"This looks like fascinating reading, Qui-Gon," Payter said as he held up a reading disk. "You and Your Five-Year-Old. You'll have to let me know if it's good."

Qui-Gon reached over and pulled the disk from Payter's hand. He gave his friend a quick smile. "I thought it might help me understand you better."

"Trying to remember what it's like to feel responsible, Master?" Mace asked as he took a drink.

Qui-Gon picked up the bottle of Shistavanen liquor and pointed the mouth in Mace's direction. "Perhaps your judgment is clouded."

Bel-San finished his glass. "So all is not well in the land of Obi-Wan?"

Qui-Gon tucked the disk under the couch. "We're all fine here, thank you." He saw Bel-San roll his eyes, but he made no comment.

"Oh. So at the Teacher's meeting yesterday, they were discussing the Rybia mission," Bel-San said.

Payter grunted. "When you're covered with fur, the tropics kind of lose their appeal."

"You know," Mace said, "When I was talking with Plo Koon the other day--"

Payter and Bel-San groaned as Qui-Gon said, "Shut up, Council Boy. We all know you're kissing their ass. You don't need to remind us every five minutes."

"Swear a Jedi does not. Shouldn't you be a little more restrained now that you have a Padawan?" Mace asked.

"You do realize"--Qui-Gon gestured with his glass--"that you're violating the Temple rules right now."

"I was coerced. It's not my fault."

"Yeah, never was, was it? You always went in with us, but you never took the blame." Payter put his feet up on the table, nearly knocking over Bel-San's glass.

"I don't have to put up with this, you know. If it wasn't for me, we all would have gotten kicked out of the Temple," Mace said.

"A feat you so humbly reminded us of while you watched us clean the meditation gardens," Bel-San said.

"I forget how arrogant you are when you're drunk, Mace." Payter smirked.

Mace drained his glass. "And I forget how offensive you are all the time."

Payter swung his feet off the table, leaning forward as he bared his teeth. "You want a piece of this? If you've forgotten how I beat you every time when we were Padawans, I can remind you."

Mace slammed his glass down on the table and stood up. "Bring it on."

Unwilling to let their argument progress any further, Qui-Gon stepped toward Mace. "Guys, you know--"

"Master!"

He pointed a finger at the Jedi. "If you woke him up, you'll be more than insulted tonight."

Ignoring the muffled snickers from his inebriated friends, Qui-Gon left the common room and walked quietly down the corridor to Obi-Wan's chamber.

"Master?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan?"

"I can't sleep. You're too loud."

"I thought you were asleep."

"I was but I woke up. Mace was yelling. Are you in trouble again?"

Qui-Gon sighed. "They're just leaving. You can go back to sleep now."

"I can't sleep in here. Can I sleep in your bed?"

"You have a perfectly fine bed, Obi-Wan. You need to sleep in here."

"But I can't. It's dark and it's cold. It's always cold."

"Obi-Wan--"

"Please?"

Qui-Gon's head pounded. He knew he only should have had three. "If I let you, will you go to sleep?"

"Yes."

"All right. Let's go. But you have to sleep."

"Okay." The tiny figure hopped off the sleepcouch and took Qui-Gon's hand.

He led Obi-Wan to the larger chamber and helped him into bed. The small boy pulled the covers up to his chin, and then laid diagonally across the sleepcouch, taking up as much room as possible. "Good night, Obi-Wan."

"Good night, Master."

Turning off the hololamp, he flicked them on again at Obi-Wan's protesting cry. "Too dark! I need a light!"

"All right." Qui-Gon made a move to change the setting on the hololamp, but he stopped as the boy spoke again.

"I don't want that lamp. I want my nightlight. From my room. My fish light."

"They give off the same amount of light, Obi-Wan." He tried to keep his voice level.

"But the fish keeps the bad things away. It protects me. I won't sleep without it."

Qui-Gon fixed his gaze on his Padawan's face. "Do you want to go back to your room?"

"No, I want my fish light in this room."

"Are you trying to give me a hard time, Obi-Wan?"

"No." The boy's voice was quiet.

Returning to the bedside, he quickly smoothed a hand over his Padawan's head. "If I go get your light, will you go right to sleep?"

"Yes."

"Okay. But this is the last thing I'm getting, all right?"

"Okay."

"I'll be right back." Qui-Gon rubbed one hand on the side of his head as he walked slowly down the short corridor to Obi-Wan's chamber. He made a mental note to ask Heri about these bedtime issues; he hadn't slept properly since he'd taken the boy as his Padawan.

