Slowly he walked along the back ally, having just found himself on the surface level. He could feel him calling, but where was he? //Master? Where are you maser?// He could feel the surge of pain through their bond and it almost made him double over. He had to use all his strength to focus on the force and let it keep him upright. He was quickly becoming frantic as he hurried down the empty ally. He kept going at a quickened pace, he reached out to the force to guide him through the growing darkness.

Here! the force screamed out at him as he halted before a lone door.

Slowly, cautiously, he opened the door being mindful to keep the hinges quiet. //Master?//

A weak response, almost not there. //Padwan?//

He was relieved. //Master, where are you?//

//Padwan// the reply sent shock waves of pain and agony through their bond ... I’m here. Some where... I’m in a small room no windows, one door, solid concreet. I’m tie - chained to the wall.//

He was nearly panicking as his master sent a mental image of the room he was trapped in. //I’ll find you master.// He took in a deep cleansing breath and let it out slowly. Calm yourself, he chastised himself, you’re no go to anyone if you panic. He reached out to the force, let it guide him, listened to it’s ebb and flow, and followed his instincts. Patience, focus, listen to the force, concentrate on the moment, trust your instincts, he repeated his master’s mantra over and over again in his mind, the mantra that his master had often said to calm and relax him in harry situations. The door, the force led him back out of it and further down the deserted ally. Further down the ally he came to another door.

Here! The force stopped him.

//Master?//

A weak reply. //I’m here, hurry.//

//I’m coming, master.// He tried the door, but it didn’t budge. He reached out to the door with the force, unlatching the lock and flailing it open. The room was dark, dank, and smelled of mold and decease. He had to reach out to the force to guide him across the room, for he could see nothing in the pitch of the room. //Master?//

A slightly stronger reply came to his mind this time. //You’re close, Padwan.//

He rushed across the room and found another door, he flung it open with the force. Then he saw his master, hands chained above his head, hung against the wall, he was soaked in slimy water and blood, he was dressed in only his shorts.

Instinctively he thumbed on his light saber and cut his master down, and lowered him down gently. He took the slimy shorts off his master and wrapped his tunic and rob about him tying them with his sash about his master’s waste. Both where much too small, but they where warm at least. “Master, can you walk?” he breathed.

“I’ll need your help,” his master’s voice was etched with pain.

“Sit, rest a moment,” his Padwan said a bit commanding, “do you have any serious injuries?”

“A few broken ribs, and my ankle, its broken. Obi-Wan I need you to heal my ankle,” Qui-Gon winced as he slid the rest of the way to the ground. Obi-Wan knelt beside him and held his palms above his master’s ankle, he sent a wave of heeling energy into it. He did the same for his master’s ribs. Qui-Gon’s breathing became easier, and his pain lessened a bit.

“Thank you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said quietly.

Obi-Wan froze a moment, then drew his light saber and thumbed it on. “Here, master,” he handed him a light saber, but it wasn’t his.

“Who does-” Obi-Wan cut him off abruptly. “No time to explain. Are you strong enough? They're coming.”

“Yes, Padwan,” Qui-Gon answered softly, “I’ll manage.”

“Good,” Obi-Wan moved to a defensive position in front of his master, who now stood leaning against the wall behind Obi-Wan. //They don’t know I’m here, if we take them all, they won’t miss you for a while.//

Qui-Gon didn’t answer, but Obi-Wan knew he had understood. The door swung open, at Obi-Wan’s desire, much to the supprise of the six men who entered the room. Blaster fire commenced emedioutly. Qui-Gon never even raised the light saber he had been given. Obi-Wan deflected all their fire back onto them, killing four of them with their own fire, the other two he cut down easily. “We have to go, now, master,” urgency etch the Padwan’s voice.

Obi-Wan’s voice brought Qui-Gon to his feet, but he could only move slowly. Putting an arm around him and tacking some of his master’s weight, Obi-Wan half dragged his master out of the room. //Come, master, please// Obi-Wan pleaded. //We have to move.// Obi-Wan struggled as he half carried the massive man that was his master.

By the time Obi-Wan had gotten his master up several levels into Coursant proper, Qui-Gon had regained enough of his strength to truly walk by himself at a decent pace. “Thank you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said again as they walked through Coursant, they walked for hours. Obi-Wan stopped at a clothing store and purchased a pair of boots, tunic, and pants for his master. He greatfully received his Over tunic back, but made his master keep his robe. “No, master, its cold and windy, and you are soaked,” Obi-Wan said his defiance so alien to him he almost took it back, “put the hood on and let’s go. We have a two hour cab ride, if I can even find one. If not, then we’ve got a five hour walk.”

“all right,” Qui-Gon agreed at length.

After walking about three miles Obi-Wan finally found a cab and flagged it down. When they where seated safely inside the warm cab, Qui-Gon examined the light saber in his hand. It was made well, “Where did this come from?”

“Remember my friend Pen du’tan?” Obi-Wan said, and Qui-Gon nodded in reply, “when he left the order to care for his family... He gave it to me, he said he had a vision, said I would need it some day. That’s the last thing he ever said to me.”

Qui-Gon smiled affectionately at his Padwan, he knew it was a bittersweet memoir for Obi-Wan, “I’m glad he left it in your care then, Padwan. For I fear mine is lost forever.”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan answered flatly, still mulling over his long gone friend, “I do want it back though... Master, after you’ve had a chance to make a new one, of course.”

“Here, master,” Obi-Wan put his hand on his master’s shoulder, “relax,” he sent waves of peace and healing energy into Qui-Gon, through his hand and their bond. //I was so worried, it took me twelve hours to find you.//

//I can not thank you enough, Padwan.// Qui-Gon smiled brightly as his pain ebbed away with the help of Obi-Wan. “Thank you, Padwan, truly,” he said with soft content.

“You’re quite welcome,” Obi-Wan answered sending the warmth of his feelings across their bond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obi-Wan had done a good job of healing Qui-Gon so he only had to spend one day in the infirmary to rehigrate and heal up all the minor cuts, bruses, and abortions that Obi-Wan hadn’t the stamina to heal completely. Thank the force! Qui-Gon thought as the healer signed the form that would release him from intensive care back to general status. “Master Jinn,” the healer said looking up at him over his data pad, “the Council awaits you.”

“Thank you Master Ualder,” Qui-Gon said politely bowing and quickly leaving for the Council Room. Just as he took a seat in the waiting room, Obi-Wan came out of the Council Room.

“Master, they want you,” he said softly and followed his master back into the room.

“Master Jinn,” Mace greeted him, “we are glad to see you in one peace.”

“Thank you Master Windu,” Qui-Gon said giving a formal bow, “It is thanks only to my Padwan, that I stand before you.”

“Fully recovered, have you?” Yoda asked.

“Yes, Master Yoda,” Qui-Gon answered, “I have.”

“Send you we do then. Get to the bottom of this, you will,” Yoda flattened his ears, then wrinkling his nose he raised them again, as Mace began to speak.

“Obi-Wan tells us he remembers how to get back to where you where held. You are to go back and find out who did this and why.”

“Yes, Masters,” Qui-Gon bowed, “we will.”

“Prepare you then and go,” said Yoda, “May the force be with you.” Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed formally and left.

“So, Padwan,” Qui-Gon said lightly, “where are we going?”

