Chapter Thirteen

It was obvious to Qui-Gon, even without functional audio, that something Senator Palpatine had said had upset Obi-Wan. He had been reviewing the footage taken immediately after the older man's visit, and Obi-Wan's countenance had changed. He had been visibly upset, when Qui-Gon had thought that Obi-Wan would be pleased that he was going to be given another chance.

Maybe it was his training that didn't allow him the pleasure of relief.

Or maybe it was something that Palpatine had said.

Qui-Gon wasn't sure, and throughout that afternoon's negotiations, he had trouble concentrating on the Trade Viceroy's demands, because he simply could not rid his mind of the feeling that something suspicious was going on.

It was bad enough that Obi-Wan's care was being taken out of his hands. What had Velorum been thinking? Maybe he should contact his old friend back at Coruscant himself and ask him. Maybe later.

Right now, Qui-Gon was determined to see if he could get some kind of reaction out of Obi-Wan. A positive reaction for once, if only he could think of the right questions.

The palace lay in dimness, most of the residents having gone to their private chambers when the Jedi Master proceeded to the sublevels. However, Obi-Wan was wide awake, furiously pacing inside the cramped cell. He stopped and glared through the glowing gate as soon as he noticed Qui-Gon's presence.

"What do you want."

A curtly spoken statement before the young man began pacing again. It was like watching a caged beast, nervous, and agitated. Perhaps now would not be a good time to approach Obi-Wan.

Or perhaps there was no better time. Best to get to the point.

"What did Palpatine say to you? You're obviously distressed over something."

"Try being confined to a three by three meter cement box for four days and see how you like it."

"If you'll remember, I have. And you were right there with me."

Something flashed in the young man's eyes. Possibly a memory, possibly anger. Possibly both, it was hard to tell.

"That's the problem isn't it? I can't. And whose fault would that be?"

Once again, pained accusations, anger directed toward him that had been building up inside for the past ten years. It needed to be released, and Qui-Gon believed he was strong enough to absorb it, so he deactivated the door, and against his better judgment, entered Obi-Wan's cell.

"I imagine it would be the slave trader who erased your memory, Obi-Wan."

"Bastard. You left me alone to guard that village while you ran off on some glorified rescue mission. You shouldn't have done that Qui-Gon."

"I did what I thought was right. The situation required our separation. How was I to know the village would be invaded that night by slave runners?"

"So, the great Qui-Gon Jinn admits he doesn't know everything."

Spoken in spite, but at least he was keeping his distance.

Qui-Gon, on the other hand, was stepping forward.

"I never thought I did. But I did try to find you. I searched the trade underground for two years."

"And the entire time, I was right under your nose."

The older man looked in confusion at his former student, not understanding what he meant, but was aware of the frustration boiling within him. He couldn't let this opportunity pass by though since they were actually talking, and so he took another step forward.

"Obi-Wan, I'm sorry."

"Afraid that's not good enough."

Trembling hands tore open the front of his tunics to reveal a mass of scars of different lengths and elevation, and the older man noticed upon a quick examination, age. Whoever had beaten Obi-Wan had done so recently.

"Your words cannot make up for this." The younger man hissed before propelling himself forward and ramming his head into Qui-Gon's gut, sending the older man reeling backward, but taking his former apprentice with him as he grabbed onto Obi-Wan as they began to grapple, each struggling for a foothold, an advantage of some type in order to deliver the next blow.

He would not use the Force in this, Qui-Gon decided. It would be unfair.

They had wrestled years ago as part of his training, but Obi-Wan had been but a gangly youth. He was now quicker, more agile, and much stronger, and Qui-Gon found himself equally matched in this brawl.

Blocking blow after blow, he managed to pass one punch through Obi-Wan's defenses and it landed firmly on his jaw, sending the young man stumbling to the floor, his eyes shooting up at Qui-Gon with fury.

A fury that vanished with the interference of a petite young woman who suddenly stood between them, her arms stretched out to ward off any further attack.

"Stop this at once! Master Jinn, this is not helping!" She said, glaring at the older man who was panting heavily.

"And Obi-Wan!" She directed toward the younger man who was bent over, catching his breath. However, to Qui-Gon's amazement, no admonishment came, and her arms dropped to her side, her voice quieting. "Your lip is bleeding."

The veil that had been before Qui-Gon's eyes fell away as he heard the gentle concern in her voice, and saw the way that Obi-Wan relaxed in her presence and gazed up into her face with an emotion that was almost tender.

He was a fool to not have realized, but this was not a good idea. And now, he had something new to worry about.