Three months passed since they were sold.
Qui-Gon was flogged and beaten now almost daily, and Jacob's heart broke. It was a miracle the boy was still alive.
He flinched at the sound of the club striking the boy's body.
Just kill him now and end his suffering.
Qui-Gon suffered every single moment of every day and night now from his horrible condition.
The club struck the Force inhibitor, and it broke.
The whip now sang through the air and stuck the boy's back.
Master!
*********
Dooku gasped as his bond with Qui-Gon was ripped open and unbearable pain flooded it with a cry.
/Master!
Alive, real,... and in pain, Qui-Gon was calling to him.
/Qui-Gon?/
/Help me, Master!/
/Qui-Gon!/
There was no reply. His Padawan was unconscious.
Dooku ran into the cockpit.
"Qui-Gon's alive! He's back in the Force. He just contacted me. He's in pain and unconcious but alive."
Mace, Tahl, and the other Padawans sighed in relief that their friend was alive.
"Where is he?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out."
*********
"Qui? Qui-Gon? Qui-Gon, wake up."
Qui-Gon slowly opened his eyes to see Jacob.
"Jacob?"
"Take it easy, you've been out for three hours."
The Force flooded around him.
Qui-Gon drew from it then realized he could speak with his Master.
********
/Master?/
/Qui-Gon? Oh, thank the Force. Are you all right?/
/No, Master. I'm weak and hurt./
/Where are you?/
/A plantation on Anu./
/Then I'll see you in a few days. I'm on my way there with a team of Jedi, including Tahl, Mace Windu, and Master Yoda. Rest now./
/Yes, Master./
Dooku came out of meditation and ran to the others.
"Hurry to Anu. Qui-Gon's on a plantation there. He's weak and hurt, so we must hurry."