“To the surface level,” Obi-Wan answered flatly.

“You went all the way to the surface to find me?” Qui-Gon was shocked he hadn’t even realized he was that far down, “Alone! You should have brought help. You could have found worst things than my tormenter’s down there.”

Obi-Wan nodded sheepishly, “I know master, I’m sory. I would have, only by the time I realized that the force was leading me to the surface I was already half way there. I thought if I turned back then that I’d never find you.”

“It’s OK, Obi-Wan, but next time you think I’m in trouble bring help when you go looking for me. If you don’t want to cause a fuss or raise suspicions for whatever reasons, then ask Pepi she wouldn’t mind or say anything.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered obediently, “I will remember to bring help next time I have to rescue you.” Obi-Wan had to work heard to keep from laughing.

Qui-Gon shot him a stern look, but was having a hard time holding back his own laughter. “Don’t think, do,” Obi-Wan teased, “trust your instincts. Yours always seen to be getting you into trouble master.”

Qui-Gon shot another hard look at his Padwan but failed to keep in his laughter this time. “The council has granted me use of a car,” Obi-Wan spoke changing his direction behind his master toward the garage, his master also turned.

“The council granted you a car?” Qui-Gon asked in playful disbelief, “after what you did to Master Yoda’s ship?”

“Master,” Obi-Wan let out a disapproving sigh, “that was no more my fault than when you totaled Mace’s new ship.”

Qui-Gon winced at the mention of that, but Obi-Wan continued, “You know if I could have stopped the pirates from attacking us, I would have.

“Uhuhm, sure,” Qui-Gon teased, “I know you just wanted to go hot roding around with a new ship.” Obi-Wan made a much over exadurated face of innocence and they both laughed. By the time they had stopped laughing they where at the garage. The Garage Master came out and Obi-Wan handed him the requisition slip approved by the council.

“This way, Master Jinn, Obi-Wan,” the man gestured to a long row of cars and speeders, “your requisition approves you to take anything in this row here. When you pick one, get me from the office.”

As expected, Obi-Wan picked the most high performance two person speeder he could get his hands on. Qui-Gon just rolled his eyes and sighed //Here we go again.// Obi-Wan could feel his master’s sarcasm and it only made his grin grow, brighter, and more mischievous.

“Padwan,” Qui-Gon teased, “what’s going through that head of yours?”

“Nothing, master,” Obi-Wan teased back, “I swear.”

“Padwan!,” Qui-Gon playfully reprimanded him, “you know its not becoming of a Jedi to lie.”

“Who said anything about lying, master,” Obi-Wan said faining innocence, “See what you’ve done... You’re putting ideas into my head.” They bath laughed full-heartedly at that.

Qui-Gon went to converse with the Garage Master a moment, and he could here the enigion roar to life as Obi-Wan made himself intimately familiar with the controls. Qui-Gon sighed and signed the paper work. The Garage master commented playfully, “I can’t believe Yoda personally signed the requisition for your Padwan, he should know better.”

Qui-Gon shook his head playfully, “The thought of getting into that class M XJ47 Sky Speeder just terrifies me.”

“What took you so long, master,” Obi-Wan asked, that grin still on his face, “Trying to get the Garage Master to take her away from me?”

Obi-Wan patted the control panel lovingly, “Don’t worry girl, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Laughter filled their bond as they sped away into Coursant traffic.

“One thing’s for cretin,” Qui-Gon laughed, “there’s no keeping a low profile in this thing.”

“We don’t need a low profile,” Obi-Wan argued, “he have to walk the last three miles on foot.”

Qui-Gon shot him a sideways glance, “How longs did you walk around looking for me?”

“Over fifteen miles,” Obi-Wan answered, “maybe more, I’m not sure. I was walking around in the dark without my time peace for about three or four hours longer than it took us to get back. When I had realized you where in trouble, back at the Temple, I just grabbed my light saber and left.”

“I’m glad you left when you did,” Qui-Gon thanked his Padwan, “I don’t know how many more beatings like that I could have withstood.”

“I know, master,” Obi-Wan said soberly, “I could feel your pain as if it where my own.”

“I know Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said softly, “I couldn't shield myself, much less you from it.”

“I’m glad you didn’t master,” Obi-Wan gave a forced smile, “I don’t think I would have found you otherwise.”

Qui-Gon laughed uneasily, “The force works in strange ways, ehy?”

“Indeed it does,” Obi-Wan agreed, and they made the rest of the trip in silence.

“Here we are, master, I’ll set her down there,” he pointed to a small outcropping of decaying buildings, “then it’s three miles to the east.”

“all right, lead the way,” Qui-Gon said as Obi-Wan locked up the speeder.

Obi-Wan felt so strange walking ahead of his master, leading him. They walked swiftly and soon neared their destination. //Master, we’re close.//

//Yes, Padwan, this place feels familiar.// Qui-Gon agreed and Obi-Wan moved to his usual position behind and to the right of him. They drew on the force to lead them now. There it was, the first door Obi-Wan had come to when he went looking for his master, but the force had urged him on to another.

Here! This time the force willed them to this door. Both of them felt it, the force demanded they go through this door. //Be ready, I’ll open the door.//

//Yes, master.//

Qui-Gon raised his hand and Obi-Wan powered up his light saber. Qui-Gon waved his hand and the door flew open and at the same instant he had thumbed on his light saber.

It was a plain concreet room with a door on the opposite wall. A table and several chairs where it’s only furnishing. The two men armed with blasters where so fear stricken that they neither stood nor drew their weapons.
//Disarm and bind them.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan thumbed off his light saber, and held the two men with the force. he took and distorted their blasters, Then he bound their ankles and wrists with with ziptiys taken from a pouch on his belt. He also bound them to each other, to make escaping harder. Qui-Gon nodded approval. //Be vigilant.//

//Yes master.//

“You listen to me,” Qui-Gon said in a commanding but hushed voice, “do not try to escape or raise the alarm, if you do I will know. We will spare your lives but if you upset me I will come back to finish you off.” Obi-Wan knew it was only a bluff, but the panicked men believed him. //Now, get ready for the next door.// Obi-Wan answered that by reigning his light saber. Again Qui-Gon threw open a locked door. It was an observation room, an empty one. The wall that was against the next room was a two way merrier floor to celling, there was a long table and many chairs in front of it. Through the merrier they could see many cells, including the one Qui-Gon had been kept in. //I sense three prisoners and no guards.// Obi-Wan sent his thought to his master who replayed with a nod.

//They’re in bad shape// Qui-Gon let his thoughts flow across their bond. //When we get in there, Padawan, free them and tend to their injuries well enough so they can move. I will see to any unwelcome visitors that may arrive.//

//Yes, master.//

Qui-Gon flung open the door and they rushed in. Obi-Wan reached out with the force and let it lead him quickly to the worst injured prisoner. “I am Obi-Wan he said softly as he emanated peace into the mind of the woman on the other side of the door that he was quickly opening with the force.

“Thank the Gods!” the trembling woman said, “a Jedi!” She had been stripped naked and beaten badly. She was soaked in bloody slimy water. He quickly cut her down from the chains that bound her and wrapped her in the warmth of his robe. “I’m Tessa, and I’m afraid my legs are broken.”

