| �Dealing With Demons� BY: p_stotts CATEGORY: JA, AU SETTING: 7 years pre-TPM, Obi-Wan is 18. RATING: PG SUMMARY: Sequel to �Old Demons Die Hard.� Xanatos contacts Obi-Wan after he returns to the Temple. DISCLAIMER: I don�t own any recognizable Star Wars characters. Wish I did...but that�s the way it goes. FEEDBACK: Yes, please. SPECIAL THANKS TO Moonscribe for all you help, suggestions, support, and beta. Part 1 �Remember, Padawan,� Qui-Gon gently reminded the young man, �the healers only agreed to allow this as long as you don�t over tire yourself. You�re still under their care.� �Yes, Master,� answered Obi-Wan with an indulgent smile. The healers had allowed him to return to his own quarters the week before, after having spent almost two weeks in the healer�s wing of the Temple. At this point, he would have agreed to almost any terms if it meant he could leave the confines of their small apartment. Personally, the padawan thought the healers were being overly cautious when it came to his recovery. The Council had wanted to speak with Obi-Wan ever since he�d been brought back from the planet Romedin, where he�d been taken care of by none other than Qui-Gon�s infamous second padawan, Xanatos. Obi-Wan was only too happy to accommodate them if it meant he could get out and stretch his legs for a bit. Qui-Gon wasn�t so sure that his padawan was up to standing for gods only knew how long in front of the Council, and had told Obi-Wan so. But, Obi-Wan had brushed his master�s concerns aside with all the bravado of an eighteen year old boy. �Master, you�re being overprotective again,� he�d chided the older man. �I�ll be fine. Besides, I�m going to go stir crazy if I don�t get out of here soon!� Sparing a last glance at his padawan before they entered the Council chamber, he notice that the young man�s face was several shades paler than when they�d left their quarters. �Padawan, are you sure you�re all right? We can postpone this until a later time if you�re not feeling up to it.� �Don�t be silly, Master,� Obi-Wan reassured him. �I�m fine.� Well, he didn�t exactly feel fine. The short trip to the Council room had taken more out of him than he�d anticipated, but he wasn�t about to admit it and be shipped back to the confines of their tiny apartment. No, he�d get through this if it was the last thing he did. Entering the Council�s chamber a step behind and to the right of his master, Obi-Wan concentrated on keeping his walk steady and his head held high. Acknowledging the sympathetic looks of the Council members, he remained silent as Qui-Gon gave his report on what had happened with Xanatos from his perspective. �Hidden motives you believe Xanatos had for helping your padawan?� asked Yoda. �Xanatos always has ulterior motives, my Master,� stated Qui-Gon emphatically. �I just don�t know what they were this time.� �Hurt Obi-Wan in any way did he?� �No, Master,� Qui-Gon shook his head. �In fact, just the opposite. That�s what I find so perplexing.� Obi-Wan tried to concentrate on what was being said, but found his mind in a state of constant flux, jumping from one thought to the other with no rhyme or reason. Every time he tried to reign in his chaotic thoughts, his mind would jump off on another tangent. To make matters worse, the room was beginning to tilt in a most alarming manner and his legs felt like they were turning to the consistency Yoda�s gruel. Fearing he was about to fall on his face, Obi-Wan instinctively reached out and grabbed hold of his master�s sleeve in an attempt to regain his balance. Sensing his padawan�s touch on his arm, Qui-Gon stopped what he was saying mid-sentence and glanced at Obi-Wan, alarm registering on his face when he saw how pale and drained the young man looked. �Masters, a chair please!� said Qui-Gon urgently, as he reached out to steady his apprentice. The young man was trembling uncontrollably now, and Qui-Gon had to hold him firmly by the shoulders to keep him upright. Master Gallia immediately brought a chair over for Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon gently eased him down to a sitting position. Crouching down to be on eye level, the Jedi master fixed his apprentice with a serious look. �Obi-Wan, are you able to continue?� he asked in a concerned whisper, leaning close so the others wouldn�t overhear their conversation. Obi-Wan nodded his head. �Yes, Master,� he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor directly in front of him. �I�m sorry, Master. I didn�t mean to embarrass you this way.� Qui-Gon�s lips twitched as he tried to suppress a grin. �You didn�t embarrass me, Padawan. I�m more concerned about what the healers are going to say when they find out you overtaxed yourself.� Obi-Wan stared at his master in a panic. �You don�t think they�ll make me stay in bed again, do you?� �That�s hard to say Obi-Wan,� answered his master, clearly finding amusement in the situation. �I would think it all depends on how stubborn you continue to be about hiding the state of your health from your master.� Catching the remonstration in his master�s words, Obi-Wan cast his eyes back down to the floor. �Yes, Master,� he mumbled. �Master Jinn?� asked Mace Windu. �Is your padawan able to go on, or would you prefer we postponed this a few more days.� Qui-Gon stood and faced his life-long friend. �Obi-Wan assures me that he is able to continue. However, I would ask the Council�s indulgence in allowing him to remain seated through the rest of the session.� �Of course,� answered Mace with a slight smile of understanding. Trying to hold onto whatever dignity he had left, Obi-Wan sat up straight in his chair and gave Masters Yoda and Windu a look of polite attention, signaling his readiness for the session to continue. �Padawan Kenobi,� said Yoda, �concur with your master�s assessment do you?� Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan gave his master an apologetic look. �No, Master Yoda.� Yoda�s ears raised in surprise. �Continue,� he gently prodded. �When I first regained cognizance enough to realize that Xanatos had me, I...I didn�t know what to think,� the padawan explained. �I couldn�t imagine what Xanatos hoped to accomplish by taking me prisoner...other than hurting me to get back at my master.� �And, this he did not?� �No, Master Yoda,� said Obi-Wan shaking his head. �He took very good care of me, attending to my needs personally quite a few times, in fact.� �Ask anything of you in return did he?� Again Obi-Wan shook his head. �No, Master Yoda. To my knowledge the only thing he ever asked of us was to take Healer Patri and Hermano with us when we left, but even that wasn�t a stipulation of our leaving unaccosted.� �What do you think his motive for helping you was then, Padawan Kenobi?� asked Mace. �I don�t know, Master Windu, but...� Obi-Wan hesitated, unsure if he should voice the idea that had been mulling around in his brain ever since he�d returned to the Temple. �Go on, Padawan,� encouraged Mace. �Well, if he were anyone else,� the young man said, �I would say he was helping us out of the goodness of his heart, but...well...I realize that hasn�t been Xanatos� motivation in the past.