"Master! We don't have anything to eat."

Qui-Gon looked up from his reading, the latest edition of You and Your Six-Year-Old. "Obi-Wan, it's three in the afternoon. You just had lunch."

The boy crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm having a growth spurt."

"And how would you know that?"

"I read it. In your book."

Qui-Gon lifted an eyebrow. "Oh really? What else did you read in this book, now that you're so knowledgeable?"

Obi-Wan grinned. "That you should give me candy for dinner. It helps me grow."

"I haven't read that part."

"Probably because you fell asleep while you were reading it, like you did last time."

Qui-Gon switched off the screen, setting down his datareader. "If you've got so much free time to be reading my books, maybe you'd have some free time to clean your room, too."

"Master, you always tell me to clean my room."

"That's because it's always messy. I have no idea how we're going to get that glue out of the carpet."

Obi-Wan shrugged. "The lid came off. What was I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, put the lid back on, maybe?"

"Oh."

"Oh, Obi-Wan." His Padawan climbed up on the couch next to him, and Qui-Gon settled an arm around his shoulders. "What am I going to do with you?"

Obi-Wan looked up imploringly. "Feed me?"

"Well, we're sort of running low in the food department around here."

"That's because you burned everything last night."

"That had nothing to do with it, but fact remains, we don't have anything to eat."

Obi-Wan sighed. "I guess I'll just starve then."

Swallowing back a laugh, Qui-Gon attempted to cover his amusement with a cough. "Should I sign you up for some acting classes too?"

"Do they have food?"

Qui-Gon couldn't contain the bubble of laughter that rose in his throat. "You've been spending too much time with Bel-San."

Obi-Wan brightened. "Bel-San can cook."

Turning away, Qui-Gon feigned a betrayed expression. "Well, maybe you should call him. He could be your Master."

Obi-Wan patted him on the knee. "No, that's okay. You can be my Master."

"Oh, thank you."

"You're welcome." Obi-Wan smiled. "Now maybe you could call Bel-San."

Qui-Gon shook his head, even more amused that the sarcasm was again lost on the boy. "Well, I'm sure he's home. He never goes out anywhere."

Obi-Wan stared at him. "So what are you waiting for?"

Qui-Gon stared back, then nodded his head. "Yes, Master.�

As Qui-Gon stood, his Padawan toppled across the couch cushions, doubled over with laughter. Within moments, his elfin features turned red as he gasped for breath. "You...called me...Master!" He turned over on his stomach, chortling into the couch. "You..." He couldn't even finish the sentence as another wave of laughter overtook his frame.

Qui-Gon smiled, genuinely glad to see Obi-Wan laughing. There had been times in the past month when he had been greatly worried that he would never have his Obi-Wan back. "So you're laughing at me now, are you?"

Obi-Wan looked up from the couch, still chuckling. "Um, yes?"

"Oh really? Think you can laugh at me anytime you want, huh?"

"Um, yes?"

"Oh, next time you'd better pick on someone your own size." Qui-Gon crossed his arms and narrowed his gaze at Obi-Wan. Using the Force, he lifted the boy off the couch and brought him up to eye level, floating in the air.

"Now what are you going to do?"

Obi-Wan kicked his short legs out, trying to gain foothold in midair. "That's not fair."

"Oh, I'm supposed to play fair? Whose rules are those?"

"Mine."

Qui-Gon used the Force to position Obi-Wan above the couch, and then released his hold. The boy dropped safely on the cushions, jumping up with an indignant look on his face. Then his scowl disappeared, replaced by a large grin. "Do it again!"

"I thought you were hungry."

"Hey!"

The wall com unit beeped, and Qui-Gon walked over and keyed the intercom.

Bel-San's voice came through the speaker. "I'm bored."

"Good for you. Any other breaking news?"

"Oh, you're so funny. Entertain me. I mean, you wouldn't have to actually do anything...you're pretty funny-looking as it is."

"I'm supposed to invite you over now?"

"I said I was bored."

"And I said good for you. We seem to be back at the start of the conversation."

Obi-Wan leapt up from the couch, scurrying over to Qui-Gon's side. "Can you cook us something to eat? I'm starving!"

Qui-Gon gave his Padawan a wry look. "He's a little prone to exaggeration today."

Bel-San laughed. "If you don't feed that kid, he's going to grow up stunted."

The intercom beeped again. "Oops, I have another call. Hold on."

"What? There's call waiting on here? Since when? Is this another thing you've been keeping from me?"

"Hang on." Qui-Gon keyed in the other connection. "Hello?"

"Hey Master. How's it going? I'm bored."

Qui-Gon smiled at the sound of Alla's voice. "You and everyone else, apparently. So how's the Master business?"

"Surprisingly uneventful. We haven't been on a mission in a week, and I'm going out of my mind. How do you manage it?"

"I have my own variety of entertainment."

Obi-Wan tugged on his arm, his voice plaintive. "Master, Teacher Bel-San's on the other line and he's going to make me food."

Alla laughed. "Ah, so I see."

"Well, if it's amusement you're looking for, why not come over here for a bit? I'm sure we can supply that."

