Qui-Gon smoothed his beard, pausing for a moment before he spoke. “Before I answer, may I have leave to speak, Masters?”

Plo Koon nodded, flicking a hand in Qui-Gon’s direction.

“I would ask for two considerations to be made in light of the conditions just stipulated. First, I request that the Council would speak with Obi-Wan Kenobi on the matter of his encounter with Guod. I believe that he should be involved in these matters; it affects his life more than any of ours.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi lifted a slender-fingered hand. “We have already made arrangements with Master Heri.”

Qui-Gon nodded. “For that I thank you. I believe he may have insights that often elude those of us of greater years. Secondly, I would ask that the other candidates for Obi-Wan’s master not be allowed to proceed with preliminary work with him for at least a month. He’s suffered undue stress, and I believe he needs time to reconcile what has happened.”

“You ask for us to hold back those who are ready to move forward in the process. It is unfair that you should be given the advantage,” Plo Koon said crisply.

Ki-Adi-Mundi steepled his hands. “But Obi-Wan may not be ready to meet with the Masters,” he said, turning to look at Qui-Gon. “I believe we must work with the boy’s timetable. When he is ready, the Masters will begin their preliminary work. The Council will decide this after speaking with the boy. However, the Masters may meet with the boy until said time, as you may, Master Jinn, provided you are accompanied by another Jedi.”

Qui-Gon took a quick breath, clasping his hands in front of him. At least he had bought the boy a few weeks, perhaps. “I accept the conditions.”

“One more condition, there is,” Yoda said. “Apologize to Master Guod, you must. Enmity between Jedi there should not be. As one we must be. Accept, do you?”

He knew that was coming. Qui-Gon lifted his chin, giving the diminutive Jedi a curt nod.

Yoda brought down his stick to the tiled floor, causing a shrill echo to sound throughout the Council’s Chambers. “Agreed, it is. Be subject to these conditions, you will,” he said quietly, and Qui-Gon felt his shoulders sag slightly under the weight of his former Master’s gaze. “May the Force be with you.”

***

The door slid closed behind Qui-Gon, and he leaned back against it, resting his head on the hard surface. It was over. And nothing would ever be as it was. He pushed himself away from the door, giving himself a light surge of momentum to direct his body over to the couch. When his legs came in contact with the seat, he let them give way, sinking deep into the cushion. Qui-Gon leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. The hollowness he felt didn’t quite counterbalance the penetrating numbness that wrapped around his mind. He had known the Council would deal harshly with him; that had been no great surprise. The conditions could have been far more severe, but they’d been designed to nearly obstruct any possible way for him to seek taking a Padawan.

It took him several moments to realize he was shaking.

He closed his eyes, trying to reach out for the calming center of the Force, but even its presence seemed dim against the bright flames of anger that burned inside. Qui-Gon shuddered, releasing the most harsh waves of anger to the Force, but he knew that task was far from completed. Four hours of meditation a day might not be enough, he thought.

Only once before in his years under Master Yoda’s tutelage had he seen such an expression on the old Jedi’s face: when he hit Guod the first time. Even then Guod had managed to bring out the very darkest of emotions from him. Qui-Gon propped his head up with the palms of his hands, forcing his eyes open. No matter how he felt, he had to apologize. Despite his many years of diplomatic training, no rules of peacemaking seemed to apply in this situation. Not only had Guod wounded Obi-Wan, but he wounded their relationship, and quite possibly Qui-Gon’s chances of being the boy’s Master. He fingered his lightsaber on his belt, thinking of the satisfaction that would come from igniting it and slicing right through the couch.

But that would only destroy his one piece of furniture, and probably wouldn’t bolster his record for anger management skills.

The sound of the door comm startled him to his feet. Walking unsteadily across the room, he pressed the button. “Yes?”

“Qui-Gon. It’s Payter. Can I come in?”

He released a silent sigh of relief; it wasn’t Master Heri. He wasn’t ready for that conversation quite yet. “Yes, please do.”

The door slid aside, and the towering Shistavanen ducked his head on the way through the doorway. From the deep hollows of his creased face, Payter’s eyes gleamed. “Can I shake your hand?”

Qui-Gon dropped his gaze, headed back for the couch. “Whatever for?”

“You’ve lived the dream of every decent Jedi that’s passed through this temple; you knocked Guod to the floor,” Payter paused, grinning a mouthful of sharp teeth at Qui-Gon. “Can I be like you when I grow up?”