“I can fix that,” Obi-Wan said moving quickly, he put his palms on her legs and let the force do the work, “Come quickly,” Obi-Wan said ushering the woman, who was now clinging to him, out of the cell. He led her over to Qui-Gon and scanned the other cells. “Stay here with my master, he will keep you safe. I must go to the others.” She pleaded with him for a moment, but he gently pried her hands off his tunic, “Qui-Gon will keep you safe, he’s a Jedi Master, and I have to go to the others. I will come back, I promise.” With that he went off to the next prisoner.

When he opened the next cell a tall Wookie rushed him, broken chains hanging from his arms. Obi-Wan easily sidestepped his attempt though and held him still with the force. “I am here to help you,” Obi-Wan released him, “ please go to my master and wait, we’re getting you out of here.”

“Jedi?” the Wookie had a strange look on his face, and he went quietly over to Qui-Gon.

Now Obi-Wan moved to the last cell. //A child!// Obi-Wan’s disgust and shock flowed across his bond with his master like a shock wave. He went gently into the frightened boy’s mind. //I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Padwan.// he explained to the boy as he cut him down. //My master and I have come to free you.// He took off his over tunic and sash and securely tied the tunic shut over the boy who was dressed in only a pair of filthy shorts.

The boy looked up at him, wonder in his eyes , too scared to talk. //I know you can’t speak right now, but listen// Obi-Wan continued as he picked up the boy and carried him out of the cell. //We will keep you safe.//

//Padwan, hurry, twenty men are coming.//

//Yes, master, I sense them.//

“We have to leave now,”Qui-Gon said taking command with a whisper, “Can you carrie the boy?” he asked the Wookie.

“Yes,” he answered taking the boy from Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan lit up his light saber and took the rear, with Qui-Gon in the lead. Before they reached the last room, the men where on them. Obi-Wan moved to a defensive position beside his master, and in front of the now released prisoners. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan easily deflected the blaster fire. Obi-Wan cut three of them in half with a simple stroke, and Qui-Gon knocked out five with the force, the rest had all died from deflected blaster fire. The Wookie armed himself with a discarded blaster as the prisoners where ushered out of the room and quickly to the speeder by the two Jedi. “Padwan,” Qui-Gon said as they reached the speeder, “Take the boy back to the Temple. I’ll keep these two moving on foot toward the temple, come back to us with a bigger car.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said already strapping the boy into the passenger seat, and he leaped into the driver’s seat and was off.

“Come on,” Qui-Gon urged the other two on, “if we hurry, we can at least get out of danger before Obi-Wan comes back for us.”

Obi-Wan flew a strait path back to the Temple, ignoring all traffic laws. He landed in front of the Temple, not on a landing platform, and set the boy down on his feet, “Can you peak now?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Go into the Temple,” Obi-Wan pointed, “Stop the first Jedi you find and tell him what happened. Tell him that Obi-Wan Kenobi sent you and that I’ll be back with to other’s and Master Jinn, got it?”

“Yes,” the boy said running off toward the Temple steps.

Obi-Wan buzzed the garage with his car and landed quickly. He took the first four seater he could find. He willed it to start with out the keys, using the force. He was already up in the air and moving by the time the Garage Master came running out screaming. He went out in the direction of where he had left his master, and reached out with the force to locate him exactly. //I’m almost there master.//

//We’ll wait here.//

//Yes, master.//

“Stop, and rest here,” Qui-Gon commanded, “Obi-Wan will be here in five minutes.” //Hurry, Padwan, we’re followed.//

//Yes, master.//

Just as Qui-Gon’s foes arrived he saw Obi-Wan touch down the car. “Go,” Qui-Gon commanded staying behind a moment to deflect blaster fire before jumping in himself. Obi-Wan didn’t wait for them to get strapped in or even seated before he speed off, reaching the upper levels of Coursant quickly. He raced for the Temple. There waiting for him where the distraught Garage Master and a medical team. The woman had passed out while Obi-Wan was bissy flying the car, so as soon as they landed Qui-Gon levitated her out of the car and to the medical team. “You got her here just in time,” Master Benda said rushing to her side and started a saline drip, “she’s dehydrated, has several broken bones, and massive internal bleeding.” He began treating her with the force even as she was being carried off to the infirmary on a stretcher.

“I’m Master Fentor,” the technician who stayed behind introduced himself to the Wookie. What’s your name?” He asked the Wookie as he scanned him with the force to check his injuries.

“Boorandun,” he answered, “that’s the best unuciation you’d manage, anyway.”

“Your shoulder is dislocated,” Fentor said leading the way to the healing ward, “and you are terribly brused, but nothing too major. I think we can have you out of the infirmary in twenty four hours.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sit here, please,” Fentor said patting an examination table, “Qui-Gon would you help me set Booranun’s shoulder?”

“Of course,” came a gentle reply. It took quite a bit of strength, but aided by the force the too quickly set the Wookie’s shoulder. He let out a roar, but hadn’t moved.

“Thank you,” Boorandun said, his heavy accent making his basic sound rough.

“Not at all,” Fentor said with a smile, “healing is what I love to do, I’m just a technician for now, but I am training to be a master healer.

Boorandun smiled back, “Thank you again, Fentar, but I heal quickly and pain affects me little, so I will take up no more of your time.”

“Nonsense,” Fentar said sternly, so even the Wookie gave in, “stay pout.”

“Where’s the boy?” Obi-Wan asked forgetting his place. His question was met with a reprimanding look //Padwan, mind your place.//

//Yes, master.//

“He’s just fine,” Fentar answered oblivious of the exchange between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, “he was a bit hyperthurmic and denigrated, but fine now. He’s waiting for you in room three.”

“Than you, Master Fentar,” Obi-Wan said and looked to his master. //Master, may I?//

“Yes, Padwan, go,” Qui-Gon answered and Obi-Wan silently left. //Thank you master.//

“It’s Obi-Wan Kenobi,” he knocked gently on the door, “may I come in?”

//Yes, do come in.// Came the boy’s silent answer. Obi-Wan was shocked but let hint of it be known.

“Do you remember me?” he asked looking warmly at the boy who was now dressed in hospital clothes.

“Yes I do,” the boy smiled, “O, and your clothes are over there, on the chair. Thank you for lending them to me.”

“ No problem, and thank you,” Obi-Wan said looking to the neatly folded but filthy cloak and sash, “it was nothing. I have plenty more. What’s your name, brave little one?”

“I, I don’t know,” the boy frowned, thinking a moment, “I don’t remember much at all, only being hit across the head. Anything before that I can’t remember anything before that. I mean I remember things, how to use a fork and knife, how to walk, talk, and so on, but no memories,” he rubbed his head behind his left ear, “It still hurts.”

Obi-Wan looked at him sympathetically, “When did Master Benda say you would be released?”

“Tomorrow,” the boy looked sad, “but I have no where to go.”

“I have an idea,” Obi-Wan said with a wink, “I’ll be right back.”

“OK,” the boy answered with a smile.

//Master?// Obi-Wan called out to Qui-Gon from outside the boy’s room.

//Yes, Padwan?//

//The boy master, he got hit on the head. He doesn't remember anything, not even he name. He gets released tomorrow. Master, can, can he stay with us?//

//Obi-Wan we haven't the amenities.//

//I’ll sleep on the floor if I have too.//

//all right, but this is temprorerrie, under stood Padwan?//

//Yes, of course, master. Thank you master.//

//Thank you, Master Jinn.// Qui-Gon heard the boy’s voice in his head.

