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Disclaimer: No money was made off of the writing of this story. The use of any copy righted charters, places, or things is not meant as steeling.

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Light, terrible, blinding light. He opened his eyes. This isn't right, he thought to himself looking around. He lie on the floor, tangled in blankets and clothes. His head ached. It took him a moment to figure out where he was.

..... The Temple!!! he thought, this, its not posable... Then he heard it, someone knocked on his door. He quickly stood, coming out of his dream, and unruffling his cloths.

Stepping into the common room he spoke as he fumbled for the key pad, "Enter."

Obi-Wan Kenobi? Qui-Gon was shocked... but then he remembered... No one else would take him then. I have already told him no once.

"Master Jinn," Obi-Wan said entering the room with a bow, "thank you for seeing me."

"Welcome Obi-Wan, what can I do for you?"

"Master Jinn, I have come to ask you if you would be my teacher, if you would take me as your Padawan," his head was bowed as he braced himself for another no.

"Sit, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, a bit more commanding than he had intended. He watched the twelve year old boy, move swiftly to the couch and sit obediently.

"Surly, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon spoke, this is a test, he thought, "I am not your first choice?"

Obi-Wan appeared calm, but his writhing hands betrayed him, "Master Jinn I meant no disrespect-"

Qui-Gon cut him off sharply, "That is not what I asked."

"No master Jinn," Obi-Wan dropped his eyes to he ground, "you where not my first choice, but then the choice is not mine at any rate. I can ask any Jedi Knight or Master without a Padawan to be my Master, but the choice is not mine."

Qui-Gon smiled, but Obi-Wan didn't see it, he was still staring at his feet.

"Look at me Obi-Wan."

He did.

"How old are you, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked, he knew it was an uncomfortable question for Obi-Wan, but being twelve, he should have been taken as a Padawan two or more years years ago, he had to face this.

"Twelve," he answered slightly ashamed.

"Why are you not yet apprenticed to another Jedi, yet?" Qui-Gon prodded.

"Master Jinn..." his words trailed off, "I have needed to learn some more of discipline. I...I am ashamed to say that I can be diffident if I think the reasons are right."

"And so," Qui-Gon rebutted, "you think you�ve been right over Jedi Knights and Masters before?"

This is a trap, Obi-Wan knew it, but he decided if he didn't lie at least he'd has his self-respect, even if it kept him from ever becoming a Knight. "Y-Yes," he mumbled.

Qui-Gon paused a long moment mussing in his mind, though he already knew his answer: "Your conviction and honesty are in good order. Because of this, I will take you as my Padawan. Because you didn�t lie to me even though you thought the truth might ruin your last chance of ever becoming a Jedi Knight. What time is it Obi-Wan?"

"It is 07:00," he answered, trying to keep a calm appearance over all his joy and excitement.

"Your first lesson then, will be patience... Come back and get me at 10:00, and I will formally announce to the council that I have accepted you as my Padawan Learner."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan bowed and quickly left the room.

Once outside the door he couldn't contain his excitement and more, he ran down the hall to his friend's room. Qui-Gon chucked to himself, having easily felt him run off. Having calmed a bit by the time he got to his friend�s room Obi-Wan knocked on the door. Master Tel-Ke answered.

"Hello Master Tel-Ke, is Dunton available?"

"Yes, I'll send him out to you."

"Thank you master."

A short moment latter Dunton came out, "Obi-Wan, what's up?"

"You won't believe... Qui-Gon has decided, he's agreed to take me at his Padawan. He's going to anounce it to the council at 10:00. I can't believe it�s finally happened, two years late, but I'll take it."

"That's great Obi-Wam," Dunton said gleefully, "you better get your hair cut though." He smiled and messed Obi-Wan's hair with one hand, "It's already too long."

"Yes, a hair cut and a braid,� he said irreverently, I get ot have a Padawan braid, "well no braid yet, but I have to remember to have them leave the hair for one." A wide smile spread across his face, "Will you come with me for first meal, I must have a little celebration."

"Of course, Obi," Dunton answered mirroring his smile, "it is a very important day for you."

They trotted off to the cafeteria happily. "Do you know?" Dunton asked, "what has changed his mind?"

"He says my honesty," they laughed, "but I've always been honest and willing to take risks to keep myself honest. I think it must be something ells."

Dunton shrugged, "Who knows?"

They took trays and picked out their food before taking seats together, but a bit apart from the others, "I'm so excited, I can hardly wait." They talked giddily, amongst themselves and ate quickly.

"I have to go now," Obi-Wan said, "I have to get my hair cut."

"Go," Dunton said, "and get ready, and cleaned up." Dunton teased touching Obi-Wan's robe pretending to be disappointed. They smiled, bowed properly and then Obi-Wan went flying down the hall toward the grooming room.

"Hello, Obi-Wan," Adra said gesturing to a chair, "time for a haircut again?" She smiled, again, she thought.

"Yes," his eyes sparkled, "but do leave a bit behind my ear."

"Do tell me," Adra smiled brightly, her excitement evident, "have you been taken for a Padawan?"

"Yes," Obi-Wan beamed, "Master Jinn has agreed to take me as his Padawan."

She smiled gently back at him, "You are a lucky boy, Master Jinn is an excellent teacher. Well then, a clean hair cut, with hair left behind your right ear for a barde. I'll have you looking good for your formal announcement."

"Thank you." he said graciously. The hair cut didn't take long. Obi-Wan had enough time to head to the fresher, clean himself, polish his boots, and put on fresh clothes. Then he had a half an hour to wait, he decided to meditate a bit. When he finished he had just a few minutes left to walk to Qui-Gon's apartment, he got there exactly on time.

Qui-Gon heard a gentle knock on the door, he's very punctual today, good, "Enter," he said flatly.

Obi-Wan entered, "Hello Master Jinn," he gave a proper bow then came further into the room.

"Hello Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon greeted him kindly, "Good, you've had a hair cut, I was hoping you would."

"Yes master," he smiled, "I am well groomed."

Qui-Gon chuckled under his breath, "Very well then, shall we proceeded" I have called the concil to meet us in five minutes."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered obediently, following Qui-Gon out of the room and down the hall toward the Council room.

The door opened for them and they where greeted by Master Windu, "Welcome, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan."

"Thank you for seeing us," Qui-Gon said all politeness in his voice as he and Obi-Wan gave a formal bow.

"Speak," said Yoda, "you have called us here , for what purpose?"

Qui-Gon stood well before Obi-Wan who stood silently, arms folded, hands in selves, picture of obedience and disaplin. "I have come to request to take Obi-Wan Kenobi as my Padawan learner."

"I suspected," Master Windu said, "as much."

"The boy," Yoda interrupted, "how does he feel about it?"

"He approached me," Qui-Gon answered, "and I accepted him."

"Very well then," Master Windu said, standing, "Obi-Wan Kenobi, if you accept, this council appoints you the title of Jedi Padawan. Do you accept?"

"Yes, Master Windu, I do," Obi-Wan said, it was hard for him to keep an even tone through his excitement.

"Good," Yoda said, "Good this is. Tye his barde Qui-Gon, and he shall be your Padawan learner."

Qui-Gon smiled very briefly at Obi-Wan after he turned, so none ells could see. He had almost to kneel, Obi-Wan was so much smaller than he, but Qui-Gon managed to keep a dignified posture as he quickly bradded the stitch of hair, left hanging behind Obi-Wan's ear,it was about an inch long. Then he tied it with a blue sting, just long enough to knot.

Then Qui-Gon knelt before him, "Obi-Wan Kenobi," he said his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders, "I take you as my Padawan Learner. I take upon myself the responsibility for teaching you and guiding you in the ways of the force and of good. Obi-Wan I swear to you my loyalty and my oath to you to always do anything, go anywhere to keep you safe so long as you are my Padawan Learner." Qui-Gon smiled, standing.

Now Obi-Wan spoke with a formal bow to the council, "Masters of the council, I accept the title of Jedi Padawan and the responsibilities there entailed. Master Qui-Gon Jinn," Obi-Wan looked warmly at him, and kneeled, "I swear myself to you, that I will be ever mindful and vigilant of all you say an do; that I will be obedient and learn as you teach. I swear that I will be your humble student, your Padawan until you and this council see me fit to face the trials. Master, I pledge myself to you as your Padawan." Obi-Wan's eyes watered, he had really meant the words he spoke; but he would not let the tears fall, not here.

Obi-Wan stood beside his master and Mace Windu spoke, "Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, remember well your oaths today, for you will be held to them, forget them not."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed in response. Then Yoda spoke, "Time for you to bond there not, for a mission, assigned to you we have, Qui-Gon."

"Yes, master," it sounded so strange to Obi-Wan's ears for Qui-Gon to sound so submissive.

"Take with Obi-Wan, you will," Yoda continued, "your mission is to go to Sendara. Oversee the signing of a treaty there, you will. Assist in any way posable, you will. There are two races native to the planet Sendarians and Trendaras. In bloody civil war they have been for many years now. End it, this must."

"Yes, master," Qui-Gon bowed.

"You are to mediate," Master Windu said flatly, "and insure that the treaty signed is truly fair."