As he returned to his room with the fish light in hand, he detected the shadows of his friends in the archway between the common room and the hall. He stopped abruptly, and the shadows vanished. "Do you want me to tuck you guys in too?"

"No, we're all fine here. Thanks, Master."

"You're funny, Bel-San. Maybe to the children you teach," Qui-Gon called, then turned back to his room.

"I thought they were leaving!" Obi-Wan shouted.

"I've asked you not to yell in the apartment, Obi-Wan."

"You just did."

"Don't start." He set the fish lamp up on his desk, pushing aside some datapads on child psychology. "There. Go to sleep."

"Night, Master."

He made sure the slide door shut behind him, and then he made his way back to the common room. Qui-Gon turned his chair around and straddled it, resting his chin on the back.

"Way to lay down the law, Master Jinn," Payter said. "Are you sure you weren't a little too hard on him?"

"If you don't let them have their own way once in awhile, you can stunt their emotional growth. You should try giving in to him sometime." Bel-San collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Mace cocked his head. "And you're our best diplomat?"

Qui-Gon sighed, looking sadly at the empty bottle. "Don't you all have somewhere else to be? Far away from here?"

Bel-San nudged Payter, and Mace shrugged. "Do you?"

"Nope."

"Me neither."

"I think we're good," Bel-San said. "Do you have anything to eat?"

A small sound from the back of the apartment stopped their conversation. "Master! Will you sing to me?"

He knew before he stood from his chair that the boy was standing in the doorway behind him. "Obi-Wan, go back to bed."

Qui-Gon pointed a finger at the three Jedi. "Not a word."

"Oh! A direct order from Master Jinn!" Bel-San turned to Payter, his eyes wide.

"If we disobey, he'll beat us and lock us in the closet!" Payter said in hushed tone.

"Or he might just let us get away with murder!" Mace finished.

"I'm not kidding." He tried to sound as menacing as possible, but as he moved away from the chair, he got one foot entangled in the legs and stumbled.

Bel-San wiped tears from his eyes. "Stunning display of Jedi coordination there, Jinn."

"If you all aren't gone by the time I come back. . ."

"What are you going to do? Sing us to death? No!" Payter howled.

Mace shook his head. "I thought you only sang when you were drunk. Not that you're far off now. But you're usually on the floor when that happens."

"Master! I want to hear the silly bantha song!"

"Yeah, Master, we do too." Payter leaned forward in his chair, grinning.

"I'm sorry, the time for verbally abusing Qui-Gon is now over. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. Get out."

"But we were having so much fun!" Bel-San said, rising unsteadily to his feet.

"I think we pissed him off, guys," Mace said, unsuccessfully trying to hide his smirk.

"We know when we're not wanted. Come on. I have one more bottle in my apartment." Payter helped Bel-San to the door. He waved a hand at Qui-Gon in farewell. "Try not to embarrass yourself in front of your Padawan. Night, Jinn."

"Master!"

"Coming, Obi-Wan."

***

Qui-Gon woke to the insistent ringing of his door chime. He moved the printout of the "New Masters" newsletter off his face and sat up on the couch. Looking down at the last sentence he had highlighted, he sighed. "Five-year-olds require ten to twelve hours of sleep per night."

"And so do their Masters." He got up stiffly and walked across the common room to answer to answer the door.

"Yes?"

"Housekeeping. You want me fluff your pillow?" A high falsetto crackled across the comm system.

"Mace. Go sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here."

"Just let me in."

"You saw what happened last time I let you in here. My carpet will never be the same."

"Fine. You don't want to hear the Council's orders for you, that's fine. I'll just go tell them you don't care what they have to say."

"You'd be right."

He opened the door to admit Mace. "You're looking a little peaked."

Mace straightened his wrinkled robe, blinking at the bright hololamps in the common room. "Let's not discuss it. And stop talking so loud."

"Feeling a little delicate this morning, are we?" He gestured for Mace to sit down. "Can I get you a drink? I mean, some water?"

"That won't be necessary. I won't be here long. I have an appointment in the Meditation Gardens."

"Oh? Is something amiss?"

"Bel-San and Payter were a little loud coming back from your room last night. Yoda caught us. We tried to tell him that you started it, but he wouldn't believe us."

Qui-Gon laughed. "I just discovered a job perk. Who knew taking a Padawan would keep me out of trouble?"