//You’re welcome// he answered automatically, but made no outer sign. “Apparently, I’ll be taking the boy when he’s released,” Qui-Gon let out a sigh, “Temporarily, anyway.”

“Well then,” Fentar said with a teasing grin, “I won’t have to worry about him. O, and I already have missing persons looking to find out who he is. He’s also strong with the force. He’s been talking to everyone with his mind.”

“He’s a teleapath, then?” Qui-Gon hoped he was wrong.

“No,” Fentar said to his relief, “he’s very good with sensing surface thoughts and feelings though, and as you have felt, I’m sure, he is empathic, if not telepathic.”

“At least I won’t have to worry about an undisciplined nine year old mind reading my mind,” Qui-Gon let out another sigh, what did Obi-Wan get me into.

//I won’t be trouble, promise.//

//I’m not worried about that believe me, you will be no trouble to me.//

“Boorandun, will you be all right now?” Qui-Gon asked.

“Yes, Master Jinn, do not let me interrupt your prior engagements,” Boorandun answered.

“Thank you and good night, Boorandun, Master Fentar,” Qui-Gon gave a formal bow and went to room three.

“Hello,” Qui-Gon said politely as he entered the room, “what would you like us to call you?”

“Anything you like, I haven’t the slightest idea,” the boy said with a bright smile, “and no, I’m not a teleapath, I just read surface thoughts. I don’t know how I do it, and I don’t know how not to. It’s why they wanted me,” he shivered involuntarily, “Anyway, thank you for taking me in, Master Jinn.”

“You’re quite welcome,” Qui-Gon answered, “and please call me Qui-Gon, and I think we’ll call you John.”

The boy frowned to himself, “Why does Obi-Wan call you master, if I should not?” he was compleatly confused.

“Obi-Wan is my Padwan Learner, and I am his master,” Qui-Gon clarified, “but I am not your master.”

The boy shook is head, “I don’t understand, you’ll have to explain to me better latter.”

“I will,” Qui-Gon said with a smile, “John. For now though, you need to rest and Obi-Wan and I need to be on our way. We’ll be back to check you out of here tomorrow.”

//OK, then I’ll see you tomorrow.//

//Yes, you will. Good bye until then.//

“It’s unnerving, master,” Obi-Wan whispered when they got onto the turbo lift, “that he can read out thoughts.”

“I know Padwan,” Qui-Gon said reassuringly, “but he does it innocently, and he truly can not control it.”

//I know, but its still unnerving.// Obi-Wan chanced conversation along their bond as they neared their apartment.

//Relax Padawan, do not worry about it.//

//Yes, master.//

“Obi-Wan go and make your room ready for John, then come back and meditate with me,” Qui-Gon said as the door closed behind them.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said and headed to his room. Obi-Wan brought down a handful of toys he had long sense out grown, from a shelf and put them on his desk. He made up the bed with new sheets and blankets. Then he moved all the things he didn’t want John to play with into his closet and locked it with the key pad, and a force lock, tuned only to his signature. Obi-Wan removed everything from the desk he thought was inappropriate for a nine year old to play with onto the shelf four feet above the desk. Then he did some general tietying up, picked up his dirty sleep pants, ect. Then he went out to join his master who was already meditating.

Obi-Wan sat down about a foot away from Qui-Gon, facing him he went into a deep meditation. He reached out to the force and he could feel it tangabually, flowing around him and his master, flowing through them and around everything. Then he felt his bond with Qui-Gon grow stronger as it always did when they meditated. His heart beat and breathing slowed to match his masters. Then at some point they slipped into each other’s minds. //Master, what do you think about the boy?//

//His heart is pure and his mind is strong, even without his memories. I think it will be nice to have him around for a while.//

//So, do I master.//

A few hours latter they came out of their trance. //You did well today, Padwan.//

//Thank you master. Will we be going back?//

//No, they’ve scent a larger party in our place, after today’s events.//

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day bright and early; 5 am:

Obi-Wan woke before his master so he decided to do a little privet meditation. Qui-Gon woke just as Obi-Wan finished meditating. He knocked on the door, “May I come in.”

“Yes, master, of course,” Obi-Wan answered opening the door.

“Are you ready to warm up for the day?” Qui-Gon asked.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered following Qui-Gon into the common room. They stretched for an hour, then spent an hour doing pushups, jumping jacks, and sit-ups, then another hour of stretching ended their morning warmup.

“I want to check John out of the hospital before first meal,” Qui-Gon said picking up a fresh change of clothes and heading to the fresher.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said as he waited his turn in the fresher.

Now both where showered and changed and felt refreshed. Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon to the infurmery, a fresh change of clothes and a pair of boots in his arms. //Padwan, go to John and I’ll get the paperwork signed.//

//Yes, master.// “Good morning, John,” Obi-Wan said as he knocked on the door and came into the room.

“Hello, Obi-Wan,” John said with a bright smile, “how are you this morning?”

“I’m good, as I hope you are,” Obi-Wan said lightly, as he handed him the bundle of clothing he had been caring. “Here, I’ve brought you some clothes, so you don’t have to wear those hospital clothes.”

“Thanks,” John said receiving the clothes, and without thinking about it proceeded to change right then.

Obi-Wan quickly turned around and looked at his boots, “I’ll give you some privacy.”

“Don’t bother,” John said flatly, “I’m done.” When Obi-Wan turned back around John was pulling on his boots.

//You know, you do have the right to privacy here.//

//I really am not modest, I don’t care much about privacy, but thank you for being considerate.//

“You’re welcome, John,” Obi-Wan said softly. //Obi-Wan is John ready? I’m done signing him out.//

//Yes.// Obi-Wan and John answered simotaniously. As they waited for Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan spoke softly, gently, “I understand, John, that you can not control your mind reading... But, please out of respect do not interject into my master’s and my conversations, unless asked. Do you understand?”

“I’m sorry, and I understand,” John answered, “please forgive me, I’ll try not to interrupt.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” Obi-Wan said smiling brightly, “you meant no harm and you have caused none.”

Qui-Gon entered the room a moment latter. //Hello, Master Jinn.//

“Hello, John,” Qui-Gon flashed a smile, then it was gone, “but please, call me Qui-Gon. I thought we’d have first meal before we show you around our apartment.”

“Sounds good, Qui-Gon, I’m starving,” John agreed, eye’s sparkling.

//He really is enthusiastic, isn’t he.//

//Yes, Padwan. Be polite, remember he can hear you.//

//Of course, master.//

“So what’s for breakfast?” John asked as he followed behind Qui-Gon and to the left of Obi-Wan.

“That depends on what you want,” Qui-Gon answered, not looking back, “they should have something to your liking in the cafeteria.”

“You mean I get a choice?” John was jubilant, Obi-Wan was suprized he didn’t jump up and go flying down the hall.

Qui-Gon chuckled, “Yes, John, you’ll find you have many choices here.”

Obi-Wan smiled one of throes unrevealing, but pleasantly enigmatic smiles. //My you are jubilant.// Obi-Wan directed at John, and Obi-Wan could feel his master’s laughter across their bond.