� �That, my young Padawan,� said Qui-Gon, �has never been Xanatos� motivation for doing anything.� �Yes, Master. I know that as well as anyone, but...perhaps he�s changed,� said Obi-Wan with a shrug. �Or, at the very least, is trying to change.� �Hmph! I find that extremely unlikely,� retorted Qui-Gon. �Getting us nowhere, this discussion is,� interjected Yoda. �With all due respect, Master Yoda,� said Adi Gallia, �we may never know what Xanatos� true intentions were. I believe this discussion is pointless unless we have a way of finding out one way or the other.� �I agree,� stated Mace. �I propose that we table this discussion until such time as further facts come to light...if they ever do.� A moment of silence followed Mace�s statement as the Council members telepathically conferred with one another. �Agreed,� stated Mace finally. �Master Jinn, you may take your padawan home now. The Council has agreed to forestall any further discussion for the time being.� Nodding his head, Qui-Gon turned to help Obi-Wan to stand. Bowing to the Council, master and padawan exited the chamber. Part 2 �Hey there, little brother!� Obi-Wan stared in shock at the smirking countenance of Xanatos on the com screen. �Now, this is just a guess,� continued the figure in the message, �but I�ll bet I�m the last person you were expecting to hear from. No, no...don�t try to deny it. Seriously, I just wanted to see how you were doing. This message has a response initiation program in it. Just send a reply and it will get to me. Take care of yourself, and hey...maybe I�ll see you around sometime.� Obi-Wan continued to stare at the screen long after the message had ended. He knew what he had to do next...play the message for his master. Already knowing how his master was going to react, the padawan got up from his bedroom desk with a sigh and went to get Qui-Gon. ***** �Contacted you before, Xanatos has?� �No, Master Yoda,� answered Obi-Wan truthfully. Qui-Gon�s first reaction on seeing the message from his former padawan was to delete it without responding. But Obi-Wan had pointed out that this might be a means of answering some of the questions the Council had regarding Xanatos� motives for helping him. Seeing the logic in Obi-Wan�s argument had not made Qui-Gon like it any more, but he had agreed that the Council should be made aware that Xanatos had initiated contact. �Responded have you?� Obi-Wan took a deep breath. This had been another point of contention between he and his master. Obi-Wan thought it might be prudent to not only respond to Xanatos� message, but to initiate a face-to-face meeting with him. Qui-Gon had been vehemently against the idea, to say the least. �No, Master Yoda,� answered Obi-Wan. �My master thought it better to ignore the message.� �Do you think that�s wise, Master Jinn?� asked Eeth Koth. �I don�t want Obi-Wan having any contact with Xanatos,� answered the Jedi master emphatically. �We all know how treacherous he can be. I won�t have my eighteen-year-old padawan exposed to that!� �With all due respect, Masters,� interrupted Obi-Wan, �I disagree.� �Obi-Wan!� Qui-Gon�s rebuke of his padawan was evident to everyone in the Council room. �Speak, he will,� stated Yoda. Qui-Gon stared incredulously at his former master, but remained silent. �Continue, Padawan Kenobi,� Yoda gently urged. Swallowing hard, Obi-Wan took in the shocked expressions of the Council members and his master. �I believe that the only way to ascertain Xanatos� true intentions in this would be for me to meet with him...alone.� Glancing sideways at Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan noted his master�s stiff demeanor. He knew he was going against his master�s wishes, but he had to follow the direction in which the Force was urging him. �Meditated on this you have?� �Yes, Master Yoda,� nodded Obi-Wan, �for quite some time.� �Meditate on this also the Council will. Dismissed you are for now.� ***** The lift ride down to their residence level was the longest Obi-Wan could remember having in a long time. Qui-Gon hadn�t said a word to his padawan since leaving the Council chamber. In fact...he hadn�t so much as cast a glance in Obi-Wan�s direction. The padawan got the distinct feeling that he�d crossed the proverbial line in the sand where his master was concerned...and that he wasn�t going to like the results very much at all. Entering their apartment, Obi-Wan tried to draw his master out of his self-imposed vow of silence. �Master...� �I believe you have studies to catch up on, Padawan,� interrupted Qui-Gon, turning his back on the teenager. �I suggest you get to them.� Obi-Wan stared at his master�s back, momentarily shocked. He opened his mouth to try again, but thought better of it. �Yes, Master,� he said quietly as he turned and went into his bedroom to get started on the backlog of classwork that had accumulated over the past two months. Qui-Gon heard the sadness in Obi-Wan�s voice, and felt the hurt over their bond. Still, he made no move to acknowledge the young man�s feelings, maintaining the strongest shields he could. He was still in a state of shock from what had just occurred in the Council chamber. He couldn�t believe his padawan would want to have anything to do with Xanatos, especially knowing how much Qui-Gon had been hurt by his former apprentice. Simply put, Qui-Gon felt betrayed, and he wasn�t about to trust himself to say anything to his apprentice until he�d gotten himself under better control. Feeling the need for solitude and meditation, Qui-Gon silently slipped out of the apartment and sought the sanctuary of one of the many gardens that populated the Temple. Obi-Wan wasn�t even aware his master had gone until he came out of his room an hour later to find the apartment empty. ***** �Troubled you are, Qui-Gon,� said Yoda. Qui-Gon had been meditating in one of the least-used Temple gardens for several hours trying to get his emotions under control. So far he hadn�t been very successful in understanding his feelings, much less dealing effectively with them. His former master�s appearance hadn�t been unexpected. Over the years, Yoda had often sought out Qui-Gon when the younger Jedi master was dealing with an especially troubling problem. Most times Qui-Gon welcomed the input of the wise and ancient master, but tonight he wasn�t sure Yoda could say anything that would make things better. �Yes, my Master,� he answered, �I�m very troubled.� �Disagree with your padawan�s desired course of action you do.� Qui-Gon�s displeasure with Obi-Wan�s statements in the Council chamber had been quite evident. �Yes, my Master. In truth I�m feeling...I�m not quite sure what I�m feeling.