Mace grunted. "Yeah, well, your new Padawan also got you the most coveted mission of the year."

Qui-Gon laughed harder, leaning on a chair. "Job perk number two. Bet you wish you had a Padawan now."

"You'll be sorry when I'm on the Council."

"Won't we all."

Mace turned slowly back toward the door. "Your transport for Rybia leaves tomorrow afternoon. They'll send you the itinerary later today."

"Well, I'll be thinking of you while I'm on the beach. Have fun scrubbing rocks."

Opening the slide door, Mace gave him a narrow-eyed glare. "I hope you get sunburned."

***

"So how are you?" Heri poured Qui-Gon a cup of steaming tea.

"Obi-Wan and I are still working things out--"

"No. I asked how you are doing."

"Oh."

Heri pushed the bowl of sweetener across the table, and Qui-Gon dumped several spoonfuls into his tea. "Little focused on the padawan, are we?"

He took a quick sip and burned his tongue. "You think?"

"Well, you came to me. What do you want to talk about?"

Qui-Gon sighed, looking away from her. "You'd think I wouldn't be having such a hard time. I've done this twice already."

"You know, I've been a Creche Master for ten years, and I've dealt with a lot of different kids. They all have their own quirks, and the problems you have aren't a reflection on you. It's a different dynamic every time."

"I know, but--"

"You also need to keep in mind that your other padawans were older when you took them. Obi-Wan is still very young."

He toyed with his cup, finally setting it down on the table. "It's easy to forget that sometimes. He's very advanced for his age, and I overlook the fact he's so little."

"What do you feel like you're having the most problem with?"

Qui-Gon leaned his elbow on the table, his chin in his hand. "I can't get him to sleep in his own bed."

He watched Heri try to cover her mouth, but he knew she was laughing at him. Finally her snickering got the best of her, and she laughed at him outright. "It's not that funny," he said, pressing his lips together.

"He's never been fond of bedtime."

"You didn't have this problem."

She pointed a finger at him. "I never let it be a problem."

"Thanks."

Heri sipped at her tea. "It's different with you, though. He's been through a lot--you both have. He needs to feel safe right now, and he feels safest with you."

He sat back away from the table, unsure what to say. "I guess I never thought of it like that. I just thought he was being difficult."

"He's not a bad kid. If he does things that are unusual, there's generally a reason for it."

"I thought it was only temporary; I knew he was feeling unsettled after he moved in, so I let it go. But it's been a few weeks now, and I don't know if things are getting better."

She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "I know La'Re's been speaking with Obi-Wan about what happened. What has he said to you about it?"

"I. . .We. . ." Qui-Gon cleared his throat.

"You haven't talked to him, have you?"

"Um, no."

"Maybe that would be a good place to start."

He sighed. "I know I should have, but I don't feel like I have the expertise to help with this. I read in a book that issues like this need to be handled by professionals."

"What have you been reading? Tell me it's not You and Your Five Year Old."

"How did you know?"

"That book has no validity whatsoever. The author doesn't even have children. He probably didn't even interact with any while he wrote the book. Throw it out and forget everything you read."

He reached out for his teacup and drained it. "So what am I supposed to do?"

"You don't need any special qualifications," she said, smiling. "We're not going to let you screw him up."

"But I've already set up a bad precedent. I should have come to talk to you a lot earlier."

She nodded, a serious expression on her face. "Yes, you should have. But it's not too late. And you have to understand, your relationship is very different than almost all other master-padawan relationships. You bonded first with him, and that's very significant. You're in a difficult stage right now, but that will pass."

"Are you sure?"

Her mouth curved in a slight smile. "Yes. But you need to talk to him. Everything else will follow once you learn how to communicate with him."

***

Obi-Wan shivered. "I'm cold."

"That's a surprise."

He tugged on his Master's sleeve. "I'm still cold. Can I wear your robe? You're never cold. You don't need it."

"You have your own robe, Obi-Wan."

"But my robe isn't as nice as yours. And mine is far away."

Qui-Gon folded his arms across his chest. "It's across the room on the other seat, not in Coruscant."

"But. . ." He sighed, recognizing the expression on his Master's face. "Fine."

"Don't take that tone with me."

"Sorry."

Obi-Wan walked slowly across the room and picked up his ankle-length brown robe that lay draped over the seat. He put it on and stood silently for a moment, then looked back at his Master. "I'm still cold. Can I sit with you?"

