~<>~<>~

The days passed slowly for the three on the transport and they soon fell into something of a pattern.

Elyzabe and Mace took turns staying with Obi-Wan when he was awake while the other continued to research what they could about Nahbey. They shared meals, even attempted what might otherwise be considered normal conversation. When the boy slept, they would match notes before falling into uneasy sleep themselves.

It was the fourth day out of Coruscant, and Mace was taking his turn sitting with Obi-Wan. He was trying to teach the boy to play Euilan squares, a game he and Qui-Gon had played as children, but was having little success.

Glancing at the door that separated them from the room where Elyzabe was continuing to pour over their notes, Mace silently wished the positions were reversed. There was a reason he rarely interacted with the children at the Temple -- simple fact of the matter was he wasn't very good at it. Not that he would ever admit it.

Obi-Wan was sprawled across the bed, his chin resting on his hand, only half paying attention to the board. It seemed the longer they were away from the Temple the more introverted the child became. And nothing he or Elyzabe tried had any effect on the downward spiral.

Mace knew his friend was near making herself sick with worry. If he ever doubted her devotion to her students before, he would never do so again. Watching her try to comfort Obi-Wan through nightmare after nightmare was beginning to wear upon him as well.

Reaching over, Mace ruffled Obi-Wan's hair. The feelings of guilt surrounding the boy continued to surge then recede. They had noticed whenever Obi-Wan felt extremely guilty that it was near impossible to distract him from it. However it didn't stop them from trying.

"Has Master Qui-Gon ever told you about this game, Obi-Wan?" Mace asked, his voice sounding rough after hours of no use.

The boy blinked, looking up at the Jedi slowly. He shook his head. "No."

Mace forced a smile on his face and his voice light. "That would probably be because he never won."

"Really?" Obi-Wan asked, his eyes wide. "Never?"

Mace almost laughed at the skepticism in his voice, but just shook his head instead. "Well, not very often at any rate." He leaned forward, as if about to share some great secret. "It's sad really. His hands were always too big."

Obi-Wan smiled. It was only the faintest turn of his lips, but it was the most reaction they had seen in days and Mace felt his heart lighten at the sight. "I wish I was tall like you and Master Qui-Gon. But maybe it's okay my hands aren't so big." As he said the latter, he moved one of the small balls on the board.

"You'll be big soon enough," Mace replied, smiling with genuine warmth. Taking his own turn at the game, he thought for a moment. "Maybe not as tall as Master Qui-Gon, but that's not a bad thing."

Obi-Wan looked up, affronted, till he saw the sparkle in Mace's eyes. He giggled. "Now you're just being silly."

Mace pretended to be shocked. "Just don't tell anyone, please. It would be the end of me."

"Of course not. Kinda like how Master Qui-Gon likes bedtime stories..." Obi-Wan stopped talking, his mouth falling open. He smiled and said awkwardly, "Oops."

"Bedtime stories?" Mace's interest was piqued. With a grin, he winked at Obi-Wan. "What about bedtime stories?"

The child shook his head, pretending to focus on the game. "Not supposed to tell."

The Master grinned. "I never do get to hear the good stories."

"You? What about me?" Obi-Wan asked before he could stop himself. "I mean..."

Mace nodded, chuckling. "I understand, Obi-Wan. I was an initiate once upon a time, myself, you know."

"Those were the days when Master Yoda and Mace here both had full heads of hair," Elyzabe interjected. They looked up and saw her leaning on the doorjamb, smiling slightly.

"Really?" Obi-Wan asked, turning from his teacher back to Mace.

The man shook his head warily. Winking at Elyzabe he replied, "Don't believe everything she tells you, Obi-Wan."

"Oh stop it." She laughed and walked over to the bed. Looking at the game board, she shook her head. "Losing as always, Mace?"

He rolled his eyes. "On that note, I think I'll go find something to drink." He stood and looked over at Obi-Wan. "Would you like anything?" The little boy shook his head and Mace nodded in reply. "All right. Behave you two."

"You forget who you're talking to," Elyzabe retorted right as Mace left the room. Shaking her head in silent laughter, she sat next to Obi-Wan. "So did you have fun playing?"

