19
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"They would stride towards a future, forged from their shared past. Qui-Gon put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and rested it there.
'We'd better pack,' He said quietly. 'We have a long way to go.'"
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Fourteen days. It had been fourteen days since Qui-Gon had last seen his padawan. Creating a stable Phindar was more difficult than he had first imagined it would be. Perhaps if his padawan were here it would take less time, but he made do with what he had. Each day that passed by Qui-Gon threw himself into helping the Phindians and each night he hoped he would be too exhausted to think of his missing apprentice. It was foolish and it didn't work. Qui-Gon constantly searched the newly formed bond he and Obi-Wan had created but there was nothing. He didn't even know if the boy was dead or alive. There was simply nothing—like the bond hadn't been formed in the first place.
Phindar was in much better shape. The marketplace was filled with food and seemingly happy Phindians. Most of them were still in shock at the abrupt change, but it was a good change and they would get used to it soon. In the center of the market place was a monument. Qui-Gon shivered as he looked at it. Paxxi and Guerra had destroyed the memory wipe droid in a fit of anger. Qui-Gon felt tempted to use his lightsaber on the hated droid, but decided to let the Derida brothers do it themselves. The useless scraps of the droid were mounted and displayed for everyone to see. Most people stopped to look at it for a second and then fled, some stared at it for hours on end. The renewed didn't even glance at it. They did not remember.
Qui-Gon couldn't help staring at it. How could this pathetic piece of scrap take such a promising boy from the Jedi—from him? It was just a machine after all. It could not be truly blamed as a blaster could not be blamed for the death that it caused. It was only a tool. Qui-Gon still hated it though. He hated it more than he hated those that used it. They were nameless and faceless. They were like Mali, simply doing their job. He couldn't even find anymore anger for Mali and he knew in his heart that Mali would never tell him where Obi-Wan was. In time he would force himself to forget that lost human boy and where he had left him to live or to die.
Prince Beju was content to blame the whole situation of Phindar on Baftu. Qui-Gon wasn't sure if Beju was more outraged at the situation on Phindar or the fact that Baftu stole his ship. It probably didn't matter that much. Prince Beju was determined to bring Baftu to justice (and to get his ship back). This made many Phindians happy and they did not doubt the Prince's sincerity. The Phindians didn't entirely forget Prince Beju's original intentions, but they easily forgave him. The Prince soaked it up like a sponge and he looked happy. He still complained about the conditions he was 'forced to endure', but it was not a reflection of the boy's unhappiness or displeasure. He laughed often and Qui-Gon wished it was his padawan's laughter that echoed in his ears.
Qui-Gon sensed a heavy burden in the boy though. It was a burden he was not sharing with anyone else. Despite the arrogant face he presented for the world Beju was very compassionate towards people he loved or respected. The problem was that Beju didn't respect many people… A small smile lit Qui-Gon's face. He didn't know what Beju's destiny was, but he was sure it was going to be interesting.
Paxxi and Guerra finally arrived and stood next to Qui-Gon. They stared at the monument in silence. So many had been renewed--their sister Terra, their friend Nivva, Obi-Wan. They were not alone in their loss. Everyone had lost someone.
"Hope." Guerra finally spoke.
"Yes so, brother. Hope." Paxxi said with a smile.
"Any news on Terra?" Qui-Gon asked, turning to the brothers.
"No, we think she might've left the planet," Guerra said sadly. "Once she discovered the treasury was gone she disappeared."
"She'll come back," Paxxi said with certainty.
Guerra nodded and turned away from the monument.
"I only wish our mother was here to see it." Guerra said.
The brothers embraced in their traditional way by squeezing three times. Duenna's life had been lost trying to protect her daughter. She had spent years trying to remind her daughter of her life before renewal but ultimately failed. Duenna died to save her daughter, but her death could not bring her daughter back from the evil that had corrupted her.
Qui-Gon wished he could say something to comfort the brothers. He was usually very skilled at comforting those in need. Today he had no words. He was silent and still. The brothers relied on their hope, but Qui-Gon was losing his. The galaxy was vast. The odds were against his young padawan. Qui-Gon smiled sardonically. Since when did he believe in odds and luck?
