Note: Sorry about the time between these posts. I'm doing my best. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Ch. 09: "Living a Lie" - 98 Degrees, He'll Never be (What I Used to be to You)
Obi-Wan changed back into his Jedi robes, new bruises making his movements painful. The training session right after early meal hadn't added to them too much, but the spar right before midmeal had. It still made him smile as he clipped his lightsaber in its accustomed place on his belt, and then the collapsed staff on the other side, balancing the weight. He put the used blue uniform into the shoot as requested, and met his master in the hall. Together they walked to Ad'lai's office to say goodbye. His secretary directed them to where Ad'lai visited the gardens on the way to the gate. He caught sight of them and turned his chair to meet them at the main path. "I see you achieved your goal," he said.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality," Qui-Gon said.
"You are always welcome, Master Jinn. As are you, Ben," Ad'lai said, bowing as well. "Have a safe trip." He turned to continue his visit through the gardens.
Obi-Wan adjusted the pack on his shoulders and fell into step behind his master, content to leave the monastery behind. He'd enjoyed the visit, but he didn't think it'd ever be home again.
They hadn't gotten far when clouds dimmed the sun, cooling the heat. Not long after that, Obi-Wan glanced back, then touched the staff. "Master," he said.
Qui-Gon stopped and turned. "Yes?"
"Would you mind if I… took some time to get used to this?" He gestured to the staff.
Qui-Gon smiled, as if he'd expected it, and nodded. "I'd like to see that," he said.
Obi-Wan flushed but stepped off the path and onto the lush grass. He pressed the button and the staff extended to nearly his height. The balance was exact and perfect, and Obi-Wan went through a basic exercise to get a real feel for it. He had no complaints - not that he expected any - and after a second exercise, he reluctantly collapsed the staff, clipped it on his belt, and stepped back onto the path.
"I thought you'd take longer," Qui-Gon said as they walked on.
"I would have liked to," Obi-Wan admitted. "But we're supposed to get this to Miro, and who knows if the Council needs us for something."
Qui-Gon didn't say anything, but the approval that came down the bond from him made Obi-Wan's steps lighter. They'd nearly reached the halfway point when Qui-Gon's comm unit chimed.
"Where are you?" Mace Windu asked when Qui-Gon answered.
"We're on our way back to the spaceport, Mace. It won't take us long to reach the edge of the city and the transport that will take us in. Why?"
"Kalifa Sendar has asked for assistance. The child of the ruling family on Nemorina has vanished. She requested another Jedi to assist in the search, and asked that the Jedi have a senior Padawan to help search outside the capital. You are close to the system and fulfill that criteria. The ship you'll need to catch leaves in two hours. Can you make it?"
"Yes," Qui-Gon said.
"Good. I'll send the basics of the system, and she'll fill you in on the mission specifics. May the Force be with you." The comm unit clicked when he signed off.
Qui-Gon put it away and looked at Obi-Wan. "It seems we have a mission after all."