� �Fear is what you are feeling, Padawan,� stated Yoda, staring intently into Qui-Gon�s eyes as if he were daring the Jedi master to deny it. Qui-Gon opened his mouth in shock, and just as quickly closed it, sighing in defeat. �I thought I had put these feelings behind me a long time ago,� he said softly. �Seeing Xanatos again has made me realize that I haven�t dealt with anything at all. I�ve just been hiding.� �Let not fear motivate your actions with your padawan,� implored Yoda. �Your trust he has more than earned. Unfair it is to take that away because he does what you�ve taught him to do.� Qui-Gon couldn�t help smiling in response. Yes, he�d always tried to teach Obi-Wan to be an independent thinker, encouraging the boy to express his point of view, especially when it differed from his own. The apprentice was only doing what Qui-Gon had trained him to do. Yoda was right. The only thing that made this situation different from any other was the fact that Xanatos was involved. If it had been anyone else, he would have given Obi-Wan�s idea serious consideration instead of dismissing it out of hand. �Trust your padawan do you?� �Of course...� Qui-Gon faltered. Did he really trust Obi-Wan? Even in this? �I...don�t know, Master.� Yoda sighed heavily and shook his head. What would it take for Qui-Gon to truly learn to trust again? Perhaps this incident with Xanatos was the Force�s way of getting the stubborn Jedi master to confront his demons once and for all. �Meet me here at ninth hour tomorrow you will,� ordered Yoda. �No questions you will ask until met we have.� �Yes, my Master,� answered Qui-Gon with a bow. ***** Obi-Wan received a summons from Yoda the next day to meet with the elderly Jedi master in one of the Temple gardens. Obeying the summons, he arrived at the appointed time to find Yoda waiting for him. �Master,� Obi-Wan greeted him with a respectful bow. �Sit with me, you will,� said Yoda, indicating a nearby bench. �Well, you are?� he inquired after they�d comfortably settled themselves side by side. �Yes, Master. The healers released me from their care yesterday,� answered Obi-Wan. �And your master?� Yoda continued. �He is well also?� �Yes, Master Yoda,� answered Obi-Wan shortly. �Agree with your assessment of Xanatos� communication, your master does not.� It wasn�t a question. Everyone who�d been present in the Council session had felt the tension between the master and padawan. �No, Master,� said Obi-Wan as he studied his hands in his lap, �he doesn�t.� �Understand his reasons, you do?� �Yes, Master,� said Obi-Wan with a sad smile. �I understand them�and I accept them.� �But, accept your reasoning he does not,� said Yoda, again stating an obvious fact. �No,� responded the padawan almost in a whisper, again looking at the ground, �but, I understand why that is.� �Hmmm?� Obi-Wan looked at the ancient master with compassion in his eyes. �He�s afraid of losing me, too,� he said softly. Yoda nodded his agreement. �Wise you are for one so young.� Obi-Wan nodded his thanks but remained silent, waiting for Yoda to continue. �Concur with your suggestion, the Council does. Answer Xanatos� message you will. Ask for a meeting you must.� Obi-Wan�s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Although he�d expressed this opinion in the Council session, it had been met with skepticism and outright indignation in some cases. �Pursue a friendship with him, you should,� the elder Jedi continued. �While I agree that this would be the best course of action at this point,� said Obi-Wan carefully, �I don�t want to cause my master further hurt. Perhaps it would be better if someone else did this.� �Only one Xanatos will trust is you,� countered Yoda. �You it must be, or not at all. Know your master does not need to,� he added slyly. Obi-Wan bristled immediately, offended by the suggestion. �NO!� he said more loudly than he�d meant to. �Forgive me, Master,� he countered, ashamed that he�d lost his temper in front of the revered Jedi. �With all due respect, this incident has placed enough of a strain on my relationship with my master, and I will not further drive a wedge between us by going behind his back. If the Council wishes me to cultivate a friendship with Xanatos, then I will do so with my master�s full knowledge, or not at all.� �Defy the Council you would, young Padawan?� asked Yoda, his ears dipping low in anger. Obi-Wan took a calming breath and looked directly into Yoda�s eyes. �Again, with all due respect, yes.� Yoda hopped down off the bench and began walking away from Obi-Wan in obvious displeasure. Turning to regard the padawan one last time, he spoke what was obviously a dismissal. �Speak of this the Council will. Their decision you will know in time.� Obi-Wan bowed respectfully to the elder master, and then exited the gardens at the opposite end of the path. Watching the padawan go, Yoda began to chuckle, and then turned as another figure emerged from the bushes. �Satisfied you are, Qui-Gon?� he asked. Qui-Gon watched the retreating figure of his padawan with a melancholy smile. �Yes, my Master. I should have known better than to doubt him.� Part 3 Obi-Wan knelt in typical meditation form in the common room of his apartment. Now mid-day, the sun was streaming through the balcony door and the young Jedi was glad to feel its warmth on his face. His master hadn�t been home when Obi-Wan had returned from his meeting with Yoda, which was just as well. With the way Qui-Gon had been acting lately, the young man was definitely not looking forward to telling him that the Council had approved his plan to meet with Xanatos. Achieving some degree of emotional equilibrium had been difficult, but he now felt he was as ready as he�d ever be to �face the music,� so to speak. However, at the sound of the front door opening, all his hard-won composure flew right out the window. Taking one last calming breath, Obi-Wan rose from the floor and turned to face his master. �Master,� he said hesitantly, �I know you�re upset with me right now, but�I really need to talk to you. You see�� Obi-Wan stopped mid-sentence in surprise. Not only was his master not scowling at him, he was actually smiling! It was a sad smile, but a smile none-the-less. Sending out a tentative probe along their training bond, Obi-Wan detected mild feelings of apprehension, sorrow, pride, and�guilt? /What could Master possibly feel guilty about? I�m the one who�s been shaking things up around here. / �Obi-Wan, before you say anything else, there�s something I need to get off my chest,� said Qui-Gon softly. Obi-Wan�s eyebrows raised in surprise, but he silently waited for his master to continue. �First of all, I owe you an apology. No!� he said, holding up his hand when Obi-Wan started to object. �My treatment of you these past two days has been reprehensible; you didn�t do anything that merited such animosity, and I�m sorry.� �Master, I understand,� Obi-Wan hastened to reassure him, �believe me, I really do.� �Secondly,� the older man continued, �I already know what it is you want to tell me.� �You do?� �Yes, you see�I was there this morning when you were talking with Master Yoda,� Qui-Gon said, clearly embarrassed at the admission. �I overheard everything.