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 Thirteen

Qui-Gon wanted to get to sickbay the moment that second seizure started, but he could only move so fast down the corridor. He would like to run, but at least Obi-Wan wasn't in a life threatening place. Yes seizures were bad, but easy to live through. Him hitting the wall with that kind of force easily triggered another seizure. It was obvious even to him that Obi-Wan's fragile health was declining, but this time there was a reason, then again maybe not.

What really bothered Qui-Gon was if they were going to carry any illnesses back to the Temple. Theis place was a closed environment, so things could get spread very easily. By the time he reached sickbay he could tell that the seizure was in its final stages, or so he thought. When he came into sensor range, the door slid open and he stepped inside. Qui-Gon had to close his eyes for a moment because of how difficult it was seeing Obi-Wan in his current state. The only thing that kept him going was the knowledge, or at least hopeful knowledge that they would somehow make it home.

"I arrived as soon as I could," Qui-Gon kept his voice low as he approached Phlox. Obi-Wan had recovered from the seizure. A short time later he opened his eyes, and looked around in confusion.

"Easy, Padawan." Qui-Gon stretched out his hand and placed his fingers on either side of his forehead just above Obi-Wan's temples.

Obi-Wan furrowed his brow. /What…./

"This ship was attacked." Qui-Gon glanced over to the healer, whose eyes were wide, "But nothing was damaged."

/Why…why am I here?/

Movement out of the corner of Qui-Gon's eye caught his attention. He raised a finger to Obi-Wan, "I'll be back, and then I will explain everything."

As soon as Obi-Wan nodded, he turned and followed the healer to a far corner of the room.

"Attacked?"

"Yes, Healer. Your Captain called them Sulabons. It's the reason why Obi-Wan is here. He was the only one who was injured."

Phlox shook his head, "That could be either good or bad. Good because there's no one else that's reported here, and bad because of your apprentice's current health."

"He was thrown against the bulkhead, which caused another seizure."

"Who else was there?"

"Commander Tucker and…Lieutenant…Reed."

"Figures. At least they're not injured."

"Which is a good thing." Qui-Gon turned his attention back to Obi-Wan. As he moved back to the bio-bed the door to sickbay opened again and Trip stepped inside.

"Ah Commander, it's good to see you," Phlox began as he folded his arms. "I heard you and Lt. Reed…."

Trip raised his hands in capitulation. "I wasn't hurt, if that's what you're wanting, and neither was Mal. So you have nothing to worry about."

"I worry about you enough," Qui-Gon easily heard the healer as he came over to join him.

/Master?/

Normally he'd use their bond to communicate, but this time Qui-Gon spoke. "What is the last thing you remember?"

Obi-Wan opened his mouth and squeezed his eyes shut. /I…I think it's starting./ He opened them again, but this time his eyes had turned into almost a dull gray. His hands balled up while his muscles tensed, keeping him from moving. With him still being held in place, Qui-Gon placed his hands on either side of Obi-Wan's head, and then helped him relieve his pain into the Force.

A short time later, Obi-Wan's muscles went limp, while he gasped for breath. It was as if he had just had a long distance run. /I…I hate this./

/Hate is a strong word, it's not wise to use it, Padawan./

/Why not? It's exactly what I feel at this point./ He paused, /I just want to go home./

/I know, Padawan. I know, and understand much better than you will ever realize./

"Isn't there anything you do do for him?" Trip asked.

Qui-Gon glanced over to where the Commander was standing. It was obvious how uncomfortable he was, especially after what he just witnessed. "Commander, your healer," his eyes went over to Phlox who had gone back to the other side of the room for the moment, "wanted to perform brain surgery on Obi-Wan."

"Then why didn't you have it done?" Trip shrugged as if it was the best choice.

"Commander, you may think it would be best for Obi-Wan, but I don't believe it to be. If we were permanently stranded here, then I would consider it. But with our transport viable, I have to do everything possible to get back so he can be healed." Qui-Gon placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "I know you want my Padawan to be there to help you with the drive, but in his current condition I don't think that would be wise. Plus I would have to be there since Obi-Wan cannot speak at this time."

"I need to figure something out," Trip muttered as he turned and left, but it was loud enough for Qui-Gon to hear him.

Qui-Gon's eyes stayed on the now closed door, unseeing at the same time. He really had to decide what the best thing would be in trying to fix the engine.

/Master?/ the question had confusion laced in it, though it wasn't the normal kind.

Looking down, Qui-Gon touched their bond and probed gently, hoping that he was only confused at why he was here. It wasn't the case, for he could sense a mental storm beginning to brew in Obi-Wan's mind.

"Not again," Qui-Gon muttered. This was not good at all. Just as before he grasped Obi-Wan's forehead and held him still while the mental storm raged, while the backlash made his muscles twitch. Looking up, he found Phlox standing on the other side of the bio-bed.

"Not good, this is not good." Phlox ran a scanner over Obi-Wan's head.