"Yes, master," Qui-Gon answered again. His Padawan standing silently behind him.

"You will need to pack," Master Windu concluded their meeting, "your ship leaves in one hour. May the force be with you."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spoke in unasin, "May the force be with you." They bowed and left. Obi-Wan followed obediently behind.

"Padawan," Qui-Gon said remembering the joy that he felt at that word on his lips, "I will arrange to have your things brought to our apartment while we are gone. But now you must go and get three changes of cloths, and be sure one set is street clothes. Gather anything ells you need as well. Meet me back at the apartment when you�re ready to go."

"Yes, master," the words rolled off his lips with strange east, he liked", being at this man's discretion. He bowed and left in the opposite direction down the hall from Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon went to his apartment, I'll have to move all of Xanathos" things. He let out a long sigh, five years and he still couldn�t part with Xanathos. Quickly, he gathered all things from the second bedroom, except for the generic furnishings: sheets, blankets, ect. Qui-Gon tucked all the things he had collected into the closet in his room. Then he picked up the bag he kept ever packed with four sets of clothes(one set was street clothes), a pair of boots, and various other survival gear. He took it with him into the common room just as he heard Obi-Wan knock on the door, "Enter."

Obi-Wan entered and bowed, "I am ready, master." He had a small pack on his back.

"Padawan," Qui-Gon smiled warmly, "this isyour apartment also now. You do not need to request entrance."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered softly.

"We must leave now," Qui-Gon said gently, "are you sure you have all you need?"

"Yes, master," he wanted to ask for a com link, but resisted the urge, it was not his place to ask for anything.

Qui-Gon produced something small from the folds of his clothes, "Here, so we can keep in contact if we get separated. The green button gives you a dedicated line to me, the red one gives you a line to whomever is on the frequency and me,” Qui-Gon fitted the ear cuff on Obi-Wan's right ear, his braid all but hid it, "Push once for on and again for off. Test it."

Obi-Wan touched the top button, "Master, do you here me?" he whispered, then touched the button again.

"Yes, Padawan," came his master's response. The voice was strange, slightly distorted, and seemed to sound from within his head rather than from his master's lips.

"Though anyone can hear what you speak at the moment, no one but me or whom ever is on the frequency can hear the transmission."

"We have to stop by the heeler's ward on the way out," Qui-Gon cringed, "We have to get vaccinated for the Sendarian flue, and Karakas' Ulmulstur."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan said softly, following his master out of the room and to the Healer's Ward. It only took five minutes, sign a few papers proving who they where and that they received the vaccines, and then one shot.

Now they where riding the turbo lift to docking by 16, Paddock C. "We've been given a class A/Coruscant G-10 long distance personnel transport. Obi-Wan what do you know about this type of ship?" Qui-Gon asked.

"It's a very good defensive ship," Obi-Wan answered, "it's shields are excellent, they can with stand energy blast cannons and projectiles, but as far as offense, it�s very lacking: all it has in the manor of weapons is medium and short range blasters, that can�t penetrate anything with shields better that it's own."

"Do you think it's a good choice for our mission?" Qui-Gon continued to question, happy with Obi-Wan's previous answer.

"Yes, master, I do think it is a good choice," Obi-Wan answered quite sure of himself, "for two reasons: First of all we are on a mission of peace, with no forceable need for conflict, and secondly, because we are sent to be mediators. The people we go to see may be offended or worst yet, they might become enraged if we come baring great arms."

"Your perspective is in good order," Qui-Gon smiled one of those unrevealing, but pleasant smiled, "you have learned much of patience and diplomatic nuances in the last few years sense we�ve spoken last."

"Thank you, master," Obi-Wan said as he followed his master off of the turbo lift and toward their ship.

"Good morning, Caption," both said and bowed slightly as they stepped onboard the ship.

"I immagion," Qui-Gon spoke with Caption Martious, "that council has stocked us with supplies for three weeks?"

"Yes," she answered pleasantly, "the council has well stocked us with supplies and I have a crew of four including myself, an engineer, medick, a navigator, and then me."

"Very well," Qui-Gon nodded his approval, "when are do we shove off?"

"Ten minutes," she smiled at Obi-Wan, "I've never seen you before, you must be Obi-Wan Kenobi?" She reached out her hand to his.

"Yes, m'am," he bowed and accepted her hand, "I am."

"Have you ever been in a class A/Coruscant G-10?" she asked a hint of boasting in her voice.

"No," Obi-Wan answered flatly, "but I have studied them."

"Not one like this," she winked, "this is my baby, I've granted her a few modifications over the years. She's fast as a fighter, but of course I’m not aloud to modify the weapons." She smiled brightly, it really was her baby, she loved nothing else like she loved that ship. And she needed no man to keep her company in it. This woman exuded confidence, and capability.

"Shall we then?" Qui-Gon asked out of politeness toward Caption Martious, but Obi-Wan knew it was meant more as an order to him.

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan bowed at the Caption and then followed his master into the ship.

When they got into their quarters Obi-Wan sat on his bed debating in his head weather or not to ask his question. "Padawan?" Qui-Gon sensed his questioning thoughts, though he could not pinpoint the question.

"Yes, master?" Obi-Wan answered submissively.

"Speak your mind," Qui-Gon let out a long disapproving sigh, "it is not appriate to ask questions informant of others, but I do not want you wondering about my motives or reasoning. When we are alone, speak your mind, but do mind your place."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan was a bit shocked but hid it well, or at least he thought he did, "I was wondering, the way you ushered me off, did I do something inappropriate when I was speaking with the Caption?"

"Well," Qui-Gon cleared his throughout, "yes and no. You see, the conversation in and of it’s self was fine, weather or not she would have started it, but as we are about to leave, her rightful place is abroad the bridge. Weather or not she thinks she needs to be there, we should not keep her from it even if she would not go to the bridge anyway. You see, while she is here for the sole purpose of helping us, namely in getting us to Sinadan, I am outside of her chain of command, and she is outside of ours, so neither of us can give orders to the other, and if either of us where to, we would not be required to follow them. You see her crew takes orders form her, and you take orders from me, but the Jedi and the Republic Guard to not give interrelated orders, for we are compleately separate." Obi-Wan nodded in understanding.

"Now I want to meditate with you for a few hours before second meal," Qui-Gon said sitting cross legged on the floor and folding his arms, Obi-Wan followed suit sitting so he face his master, "I'm hopping we can bond a bit in the next few days before we get to Sendara."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan agreed, letting just the slightest hint of his happiness color his words, "I hope we can as well."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sat in silent meditation for three hours concentrating and focusing on each other. They told stories of themselves through their thoughts, as they peered inside eachother's heads, and projected their feelings about each other and their new situation. After their long and useful meditation session Qui-Gon stretched out his long lumbering limbs, "Obi-Wan I should like to spar with you a bit, for it just dawned on me that I know not you skill level with almost anything."

Obi-Wan smiled, "Certainly master." Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon to the common room on the ship (it was actually meant to serv as a mess hall and place for entertaining dignitaries, but the Jedi and members of the Republic Guard often used it as a practice room.

They went to the center of the room, having moved all the furniture to the walls, they bowed and took ready stance and powered up their light sabers, assuring that they where on the lowest posable level by touching the blades to their forearm. Qui-Gon was suprized at his young Padawan patience, he waited for more than ten minutes not moving, he would force his master to strike first. Smart, Qui-Gon thought, good move, but I’m afraid, you'll still have much to learn from me. Qui-Gon smiled, but Obi-Wan’s face stayed blank, he waited.

Then suddenly as Qui-Gon was about to strike, Obi-Wan cough him off guard, Obi-Wan whirled around and touched his saber to his master's neck and quickly removed it, powering off the blade. Very, good, Qui-Gon smiled brightly, "You read body language well."

"Thank you master," Obi-Wan let a smile escape across his lips, but he managed to keep it appropriately unrevealing, “I do not mean to brag, master, but it is my best subject."

"Indeed," Qui-Gon agreed, "Again."

They bowed and took ready stance again. This time Qui-Gon did not wait an instent, the moment his feet hit the ground in redy stance he berashed Obi-Wna with a massive assult of saber attacks. Again Qui-Gon was impressed he lasted fifteen minouts untill finally Qui-Gon brought his saber to Obi-Wans torso, carful not to singe his clothing. They switched off their blades and bowed. Obi-Wan smiled brightly, he truly enjoyed this, I haven’t had such a good sparing apponent in a long time, he thought to himself happily. "Your skill impresses me," Qui-Gon finally let out the complament, "but are your skills as sharp in other arieas, or do you spend all your days in practis rooms?"

"No, master," Obi-Wan answered flatly, "I do not spend all of my time in combat training. I also have an affinity to machines," he smiled croukedly, "they tend not to like me, but I've never met one yet, that when it broke to spite me, that I couldn't fix." He was unshure how his master would react to that comment, and he regreted it as soon as it rolled off his lips, I do not mean to seem so aragoent.

Tankfually, Qui-Gon chided gently, not really repremanding him, "Be wary of your confadence, Obi-Wan. Confadence is good, but do not let it lead you to arragonce."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered obediently.