John’s smiling face looked up at Obi-Wan in reply, “Yes, and I am also quite happy to be out of the infirmary.”

“I know how you feel,” Obi-Wan laughed, “I’m in there all the time myself. My bones break too easily.”

Qui-Gon laughed openly at that, “Its not your bones that are the problem, Padwan, its that your brine doesn't work fast enough,” he teased and they all had a good laugh.

“I guess you’re right master,” Obi-Wan quipped, “but do remember, master, you did agree to take me on as your Padwan.”

Qui-Gon shook his head in mocking jest, “Don’t remind me Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan snickered behind Qui-Gon’s back. //I saw that Padwan.//

//I forgot all about those eyes you had put in the back of your head.// Obi-Wan quipped.

//Eyes in the back of his head?// John was confused.

//No, nor really.// Qui-Gon smiled. //I can see or rather feel, sense things witch I can not see, because the force allows me to. It is especially easy for me to sense these things with my Padwan, because of out special Master/Padwan bond.”

“Bond?” John thought a moment, “because he’s your Padawan?”

“Well,” Qui-Gon clarified, “it isn’t only because Obi-Wan’s my Padwan, it is a bond between us through the force.”

“You still haven't explained what it is,” John said, “this force of yours.”

“That’s to complicated, complicated to explain over first meal,” Qui-Gon smiled, “and it is not my force, it is our force, it belongs to all.”

“Humm..” John thought not understanding, “I don’t see how, but you can explain latter. I’m hungry.”

Qui-Gon laughed, “Oh, no, please don’t tell me you have an appetite like Obi-Wan.”

“I can’t comfurm or deny, because I don’t know what his appetite is like,” John laughed.

Qui-Gon just smiled, “Here we are,” he opened the cafeteria door, “just get a tray and you can take anything you like from the line.”

John’s eyes where huge with delight, “I’ve never seen so much food in one place before.”

“We have a lot of hungry Jedi and and various visitors to feed,” Obi-Wan quipped. Qui-Gon shook his head and grabbed a tray. He got in line behind John, who was proceeding to pile his tray high with food.

“Force! He does eat like you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said jokingly. Obi-Wan didn’t answer but snickered silently. Qui-Gon shot Obi-Wan a stern look, but couldn’t hold back the grin that spread across his face.

//Master! Are you teasing me?!// Obi-Wan jokingly chided.

//Guess I couldn’t hide that one from you.//

After a hearty breakfast Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan showed John to their apartment. “O, Obi-Wan I had a cot put in your room, so you don’t have to sleep on the floor.”

The door closed behind them, “John, I’ve set an access code for you on the lock A3RB1-2D9.”

“This way,” Obi-Wan led John to his room, “I’ve brought down some of my old toys for you to play with if you’d like.”

Obi-Wan sat on the bed next to John and got serious for a moment, “I only have one rule: While you stay in my room anything easily accessabul to you is meant to be, and anything you have to try to get at, don’t. I only say this because there are things in here that are dangerous, and I don’t want you to get hurt. So are we under stood?”

“OK, no problem, Obi-Wan, I won’t cause any trouble,” John answered obediently.

“Good, now that I’ve got that done with. You can have the bed, I’ll take the cot.”

“Thank you,” John said smiling, “you’ve got some pretty cool stuff in here.”

“Take a look around,” Obi-Wan said smiling, “and I don’t mind answering your questions.”

“What are those?” John pointed to a shelf with several data crystals on it.

“They’re data crystals,” Obi-Wan took one down and let John look it over, “this one’s a book on astrometricks, a text book for my lessons. Here, you touch the icon to activate it.”

John touched the symbol and the projection showed a table of continence and a computerized voice read off the chapter titles and descriptions, “Cool!” he was elated, “are they all like this?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid they’re all text books,” Obi-Wan went over to them, “Calculus, applied mathematics, astro physics, unmm... let me see, here, maybe you’d like this one, Plants Nutritious, Beautiful, and Deadly (An over view of the flora of the Republic of Planets). That’s the closest thing I’ve got to a children’s book.”

John touched the icon and the crystal in his hands deactivated. “Shall I show you around then?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Yes,” John followed Obi-Wan out of the room, “the fresher’s in there, the kitchen over here; you have free rain over the fridge, but please do not play with the knives, and then the common room is the first one you saw.”

“What’s in there?” John pointed to the only room Obi-Wan had not walked him through.

“That’s master Jinn’s room, but don’t go in there unless invited,” Obi-Wan answered.

“I won’t,” John agreed.

When they returned to the common room, Qui-Gon was sitting on the floor meditating. “What’s he doing on the floor?” John pointed at Qui-Gon.

“He’s meditating,” Obi-Wan answered, “he’s exploring his mind and strengthening his bond with the force. When I meditate with him we explore each other’s minds and strengthen our bond. We also meditate to reflect on events and actions taken, and to seek guidance from the force, though it doesn't always answer our questions. We can also go into healing trances to heal our selves or others, but that’s only for serious wounds. Generally speaking, we can just send blasts of healing energy, like I did when I first found you.”

“So tell me,” John asked matter-of-factly, “what is this force that you and Master Jinn never cease to speak or think of?”

“Well, tell me, do you want the short version or the three day long class room lecture?” Obi-Wan quipped.

“The short for now,” John answered, “you can give me the long version latter.”

“OK, then, the short version then: The force exists in all living things, be them animals or plants, bacteria or whatever, sentient or not. It forms a symbiosis with life. With out it we wouldn’t be here and without life the force wouldn’t exist,” Obi-Wan took a deep breath before he continued, “The force, it is the invisible will of the universe, well not always invisible, anyway, if you train and listen intently you will her it whisper to you, you will feel it’s ebb and flow. You see a Jedi spends their enter lives becoming one with the force, and in letting the force guide them they gain empowerment from it. The ability to move faster, be stronger, think quicker, heal faster, have a more disciplined body and mind, and of course the most famous the ability to move things with the force and the mind tricks, but we don’t use mind tricks unless we have to.”

John looked flaber gast, “That’s the short version?”

“The very, very short version, John” Qui-Gon said standing up from the floor.

“Welcome back, Qui-Gon,” John said smiling.

“I never left,” Qui-Gon said flatly, “I assume Obi-Wan gave you the tour?”

“Yes,” John answered, “he showed me around.”

“Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon changed his focus to his Padwan, “I’m giving you the rest of the day off to show John around. Don’t stray too far from the temple, and Padwan, keep him out of trouble.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said obediently, “Than you master. Shall we John?”

“Yes,” he answered excited.

Obi-Wan walked out the door with John at his side. “Here, these are the practice rooms, students, knights, masters, and Padawans practice katas and spar here. All the living levels of the temple have a meditation garden, they’re all open to all members, but I think the best is on the Council's level, the hall of a thousand water falls. We’re going there next.” As Obi-Wan led the way to the water fall garden, he pointed out all the amenities, the barber, the swimming pools, the gym, and so on.

When they arrived at the hall of a thousand water falls they walked around for a long time in silence. “Would you show me something, do something with the force?” John asked.

“Sure,” Obi-Wan said he reached out to the force, raised out some water from a near by fountain and formed a solar system of four planets around a sun, complete with moons and all. Then he gently returned the water to the fountain.

John was awe struck and silent, his mind was racing, trying to comprehend. “Woah, how’d you do that?”