"I know, and I don't need the Force to know what you're going to tell me." When it subsided Qui-Gon released Obi-Wan's head, but kept one hand on his forehead. He suspected it was more for his comfort than anything else.

"There's still time to perform it."

/Master?/

Qui-Gon looked back down to Obi-Wan, surprised that he was back so soon. "Yes, Padawan?"

/When the drive is fixed, how are we going to get back home?/

"When the time is right, the Force will guide us back. This is something you don't have to worry about." He tried to add some humor into it hoping to get Obi-Wan to feel better, /Plus, I do know how to pilot a transport./

/Really? Ever since I've been your Padawan you've never flown./

This time he infused some paternal warmth. /I did when we went in search for you and the Princess while on Vasda./

For a moment there was actually amusement coming from Obi-Wan's side of the bond, but it melted away. /How is Commander Tucker going to fix the drive? I don't think he's ever seen anything like it./

Good, he's showing interest. /Would you be able to direct him while watching a live feed?/

A small smile tugged at the edge of Obi-Wan's mouth. /Why don't I just give him the information./

"No."

The verbal answer made Phlox's head come up and look between the two. He pursed his lips. "This is what I don't like about telepathic communication. Sometimes you only get half the conversation."

Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile at the comment. "True, Healer." He turned back to Obi-Wan, /The engineer is not Jedi./

/I still think it's possible. If I can't be there, then this is the next best thing./

/I don't think it's wise./

Just as the restraints were being loosened, Obi-Wan let out a huff. /Has he even fixed anything?/

"More than you realize, Padawan. The Commander got the internal generator working."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. /Really? There's not much more he needs to do to get the hyperdrive working. If the lights are working, then I suspect the drive is offline./ He reached down and tried to push himself up into a sitting position, but his muscles didn't work quite right.

"No Padawan. It's too dangerous." Qui-Gon's senses picked up another individual entering sickbay.

/He needs to know how to reset the drive. It's simple, but the steps need to be taken in the right sequence or it won't work./

Even though he wanted to roll his eyes, Qui-Gon didn't. "I know what you're trying to do Padawan. I also understand your reasoning. You have to realize that he's not Jedi."

/When was the last time you had to reset a hyperdrive generator?/ Obi-Wan shot back.

/Padawan,/ Qui-Gon sent a warning.

/Master, you're not an engineer./

/No, I'm not. But that doesn't mean…,/ Qui-Gon broke off his train of thought while shaking his head.

/It would be quicker./

/No, Padawan./

Eventually Obi-Wan nodded, though he wasn't happy about it at all.

"Get some rest." Qui-Gon sent a slight sleep-suggestion to his Padawan. Only when he had sunk down into it did he move away from the bed. He kept his voice low, "I understand what you're wanting to do, but it's too dangerous, and I suspect impossible."

"What is impossible Master Jinn?"

Qui-Gon answered, but without turning. "My Padawan wants to give your engineer the information it will take to reset the hyperdrive. It's dangerous and I do not recommend it with Obi-Wan's current condition."

"It is possible, Master Jedi."

He folded his arms. "I do not like, or approve of it, Sub-Commander." He turned to face T'Pol.

She glanced over to Obi-Wan and then back to Qui-Gon. "There are many things I do not approve of here on the Enterprise, but considering the circumstances, I allow them to take place. I have also found that normal humans are more sensitive than you realize."

"Personal experience, Sub-Commander?"

"Simple observation, Master Jedi."

Qui-Gon sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I need to meditate on this. Excuse me, Sub-Commander." Qui-Gon nodded to her and left the sickbay.

Opening up the door to his current cabin, Qui-Gon went over into the corner and sank down into his normal meditation position. Sighing, he released his pent up anxieties from the day. He felt as if everything was pushing him to this decision. Commander Tucker was good, he easily admitted to that, but he had no knowledge of how a hyperdrive worked. One wrong move and it would be permanently disabled and they'd be stuck here for the rest of their natural lives. That was something he did not want to contemplate. And then there were the Sulabon. Their appearance made their need much more urgent. Hopefully the Force would give him the answers he sought.

The next morning, and after breakfast, Trip performed the steps in the correct order to reset the drive. It was complicated, but at the same time simple. There was something beautiful about how easy the it was working on the drive before him. Even though he had no idea about how it operated, he easily saw in his mind's eyes what needed to be done.

When finished, he left the generator room and headed straight for Jon's office. At this point he was alone, but watching something on a monitor before him. If he was a betting man he would be that it was the Sulabon ships waiting out there. At least they hadn't sent anymore surprises. It was probably because of Qui-Gon's weapon. "Cap'n?"

"Yes, Trip?" Jon never looked up from the screen.

"It's finished."

"Good work," Jon nodded, then sat up and stretched his shoulder muscles.

"Thanks, Cap'n." Trip smiled and turned to leave. He needed to head to sickbay now.

Just as he reached the door he heard Jon's comment, "And not too soon."