"Are you ready for seckond meal?" Qui-Gon asked, but he could tell Obi-Wan was hungy sence they had finished meditating, he has learned much of dissaplin, in the last two years.

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan said resisting the urge to runn off to the cubbards.

"What would you like?" Qui-Gon asked, "I'll see if we have it."

"Well," Obi-Wan thought, he'd never been asked what he wanted to eat before, I mean he had choices, out of what was provided, but never the soul choice, "Shicken Sofrito," Obi-Wan said jokingly, as he let a laugh slip past his lips.

"Well," Qui-Gon thought for a moment, "if we have the stuff you are more than welcome to make it, but trust me you do not want me to make it." Boath of them chuckled.

"Forgive me master," Obi-Wan smiled, "but word of your cooking has reached even my ears." They chuckled again.

"I do doubt," Obi-Wan said, "that we have the proper aminities to prepair it. But I’d go for chicken and vegtabuls."

"Alright then," Qui-Gon smiled, "I'll start the cooking. You go and ask the crew if they're redy for seckond meal."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan said and bowed before going for the door.

"Padawan," Qui-Gon stopped him, "be shure to ask the Caption if its OK for us to offer a meal to her crew before you ask them if they'd like to eat."

"Yes, master," Obi-Wan answered and walked out the door.

"Caption Martious?" Obi-Wan said after knocking on her door.

"Who is it?" came a sharp reply.

"Obi-Wan," he bit his lip, "if I am inturupting you I can return later."

"No," Caption Martious said her voice softening, "Enter." Obi-Wan heard a few computer beeps, and blips and the the door opened.

"Caption Martious," Obi-Wan said stepping just inside the door and bowing, "my master has bid me come and ask you if you and your crew would like seckond meal, as we are prepairing it for oursleves?"

"Yes," The Caption answered, "I apreshiate your asking me first. Come sit," she said gesturing to a chair as she put down her book and sat up in her bed.

"Thank you, for the offer," Obi-Wan bowed, "Caption Martious, but I must return to my master."

"Certinally," Caption Martious said flatly, "I'll see you in the common room shortly."

"I will see you then," Obi-Wan said bowing and then left the room. He went to each crew member and asked them if they'd like seckond meal, all agreded, but two of them where not aloud to leave their posts for several hours. Obi-Wan ashured them it would be no problem for him to bring them the food.

“Master,” Obi-Wan said entering the common room again, “all have requested seckond meal. I will have to deliver the food to Jonas and Tatlma-Tal, as they cannot yet leave their posts.”

“Very well,” Qui-Gon said taking anouther chicken out of the cooler and throwing in in a brine, “Here, Obi-Wan, would you chop the vegtabuls?”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said obediently and took a chef’s knige from the butcher’s block. There where onions, peppers, carriots, celery, a wide variety of tomates, three diffrent squash and a handfull of new patatoes. Soon Qui-Gon had the chicken skinned, deboned, and chopped. He heated a large skilet with a pat of butter and therew everything togeather in the pan with some garlick. It only took about twenty minouts berore he was done. He tossed it on six plates and handed two to Obi-Wan, “See that Jonas and Tatlma-Tal get fed first.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said obediently and quickly left the room with the hevally laden plates. A few moments latter he returned and Caption Martious, and Letunet Dar-Den Rey, her navigational officer, sat in the common room with Qui-Gon eating.

“Take a seat and eat with us,” Caption Martious offered rubbing the seat of a chair next to her. Obi-Wan was growing very cautous about her growing comfurt with his presence. He looked to his master who made no objection. So Obi-Wan took his plate from the kitchen and sat in his proper place at his master’s side. The dissapointment was clear on Caption Martious’ face, she had wanted him to sit near her.

“Hello,” Obi-Wan spoak to the Lutenet, “Lutenet Dar-Den Ray, I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

He extended his hand in greeting and Dar took it gently in a hand shake, “Call me Dar,” he smiled.

“OK, Dar,” Obi-Wan smiled pleasently at him, “how are you today?”

“I’m doing well,” he said shuvling food into his mouth with his right hand, his left rested on his left kneen, unmoving.

“Good to hear it,” Obi-Wan said eating slowly, politely, hungry as he was.

“So,” the caption intrupted unimpeeded, “am I alowed to ask why we’re headed to Sendara?”

Qui-Gon turned his head to look at her, “Obi-Wan and I are going to mediate the nagtioation for the sigining of a treety between the Sindarians and Trendaras. The councle hopes that this treety will finally put an end to their civle war, so we can begin the peace process.”

“A noble cause,” she noded looking at Obi-Wan, “what do you think Obi-Wan? Do you think it will do any good?” Obi-Wan blushed, but used the force to calm himself and remove the color from his cheeks, the Caption is shamless, he thought.

“Yes,” Obi-Wan answered flatly looking to his master who had no dissaproval, but caution on his face, “anything that will even start a dialect between waring peoples is worth it, even if in the end it is not what ends the war, it is was starts the end.”

The Caption shook her head, “Typical aloof, Jedi answer,” she grumbled under her breath softly, but made no attempt to not be hurd.

Qui-Gon shot a sturn, dissapproving look at her, but said nothing of it and quickly returned to small talk with the Lutenet to his left. Obi-Wan also began to speak with the Lutenet again, whail the Caption sulked for a bit. Affter a few moments the Caption rejoined the converstation. After a long talk Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exscused themselvs, and whent back to their room.

Onece the door shut behind then Obi-Wan spoak, “Master?”

“Yes, Padawan?” Qui-Gon inquierd, fairly shure what he ould ask.

“Master, Caption Martious worries me,” he sighed and sat on his bed, “she’s shamlessly coming onto me, and its all I can do just to stay away from her.”

“Be polite,” Qui-Gon said reashuringly, “and do as you have been. Keep a physical and emotional distence. She may not stop but you can prevent her from getting her goal. You are doing well, do not worrie about it too much. I believe, that if you continue to ignore her, eventually, she will give up and loose intrest. Caption Martious is one of thoes people that like the chace, the hunt, but if you give her neither, I think she will grow board with you.”

“Thank you, master,” Obi-Wan said as a look of relief came over him, at least he noticed it too. “What are we to do for the rest of the day, master?”

“I am giving you the rest of the day off,” Qui-Gon smiled at him, “to explore the ship.”

“Thank you master,” Obi-Wan smiled, “is there a spesific time you would like me back?”

“No, I’ll call you when its time to come back,” Qui-Gon smiled back at him, “go have a little fun.”

“Thank you master,” Obi-Wan said bowing formally before he left the room. Obi-Wan headed strait for the bridge.

“Letunet Dar-Den Rey,” Obi-Wan addressed him very formally, “may I have promission to observ you on the bridge?”

“I told you to call me Dar,” he smiled, “and yes, promission granted.”

“Sorry, Dar,” Obi-Wan smiled back at him, “old habits diy hard, I’m so used to formal titles.”

“So know anything about this kind of ship?” Dar asked.

“Only what I’ve learned in a classroom,” Obi-Wan answered, “this is the frist time I’ve been on a class A/3Cursant G-10. The closest thing I’ve been on would be a class M2D/Curasont A-01 civilan transport. It was nothing like this.”

Dar chuckled, “Given that this is a military ship I don’t doubt that.”

“So,” would you show me around the controlls?” Obi-Wan asked, “if you’re not too buisy.”

“No, no, I’m not buissy at all,” Dar answered, “actually I was begining to get boored up here by myself.”

Dar brought Obi-Wan over to the main controll panle, “Here, this is main forward and rear thrusters, this one controlls pitch and yaw. This one controlls roll. The turets, are one below and one abuve,” he pointed to a ladded that went up into and down in to narrow tunles in the bulkheads, “that’s about it. It’s not to exciting, but Allison Kenrs here,” he patted the controol concle, “she’s a good ship. Got us out of some harry situations before.”

Obi-Wan smiled, “She’s a beauty.”

“I do what I can,” Dar said, he had pride for this ship, for the work his hands had done on it, “she’s my never ending project.” They boath laughed a bit and talked for a long whail. Dar was quick to show all the controlls on the bridge. Infact they talked for several hours, untill Obi-Wan was hungry for last meal.

“Dar,” Obi-Wan said standing from a seat at the helm, “I’m off to get seckond meal, would you like me to bring you back somthing?”

“I would apreshiate it,” Dar answered.

“OK,” Obi-Wan said, “I’ll see what I can ruslte up.” He gave a formal bow and left the room.

Obi-Wan heded to his quarters, to see if his master would like last meal, but he wasn’t there. Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders, he felt nothing unusual in the force, so he figured Qui-Gon was just off doing something. Obi-Wan proceded to the common room.

There he found all the makings for a roasted duck and root vegtabuls. He also found a loaf of bread and butter. Two hours latter Obi-Wan apreared on the bridg again. He carried two large platters and used the force to bring along two plates, a tea ketle and two cups, and the apropriate silverwair, and carving wair. Dar was a bit supprised at the spectical that Obi-Wan was. Obi-Wan willed the dishes to the small tabe at the nevigatior’s station and set down the platters, one with the duck and root vegtabuls and the other, smaller had some fresh frout and a few thick slices of buttered bread. “My this is a feast fit for a king!” Dar exclamed excitedly, rubbing his hands togeather hungerally.