His Master shook his head, but he smiled. "Yes, you can sit here." He held out his arms, and Obi-Wan climbed into his lap. "Better?"

"Yes."

"Can you remember what we talked about earlier, about the ceremony on Rybia?"

Obi-Wan counted off the list on his fingers. "It's the hundred year anniversary, don't talk, don't move, stay with you, I can say hello, bow when you do, and if I'm good, we can go to the beach."

His Master chuckled. "You only need to be still and quiet during the ceremony. This is very important to the people of Rybia and I don't want you fidgeting or talking to the people around you during the ceremony."

"But what if I need to tell you something?"

"It can wait until we're through."

"But what if it's really important?"

His Master sighed, and shifted Obi-Wan slightly in his lap. "If it's truly important and it cannot wait, then you can use the bond to tell me. But it's only for emergencies."

"Okay." He kicked his feet out as they dangled over his Master's legs. "Are we there yet?"

"We won't be there until tomorrow."

"Can I go see the pilot?"

"You were just up there a few minutes ago. The pilot needs to do his job, and he can't while you're talking to him."

He looked up at his Master. "He said I could come up."

"And I'm saying you need to stay back here."

"But maybe I could go up for just a little bit." Sometimes his Master let him do things for just a little bit. He wanted to see the cockpit again.

"And maybe you could do the homework you have for class next week."

That didn't work. He was tired of doing homework. They were on a mission; he didn't see why he should have work while they were on a mission. "Um, maybe I could take a nap."

"No, I really think you should do your homework, Obi-Wan."

"But I don't want to."

"It's good that you have opinions. Now go do your homework."

"Why are you being so mean?" he muttered.

"Excuse me? Did you have something to say?" His Master's voice was quiet.

"No."

"I didn't think so."

***

Qui-Gon sat reading the mission itinerary, reviewing the names of the dignitaries they'd be meeting tomorrow. He glanced over at Obi-Wan, who sat sullenly on the opposite side of the room doing his homework. A moment later, his Padawan looked up to meet his gaze, and Obi-Wan scowled at him, then returned to his work.

Qui-Gon sighed and put aside his data reader. He really couldn't let him get away with that. Alla had never scowled at him.

He opened his mouth to speak when Heri's words surfaced in his mind. He knew he needed to talk to Obi-Wan about what was happening. Maybe he doesn't understand why he needs to listen to me, he thought.

"Obi-Wan."

The boy looked up, the scowl still on his face. "What?"

He took a breath to calm himself before he spoke. "Come here, please."

"I'm doing my homework."

"It can wait. I want to talk to you."

Obi-Wan picked up his oversized datapad and threw it to the floor, and stomped across the room, stopping to stand in front of Qui-Gon with his hands on his hips and his chin in the air.

"That wasn't a very nice thing to do to your datapad."

"I don't care."

"I think you need to sit down."

"I don't want to."

Qui-Gon sighed. "Suit yourself. But I have a few things to say, so you're going to be standing for awhile."

"Fine."

"Do you even know why you're angry?"

Obi-Wan looked at the floor. "I don't want to do my homework. You're being mean."

"Do you know what happens when you don't do your homework?"

"Yes. I was going to do it. But I don't want to do it now."

"There won't be much time to do it once we get to Rybia, especially if you want to go to the beach. And the class is still fresh in your mind now; you'll have an easier time getting it done."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest. "I wanted to see the pilot."

"Sometimes you can't do the things you want. The pilot is very busy, and we need to leave him alone to do his job."

"You just want to tell me what to do."

"Do you really believe that?" He tried to keep his voice level.

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Obi-Wan hesitated. "No."

"Do you feel like I'm being unfair?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You never told me what to do before. And now you do all the time."

Qui-Gon sighed and leaned forward in his seat. "So does that mean you don't want to be my Padawan anymore? Because that's what being my Padawan means. You have to listen to me."

Obi-Wan looked at him for a moment, his eyes wide. Without warning, he burst into tears. Right before he slid off the seat to go to the boy, Qui-Gon checked himself. He had to finish this. He swallowed with some difficulty. "Well?"

It took the boy a minute to gather enough air into his lungs to speak. He gasped, wiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his robe. "I. . .still. . .want to be your Padawan."

He folded his hands together, thinking for a moment. "Then you have to listen to me, Obi-Wan. I don't tell you to do things just to amuse myself; it's because it's good for you and I want you to be a Jedi Knight someday." He paused, his gaze fixed on the boy's face. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes." Obi-Wan stepped closer and reached out with one hand, touching the edge of Qui-Gon's robe. "I'm sorry."