Trip's elation at actually getting a hyperdrive up and running died only to see Obi-Wan having to deal with another seizure. He stayed at a safe distance before it looked as if it was over with. Qui-Gon placed his hand on Obi-Wan's forehead while shaking his head. "Qui-Gon," Trip kept his voice soft, "I would jump up and down knowing the your engine is up and running again, but not after this."

Qui-Gon didn't even bother to turn around. "He's getting worse."

"Because of what happened in the hanger?"

"That among other things. I suspect it will get to the point where he doesn't have enough time anymore to come back around before another seizure starts. At least his nerves have settled down."

"Then I would think you'd need some help making sure that you have everything transfered back to your shuttle."

Qui-Gon attention went from Obi-Wan to the door, and then back to Obi-Wan again. "I don't like not being here when he's having to deal with one of his seizures, but there's nothing else I can do. You don't know what some of…," he stumbled to a stop, then a wry grin crossed his face.

"Are you sure?" Trip indicated the door.

"Yes, like I mentioned earlier, I don't like not being here, but it can't be helped." They left sickbay and were soon in the cabin once again. Qui-Gon took the blanket from the floor and placed it on the bed then took the bag he brought from their transport and started putting the datafiles and reader in it, along with the sleep clothes.

"Is that it?" Trip looked at Qui-Gon obviously confused.

Qui-Gon picked up the now closed bag and handed it over. It was surprisingly light for all it contained. "Commander, technically Jedi do not own any personal property. All we have is from the Temple stores."

"Just like a religious order," Trip kept his voice low.

"True." Qui-Gon followed Trip out of the cabin, letting the door close behind them. "Your communications officer is a quick study in language."

Trip nodded. It was true. Sometimes he couldn't believe how fast she could learn to speak other languages. "So she's learning yours?"

"Yes, Commander." Just as they reached sickbay once again, Qui-Gon reached out a hand and stopped Trip from entering the room, "Commander, we will forever be in your debt, you do know that."

"No you're not. I want to thank both of you for allowing me the privilege to work on your drive. It's the best thing I've ever done."

While they were gone Phlox had taken the time to have Obi-Wan moved to one of their hoover stretchers. When they arrived in the hanger Malcolm was already there. As soon as Obi-Wan was settled in his bed in their sleeping quarters, and strapped down, Malcolm came back again, but with Obi-Wan's lightsaber in hand. He haded the weapon over. "I learned fencing before I entered the Academy. I wish…, never mind." He shook his head while stepping away.

"Lieutenant, if we make it back, then you can show me what you have learned," Qui-Gon nodded, but with a smile on his face.

A chirp sounded in the small room. Pulling out his communicator Trip brought it to his face, "Tucker."

"Trip," Archer's voice sounded tinny from the small speaker, "This is for our visitors. I'm sorry that I can't be down there, but as you know we have the Sulabon to deal with. I wish both of your luck getting home."

"Captain, there's no such thing as luck, just the will of the Force. I do thank you for your well wishes. And there is one other thing. Make sure the opening to the hanger bay is facing the anomaly."

"Can-do. Be careful Qui-Gon."

"Thank you, Captain."

Qui-Gon turned back to the two Enterprise officers and handed over the translator. They shook hands all around and the two officers left the ship and the hanger bay itself.

As soon as the hatch was sealed, Qui-Gon went back to the cockpit and settled himself in the co-pilot's seat. The shorted out remains of the pilot's controls would haunt his memories for some time to come, that he knew for certain. Turning, he made sure that the coordinates for Coruscant were in the navicomputer. It would do no good to waste precious time, time he did not have waiting for the computer to generate what he needed. Plus he'd be captured by the Sulabon, and that would not be good.

Looking out the viewscreen he watched as the doors to the hanger opened. Before a backdrop of the anomaly were ships everywhere of unknown configurations. With Jedi reflexes, and while still in the hanger, but floating in space, he pushed the transport into hyperspace.

Jon stood in the middle of the bridge watching the view from inside the hanger bay. "Mr. Mayweather, make sure that the phase cannon is ready to fire."

"Aye sir."

They all watched as the doors to the hanger opened and the crippled shuttle they harbored for the past week shoot out and towards the anomaly. It reminded him of what a ship looked like when it went into warp.

Just as the shuttle had reached the anomaly, a Sulabon ship somehow managed to latch onto it with their tractor beam, but it didn't work. The speed was too great, and the larger ship was pulled into the mass of roiling color behind the shuttle.

"Fire."

Blue streams of energy shot out from the Enterprise and hit the anomaly. There was a bright flash blinding everyone even with the dampers on the viewscreen. When it finally dissipated, there was the wreckage of a destroyed ship floating before them in the darkness of space. "I hope we didn't kill them," Jon muttered, though they couldn't tell if it was from the shuttle or the Sulabon ship.

finis

Just to let my readers know, I am working on the next story in my growing series. So have no fear, there will be more to come.