He nodded and Elyzabe felt a wave of relief and gratitude flow through her. Smoothing his hair from where Mace had ruffled it, she smiled. "Good, I'm glad."

~<>~<>~

One healer was in the room when he noticed their unexpected patient stirring in his sleep. Picking up a fresh bowl of cool water, he walked over to the bed.

When he was but a few feet away he could hear Qui-Gon muttering under his breath as he fought the covers. A frown crossed the healer's face. None of their kind knew what to do for a Jedi, nor what the effects of poison from which he suffered were. However their orders were firm, they were not to seek outside help. The fate of the Jedi before him lay in the hands of him and his brethren.

Dipping yet another cloth in the bowl of water, he draped it across the man's forehead. Fever raged within him, turning his face a scarlet red and soaking his hair. The cooling blanket that was lying on top of the Jedi master seemed to be fighting a losing battle.

He tried to make out some of what the man was saying, but for the most part could not. And what little he did understand did not make any sense. Having never left his home, he knew little of life elsewhere. Least of all what or who an Obi-Wan was.

Perhaps it was the man's son, he thought. Wringing the cloth and rewetting it in the water, he shook his head. If so, it was but one more reason to help the once-strong man to defeat the specter within him.

"noh Trinn," another healer said, stepping into the room.

Trinn stood and bowed. "Yes, jol Rolgs?"

The second healer, Trinn's direct overseer, continued. "We are readying the soothing baths. Please prepare the Jedi."

With a long look at the still unconscious Jedi, Trinn sighed. "Yes, jol Rolgs." He could only hope they had not delayed too long in seeking the baths. But his station did not allow for him to question the elder healer.

~<>~<>~

After Obi-Wan finally fell asleep that night, Elyzabe pulled the door closed behind her and walked over to the table. Dropping her hand onto Mace's shoulder, she gave it a squeeze. "Thank you."

He was startled by the emotion her voice carried. Confusion showed in his dark eyes when he looked at her. "For what?"

Sitting, she smiled tiredly. "For making that little boy laugh and smile. I was beginning to worry he had forgotten how."

"I wish I could say it was nothing," he said, standing and walking over to a small cold-box. Pulling two bottles of water from inside, he handed one to Elyzabe. He took a drink of his own and thought for a long moment. "I'm still not even sure what did it. I'm just glad it worked."

"So am I." Sighing as she looked across the pile of data-pads, she opened the bottle of water. "Find anything?"

"Right now I'd settle for finding the old windbag himself," he said half-sarcastically, dropping into his chair next to Elyzabe.

Elyzabe smiled softly, understanding his irritation. Resting a hand on his arm she agreed. "I know. So would I."

She titled her head to the side, water bottle in hand, halfway to her mouth. The teacher was lost in thought for a long moment before finally snapping out of it. Putting the bottle down, she narrowly avoiding splashing water all over the table. "All of this -- everything we're going through -- it comes back to one thing."

Looking at Mace from the corner of her eyes, she nodded in silent agreement to her own trail of thought. "What?" he asked, the smallest trace of irritation finding its way into his voice. "Or should I ask who?"

"Everything goes back to the Council, Mace. We've known that all along." Taking a deep breath, Elyzabe's eyes were bright with realization. "We've just never stopped to consider if it was one central power manipulating the Council."

"We've been too distracted by what they were doing." Mace nodded slowly, lost in thought. "Keeping us busy and off center."

"Yes!" Elyzabe replied, a little loudly. She froze an instant later, listening for any sounds from the darkened sleeping room. Once she was sure Obi-Wan was still asleep she took a calming breath. "Exactly, Mace. We've known all along there was something larger going on. It was just the individual parts didn't make sense."

"Okay, knowing this... We still don't know who or what."

The fire drained from Elyzabe's eyes and she ran a hand through her hair. "I know, but my instincts say that finding Qui-Gon and getting him back to Coruscant is the key."

Mace put a hand on her shoulder. "The answer is probably right in front of us only we're too tired to see it. Why don't you go get some sleep?"

"What about you?" she asked, covering a yawn with her hand.