The brothers were silent for a moment and then they let their grief pass into the air. It was rather surreal. Guerra and Paxxi were acting more like a Jedi than he was at the moment. Qui-Gon stood in silence and observed the two who had lost their entire family in the efforts to liberate their planet. These qualities were not exclusively Jedi traits. Qui-Gon Jinn wasn't much for history, but he did briefly wonder when the Jedi decided to incorporate these particular maxims into their creed. What made them believe that grief was an attachment? Was happiness or joy an equal attachment to be spurned?
Qui-Gon knew these were unwise thoughts to have at this particular time and tried to bury them for later. He had some serious meditating to do, but with Obi-Wan gone it was getting difficult to clear his mind. Having Xanatos come back into his life for a few days was enough, but loosing his new padawan shortly after? It was beyond cruel.
"Jedi-Gon, do not look so sad." Guerra said softly.
"Look at it," Paxxi said and gestured to the market-place.
Qui-Gon turned his eyes at the market and forced himself to see beyond his own anxiety of loosing Obi-Wan. The market was alive. The people were happy and everything was in abundance. They had done this. There was still an undercurrent of fear that wouldn't go away for awhile, but the people were happy. In a couple of years the memory of the Syndicat's dictatorial reign would be just that; a memory. This was Qui-Gon's life. He was a Jedi and this is what he did. Qui-Gon felt a tendril of serenity touch his mind.
Before Qui-Gon could say anything Kaadi came towards them with a big smile on her face. Guerra and Paxxi waved back and exchanged a mutual look of mischief.
"Kaadi! So nice to see you again!" Guerra began.
"Yes so, it is brother! We feared you died in the battle!"
Kaadi gave them an annoyed look and crossed her arms. She couldn't help the genuine smile that crossed her face.
"I've been busy!" She protested.
The three knew very well how busy Kaadi was. She had thrown herself into the planet's reconstruction with an almost fanatic determination. Qui-Gon had seen her everywhere in the city as she oversaw everything. It was rather amazing how much she wanted to help.
"Too busy for us?" Paxxi asked with a fake frown.
Kaadi laughed at his mournful expression and brought the two brothers into a hug. Qui-Gon wondered briefly how long the brothers had known Kaadi. Were they childhood friends or had the rebellion brought them together? He supposed it was unimportant at the moment.
"Never! I was hoping you two would rescue me from the council and their demands." Kaadi said thoughtfully.
In an effort to get the government restarted a provisional one was set up in which the last official governor of Phindar and any surviving council members would manage the planet until a new governor was elected. They seemed to be handling things wonderfully, but Qui-Gon suspected it was because of Kaadi's determination to make everything as it once was. In the few times he had seen her she had been on the tail of any council member who would listen (all of them did listen, Kaadi made sure of that!) and told them quite frankly what she wanted to see happen and how to get it. Elections for the new governor were to be held next month and Qui-Gon was sure Kaadi would run just to see that the job got done right.
"Dear Kaadi, they run away from you!" Paxxi exclaimed.
"Yes so!" Guerra exclaimed. "I see them always looking for a place to hide when you're near!"
Kaadi laughed and the brothers joined in the infectious laughter. It suddenly struck Qui-Gon that all three of them would have to find real jobs. They couldn't be thieves and rebels anymore. It would be a difficult transition for the brothers at least.
"Qui-Gon, you are so silent today!" Kaadi exclaimed.
"I get the honor of speaking with you much more than they do. I'm just letting them have their moment. Jedi are very selfless after all…" Qui-Gon joked.
"She's our friend first!" Guerra said smugly.
"So! She likes us better!" Paxxi reasoned.
The four burst out into fits of laughter and Qui-Gon was glad to hear other peals of laughter echo throughout the market. Once the laughter subsided the four looked up at the monument of the destroyed memory-wipe droid again.
"Are you really leaving Jedi-Gon?" Guerra asked.
"Yes, Guerra. I'm afraid I've stayed too long as it is." Qui-Gon managed to say.
"You'll come back to visit?" Paxxi asked.
"Not for awhile." The Jedi said truthfully.