He ran a hand over his Padawan's shorn head. "I know. We're still figuring things out. That's why it's important that we talk to each other. Even if you're mad at me, you can still talk to me."

"I'm not mad anymore. Are you?" Obi-Wan still had tears in his eyes.

Qui-Gon reached down and picked up the boy, drawing him close in a hug. "No, I'm not mad."

***

Obi-Wan followed his Master down the ramp of the ship into a large hangar, where a semicircle of Rybians in brightly colored robes stood waiting for them. He saw his Master bow, and he quickly followed suit, then tucked his hands behind his back.

One of the Rybians stepped forward. His robe outshined the others, with red, blue, and yellow stripes of shimmering fabric. He also wore a plumed headdress, with indigo feathers sprouting in all directions. Obi-Wan realized the diplomat was taller than his Master and he caught himself staring. The Rybian's arms were extended. "Welcome to Rybia, honored Jedi. My name is Tarp�n"--he threw up his hands--" and we are pleased you can join in our celebration."

His Master looked up at Tarp�n. "We are honored to take part. I am Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Tarp�n leaned down close to Obi-Wan. "You're so little! Tarp�n has never seen someone so little!"

"Hello," Obi-Wan said. It was the only thing his Master had told him to say.

"He talks!" He threw up his hands again, causing his feathered headdress to sway. A broad smile crossed Tarp�n's gold-skinned face as he looked back at his Master. "Are they always this small?"

His Master winked at the Rybian. "No, this one's a special case. Usually they're smaller."

"Ah!" Tarp�n laughed loudly, and the other Rybians standing behind him joined in. "Tarp�n likes you, Qui-Gon. Tarp�n hopes you will be comfortable in the rooms we have prepared for you. Delour will show you the way." He clapped twice. "We will meet again at the ceremony tonight."

Qui-Gon smiled slightly. "Thank you, Tarp�n. We are grateful for your hospitality, and we look forward to this evening."

Tarp�n pulled his Master into a hug, and then did the same to Obi-Wan. He noticed Tarp�n smelled like spices. "You're so little. Tarp�n likes you." Tarp�n stepped away from them, holding one hand aloft. "Tarp�n must go. Tarp�n is spent."

Another towering Rybian stepped away from the semicircle, and he inclined his head at them. His Master followed after Delour, and Obi-Wan had to walk quickly to keep up with both of them.

When they finally reached the chambers set aside for them, Obi-Wan was breathing hard. He hadn't realized he'd have to follow his Master such a long distance.

"Are you still there, Obi-Wan? Delour thought we lost you." Delour patted his head.

Obi-Wan swallowed. "Hello."

Delour laughed, the sound echoing in the high-ceilinged hallway. "These are your rooms, Master Jedi. Delour hopes you like."

The door slid open and revealed a giant common room, with more furniture than he and his Master had combined in their apartment at the Temple. He followed his Master inside, and his boots made soft clicking sounds on the blue marble floor. The far wall was made up entirely of large windows, which looked out to the sea.

Delour stepped back a pace. "You must be hungry; the kitchen here has been prepared for you, but if there is anything else you require, call for Delour." Obi-Wan looked quickly at his Master. :I'm hungry, Master.:

His Master gave Delour a nod, and thanked him. "We look forward to seeing you again tonight."

Delour left through the tall doorway, and Obi-Wan waited for the door to shut before he spoke. "They're even taller than you, Master!"

"Yes, they are." He gave Obi-Wan a slightly critical look. "But I don't think the fact you're hungry is an emergency."

"I know. I just wondered if you were."

He ruffled Obi-Wan's hair. "Yes, I am. You did a good job, Obi-Wan; I was very proud of you."

"I tried to remember everything you told me." He took his Master's hand and started walking towards the kitchen.

"You can say more than 'hello' tonight. The Rybians don't see children very often, so you're probably going to get a lot of attention while we're here."

"Why do they say I'm so little?"

"Rybians hatch from eggs, and they hatch fully grown, so they're never little. That's why they find you so interesting."

Obi-Wan threw out his hands, speaking like the Rybian. "Obi-Wan likes Tarp�n. Tarp�n is funny."

His Master laughed, but composed himself quickly. "Obi-Wan, please don't imitate the diplomats."

"Qui-Gon has no sense of humor!" He threw up his hands again, gesturing with a flourish.

