Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had their perimeter as secure as they could and set the flying models loose to do their job. The small ships flew off with hardly a sound, softly humming their way to the Onlonian soldier camps and stations. Qui-Gon pulled out the small viewing pad that he had rigged to see what the models "saw". Obi-Wan stuck his head out every once in a while to ascertain that they did not have any unexpected company.

"They seem to have the front and main entrance well-guarded," mused Qui-Gon, making sure he was out of sight and allowing the younger, energetic Jedi the job of making sure they weren't being sneaked up on. "You would think they would guard all entrances and exits to the communications temple."

"Maybe they don't know about this one," commented Obi-Wan, pausing long enough to run a hand over the ancient markings at the cave entrance. "Perhaps it has been forgotten?"

"Or," Qui-Gon added," it is known by only a selected few, such as temple keepers or the old priest orders." Obi-Wan looked at his master with a raised eyebrow and turned his attention back to their open perimeter.

Qui-Gon turned his attention back to the models progress, taking note of the number of soldiers, their weaponry and battle condition. They all looked to be unseasoned soldiers, with no background in warfare. "New recruits," he murmured to himself, "They will be skittish."

The few major artillery present could be easily disabled by the underground resistance themselves if they followed the battle tactics of earlier that day. Qui-Gon paused when he noticed a solider pointing at the models. Shouts could be heard in the distance and all but one of the screens went blank. The model wheeled around and headed back in the direction it came, sitting on the autopilot Obi-Wan had launched it on.

"You neglected to tell me, Padawan," Qui-Gon chided outloud, "that they were automatically set to return to their launch destination." Obi-Wan looked at him, startled. "Our one remaining model is returning and I can't override it in time. We're going to have company."

Obi-Wan grimaced. "Sorry, Master Qui-Gon, it didn't occur to me..."

"Never mind," sighed Qui-Gon, with the everlasting patience of a fine master. "Get ready for company."

"Yes, Master." The two Jedi burrowed themselves in the brush and shrub at the mouth entrance, concealing themselves as much as possible from the coming Onlonian soldiers. They settled their minds and cleared the tension between them so that they could work like a well-oiled machine, in total unison and fluid motion.

Frantic footsteps and even more frantic yells signaled the Jedi of the approach of their enemy. "Send a squad in and be careful. These old shafts are dangerous," came an authoritative voice and the footsteps of wary Onlonians came closer.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan leaped from their cover, slicing their way through the encroaching soldiers weapons. Their intent was not to kill, but to disable the soldiers' weapons and means of offense. The unseasoned troops panicked and fled, though a few stuck through to try hand to hand combat, only to brushed away by the firm push of the Force when applied by either Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan.

As the two Jedi dwindled down the weapons cache, they found themselves being pushed further and further into the cave, but all seemed well within the Force, so the two Jedi allowed this defensive maneuver to guide them. After all, it also led to Master Yoda and Misa Econo.

They continued the battle relentlessly, seemingly tirelessly. The enemy seemed innumerable, continuous and the fight never seemed to stop. Obi-Wan felt himself stumble against the uneven terrain. The cavern path had been subjected to various rock slides or just age had caused the once-smooth walking path to a mess of upheaved rubble. He tripped again, stumbling over a pile of stones he had not seen. His lightsaber rose high in the air to block any moves by his attackers.

He heard Qui-Gon shout his name in alarm and saw a crush of soldiers sensing the temporary disorientation Obi-Wan was going through rushing toward him. He struggled to his feet, only to be knocked down again by overzealous soldiers. A fist connected with his jaw and the world spun crazily.

"Leave alone the boy you will," came Master Yoda's blessed, stilted voice. Four of the soldiers immediately surrounding the boy were flung away and Misa Econo was suddenly standing between Obi-Wan and his enemies.

