Releasing a quick breath, Obi-Wan sat back on the lush carpet of grass growing along the banks of the small stream running through the Tranquillity Garden. He had always liked this particular Garden, but after spending the last five afternoons scrubbing rocks, he no longer felt the same affinity for the environment. Squeezing some excess water from his cleaning cloth, he stared down at the large, smooth stone before him.

�Stupid rock.�

Vigorously scrubbing with the soft brush his Master had presented him with several days ago, he pressed the bristles as hard has he could against the rock�s surface. After keeping up the repetitive motion for nearly two hours, he felt his wrists ache. At first, scrubbing rocks didn�t seem like such a terrible punishment; he spent time in a beautiful garden, listening to the peaceful sound of water and wind. Yet a week�s worth of time spent cleaning mud and algae from rocks was more than enough for any one Padawan, Obi-Wan was sure.

�It�s not getting any cleaner,� he muttered to himself, scowling. �This is pointless. Stupid rock. Stupid Garden and stupid rock.�

The Garden had been empty all afternoon, much to Obi-Wan�s relief. He didn�t want any of the other Padawans to see him scrubbing rocks, since everyone knew that a Padawan scrubbing rocks had obviously done something seriously wrong. A brightly colored bird flew overhead, whistling several high-pitched notes in its streak across the high-domed ceiling. Obi-Wan picked up on the sound, whistling several halting notes himself. Resuming his scrubbing, he started to make up a song in his head. The words amused him, and he began to sing softly to himself as he worked.

�Stu--pid rocks, oh so stu--pid rocks, my Master said to clean...you...

Stu--pid rocks, oh so stu--pid rocks, I don�t want to clean...you...

Stu--pid rocks, oh so stu--pid rocks, you just get dirty any..way...

Stu-pid rocks, oh so stu--pid rocks, next time my Master should clean...you...�

Laughing to himself, Obi-Wan climbed onto the wet stone, peering at his reflection in the still section of the water. He opened his mouth to resume another chorus of his new song when a green, wrinkled face appeared in the water beside his own.

He spun around, catching himself on a wet spot on the stone and sliding ungracefully off the rock into the stream.

�Clean the rocks, your Master said, not clean yourself,� Master Yoda said quietly with a smile, taking a step towards the water�s edge to offer Obi-Wan a hand.

Obi-Wan scrambled to his feet, water running down his pant legs and into his boots. He was soaked from the waist down. �It�s okay, Master Yoda,� he muttered, quickly looking for his scrub brush. �Oh no.�

�Problems you are having, young Padawan?� The ancient Jedi Master folded his hands on top of his gimmer stick, blinking at Obi-Wan.

Wiping droplets of water from his forehead with the back of a hand, Obi-Wan sighed. �I just lost my brush. Now I�m going to get in more trouble, and my Master is going to make me clean more rocks.�

Master Yoda closed his eyes for a moment, and then gave Obi-Wan a bemused smile. �This you are looking for?� Obi-Wan gasped with relief as Master Yoda used the Force to bring up the brush from the bottom of the stream.

�Thank you, Master Yoda. You just saved my life.�

�Nothing of the kind, did I. Keep a tight hold on that brush you should.� He winked at Obi-Wan as he caught the brush in midair. �And make up songs when being punished you should not.�

Obi-Wan swallowed quickly. �I didn�t think anyone heard me,� he said softly.

�Tell your Master I will not. Seen you work hard here, I have. Perhaps now be patient for your lightsaber you will.� Master Yoda nodded slowly, gazing at Obi-Wan.

Instinctively, Obi-Wan rubbed his healed arm. A few days of rest and plenty of bacta gel had healed the wound, and he couldn�t even tell where the burn had blistered his skin, but he couldn�t forget the shocking pain that had swept over him. �Yes, Master Yoda.�

�Mmm. Someone coming to see us, there is.�

Obi-Wan looked away from the Jedi Master to the entrance of the Garden. His Master walked up the sandy pathway to where they stood, his long robes nearly brushing the tops of his boots. �Master!� he called, waving at the elder Jedi. �Didn�t expect to see you here. I hope you weren�t supervising.�

�Admiring the clean rocks, I was. See for yourself you should.� Master Yoda gave Obi-wan a private smile, which he returned.

