan's mind finally looked as if it caught up with what Qui-Gon said earlier, /Humans? There are humans here?/
/Yes./ Qui-Gon reached out to touch the Force and found it as pure as he had ever sensed it. /There are, but from what I have been able to find out, there are no Jedi or even Force wielders./
/How?/
"I'm not sure," Qui-Gon muttered, though loud enough for Obi-Wan to hear.
The door to the sickbay opened again, and Archer came in. "I see you're back in sickbay."
Qui-Gon turned to look at the captain. "So, that is what this area is called?" he indicated the room with a wave of his hand.
"Yes," Jon stopped near the bed and handed Qui-Gon another translator. "Here. I was just on my way when Phlox contacted me. I suspected Obi-Wan would need one of these."
"Thank you, Captain."
Jon nodded and turned his attention to Phlox. The two spoke briefly before the captain left sickbay. Turning back to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon held it up. "This is their translator. You speak into it and it will translate whatever you say into the language that the humans here are using."
/Can we bring it back?/
Qui-Gon looked at the translator before bringing his attention back to Obi-Wan. "Probably not, Padawan. Although it would be nice if we had something similar. Then we wouldn't have to hope that at least one member of each party when we have to negotiate, has knowledge of Basic." He paused, "There is something else I need to tell you."
Obi-Wan gave him a wary look. He opened his mouth and tried to say something.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "Don't try to talk."
/Is that the reason why?/
"Partly. When we crashed you were electrocuted."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and turned his head away.
"Until I can get us back to the Temple and the Healer's Ward, you're not going to improve."
/Why me? First the poison, and now this?/
"Obi-Wan, their engineer will be doing the best he can in trying to repair the hyperdrive."
/Whatever./
/I know it's difficult, Padawan, but I will take no insolence from you./ Qui-Gon continued verbally, "Although I do want to see what you can still do."
Eventually Obi-Wan turned his attention back to Qui-Gon. /All right. What do you want me to do, or at least try to do?/
"Lift this," Qui-Gon had the translator resting in the palm of his open hand. "You don't have to do anything fancy, just enough for me to know."
Obi-Wan's forehead furrowed only slightly, and his eyes narrowed, but the object in Qui-Gon's hand did levitate, though not by much. When he released it, he went limp. /Sorry Master, it took more than I thought./
Qui-Gon let his fingers curl around the object, making sure he didn't drop it. "Don't worry, Padawan. That's all I wanted you to do."
Phlox appeared on the other side of the bio-bed, arms folded. "I want to know what just happened."
Qui-Gon placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder then followed the Denublian to the other side of the room. Just as he opened his mouth, Phlox continued with his arms folded once again, "It's not good to get an injured patient agitated. He could have hurt himself."
Qui-Gon's face remained passive. "I needed to know what abilities Obi-Wan still had left. He can reach out to the Force and do basic manipulation, but I suspect that's about it." Turning back, he found Obi-Wan looking around the room. It was obvious that he was trying to figure out the different instruments. Lowering his voice Qui-Gon continued, "I also think it would be best to see what kind of motor control he still has."
Phlox actually calmed down a little bit. "Then there needs to be at least someone with the two of you. It's always tricky trying to relearn things we've always been able to do. I don't want you to push him too hard, that would do more damage than what's already there."
"I do understand."
"Then I believe the first things we need to know is how much control he still has over certain muscles. I suspect he's all right because of him being still able to breath." Even though Phlox didn't say more Qui-Gon knew exactly what he was referring to.
"Then I wont ask him, at least for not what you were referring to." Qui-Gon glanced once again over his shoulder. Obi-Wan had his eyes closed once again, and it looked as if he were resting. At this point in time, resting was more important than anything else.
"Which is fine. I do want to check up on him every day."
"You make it sound as if we'll be here permanently." Qui-Gon frowned.
Phlox reached out a hand and touched Qui-Gon's arm. "You do have to keep that in mind."
"But I don't have to believe it." Qui-Gon thought about brushing the healer off, but in the end decided not to. He was right, at least up to a point. And Force forbid they were stuck here for the rest of their natural lives, then he would have to listen more to what Phlox was telling him.
/Master?/
Qui-Gon turned back to Obi-Wan. The younger Jedi was now looking at him. It was obvious how unsure he was. "Yes?"