He shook his head. "I wasn't nearly as run down as you when we left. I'll be okay for a little while longer."

"Okay," she said, standing. It was a testimony to how tired she really was that she didn't argue with his logic. "But if you find anything..."

Mace nodded seriously. "I'll wake you, first thing."

"You better." Her water, practically untouched, was forgotten as she quietly went into the bedroom to check on Obi-Wan and get some rest.

~<>~<>~

The soothing baths were prepared as jol Rolgs had said, and soon three additional healers came into the room to help Trinn move Qui-Gon.

When they lowered the Jedi into the swirling waters he began thrashing in their grip, almost breaking free more than once. It was all the small healers could do to keep a hold of the larger man until he accepted the cool water around him. Each of the men was soaked through by the time the struggle was over.

Within moments jol Rolgs began the process of steadily cooling the water. It was a precaution taken to avoid excessive shock to the Jedi master's already taxed system.

Only his head remained above the water, and it was noh Trinn's job to use a cloth and pull the waters there as well. As he did so, Trinn placed his ear close to Qui-Gon's mouth in an attempt to hear more of his muttered words. This time it wasn't 'Obi-Wan' that he heard. Rather it was the word Bri. Again he could only wonder what a 'Bri' was.

He was kept within the soothing waters for several long hours, Trinn never leaving the side of his charge. The fever, however, continued to rage. From what the man could tell they had only succeeded in stalling the progress of the poison.

Trinn cursed the ambassadors and the governor under his breath. If they had been allowed to call for help, he might not have advanced so far. The Jedi had gradually stopped speaking while in the healing chamber, and the longer he remained in the waters, the less he spoke. When the time came to remove Qui-Gon, he had stopped speaking entirely.

~<>~<>~

Upon reaching the orbit of Nahbey tensions were running high in the small ship. The pilot, who had done his best to stay away from the Jedi during the journey, kept his mouth shut and focused on the rather menial task of holding position while Mace spoke with an ambassador over the vid-link. Spoke? The man snorted under his breath at the thought. Yelled was more like it.

When the transmission ended, Mace let out a sound that was part sigh and part growl. Slumping into the navigator's chair he was silent for a long moment before turning to the pilot.

"We are to land at the capitol city's port." He turned to leave before adding over his shoulder, "Immediately."

The pilot nodded, knowing it best not to say anything other than what was necessary. "Yes, sir."

As Mace walked back to where he knew Elyzabe to be waiting with Obi-Wan, he could feel the ship's descent through the vibrations in the floor. He had just entered the briefing room when Elyzabe jumped out of her seat.

"Well?"

He nodded, picking up the bag of medical supplies, just in case. "They aren't happy about it, but we have permission to land. We should be on the ground shortly."

Seeing what Mace had chosen to carry with him, Elyzabe's eyes widened. "Did they..."

"No," he answered quickly, realizing what she was thinking. "They revealed nothing other than an obstinate stubbornness."

She let out a long breath. "Good. For a moment..." Elyzabe shook her head as if to rid herself of such thoughts. "Never mind, it isn't important."

Mace kneeled in front of the child. "Ready to go on your first mission, Obi-Wan?" He smiled, hoping to keep the child's spirits high.

"Yes, sir," he replied in a small voice. Obi-Wan looked up only long enough to nod before ducking his gaze back down to his hands.

Elyzabe sighed softly and rested a hand on top of his head. Dropping to her knees next to Mace she tried to smile. "It will be okay, Obi-Wan. You just have to keep hope."

Obi-Wan looked at his teacher, as if debating the truth behind the words. Chewing on his lower lip he nodded again. "Yes, ma'am."

Mace recognized the feel of their slowed descent. "Speaking of, you ready to go?" When Obi-Wan stood, Mace nodded. "I'll take that as a yes."

~<>~<>~

As he continued his vigil, persisting in his efforts to do what little he could to try and cool the fevers, Trinn began to notice an increase in activity behind him. Normally the central area of healing was a somber, calm place and the change triggered an alarm within Trinn. Something was happening, and he had no doubt it had everything to do with his patient.

