Qui-Gon looked up from the control panel of the medium sized transport as Bel- San entered the small cockpit. The Jedi Teacher had a slightly ragged look to him and while Qui-Gon felt a little sympathy for his friend, it had not been strong enough to take over the task of putting the children to bed.
"How did it go?" he asked as Bel-San slumped into the co-pilot's chair.
The other man ran a hand absently through his shoulder length curly hair and fixed him with an unwavering blue gaze. "Do you really want an answer to that?" He asked, his voice colored with fatigue. "I think I'm more tired than they are. Usually they're very good about going to bed." He said, shaking his head.
"On Coruscant in the Temple, yes. We are in deep space on our way to a planet that isn't one giant city. This is quite the adventure for a group of five-year-olds who think spending the day in the Temple Gardens is exciting." Qui-Gon said with a slight smile.
"It's really too bad that you never learned how to pilot this type of space craft. You know I would have happily taken over if you could handle the ship, but as you can't . . ." He grinned. "I guess I will just have to stay up here and make sure everything goes smoothly."
Bel-San glared at him for a moment. "Don't think you are getting out of anything. I told the children tomorrow they could come up here in small groups and you would tell them how everything works. It will be good for them to see a Jedi in action. Even if he is- -"
"Hey," Qui-Gon cut him off before he could finish. "I don't need any comments from you. Remember I'm doing you a favor by coming along on this trip."
"Hm, as I recall you're doing this because you owe me for my invaluable help." The Teacher looked at him with wide innocent eyes and Qui-Gon couldn't help but laugh. "How long is it going to be until we get there?" Bel-San asked after a moment, looking out on the blurry starfield.
"It will only be about another twenty hours." Qui-Gon said, checking the instruments.
"Oh, only twenty hours? Well, it's like we are practically there already." Bel-San said the sarcasm evident in his tone. "Though I suppose it is different when you spend your entire career traipsing about the galaxy, causing mayhem everywhere you go." He sighed and his tone held a mocking envy. "I wish I had been good enough so they would send me to places like Beilk where you had that little incident with the, what was she, a queen? I heard they could hear her screeching about you two systems away. Can I be like you when I grow up?"
Qui-Gon smiled at him, unable to keep a straight face. "I don't know, Bel-San. You have to grow up first, and not be such an as-"
"Hey now, we have young ears on this ship." the other man broke in. "Swear a Jedi does not." He added pointedly.
"Right." He leaned back in his chair. "You know I don't think I have been to Destricore since my own field trip there when I was in the Creche." He said thinking back. "Yeah, all those years ago." Bel-San smirked.
"As I recall you were on that trip with me." Qui-Gon said looking at the other man out of the corner of his eyes.
"Yes, but I carry my age so much better." He paused. "I end up going about once a year with the kids to Destricore. I suppose it isn't too bad for you since you don't spend all that much time on Coruscant, but I find living there gets to be a bit much after a while. I usually end up heading most of the field trips off-planet for the kids, it helps to keep me focused. Destricore is one of my favorites though, I really like the fact that they put the Tempe right on the ocean. And the kids love it." He smiled.
"Have you ever thought about transferring to one of the outer Temples, somewhere not quite so hectic?" Qui-Gon asked his friend curiously. He'd never known the other man was unhappy in the main Temple.
"I would by lying if I said no, but at this points it's one of those really idle thoughts. Sort of like I wonder what would really happen if I were to cross a Hutt? I would be curious to know, but not so much to go out and actually do it." He shrugged. "It isn't that I am unhappy, I just like to get out every once in a while. Besides, all the children are sent to Coruscant to be taught and I am a Teacher after all; I wouldn't know what to do with myself."
Qui-Gon did not reply instead opting to sit in companionable silence and watch the streaks of hyperspace flash across the windows.
* * *
"All right, children. We'll be landing in a few moments, I know you're all excited, but you have to stay together and with myself and Master Qui-Gon. As soon as we're settled, you'll get a chance to play in the water and explore the Temple, but we have other things which must be done first. Do you understand?" Bel-San held the attention of the excited five-year-olds effortlessly.
Twenty-two small heads nodded and the Jedi Teacher smiled at the group. "Okay, children stay in your seats until we come to a complete stop."
Qui-Gon offered him a grin as the other man walked back to the cockpit. "Nicely done."