“Well, it is a little much for two isn’t it?” Obi-Wan admited, “I had hopped my master and the crew would join us, but your other crew members are sleeping, and my master, I’m not shure where he is.”

“Well then” Dar smiled, and chuckled, “they’re stuck with left overs.”

Obi-Wan made up the plates and they ate at a leashurly pace, truly enjoying the food. “I hope Qui-Gon wouldn’t be upset,” Dar teased, “if I said his Padawan’s cooking bested his own.” The two laughed almost histarically and just then the door to the bridge opened and Qui-Gon entered.

Obi-Wan corrected himself promptly stopping his laughter and sitting up strait and clearing his face of exprestion, “Good evening, master, I have made last meal if you would like to join us?”

Qui-Gon smiled warmly, “It looks excelent,” it was only then that Obi-Wan noticed his master had a plate and silverwhere in his hands, “I could smell that duck across the ship, I’ve come to eat,” he said jokingly. They all laughed and ate and talked for a few hours.

Then at last their evining came to an end, “I have enjoyed your conversation,” Dar said, “but, Naton has come to relieve me,” he jestured to the young man who had joined them an hour agao, “and I really must sleep.”

“Its quite alright,” Qui-Gon said smiling, “Obi-Wan and I should be off as well.” With that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood and said in somewhat off kilter unison, “Good night gentalmen,” bowed and left.

“Padawan,” Qui-Gon askeed gently as the walked back tward their quarters, “what have you learned today?”

“Enough to fly the ship,” Obi-Wan said flatly, “and that Dar is a good man, he has three kinds and a wife, you know? He’s a good and compassitonate man. He loves his work, but he tells me after his turm is up next year he’s retiyering to his family. He’s served four turms... Enlisted when he was 15.”

“I know,” Qui-Gon agreeded, “I could feel he was a good man, a family man sence I had my first conversation with him.”

When they got into their quarters, Qui-Gon sat on the floor in the meditation position, Obi-Wan followed suit, “I want to see if we can create our bond tonight.”

They meditated for hours before they felt it happen, Obi-Wan didn’t even realize it for a long moment, but Qui-Gon new instantly from his two Padawans before. He could tell Obi-Wan wasn’t even awair of their bond grounding it’s self at the bace of their sculls. Qui-Gon projected an immage, one from his childhood... The seas of his home world, bright orange with the strange algi that grew in them. Obi-Wan was so supprised at the sudden welling of warmth in his mind that he almost broke concentration. Then he knew, knew what this immage ment, knew how it made his master feel, as it now made him feel. Then suddenty, it dawned on Obi-Wan what this ment... The bond, you remember you where told about it as a young student. And yet they never really explained it, this bond between Master and Padawan. Now Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked up at his master’s face to find him sitting still and smiling at him.

“Master I,” he couldn’t explaine the happnies, the pleashure, the hope that it, this feeling, this bond, this ability to become more intamant with his master, it made him so fufilled.

“I know,” Qui-Gon smiled warmly, “this is the third time I’ve felt it, Obi-Wan, but it is diffrent with each Padawan. It is special with each Padawan. Someday, Padawan, you will understand what I mean. When you take your first Padawan and goin in with them in such a bond, you will understand. All things come full circle, Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan beemed, “Yes, master. I have pashience, but I am looking forward to that experiance... Master, I? I was wondering, does the bond break when a Padawan becomes a Knight?”

“No, Padawan,” Qui-Gon shook his head, “it breaks when you enter into anouther such bond with a Padawan of your own. You see it takes an enormous amount of dedication and effort to keep such a stroung and intamit bond, and so any Jedi can shair it with only one person at a time.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said agnoledging his point, “I understand.”

“You can actually speak through this bond, but it takes practis,” Qui-Gon continued, “that’s why I gave you the com. link, but you can use it as sort of a honing beacon with the force emedioutly, by reaching out to me with the bond through the force. It is also very useful for sending and picking up on our emotions and feelings: happyness, anger, dissaproval, agreement, aproval, sadness, and so on. It will take time for you to properly project all the complexities of your feelings, but that ability will come with practice. You can also send simple immages, as I have alredy shown you. Also, Padawan, it is like an open line, anything you or I feel will be scent to the other, unless you conshously block it. If you desire privacy, Padawan, it will never upset me, if you put up a shield or block certin things, but I may worrie. So, do expect questioning if you do it often or for a long period of time.”

“Yes, of course, master,” Obi-Wan said understanding, “though I have nothing to keep from you.”

“Not now, you don’t,” Qui-Gon said and smiled brightly, “just wait untill the first time I really piss you off.” He was bairly able to stiffle his laugter, “It will happen sooner or latter, Padawan, believe me.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan agreeded, “no one is without fault or error.”

“Indeed,” Qui-Gon agreed.

“Time for bed, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said, “we can discuss this furthur tomorrow, if you wish. Today has been tiyering, working on astablishing this bond is very exosting, mentally, emotionally.”

“Yes, master.” Obi-Wan stood, took out a pair of shorts and when to the fresher, he changed, and brushed his teeth. Whail he was doing that he noticed his braid was loose, when he touched it he realuzed why, “My confounded hair never stops growing, it’s only been twelve hours.” He untiyed it slowly, being shure not to matt or break the strands of hair in his fingers. He brouched out the hairs gently with the small brush in his grooming kit. Then he braided the hair again tightly, and secured it with the blue string at the length the origanal braid had been tiyed, then he continued the braid down the new half inch of hair and secured it with a stich of broun thred from with in his cloke somewhere. From now on, it would always be like this, his hair would grow an inch or an inch and a half every two to three weeks. Each time he would tiy the blue string at the origanal length and each sucessive string at it’s origonal length, and then add a new string. It wasn’t for noting his time spent as a Padawan or anything so important, the placing of all the diffrent strings it simply is how the first Padawans in the Jedi order decided to do it, so every other Padawan has sence been instructed to do so. It’s one of thoes traditions, no one understands, but everyone respects. With time, people would note how fast his hair grew based upon his age and the number of tiys around his Padawan Braid.

For now he washed his face and went to bed, “Good night, master,” he said pulling the sheets over his body.

“Good night, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said, alredy in bed and he turned to rest on his side facing the wall. His eyelids fell closed hevily and they boath where asleep.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spent the next several days, mostly on free time, thought they did have daily meditation, sparing, kata practising, philisophical lessons and so on. Obi-Wan spent most of his free time getting to know the crew, avoiding the Caption, and learning all the ins and outs of the ship. He also cooked most of the meals, much to the delight of the crew.

On the seventh day, the day they’d reach Sindaren space, after seckond meal:

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spared, and it had become an enjoyment for the crew to watch, theough they where always mindful to ask Qui-Gon for his permission first, usually he agreed.

“Master Jimm,” Naton asked as the sparing sesstion came to an end, “do you ever practice, unarmed combat?”

“We do,” Qui-Gon answered, he did not like it, “but we stroungly ubject to it unless it has a spacific purpouse... It can leed combat to a personal place, where we do not want to go.”

“Master Jinn,” Naton tested the water, “I was wondering if you would humor me to a sparing match... Unarmed of course, for I do not poses either a light caber or the skill to wheald one.” He chuckled, not really expecting Qui-Gon the take him up on the offer.

“OK,” Qui-Gon answered, the sence of challange that Naton expressed was too go to pass, “but we’ll not make a habit of it.”

“Of course,” Naton steped forward and Obi-Wan took a seat in the backgound.

Naton and Qui-Gon bowed, and Naton took a redy stance only slightly diffrent fom Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon was still, waiting for the first strike. And it came down upon him like a storm. Naton was fast, very fast. But Qui-Gon fockused on the force and was able to block almost every blow, then at last he decided to end it. When naton thrust out his hand for a puntch, Qui-Gon grabbed it, twisting the arm, carfual not to break it, pulling him abruptly over as Qui-Gon fell in a very controlled way to the gound and kicked Naton over his head and pinned him to the ground, arms behind his back. Then he quickly stood and helped Naton to his feet. “You’re amazing,” Naton was jubulant, “I can’t believe how fast you are, how stroung, how agail.”

Qui-Gon smiled, but it was not a bosting smile, just a pleaseant one, “It is the force, it alows me to predict your actions, and the force, it gives me strength and agility. You would find it no diffrent with my Padawan, though he is less practesed, as his years are fewer than mine, and so of a bit less skill, but we really do avoid hand to hand combat if it is possabul. You see when you’re fighting with someone, and you hit them, you strike them with your hands, it more often than not becomes personal, and then enotions get in the way. Though, it is ever more likely that we may be taken by overwhelming numbers and dossarmed, and so we do train in unarmed combat.”

Just then the Caption entered the room in work-out clothes, “Obi-Wan how’s about a bout with me?”

Obi-Wan looked to his master with a blank expresstion, but through his bound he sent out all his worrie and anxiety. //Master, please, tell her how inapropriat it would be.// Qui-Gon spoak dryly, and only Obi-Wan could here the warning in his tone, “I will leave the decsition to my Padawan, for it is he you wish to spar with.”