"You'll tell us though right?" Kaadi asked with a strange pleading note in her voice. "When you find him."
Qui-Gon almost choked on his words. She didn't say 'if' she said 'when'. The Jedi didn't even know where to start looking. Mali wasn't going to tell him and as much as his heart was telling him to force the answers out of him he knew it led towards a dark path.
"Yes, of course." The Jedi Master managed.
"Obi-Wan is strong Jedi-Gon," Paxxi said.
"He'll remember something. Yes so. I know it." Guerra added.
"Thank you," Qui-Gon said sincerely.
Qui-Gon spied Prince Beju and the Galacian was heading in their direction. His pale blond hair gleamed in the sunlight and he walked with an air of someone completely in control of their destiny. His blue eyes lit up when he finally stopped in front of the gathering.
"I might actually have a chance!" Beju said with boyish enthusiasm. "I might win the election!"
Beju didn't waste time with elaborate greetings anymore. He was among friends. Guerra and Paxxi laughed again and lightly punched him on the shoulder. Beju unleashed his most imperious look on the brothers, but that only succeeded in making the brothers laugh harder.
"It's not as amusing as you obviously think it is." Beju said good naturedly.
The two brothers mocked a bow and Beju shook his head in exasperation. Qui-Gon smiled lightly and exchanged a look with Kaadi.
"Maybe when you rule a planet you'll understand." Beju said. "Until then..."
Beju graced them with a mischievous and proud look, but broke down into a real smile when he couldn't hold it anymore. He was only a teenager after all.
"Maybe we will!" The brothers chorused.
"I could run for governor!" Paxxi shouted.
"Not so brother! Then you would have to walk around like this," Guerra said and imitated Prince Beju.
"I'm deeply wounded." Beju said sarcastically.
"Besides, if you ran then I would run as well and then you would loose…" Guerra said almost sadly.
"You would make such a terrible politician!" Paxxi yelled.
"You lie! I would be magnificent!"
"We shall run then and see!"
"Not so?" Kaadi asked, trying to mediate the situation.
"So!" Both brothers chorused.
"Then I'm afraid you both are going to loose; to me!" Kaadi exclaimed.
The brothers faced their friend with gaping mouths and a mournful expression.
"But Kaadi, that's not fair!" Guerra whined.
"It's fair to the people of Phindar. I shudder to think what would happen if Phindar was left to the two of you…"
Beju laughed and grasped both of the brother's shoulders.
"There's no shame in admitting defeat." Beju offered sagely.
"That's real great coming from you." Kaadi said sarcastically and Beju only smiled.
"I stand before you a changed man." Beju said.
"Not so! You lie!" Guerra and Paxxi accused.
Prince Beju looked at Qui-Gon and a silent communication ran between the two. Beju had changed considerably in the past two weeks. So much so that Qui-Gon could hardly believe that the two extremes were the same person. Sometimes it took failure to force someone to find humility within themselves.
"Regardless," Beju said looking back and forth between the three Phindians. "There is honor in striving against a great opponent."
"Beju is a great politician!" Guerra exclaimed and everyone laughed.
The group bantered a bit before they started walking towards the spaceport. A beautiful Galacian ship was waiting for Prince Beju. A royal escort stood at attention and many guards surrounded the ship in a flawless perimeter. Beju eyed it critically and crossed his arms. The spacecraft looked luxurious and expensive. Its design was sleek and beautiful. It exuded a fake sense of fragility coupled by an aerodynamic design.
"It'll do." Beju said.
The prince turned to face the four and inclined his head in a slight bow.
"It has been both my pleasure and honor to serve the world of Phindar." Beju said majestically. "I extend you the invitation to stay at my home at your leisure."
"Huh?" Paxxi asked his brother silently who just shrugged.
"Perhaps we will take you up on that offer Beju," Kaadi said.
Prince Beju smiled and then faced Qui-Gon. His blue eyes shone with respect and gratitude.
"Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, I owe you my life. Perhaps one day I will be able to repay this debt, but I know where I can start. You mentioned your wish to find your apprentice…" Beju trailed off.
"You owe me nothing Beju." Qui-Gon responded.