"Sounds good. Keleran could use a change of scenery. We'll be over soon."

"See you then." He switched back to Bel-San. "You still there?"

"Who were you talking to? I'm the only one that calls you."

"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you?"

Bel-San sighed. "So is this another thing you're keeping from out-of-the-loop Bel-San?"

"Honestly. I thought you would have worked through all those issues by now."

"Issues? What issues? Just because the padawans know more than I do--"

"Stop being so melodramatic. Obi-Wan doesn't want you to come over here if you're bitter." Qui-Gon winked at his Padawan.

"Hey!" Obi-Wan stood on his toes and yelled into the intercom. "You need to come make me food!"

"At least someone wants me around. I'll be over in a minute."

Qui-Gon switched off the intercom. "Looks like we're having company."

The boy's face brightened as he bounced on his toes. "Can I call Slade? Can he come over too?"

"Sure. Anybody else?"

"Um, maybe Kerge?"

Qui-Gon pursed his lips. "You three need to be supervised. Remember that talk we had."

"Yes, Master. We'll be good. Promise."

"Only if Payter comes. I am not going to be held responsible for what you three do all on my own. Especially with Keleran coming over."

"We'll be good. Honestly."

Qui-Gon shook his head. "Make fun of me you will not."

Obi-Wan's mouth split into a grin, and he pointed at Qui-Gon. "Make fun of your Master you do."

"When a Master you are, make fun of me you can. Now go call Slade."

Obi-Wan ran into the kitchen and started dragging out one of the chairs into the common room. Qui-Gon watched for a moment, slightly confused. "You know, you could use the portable com. It's on the table right there."

"Oh. Um, no, this is fine." Grunting, he pushed the chair under the unit, and then climbed and stood on it. "Um, what's the Creche number?"

"Honestly, Obi-Wan...you remember the year and make of every ship that has ever been built, but you can't remember how to call your friend?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "Do you not know it either?"

Qui-Gon sighed, keying in the code. "There you go. Remember to be polite this time."

A voice answered through the com. "Crazy house, Master Dermin speaking."

Obi-Wan hesitated, clearly bewildered. "Um, hello? Is Slade there?"

"Oh, Obi-Wan. How are you?"

"How'd you know it was me?"

"Lucky guess. I'll get him; hold on for a minute."

Several moments later, Slade's voice came through. "Hey. Is your Master still mad at me?"

Qui-Gon stifled a laugh, turning away. "Um, I don't think so," Obi-Wan said, "But he doesn't know how to get the glue out of the carpet."

"But how else were we supposed to put the hololamp back together?"

"That's what I said." Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "So anyway, can you come over?"

"I have to check." The boy paused for a moment, and then they heard a muffled yell. "Master Dermin! Can I go to Obi-Wan's?"

Qui-Gon smiled at Dermin's quick answer. "Yes. Please. Go."

"Be over soon."

Obi-Wan hopped off the chair, smiling. "Okay. You can call Kerge and his Master now."

"Quite the authoritative one this afternoon, aren't we?" Qui-Gon quickly punched in Payter's apartment.

"Hello?"

"Hey Kerge, it's Qui-Gon. How are you?"

"Um, I'll get my Master."

Payter chuckled as he answered. "So how does it feel to know that you terrify a thirteen-year-old?"

"I don't mean to. But it's always nice to know I can intimidate someone." He flicked a glance over to Obi-Wan, who was eating something unrecognizable from off the floor. "Listen, apparently everyone and their Padawan is coming over. Want in?"

"Sure. I'm teaching Kerge about fear management anyway. An afternoon with you should be good practice."

"All right, I'm going to stop Obi-Wan from eating things off the floor. I'll see you soon." He turned away from the wall unit to Obi-Wan who was happily munching away at something. "Obi-Wan, what are you eating?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't know. It's crunchy."

"What have told you about eating things off the floor?"

"Three second rule?"

"Exactly. I think that was there a little bit longer. Why don't you drink some water, that should dilute whatever it is you just ate."

The sound of arguing voices could be heard in the hallway long before the chime to the apartment rang.

"No, you can't be a spy, Bel-San. They didn't ask you for a reason. You don't do the whole incognito thing very well. You tried that once, remember? We cleaned the rocks in all the gardens on the fiftieth level for a month because you got caught."

"I was twelve. I'm much better now."

"No."

Qui-Gon opened the door. "Nice to see everyone getting along." He smiled at Payter's padawan. "Kerge, how are you?"

Payter brushed past him inside. "Don't taunt my padawan. That's my job."

"Master Jinn." The black haired boy nodded his head and ducked past him to go stand by Obi-Wan.

"Hey, nobody told me it was going to be a party." Qui-Gon turned to find Slade walking in the still opened door. "Hi, Master Jinn. Teacher Bel-San. Big furry wolf-guy I don't know."

Payter let out a howl, he laughed so hard. "So you're the infamous Slade. Quite the little mastermind, aren't you? I'm Payter, Kerge's master, who I know you've met."

"Okay." He looked at the other two boys. "We're going to go play now."