//Be polite, Padawan.//

Obi-Wan felt defited, but did not want to apear stand offish, “I will sapar with you,” he answered finally, taking off his robe, folding it neatly and setting it on a chair.

Qui-Gon was certinly going to supervise this. So he went to the center of the room where the Caption and Obi-Wan stood, Obi-Wan bowed to his master and then to the Caption, who did not return it. The Caption came to a ridged redy stance, but Obi-Wan stayed loose moving his feet, he waited forcing her to strike first. She did and as she exacuted her puntch, Obi-Wan wherled around and knocked her to the gound with a firm kick to the side of her torso, she hit the gournd and he sat atop her.”

“Yeald?” Obi-Wan inquired flatly.

“Yes,” the Caption said horiably immbarased, “I think you broused my ribs.”

A look of horer came across Obi-Wans face, “I’m so sorry,” he said genuinly, “lay on your back, be still. I will heal you.” Obi-Wan kneeled beside her, reaching out to the force holding his palms abuve her ribs and sent a few short pulses of healing energy into her. “Are you alright now?”

“Yes,” the Caption smiled at him, “I feel more than healed, I feel refreshed.”

“The force does that,” Obi-Wan explained, “it heals physical wounds and mental exaustion... Well, it can heal more than that, but I have not the skill.”

It was not untill he was shure the Caption was OK that Obi-Wan notice his master was alsow kneeling by her. He was scaning her with the force to be shure there where no cracked ribs. “I think no more sparing with the crew for a while,” Qui-Gon said gently, but it was really ment as a command and Obi-Wan was greatfual, “Padawan, you do not know your strength in relation to persons not able to protect themselves with the force.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan bowed his head accepting the gental repremand, “I will remember next time.”

They all stood and Qui-Gon exscused them, “Now that you are well, Caption, my Padawan and I should be off to the fresher. We will be entering Sindaran space in two hours.”

Once their cabin door closed behind them Obi-Wan spoak, “Thank you for not letting her aske me for a seckond round, master.”

“Its not mind,” Qui-Gon dismissed it with a wave of his hand, “We need to get redy. Padawan get cleaned up and packed.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered obediently, grabing a fresh change of clothing and heading to the fresher.

Qui-Gon was packed by the time Obi-Wan came out of the fresher, and then he went for a hot shower clean clothes in hands. Obi-Wan packed quickly, quietly. Not knowing how long they would be on world, Obi-Wan made shure to gather all his belongings, incase for some unforseeabul reason he needed somting domestick. “Padawan,” Qui-Gon said exiting the fresher drying his disheveled hair, “are you redy?”

“Yes master,” Obi-Wan answered obediently.

“Here,” Qui-Gon handed him a small pack, “put this medi kit in there too, just in case.”

“Do you think we will have trouble, master?” Obi-Wan asked, carfual to keep his tone courious, but umdemanding.

“I’m not shure, Padawan,” Qui-Gon sighed as he pulled on his over tunick and robe, “I just know they’re not pleased with the presance of Jedi.”

“I understand, master,” Obi-Wan said softly, “people are always like that, they don’t know much about the Jedi, and they’re afraid of change even if they want it. It breeds irrational fear. Or irrational envy.”

“Yes, Padawan,” Qui-Gon agreed, “it does. Now we should be off, we’ve landed.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said following Qui-Gon out of the room, and putting a locking code on the door. Then continued coming up just behind and to the right of his master.

“Prime Minister Adera’td Mok-Dun, thank you for receving, us,” Qui-Gon said he and Obi-Wan bowed low, “I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is my apprentace, Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. We are the diplomats sent from Courasant to help mediate your treety.”

“Your presance and help are much welcomed,” the Primeminaster said cordally, “this is my cheef of security, Melter Oglent, and my seckratary Send’tal Medof,” he gave formal introductions.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed to them in politness and took accepted their outstreched hands, “We are happy to be ofhelp to you and we offer you our surves, such as they are to help the peace process in anyway we can.”

“Your young friend here,” Melter smiled, “dosn’t speak much, does he?”

Qui-Gon could sence Obi-Wan’s imbarassment through their bond, “Obi-Wan is my Padawan Learner, I speak for boath of us, but he is not restricted to silence. Speak to him if you wish, he has free will and is alowd to speak for himself if he wishes.”

Qui-Gon spoak to Obi-Wan through his bond.//Obi-Wan do not fret, I know they make you uncomfertabul, but so we make them feel as well.//

//Yes master// they didn’t speak, but but heard eachother’s thoughts.

“So, Obi-Wan,” Meltar tunred his attention to him, “how long have you been Master Jinn’s Padawan Learner?”

Again Obi-Wan was a bit embarrased, but he hid it well this time, “Two weeks,” he answered flatly.

“Two weeks!” Send’tal exclamed, “how old are you child?”

Obi-Wan supressed the hint of upset at the insult and said calmly, and without varing tone, “I’m twelve, the usual age for humans to be picked up as Padawans is between eight and fifteen.”

“I see,” Send’tal mused, “you’re so young to be sent so far away from home.” Now Obi-Wan looked to Qui-Gon not wanting to continu the conversation.

“We should be off,” Qui-Gon sugested, “we do wish to meet the other delagates.”

“Indeed,” Adera’td agreed, “this way, I will show you to your quaters, we’ve gotten you ajoining rooms, sence we do not keep single rooms capabul of housing two persons. After you two have had a moment to aquant yourselvs with your quarters we will have all the formal introductions. I have skedualed a meeting for introduction to take place in three hours. I would have you relax untill then, if you would?”

“You are quite generous, Primeminaster Adera’td ,” Qui-Gon said with a slight bow of his head to signifiy respect.

“This way then,” Adera’td led them off the flight deck and onto a turbo lift, ten miouts latter they arived at civialian quartering. They where brought to where important guests where housed and shown to a room.

Adera’td jestured to a door room 11a04, “There is no locking code on the door right now. To set one push the green button enter the code twice and then hit the red button. To enter the roon with a locking code, simply punch in the code and then hit the green buton. We will leave you now to get settled in.”

“Thank you, Primeminaster Adera’td ,” Qui-Gon said giving a bow that was merrored by Obi-Wan.

“I’ll setthe code to be the same as our appartment at the temple,” Qui-Gon said setting the code once everyone ells was gone and opening the door.

“Yes, master,” came Obi-Wan’s flat reply. They entered the room to find it lushusly furnished, somthing they where quite unacustomed to.

“A single would have been fine,” Qui-Gon shook his head, “its not as if we’re royalty, besids,” he said sitting on the inviting coutch, “this coutch is nicer than out beds in the Temple.”

“Well,” Qui-Gon spoak again, “I sapose that’s your room behind that door,” he jestured to a large door at the end of the room, “go get situated, then come back, somthing here troubles me. Somthing about these people, the force is telling me to be caushes.”

“I feel it too, master,” Obi-Wan said with a nod as he heded for the door tward his room. Obi-Wan opened the door he found that his room was not lacking in comfurts either. Obi-Wan quickly unpacked his things and then returned to his master.

“What do you think it is master?” Obi-Wan asked, he could feel somthing, some disturbance in the force here, but he could not fathum what it was.

“I do not know, Padawan,” Qui-Gon let out a long clensing breath and looked to his Padawan, //What do you think of the Primeminaster?//

Obi-Wan met his maste’s gaze, //I feel good intentions, but I feel some kind of hidden agenda, or inhonesty in him. His staff I think, know nothing of it though. That or they’re better at hiding it.//

“Yes, Padawan,” Qui-Gon agreed, “I read the same from them, but then who knows. We’ll just have to wait for the force to give us more information. For now all we can do is wait and see.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan agreed, “I wonder if there’s any food in here?”

“There’s a kitchen around the corner, there,” Qui-Gon pointed out, “I’m shure there’s somthing to eat in there. Make some tea, if there is any.”

Obi-Wan shot a smile at him, “I brought some with me, just incase the Sindaran’s don’t drink tea.”

“That’s just like you, Padawan,” Qui-Gon returned the smile.

Obi-Wan went off to the kitchen and, threw a pot of water on the stove, and rumaged through the contence of the kitchen. He came back to his master with a plate of frout, and then whent back to fetch the tea. They ate the light snack slowly, svaoring the alone time they got toeather.

“Master?” Obi-Wan inquired sodftly.

“Yes, Padawan,” Qui-Gon answered.

“Do you think we’ll do any good here?” Obi-Wan answered, “I can feel all the hate, and fear, and ignorance, it seeps of the walls, and hangs heavy in the air, as if it would sufacate me.”

“I don’t know, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon answered softly, “but we must do whatever we can to get a treety made up and signed. Even if it is a bad treety, at least it will pave the way for future talks.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan agreeded, “you are correct. Its just, there’s so much...”

“Paine,” Qui-Gon finished hhis scentence, “these people have been suffering for a long time. Civil war, its the worst kind.”

Obi-Wan silently sipped his tea, drawing in the force to himself, feeling all the people near by in the building, feeling their paien, their fear, and what was that, hope... Someone felt hope at their presance. Obi-Wan smiled to himself, if one person had hope then that would make it all worth wihile. Then he felt somthing ells, somthing dark and Obi-Wan was shocked, he shot a horrified look at his master.