"Perhaps," Beju conceded. "But I can give you a place to start looking."
Qui-Gon looked at the prince inquisitively and waited for him to continue.
"Gala," He said simply. "If you are going to start you better start with planets in this system. I'll provide transportation, manpower, anything you need."
Qui-Gon had to admit that it was a logical place to start. Long journeys always began with a single step or so he heard Yoda say in his antimetabole way of speaking. Gala and then onwards until he found his apprentice… or gave up. If the search proved to be too long Qui-Gon was sure the Jedi Order would call him back to duty. Even the Jedi knew the futility of lost causes. Qui-Gon doubted that he would find Obi-Wan on Gala, but he had to try.
"I accept your offer," Qui-Gon said and bowed slightly in thanks.
"Excellent, the ship departs in ten minutes." Beju said and walked off imperiously to speak with his royal guard.
Kaadi, Guerra, and Paxxi gave him mournful looks.
"He doesn't leave much time to pack does he?" Guerra asked.
Qui-Gon laughed shortly at that. He had brought nothing to the planet besides himself and Obi-Wan. His hand strayed towards Obi-Wan's lightsaber that was clipped next to his. It brought him little comfort.
"Jedi-Gon, we are sorry you and Obawan had to sacrifice so much for us." Paxxi said sadly.
Guerra looked to be on the verge of tears and Qui-Gon put a comforting hand on his shoulder. His orange eyes were shiny with unshed tears and his face looked morose.
"It is all my fault," Guerra sobbed.
"Not so Guerra," Qui-Gon soothed.
Guerra looked up at Qui-Gon and wiped his eyes.
"There is nothing you could have done differently; nothing Obi-Wan would've done differently. This is the Will of the Force."
'So not only are you lying to yourself, you are lying to them as well?' The insidious voice asked. Qui-Gon clamped down on that familiar voice and concentrated on Guerra. He kept his emotions in tightly. He must let go of his grief as his Jedi doctrine taught him.
"The Force isn't fair to Obawan," Guerra said and Qui-Gon agreed.
"Can you both do one thing for me?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Anything Jedi-Gon," Paxxi said eagerly.
"Destroy the transfer-register. There is evil surrounding that device. I don't want any evil to come of his… sacrifice."
The brothers looked ashen at the request and hesitated. Qui-Gon closed his eyes in sadness. Sometimes greed was too powerful a force to ignore.
"Of course Jedi-Gon," They finally said.
Qui-Gon didn't know if he could believe them, but choose to. They would find another path in life besides their former life of crime. Their whole planet had changed and they could as well.
"I'm afraid I must say goodbye." Qui-Gon said sadly.
The three Phindians wrapped the Jedi in a silent hug and squeezed three times. It was one of the more painful farewells that Qui-Gon endured. He would definitely be leaving behind friends he may never see again.
"Goodbye," They each said and they parted.
As Qui-Gon turned to go towards Beju's ship Guerra reached out and stopped him. Qui-Gon looked at the young Phindian with curiosity. Guerra reached into his pocket and pulled something out. His hands shook slightly as he unveiled what he held. Qui-Gon took a step back involuntarily and crushed the sorrow that welled up within his heart. It was the river-stone he had given his padawan for his thirteenth birthday. Veins of red shone brilliantly in the sunlight on its smooth ebony surface.
"Where did—" Qui-Gon asked at a loss for words.
"When Obawan switched coats he left this," Guerra explained as he placed the stone into Qui-Gon's palm. "Make sure you give it back to him."
The Jedi's fingers curled over the stone and he bowed to Guerra deeply. His eyes were suspiciously shiny as he took the first step away from the Phindians. He caught up with the Galacian prince and they boarded the ship followed by the Royal Guard. As the two settled down for the ship to take off Qui-Gon uncurled his fingers to look at the stone once again. Beju caught eye of it and raised his eyebrows.
"Pretty rock," He commented.
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A/N: I'm actually pretty proud of that chapter. My JA #3 book is totally thrashed after two years of constantly referring to it… Has it been that long? Man, I'm slow. I started this in May 2004. Mwhahah, you guys will further have to suffer my prolonged angst! Thanks for reviewing!