/When will I meet their engineer? He probably doesn't know where to start with the hyperdrive./
"I will see when he can meet you. I do know he's already looked at it and is eager to start." It was at that point he realized that the translator was still working. Putting it to the side, he approached the bio-bed while lowering his voice. "I'm not sure how different our technology is to these humans. I believe that we need to keep this kind of conversation down to a minimum."
/Yes, Master./ Obi-Wan's mental thought came through easily enough, but it was obvious he was tired.
/You've been through a lot, Padawan./ And with that Qui-Gon sent a gentle sleep-suggestion. He smiled when he felt Ob-Wan's mind easily slide down into the sleep he still needed.
Phlox, holding another medical instrument, scanned Obi-Wan's mind, then handed the translator over to Qui-Gon. "Good, he's resting. He needs it considering what's happened today."
"Yes, I know." Not looking back, Qui-Gon left sickbay. Personally he would stay if there were any chairs, but he never say any.
"You know something?" Trip began, "That transport our visitors were, are on, is incredible." He had that far-away look in his eyes. Snapping back, he focused his attention back to the person sitting opposite of him in the captain's personal dining hall.
Cutting some of his food, Jon looked up, "Well, it does look as if they are very advanced compared to us. Where they're from…," he only shook his head.
"Maybe, then again, maybe not. What I found surprising is that they don't have transporter technology." Trip took a sip of water.
"What about those two objects you and Reed found? Are they weapons?"
Trip hesitated then set his glass down. Picking up a fork, he continued, "I think so. Qui-Gon did mention that they take a long time to master, although he never mentioned exactly what they are."
"Interesting," Jon leaned back in his seat. For a moment he remained quiet, "Do you know when a status report will be ready?"
Trip gave him an uncertain look, then shook his head. "I really don't know, Cap'n. Qui-Gon's been busy with Obi-Wan." He paused, "Have you heard from Phlox on his condition?"
"Not really, sorry. I was hoping you had heard anything."
"Nope, sir." Trip shook his head while setting his fork down. "You know, I wonder if I can get Qui-Gon to help me with the status reports, at least for now." He sat back, "I remember at breakfast that he mentioned that they use hyperdrive technology."
Jon's eyes widened. "Hyperdrive? I thought it was deemed impossible," his wide eyes morphed into his brow furrowing from confusion.
"Yeah, me too. Although it's apparently what they use to get from system to system, at least from where they're from."
"Interesting." After a few minutes of eating, Jon continued, "I do think it'll be good getting at least one of them to help you with the report. Let me know as soon as it's finished."
Trip finished his meal and stood. "Aye, Cap'n." He knew he had a lot of work ahead of him, not that he didn't mind. Just as he was nearing the crew's mess, Qui-Gon left and turned down the direction he was heading. Speeding up his steps, he caught up with the larger man. "Qui-Gon?"
The older man stopped and turned to look back at him. "Yes?"
"I haven't had time to run a diagnostic on the engine of your shuttle," Trip began.
Qui-Gon let out a smile. "I would be honored to help, at least try to help you…." Qui-Gon froze in place, eyes unseeing. In a flash, he turned and moved down the corridor in another direction.
"What?" Trip looked around, not sure what was happening. Turning back to Qui-Gon he had to jog to catch up with the fast moving older man.
Obi-Wan's eyes flew open at the first hint of something wrong. Moments later he felt like his whole body was set on fire. The pain was so intense that all he did was curl into a fetal position. All he wanted was for it to go away, but his body denied the respite. He tried to keep himself from crying out, but it was of no use. Unwittingly, his cry was both physical and mental.
A small, round object pressed against his neck, but Obi-Wan paid no attention to it. Muffled voices came as if from a great distance, then silence as the object was removed. There was a touch on his shoulder, and waves of comfort began breaking through the haze of pain. For a moment it felt as if became manageable, but it intensified once again. The comfort intensified and then the pain felt as if it were draining away, leaving him exhausted. He slid into a fitful sleep.
Qui-Gon took a slow, breath, attempting to steady himself before speaking. He had never seen Obi-Wan in this condition before, and it bothered him more than he wanted to admit. It was obvious that Obi-Wan couldn't release the pain he was feeling, so he did it for him. Taking a step away he frowned as his gaze went from Trip to Phlox, and then the engineer once again. "Forgive me for my actions, Commander."