//Obi-Wan, what is it?// Qui-Gon questioned, worried about his apprentace.

//Did you feel that?// Obi-Wan was worried, //I think it was directed at us. Someone wants us gone, and not just from the panet. From existence.//

“Calm yourself, Padawan,” Qui-Gon saild smoothly, putting a reashuring hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder, “relax, I felt it too. Reach out with the force, feel for it, see if you can identifiy what you felt.”

Obi-Wan closed his eyes concentraiting, reachinh out with the force, “No, master, I can’t feel it anymore. Whoever it was is gone now, far away.”

“We must be caushous now, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said with a tone of warning in his otherwise calm voice,. //keep on your guard, and be ever mindful of your sourndings. The force sems to be telling me somthing adverse will happen whail we’re on this planet.//

//Yes, master// Obi-Wan said fockusing on somthing ells. //Master, I?//

//Yes, Padawan?// Qui-Gon proded gently //what is it?//

//I was wondering...// he let his message trail off into his thoughts, //I know it is discuraged, though not disalowded. I-//

Qui-Gon shook his head and smiled sympathetically, “What’s her name Obi-Wan?”

Obi-Wan was taken aback, but made no note of it, Was I that obvious?

//Yes, Padawan, you where// Qui-Gon smiled still.

“Her name,” Obi-Wan answered finally, “her nane is Odun Tal’den Miyka. Her father’s a healer at the temple...”

//And?// Qui-Gon proded, knowing he wished to say more, and he did:

“She’s not a student or anyting, but she understands, you know, about us, because her father’s a Jedi. She knows what it would mean to be...” Obi-Wan sighed, Why is this so hard? “involved with a Jedi, even if I’m still only a Padawan. she understands like no other cevilian I ever fancyed a relationship with. She... I don’t know what ells to say; she’s special to me.” Obi-Wan was at a loss and Qui-Gon could feel his frustration.

//Padawan// Qui-Gon smiled and pated the coutch next to him, //sit Padawan and listen to what I have to say of it.//

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered in hope of some minut bit of help.

//What I am about to tell you may not please you, but I will not command you to or not to be in a relationship with Odun, but if you do decid to be in a relationship with her I demand that you be honest with me about it, am I understood?//

//Yes, master,// Obi-Wan answered obediently, feeling suddently very small.

//I would advise you not strting this relationship, for three reasons: first, most importantly, if you trully love her and/or care for her, would you want to subject her to long endless days and nights without you, without being able to talk to you, or more likely even know where you are; seckondly, I promis you between your dubities as a Jedi Padawan and the dubty you will feel tward this girl, they will conflict, and you will have to make compromises to boath, none of witch you will like, believe me, as one with such experiance knows; and lastly, do you want to sublect yourself to the frustrationa and paine you’ll feel when you are forced to choose between her and you Jedi path continously?//

Obi-Wan fround, he was right, I do not want to here, but he is right, I needed too, //Master, I... I don’t knwo what to say. Its just that I think I really love her, and I don’t know if I can let that slip away from me, I don’t know what to do.//

//The choice is yours, and I will not stand in your way when you make itm// Qui-Gon sighed, feeling just as frustraited as his Padawan, //but I will stand in your way every time you choos her over somthing you need to do as a Jedi, no I won’t stop you, free will is sackred to me, but I will be dissapointed and hurt. Believe neither of us will be happy withourselves or eachother.

//That said, Obi-Wan// he put a hand on his shoulder again, a gental sign of intamicy, //if you really love her, and I meanreally , do you want to subject her to all that, because as our relationship is strained, she will see and feel it, but won’t be aloud to touch it or help you and I promis it, it will tear her apart to see you suffer and for her to be able to do nothing about it.//

Obi-Wan was now on the verg of depresstion, //Master, I - I’m so sorry,// he blushed a little as he thought deeper into himself, //of course I don’t feel romanitcally inclined tward you, but I guess I don’t really love her as much as I though. You see, the mere idea that she could get in the way of our relationship, well... it terrifiyes me, and tells me that it would not be fair, not fair at all, not to any of the three of us.”

“Do you make this decsition of your own free will and volition?” Qui-Gon questioned sturnly, he wanted the absolute truth, “I want the truth from you.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan’s eyes drifted to his boots he was upset, depressed, but knew this was the right decsition.

“Look at me Padawan,” Qui-Gon said in a commanding, yet soft tone of voice.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said submisivly looking up at the face of his master, who’s hight made him seem to loom over him.

“Truth, Padawan,” Qui-Gon reminded him, feeling he came to his decsition far too quickly, far too eager to please his master, “for make what decsition you make, you may, but if you liy to me now Obi-Wan, and I ever find out, I will never forgive you.”

“I understand, master,” Obi-Wan bairly whispered wincing physically at his master’s words, never forgive, they felt alien and cold comming off his master’s toung. He was quiet and still for long moments and then finally he spoak, now absolutly shrue of his decsition, “It is the truth,” he said at length, “I will not be with her, I will not presew a relationship with Odun Tal’den Miyka, and not because I think you dissaprove, sence I knew that before I even asked... I just, I realize now that it is not what I want, much as I long for her, much as I care for her, I would do her no good... Master, I want nothing to stand in the way of my becoming a Jedi Knight. I want nothing to stand in the way of my realtionship with the force, and I want nothing to stand in the way of my relationship with you.” Obi-Wan took in a deep clensing breath and let it out slowly. He looked to his master with hopefual, questioning eyes, as he probed his master’s stleely greay-blue eyes.

Oui-Gon let a silent moment pass, and when he was certin Obi-Wan had noting more to say he smiled, just bairly preceptabu, and probabually, no one but Obi-Wan would have ever picked up on it. He put a hand on his Padawan’s shoulder, a gesture of comfert older than time, “Padawan,” he let happiness color his voice, “I am glad you have made the choice you did,” he turned his body to face Obi-Wan so he did not have to rench his kneck so, “Obi-Wan, my young apprentance, my friend, do not doubt that you please me, for you do. Do not let this worrie you; let it slide off you and let the force flow through you, let it clense you of this guilt, of this saddness, of this dismay and of this uncertanty you feel. Trust your instincts, and let the force guide them.”

Obi-Wan smiled happy, but not bright, “Yes, master, thank you.”

“We still have some time, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said softly, moving to the floor, sitting cross-legged and folding his arms, “come, sit, meditate with me.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan complyed, warming to the invitation, well actually, it wasn’t an invitation, so much as a command, but Obi-Wan was just as happy with it.

They sat silently in their trance, entering into eachother’s minds and reflecting on their recent personal events. They sought deeper meening and more guidence from the force and they sought the general presance of the fore, witch always came easilly, it’s sinuess wound around them, going through them, binding them, defining them. A knock could be heard on the door and Qui-Gon slowly left the trance, but did not disrupt Obi-Wan. Silently he crossed the room and opened the door, he guestured for silence and spoak only when he was outside the room and the door shut. “Master Jinn,” the polite man spoak, “I have been scent to inform you theat salutations will take place in thrity minouts, and you are to be led forth in twenty.”

“Thank you, for giving us time to prepair,” Qui-Gon noded, “we will be redy when the time comes.” Boath bowed, “May the force be with you.” Qui-Gon said softly as the otehr man turned and left.

By the time Qui-Gon rentered the room Obi-Wan had come gently out of his meditation. “Feeling better, Pdawan?”

“Yes, master, very,” Obi-Wan answered energetically, “will we be off soon?”

“Yes, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon answered flatly, “are you redy for your first treety negotiation?”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan ansdered pleasently.

“Now remember,” Qui-Gon reminded him gently, “you are not the mediator, this is your first observatin, but if you are spoaken to or questioned directly, be polite, answer, but stay on your guard.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered obediently, “I will not forget my place.”

Qui-Gon smiled tussling the boy’s short hair, in a effort to mess it, knowing the gestur was usless, as it was only 1/2 an inch long, “Good. I have been informed that we leave for salutations in twent minouts.”

//Salutations?// Obi-Wan cracked a smile, so strange to here the words come out of his master’s mouth. They had spent so much time togeather in the paast week, that Obi-Wan was alredy begining to learn all of Qui-Gon’s nuances, and so the word seemed to come from anouther mouth, but the voice was indeed his master’s.

//Padawan!// Qui-Gon gently chided //I heard that.//

//Sory, master// Obi-Wan answered, but his smile had only widened.

//Obi-Wan// Qui-Gon shook his head playfually //what am I going to do with you?//

//I don’t know, master// Obi-Wan was enjoing this gental banter //people have been asking me that all my life, and I still don’t know.//

Qui-Gon laughed openly at that, “Force! what have you gotten me into now?” Qui-Gon teased.

“What, master,” Obi-Wan gave the best fack innocent face he could mister, “what did I do?” NNow they boath laughed openly.

//Padawan, you better not be like this at the salutations// Qui-Gon warned playfually.

//Be like what, master?// Obi-Wan teased back.