"LEAVE MY ALLIES ALONE!" thundered Onlon, shaking the cavern. Onlon, sensing that the fourteen year old Obi-Wan had been in imminent danger and grown angry and decided to teach those who called him home a lesson. Rocks crumbled from the ceiling, causing mass panic and retreat from the Onlonian soldiers. The cavern quickly emptied of everyone but the Jedi. "Come back to my communications room, Yoda. Perhaps you should now speak with Planetary Chairman Ag Burch now. He seems . . . co-operative." Onlon's voice betrayed amusement.

"Very well," nodded Master Yoda, and Qui-Gon lifted the small Jedi into his arms as they picked their way through the new rubble back the way Yoda and Misa had come. The control room was as they had left it, though Ag Burch and his three cohorts were now pacing the room.

As soon as the Jedi entered the room, the three companions crunched themselves into a corner and out of the way. Obi-Wan stifled a laugh and even Qui-Gon's lips twitched at their obvious terror. Ag Burch's legs were trembling and his walk was none too steady but he was a little calmer than his companions.

"Perhaps an agreement can be reached?" he asked weakly.

"I REQUIRE A LIAISON!" thundered Onlon, obviously taking delight in his ability to bluff by using a strong, tough voice.

Ag Burch nodded frantically, looking beseechingly at the Jedi for help. "Of course, great one, whatever you require you will get!" Misa grinned unabashedly.

"I choose Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan," the planetary creature informed them more amiably and less loudly.

"Acceptable this is not," Yoda informed them, raising Obi-Wan's hopes. He had absolutely no desire to be stuck on one planet for all his life. Yoda looked slyly at Misa Econo, who was still grinning at Burch's nervous demeanor. "Advise Misa Econo for liaison I do." Misa turned so fast to Master Yoda that she about tripped.

"WHAT!" she screeched, startled. "You want me to what?"

"Reasonable to me it is," Yoda informed her with a grin that matched the one she had sported just mere moments before.

"Her knowledge of the Force would make her an excellent historian of Onlon's life and abilities," agreed Qui-Gon, seeing where Yoda was taking the thought. "Plus, she has the knowledge of the planet's people to link the two together."

"And," Obi-Wan added, "it places her back into the ranks of the Jedi Order." Yoda looked at the padawan blankly, only his left ear twitching. "You could make her a knight in service to the people of Onlon in direction of keeping communcations with Onlon clear and unmuddled." Qui-Gon gave the boy a proud look and Obi-Wan beamed under the obvious approval.

Misa seemed to consider this, searching within herself for the answer. Before she could make up her mind, however, Onlon made it up for her. "I accept Misa Econo as my Padawan learner," intoned Onlon, using the old code speech of taking an apprentice. It was clear then that it would a two-way relationship with Onlon and Misa.

Misa grinned a bright grin. "I accept you as my Master until the time you deem me ready to make knighthood," she answered in respectful kind.

"B-but.." stuttered Burch, not sure he understood what was now beyond his control, "we have people that communicate with the Great One."

"I will speak with no one who is not Jedi," Onlon informed the Planetary Chairman, making the whole issue non-negotiable.

Burch sputtered for a moment while the Jedi just stared at him. Finally he conceded the plan was a good one. "Very well," he sighed. "I will make a special office that Misa Econo can work through to communicate with the Jedi Council. Should she need help, she has her pick of society to choose, with Onlon's approval I insist." Burch paused to see if there would be any further complaints. "If this occurs, will the demands upon our people cease and everything return to status quo?"

"IT WILL BE DONE." The planet itself seemed to shake. "I cannot bring back the lost plants and animals but nothing else will go wrong. I expect the mining to cease, Ag Burch, and that I have ultimate decision on what is done to this environment. I am the final word."

Burch nodded, a tired jerk of the head that suggested he'd had enough of demands from his talking planet. "Laws will be passed to protect our environment at all costs," he declared.

"Settled this is?" asked Master Yoda, clicking his cane against the floor. "Come back I will not have to?"

"You are welcome always, Yoda of Dagobah," Onlon informed the small green alien. "All Jedi are welcome to visit me. I get lonely."

"You won't be lonely for long, Master Onlon," Misa told him. "I want your permission to bring in school children to meet you, so that we may begin teaching the younger generations early of their unique planet."