Qui-Gon pointed a finger in there direction. "Hold on just a second there, boys. I want you all to be on your best behavior. No plots, no destruction, no weaponry, no injuries. It's been a month since you've all been allowed in the same room, and it can be that long again if you don't behave. Do we understand each other?" Qui-Gon was aware that Payter had come to stand next to him, his large arms crossed against his chest and his most intimidating scowl on his face.

An affirmative chorus answered back and Qui-Gon held them in place with his gaze for a moment longer. "Good. One more thing. Alla's padawan is coming over and she actually listens to her master. You will not corrupt her. At all."

"I thought you said we were going to have fun."

"I never said that, I said they could come over."

Obi-Wan looked at him for a moment. "Want to hear a joke? What's tall and loud and lies to his padawan?"

Qui-Gon pointed a finger at his padawan and spoke over the sound of Bel-San and Payter's laughter. "I don't think you want to finish that."

Obi-Wan was saved from a reply by the door chime. Qui-Gon turned away from his padawan with one last look and opened the door to his first padawan. As she entered, Qui-Gon pulled her into a hug.

"For a new master, you don't look nearly worried enough."

"That's because I have an exceptionally good padawan."

"Don't let it go to your head. Not all of them are as easy." He released her as he cast a glance in his own padawan's direction. Obi-Wan was eyeing Slade's lightsaber with more interest than he cared for. "No," he called to him.

"Alla!" Payter called from across the room. He closed the distance between them in a few short steps and swept her into his arms as he spun her around in a circle.

"Good to see you too, Payter. Could you put me down now? You're ruining my image."

Payter placed her gently on the floor and turned to the silent girl standing just inside the door way. Her large silver eyes watched the events before her, as the light from the hololamps played across her shimmering, luminescent skin.

"And who is this?"

"This is my padawan, Keleran."

"Nice to meet you, Keleran. I remember when your master was your age." Payter said with what passed for a smile. Mostly it just looked like he was about to bite her.

"She's changed quite a bit over the years," Bel-San said with a grin in Alla's direction.

Qui-Gon glared at his friend and mouthed the words 'she's my padawan' across the room.

Bel-San shrugged and mouthed back, 'not anymore'.

"Bel-San, why don't you go see what the boys are up to?" Qui-Gon said as he steered his former padawan away from the teacher. "Maybe you could see if the other two are hungry. Maybe we could go out."

"That's the perfect idea. I need to get out of here before I lose my mind," Alla said as she took a seat on the couch.

Bel-San snorted. "Stellar idea there, Qui-Gon. We all know how stunningly things go for us when we leave the temple. Some of us don't even need to leave our rooms."

"I'm sure it will be fine."

"Have you ever taken Obi-Wan out to eat before?" Bel-San asked.

"There's a first time for everything, and I know you want to come along."

"Yes, children and food are such a great combination."

"Oh, there's this restaurant I know over in the Gelitari District that caters to small children, and it isn't bad for adults either. We could go there," Alla said as she stood. "But we'd have to go in civilian clothes. I'm tired of wearing brown."

"But it's such a good color for you," Bel-San said, winking at Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon took a deep breath. "Why don't we all get changed at meet in half an hour at the main hanger. I'll call for a hover taxi."

Payter waved in Qui-Gon's direction. "You don't have to call for a ride. I have my own ship. I'll drive."

"You have your own ship?" Bel-San cried. "What the hell? Is there anything else anyone would like to share? Now would be a good time."

Alla smiled. "I do some exotic dancing in my spare time."

"Yoda's my father," Qui-Gon said.

"This," Payter pointed to his fur. "It's just a coat. I'm actually human. I think it's funny."

"I have wings." Keleran spoke for the first time.

Bel-San rolled his eyes. "What have you been teaching her? Now even the padawan I don't know is getting in on the act."

"No, she really does," Alla said. "See?"

From beneath the fabric of her tunic, two delicate wings of translucent purple stretched into view. Before anyone could respond, the boys walked back into the room.

"Sweet!" Kerge said as he stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the exposed wings. Both Alla and Payter turned to him, warning glares on their faces. "What? That's cool."

Obi-Wan inched his way closer to the girl, his eyes fixed on the shimmering wings. "Why don't I have wings?"

"Because you're a boy, silly," Keleran replied as she tucked her wings back against her body.

"Okay, so half an hour. Payter, where's your ship?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Payter...has...a...ship?" Obi-Wan asked almost reverently.

"At least Obi-Wan didn't know," Bel-San grumbled as he crossed his arms across his chest.

"I knew," Kerge said helpfully, still staring at Keleran. "It's in docking bay 420."

"Okay, sounds good. See you in a bit."

***

"Come on, Obi-Wan, we're already late." Qui-Gon held tightly to the boy's hand as he pulled him along the long corridor towards the central hangar.

"These shoes are funny. I can't walk right in them. I want my boots back."

"Regular kids don't wear Jedi issue boots. You'll be fine."

"But I'm not a regular kid."

"Well, tonight you have to look like one."

"They're still a pain."

"Builds character. Come on. I know you can walk faster."