Ever since the mumblings had stopped while he was in the soothing waters, the Jedi had been eerily still and quiet. If it were not for the brilliant red of his cheeks and shallow breaths, he would have doubted the man still lived.

Glancing through the doorway, where several of the overseers were hurrying past, Trinn found himself hoping whatever -- whoever -- it was would get here soon. Never before had a part of his duties as a healer been merely to sit by while another suffered and died. The young healer silently thought that he would like to keep it that way.

~<>~<>~

The sun of Nahbey was blazing in all of its glory when the three Jedi stepped off the landing ramp and onto the planet. They had changed from casual clothes and back into formal Jedi robes and the heat beat down upon the dark material.

Mace and Elyzabe squinted, while Obi-Wan held a hand up over his eyes. They were alone on the platform, but had barely taken five steps -- Obi-Wan carefully placed between them -- before two men emerged from a hidden doorway.

"I must ask you to please halt," the man on their right said. When Mace opened his mouth to object, he held up a hand. "I am ali Torrin, Secretary to the Governor." He gestured to his right. "This is ali Havk, Head of the Governor's Cabinet."

Elyzabe and Mace bowed politely, both accustomed to the bureaucracy that governments seemed to crave. "I am Jedi Master Mace Windu, and this is Master Elyzabe Kohn." He motioned to his left and Elyzabe tilted her head. Everything about the situation was rubbing her the wrong way, even after such a short time. It was not hard to see the men were nervous and hiding something.

"We have come to retrieve Master Jinn," Elyzabe said in a steady voice, concealing the annoyance that was fast growing within her. "If you would please take us to him."

Torrin shook his head, sharing a nervous glance with Havk. "I am afraid this I cannot do, Master Jedi." He shrugged and held up his hands. "Now if that is the extent of your needs, we would like to thank you for your visit, but ask that you leave."

"No." Both men blinked at the hard reply. A part of Elyzabe smiled on the inside. It was always nice to keep stubborn, arrogant representatives on their toes. "We will not leave. Not without Master Jinn."

Obi-Wan looked up at Master Kohn, his eyes wide. She must have felt his eyes on her, for she gave his hand a squeeze. Her eyes, however, remained leveled on the two Nahbey representatives.

Mace shook his head. "As you can see. We will not leave without him." He took a step forward. Outwardly the movement was in no way threatening, but both men flinched. "You may bring him to us, or we shall go to him. Those are the options I see laid before us."

Havk looked flustered and Torrin shook his head. "We will have to speak with our advisors, Master Jedi."

"You do that," Mace replied, with the barest hint of a smile.

Paling, the two men turned and fled through the door. After watching them go, Elyzabe turned to Mace, stunned. "And to think, it was the smile that did it."

Pointing toward the door, Mace suggested, "We might as well get out of this miserable sun." Elyzabe nodded in agreement, not liking the pink tint Obi-Wan's cheeks were already taking. As they crossed the remaining distance, Mace chuckled. "Besides, why shouldn't my smile open doors?"

"Only when you need to scare the doors open, Mace." She smiled and shook her head. "They all but ran away."

Mace held the door open and then pulled it closed behind them. They stood in the relative cool for a long moment before he replied. "I've always thought it was that the doors were opened that counted."

"I'll be sure to consult with Yoda on that one." Ignoring his mocking look, she kneeled in front of Obi-Wan. "How're you feeling? Not too hot?"

The child shook his head, but his eyes were glazed over. "Not hot." He swayed slightly and shook his head again. "I don't feel so good, Master."

Alarm flashed in Elyzabe's eyes and Mace was kneeling next to her in an instant. She searched through the Force, but could find nothing wrong. Sparing a glance to Mace she whispered, "We need to get Qui and get out of here. I don't like the feel of this."

His jaw set, Mace nodded. "Okay. You stay with Obi-Wan. I'll see what I can do about speeding things up around here."

She nodded her agreement, but didn't take her eyes from Obi-Wan as Mace disappeared down the curving hallway.

~<>~<>~

The latest bowl of water having turned warm, Trinn sighed and simply looked at the Jedi. There was little more he could do. More noise caught his attention from the hallway, half heard phrases that lead Trinn to think that maybe someone was here to do something for the Jedi master.