“You know the answer to that,” Obi-Wan smiled, “you asked me to move something with the force I did, I moved the water, and shaped it with the force, that’s all.”

John giggled, “I feel all tingly when ever you use the force around me.”

Obi-Wan looked at him intently thinking for a moment, “It means that you can sense the small ripples in the force that we cause whenever we use it.”

Obi-Wan took a seat on a grassy spot of the garden, “Would you come sit by me, I want to try something.”

“OK,” John said eagerly.

“Here,” Obi-Wan instructed gently, “sit in front of me, you need to be comfortable, cross your legs and let me see your hands.” Obi-Wan took his hands and rubbed them gently below the thumbs where he could feel his heart beat slowing down. “I want you to relax, close your eyes, and concentrate on my voice, follow my breathing, take deep, slow, long breaths. Relax, feel your toes relaxing, now you legs, and your torso, relax your chest, your shoulders, now relax your arms and your hands, feel the muscles in your fingers relax, and now your neck loosens, all the muscles in your face relax, and now there is no tension in your body, none at all. There is no pain, no anxiety, only the force. I’m going to probe into your mind if it’s OK with you?” John nodded in response making no other movement and not opening his eyes, “I’m also going to lower my shields to you, so you can try to go into my mind. Relax, deep slow breaths.” Obi-Wan continued talking gently to John, instructing him how to meditate, until finally both of them where in a meditation trance. //John// Obi-Wan gently went into his mind //can you here me?//

//Yes, Obi-Wan// came the reply. //I can sense your thoughts, your feelings. It’s strange. More than just surface stuff.//

//I know, John, just relax, stay calm, concentrate on me.// Obi-Wan felt John relax even more as his hands went almost limp in his, but Obi-Wan had to stay just conscious enough to keep holding his hands, because they lacked the bond he usually used for meditating with his master they had to physically touch to make this work. //I’m going to try to help you tap into the force. You are strong with the force and the force is trying to make you aware of it’s self. I’m going to reach out to the force and envelop both of us in it. You will feel a warm tingly sensation. Hold onto it focus on it and to draw it to you. Remember, there is no try, only do or do not bother.//

//I can feel it, it feels so strange, so right, so peaceful. I have it, I can grasp it!// In his excitement, John broke concentration, he opened his eyes to see them floating a foot above the ground. In the abruptness of this they both fell to the ground. “Did you do that?” John looked amazedly at Obi-Wan.

“No,” Obi-Wan said gently, “you did, I only showed you how.”

“I don’t believe-”

Obi-Wan cut him off before he could finish his sentence, “But you do or ells you would not have been able to levitate us.”

“Come with me,” Obi-Wan said gently, “I want to try something ells.”

“OK,” John said enthusiastically.

“Do you trust me?” Obi-Wan asked seriously as they approached the door.

“Yes,” John answered simply.

“Do you really trust me?” Obi-Wan asked again, “This will not work without your comleatly trust in me.”

“It’s OK, Obi-Wan,” John said genuiounly, “I do trust you, honest.”

“OK, then,” Obi-Wan said and took the blind fold he often used for training from somewhere in the folds of his clothes. “Trust me,” Obi-Wan said softly as he tied the blind fold firmly but gently around John’s head blocking out his vision completely. This was a common excersize for Padawans and students, so they wouldn’t look ridiculous to the habitants of temple students. “Now, we’re going for a walk and I will not guide you with anything but my voice, ocationally. Don’t worry though, I will keep an eye on you to be sure you don’t get hurt. Now let’s go for a walk.”

“OK,” John said reaching out his hands to try and navigate the door.

“Remember,” Obi-Wan said gently, “do not try, put you hands down and walk through the door. Just do it, or don’t even bother with exercise. Reach out to the force like I showed you when we meditated. Let the force guide you.”

“OK,” John said putting down his hands, “I’ll tr- I will.”

Obi-Wan smiled happily, “All right then, this way.” He walked ahead of John, leading him by letting the force flow from him like a honing beacon adjusted so only John could feel it, and then only if he was really immersed in the force.

After a few minutes when John truly began to believe he was doing what Obi-Wan had suggested he quickened his pace a bit and walked smoother. //I can feel it, Obi-Wan, the force, it’s like I can see everything around me, but not like my eyes would see them.//

//Good.// Obi-Wan made a sharp turn and John followed easily.

//Are we leaving the Temple?//

//Very good, John. Yes we are.//

//Where are we going?// John, asked quoriously.

//I’m taking you to the mall. It’s socializing center and a place for shopping. I thought you might like some more clothes, I only have that one set of clothing and boots for you here.//

“You really don’t have too, I can manage with one set of clothes. I don’t want you wasting your money on me,” John said a bit embarrassed to have to be so looked after.

“Nonsense,” Obi-Wan said, “it is my responsibility to take care of you now, and even if it weren't I would be ashamed not to help you when it is so easy for me to.”

John easily navigated the hundred steps to the edge of the Temple grounds. “OK,” Obi-Wan said stopping and John stopped also, “enough of that for now,” Obi-Wan removed the blindfold from John’s eyes and putt it back in it’s place in the folds of Obi-Wan’s clothes, “I don’t want to draw too much attention to us while we’re out. Qui-Gon did tell me to keep you out of trouble.”

John slowly opened his eyes giving them time to adjust to the light. Everything seemed to sparkle with a new radiance. //Is it the force, is that why everything looks so different?//

//Yes.// Obi-Wan gave a simple answer, “Now come along, John.” John followed Obi-Wan to the mall, it was only a short walk away.

“Obi-Wan,” John looked up at him, “I’m hungry again.”

“Again?” Obi-Wan teased, “Master Jinn was wrong, your appetite surpasses even mine.” The two laughed like old friends. “All right,” Obi-Wan changed the direction he was walking in the mall, “I’ll get you something to eat at Jo Jo’s.”

“What kind of food do they have there?” John inquired.

“Only the best burgers and cheese fries on Coursant,” Obi-Wan said with energy, “and I have been all around Coruscant.”

“Sounds good,” John said excitedly, “You know its strange, this place seems familiar, and yet so distant, so strange and unfamiliar.”

“I’m sure all your memories will come back to you in time,” Obi-Wan said reassuringly, “Here this way.” A moment latter they where at Jo Jo’s

“Hello, Master Jedi,” the man at the counter greeted them, “and little one. What can I do for you today?”

“I’ll take two bacon cheeseburgers, everything on the side, a large cheese fry, a large onion ring and two chocolate shakes.”

“For you,” the man said happily, “on the house.”

“O, no,” Obi-Wan disagreed politely, “that won’t do. I have to pay, it woudn’t be fair if I didn’t. Thank you though, I appreciate the thought.”

Obi-Wan paid and left a good tip, “You people work too hard not to get paid.”

“Thank you Master Jedi,” the man said jubilantly.

“You’re quite welcome,” Obi-Wan said with a smile, “but I am only a Jedi Padwan, not a Jedi Master. Have a good day sir.”

Obi-Wan and John sat and ate there fill. “This is fantastic!” John said quickly scarfing down his food.

“Slow down there, John,” Obi-Wan said softly, “you’ll make your self sick.” John blushed and slowed his eating a bit.

“It really is good,” John said as he finished his food, “I’m glad you brought me here.”

