The Lost Ones
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Problems arise when a group of crechlings have a field trip to the zoo.
Notes: This is a general sequel to The Cry.
Disclaimer: All canon characters are property of the Great Flanneled One and now Disney. I make no money off this endeavor.
Timeline 54 BBY
Speech: " "
Training bond communication: /
Internal thoughts: italics
Chapter Three
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn walked through the corridors of the Jedi Temple with a frown on his face. The last time he looked in the mirror he swore he saw his hair streaked with gray. Maybe it was because of the events on Telos that caused the color change. Then again, there might not be any change at all. The lighting was rather odd in the transport, and eyes were easily deceived. Plus he knew that anything outward was vanity, and the Jedi never focused on such things.
Telos.
It was a place he never wished to go back to, or to remember. Qui-Gon knew better than to let Xanatos visit his family, specifically his father. But he let his Padawan go anyway. Now, he was padawanless. Some would say it was the will of the Force that he leave. Even other knights and masters who were strong in the Living Force, though small in number, would agree with that sentiment. Right now, he wanted to toss everything away and retreat to his rooms and remain there for at least a month.
Maybe he could travel to either Jakku or some other desolate planet and become a Jedi hermit. There hadn't been one of that ilk in generations.
Xanatos.
Nothing was ever simple when he was involved. Why couldn't he be like Feemor?
He should have known something was up when he allowed Xanatos to travel to Telos.
Qui-Gon sighed again. He glanced around to see if he was alone. At the far end of the corridor a figure turned and disappeared from view. Now alone, he rubbed his face with his hands and shook his head. He wanted to go to his rooms, but before that he needed to make that dreaded report to the High Council on how and why he let Xanatos visit his family.
Reaching the lifts, he pressed the button to open the one to take him to the top of the Tranquility Spire and the antechamber of the High Council Chamber. When the doors finally opened he stepped into the empty room. On the far end were two large doors that opened into the chamber beyond.
With grim determination, he moved towards the doors. As he neared them, they opened silently revealing a circular chamber just beyond.
The three floor to ceiling windows were only separated by durasteel beams. Being early afternoon, the sun shone through the windows bathing everything in a natural light. The Temple was in the triangle of three major airways. Everyone within the chamber could see personal craft and buses flowing by. At any other time, he'd be on the balcony and watching as the vehicles made their way to places unknown.
The floor, covered in mosaic of stonework supported twelve chairs placed in a semi circle. Most, if not all of the senior masters of the Order were present. They all knew he had arrived back at the Temple earlier and were now waiting for his report on Telos and for him to answer 'why.'
Qui-Gon looked at Yoda. The diminutive master looked deceptively sleepy, but he was sharper and more aware of what was going on than anyone else in the room. If it wasn't for his maverick tendencies, he would be with the august group. He was also well aware that the masters that sat before him already knew what happened. Plus since Xanatos wasn't beside him it was more than obvious.
"Alone you are, master Jedi," Yoda cocked his head to the side.
"Yes."
"Where is Padawan duCrion?"
Qui-Gon gave a grim frown. "He chose to remain on Telos."
"Oh really?" Tera Sinube mirrored Qui-Gon's grimace. "And what were you doing on Telos in the first place?"
"I had let Xanatos -"
The door to the antechamber opened and one of the guards was blocking the way. "You're not allowed in there at this time," his voice was muffled.
"But I need to talk to them. It's important," an agitated voice came from beyond the room.
The Force swirling around them was troubled. Adi Gallia rose to her feet and walked across the room to the entrance. A short conversation later and she came back, her face echoing the what they all felt, while being followed by a Twi'lek Padawan.
Yoda's eyes went from the Twi'lek to Qui-Gon and back to the Twi'lek. "Explain your presence, you will, Padawan Wetu."
"Yes, Master," Aayen nodded, her eyes wide. "I was helping Master Numa with our charges from the Dragon Clan at the Zoo. Long before we left she asked for at least another chaperon to help with the field trip, but none were available…. She was told that she should be fine. The zoo's in lock-down and she's inside looking for one of our charges who got separated while at least one is there with a blaster," the words tumbled out. Her skin was a darker shade of blue than normal, and her agitation fell off her in waves.
Both Adi and Yoda glanced to each other then looked back to the padawan. "The youngling's name?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master."
Adi frowned before rising once again to her feet. "I'll go."
Yoda smiled while looking directly to Qui-Gon, "Explain your missing Padawan, you will, when the youngling is retrieved."
Qui-Gon knew an order when he heard it. He bowed. "Yes Master," and followed the Tholothian master out of the council chambers. They both waited for the Twi'lek to join them before they took the lift down to the hanger levels. Going in search of a crechling was actually a nice change, he thought, and one where he didn't need to think about what just happened.
"Padawan, is Courscant security present?" Adi asked as they stepped out of the lift.
Aayen pressed her lips together. "Yes, Master. I had to wait with the other civilians for them to arrive before bringing the Dragon Clan back to their rooms in the creche."
"And what about the Dragon Clan now?"
Aayen straightened and thrust her shoulders back, "I made sure that there was someone to watch over them while I was gone. There are two masters that are with them right now."
Adi pulled out her holo communicator and activated it. Yoda appeared just above the circular device. "Master Yoda, Padawan Wetu informed Master Jinn and I that Courscant security is already on site. We will do what we are obligated to do."
"Good. May the Force be with you."
"And you," she answered then disconnected the device.
They took a small Jedi Transport to their destination. It was obvious that the lock down was still in progress for security was everywhere. Qui-Gon hung back and watched as Adi went straight for the security commander.
The Rodian cocked his head to the side as he gave Adi a long look. "We have no need for Jedi here."
"Actually, Commander, you do. There is a Jedi youngling trapped inside."
"Oh?" the Rodian's mouth moved in an odd way to make his words almost intelligible. "This is our job, Jedi. We will do our best to make sure that the Jedi is returned."
Adi nodded as she watched the security commander walk away.
"But," Aayen shook her head. "Why didn't you tell him about Master Numa?"
"Because, Padawan, he doesn't need to know that we have someone inside," Qui-Gon kept his voice soft.
"At least not at this time," Adi finished. "For now we will wait to see what happens."
The three Jedi followed the Rodian to the makeshift command center. Inside, the computer systems were already plugged into the zoo's security, but there was nothing on the screens.
"What do you mean you can't see what's happening?" the security commander raised his voice in frustration.
"Sir, whoever it is, knows the zoo's systems. I fear it could be a former employee that's come to extract revenge."
"Then let us in."
The two security officers turned to look at Qui-Gon. "You heard Master Gallia earlier," he indicated the Tholothian that stood beside him. "We have a vested interest in what happens here. We will not go barging in destroying everything our path to get what we want."
"All life is precious to us," Adi added, "including the one who is perpetrating this offense."
The Rodian looked at the three Jedi, it was obvious he was trying to make up his mind on what to do. "All right," he frowned. "But keep me updated on what you're doing."
"Of course," Qui-Gon nodded.
As they left the security Adi turned back to Aayen. "I want you to stay out here and keep watch over everyone."
It took a moment before the Twi'lek Padawan understood the implied order. She let a smile cross her face. "Of course, Master Gallia."
"Come Qui-Gon," Adi nodded and the two Jedi turned to the entrance.