“Alright, that’s quit enought now,” Qui-Gon gently put an end to their playful bout, “compose yourself and reddy yourself for the events to come. Feel the force, listen to it. Think in the moment, trust your instinkts, they woun’t fail you.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said ending his laughter, but he was unable too whipe the smile off his face. At least make it ambigous, if you can’t get rid of it, Obi-Wan chastised himself, but he suceded at making it into one of thoes pleasent but emotionless and unreveiling. A short while latter there was a knock on the door. Obi-Wan opened it as his master came to his feet.

“Good evening, Prime Minister Adera’td,” Obi-Wan greeted him with a formal bow.

“Good evening,” Qui-Gon said with an equally formal bow.

“Good eveining, gentalmen,” the Prime minaster sad cordually, “are you ready to off, then?”

“Yes, we are Prime Minister,” Qui-Gon said politly.

“Alright, then, this way,” the Prime minister directed them down the hall. Qui-Gon walked beside their guide to his left and Obi-Wan followed two steps behind and one step to the right of him.

A short while later they arived at a large room, there where many mingaling delagates, food, servents, drinks. “Here we are,” a young man in a sharp dress uniform walked up to them, his uniform was blue and red and bore strainge markings, beside the rank of Colornal, “you must be the Jedi sent from Coursant?”

“Yes,” Qui-Gon answered softly, and he and his Padawan bowed formally, “I am Jedi MasterQui-Gon Jinn, and this is my apprentace, Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

“Welcome, Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi,” the man said and shook their hands, “I’m Colornal Mak’ta Ve Unren.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Colornal Unren,” Qui-Gon said politly, “it always helps to have the militairy’s backing in shuch matters.”

“Indeed,” the man agreeded and walked off.

Prime Minister Adera’td turned their attention to anouther man, “Here, this is Prime Minister Ozaltan Fondart, of the Trendaras.”

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan gave formal bows and accepted the man’s hand, “We are pleased to meat you at last Prime Minister Fondart, I am -”

The man intrupted him, “Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and hisPadawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, yes Master Jinn, I have done my homework also.”

“Indeed,” Qui-Gon said flatly.

//Master, do you feel that?// Obi-Wan spoak to his mind, but let no trace of it show on his face.

//Yes// came his master’s reply //he’s holding somthing back. Be coutious of him, he hides somthing.//

//Yes, master// Obi-Wan’s answer ended the conversation.

It was anouther hour of introductions and cocktails, witch Qui-Gon politly refused, before the spectical was over. “I will see you back to your quarters, now,” Prim Minister Adera’td said politly, leading them back the way they came, “so you can freshen up before the state dinner. Dinner is in three hours.”

“Thank you, Prim Minister,” Qui-Gon said politly before the door shut, seperaiting them.

//Obi-Wan, take some time to relax.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan breathed deep, and went to his room, he removed his robe, folding it neetly and placed next to where he lay down hevally on the plush bed. Kicking off his boots, Obi-Wan let his mind wonder, pulling the force in around him like a warm blaket, he relaxed in the glow of the force feeling it’s ebb anf flow. The force soothed his and refreshed him, he sliped into a trance without realizing it, but he felt himself suddently at peace with himself, with the force.

Qui-Gon smiled at his apprentac, good Obi-Wan, rest in your trance, it will make you fell batter. He could feel Obi-Wan drawing on the force thought the walls, and it made him hapy, he dosn’t even realize how in tune with the force he is. Qui-Gon snickered to himself, I’ll have to have a chat with him about that latter.

An hour latter, Qui-Gon was looking over a data pad when he felt his Padawan stur from his trance. //Master?//

//Yes, Padawan, I’m here.// Qui-Gon set the data pad down, locking it. Obi-Wan entered the room without replacing his robe and boots. “Rest well?” Qui-Gon asked, alredy knowing the answer.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered, running a hand through his short hair, he heded to the fresher.

Washing his face, Obi-Wan felt even more refreshed, and clean, of mind and body. A moment latter Obi-Wan reamerged, after going to the kichen with a plate in one hand and a mug in the other. “Would you like a snack, master?”

With that boy’s unquenchabul hunger, I’m suprised he hasn’t bankcrupted the temple yet, “No, thank you, Obi-Wan, but I will take some tea.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said putting down his plate of bred, jam, and frout, and with a spring in his step, he was off back to the kitchen. He poped back into the room a moment latter, and handed Qui-Gon a mug of steeming tea. With that Obi-Wan sat down and ate. Sence his viset to Terdon, on a training mission with other temple students, he always tryed to eat a bit before banquets with the locals, he was very cautious of foreign foods after that unfortiounet evern.

“Are you ever not hungry?” Qui-Gon asked playfually.

“When, I sleep,” Obi-Wan teased back.

“Is that so,” Qui-Gon mused playfually, going back to his data pad.

“Yes,” Obi-Wan answered and proceded to stuff his face. A moment latter Qui-Gon looked up from the data pad, he shook his head in discust, but Obi-Wan didn’t see, “Padawan,” the stress on the word made Obi-Wan stop eating and set is plate down, “you act as if I never feed you.”

“Forgive me, master,” Obi-Wan said sheepishly, “I will eat slower.”

Qui-Gon shook his head, “There is no need for forgivence, but please, be respectfual at the state dinner.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered, “I would never -”

“If you wouldn’t eat like that infrount of others, then don’t eat like that in frount of me, Padawan,” Qui-Gon repremanded him, with a sharp look from over the data pad he hadn’t put down.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered softly, begining to eat again slowly.

Qui-Gon sighed shaking his head again and stroking his beard as he went back to writing up the first entry for his report. Obi-Wan snickered when Qui-Gon looked away.//I saw that Padawan!//

//Yes, master// Obi-Wan fained defiet and chuckled a bit.

Qui-Gon rolled his eyes, but ignored Obi-Wan this time. One hour left to go, Qui-Gon thought. He put down his data pad and looked over at his Padawan who had finished his “snack,” but was drininking down his third mug of tea, “Would you get me some more tea, please, Padawan.”

“Yes, of course, master,” Obi-Wan said putting down his mug, he picked up his master’s and quickly left the room. He filled his master’s mug and zaped it with the force to heat it. “Here you go, master,” Obi-Wan handed him the now steeming mug of tea.

“Thank you Padawan,” Qui-Gon said gently, “what’s on your mind, Padawan?”

Obi-Wan looked to his master //Is there somthing you wish to know of me?//

//No Pawdan, you just seen troubled.// Qui-Gon looked kindly at his student.

//Its this place that troubles me, master. All the hate, paine, all the suffering, all the fear; it troubles me.//

A knowing look came over Qui-Gon’s face //I know, Padawan, it troubles me too. Believe me, I feel it too, just relax, don’t worrie about it so much, just sence for the moment. Trust you instinks, and remember, there is no fear there is only the force, there is no hate, there is only the force, pashience, speed with insight. I know it seems like a contradiction, me saying don’t jump to conclutions, and don’t do anything rash, but at the same time, fockus on the moment and trust your instincts. Remember, speed with insight.//

//Thank you master.// Relax, trust your instincts, remember there in no fear only the force, there in no paine only the force, there is no death only the force, wait for the force to reveal what it wants from you, speed with insight, action with pashience. Remember Pashience, Obi-Wan repeated the mantra in his head as he took a deep clensing breath and let it out slowly. By the time he had let out the breath, Obi-Wan felt better and calmed as he felt his head clear.

“Just, be glad,” Qui-Gon teased hopping to lighten the mood, “that a Jedi’s normal clothes, if pristeenly clean and lacking a robe are concidered dress clothes.”

Qui-Gon had been sucessful, his Padawan laughed, “Yeh, at least we don’t have to dress up like peckocks.”

Qui-Gon chuckled, “Thank the force for giving us clothes apropriate for any ocation.” They boath laughed hole heartedly.

//Master// Qui-Gon looked up. //Are you hungry, master?//

Qui-Gon’s laugh bordered on histarical, “Your hunger really never does cease, does it?”

“I’m a growing boy, master,” Obi-Wan quipped, “you should know that by now, your groshery bill must have quadroupled in the two weeks sence you’ve teken me for your Padawan.”

Qui-Gon had begaun to controll his laughter, so it was now just a giggle, “Indeed it has.”

“So, are you hungry or not, master?” Obi-Wan snickered as he got up wand walked tward the kitchen.

“Just tea for me,” Qui-Gon said still trying to controll his laughter. Obi-Wan took longer than usual, Obi-Wan force pushed a pot of tea and two mugs ahead of him. He had with him a of egg battered toast, with butter and honey and small dish of fresh frouit.

Qui-Gon had to laugh again, “Do remember, Padawan, you do have to eat at the state diner.”

“Yes, master, of course,” Obi-Wan said confadent of his stomach’s abilities.

“As long as you realize I will not feel sorry for you when your stomach is revolting later,” Qui-Gon coked an eye at him, “and you will be polite tonight.”

//Master, this is nothing, I’ll be fine. Remember, you don’t know how much I usually eat, when there is no need to keep store of supplys over a long period of time.//

Qui-Gon sighed, shacking his head //as you wish.//

“I do,” Obi-Wan quipped, “believe me.” With that Obi-Wan proceded to stuff his face, slowly, ever mindful of his master’s presance.