"Thanks. They really just want to get off the ship. I think they would do pretty much anything I asked as long as it led them to solid ground." He glanced at the instruments, though Qui-Gon knew the other man didn't understand what he was seeing.
"Just a few more moments, the landing pad is over there." He pointed out to his friend before turning his attention to landing the ship.
Within moments the craft was carefully settled on the landing pad with a gentle bump and a cheer rose from the children. Qui-Gon turned his head and smiled at the group briefly before running through the final landing procedure. When all the instruments were shut down and the ship was secured, Qui-Gon unstrapped himself from the pilot's seat and stood. He moved back to the children with Bel-San directly behind him.
"You can all get out of your seats now." He told them briefly as he moved to the hatch for the exit ramp. He punched in the code for the door to open and waited as the ramp extended from the ship and touched the ground. Immediately the smell of the ocean and the sounds of the water rushed into the ship.
A quiet murmur ran through the children and Qui-Gon led them off the ship to the planet. A tall, pale and spindly humanoid was waiting for them as they exited the ship. His dark Jedi robes marked him as a master and Qui-Gon bowed to him in greeting.
"Master Jinn?" The man asked quietly. At Qui-Gon's nod, he looked past him to Bel-San. "Teacher Jacoba." He nodded in greeting. "Welcome to the Temple on Destricore. We are very pleased to have you with us. My name is Gar Abrisil and I am the head administrator here, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." He paused and favored them with a gentle smile. "I can't guarantee I can always help you, as we are a small Temple and in an out of the way system, but you can ask. If you'll follow me, I will show you to your rooms."
Qui-Gon followed Gar across the landing pad and into the main entrance to the Temple. The adults kept their pace unusually slow, even for children, as their wards craned their necks in every possible direction trying to take in everything at once. When they finally made it inside the Temple, Qui-Gon was surprised to find that everything was exactly as he remembered it. While the feel of the Temple was the same as the main one on Coruscant, the architecture was vastly different and seemed to mimic the very waves themselves. In addition, the temple was very long, but consisted of only two levels. When he commented, Gar smiled.
"Some of the other Jedi wanted to build higher, but with our position right on the water, it isn't really a good idea. We have some very strong storms come through here and there are earthquakes on occasion. We had to build according to the limitations of the planet." They rounded a corner and Gar stopped. "This is your section of the Temple, there are sufficient rooms for you and the children and there is an exit to the beach front just down the hall. We don't have a main dining hall, the facility is too small, but there is a kitchen which is sufficiently stocked just across the hall. I hope you will excuse me, gentlemen, but I have some things I must attend to. Have a peaceful stay, may the Force be with you." He bowed to the Jedi and smiled at the children before leaving them standing in the hall.
"Well, children, you heard Master Abrisil, find a room and put your things away. As soon as everyone is settled, we can take a trip to the beach." Bel-San with an excitement that was not put on for the children. The smiling group of children wandered off to find places to store their things as the two Jedi moved to find their own rooms.
As they walked down the hallway, Qui-Gon looked innocently at Bel-San. "I think it would be a good idea if you took the rooms closest to the exit for the beach. We wouldn't want the children to wander out there at night, would we?"
Bel-San laughed. "You're incorrigible."
* * *
Qui-Gon and Bel-San sat in the sun-warmed sand of the beached and watched the group of children run along the surf in an attempt to get wet without actually getting into the water. The Jedi Master scanned the crowd absently and his eyes fell on the slight form of Obi-Wan standing at the edge of the water looking out into the waves. Unlike the other children who were running away from the water when it neared them, Obi-Wan simply stood and let the waves soak him.
"I think your boy likes the water." Bel-San commented as he caught the direction Qui-Gon's attention had fallen.
"He isn't--" Qui-Gon began in protest.
"Your boy, right I know." He was quiet for a moment. "I think some of kids want to actually swim now. I'll stay here on the beach and watch the ones here if you want to go in." He offered, his face a perfect picture of innocence.
Qui-Gon knew exactly what Bel-San was doing, but honestly the sun and smell of the ocean were too nice for anything to dampen his mood. He stood and cast a glance at his friend. "You're not nearly as clever as you think you are." He said with a grin as he pulled all of his hair back into a tie to keep it from his face.
"Me?" The Teacher asked innocently.