� �You�you eavesdropped on my private conversation with Master Yoda?� asked Obi-Wan incredulously. �No! I mean yes�but, it�s not what you think!� Qui-Gon said quickly. �Please, let me explain.� Obi-Wan crossed his arms in front of him and stared hard at his master. �This had better be good,� he said. �Yes...well...you see, I was there at Master Yoda�s request,� Qui-Gon explained. /Request, my foot! The old troll ordered me to hide in the bushes! / Obi-Wan�s mouth quirked in a grin as he picked up on his master�s stray thought. The apprentice�s entire demeanor changed instantly from one of righteous indignation to malicious glee at having Qui-Gon squirming under his intense gaze. �Come now, Master,� said Obi-Wan in a mischievous voice, �would you let me get away with a pitiful excuse like that?� �No, Padawan,� answered Qui-Gon in an equally teasing tone. �I guess I�ll just have to claim Master�s prerogative, won�t I?� �Well, that�s not very fair,� complained the young man. Qui-Gon allowed a wide grin to show on his face, reassured by the familiar banter that was going back and forth between he and his apprentice. �Haven�t I told you before, Padawan? Life�s not fair; get used to it.� Obi-Wan answered the smile with one of his own as he wordlessly approached his master and enveloped him in a hug. �It�s good to have you back to your old self, Master.� ***** Obi-Wan sat alone at a table in the back of the eating establishment, his back against the wall, his view of the front door unobstructed. The entire establishment was typical of Xanatos. The music was a little bit too loud, the people a little bit too flashy, the room a little bit too shadowed. Obi-Wan was even sure that if he looked hard enough, he�d find a secret back entrance somewhere. At least the restaurant was located amongst the upper levels of Coruscant. Council�s orders or no, there was no way his master would have allowed him to meet Xanatos in the lower levels of the city/planet. Purposely arriving an hour ahead of the time he was to meet with Qui-Gon�s former apprentice, Obi-Wan had had plenty of time to reconnoiter the area and carefully choose a table that gave him the best vantage point of everything going on in the restaurant. Feeling he had covered all the bases, the young Jedi sipped his drink slowly and tried to relax. The one drawback to arriving early was that it gave him too much time to think, and to become nervous; something he definitely didn�t want to do around Xanatos. The thought made him frown. /Kenobi, you�re getting as paranoid as Master, / he scolded himself. �Such a serious face! I thought this was supposed to be a purely social event.� Momentarily startled, Obi-Wan looked up to see Xanatos smiling indulgently at him; he hadn�t even sensed the older man�s approach. Silently rebuking himself for his carelessness, Obi-Wan invited the other man to join him. �I must admit,� said Xanatos, �I was a little surprised to receive your invitation. And you even allowed me to pick the place! You must be feeling very trusting, little brother.� Obi-Wan gritted his teeth. �Would you please not call me that? I�m nobody�s little brother. Just call me by my name.� Xanatos shrugged his shoulders. �Suit yourself. Have you tried the fried dewback here?� he asked, changing the subject. �It�s really quite excellent.� �No, I�ve never been here before,� answered Obi-Wan neutrally. �I take it that means you�re hungry?� �Well, why else would I have suggested we meet at a restaurant? And, what is that you�re drinking? Juice?� asked Xanatos incredulously. �You simply have to try the wine here! They have the best vintage of Alderaanian Chargberry wine. Wait, you are old enough to drink, aren�t you? Don�t want you to get in trouble with Qui-Gon.� �Yes, Xanatos,� answered Obi-Wan indulgently, �I�m old enough to drink. However, I�m perfectly contented with my juice, thank you.� �Speaking of our dear master,� said Xanatos, leaning closer. �Did you tell him you were meeting me here tonight?� �Why, yes,� answered Obi-Wan with a sly smile, �I did.� Obi-Wan couldn�t help feeling as if he�d just scored a point in some game, judging by the look of utter shock on Xanatos� face. �Oh, I would have liked to have been there for that,� exclaimed the older man, quickly recovering. �Well now, what shall we have to eat?� Obi-Wan had to admit that the restaurant�s food was excellent, and he�d even given in to Xanatos� insistence that he try a sip of the wine. All in all though, he was glad he hadn�t imbibed too much. Xanatos� mealtime conversation was lively, bouncing from subject to subject so quickly that it was all Obi-Wan could do to keep up. He�d have hated to have to try and make sense of it all intoxicated. Besides that, Qui-Gon would have killed him for being so careless. Once the waiter cleared their dishes, the two men sat back and enjoyed an after-dinner coffee. �So,� said Xanatos, �what�s the real reason you wanted to meet with me?� �Funny,� answered Obi-Wan, �I was just about to ask you the same thing.� Part 4 Qui-Gon paced the common room of his apartment, nervously waiting for the return of his padawan. He�d extracted a firm promise from Obi-Wan before the young man�s departure earlier in the evening that he�d keep his end of their bond open and accessible. In return, Qui-Gon had promised not to bother him. At first he�d felt nervousness emanating from his padawan, and it had taken everything he had not to distract the young man with an admonishment to stay focused. As the evening progressed, the young man�s initial nervousness had gradually dispersed, developing into relaxed amusement. For some reason, that bothered Qui-Gon even more. He knew everything must have gone off without a hitch, because true to his word, Obi-Wan had kept his end of the bond open. If something had gone wrong, Qui-Gon would have known in an instant and would have rushed to his padawan�s side. Still, he couldn�t help breathing a sigh of relief when Obi-Wan finally walked through the door. �Well, Padawan?� asked Qui-Gon after the young man had hung up his robe and settled himself on the couch. �How did it go?� �Very well, actually,� answered Obi-Wan, stretching and yawning. �Well,� he said, slapping his thighs and starting to rise, �I think I�ll go to bed.� �PADAWAN!� �Master! I�m kidding!� �Padawan,� the older man warned, �I�m not in any mood to be teased. Now, tell me everything that happened right down to the minutest detail.� Obi-Wan flashed his master a playful look. �Should I start with what Xan was wearing, or would you rather hear about what we had to eat?� �Xan?� �That�s what he wants me to call him,� said Obi-Wan with a shrug. �Obi-Wan,� said Qui-Gon slowly, his hold on sanity becoming extremely tenuous, �I�m ecstatic that you are deriving so much enjoyment from torturing me. Now, CUT THE CRAP! I�m in no mood for it. Start spilling, or I swear I�ll turn you over my knee and beat it out of you!