“Not a problem,” Obi-Wan said with a laugh, “its my favorite place to eat here.”

A short while latter Obi-Wan finished his food as well and put the garbage and dishes in the appropriate receptacles. He led John off down to the west side of the mall. “Here we go,” Obi-Wan said opening the door for John, “you can have anything you want within reason.”

“OK,” John said looking around at the various articles of clothing. They where all pretty basic, over and under tunics, boots, pants, and sox. It was only the wide range of types, colors, and patterns of fabric that gave them variety. John chose a few pairs of pants and tunics of well made tightly spun linen. In hews of earthy browns and greens they where beautifully made, but neutral to look at.

“Hello, Master Jedi, may I do something for you?” a merchant came from around some corner.

“Please, call me Obi-Wan,” he said kindly, “and yes, I’d like to purchase these.” Obi-Wan took the bundle from John’s hands and placed them on the counter. “Go find a pair of boots you like,” Obi-Wan said, “its always a good idea to have at least two pairs.”

He didn’t pick a knee high pair like Obi-Wan had given him in the hospital, instead he chose a pair of mid calf high tactical boots. They fit snugly and comfortably. Obi-Wan nodded approval and put the boots with the rest of the clothing. “Any thing else for you gentleman?”

“No, thank you,” Obi-Wan said politely as he touched his palm to the payment panel on the counter. ‘Balance, 20 dacterians,’ an electronic voice said, ‘Paid, 20 dacterians, Temple Credits from Padwan Obi-Wan Kenobi’s personal account, Approved.’

The man behind the counter smiled, “Good day gentleman, may the force be with you.”

“May the force be with you as well,” Obi-Wan said with a slight bow of his head, “and have a good day.” It felt nice to have someone appreciate him, and not in a worshipful way.

“Can we wonder around the mall for a while?” John asked.

“Sure,” Obi-Wan said, “of course we can.”

John went to pick up the neatly tied package with his clothes from the counter, but Obi-Wan was already carrying it. “There’s an arcade down stairs, other than that it’s all shopping.”

“What’s an arcade?” John asked as he fowled Obi-Wan out of the clothing store.

“A place full of electronic games,” Obi-Wan explained, “you can play most of them by your self or with other people.”

“You can play some of them if you’d like,” Obi-Wan said as they got on a turbo lift, “there’s all kinds of games.”

“OK,” John said as they sat on the seat in the turbo lift, “what kind of games do they have?”

“Combat games, dancing games, puzzle games, RPG's, all manor of things you could think of,” Obi-Wan answered standing up as the turbo lift doors opened.

“Here we are,” this area was a bustle of activity and people, mainly children and adolescents where moving about busily. “If anything interests you, just tell me and we can stop and play a round or two.”

They spent a long while in the arcade before John began to loose interest. “Where are we off to next?”

Obi-Wan smiled, “Would you like to wonder around for a little while?”

“Yes,” John said as he followed Obi-Wan out of the mall, “what’s around here?”

“A bar, the Civic Center, a public library,” Obi-Wan answered him as they moved off in a radome direction, “Do you want to try something else with the force?”

“Reach out with the force,” Obi-Wan said stopping and turning to face John, “and move something, something small and light, something inconspicuous.”

John put his hand out, why, he didn’t know. He just knew he’d seen Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon do it like that. Obi-Wan felt the end of his braid raise to his shoulder smoothly, then fall abruptly. “That was hard,” John said looking as if he just ran a marathon.

“You used much more energy than you needed,” Obi-Wan said as he started walking again. John felt his strength returning to him quickly, “I think that’s enough for now. I don’t want you rundown by the time we get back.”

They where wondering around the civic center when Obi-Wan realized he was not wondering aimlessly, he was letting the force push and pull him around. He hadn’t even been aware of it until now, now that they where no longer anywhere near the Temple or the civic center anymore.//John, stay silent. I feel something, stay close to me and be mindful. Somethings not right here.//

//OK, I will.//

Obi-Wan continued to let the force guide him. //Master, are you there?// No answer, why would he put his shields up? There’s something very wrong going on right now.

//Keep your eyes and your ears open.// Obi-Wan could feel he was getting close to what the force wanted him to find. John followed him around a corner, so close his hand brushed the skirt of Obi-Wan’s tunic.

Obi-Wan could feel John’s growing anxiety as they rounded the next corner witch led into an ally way.//Remember, there’s no fear, only the force. I’m here to keep you safe.// He felt John relax a little and reach out to the force, He doesn't even realize he’s doing that, Obi-Wan thought.

Then he saw them: Three men standing around a young girl who was laying passed out, or rather knocked out, on the ground. //Stay here, in the shadows. Stay out of sight and sound.// John nodded and slinked back around the corner. Obi-Wan stepped out under the light of a street lamp and lit up his saber. The men looked up from their victim with smiles. “Works every time,” one snorted.

Six more men stepped out from around another corner. //Obi-Wan, they have Qui-Gon! I can see them from here.//

//Master? Where is he, John?//

//Behind you to your left, with the other men. They haven’t seen me.// Obi-Wan looked intently but with no expression at the nine meant walking toward him from two directions. //I think he’s unconscious Obi-Wan his thoughts are strange, clouded, distorted and unfocussed.// Obi-Wan raised his saber in a defensive stance. Defiantly he did not move.

//See if you can reach into his mind. Try to make him focus on you. See if you can’t get him to come to. Don’t let them see you though. Be disciplined, don’t move, even if you can’t help him.// “Let me see if I can’t do something to wipe that smile off your face,” Obi-Wan said harshly. The men raised blasters. He threw the blasters to splinter against a wall with a wave of his hands.

//I will.//

“Shit! This one’s the real deal! Fuck!” Obi-Wan heard one of them whisper hoarsely.

Obi-Wan smiled, “So is that one.” Obi-Wan gestured to Qui-Gon without moving or averting his stare. “And if you’ve done him any real harm, you’ll regret bringing me into this.” //Can you reach him John?//

//He knows we’re here. He knows what I’m trying to do, but his grasp on my mind keeps slipping away.// “If you surrender now you will live,” Obi-Wan continued his banter with the men, “or we can play out this duel to it’s final stupidity; if you like.”

The nine men in front of Obi-Wan where now furious. They rushed the short distance still between them and Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan spun around, blade extended cutting two of them in half. Then he stopped abruptly facing the men and a downward stroke cut one in half head to toe. //Obi-Wan! They-// For a split instant Obi-Wan lost his concentration, he whirled around just in time to see two men dragging John toward the men guarding Qui-Gon.

That instant was all he needed, the man hit Obi-Wan with all his might where his scull met the spine. Obi-Wan hit the floor much to John’s horror. Qui-Gon came too just in time to see Obi-Wan hit the floor, light saber flying from his hands. //Obi-Wan? Are you OK, Padwan? Padwan?//

Remember there is no pain, there is only the force, there is no death, only the force. Remember action with insight, speed with patience. Qui-Gon took in a deep cleansing breath and let it out slowly. Calming himself he looked over to the boy being dragged toward him, he was fighting them to no avail. //John, are you OK?//

//Everything but my pride.// John answered. //It’s good to have your back, Master Jinn.// “All right, time to move,” one of the men ordered as Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and John where dragged off down the ally.