Qui-Gon shook his head and headed toward the surf. Instead of asking the children if they wanted to swim, he dove into the waves, knowing the ones who were curious would join him when they saw it was safe. He stayed close to the shore so the children would not feel threatened by the depth of the water and waited for them to come in. He swam through the salty water for a few moments before he felt the first presence of a child in the water. He looked up as saw the small form of Obi-Wan swimming toward him. The boy's elfin face was set in concentration as he tried to keep his head above the water.
As the boy neared him, his face lit in a grin. "Hi."
"Hello, Obi-Wan. Are you enjoying the water?" He asked as he floated to keep the boy in close range.
Obi-Wan nodded, his chin dipping into the water. "It's salty." He looked down into the vaguely clear water and laughed. "Look, there are fish!" He exclaimed in excitement.
"The ocean is full of life, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said, watching with a smile as a few of the other children began to swim towards them.
"I wish Bant was here, she would like this lots." Obi-Wan said, still watching the fish. "Maybe I should bring her something." He looked up at Qui-Gon as if to see if that had been a good idea.
"I think that would be very nice, Obi-Wan, though she will get to come here when she is five." Qui-Gon commented.
"Look, there are fish." Obi-Wan said again as the other children finally reached them. The others were suitably impressed by Obi-Wan's discovery and swum around Qui- Gon trying to find others.
"Master Qui-Gon said there's lots of stuff in the water." Obi-Wan announced with some pride. He obviously thought his mentor was full of wonderful knowledge that extended far beyond Coruscant history.
"Like what?" One of the children asked.
"Well, there are plants, and little tiny animals that you can't even see. There are bigger fish than the ones you see here." Qui-Gon offered, trying to think of what to tell them.
"How much bigger?" Jerris asked.
"Bigger than me?" Ma'lis asked, her eyes wide.
"Well, I would say that there are some bigger than you." Qui-Gon nodded.
"Do they have teeth?" Aly asked in fascination.
Qui-Gon thought carefully. "Well I suppose some of them do, yes." He answered truthfully.
"Are they bigger than you?" Reeft swam a little closer.
"Some of them could be, yes."
"And do those have teeth?" Joba wanted to know as he too moved a little closer.
"I guess some of them might have teeth, yes." Qui-Gon nodded, not sure exactly were the questions were leading.
"Um, Master Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon said turning his attention to the small boy who was also much closer.
"Um, I think I want to get out now." There was an edge of fear in his voice and several of the children nodded.
"Okay." Qui-Gon nodded and waited as they boy did not move. "Did you need something?" He asked.
"You have to come with us." Obi-Wan said, finally reaching his side and grabbing hold of his arm.
"Why? You came out here on your own."
"We don't want to get eaten." Obi-Wan said, his blue eyes wide and scanning the water.
* * *
"I can't believe you told them there were fish larger than you with teeth. What were you thinking?" Bel-San asked, his tone a mix of humor and astonishment.
"I was just answering their questions." Qui-Gon said defensively. The two sat on the low seawall watching the sun setting over the sea. Their charges were playing quietly in the sand far away from the edge of the water.
Bel-San laughed. "And you didn't think it would disturb them to know there were fish out there bigger than you that had teeth? I don't know if we are ever going to get those kids back in the water."
Qui-Gon shrugged. "We could always tell there were monsters on land with giant teeth that are afraid of the water."
"You're terrible." Bel-San said in a shocked tone, then began to laugh. "Funny, but terrible."
They sat in silence for a few moments before Bel-San hopped down off the wall. "Well, I am going to go play, I mean help the kids." He said with a grin.
"I think I will stay here, I wouldn't want to scar them any further today." Qui-Gon waved him off. After a moment, he picked up the sketch pad he'd brought with him just in case the inspiration to draw struck him.
He looked out over the water for a moment and began to block in the images of the surf and the children. He glanced up at the image before him often to check his work and to watch the children. The tug on his pant leg caught him by surprise. He smiled at Obi- Wan and picked the boy up to sit next to him on the low wall.
"What ya doing?" He asked curiously, leaning over him to look at the sketch. "You're drawing!" He exclaimed before Qui-Gon could answer. "I thought you said you didn't anymore." He accused.
Qui-Gon held up his hands. "Well, I thought about what you said, and you made a very good point, so I decided to start again."
Obi-Wan looked somewhat placated. "Can I watch you draw?" He asked hesitantly.