� �Master, really!� said Obi-Wan in exasperation. �You�re no fun at all. Okay, okay!� he said when Qui-Gon took a menacing step toward him. �We had a surprisingly pleasant evening of good food, and good conversation. But, I�m afraid it was just social chit-chat. We really didn�t get down to business until right at the end, and neither one of us was willing to give up any real information.� Qui-Gon took a deep, cleansing breath as he regarded his padawan�s innocent expression. �Obi-Wan, are you telling me that you�re going to have to meet with him again?� �I�m afraid so, Master,� said Obi-Wan with chagrin. �But, really, what did you expect? I mean, I can�t exactly cultivate a friendship in one meeting.� Qui-Gon closed his eyes in an attempt to reign in his runaway emotions. �I know,� he said softly. �Please understand, Padawan...this is very hard for me. I don�t want to see you get hurt.� Obi-Wan got up and walked over to his master. Placing a sympathetic hand on the older man�s shoulder, he looked earnestly into his eyes. �I know that, Master. I don�t want to see you hurt by this either. It�s just going to take time, that�s all.� ***** As much as the Council wanted to keep the master/padawan pair on Coruscant for awhile longer, the need for them in the field was simply too great and the two were dispatched to a mission off-planet two days later. Obi-Wan hadn�t had time to send Xanatos a message before they left and he hoped the other man wouldn�t think he was ignoring him. After all, how was Xanatos supposed to know they were gone on a mission. ***** One month later: Trudging into their quarters, Obi-Wan let his travel bag slip to the floor as he flopped onto the couch in utter exhaustion. At least their latest mission had answered one of Obi-Wan�s questions...his prior injuries in no way influenced the Council to take it easy on them. Their first mission back in the field had been harrowing and grueling. Although successful, the pair had been lucky to make it back alive. �There�s no such thing as luck, Padawan,� admonished Qui-Gon, picking up on the younger man�s thoughts. Obi-Wan lifted his head from the couch and stared at his master who was currently sprawled out in a chair, legs stretched out, head back, and eyes closed. �Well then, the Force was kind enough to let us live; same difference.� �Hmph!� grunted Qui-Gon. �You know, Padawan, there�s a fine line between lighthearted banter and insubordination. Right now you�re teetering precariously on the edge.� �I�m going to take a shower and go to bed,� grumbled Obi-Wan, ignoring his master�s taunt. �Wake me in a week, would you Master?� �Only if I wake up before you, Padawan.� ***** Obi-Wan rolled over in bed as the sun was just peeking over the Coruscant skyline the next morning. /I can�t believe that I�m awake this early on our first day back. You must want to be a Jedi pretty badly, Kenobi. / Getting up, the padawan headed to the fresher and then pulled on a pair of sleep pants so he could go make some tea. Peeking in his master�s bedroom on his way to the kitchen, he saw that Qui-Gon was still sleeping. With a tender smile, he quietly withdrew and went about his morning routine. Pulling back the balcony door curtains, Obi-Wan knelt in the early morning light and sank into meditation while he waited for the water to boil for his tea. The sound of the kettle whistling brought him out of his light trance with a deep sigh of satisfaction. Rising from the floor, the apprentice fixed himself a cup before setting the kettle back on the cook top and adjusting the burner to low in order to keep the water hot for his master. Then he walked back to his bedroom to start getting ready for the day. Obi-Wan noticed the flashing light on his com unit as he headed for the fresher to take his morning shower. Momentarily distracted from the task at hand, he sat down at his desk and turned on the unit. He wasn�t at all surprised to find that the message was from Xanatos. The young man couldn�t help smiling as the familiar face came onscreen. �Well, I hope you made it back from your mission in one piece? How were things on Tarkus IV?� Obi-Wan gasped in surprise. How could Xanatos have possibly known they had gone on a mission, much less their destination? �I hope you gave my best to the royal couple,� continued the message. �It�s been ages since I�ve seen them. Well...call me when you get a chance. My schedule is tight, but perhaps we can get together sometime this week. You can tell me all about your mission then.� Obi-Wan closed his eyes when the message ended. /Here we go again. / �I think he does that just to get under my skin,� said a voice behind him. Turning around in his chair, Obi-Wan regarded the sleep-tossled appearance of his master. �I think he just enjoys playing with us, Master.� �That, young Padawan, is the understatement of the millennium.� Part 5 Obi-Wan entered the smoke-filled club and quickly scanned the room with the Force. Giving one last glance over his shoulder, he started working his way through the crowd, heading for the bar where Xanatos was already waiting for him. The entire trip from the Temple, Obi-Wan had kept a lookout over his shoulder. The Force hadn�t actually been warning him of danger; he�d just had a niggling feeling in the back of his mind. But, now that he was inside the bar, the feeling had subsided. �Well, you don�t look too much the worse for wear,� remarked Xanatos as the young Jedi sat down beside him. The only available seat put Obi-Wan with his back to the front door, but that really didn�t worry him too much. The Force would warn him of any attacks from behind. �You know me,� answered Obi-Wan. �I always manage to survive somehow.� �How well I know that,� smirked the older man. �And, speaking of my mission...� said Obi-Wan. �Were we talking about your mission?� Xanatos interrupted. �You know we were, Xan!� Xanatos smiled, but remained silent. �How did you know we went on a mission, and where we were going, AND when we got back?� �Aaah, little brother,� smiled Xanatos. �I have to have some secrets, now don�t I? It gives me an air of mystery...don�t you think?� Obi-Wan just stared, refusing to break eye contact. �I�ll tell you what,� Xanatos offered, �you start being up front with me, and I�ll be up front with you. Deal?� �I�ll agree to that�within reason,� Obi-Wan answered evasively. Xanatos chuckled softly. �Well, at least that�s a truthful answer�from a certain point of view.� �So, are you going to tell me how you found out about our mission?� �Ah, ah, ah!� answered the older man. �You answer my question first.� �Which is?� prompted the young Jedi. �Why the sudden interest in being social? I know it wasn�t our dear master�s idea, and I can�t imagine him willingly agreeing to this,� speculated Xanatos. �So, my guess is that the Council has their hand in this somehow. Am I right?� Obi-Wan kept what he hoped was an innocent expression on his face. �Xan, I just enjoy spending time with you, that�s all. You did save my life, after all.