Obi-Wan clutched tightly to the wet cloth and brush he held, hoping his Master would approve. He was tired of being punished.

�The Garden looks beautiful. It looks like someone�s been doing a good job scrubbing rocks.� His Master turned to look at him, then his expression changed from approving to confused. �Obi-Wan, you�re soaked.�

�I, um, sort of fell in,� he said quietly.

His Master moved to stand beside him, tousling his damp hair. �Okay. Enough of the rocks for a while, huh?�

Obi-Wan smiled, looking up into his Master�s face. �Really? I�m not in trouble anymore?�

�Not until you get yourself in trouble again,� his Master said, chuckling.

�I don�t have to scrub rocks anymore, right? You�re not mad anymore, are you?� He tentatively checked his bond with his Master, seeking the emotions of concern and disapproval he�d felt after his lightsaber incident.

�I think you learned a good lesson this week. And you did what I asked without complaining. You did a very good job, Padawan.�

�Thank you, Master,� he said, shivering.

�If you�ll excuse me, Master, I�ve got a Padawan who needs to find something a little less sopping wet to wear. Come on, Obi-Wan. Let�s head back home.�

�May the Force be with you both,� Master Yoda nodded at them, turning away to walk down the path the opposite direction.

Obi-Wan fell into step beside his Master, taking long strides to keep up. �Master?�

�Yes?�

�I don�t like scrubbing rocks.�

His Master shook his head, laughing slightly. �That�s sort of the point.�

�I know,� Obi-Wan sighed, rubbing his palms along his arms. �It would have been better if I hadn�t fallen in the water, though.�

Slipping off his hooded outer robe, his Master draped the long, warm cloth over Obi-Wan�s shoulders. �Here. This will keep you from getting cold and catching whatever�s floating around the Temple. Just don�t trip, okay?�

�Okay, Master.� Obi-Wan wrapped the meters of fabric close to him, holding up the bottom with both hands to keep it from dragging on the ground. �This is a little big for me, though,� he said.

His Master shrugged, giving him a smile. �I hadn�t noticed.�

***

Obi-Wan tiptoed quickly down the hall in the dim corridor, his pajama feet making the slightest scuffing sound on the thick carpet. He slid along the wall, sneaking into the open doorway of his Master�s room. Stepping into the dark chamber, he stole quietly to his bedside.

�Do you have any idea what time it is?�

Obi-Wan looked up at his Master, who now blinked at him sleepily. �Um, early?�

His Master stifled a yawn, but failed miserably. �You couldn�t sleep, huh?�

Obi-Wan shrugged. �I was, but I woke up. I wondered if you were awake too.�

�It�s not even four yet,� his Master said, groaning.

�Oops. I�m sorry.� Obi-Wan tugged at the topmost blanket. �Can I come in with you?�

Sighing, his Master moved over and lifted up the covers to allow him room. �If you promise to go back to sleep. It�s still very early, okay?�

�Okay.� Obi-Wan jumped up and snuggled down beneath the covers, warmth settling over him in a pleasant wave. �I was trying to sneak in. I didn�t want to wake you up. I thought I was quiet enough.�

His Master chuckled, yawning again. �You can�t sneak up on me, Little One. I can sense you through our bond, remember?�

�Oh. I forgot.� Obi-Wan cuddled close against his Master�s chest, closing his eyes as he listened to the slow, gentle beating of his Master�s heart beneath his ear. The comforting sound always made him feel safe.