They hurried through the crowds of waiting Jedi, working their way towards the higher numbered docking bays. "It looks like the bays are getting bigger. I wonder what kind of ship Payter has?"

Obi-Wan picked up his pace slightly. "Me too." He tugged on Qui-Gon's hand. "Master? When are we going to get a ship?"

"You're funny, Obi-Wan."

"No, I mean when are we going to get our own ship?"

"Jedi don't usually get their own ships."

"But--"

"Payter's an usual case. Just be nice and maybe he'll let us use it sometime."

"Okay."

They finally found their way to the docking bay, where everyone was waiting for them. "They look funny," Obi-Wan whispered.

"So do you."

"What? I thought you said I looked nice!"

Qui-Gon shrugged. "Sorry we're late."

"About time, Jinn. Did you forget how to wear normal clothes?" Payter grinned, leading the group into the bay. "Mine's in the back."

Obi-Wan pulled his hand out from Qui-Gon's grip to join Slade, and the two ran to walk next to Payter. "What kind of ship is it?" Obi-Wan asked in a hushed tone.

"It's a modified Correlian fighter."

"And it's all yours?" Obi-Wan breathed.

"Pretty much. I did most of the modifications myself."

"Yeah. That's the way to do it," Slade nodded. "Standard versions of any ships aren't nearly as good. You have to make modifications if you want them to run."

"Speaking from experience, Slade?" Payter asked, smiling.

"Not personally, but I've seen it in holovids all the time."

Payter lifted a hand, pointing at a large shape in the back of the bay. "There she is."

Both boys gasped simultaneously. "Whoa."

Qui-Gon stood behind them, winking at Payter. "You're so cool, Payter, can I be like you when I grow up?"

"You had your chance, Qui-Gon, remember?" Payter sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "I told you to say yes when they asked."

Obi-Wan turned around to face him. "You could have had one too?"

"It's not like it was in the brochure," Qui-Gon said.

Payter lowered the ramp, allowing everyone to embark. "There's plenty of room. Sit wherever you want. Just don't break anything or I'll have to kill you. And I can make it look like an accident."

Slade turned to Kerge. "You have the best master ever." Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan nod in agreement.

"Yeah, but you don't want to be around him when he's mad. It's kind of scary," Kerge replied softly, making sure Payter wasn't around.

Payter's voice came over the com system. "Strap yourselves in, boys and girl, woman and...everyone else."

"Hey!" Bel-San yelled from the back.

"Don't yell in my ship. Okay, we're taking off."

About three minutes into the flight, Qui-Gon heard the plaintive cry of his Padawan from the next room. "Master!" Obi-Wan staggered into the room, weaving as he walked.

Qui-Gon held out his hands to help Obi-Wan into the seat next to him. "Are you feeling all right, Padawan?"

"No. I feel sick."

Qui-Gon turned to Alla, sighing. "How much longer is it going to take for us to get there?"

Frowning slightly, Alla brushed back of bit of hair from around her face. "A good half hour. Maybe more if traffic is bad."

Qui-Gon smoothed a hand over Obi-Wan's head. "It'll be all right, Obi-Wan." He sent a wave of Force suggestion over his mind, and the boy fell into a quiet sleep.

"Master! That's terrible. You're not supposed to do that." Alla's expression was set in stubborn surprise, one that Qui-Gon remembered very well.

"Oh really? You'd like to have him throwing up all over you? He's done it to me, and I can tell you, it's not fun."

"We've been in the air for five minutes. How sick does he get?"

"Let's just say, we walk. A lot. We don't even take the turbolifts much anymore."

"Sounds like fun."

Qui-Gon chuckled, settling Obi-Wan in beside him. "It's been an adventure thus far. But how about you? How are things with Keleran?"

Alla bit her lip for a moment. "They're going well. Too well."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Alla gestured sharply with her hands. "She never does anything wrong! She never disobeys, she never talks back, she works hard, she listens...I don't know what to do with her."

Qui-Gon smiled. "Trade you for the weekend."

"She doesn't show any signs of independent thought. I've been trying to challenge her, but it doesn't seem to be working."

Bel-San wandered in, a bemused smile on his face. "Working to corrupt all your padawans to think for themselves, I see."

"Just what do you mean by that?" Qui-Gon asked, turning towards his friend.

Bel-San eased into a nearby seat. "Just that you've never been one to abide by the status quo. And you've always taught your padawans to think outside the box. Looks like it's spreading, because Alla is trying to do the same thing. I mean, even when..." Bel-San's gaze fell on Obi-Wan's slumped form. "What is up with that kid? Every time I see him, he's unconscious."

"If you'd like to hold his head while he throws up in your lap, I'll wake him up and happily leave him in your hands. He's sleeping. Kids need sleep. He's not unconscious." Qui-Gon gently draped a small blanket over Obi-Wan.

"You keep telling yourself that. When he ends up with some sort of damage because you keep putting him under, aren't you going to feel bad?"

"If you end up with some sort of damage from my fist in your face, aren't you going to feel bad?"

Bel-San raised his hands. "Oh, no! Please don't hurt me! Don't let him hurt me, Alla!"

"Um, guys, could we get back to the topic? My padawan, remember?"