� �Oh, so that�s what this is about,� replied Xanatos with a triumphant grin. �What?� �You�re trying to figure out why, aren�t you?� Obi-Wan tried his best to appear nonchalant, at the same time deciding that honesty might just be the best way to go. �Well you�ve got to admit, it is a valid question. I mean, our past encounters hadn�t exactly been on friendly terms.� �No, they weren�t,� answered Xanatos, clearly warming up to the conversation, �and where did that get us?� �I don�t understand,� said Obi-Wan, confusion clearly written on his face. �Obi-Wan,� said Xanatos in a tone of voice that sounded like he was explaining something to a toddler, �I�ve been through all this with Qui-Gon, although I seriously doubt he believed me. My father�s way of doing business just wasn�t working for me, so�I tried a more charitable approach, and�imagine my surprise when it not only worked, but I actually made more money in the process!� �So, you�d just conned Hermano and Patri into thinking you cared about them, when really you were just using their misplaced loyalty to make money.� Xanatos� smile disappeared instantly. �No,� he answered softly, �their friendship was an added bonus that I hadn�t anticipated.� �You miss them, don�t you?� asked Obi-Wan. Xanatos gave him a sideways glance. �Don�t be ridiculous!� Obi-Wan sighed, turning his attention back to his drink. �To answer the next obvious question,� continued Xanatos, steering the conversation to something less personal, �I wasn�t behind the pirate raid, or your confinement with the slavers, either. Your falling into my hands was purely coincidental, or�the will of the Force, if you prefer.� �I never suspected that you were responsible for those other things,� answered Obi-Wan with complete honesty. �I just want to know if the new and improved Xanatos is genuine, or just an act in order to get what you really want.� �I�m afraid that�s something you�ll just have to decide on your own,� retorted Xanatos with a mischievous smile. �Maybe it�s a little bit of both.� Obi-Wan shook his head with a smile and took another sip of his drink. He�d been nursing the same glass of wine for an hour now, while Xanatos was on his third. Clearly, the older man was much more used to drinking than Obi-Wan was, because he didn�t seem affected at all. �Obi-Wan,� whispered Xanatos, becoming serious, �did you bring friends with you here, tonight?� �No,� frowned the young Jedi. �Why?� �Because four Force-sensitives just walked in, and I sense four more outside. Can�t you feel them?� Obi-Wan nodded without turning around. Not only could he feel them, but the hair was standing up on the back of his neck, and the niggling feeling was back with a vengeance. �I had the feeling I was being followed when I was walking here this evening,� Obi-Wan explained, �but I never actually spotted anyone.� �Any chance Qui-Gon sent them?� �No,� Obi-Wan assured him. �He wouldn�t do that.� Xanatos sat back in his chair and fixed his younger companion with an amused look. �Well, I wonder who they�re after? You, or me?� Obi-Wan kept his Force sense trained on the four individuals as they made their way around the room. �What makes you think they�re after either of us?� Xanatos gave him a look that said he�d been around long enough to know when someone was hunting him. �Let�s just say I have a hunch.� �Care to find out if your hunch is right?� challenged Obi-Wan. The older man�s countenance broke out into a wide grin. �Why little brother, you must have read my mind. That�s exactly what I was thinking.� �Well you know what they say,� retorted the teenager, �great minds think alike.� Xanatos rolled his eyes. �Don�t flatter yourself. Come on, let�s get out of here and see if they follow us.� As Obi-Wan started to get up from his chair, he was suddenly struck with the thought that perhaps this was some type of elaborate trap that Xanatos had set for him. But, once again he couldn�t come up with any valid reason why the other man would go to so much trouble. *Feel, don�t think. Use your instincts, * his master�s words came back to him. Obi-Wan had to admit that his instincts told him to stick close to Xanatos, but the thought of having to possibly face eight men out in the open street didn�t exactly appeal to him. /I could always call Master for backup, but then what if Xan is wrong about these men? Better to wait and see. / Still he didn�t like the potential odds. �Xan,� he said, placing a hand on the other man�s shoulder, �I don�t think this is such a good idea. Why don�t we just wait them out in here.� �Because if they are after us, then I suspect they�re the type who wouldn�t care where they take us, or how many people get hurt in the process,� answered Xanatos. �We�ll be able to maneuver better outside, and there�ll be fewer people to get in our way.� Obi-Wan closed his eyes in an effort to gain some type of direction from the Force. Drawing calm from its sweet, pure embrace, he opened his eyes and nodded. �Alright, let�s go.� Part 6 �What�s the matter with you, Qui?� asked Mace. �You�ve hardly said two words all through supper.� Knowing he�d be out with Xanatos most of the evening and not wanting to leave his master at his wit�s end, Obi-Wan had asked Master Windu to keep Qui-Gon company while he was gone. Mace had been only too happy to try and take his friend�s mind off things for awhile. �I�m sorry, Mace,� said the Jedi master sheepishly. �I know I�m not very good company. I�m just worried about Obi-Wan.� �Worrying�s not going to get him home any sooner,� replied Mace earnestly. Qui-Gon grinned in response. �I know you�re right, but that doesn�t make it any easier.� �Qui, he�s a capable young man,� Mace said in an attempt to set his friend�s mind at ease. �You�ve trained him well and he has good instincts. If he gets into trouble, he�ll let you know. Now, will you just relax?� �I�ll try, Mace. But, I�m not making any promises.� ***** �What now?� asked Obi-Wan as he and Xanatos exited the bar. �Let�s walk towards the Temple,� answered Xanatos, turning right as they got to the street outside. �At least that way we�ll be closer to help if we need it.� �I like the way you think,� replied Obi-Wan with a smile. The two walked on in silence for about a block, each using the Force to keep tabs on the position of the eight Force sensitives that they suspected were after them. True to Xanatos� prediction, the four from the bar had followed them outside, and were soon joined by the other four waiting on the street. When all eight started tailing them, Obi-Wan decided it was time to contact his master. *Master? * *Obi....* The bond faltered and went silent. Obi-Wan shot a panicked look at Xanatos. �What?� asked the older man, clearly feeling the young Jedi�s worry. �Something�s blocking my bond with my master,� Obi-Wan hissed worriedly. �I can�t communicate with him!