“Honestly,” Qui-Gon said, falling back against the cushions. “I not only assaulted another Jedi, but I also lost my chances at being Obi-Wan’s Master. I am living the dream, you’re so right.”

Payter stood in the center of the chamber, his shaggy arms crossed over one another against his chest. “I meant no offense. But I think Guod got everything that was coming to him. Or at least he will once the Council is through with him. What he did is beyond comprehension.” A growl filled the Jedi’s throat as he finished the sentence.

Qui-Gon drew in a quick breath. “The Council would say the same for my reaction.”

“Most Jedi on the Council have not had a Padawan in recent years. They forget what it is to forge a deep attachment with a child.”

“It’s not about attachment, it’s about control. And I lost mine.” He clenched his fists, pressing them into the cushions.

“You can’t change what happened, that’s true. But did they bar you from seeing the boy?”

Qui-Gon sighed, looking up at his friend. “No. I can as long as I’m with another Jedi.”

“Do you wish to see him now? I could accompany you.”

He shook his head, replacing his chin on his palms. “I’m not ready to see Obi-Wan yet. He’s probably still with the healers. They were very concerned.”

Payter nodded. “Perhaps that’s best. But should you need me, I would be more than willing to oblige when the time comes.”

“Thank you,” he said, smiling faintly. “I should have expected I’d have your support.”

Payter grinned back, his teeth flashing in the dim light. “I have been blessed with the gift to see beyond the Council’s mandates to the truth. It’s a great burden, but I bear it with pride.”

The doorcomm beeped again, and Qui-Gon felt his spine stiffen. “I wonder who it is this time.”

Payter waved a hand at him, and he turned to check the door. “Who’s there?” he growled, employing his Shistavanen accent to great affect.

An equally irritated voice carried back through the receiver. “It’s Bel-San, you giant hairball. Let me in.”

Qui-Gon watched as Payter took his time in pressing the door lock open. “Well, since you asked so nicely. . .” Payter said.

The curly-topped Jedi stalked in, an expression completely devoid of humor on his face. “Well,” he said, directing his gaze at Qui-Gon, “I hope you’re happy.”

Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes at him. “Ecstatic.”

“Qui-Gon, what were you thinking? I thought you wanted Obi-Wan as your Padawan! You can’t go around beating up other Jedi, and in front of Obi-Wan--”

“He was unconscious at the time, in case you weren’t aware,” Qui-Gon interjected. “Guod hurt him so badly he retreated beyond his mental shields. He practically destroyed our bond. He could have damaged Obi-Wan beyond reconciliation.” He was surprised at how forceful his voice sounded.

Bel-San took a step forward, standing next to Payter. “And I’m sure you’ve been encouraging him in this.”

Payter shrugged. “I have no problems with Guod on the receiving end of trouble. And it’s not as if he’s been forbidden to seek taking the boy as Padawan.”

“The Council wouldn’t forbid that, but they will gladly make it impossible,” Bel-San said, looking away from the Shistavanen towards Qui-Gon. “What are you going to do now?”

“I’m going to apologize to Guod,” he said slowly. “And then I’m going to meditate for four hours a day. At least. Maybe more. And I’m going to meet with a Council member once a week. And I’m going to apologize to Master Yoda. He, perhaps more than any of us, has been the most wronged.” Qui-Gon folded his hands and let out a long breath.

Bel-San crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re still serious about this? After all that’s happened?”

Qui-Gon gave him a curt nod. “I can’t give up on the boy.”

“But the bond. . .the healers said it was as it had been when it started. If you drop out now, he won’t be hurt. And what do you honestly think your odds are at getting this position? As if the Council hadn’t approved of your actions before--”

“Enough, Bel-San,” Payter said. “You’ve ceased being helpful.”

“I’m thinking of a little kid who’s already been scared beyond imagining.” Bel-San’s voice was quiet. “I don’t know if he needs the added stress of you applying and not receiving the position as his Master. It’ll destroy him.”

Qui-Gon shook his head slightly. “You don’t know him. You have no idea what he is capable of.”

“Oh, and you do? Qui-Gon, this is getting out of hand--”

“Quite right. Bel-San, I think you’ve said enough. Qui-Gon has been attacked enough for one day, don’t you think?” Payter’s tone had a dangerous edge, and Qui-Gon saw Bel-San move back a step.

A frown curved Bel-San’s lips. “I know. I am sorry for your situation, Qui-Gon. I know how much you want the boy. Which is why I can’t understand why you acted as you did.”