�Master?�

�Yes?�

�Today is rest day, right?�

His Master rolled his eyes. �Technically.�

�Um, I was wondering, um, what are we going to do?�

Covering his mouth as another yawn escaped, his Master shook his head at him. �I wasn�t going to tell you until morning, because I thought if I told you, you�d be too excited to sleep, but apparently that idea�s shot. I gave Slade�s Master a call and invited them to go along to the zoo with us.�

�The zoo!� Obi-Wan grinned, tugging on his Master�s sleeve. He�d wanted to go to the zoo for a very long time. �You�re taking me to the zoo! And Slade�s coming with us!�

He felt the weight of his Master�s hand sweep over his head, and he smiled. �We�re going to go to the zoo, but only if a certain Master gets some sleep. Understood?�

Obi-Wan could hardly contain his excitement; he knew he�d never go back to sleep now. �Okay, Master. Go to sleep. And then we�ll go to the zoo.�

�Sounds like a plan.� A moment later, his Master was fast asleep, and Obi-Wan leaned back against his chest, waiting for morning.

***

�We�re almost there, Obi-Wan,� Qui-Gon whispered, giving his Padawan�s hand a quick squeeze. The journey to the zoo by airtaxi wouldn�t take long, but even short trips made Obi-Wan queasy, no matter what he did.

Knight Rian sat across from him, his long legs crossed as he looked at Qui-Gon with a confused expression. �He�s motion sick?�

Shrugging, Qui-Gon crossed his arms over his chest. �He�s never been very good with short trips. Deep space travel isn�t too bad, as long as it�s a smooth ride. Don�t worry. I�m sure he�ll grow out of it.�

�That�s got to be pretty inconvenient.�

�Well,� Qui-Gon said, �I do a lot more walking.�

�I was on a trip with my class once,� Slade jumped in, gesturing with his hands. �This kid ate a lot right before we left, and then the ship started, and about five minutes later, he puked all over the--�

�I get the picture,� Qui-Gon nodded, trying to discourage any further discussion of retching children. �So Rian,� he inclined his head towards the other man. �How long has it been since you�ve been to the zoo?�

�I guess I went when I was still in the Creche. Maybe when I was nine.� Rian checked his chrono. �When do you think we�ll be back at the Temple?�

�Probably sometime around dinnertime, I suppose. We want to make sure we see everything, right Slade?� He gave the boy a quick smile.

Rian nodded. �I have a meeting tonight. I just wanted to make sure.�

�Oh? New Masters� meeting, huh?� Qui-Gon still remembered dropping off Alla at the Creche one night a week to attend the mandatory meetings. Even then, he had always questioned the teacher on matters of raising a Padawan. That Master had been thankful when he finished the course.

�Something like that.�

Slade covered his mouth, snickering. �He wants to see his girlfriend,� he managed between laughs.

Qui-Gon looked at Rian, trying to keep his expression innocuous. �It�s good to know that you can still have a social life even as a new Master. You�ll have to tell me how you balance the two.�

�Yes. Well,� Rian said quickly, looking out the window. �Oh, look! I think we�re almost there.�

A nearly imperceptible sigh rose up from beside Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan looked up at him, opening one eye. �That�s good.�

The airtaxi pulled up to the zoo platform, and Qui-Gon helped his Padawan down from the vehicle. �You made it. We�re here,� he said, rubbing his back encouragingly. Looking over at Rian, he gave the younger Jedi a brief smile. Despite his reservations about Rian, he too remembered that being a young Master was not an easy path. Many had had doubts about him when he had taken Alla. Qui-Gon tried to brush aside his uneasiness, releasing it to the Force. Perhaps all Rian needed was a little reassurance.

Obi-Wan regained his usual energy in several minutes, and he began to run towards the entrance to the Galactic Zoo. �Come on, Slade! Let�s go!�

�Boys! Wait for us,� Qui-Gon called, watching their small forms as they zigzagged across the plaza.

�They�ll be fine. Don�t worry,� Rian said, falling into step beside Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes for a moment. He gave Obi-Wan a quick mental tug, and the boy turned to look at him. �Stay with us, please,� he said as the two Padawans trudged back to join them.