� Xanatos nonchalantly slipped his hand into his cloak as they continued to walk in the direction of the Temple, pulling out a long metal cylinder. Obi-Wan�s eyes widened in surprise. �Take it easy, little brother,� said Xanatos in a calm voice. �It�s my padawan lightsaber, not...the other one. I...destroyed that one shortly after our last meeting on Telos. But, somehow I could never bring myself to get rid of this one.� �Funny, I never had you pegged as the sentimental type,� quipped Obi-Wan. Xanatos shrugged. �Well, it is mine...and besides, I�ve never found a better defensive weapon than this. I suggest you get yours ready, too, because they�re starting to close in.� ***** �What is it?� asked Mace worriedly. �It�s Obi-Wan!� said Qui-Gon as he stood up and quickly donned his robe. �He tried contacting me over our bond, but now something�s blocking it. I can�t hear him at all!� Mace was on his feet and following his friend out the door in an instant. �Can you tell where he is?� �Yes, thank the Force,� replied Qui-Gon. �Our communication is blocked, but I can still sense where he is. Fortunately, he�s not too far away.� ***** Obi-Wan whirled around and ignited his lightsaber as the Force warned him of an attack from the rear. Four sets of blasters blazed down on them at once. Automatically linking with Xanatos through the Force, the two men coordinated their movements to make their counteroffensive as deadly as possible. The fact that they were up against obviously well-trained Force sensitives was not lost on either man as they watched their opponents dodge the ricocheted blaster shots that were sent back in the enemy�s direction. They also didn�t overlook the fact that only four of their opponents were attacking them. In Obi-Wan�s mind that could only mean one thing...the other four were trying to maneuver behind them to cut off any hope of retreat. A warning from the Force seconds later confirmed that suspicion, and Obi-Wan whirled around to meet the attack on their rear front. Linked by their newly-formed connection, Obi-Wan and Xanatos fought off the attack from both sides with deadly Jedi precision. A cry behind him let Obi-Wan know that Xanatos had finally been able to bring down one of their assailants. Another cry, and the enemy was reduced to six. Suddenly, Xanatos stumbled backwards into Obi-Wan with a muffled grunt. �Xan?� yelled Obi-Wan, not daring to take his attention from his four opponents for even a second. �I�m all right!� Xanatos yelled back. �A lucky shot. It�s nothing!� �Obi-Wan!� The sound of his master�s voice was like music to Obi-Wan�s ears. *Over here, Master!* Obi-Wan realized triumphantly that their training bond was no longer blocked. Whatever power had interfered with it was not effective when he and his master were in close proximity to one another. The four assailants on Obi-Wan�s side of the battle were taken by surprise as Qui-Gon and Mace attacked from behind. As their blasters grew silent, Obi-Wan turned to aid Xanatos in dispensing with the other two. Sensing the odds were now against them, the remaining attackers turned and fled, Xanatos pursuing close behind. After a moment�s hesitation, Obi-Wan joined in the pursuit. *Obi-Wan, wait!* *Xan needs help, Master!* sent the apprentice just before he disappeared around a corner. The sound of renewed blaster fire spurred the two Jedi masters to follow a few seconds later. The sight that greeted Qui-Gon when he turned the corner made him stop in horror for a moment. Straight ahead of them, two shadowed figures lay huddled in the street, one cradling the body of the other. Breaking free of the fear that gripped his heart, Qui-Gon ran to the two men with Mace right on his heels. Kneeling down slowly, Qui-Gon reached out a shaking hand to the still figure on the ground. �How...how bad is it?� Part 7 Qui-Gon sat quietly holding the hand of the unconscious man on the healer�s bed, his eyes closed in concentration as he carefully fed Force energy to him. Bandages around the younger man�s torso marked the spot where a blaster shot had ripped into his chest. The healers had been optimistic in their prognosis, even though their patient�s survival was far from assured. At least they�d given him hope to hold onto. Feeling the touch of a compassionate hand on his shoulder, Qui-Gon looked up into the sad blue-gray eyes of his padawan. �How is he, Master?� �About the same,� he answered with a sigh as he gratefully accepted the cup of hot tea Obi-Wan had brought him. Closing his eyes again, Qui-Gon concentrated on the steady beep of the heart monitor, willing the sound to continue. �You should go home and get some rest, Padawan.� �I don�t think I could sleep right now, Master,� answered the apprentice as he took a seat beside his master. �That could just as easily be me laying there.� Qui-Gon reached over and gave Obi-Wan�s shoulder a squeeze. �I know, Padawan,� he said softly. �That shot was meant for me,� the apprentice continued. �He stepped in front of me at the last moment.� Wiping away the tears that escaped his control, Obi-Wan smile sadly at his master. �It looks like Xanatos saved my life...again.� �Yes,� sighed Qui-Gon, �it would appear that he�s making a habit of doing that of late.� ***** Xanatos groaned with pain. The pressure and fire in his chest was making it hard to breathe. Taking deep breaths only increased his discomfort. A gentle Force touch eased the pressure somewhat, and the pain receded to a more manageable level. Opening his eyes, the injured man blinked his vision into focus. �Take it easy, Xani,� said Qui-Gon as he gently lifted the man�s head so he could give him a few sips of water. �You�re safe in the Temple.� Xanatos nodded. �Obi?� he whispered hoarsely. �He�s fine. I sent him home to get some sleep,� answered the Jedi master softly. �Thank you for saving him.� Xanatos smiled and closed his eyes, drifting back to sleep. ***** �Rest you should, Qui-Gon,� admonished Yoda as he entered Xanatos� room in the healer�s wing. The Jedi master gave his former master an affectionate look. �I know, Master. I will. I�m just waiting to make sure Xanatos is out of danger.� �Still care a great deal about him you do,� stated the elderly master with a wise look. Qui-Gon looked at Yoda with sad eyes. �I know,� he whispered. �That�s what scares me so much. I...I don�t ever want to go through that pain again.� Yoda placed a hand on the other man�s leg and looked up into his face with compassion. �Trust him you do not have to, in order to be his friend.� �Master,� said Qui-Gon indulgently, �trust is a necessary element in any level of friendship.� �Still, your forgiveness he seeks,� countered Yoda. Qui-Gon shook his head. �I don�t really think he cares about that.� �Uncaring words sometimes a hurt heart will hide,� said the ancient master cryptically. Turning his head, Qui-Gon regarded his former master seriously. �You�re trying to tell me something without coming out and telling me.� �Speak with Xanatos you should,� said Yoda evasively. �Listen with your heart, not your head you must.� �Master,� said Qui-Gon with a heavy sigh, �you�re making less sense than usual.