"You can stop that now."

He tucked his chin down to his chest, holding up one palm. "Obi-Wan is spent."

***

"Eww. This stuff is gross. What is it?" Obi-Wan squirmed as Qui-Gon tried to rub the sunblock lotion on the boy's back.

"It'll keep you from getting burned. Hold on, I'm almost done."

He wrinkled his nose. "It smells. You didn't do this at the other beach."

Qui-Gon squirted some more lotion in his palm. "That's because Destricore's sun is farther away."

"That's enough. That's enough."

"That's not for you, that's for me. I don't want to get burned, either." He turned away from Obi-Wan, rubbing the lotion on his skin.

When he finished, he saw Obi-Wan wiping his hands on the towel. "Do you want to go in the water first, or do you want to play in the sand first?"

"I want to go in the water."

"Okay. Now aren't you glad you got your homework done already?"

Obi-Wan looked up at him. "I guess." Then he turned and ran off down the beach to the water's edge.

Qui-Gon shrugged. At least they were talking again.

The boy paused at the water's edge and looked over his shoulder at Qui-Gon. "Come on."

"You can go in, I'm right behind you."

"But there are fish. Big fish."

Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan bounced on his heels, waiting. When he finally reached the boy, Obi-Wan had taken his first few steps into the water.

"It's cold."

"It's always cold with you." Qui-Gon walked into the green water. "It isn't cold."

Qui-Gon began to swim away from the shore at a slow pace, allowing Obi-Wan to keep up.

"Master I--" The boy was cut off as a wave broke over his head, filling his open mouth with water. His padawan sputtered and coughed, looking surprised. "It's salty. It burns my throat. I can't see, it stings my eyes."

Qui-Gon swam quickly to Obi-Wan's side and wiped the water out of the boy's eyes. "Are you all right, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan shivered in the water as Qui-Gon neared. The boy reached out and gripped Qui-Gon's arm tightly to keep himself afloat.

"I didn't know the wave was coming."

"You have to be careful. It's a little rough today."

"That's okay, I'll just hold on to you."

Qui-Gon caught sight of a shadow beneath the surface of the water. "Oh look, it's a turtle."

Obi-Wan's grip tightened on his arm and he moved a little closer. "Are they big?"

"They can be, but don't worry. This one's small."

Obi-Wan peered over Qui-Gon's shoulder into the water. "Oh, it's round. Do they bite?"

"They only bite fish." The sound of children's laughter caught his attention. "Look, Obi-Wan. Do you want to go play with the other children by the shore?" he asked, pointing out the group of three small figures.

Obi-Wan shrugged.

"I'm sure they would let you play with them," Qui-Gon said.

Obi-Wan looked between the children and Qui-Gon a few time before he spoke. "Okay. If you think so." The small boy detached himself from Qui-Gon's arm and swam over to the children who were playing with a small wave board.

From a distance, Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan approached the group and introduced himself. He was relieved to see that Obi-Wan was able to interact with children near his own age after the problems he had been experiencing in his advanced class. He watched the group of boys play in the waves for a moment before swimming further out.

He sensed another humanoid coming up behind him, and he turned to see a male Jorkaian swim close.

The Jorkaian smiled and nodded towards the children as he floated in place. "Is that little one there yours?"

"In a manner of speaking. He's on loan."

"Oh." The Jorkaian looked at him strangely before swimming away.

Qui-Gon smiled, chuckling as he turned his attention back to the children. He could watch Obi-Wan from there with no difficulty.

He was able to swim easily through the water for several more minutes before the first sounds of an argument reached his ears.

"You got two turns," one of the boys yelled, pointing a finger at Obi-Wan.

"I did not. It doesn't count if you fall." Obi-Wan stood clutching the board to his chest, half turned away from the other boys.

"It's my turn."

"No, it's not." The largest of the boys pulled the board from Obi-Wan's arms and pushed him away.

Qui-Gon began to swim to shore. He knew this would not end well.

"Hey. It's my turn," Obi-Wan said, following the larger boy.

"No, it's my turn. It's my board." He pushed at Obi-Wan again.

"Don't do that."

"I'll do whatever I want. You can't stop me."

Obi-Wan planted his feet firmly in the sand and placed his fists on his hips. "Yes, I can. I'm a Jedi Knight!"

Qui-Gon sighed. He emerged from the water and took hold of Obi-Wan's arm. "I think that's enough for one day, don't you? Apologize for being impolite, please, and then we will go."