“I can’t explain to you what I don’t understand myself. But I realize now that if I had paid attention to my first instinct--to take Obi-Wan out of that Garden--I could have avoided this entire situation.” He sighed. “I wasn’t trusting the Living Force. And this is the result.”

“You couldn’t have known what he was going to do. You can’t be responsible for Guods’ misdeed,” Payter said quietly, his glance flicking over to Bel-San. “I think, Bel-San, that we should allow our friend some peace. He’s had a difficult morning.”

Bel-San nodded, circling his right wrist with his other hand. “If you need anything. . .”

“I’ll be fine,” Qui-Gon said.

The curly-haired Jedi took a step back, his head down. “I think they planned on releasing Obi-Wan later today. Heri wanted you to know.”

Qui-Gon felt a faint smile crease his lips. “Thank you. Thank you both for coming. I appreciate your. . .support.”

Payter placed a hand on Qui-Gon’s shoulder for a moment, then turned to leave behind Bel-San. “Whatever befalls, I know that your intentions are good. May the Force be with you, my friend.”

***

Qui-Gon walked slowly down the long corridor, his boot soles slapping quietly against the cool tiles of the Temple floor. After spending the afternoon in meditation, he knew it was time to complete the first task the Council had assigned. He thought back for moment to the discovery of the other man’s blood on his knuckles, blending with his own blood. He and Guod were inextricably linked; the Force had brought them together once more to see if they had learned anything. Apparently, Qui-Gon thought, neither of us has learned much. We still resort to insults, lies, and fists.

He saw a lone Jedi standing before the door at the end of the hallway, wearing black robes. Qui-Gon paused mid-step, surprised. He hadn’t realized the Council had passed such harsh judgement on Guod; the guard assigned to him would only wear black if the Jedi he watched was facing possible expulsion.

Qui-Gon nodded at the other Jedi, but the man’s clean-shaven face was impassive.

“You wish to speak to Guod?”

Qui-Gon noticed his failure to use Guod’s title. “The Council wishes it. May I be let in?”

The other Jedi did not step aside, his black robes dragging against the shining titles of the floor as he lifted himself up on his toes for a moment. “Your weapon?”

It was a demand, not a question. He quickly released his lightsaber from his belt, handing it carefully to the other Jedi.

“Thank you. You may proceed.” The Jedi moved aside, and Qui-Gon walked slowly through the open door.

At first he could see nothing in the dim chamber, but after a moment, he saw the form of a man sitting on the edge of a sleepcouch, silhouetted against the backlight from a hololamp. “Knight Guod?” A bitter snort ripped through the air. “I knew you’d be here. I knew they’d make you come.”

Qui-Gon took a step closer, his hands folded down by his waist. “Even if they hadn’t asked me to, I would have come regardless.”

“Well, that makes you a better man than me, doesn’t it?” Guod moved out from in front of the light, and its thin beam fell across his face. “Because it’s better to give in to anger than it is to seek after knowledge. You get your hand slapped for assault, while I face expulsion for tampering with something that was about to be destroyed.”

Qui-Gon met Guod’s cold stare. “We both deserved to be punished for our actions that day. We both did wrong.”

“That must be that bold diplomatic side of you that I always hear so much about. Using the word ‘we,’ as if you could possibly understand my actions.”

Qui-Gon sighed. “What I want to say is this--”

“Yes. You’re sorry. You’re sorry that you made it completely impossible to get the kid as your Padawan, and you’re sorry that you have to come apologize to me. Well, don’t bother. I don’t care.”

The light grazed across the purplish-blue ring that surrounded Guod’s nose and cheek. Qui-Gon bit his lip, then spoke. “I am sorry,” he said, “for injuring you. I had no right to attack you as I did, regardless of how I felt about what you were doing to Obi-Wan.” He heard the words come out of his mouth, and in that moment, he actually believed himself. There had been no pleasure in hitting Guod, not the first time, nor this time, because of the consequences for his actions.

Guod stayed silent for a moment. “You think you’re so noble, coming down here. You hang around the Temple for six months and you think you know how things work around here. Well, I’ll tell you something. It’s a different world here from when you were Knighted. You can’t hide behind Yoda anymore. He doesn’t have half the power he used to. And after they get through expelling me, they’ll be after you, just wait.”

“No one has expelled you yet, Guod. You are speaking of things that haven’t been decided yet.”