"Don't worry, I do understand." Trip had a slight smile. Indicating the bed, he continued, "He's your primary concern right now."
"Ahem."
Qui-Gon turned back to the healer. Even if he wasn't Force sensitive he knew exactly what he was thinking. "Only if there is not someone who is either a Force sensitive healer, or one trained to deal with like individuals will any medication be used on a Jedi. There is no telling what we might do, even if it is by pure accident." He gave him a forced smile.
As Phlox grumbled Trip spoke again, "He will get better."
Qui-Gon remained silent as they left sickbay and now worked their way down to the hanger bay. Once inside a lift, he finally answered, "He has to. He is the only one that can get us back to where we belong."
Trip placed his hand on Qui-Gon's arm. "I will do my best to get your transport back in working order. Right now I don't know how the engines work. This status report will let me know what's going on."
"Only if it's the will of the Force."
Trip paused, then removed his hand. "It sounds as if you worship this entity. What is this Force you speak of?"
Qui-Gon sighed inwardly. It still baffled him that they were in a place where there was no knowledge of the Force, or Jedi. "It's an energy field that surrounds and permeates all life. At the same time there are only a few individuals that have the ability to tap into it."
It was obvious that Trip didn't understand what he just heard. "That's not my problem right now. My problem is getting your ship running again."
"Right, Commander," Qui-Gon nodded his understanding. All Jedi knew that there were some people that didn't want to hear or know about the abilities that Jedi possessed. Some even considered it some sort of hokey religion.
Trip placed his hand on his arm effectively stopping their movement. "It's not that I don't understand, actually I do, it's that right now I'm focused on your transport."
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, it was more out of surprise than anything else. By the time they stepped inside the hanger bay they passed by several half doors. One just happened to be open. What caught his attention was seeing both his and Obi-Wan's lightsabers in what turned out to be a cabinet along with what looked like various other blasters. He turned his attention back to the engineer, "Commander, if I can prove that we are not hostile, may we have our tools back?"
Trip looked at the armory closet for a moment, "I'm not the one you need to ask. You need to talk to Mal about it."
"Talk to me about what?" Malcolm asked as he emerged from the other side of the transport.
Qui-Gon watched in amusement as Trip jumped and whirled around towards the other officer. He was clearly not expecting the other man to be there. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head as he turned his attention back to Qui-Gon while Malcolm approached. Giving him only the slightest of smiles, Qui-Gon begin again, this time addressing Malcolm. "Lieutenant…?"
"Yes, Lt. Reed."
"Lt. Reed, if I can prove that we, meaning my apprentice and I, am not hostile, may we have our tools back."
"Tools?"
"Those," Qui-Gon pointed to the two lightsabers in the armory closet.
"What are they?"
"Tools that take a great deal of time to master. You don't just point and shoot like a blaster, and they're not as clumsy or random."
Malcolm furrowed his brow before his eyes widened in obvious understanding. "So you're telling me that those are weapons."
"When it comes down to it, yes," Qui-Gon admitted.
"If, and I mean if, I let you have them back, you will not carry them around. This is a secure ship, and I want to keep it that way." Malcolm looked away for a moment before turning back, decision obviously made. "I'm sorry," he shook his head, "but at this point I cannot allow you to have them. You're the only one that knows how to use them. If they got into the wrong hands, and managed to activate it, any blood spilt would be on my hands."
Qui-Gon eventually nodded to the officer. "I understand, Lt. Reed, and will comply with your wishes."
"Hey, Mal," Trip called from inside the transport. The two looked in his direction and found him in the entrance, holding onto it with one hand while leaning out. "Qui-Gon's here to help with the status report."
"Thank God," Malcolm muttered. He raised his voice, "You have no idea if you've messed up the engine or not."
"Oh, come on, it can't be that bad." Trip gave them a smirk then disappeared back inside the transport.
Qui-Gon shook his head. He wanted to roll his eyes, but didn't. Feeling something from Obi-Wan's end of their bond, he paused and reached out to the padawan. He was still in a fitful sleep, which was all right for now. He drew hie attention back to the two officers. They were still talking about the engine. "If it can't be fix," he spoke during a pause between the two, "Then it can be rebuilt."
"See," Trip indicated Qui-Gon with an incline of his head.