Bel-San nodded at Qui-Gon. "Yeah, Qui-Gon, quit being so insensitive. You know, I had Keleran in a class, what was it, a year...a year and a half ago, and she was, no wait! It was two years ago. Anyway, she was fine. She was quite the independent thinker. Ran circles around most of the kids in the class. Not literally of course. Have you considered she might be putting on the perfect act because she's afraid of you?"

Alla sat back, her hands folded across her knee. "She's not afraid of me. I mean, I would know." She glanced at Qui-Gon. "Wouldn't I?"

"Well, she is a Triolean. They can be hard to read. But she does seem...intimidated."

"I'm not intimidating. I mean, really. I was the shortest Jedi in my class."

"So was I!" Bel-San added.

"Yes, well, to a ten-year-old, you're pretty intimidating. But you know, maybe tonight will help. She'll be able to see you in a different light." Qui-Gon smiled encouragingly at his former Padawan. "You'll find your way. It just takes time."

"Hey Master Jinn. Knight Warez. Teacher Bel-San." Slade swaggered across the room, looking at Obi-Wan. "Obi..Hey. What did you do to him?"

Alla narrowed her eyes. "Slade, dear boy, have you seen my padawan?"

"Oh yeah, I left her with Kerge. They were in his room. He was showing her his lightsaber. I didn't need to see it, though; I already have one."

Alla rushed to her feet, slamming her fist into her opposite palm. "First I'm going to kill Payter, and then I'm going to kill his padawan. She's ten!" Raising herself up to her full height, she strode out of the room in several quick, angry steps.

Slade quickly moved out of her way. "I don't know what her problem is. I just got mine last week. It's purple."

Bel-San watched her leave, and then turned to Qui-Gon. "I didn't want to say this while she was in here, because she kind of scares me, but she is intimidating."

Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "You're not much better than Kerge, you know."

"Alla's not ten."

"That's enough out of you. You're bothering Obi-Wan."

Slade leaned over to check on his friend. "He seems pretty much asleep to me, Master Jinn."

"You shut up most of all."

Slade's purple eyes flew open wide. "What did I do?"

Qui-Gon sighed. "Why don't you help Kerge find someone else to play with?"

"No way! I'm not going anywhere near that Knight lady. She'd beat me up."

Bel-San grinned. "Nice job, Qui-Gon. You raised a bully."

***

Payter stood by the hatch and watched each member of their group disembark. When they were ready to leave, Qui-Gon saw him pull the four children aside. "I want all of you to listen to me very carefully. We're going to have fun tonight, but you have to stay with us at all times. Don't wander off by yourselves, and don't go with anyone other than the Jedi in this group. I mean anyone. Are we clear on that?"

The children nodded dutifully, and Payter nodded. "Okay. We're ready to go."

Qui-Gon led a sleepy Obi-Wan towards the main entrance to building. "You feeling any better?"

Obi-Wan blinked up at him. "I'm tired now. I don't want to eat. I'm not hungry."

"Well, you don't have to eat. We'll just get you something to drink. But I'm sure once we get settled inside you'll start to feel more like yourself."

Payter slipped Obi-Wan a smile. "And if you don't, you can always sleep on the floor."

"Thank you, Payter." He called up to his former Padawan, who led the group. "What's the name of this place again?"

"The Family Restaurant at the End of the Universe. It's just up ahead."

"What! Family? What's up with that? We were in flight for an hour for a family restaurant? This is my first time out of the Temple for weeks and you're taking me to a place where they don't serve drinks?"

"They have stuff to drink there, Teacher Bel-San," Slade spoke up, walking between Qui-Gon and Bel-San.

"Not the kind I need to survive this evening," Bel-San muttered.

"You didn't have to come, Bel-San," Alla said, a smile on her lips.

Bel-San smiled back. "But look at the wonderful company I'd be missing out on."

Qui-Gon elbowed Bel-San in the ribs. "Quit it. What did I say?"

They stepped into the atrium of a large, brightly-colored structure. A mural stretched down the corridor towards the entrance of the restaurant, depicting an open expanse of stars and planets, with a tiny restaurant teetering on the edge of the universe.

Several apron-wearing waitresses walked by their group, gaping. Payter leaned over and whispered to Qui-Gon, "This is going to be fun."

A smiling young woman stood behind a short podium, nodding at them as they approached. "How many in your party?"

Bel-San threw Qui-Gon a concerned look. "Did we bring anyone who could count?"

Alla rolled her eyes, but stepped forward. "There's eight of us."

"For oxygen or non-oxygen?"

"Oxygen, please."

The waitress surveyed the group with a quick sweeping glance. "Name?"

No one spoke, and Alla turned around to face them, shrugging.

"Obi-Wan!"

Qui-Gon looked down at his Padawan, slightly confused, but then nodded when the boy looked up and smiled.

"Okay. Obi-Wan, party of eight."

Alla cleared her throat. "How long do you think we'll have to wait?"

"Not long. Probably about five minutes."

Qui-Gon gave Alla a smile. "Thank goodness."