“You think I want to stay?” Guod stood, taking a step toward Qui-Gon. “You’ve had the chance to go all over the galaxy. I haven’t left Coruscant for thirty years. It’s about time I got off this Force-forsaken planet.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Qui-Gon remained still, even as Guod moved closer. “But we serve where we can best serve.”

“Well that’s just a beautiful nugget of wisdom right there. I can hang that one up on my wall, thank you, Jinn,” Guod sneered. “The only satisfaction I have is knowing that my theory was right. Bonds are much less stable than we like to think. They are easily manipulated, if you know how to do it. I would never have known that if not for your boy.”

Qui-Gon stiffened, his hands clutching one another. He released his anger to the Force, and then turned on his heel, preparing to leave. “I have said what I came to say. Whether or not you choose to forgive me is on your conscience. But I know where I stand.”

He heard Guod’s voice behind him as he moved toward the door. “If I have to go down, Jinn, I’m glad I brought you with me.”

Qui-Gon passed through the doorway, feeling his pulse speed rapidly through his temples. He turned, not meeting the gaze of the other Jedi. The guard remained silent as he handed Qui-Gon his lightsaber.

Qui-Gon cleared his throat, strapping the weapon to his belt. “Has the Council reached a decision yet regarding Guod?”

The other Jedi shook his head. “They won’t decide for at least another day,” he said, pausing for a moment. “Shall I tell the Council you were here when I give report?”

“No. I’ll do that myself.”

***

He stood outside of Master Heri’s chambers, hesitating before he pushed the doorcomm. He swallowed, then lightly pressed the key, hoping that perhaps his touch had been too light. It wasn’t; he could hear the beep through the slide door. Heri didn’t even bother to do a vocal check. The door slid open, and Qui-Gon looked down at her pale face.

“I was wondering when you were going to get here,” she said, her voice slightly more than a whisper.

“May I. . .”

“Come in.” Heri stood aside, and Qui-Gon ducked his head through the doorway, walking quietly into the clean apartment.

“Master Heri, I must say something--”

“There is something I need to say first.” Heri pushed back her short hair behind her ears.

Qui-Gon stopped. He felt his stomach tighten. “As you wish.”

She placed her hands together, palm to palm. “I just want you to know that in light of what’s happened, I still believe that you did what was best for Obi-Wan. And no matter what the Council says, I know that he needs you. So I will do whatever I can, wherever I can, to make sure you and that child become Master and Padawan.”

Her words seemed too large for the small chamber; they stopped up his ears. He couldn’t respond.

Heri gave him a slight smile. “I suppose you weren’t expecting such outright support, were you?”

Qui-Gon finally found his voice. “No. No, I wasn’t. But I suppose I shouldn’t be so surprised.” He licked his dry lips, pausing for a moment. “I can’t thank you enough.”

She nodded briefly, and then turned to face the first door on her right. “They brought him back from the Infirmary a few hours ago. They say he’s fine, but he’s been so lethargic, sleeping for hours.”

“That’s partly my fault,” Qui-Gon admitted. “He wouldn’t let me leave this morning when I had to meet with the Council. I had to Force-suggest him back to sleep.”

“I thought as much,” she said, leading him over to the door. “I don’t know if he’s sleeping now, but I think he needs to see you. He seems so lost, so disoriented.”

He felt his jaw tighten. This entire situation could have been prevented so easily. . . He pushed aside his own thoughts, concentrating on Heri’s voice. Obi-Wan is going to be fine, he told himself. Things will be all right.

Heri opened the door and gestured for him to enter. “Don’t worry. I’m right here. The Council explained their rules to me already. I can play just as well as they can.”

As soon as Qui-Gon stepped inside the small chamber, he could sense the boy’s signature slowly rouse itself. “Little One, are you awake?”

He sat on the edge of Obi-Wan’s bed, beside the tiny form lost in the blankets. “Obi-Wan?”

The small blond head raised itself from the pillow, twin blue eyes blinking slowly. “Master Qui-Gon?” he asked. Obi-Wan sat up, pushing himself against Qui-Gon’s side. “Are we in trouble?”

Qui-Gon wrapped an arm around the small boy, smoothing a hand over his soft hair. He sighed, thinking of how quickly such promise could have been destroyed. “You’re not in trouble, Little One. You haven’t done anything wrong.” He paused, glancing at Heri, who stood leaning against the doorway, her head down. “But there are some things I need to tell you.”

TBC