Taking a chance, he stood and left the room. It wouldn't do for a worker to be found sneaking around away from his post, but he felt as if he had to try. The hallways were empty except for the random pockets of commotion and he easily avoided any prying eyes.

Trinn wasn't sure exactly where he was going. It was as if something was pulling him toward the docking bay. Not giving himself time to listen to the doubts that were whispering in the back of his mind, he followed his instincts. It just seemed like what he should do.

As he followed a long winding corridor he had never stepped foot in before, he heard could hear a woman speaking, the noise echoing softly along the walls. A voice inside him screamed to follow it and he didn't question, like he might normally. Nothing, he had decided, was normal anymore.

Reaching the end of the hallway, he saw a woman and a small boy standing just inside a heavy door. He assumed the door led to the landing pad itself, but wasn't sure.

Trinn had taken two steps forward when the woman noticed and froze him with a steely gaze. She was kneeling next to the boy and pulled him against her side as he approached. "Who are you?" she asked before he could come too close.

Blinking fast, Trinn clenched his hands into fists and willed his heart to slow. "Forgive me, I am noh Trinn." He licked his lips nervously, examining their clothing. Hearing his status title, Elyzabe was surprised that he would be here, much less risk speaking to them. A piece fell into place. "Are you also Jedi?"

Careful of Obi-Wan, Elyzabe stood. "Yes. I am Master Kohn. Have you seen Master Jinn?"

For a moment she was worried Trinn might turn and flee. What little color was in his face drained when she spoke and he swayed slightly. "Yes." He coughed, his throat suddenly dry. "I am the healer assigned to sit with the Master Jedi."

"Can you take me to him?" she asked, urgency coloring her words. Keeping a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, she took a step toward the young man. It was easy to see the desire to help that surrounded Trinn. "Please?"

After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Follow me, but we must be careful not to be seen."

She nodded and took Obi-Wan's hand. "How do you feel?" she asked the boy, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead.

"Weird." Again he swayed slightly, his eyes not quite focusing. He shook his head, his eyes pleading with Elyzabe. "But I want to go find Master Qui-Gon."

Silently wishing Mace were there to help, but unwilling to call him on the communicator -- yet -- she nodded. "Okay. But if you start feeling worse, you have to let me know. Alright?" When he nodded she turned back to Trinn. "Take us to him."

~<>~<>~

Reaching the Governor's offices, Mace was again stalled. And again, it was ali Torrin that was the cause.

"I'm sorry, Master Jedi. No one is allowed inside his offices without express permission." The Secretary's head tilted to the side, his face growing redder by the moment. "Permission you do not have."

Mace glared at Torrin with cold eyes. "Then get it for me."

Flustered, Torrin began wringing his hands. "I cannot," he replied in a broken whisper.

"Then who can?" he asked, his voice raising. He could only wonder where his supposed never shaken exterior had gone.

At that moment the door in front of Mace slowly opened. "I can," said a new voice.

Mace's attention spun from the Secretary to a short, spindly man. "Governor?" he asked. The man nodded. "I am Master Windu, representative of the Jedi. I am here to take Master Jinn home."

Seeming confused, the Governor shook his head. "I was unaware of any transmissions requesting such efforts."

"It was the lack of such transmissions that alerted us to the problem." His hand strayed to his side rested on the hilt of his lightsaber. "Would you have it be known that Nahbey attempted to hold a Jedi against his will and then refused to release him?"

The threat was clear, and the Governor's eyes went wide. "Why I've never heard such a thing."

Mace growled, his patience having been worn thin by the Council, finally snapped. "I'm sure you haven't. But the fact remains you are holding him. I do not know why you are doing so, or who put you up to it." When the color drained from the Governor's face, Mace understood. His dark eyes were shooting daggers, guaranteeing the smaller man he meant business. "But I can assure you, whoever it was, you want to cross me no more than you do him."

Clearly shaken, the Governor nodded. Looking over at his secretary, he said, "Take the Master Jedi to the healing quarters, Torrin." When it looked as if the Secretary might argue the Governor shook his head. "Do not argue, Torrin. Just obey."