Obi-Wan looked up at him. "I didn't do anything."

"If you want to come back to the beach at all, you will apologize right now."

Obi-Wan looked at the boy who stood holding the wave board in his arms. "I'm sorry I yelled."

"All right, let's go."

***

"Master?" Obi-Wan called out from across the room.

Qui-Gon looked up and saw a flash of red.

"My skin hurts."

"Obi-Wan, where are your pants?"

"I took them off. They hurt."

"You can't go to the ceremony naked, Obi-Wan. Please put your clothes on."

"But it hurts."

Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't know how you got burned. I covered you with the sunblock."

Obi-Wan shrugged and winced as he looked away. "I don't know either. Maybe um, it rubbed off."

"How would that have happened?"

"Maybe with a towel?"

"Oh, Obi-Wan. Did you wipe off your sunblock?"

"Um, I don't remember."

"Didn't I tell you you could get burned?"

"Um, maybe?"

"Well, that wasn't a good choice, was it? Please get dressed, Padawan. We have to leave soon."

Qui-Gon turned away as Obi-Wan left the room and finished adjusting his own robes. He was just beginning to pull back his hair when he heard Obi-Wan's exaggerated cries of pain from the other room.

"It doesn't hurt that badly, Obi-Wan," he called to his Padawan as he finished fastening his hair in place.

"Yes it does." Obi-Wan walked in stiffly, his arms held out from his body. While he was dressed, his clothes hung loosely from him and he was not wearing his belt.

"You can't go like that, Obi-Wan. You have to put on your belt and wear your clothes properly."

"But Obi-Wan is in pain." He gestured sharply with one hand.

"I asked you not to do that, Obi-Wan."

"Obi-Wan is sorry."

Qui-Gon looked at the small boy with his pink face and sighed. He could sense the pain of the sunburn through their bond and knew that it was far more than a five year old would be able to deal with during a galactic ceremony. He ran a hand over Obi-Wan's pink head and sent a wave of the Force to the boy to help dull the pain. He could not heal the burn, but he could help with the pain.

"Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan said, standing a little more easily.

"You're welcome. Now fix your clothes."

The door chime to their opulent apartments sounded and Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan to straighten his clothes. He hit the panel for the door to slide open and Tarp�n stepped inside. The Rybian was dressed flamboyantly in glittering orange and purple robes that trailed several steps behind him.

"Do you always wear brown? It washes Qui-Gon out." the diplomat asked, looking curiously at Qui-Gon.

"Only when my pink uniform isn't clean."

"Tarp�n did not know Jedi had such a sense of humor." He laughed.

"It's been a long trip."

Tarpon made his fingers into a frame, studying Qui-Gon. "Tarp�n sees you in. . .aubergine. What do you think of new robes?"

"Master, I'm ready," Obi-Wan called as he walked out into the common room, his robes straitened and hanging correctly.

"Oh, you're pink!" Tarp�n exclaimed, bending toward Obi-Wan. He looked back at Qui-Gon. "Do your children always change color in the evening?"

"Only when they're ripe."

Tarp�n burst out laughing, tears rolling down his long face. "Oh, Qui-Gon, you amuse Tarp�n. Perhaps you will come again next year."

"I think we could handle that."

"Now, about your robes. . .perhaps saffron."

Qui-Gon shook his head slightly, stroking his beard. "I would, but the Council forbids it."

The Rybian sighed thoughtfully, his chin in his hand. "Tarp�n is still not happy. What about your hair? Perhaps a trim. . .or better, a cut!" Tarp�n stepped closer, pulling strands of hair around Qui-Gon's face. "Your hair pulled back does not work for you." Tarp�n released the tie in his hair. "You need pieces in the front." Tarp�n spun Qui-Gon around to face Obi-Wan. "What do you think?"

Obi-Wan giggled. "I think my Master needs to cut his hair. He cuts my hair."

The Rybian cleared his throat. "So Tarp�n sees. You know, Tarp�n can work with you too. I see. . .ribbons in the braid. And blue hair. Blue is the color for you."

Qui-Gon refastened the tie behind his head. "Thank you, Tarp�n, for the advice, but the Code, the Code is very strict."

"For that, Tarp�n is sorry. It is sad Jedi can have no style." He held a hand to his forehead. "Come. We must go." Tarp�n clapped his hands twice.

Qui-Gon stole a look at Obi-Wan, who watched Tarp�n with great interest. He had a feeling Tarp�n would be coming home with them.