“Pdawan,” Qui-Gon said sofltly. Obi-Wan put down his fork and listened.

“Yes, master?”

“What do you think of me?” the question was so simple, yet it spoak volums and Obi-Wan’s answer would speak even more.

“Master, I...” Obi-Wan stuttered, “I think you’re a good Jedi, an honest man, a good man, a just man, a sturn man, an openminded man, a great whealder of the force, a man who has my respect, a man I deem trustworthy, you are a man I trust with my life and my mind, you are a good teacher.” Obi-Wan blushed, all that had come out so fast, he hadn’t made a conshous decsition of weather or not to shair it, it was one of thoes moments where the words left his mouth before his braine could keep them in check, “I don’t know what ells to say, I care for you, master, and I, I have faith in you.”

Qui-Gon smiled, “So then, either you are a good judge of people, of you are a foolish child, Padawan. Witch is it?”

“Boath,” Obi-Wan smickered at his master’s joke.

“Sit, and meditate with me,” Qui-Gon said rubbing a spot on the floor next to him, “we’ll be called off to dinner soon.”

Obi-Wan having finished his meal willed all the dishes into the sink with the force as he went to sit beside his master. They meditated for half an hour, then there came a gental knock at the door. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan came gently out of their meditation. Obi-Wan answered the door, “Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi,” a small, but kurt man said softly, “I have been sent to take you and Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn to dinner.”

“Please, come in,” Obi-Wan said politly, opening the door a bit more. Qui-Gon was now standing, he had taken off his robe and straitened his clothes. The man looked at Obi-Wan distanfually, as he let his eyes fall to Obi-Wan’s feet.

“I’ll be right back,” Obi-Wan said, he retrieved his boots, put them on and came back in less than three minouts. His clothes where in good order now, and Qui-Gon noded at the man who hadn’t moved more than a foot from the door.

“We’re redy,” Qui-Gon said softly. They followed the small man out of the room, and through the maze of the state building.

They where brought to a large banquet room, “May I introduce Jesi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi.” They where met by waves, smiles, and hand shacks. Then the band started up. A young woman not more that three years older the Obi-Wan walked up to them, blushing shmelessly, and very flurtishously, she gave a short curtsy.

“Obi-Wan,” she blushed deeper, “whould yu do me the honor of a dance?”

He looked to his master who noded, “I would be much abliged.” Obi-Wan said extending his arm to her in a friendly gestur. Obi-Wan led her to the dance floor and twerled her around the room gracefualy, he could feel the girl’s heat from blushing, even though he held her about a foot away. “I’m afraid you have me at a dissadvantage, I don’t know your name,” Obi-Wan said playfually.

“Aar’sent Sendal, I’m General Den’sat Sendal’s daughter,” she said it smoothly, with no hint of boasting.

“I see, so Aar’sent, if I may ask, whu did you wish to dance with me?” Obi-Wan keept a light tone.

“Well, you see,” she let a sly smile slide across her lips, but then it was gone again, “I’ve never met a Jedi berofe, and I thought this was the best way to get up close and person with one.”

Obi-Wan winked at her, “Just how close, and how personal do you want to get?” he let a devilish grinn spred across his lips. One look from his master whiped it off his face.

“Sory,” she said in a low voice, “I didn’t get you in trouble did I?”

“No,” Obi-Wan answered equally as softly, “I got me in trouble, not you, and you didn’t answer my question.”

“That depends on hoe tonight’s events unfold,” she winked at him as the song ended, and she released him to go back to his master.

//Master, I think I’ve found our first alli.//

//More like your alli.// Obi-Wan’s silent laughter flowed across their bond.

“Master Jinn,” he felt an arm entangle his own, “would you be so kind as to dance with me?”

It was the femail ambasitor for the Trendaras, he let out a mental sigh, but made no sign, “Of course I would Shellan tia.”

Thank the force! he tought at least its a fast song. But this woman, she acted just as bad as the adolessant girls on Courasant, blushed and flutry, even making “sort of obvious” advances, well obvious enough to him.

“I’ve never met a Jedi before,” she giggled and turned a deeper shade of chrimson, “well, I met you at the salutations, but, before that. Well, in any case you are, the frist Jedi I’ve danced with.” Qui-Gon watched as she scaned him all over with that devilish sparkle in her eyes. “So, tell me about youself,” she drew her face close as she whispered the words. The feel of her breath warm and moist, on his neck was tempting, but the girl on the other end of it was young enough to be his daughter.

“Miss, I’ll tell you one thing I’m 49, very much old enough to be your father,” he let out a sigh, but corrected himself quickly, “I’d be quite happy to be a friend of yours, but please don’t look for anythign more than that.”

His blatent rebutal of her come-ons didn’t detur her at all, but then the dance ended, and Obi-Wan interjected conversation to save his master from anouther dance, “Master, what was that gentalment’s mane again?” he pointed to the first man he saw, sence he did actually remembered alll their names.

“Padawan, how many times do I have to tell you,” Qui-Gon pretended to repremand Obi-Wan //Thank you!// “to remember the names of the dignitaries you’re introduced to. I’m sorry miss, but I must tend to my student.”

She curtsied and spun away across the dance floor and was soon in anouther man’s arms. //If only all of your repremands where as gental, not even a dirty look, I’m suprised she blieved you.//

Qui-Gon shot him a heard look//If you don’t knock it off Padawan, you will get a real repremand.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan snickered.

//I heard that Obi-Wan!//

//Of course master, I will try to contain myself.//

//There is not try, do or do not bohter.// Can Qui-Gon’s trained responce to the word //Damn it! you know what I mean Padawan!//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan didn’t snicker that time.

Aar’sent Sendal came back around the dance floor and flashed a delishously flurtishous smile at Obi-Wan who blushed deeply, “Master Jinn, if it woun’t get him into trouble I’d like to ask you Padawan for a seckond dance.”

Qui-Gon noded concent. Obi-Wan held out his arm to her and she quickly snatched it up with her own, “Pleashure to dance with you again Miss Aar’sent Sendal.”

“The pleasher’s all mine,” she said with an unmistacabul hinger in her voice, “believe me.” I do, I do alredy, stop throwing yourself at me, Obi-Wan thought, “If you say so.” Force! a slow song.

“I do say so,” she said with a bit of edge to her voice that left no question she had won that little argument.

At length the song came to an end and Qui-Gon all but pryed the girl off of Obi-Wan, mumbling somthing about apearing impartal wich saved Obi-Wan from any more danceing. //Thank you master, I was begining to feel like she was just gonna strip down and throw herself at me pretty soon.//

//I know.//

“Well, hello there, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan,” Prime Minister Adera’td said grashously as they headed tward the drink bar (and consaqquently tward the Prime Minaster).

“Hellow, Prime Minister Adera’td,” Qui-Gon said as he and Obi-Wan gave a formal bow.

“Correlian Sour,”Qui-Gon order a drink, “please.”

As the man poored Qui-Gon’s drink he looked to Obi-Wan, “Anything for you?”

Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon how noded concent. “Draxxda wisky,” Obi-Wan answered, having more of a taste for real alcohal than his master.

The bar tender looked to Qui-Gon with a questioning glance. “He’s old enought, don’t worrie,” Qui-Gon said flatly. The man made no mention and poored the drink, “Enjoy, gentalmen.”

“Than you,” Obi-Wan said taking up his drink and sipping it slowly. The Draxxda wisky slid down his throught easilly, it was very smooth, the good stuff. It made Obi-Wan drift off in rememberance... The last time he had this was when Odun had snuck a bottle out of her father’s room. They had shaired half the bottle, and well... a lot more than that.

“Padawan?” Obi-Wan snaped out of his thoughts and looked up at his master.

“Yes, master?” Obi-Wan asked innocently.

“Dinner’s about to start,” Qui-Gon said. //Clear your mind, Padawan, concentraite. Odun should not be in your thoughts now!//

Had I been that obvious //Yes, master.//

They sat togeather in about the center of the left side of the table.

Somehow Aar’sent Sendal had managed to get herself seated next to Obi-Wan. “Hellow, Obi-Wan,” he said cordually, “I hope you’re injoying your evening.”

“Yes, Obi-Wan said politly, “I am, thank you for asking.”

“Not at all,” she said sweetly, but Obi-Wan felt her hand brush his thy and her leg ‘accadenntly’ press up against his calf for the breefest moment. //Force help me master, she making every exscuse to touch me.//

//Be polite, Padawan, remember, she’s your alli now.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan answered kicking himself mentally for endulging Aar’sent with their first dance.

Aar’sent was lookign at Obi-Wan intently as if to entrude on his mind and force him to return her lust. “Tell me about your planet,” Obi-Wan said politly starting small talk, “what’s the native flora and fona like?”

“I thought you Jedi where saposed to check up on thoes types of things before going to a foreign planet,” Aar’sent said with a hint of teasing.

“Yes, we are,” Obi-Wan said smoothly, “but there is little reckord of your planet in the republic, seeing as we are the first persons from the Republic to come to your planet.”

“Tu shey,” she said eyes gleaming like fire, “what would you like to know?”

“Anything perticularlly dangerous I should know about?” Obi-Wan offered.

To be continued...

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