The command left no room for discussion and other man bowed. "Yes, Governor." Turning eyes full of disbelief and flustered annoyance at Mace, he pointed to a door on the far right. "This way, Master Jedi."

Mace spared only a glance to the seething emotions around the man and nodded. Not waiting for the Secretary, he turned and walked toward the door.

~<>~<>~

Elyzabe and Obi-Wan followed Trinn through the winding passageways in silence. She was on the alert for others. When they did encounter others, they were forced to hide in the varied alcoves that lined the walkways. Elyzabe was less concerned for herself and Obi-Wan, sure in the fact that she could get them back to the transport if need be, than what being caught might mean for their young guide.

As they neared the healing ward the corridors grew busy, and avoiding others was almost impossible. So instead they relied on speed to see them to their destination. Rather than cause Obi-Wan to tire himself even more, Elyzabe picked him up and carried him the remaining distance.

When they entered the small, dark room Elyzabe couldn't see for a moment. After her eyes adjusted, what she saw before her ripped a gasp from her throat. Qui-Gon lay in the bed, his cheeks drawn and spotted with fever. His normally full frame had begun to thin already.

She turned so that Obi-Wan's line of sight was cut off and addressed the healer. "What has happened to him?" As she asked, Obi-Wan fought against her grasp, trying to climb out of her arms.

Trinn lowered his eyes. "He has been poisoned, Master Jedi. I know not why or by who."

"What kind of poison?" Elyzabe was fighting a losing battle to keep Obi-Wan in her arms. Shifting slightly, she managed to hold on for a little while longer. Not knowing what they were dealing with, she wanted to keep him from any actual contact with Qui-Gon.

The young healer blinked slowly. "I believe I over heard one of the greater healers saying that it is Herrins root. Very rare and it affects each species differently." He paused, his gaze finding Qui-Gon. "I've done everything I knew to do, but still he weakens. We do not know how to cure it, but yet we were banned from contacting the Otherworlds."

Elyzabe made a mental note of the poison's name and nodded. Freeing one hand from Obi-Wan, she placed it on his arm. "Thank you Trinn. The Jedi are in your debt for helping one of our own." When the young man blushed she actually smiled. "I can only hope that your assistance will not cause you problems with your overseers."

"It shall," he replied matter-of-factly. "However sometimes there is what you are told to do, and what you should do. In this case, I allowed myself a choice." Trinn moved over next to Qui-Gon as he spoke and began bundling him in a blanket for the journey. "I do believe I chose wisely. Please do not worry for me."

Watching the tender way he dealt with his patient, Elyzabe was touched. After all that she had read about Nahbey, this was not the kind of action she had expected. A part of her heart warmed to know that people such as Trinn did still exist in the galaxy. And because of that, she found herself wishing there was something they could do to help him.

Obi-Wan calmed significantly when he saw that the other man held Qui-Gon in his arms. Looking at Elyzabe with unblinking eyes he asked, "Can we go home now?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan." She nodded, sniffing slightly. "We're going home." She looked up at Trinn, who handled Qui-Gon's greater bulk with ease. He was obviously stronger than he appeared. "If you would lead the way, please, Trinn?"

He seemed surprised by the question, another blush coloring his cheeks. Elyzabe wondered at how easily his emotions showed on his face. It was refreshing in a way. "Of course, Master Jedi."

When Trinn walked past Elyzabe and Obi-Wan, she reached out a hand and caused him to pause. "Thank you, Trinn." She smiled warmly. "And please, call me Elyzabe."

The healer opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. Instead he merely nodded silently. She thought it might have been a bow, had his arms not been full. His eyes moved between Obi-Wan and Elyzabe before he gestured toward the door with a tilt of his head. "This way, we must hurry."

"Of course, we'll be right behind you."

After quickly glancing around, Trinn moved into the hallway. Elyzabe followed, also looking to make sure that they weren't being observed. Obi-Wan, for his part, never looked away from the unconscious form of Qui-Gon ahead of him.

~<>~<>~