"I need to see if I have anything I can use t run the report. Then I can have the results translated to you." Qui-Gon passed by the two officers. Looking back he continued, "You humans here have the oddest writing characters." He ignored the reactions he got from the two humans and went over to the supply closet. Rummaging around, he found an unused data-pad with stylus attached. Pulling out the pen from the side of the instrument, he followed Trip into the engine room located at the back of the transport.
With Trip next to the generator, Qui-Gon turned on the data-pad and booted up the small computer. "Commander, I will ask you to do certain things. You will need to give me each response. If it is something you cannot read, tell me. I would not be surprised if most, if not all is written in Aurebesh. If so, then I can translate it for you."
Trip, and then Malcolm nodded. With that, they began the diagnostics that Obi-Wan ran on a regular basis. During the rundown Qui-Gon found himself wanting to ask Obi-Wan about certain aspects of the wiring.
"You're not an engineer," Trip commented with a grin.
"No, engineering is not my specialty," Qui-Gon easily conceded. "I am trained in negotiation."
The three were eventually able to get the program up and running on the Enterprise computers, but with the variables from the transport generator. "Not too bad," Trip commented when the problems showed up from the systems check.
"At least the hyperdrive generator can be repaired. After seeing the problems, and how intricate everything is I don't know what we'd do if I had to completely replace it."
Trip looked to the large Jedi for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't think we'd be able to help you if it was that bad."
Qui-Gon nodded. He closed his eyes and reached out along the bond to check on Obi-Wan's condition. There hadn't been anything for some time, and it was beginning to bother him. The emotions he found were of calm. Apparently Obi-Wan was still dozing at the moment. "As soon as possible I want Obi-Wan down here."
"Good." Trip smiled. "I could always use another engineer."
As soon as he realized he wasn't really needed in the hanger bay, Qui-Gon bowed his head then turned and left the area. He really wanted to be back in sickbay to keep an eye on Obi-Wan. Turning a corner, he found T'Pol standing in the middle of the corridor, a curious look in her eyes. Apparently she wanted to speak with him, but held back at the same time.
As he passed by her, she turned and lengthened her stride to keep up with him. As soon as they reached the turbolifts, he could feel Obi-Wan waking up again.
"Qui-Gon?"
Turning, he found Trip hurrying down the corridor towards them. "Yes?"
Before Trip reached the two of them, Qui-Gon caught T'Pol's eyes. Tilting her head, she turned and continued down the corridor to an unknown destination.
When Trip reached him, he paused, taking a breath, "If you're heading to sickbay, I'd like to come along."
Thinking that it wouldn't be so bad, Qui-Gon turned and entered the lift, and held the door open for the engineer to follow. When they eventually stepped inside sickbay, the calm he felt earlier was now replaced with pensiveness. Stopping beside the bed, he felt Obi-Wan begin to relax, most likely because of his presence. "How are you feeling, Padawan?"
/Confused, and…./
"Angry?"
Obi-Wan attempted to nod, then turned and looked away. The motions were jerky, but Qui-Gon was able to decipher them. From a young age, Padawans were taught that anger was a very strong emotion, and one that was not to be cultivated by the ones that chose the difficult path of the Jedi. "Obi-Wan, do not expect to recover immediately from your injuries. We are not in the Mind Healer's Ward. The healer here is doing the best he can." /You need to work through your anger, Padawan, but don't deny that those feelings are present./
/I want to go home./
/So do I Padawan, but it will only happen when the Force allows us./ Qui-Gon placed a comforting hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "There is also someone here that's been wanting to meet you. He's the chief engineer on this transport. During his off time he's been working on the hyperdrive generator hoping to get it up and running so we can go home." He stepped to the side allowing Obi-Wan to see Trip.
/Human?/
"Yes, there are humans on board this ship."
Obi-Wan focused tired blue-green eyes on the newcomer.
The man who stepped forward looked uncertain for a moment. "Commander Tucker," he held out a hand, then pulled it back. "If I'm to get your shuttle up and running I'm going to need your help since your technology is completely different from ours."
The small compliment brightened Obi-Wan's eyes for a moment. He tried to say something, then only nodded.
Qui-Gon turned back to Trip, "He wishes he could speak, but is frustrated that he can't. He also wanted to thank you for your comment concerning his abilities." All this made him wonder if he would end up being the go-between the two until they made it back to Coruscant.