They followed Tarp�n through the brightly lit corridors to the Arena, where the ceremony was to take place. At midnight, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fulfilled their duty by witnessing the rereading of Rybia's original treaty with the Republic. After a solemn procession, the Arena erupted in music and dancing as the multitudes began to celebrate.

"Qui-Gon!" Tarp�n fought his way through the crowd, several goblets in his hands. "You must drink with Tarp�n. We get drunk and tell many stories."

Qui-Gon thought of Mace scrubbing the rocks in the Meditation Garden, and he smiled as he took one of the clear goblets. "Thank you, Tarp�n."

Several of the Rybian dignitaries clustered around him, and he chatted for a few minutes with the heads of state. When he turned around, Tarp�n and Obi-Wan were deep in conversation. He noticed with dismay that his Padawan was mimicking the characteristic hand gestures of the Rybian diplomat.

Tarp�n saw him coming over and rushed to meet him. "Qui-Gon! Your Padawan, he is so funny! Where you find such a funny Padawan?"

"Luck, I guess." He followed Tarp�n back to where Obi-Wan stood, surrounded by Rybians.

He heard his Padawan's voice over the laughter of the dignitaries. "Stop! No more questions about being little! Obi-Wan is spent!"

Qui-Gon's heart stopped for a moment, then Tarp�n pounded him on the back, laughing uproariously. "See! He is so fun! He wants to be like Tarp�n!"

Obi-Wan looked up, and threw out his arms. "Tarp�n!"

Tarp�n mimicked the gesture, and cried out, "Obi-Wan!" They moved to stand next to the child. "Tarp�n found your Master."

Obi-Wan grinned, hiccupping. "Qui-Gon!"

He stooped down, resting hand on the boy's shoulder. "Are you all right, Obi-Wan?"

"Obi-Wan is fine!" The boy's eyes looked glassy.

"Tarp�n shared his drink with Obi-Wan. Tarp�n did not think you would mind. It was only little bit."

"Oh." Qui-Gon sighed. He called on the Force and placed his hand on Obi-Wan's head. "Are you tired, Padawan?"

"Obi-Wan is tired." He put up a hand, and then sagged into Qui-Gon's arms.

"It has been a long day for Obi-Wan. I should put him to bed."

Tarp�n cocked his head. "You leave so soon? Oh, but Obi-Wan is little. Tarp�n forget. Tarp�n apologize. Do not think ill of Tarp�n." He hugged Qui-Gon fiercely. "You come back and visit Tarp�n. Tarp�n ask for you next year. Bring Obi-Wan. He is funny. You are both funny."

Qui-Gon nodded, shifting Obi-Wan's sleeping form against his chest. "I look forward to it."

***

Obi-Wan hung limply in his arms, the boy's head resting against Qui-Gon's shoulder. It was quite late by the time they arrived back in the chambers set aside for them, and Qui-Gon was ready to collapse.

He carried Obi-Wan to one of the bedrooms and placed him in the large bed, trying not to disturb him. As soon as he pulled the covers over the small form, however, Obi-Wan's eyes popped open.

"I can't sleep in here."

Qui-Gon sighed. He had hoped to avoid this conversation until they returned to the Temple. "You need to stay in your own bed tonight, Obi-Wan."

"But I can't."

Qui-Gon sat on the edge of the bed. "Why can't you sleep in your own bed?"

"I like yours better."

"You used to like sleeping in your own bed, when you were with Master Heri."

"I don't like to anymore."

"Why not?"

"I just don't."

"But I brought your fish light, and it's the warmest room in here. Is your bed uncomfortable?"

"No, but yours is better."

"Why is mine better?"

Obi-Wan hesitated. "Because you're there."

"Are you scared of being by yourself?"

Qui-Gon waited as the silence in the room continued and Obi-Wan did not answer. "You don't have to be afraid. Even if I'm not in the room with you, you aren't alone. You can always call me through our bond and I will always be right here." He smoothed a hand over Obi-Wan's head.

"Do you promise?"

"I promise. I'm never far away, Obi-Wan. I can always come for you. Okay?" Obi-Wan nodded, but still looked miserable.

"What if we made a deal? If you go to sleep in your bed and you wake up in the middle of the night and can't sleep, you can come into my room. If you're scared, I want to help you, but you need to try to sleep in your own bed. How does that sound?"

"I'll try," he said softly. "But could you stay until I fall asleep?"

Qui-Gon smiled. "That I can do."