They all settled comfortably in a group of padded chairs and benches around the entrance. Alla waited until all the boys had found their seats, and then she led Keleran to the seat farthest from Payter and his padawan.

"Little overprotective, are we, Alla?" Qui-Gon said quietly.

Alla bit back a laugh. "Like you were any different then. Or now."

"So I see Kerge is still alive. Everything all right?"

Alla snorted, then gave a quick nod. "As long as he stays over there, we'll all live happily ever after."

The waitress voice came over the speaker. "Obi-Wan, party of eight, your table is ready."

"She said my name! Everyone heard my name." Obi-Wan grinned at Slade, and Qui-Gon stifled a laugh. Oh to be so easily amused again.

They followed the waitress back through a series of booths and tables, passing by groups of families already eating. Many of them stopped with forks midway to their mouths as they watched the group walk past, and Qui-Gon offered them a smile.

"I don't think we quite achieved incognito," Qui-Gon said softly.

Bel-San nodded. "With Payter around, incognito is a lost cause. He wouldn't blend in on his home planet."

Payter shrugged. "You'd be surprised. Anyway, you can walk home if you don't want to be seen with me."

Bel-San rolled his eyes. "I knew he'd bring that up sooner or later."

The waitress directly them to a large round table, and Alla made sure she placed herself between Keleran and Kerge, with Payter on the other side of his Padawan. A young woman approached the table, holding a datapad. Her long honey-colored hair was pulled tight behind her head, and she wore a series of decorative pins on her vest. She peered out at them over a pair of tiny black-rimmed glasses. "Hi there, my name is Sarki and I'll be your server this evening. Is this your first time at the Family Restaurant at the End of the Universe?"

Alla opened her mouth to speak, but Obi-Wan answered before her. "Yes!"

"Well, let me tell you first off about our specials tonight. The soup is Alderaan Sausage, and our appetizer is fried rocfish. If you have any questions about the menu, don't hesitate to ask. The last three pages are for kids. Just so you know, we also offer the Preferred Eater card here which does save you ten percent every time you eat at any Family Restaurant and the End of the Universe. And, every ten times you eat here, the eleventh time is free. All this for the low price of only ten credits. Just something to keep in mind."

"Thanks." Alla gave Obi-Wan a wry look, and he smiled back.

"Can I start you off with some drinks?"

Sarki took their order and left them to peruse the menus.

Bel-San frowned, scanning through the menu. "What? I can get this at the Temple. Why did I come?"

"You know, Bel-San, nobody twisted your arm. I'm sure there are lots of papers you could be grading right now," Qui-Gon said.

Obi-Wan tugged on Qui-Gon's sleeve. "Master, um, what do I do? Do I have to make it if I want it?"

Alla snickered in Qui-Gon's direction. "You really need to get out of the Temple more often. He's going to be socially stunted."

Turning to direct his attention to his Padawan, Qui-Gon leaned over to help Obi-Wan find the kids' pages. "These are for you. All you have to do is pick what you want to eat, and then tell Sarki when she comes back. She'll bring it to the table, you'll eat it, and she'll take away your plate when you're done."

Obi-Wan's jaw dropped. "This is the best idea ever. Why don't we do this? Why do we eat pancakes three nights a week?"

"Well, it's not free."

"So? What else would you spend your money on?"

Bel-San smiled at Qui-Gon. "Good liquor."

"Maybe that's what you spend it on. Art supplies are very expensive. Besides, I always drink yours."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened as he gazed at the array of choices before him. "I can have anything I want?"

"Sure."

"Slade, did you know about this?"

"Oh yeah," the boy nodded. "Master Dermin takes us at least once a month. But my old Creche Master only took us out for special occasions."

"Master! Why didn't we go before this?"

Qui-Gon scratched his beard, pausing before he spoke. "Well, our lives have been a little more...complex."

Bel-San coughed. "Dangerous."

Narrowing his eyes at his friend, he then turned back to Obi-Wan. "You've only been my Padawan for four months. We've got plenty of time. Besides, the joys of eating out lose their thrill when you have to sit through state dinners. You'll see what that's like soon enough." He shrugged. "Besides, I like pancakes. When you're old enough to cook, you can make whatever you want."

Payter paused in his conversation with Alla, meeting Qui-Gon's eyes. "Are you sure you did the math on that one? It's only been four months?"

Bel-San nodded. "Yeah, it seems like a lot longer than that."

"No, I remember. You're right; four months ago we were leaving for Yoolan when you contacted me." She started to laugh. "It was the middle of the night there, and I think I woke up Keleran, I was so excited."

Qui-Gon smiled, remembering the dance Obi-Wan did in Bel-San's apartment as the boy chanted, "I'm going to live in Master Qui-Gon's room." Sometimes it was difficult for him to believe they'd been together such a short amount of time.

"Four months. And I can count the night of decent sleep I've gotten on both hands."

"Just like our padawan days. Nothing much has changed," Payter said.

Sarki brought a fully laden tray of beverages to the table, passing them out. She made eye contact with Qui-Gon, then looked down at Obi-Wan. "Oh, your little boy is so adorable! Would you like some crayons, hon-yah?"