"Let me know when you're ready, and I can meet you in the hanger bay." And with that Trip gave a small two-finger salute and walked out of sickbay.
/Is he genuine?/
"Yes, Padawan. He is not trying to hide anything."
/It'll be good to have help./ There was a pause, /Will I stay here overnight?/
"That depends on you, Obi-Wan. Do you feel you're up to the trip to your cabin?" Qui-Gon looked up when he felt Phlox move towards them.
It looked as if Obi-Wan tried to shrug. /I'm worried that I'll have another attack./
It took a moment for Qui-Gon to understand what Obi-Wan meant. Also curious, he turned to Phlox, "Healer, will Obi-Wan have another attack like the one he had earlier?"
The Denublian turned and looked at Obi-Wan for a few minutes before turning his attention back to Qui-Gon. "Well, it depends. Some people after being electrocuted can have upwards of three or four a day, then again some don't even have them. It has to do with the nerves and how after being overwhelmed they've lost the ability to recognize a legitimate pain. That means everything goes through to the brain." Pausing, he continued, "With something like that the nerves can slowly regain their normalcy."
"Do you want him to remain here overnight?"
After running another scan over Obi-Wan, Phlox turned thoughtful for a moment. "Qui-Gon, since he is bonded to you, you will be able to help with the more obvious symptoms. It's the same thing with Vulcans." He turned to Obi-Wan, "This is more of a military vessel and has few creature comforts. Either you can stay here, or unless we can work something up, you'll have to be carried."
The obvious frown on Obi-Wan's face was all they needed to know. /I do not want to be carried. It makes me feel as if I'm an invalid./
/As of right now, Padawan, you are./
Catching movement out of the corner of his eye Qui-Gon looked up and found Phlox heading to the exit. Someone came inside holding a small bundle. "Thank you, Ensign," the Denublian responded cheerfully, as he received the package. He came back over.
"At least there's one thing you don't have to worry about anymore. Provisions has prepared some clothing for you." He handed the blue dark blue bundle to Qui-Gon.
/Why clothing?/
"Padawan, your tunic was burned and in tatters." /I've mentioned this before, but it would be best if you brought more than what you're wearing for our missions./
Obi-Wan frowned. /I did, but parts were ruined when I was stuck out in the wilderness with Eira. I was wearing the extra I brought./
/Good, then I'm sorry about my words. I didn't remember after everything we've been through./ Qui-Gon gave him a smile that was mostly coming from his eyes. He looked back down at what he held then back to the healer.
Apparently Phlox knew what he was about to ask. "Don't worry, I'll be on the other side of sickbay. You have to realize this is a place where there's not a whole lot of privacy to be had."
"True." Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan and set the material on the edge of the bed so he could sort out what turned out to be clothing. Once he figured out how the clasps and strange binders worked, he gently massaged Obi-Wan's leg and arm muscles, then dressed him. "Finished," he kept his voice low.
A short time later Phlox came back over, his smile ever present. "Good news. We do have a hoverchair that Obi-Wan can borrow for the time he's on board. I'll have it brought here immediately."
"That will make things more convenient, especially for Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon placed a hand on his Padawan's shoulder.
/At least I won't be completely bed-bound./
/This is only temporary, Padawan. Plus, you're better than this./
The door to sickbay opened again, and an unknown officer appeared, while pushing the hoverchair. Qui-Gon inclined his head, "Thank you."
"Sir, Captain Archer said that he would be by later." He glanced down to Obi-Wan then back to Qui-Gon before leaving sickbay.
True to the officer's word, the captain eventually entered sickbay again. Stopping beside the bed he looked to Obi-Wan. "I'm glad that the clothing fits."
"Yes, and we are indebted to you and your crew for all that you've done for us."
Jon waved it off. "It's the least we can do. I know you'd do the same for us."
/Master?/
"Yes, Padawan," Qui-Gon began, anticipating the question, "That is the captain."
Jon smiled while now addressing Obi-Wan, "I'm hoping that you improve in the coming days." He nodded, then left sickbay.
With quick, but gentle hands, Obi-Wan was moved into the chair, and they too left sickbay on the way towards the cabins they were assigned. Not knowing how Obi-Wan would react, or have any attacks, Qui-Gon felt it best that they share a cabin for the duration of their stay. It was just easier in the long run.
TBC…