�But we just want to see--� Slade started.

�You�ll see everything you want to see, we promise. Just make sure you can see us, okay? We just want you to be safe.� Both boys nodded, and Qui-Gon forced himself to relax. I�ve been friends with Payter too long, he concluded. All his special ops training has rattled my brain.

After paying the credits to enter, a wide plasteel gateway arced over their heads, fashioned in the shape of two bent tropical trees, with giant metal leaves indicating the direction to the various exhibits and habitats. Obi-Wan and Slade stood before the site map, which blinked brightly whenever one touched its surface. �I want to see the Yolan bears!� Slade said, pointing at the hologram of the bears� icy home.

�Master!� Obi-Wan tugged on his sleeve, his lips curved in a bright smile. �Do they have fish here? Big fish?�

�They might,� Qui-Gon shrugged, inspecting the site map. �They do have a small aquarium here. We can stop there if you like.�

�And we have to see the Rilke birds! You can feed them, see? It says right here you can feed them nectar? Look!�

�And we have to see the kiljas, and the frekelis, and we have to go see the ton-tons, see, you can pet them! See?� Qui-Gon could feel the excitement brimming over from Obi-Wan through their bond, and he smiled. After their recent difficulty with the lightsaber, it relieved him to see the boy so happy. A Padawan�s life often passed from one hard task to another with little relief in between, and he was thankful for the welcome excursion from the Temple. Leaving the Temple on these short trips also helped prepare Obi-Wan for the longer trips they�d be taking in the years to come.

�Where do you want to go first?�

�Yolan bears!� Slade shouted.

�Big fish!� Obi-Wan shouted, shaking his head at Slade.

�Looks like it�s up to you, Rian. We�ll let you decide, how about that?�

Knight Rian looked up, shrugging. �Whatever. Either way is fine.�

Qui-Gon opened his mouth to speak, but then swallowed back his comment. Rian obviously felt unsure due to Qui-Gon�s experience, and he didn�t want to make a mistake in front of his Padawan. �Okay. Let�s do the Yolan bears first, since they�re closer, and then we�ll check out the fish. How does that sound?�

***

Standing before the great panels in the central arena of the aquarium, Qui-Gon stood back several paces, watching the two Padawans stand with their hands pressed against the plastiglass. In the aqua light shining through the massive tank, a halo of blue seemed to surround both of them as they laughed together over a shared joke. Obi-Wan traced the movement of several tiny fish, drawing his finger across the glass.

�I think they�re having a good time,� Qui-Gon said, looking over at Rian, who leaned on one of the thick columns that stretched up to a vaulted roof.

�That�s good.�

Qui-Gon paused for a moment, then spoke. �So how did you know that Slade was supposed to be your Padawan?�

Rian shrugged, lifting his hands in a vague gesture. �I�m not exactly sure. I saw him during Open practice, and I saw his potential. I think he�s going to be an excellent fighter.�

�He�s a really great kid,� Qui-Gon said. �I�ve known him for awhile now, and he�s got a great sense of humor, not to mention he�s got a mouth on him. Not afraid to be honest. He must be a lot of fun.�

�Yeah,� Rian said slowly, folding his arms across his chest. �We�re still sort of feeling things out.�

Qui-Gon thought quickly, drawing back on years of experience talking to people during negotiations that didn�t want to talk. He knew Rian didn�t trust him, but that wasn�t what bothered him. �Did you get to spend much time in the field before you took him?�

�I was on a few missions in the Republic. Some local disputes and such. I was only Knighted a few months ago, though, so I haven�t had much time for missions.�

�Did you have a speciality in mind?� Most Jedi tended towards missions of a certain type, and some even spent time before their Knighthood studying a particular field.