Obi-Wan started laughing. "Can I have the crayons, Dad?"

Qui-Gon opened his mouth to speak, but Bel-San spoke faster. "Oh, humor your boy."

Sarki handed Obi-Wan a pack of brightly-colored crayons, and passed out some to the rest of the table. "The table, you'll notice, is covered with paper, so feel free to draw all over it. In fact, we encourage it, because we hang up the best ones on the wall. Just so you know."

Slade grinned, unwrapping his crayons. "This is great! You're the coolest, Mr. Jinn."

Obi-Wan doubled over, laughing with Slade. "Yeah, Dad. You're the best."

Patting Obi-Wan on the head, Sarki smiled at them both. "It's so great to see a good father-son relationship."

Kerge tore off a small section of the tablecloth, ripping it into smaller pieces. "Not all of us have a great father-son relationship. I was adopted."

"Oh," Sarki said uncertainly.

"He likes his real son much better."

Payter looked down at him. "That's because my real son doesn't hit on ten-year-old girls."

Sarki cleared her throat, gesturing with her datapad. "Are you all ready to order?"

Feeling suddenly indulgent, Qui-Gon patted Obi-Wan on the back. "So, son, have you made up your mind?"

Obi-Wan's expression grew anxious. "We were supposed to pick? Now? But I need more time."

"Obi-Wan, I'm starving. Just pick something," Bel-San groaned.

"I don't know what I want. There's too many choices." Obi-Wan studied the menu, scowling.

Qui-Gon waved a hand at Bel-San. "You're not that hungry." He turned back to Sarki. "Could we have a few more minutes?"

The moment she moved out of hearing distance, Bel-San threw Qui-Gon an agitated glare. "You did not just do that."

"Do what?"

Bel-San crossed his arms over his chest. "You know what. Just because you can Force-suggest Obi-Wan whenever you want doesn't mean you can do that to the rest of us. Come on, man."

Obi-Wan bit his lip, his tone concerned. "Um, I don't know what I want. Is she coming back now? Do I have to make up my mind now? Oh no."

Shaking his head, Bel-San sighed. "That kid's going to have an ulcer by the time he's ten."

"You'd know more about that than any of us, wouldn't you, Bel-San?" Qui-Gon turned back to his Padawan. "Don't worry. You've got time. Pick whatever you want.�

"Um, I think...I think I want the chicken. Fingers."

"Okay."

"No! Wait." Obi-Wan paused. "I mean, I want the hamburger."

"Okay."

"Or maybe...um, the chicken fingers. I don't know. I can't decide." He glanced around quickly, turning around in his chair. "She's coming back! No! Stop!" Obi-Wan waved wildly at Sarki, who stood across the room. "Don't come over here!" he yelled. "We're not ready!"

Qui-Gon pulled his Padawan back down into his seat. "Obi-Wan, turn around. That's enough." He made eye contact with the waitress, waving her over. Sarki came to stand beside him, a bemused expression on her face. "I'm terribly sorry about that. He's just a little anxious tonight."

"That's okay. We always have kids in here; I'm used to it." She smiled down at Obi-Wan, patting his shoulder. "But I could forgive this little guy anything. He's the cutest thing I've ever seen!"

Obi-Wan looked up at her, smiling. "My name is Obi-Wan."

Sarki beamed. "Hi, Obi-Wan."

Slade leaned forward, holding his chin in his hands. "Nobody ever thinks I'm cute."

Alla reached across the table and patted his hand. "I think you're cute."

Sarki pointed a finger at Obi-Wan. "You look just like a little Jedi--what do they call those? Padawans, that's it. I'm taking a class on the Jedi at Coruscant University. You look just like them except you're not wearing those funny outfits of theirs."

"I think we're ready to order now--"

"No, no, Qui-Gon. This is fascinating." Bel-San inclined his head at Sarki. "So I've always been interested in the Jedi. What kind of classes do they offer there?"

"Well, I'm taking an intro course right now; Jedi History 101. But the University has a whole department. You can specialize in Jedi Studies. They just started a new class just on Master Yoda, which is pretty ironic considering what just happened."

Obi-Wan's mouth opened, but Qui-Gon caught it before he could say a word. "Right. Well. I think I'll have the number four."

She moved around the table quickly, waiting to take Obi-Wan's order until the end. "I want the ch--hamburger." He held his breath.

"You sure that's what you want?" Sarki asked.

Qui-Gon jumped in. "He's sure. Thank you."

"I'll be back shortly." Sarki turned away, the many buttons on her vest clinking together.

Slade and Obi-Wan fell into a quiet conversation, starting a basic sketch with their crayons of a ship. Although Qui-Gon felt slightly silly with one of the crayons in his hand, he couldn't resist the urge to start drawing on the blank surface. Within several minutes, he captured Alla's determined expression in dark strokes of green crayon.

Alla craned her neck to inspect his work. "Will you stop that? Didn't you do enough of those when I was little?"

"It's a free Republic," Qui-Gon said, already moving onto a drawing of Keleran.

"Leave my Padawan out of this."

Qui-Gon smiled at Alla. "She's my grandpadawan. I can do whatever I want." He winked at Keleran. "You don't mind, do you?"