� �Get some rest, Padawan,� Yoda gently ordered. �Sit with him I will.� Taking a deep breath, Qui-Gon nodded his agreement. �I�ll be back in a few hours,� he said before walking out the door. After waiting for Qui-Gon to leave, Yoda waved his hand and closed the door with the Force. Another wave disabled all security devices in the room. That done, Yoda settled back into the chair by the bed and closed his eyes in meditation, all the while sending healing energy to the sleeping man on the bed. ***** The next time Xanatos woke, he felt another familiar presence and smiled. Turning his head, his eyes took in the sight of Master Yoda meditating in the chair. Feeling the younger man wake, Yoda opened his eyes and regarded the renegade thoughtfully. �Feeling better you are?� �Yes, Master Yoda...somewhat,� answered Xanatos slowly. �Are we alone?� �Turned off the monitoring devices I have,� blinked the elder master innocently. �They�ll blame me for that, you know,� deadpanned the injured man. Yoda smiled slyly and shrugged. �Your decision to tell it is.� �Oh, like they�d really believe me,� he smiled in response. �Well...it isn�t like I�m not used to it.� Taking a deep breath, Xanatos�s eyes grew sad. �You�ve never told Master Qui-Gon, have you?� �My place to tell it is not.� �Master...� he faltered, and then sighed, rubbing his face with both hands. �When will these cloak and dagger theatrics end?� �When dispelled the darkness is,� answered the wise old Jedi. �Agreed to this you did. Your choice it was to come to us four years ago.� �I know,� Xanatos said with a deep sigh. �I just hate hiding this from Qui-Gon. I...I hate how he still thinks I�m the enemy.� Yoda�s eyes grew sad in understanding, his ears drooping. �Tell him you could.� �He�d never believe me.� �Faithfulness the key is,� answered Yoda. �Trust once broken, twice hard to repair is.� Xanatos looked at the ancient master for a long moment before nodding in agreement. �I�m going to be paying for my mistakes the rest of my life.� �This attack...� said Yoda, changing the subject, �on you it was?� �I think so, Master,� answered Xanatos, �but, it could have just as well been on Obi-Wan. Or, Sidious could have been trying to kill two birds with one stone. I think he�s greatly disturbed that Obi-Wan and I have been spending time together.� �Knows, you think he does?� �Oh, Master Yoda,� answered Xanatos with a familiar smirk, �you�d be surprised what he knows. But, his sudden interest in getting rid of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon has me puzzled.� �Foreseen something he has.� �Yes...� pondered Xanatos almost to himself. �I believe you may be right.� �A pivital role they will play in the future,� agreed Yoda. �A great knight Obi-Wan will be.� �And Qui-Gon?� �Hard to see that is,� said Yoda sadly. �Yes,� agreed Xanatos. �I fear I�m running out of time to make my peace with him,� he said blinking his eyes wearily. �Do you still think my friendship with Obi-Wan is a good idea? It may be putting him in even more danger.� �Need you he will in the future,� answered Yoda sadly. �Gods, I hope you�re wrong about that, Master.� �Rest you should,� said Yoda softly. �Come to see you later Master Gallia will.� Xanatos nodded slowly, his eyes already closing in exhaustion. He was back asleep before Yoda had exited the room. Part 8 �So, you want to tell me who was behind this attack?� asked Qui-Gon. Xanatos had improved quite a bit over the preceding few days and was now able to sit up in bed unassisted, and was eating solid foods. �Qui-Gon, you wouldn�t believe me if I told you.� Qui-Gon sat stiffly in the chair by the bed, arms crossed, face serious. �Try me.� The younger man shot him a defiant look. �Alright. What would you say if I told you a powerful dark-side user had sent them?� Shock played briefly across the Jedi master�s face. �You mean a Sith?� �I don�t know that I�d go that far, but he is powerful...and well connected.� �How do you know this?� Xanatos gave him a familiar smirk. �Let�s just say he tried to recruit me shortly after I broke with you.� �I�m surprised you didn�t take up with him then,� retorted the older man. �I imagine he offered you all kinds of enticements.� �Oh, he did,� smiled Xanatos. �But, you see I�d just gotten rid of one master...the last thing I wanted was another one.� Qui-Gon gave him an unbelieving look. �Are you trying to tell me that he�s been after you ever since?� �Oh no!� chuckled Xanatos. �He�s only been after me since my refusal to kill you when you were my guests on Romedin. You remember when I was called away by that incoming communication? That was him. Ask Hermano if you don�t believe me. He witnessed the entire conversation.� �How convenient that no one knows where Hermano is,� said the Jedi master sarcastically. �As a matter of fact, he�s on Alderaan,� offered Xanatos. �You don�t think I�d leave him and Patri unprotected, do you?� �Why not? Loyalty was never one of your strong suits.� Hurt flashed momentarily in Xanatos� eyes. �I suppose I deserved that,� he said softly. Qui-Gon sighed deeply, closing his eyes momentarily. �I�m sorry. That was uncalled for.� �No, if ever anything was called for, that was it.� Xanatos stared at Qui-Gon silently a few moments, weighing his next words carefully. �I�m...sorry for all the hurt I caused you back then. I wish I could say that I hadn�t meant to, but at the time I did.� �Hey, Xan!� interrupted Obi-Wan as he entered the room smiling. �You�re looking a hundred percent better!� �Thanks, Obi,� smiled Xanatos. �You�re looking a great deal better, yourself.� �Yeah, well just don�t scare me like that anymore,� quipped the young Jedi. �I just talked to your healer outside. He says they�ll be releasing you at the end of the week.� �How about that?� chuckled Xanatos. �And just when I was starting to think they were trying to kill me with this slop they call food.� Obi-Wan�s face grew serious. �Where will you go, Xan?� �Don�t worry about me, little brother,� Xanatos assured him. �I�ll be okay.� ***** Qui-Gon walked with his former padawan to the front entrance of the Temple. The healers had released Xanatos that morning, saying he was now well enough to be on his own. �Do you need any help getting home?� �No,� answered Xanatos, �I�ll be fine.� The two men stood facing each other for a moment, each searching for something in the face of the other. �Well,� said Xanatos finally. �I�ll see you around.� �Xani,� said Qui-Gon softly as the other man turned to go. �Here,� he said, pulling the younger man�s lightsaber from the sleeve of his robe and handing it to him. �You�ll probably be needing this.� Gratitude flashed briefly over Xanatos� face before being replaced by his customary sarcastic look. �Thanks,� he said softly, and then walked away without another word. Qui-Gon stared after him long after he�d disappeared into the Coruscant crowd. �Stay safe, Padawan,� he said quietly before turning to go back into the Temple. The End |