�My Master was involved in trade negotiation. He was something of a businessman, I suppose. I followed a similar path, because that�s what he knew.�

Qui-Gon sensed Rian�s hesitation, but he decided to ignore it. �Do you see your old Master much?�

Rian stiffened. �He�s off-planet most of the time.�

He tried another approach, speaking gently. �It can be a little awkward at first, being a new master. I took my first padawan not long after I was knighted, so I know a little about your situation. I think you�ll find, though, that--�

�It�s fine.� Rian met Qui-Gon�s gaze. �Don�t take this the wrong way, but you really don�t need to coddle me. I know you think you�re trying to be helpful, but I�m a Knight, and I�m a master now, and I think I can handle myself.�

Several choice phrases sprang to Qui-Gon�s tongue, but he bit them back. The last thing he needed right now was to engage in a verbal battle with the master of his Padawan�s best friend, especially in the boys� presence. �You know, I�m sure the boys are thirsty. I�m going to go get us something to drink. I�ll meet you back here in a few minutes,� he said crisply, turning away to walk to the nearest food stall.

As he waited for the drinks, Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment, releasing his frustration to the Force. It was disrespectful for a Knight to address a Master in such a rude fashion. Still, he recognized that Rian was very threatened by him. Possibly even a little afraid. Qui-Gon folded his hands, seeking the Force�s peace. His earlier reservations floated closer in his thoughts, but he tried to brush them away.

Carrying an awkward tray filled with four fruit drinks back to the arena, he looked for Rian�s form among the crowds filling the large chamber. Several moments of scanning revealed nothing, and Qui-Gon instinctively reached out to Obi-Wan through their bond. A wave immediately returned to him, and he followed its wake over to where the boys stood, setting down his tray.

Sighing with relief, he handed them both a drink. �Slade, where�s your Master?�

�I don�t know,� Slade said, greedily sucking up the juice through a multicolored straw. �He was over there a minute ago.�

Qui-Gon released a quick breath, quickly surveying the chamber once more. �He didn�t tell you where he was going?�

�Nope,� Obi-Wan said, spilling some juice down his chin. �He was there, and then we turned around, and we didn�t see him. So we stayed here.�

�That was very smart of you. I�m glad you did,� Qui-Gon said, using the Force to reach out into the chamber. Many signatures flooded his senses, and it required more concentration and patience than he had to truly scour them thoroughly. �He has to be around here somewhere.�

He felt a slight brush of the Force, and he turned around to see Rian walking towards where they stood. Qui-Gon took a step away from the boys, speaking softly. �Where did you go?�

�Nowhere. I just went to see that exhibit over there. I was only gone a minute,� Rian said, the irritation plain in his tone.

Qui-Gon forced himself to remain calm. �You left our Padawans to look at an exhibit?�

�You make it sound like I abanoned them. They�re fine,� Rian said, raising himself up to his full height.

�You can�t leave two Padawans alone like that, Rian. It�s just asking for trouble. You have to be the adult here.� He kept his voice quiet and firm.

�They�re Jedi kids. My Padawan can take care of himself for two seconds alone.� Rian gave Qui-Gon a hard look. �I�m sorry if yours can�t.�

Qui-Gon shook his head, raising his eyebrows. �I�m not criticizing you, Rian. I�m only looking out for the boys� well-being. But this is a very serious matter.�

�I was right over there. You could see me, couldn�t you?� Rian asked, eyeing his Padawan. �Right, Slade?�

Slade glanced swiftly between Rian and Qui-Gon. �I, um, well--�

�Rian, he just told me he didn�t know where you went.� Qui-Gon took in a quick breath, tyring to calm himself.

�Yeah. Of course he did. You know what? I don�t have time for this. We need to go.� Rian looked down at his chrono, and then turned away. �Slade! Come on. It�s time for us to head back to the Temple.�

Qui-Gon watched Slade look at Obi-Wan with a questioning expression, and then move to stand by his Master. �Thanks for coming with us. I hope you had a good time, Slade,� Qui-Gon offered, giving the older boy a wave.