The small girl ducked her chin, looking away. "No."

"So does Alla still leave her wet towels on the floor in the refresher? I had to step over them for ten years, you know."

"Master! You know that's not true."

Keleran met Qui-Gon's gaze, smiling slightly. "She just makes me pick them up now."

"I thought as much." He started sketching in her delicate wings, looking up at her for reference. "You know, when Alla was your age, she had a giant crush on Bel-San."

Keleran looked over at Bel-San, and then at Kerge. "Oh really?" Bel-San asked, leaning forward. "You never told me that."

Scoffing, Alla gave Qui-Gon a dirty look. "Yeah, for about a week. And then I grew up. And turned eleven."

Obi-Wan's voice grew louder. "No, that's not going to work. The turrets have to be on that side."

"Are you sure? Cause I think they work where they are." Slade pointed with the crayon. "See what I mean?"

Payter's ears perked, and he turned in their direction. "Actually, if you put them here"--he leaned across the table, pushing Bel-San out of the way--"Excuse me, Bel-San...if you put them here, it works much better. You can defend both sides at once, and it won't affect the energy draw from the engines, so you can maintain your speed."

"I'm sorry, I am in your way? I wouldn't want to be in anyone's way." Bel-San pushed his chair back from the table. "Do you want to switch seats?"

Payter shrugged. "No, I'm all right."

Qui-Gon turned his full attention back to Keleran. "What do you think? Is it you?"

"Oh!" Keleran's silver eyes widened, and she reached out to gently touch the sketch.

"Master, that's perfect." Alla looked down at her Padawan. "It looks just like how I see you."

Qui-Gon gave his former Padawan a gentle nod, and then turned to observe Bel-San. Quickly sketching in a circle lightly to get started, he began turning the shape into the likeness of his friend. He had drawn Bel-San a number of times in the past, but he frowned as he worked; somehow he couldn't get the sketch to look the way he wanted it to.

He was almost finished when the food arrived, and his attention was split between his own meal and making sure Obi-Wan kept most of his off the floor.

"I should have gotten the chicken," Obi-Wan said between bites, spilling ketchup down his shirt.

"Remember that for next time. Now eat your hamburger."

***

"Will that be all tonight?"

Qui-Gon looked down at his Padawan, who was barely awake beside him. "I think we're good."

Sarki leaned down close to Obi-Wan, smiling. "Oh, bless your heart." She slipped a small datapad on the table, and nodded at the group. "Here's the bill. I can take it whenever you're ready."

Bel-San reached across the table and swiped the datapad before Qui-Gon could retrieve it. "That's okay, I'll get it. I don't have anything else to spend my money on. Apparently."

Qui-Gon dropped his gaze for a moment, and he focused on the unfinished sketch of his friend. He realized finally what had been bothering him; Bel-San looked almost angry, an expression he rarely saw on his friend's face.

Bel-San handed Sarki the bill. She tucked it in her pocket, and addressed the table. "Thanks so much for coming tonight--"

"Before you go," Qui-Gon began, "We talked about it while we were eating, and we thought since you were such a gracious hostess, we'd let you in on a little secret. You just served a table full of Jedi."

Sarki's jaw dropped. "Oh nuh-uh."

Qui-Gon smiled, shaking his head. "And if you ever have any questions for your class, give us a call."

"Oh, oh, I am so changing my major. Senior thesis, anyone? Oh. This tablecloth is so going up on the wall. This is...I can't even tell you." She wiped her glasses on her apron. "Thank you. So much."

"No, thank you for putting up with us."

Sarki stepped back, almost bowing. "Well, sure, anytime. Really. Have a good night, doing Jedi...things. That you do. Okay. Bye."

Qui-Gon stood, looking down at Obi-Wan, who rested his head on the tabletop. "Come on, Little One, let's go home." He reached down and lifted Obi-Wan out of his chair, holding him close to his chest.

Alla came up beside them, rubbing Obi-Wan's back for a moment. "Well, I guess now there's no need for excessive use of the Force for our return trip."

Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at her. "He's fine. It's late."

"Don't you roll your eyes at me. I'll roll your head on the floor." Alla grinned at Qui-Gon, and she moved to the front of the group.

Falling into step beside Bel-San, he herded Kerge and Slade up towards the others. "I told you she was scary," Slade whispered loudly.

Qui-Gon looked over at Bel-San. "Great. Scary. That's my girl."

He waited for a moment, and when his friend made no response, he stopped as the others continued towards the ship. "Bel-San, wait a second."

Bel-San looked back over his shoulder, finally halting his steps. "What?"

"I noticed you seemed a little off tonight. Is there something--"

"No." Bel-San cut off his words, holding up a hand. Qui-Gon watched his friend open his mouth, seeming to struggle for words. Bel-San sighed, dropping his hand by his side. "I really don't want to talk about this right now."

Turning away from them, Bel-San cut through the group, walking faster towards the ship. Qui-Gon sighed. He shifted Obi-Wan against his shoulder and followed the others, moving slowly. He knew Bel-San would talk when he was ready.