Burch's eyes lit up. "Wonderful! That would be perfect!" Obi-Wan grinned at Qui-Gon, who smiled back.

The planet rumbled a bit. "Children are glorious creatures. They will make excellent pupils in learning about me. I agree, Padawan. Bring them to me. I will tell them stories to make them wonder!"

"Then it's settled?" asked Qui-Gon, placing his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders.

Everyone nodded. "Home we must go then," sighed Yoda, clicking his way to the door. "Call off troops you must, Burch." Burch looked startled and then bolted from the room. "Look forward to communication from you, the Council does, Misa Econo. Knight you soon will be, when your master agrees." Misa beamed at the approval in Yoda's voice. Obi-Wan knew how she felt.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, a question of you?" asked Onlon.

"Yes, Master Onlon?" responded Obi-Wan, glancing at Qui-Gon, who had raised an eyebrow.

"You have one ship model still flying around outside the old cavern temple. May I keep it?" The ancient beast sounded like a child finding the most fascinating toy and wanting it. "It is quite amusing to fly, don't you think?"

Obi-Wan laughed. "I'll even make you more when I can and send them to Misa, if you like." The planet made a pleased grunt, which Obi-Wan took to be a yes.

Yoda had already wandered out the door and he yelled back at them with the impatience of the very old. "Come you will, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan. Far to go we have!"

"Coming, Master!" Qui-Gon called back. He bowed low to the area where Onlon's voice emanated. "It was a pleasure to serve you, Master Onlon."

Obi-Wan also bowed. "Those new models will be sent as soon as they are done," he added, with a boyish grin at Misa.

"An honor to serve with guardians of peace and justice," uttered Onlon. "Misa Econo, I require a nap."

"I'll just escort the Jedi out, then," chuckled Misa. The ancient creature rumbled a snore-like response. They left the building and watched warily as Burch quickly ordered his troops from the area, fearfully staring around him as if Onlon would decide just to up and leave his voluntary orbit and shake his environment off like a wet animal did water. "Well, that had to be the most bizarre adventure I've lived through so far."

Qui-Gon said nothing and Obi-Wan nodded his head vigorously. "It is one I will remember though!" Obi-Wan exclaimed with a tired sigh.

"Padawan, do you really plan on making more model ships for Onlon?" asked Qui-Gon, eyeing his apprentice with misgivings.

Obi-Wan faced his master squarely. "Yes."

Qui-Gon heaved a long suffering sigh. "Very well, but they better not be underfoot or be considered non perishable at anytime. A Jedi cannot afford..."

"..to have belongings hold him in place when danger approaches himself or those he is sworn to protect," finished Obi-Wan with a pained expression. Misa hid her grin at Qui-Gon's frown and nudged the kid in the ribcage. She winked at him when he looked up. He winked back.

"Luck and best wishes to you, Misa Econo, on your new journey." Qui-Gon bowed formally to the newly reinstated Jedi. Misa smiled lopsidedly at her new station, excitement brewing just below the surface.

"I'll send the models soon," promised Obi-Wan, bowing as well.

"Thank you both, and I will see you again." Misa bowed in return and then turned back to the temple and her new fate.

Yoda had already made it to his transport shuttle by the time Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had made it there. The small master was waiting impatiently, no doubt to relax in his swamp bath or whatever it was he did to relax, thought Obi-Wan. Yoda must have picked up the thought, for his ears twitched in mild irritation. Obi-Wan decided to stop thinking from then on. It seemed to only get him in trouble.

"Ready we are? New path to lead have we?" asked the little green troll.

Qui-Gon arched a brow at his master and then shrugged noncommitally. "As always, Master Yoda, I go where ever the Force guides me."

"Hmm." Yoda nodded. "Too bad Council has something else for you to do, yes?" Yoda's ears twitched again, this time in amusement as Obi-Wan groaned, and somewhere deep inside Qui-Gon, the Jedi Knight groaned as well.