�See you later, Obi-Wan,� Slade said, following behind Rian, who was already walking towards the aquarium exit.

Qui-Gon leaned on the plasiglass beside his Padawan, watching several large turtles swim by. �Are you all right, Obi-Wan?�

�Um, are you and Knight Rian having a fight?� Obi-Wan�s berry-stained face looked pained.

�It�s not like that,� Qui-Gon said, reaching out to rest a hand on the boy�s shoulder. �I think we just disagreed a little. I was worried when he left you two alone. It�s just not safe.�

�But, um, if you and Knight Rian aren�t friends, then...um, what�s going to happen with Slade?� Obi-Wan�s tone was concerned, and Qui-Gon could sense his anxiety.

�Don�t worry. I�ll smooth things over with Knight Rian. But no matter what, you and Slade can always be friends. Nothing will change that, I promise.� Qui-Gon felt the small boy�s arms encircle his waist, and he sighed. Perhaps he�d been too hard on Rian, but the Knight�s behavior had warranted correction. �Was there anything else here you wanted to see? Or out in the rest of the zoo?�

�No, I don�t think so. It won�t be as much fun without Slade.�

***

Qui-Gon palmed the door shut of Obi-Wan�s room, moving away silently. Greeting Payter with a sigh, he collapsed heavily onto the couch across from his friend. �Sorry about that. Obi-Wan was having a little trouble falling asleep. He�s been a little more restless lately.�

Payter ran a furry paw through the longish fur at his forehead, brushing a few pieces out of his vision. �I could tell things were strained from the moment I walked in. What�s going on?�

�I know you�re busy with your latest Council project, but I have a little project of my own I was hoping you�d investigate,� Qui-Gon said, rubbing his temples with his fingertips.

�Oh?�

Qui-Gon smiled in spite of himself. �I knew that might pique your interest. Listen, you know that I�m not one to point fingers--�

�--except when finger pointing is due--�

�Exactly. But I�m worried. About Knight Rian.�

Payter�s gaze narrowed. �Slade�s new master? The young one, right? What happened?�

�You know about the lightsaber incident, but honestly, that could have happened to anyone. That wasn�t his fault, and I�m not blaming him for it. But we went to the zoo today, and I was talking with him for a bit while the boys were looking at an exhibit. I went to get us some drinks, and when I got back, he was nowhere to be found. He just left Obi-Wan and Slade alone in the middle of an arena!� Qui-Gon shook his head. �I really wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but to be honest, I still have my doubts. It may be unfounded, but...�

Payter nodded, his expression unreadable. �So what exactly are you asking for? Standard procedure, or something more?�

Qui-Gon waved a hand, shaking his head. �No. I just want you to check up on him. Background and such. Find out if he�s keeping up with his Master training classes. Find out if someone is keeping tabs on him. He must have a sponsor of some sorts, a Council-approved mentor.�

�You�re pretty serious about this,� Payter said, folding his arms.

Qui-Gon sighed, looking up at the ceiling. �He made a few uncouth comments to me this afternoon. But this doesn�t have anything to do with me. I just want to make sure Slade is going to be all right. This whole padawan process with him happened rather unexpectedly, and he�s Obi-Wan�s best friend. It�s important to me than Slade be with the right Master.�

�I understand,� Payter said quietly. �There have been some questions recently with the Padawan selection choices. I�ve heard...things. People lodging formal complaints.�

�That�s why I was hoping you could use your talents, just to placate my doubts. Maybe I just caught Rian on an off day.� Qui-Gon leaned forward, blowing a quick breath out through his mouth. �There�s no such thing as a perfect Master.�

Payter smiled, flashing his bright teeth. �On that we are agreed, thank goodness. Even small green Jedi are exempt from the perfect category.� He gestured quickly with both hands. �Don�t worry about a thing. I�ve got Rian covered. Give me a few days; I�ll see what I can find out.