"Of course." Qui-Gon picked up the pad again and held it a little lower so Obi- Wan could see. He drew a slightly slower than normal so Obi-Wan would be able to follow his movements. He was careful to point out how the things he saw corresponded to the shapes he was sketching on the paper and how it didn't matter if it was perfect, only that he got the basic idea on the page; he could fix the mistakes later.
After a few moments, he held up the half finished sketch to the boy. "What do you think?" He asked.
"It looks, um weird." He offered, obviously trying to find something positive to say.
"Well, it isn't done, but now I can take it with me and finish it somewhere else. Would you like to try?" He asked, flipping the page and offering a blank one to the boy.
Obi-Wan's eyes grew big. "Me? I don't want to mess up your book." He said, though his fingers twitched toward the charcoal.
Qui-Gon smiled. "It's okay, Obi-Wan. It isn't a special book, it's supposed to have drawings in it." He handed it over, along with the charcoal. "Give it a try."
The boy smiled and held the charcoal in his hand tightly. He stared at the page for a long time. Finally he looked up, "What should I draw?"
"Whatever you want." Qui-Gon said.
Obi-Wan's blue eyes scanned the beach and fell on a particularly beautiful shell. "I want to draw that." He said, pointing out the shell.
"Okay, what shape is it?" Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan looked at him as though he were blind. "It's right over there." He pointed again.
"I know that, but you will have to draw the shape. You have to see it here, too." He pointed to the boy's head.
"Oh." He squinted and looked at the shell and then the paper. Slowly he began to draw the shell, though it only partially resembled the one on the beach. He stared at is sadly. "It didn't work."
"You just need practice." He turned the sheet and placed his hand over the smaller boy's. He guided it gently in the shape of the shell. "Do you see?" He asked as he moved their hands, guiding not forcing.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. Together they finished the picture and Obi-Wan smiled at it proudly. "Can I take this back for Bant?" He asked, looking up at Qui-Gon shyly.
"Of course, I think she would like that much better than the actual shell." He said with an answering smile closing the book. "We can keep it in here until we get back to the Temple then you can put it with your things." He looked up at the sky, the sun was nearly gone, and he knew it was time to head back. He stood and helped the boy to the ground. "Come on, let's go find the others."
"Okay."
As the two neared the rest of the group, Bel-San looked up. "I was just about to get you, we should be heading back. All right, children, it's time to go." A series of sad murmurs ran through the group.
"Don't worry, the beach will still be here tomorrow." Qui-Gon told them as they formed into a ragged line.
Together, the walked back to the Temple slowly. Despite their protests, a day of playing in the sand and briefly in the water had left the children very tired. As they neared the Temple, Qui-Gon felt something through the Force, though he couldn't quite identify it. He cast a quick glance at Bel-San who shrugged slightly indicating that he too had felt something.
Once inside the Temple, the feeling increased to the point where some of the children seemed to recognize something was wrong as well. Qui-Gon stretched out his feelings with the Force trying to identify the problem, and although he found the sense vaguely familiar he could not pinpoint it. Bel-San moved the children to their rooms quickly and did his best to keep them calm as it became more apparent that something was wrong.
When the floor began to shake Qui-Gon finally understood; it was an earthquake that Gar had said were common to the Temple. One of the children let out a frightened scream, and a few of the others followed the example of the first. He went to them quickly and sent them calming waves of the Force.
"Don't worry, this is just temporary, everything will be fine. The Temple was built to deal with these types of stresses." He said calmly, laying his hands on the shoulders of those children who were particularly frightened.
Then, without warning, the shaking increased. The walls began wavering alarmingly as well as the roof. Qui-Gon glanced up, knowing without a doubt that the ceiling would not hold. He pushed the children as a group into one of the back rooms; it seemed slightly more stable, though not by much.
"I think we're going to have to hold the ceiling up, Bel-San." He said to the other man as quietly as he could as soon as the children were settled.
The Teacher nodded. "I think--" He broke off as the ceiling in the hall collapsed. More of the children screamed.
The trembling in the floor grew worse and both Qui-Gon and Bel-San were thrown to the ground. Qui-Gon was able to throw up a hasty shield as he hit, but he didn't know if it would be enough. The room was shaking badly and parts of the ceiling had begun to fall.
His eyes scanned the room and saw the children were, for the most part, safe. They were definitely frightened, but safe. His eyes turned to Bel-San and found the Teacher lying on the floor pinned by a large slab of the ceiling and blood running from his temple where he had been hit and had been thrown into unconsciousness.
TBC