//Can’t say I’m glad to see you and Obi-Wan here.//

John looked at Obi-Wan. //It’s my fault I wanted to-// John felt a sharp pain as the man who carried him hit him hard across the jaw, “You can walk! Get on your feet boy!” John complied with out a hint of reaction.

//This is not your doing, John.// Qui-Gon looked at him, but there was no expression on his face. //Focus on the moment. Trust your instincts. Remember what Obi-Wan’s tough you. Trust the force, and allow your self to feel it. Let the force surround you and protect you. Let the force shield you from pain and panic. Let the force keep your mind clear and open to all options you come across. Remember the force is always there, even when you can’t feel it.//

//I can feel it, the force. Than you Master Jinn, for keeping me from panicking. Those words and these, helped me to find my center: Remember there is no pain, there is only the force, there is no death, only the force. Remember action with insight, speed with patience. They are words I won’t soon forget.// Abruptly the man in command stopped them, “Stop here, bind their wrists and blind fold them.” At this all where bound and blindfolded, Obi-Wan was still unconscious.

//Remember the force will let you see what’s around you even without your eyes. If the order had found you sooner, they would have taken you as a student.// Qui-Gon sent a mental smile to John. //Alert me if anything presents it’s self to you, for good or bad. For now I have to tend to my Padwan.//

//I will.//

//Padwan?// Qui-Gon focussed all his thought on Obi-Wan. //Padwan, can you here me?//

//Master?// Obi-Wan’s response was groggy, he was still unconscious. //What happened?// They where shoved through a door and down a hallway with a cold metal floor.

//You tried to defend me and John, but you where knocked unconscious. You’re still unconscious now. Tell me, Padwan, are you all right?//

Meanwhile John was keeping close track of where they where headed. 100 steps to then a left, 1 step through a large steel door, the hall is cold and dark, damp and smells of rot. Fifty paces down the hall, three doors ahead. We go through the door two steps ahead and three steps to the right of us. Another 100 steps, that’s the destination, a concreet box, one door no windows. //Master Jinn they’re going to put us into a concreet box.//

//Thank you John, but there’s nothing I can do// Qui-Gon answered //I took an oath to keep Obi-Wan, my Padwan, safe, and it supersedes all other vows and obligations I have. I can not escape with you even though it is in my power to.//

The steel door opened to the sound of heavy gears turning unwillingly. //I would never sujest-//

//I know John.// They where flung in the cell. Obi-Wan first, of course, so he would hit the floor with a thud. But Qui-Gon “mind tricked” them it to seeing it while he actually used the force to give Obi-Wan a soft landing.

John blinked. //Did none of them see you levitate him?//

//No, I did a mind trick on them to make them see what they expected. But I did not direct the trick at you.// Qui-Gon and John sat on the floor at either side of Obi-Wan. //Meditate, John, relax.//

John did as he was told while Qui-Gon moved Obi-Wan so he lay with his head in Qui-Gon’s lap. //Padwan?//

//Master?// his eyes fluttered open a moment, but closed again quickly.

//Yes, Padwan, I’m here. Wake up Padwan. Send your consciousness out to me, wake your self.//

//Master, I’ll try-// Obi-Wan didn’t complete the thought. //I will.//

Qui-Gon smiled. //I will help you. I’m going to channel the force into you. You just focus on becoming conscious again.//

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and blinked a few times while his eyes adjusted to the lack of light in the cell. Then he felt the force flowing into him with Qui-Gon’s direction. Obi-Wan used the force to ‘see’. He sat up abruptly and ‘looked’ around. “What’s this?” Qui-Gon asked as he caught the mettle cylinder that fell from the folds of Obi-Wan’s clothes.

“Just before I blacked out I drew it back to me and I used the force to make sure none of our attackers saw me,” Obi-Wan answered, “I was hopping they where too obtuse to search us after they thought we where disarmed... Look,” Obi-Wan lifted something from his belt, “they didn’t even take our food capsules or bacta patches. Don’t you find it odd.”

It wasn’t until Obi-Wan told him this that Qui-Gon realized it was true, “You are correct Padwan, they took weapons and nothing ells.” //I was drugged but not injured. They must have slipped it to me some time when I let my guard down because I didn’t even realize I had been given the drug until it started to affect me. Something in the force had alerted me and I was out looking for you.//

//Mater, John... I can sense him but he’s I can’t reach him.//

//He’s meditating, Padwan. You tough him well how to hide his feelings and thoughts, it is a good skill.//

//I didn’t teach him that. I only tough him how to meditate. I showed him how to use the force to see while blind folded and how to move small objects. I didn’t teach him how to shield himself.//

Qui-Gon looked over toward John. He couldn’t see anything in the light-less cell, but he could sense John was sitting meditating peacefully. //He’s fine, and you did teach him well how to see while blind folded. He memorized everything about our walk here.//

Obi-Wan smiled, “He is a quick study, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Padwan, he is,” Qui-Gon said lightly, for a moment pretending they weren't in such a lonely place.

“At least we know they don’t want us dead master,” Obi-Wan said mirroring his master’s light tone.

“Any how do we know that, Padwan?” yes even this is a test, Qui-Gon thought.

“Well, for one thing, they had an easy opportunity to kill each of us, and then they took none of our gear except our weapons,” Obi-Wan answered softly, “they didn’t even take my communicator.”

Qui-Gon nodded. //Very good Padwan.//

The door swung open. //John, stand tall, be vigilant.// Qui-Gon sent the message to John and he instantly came out of his trance and stood between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had slipped Obi-Wan’s light saber back into the folds of his clothes.

“How nice of them to stand for us,” one of the men from earlier said. He held in his hand a long cane. He reached out to hit them all across the knees with it. //John, fall just before the cane hits you, make it look convincing and remember, there is no pain, only the force.//

John wasn’t quite quick enough, he fell only soon enough to save his left knee. A silenced wale passed his lips. Obi-Wan put his hand on John’s shoulder. Making it look as if he where doing so to keep from falling on his face, but in reality Obi-Wan sent a wave of force energy into him to elevate the pain. //Thank you.//

//Sure.// Obi-Wan let his hand slid off of John’s shoulder as he stumbled for show.

“Not so strong after all,” the leader laughed, “I like the sound of the little one’s pain.”

//Be strong.// Qui-Gon sent out reassurance to John. //They always go for the youngest first, to try and break the older. But do not fear, do not worry. We will keep you safe.//

John didn’t answer, but Qui-Gon new he understood. John took a deep breath as the leader of their captors picked him up by his collar. He didn’t struggle, just hung there in the man’s grasp. //Be calm, relax.// Qui-Gon guided John. //Know that we will not let harm come to you. Know that we can protect you and heal any wounds you may receive.//

It was hard but John managed to stay composed. The mad slammed John hard against the wall. John made no sound, or movement, except to stand head bowed as soon as he hit the floor. Obi-Wan could feel John drawing the force around him to protect him like a shield. This did not elevate the pain, but it did make it bairabul, and it also minimized the damage. “The boy’s a bit tougher than he looks, breaking him will be fun,” the leader sneered and nodded to the other men. Two moved toward John and held him by his arms and then the leader stepped near to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan “What are you going to do to protect them now?” He spat in Obi-Wan’s face. Obi-Wan did not move or speak nor did he allow his anger and frustration to show on his face. He simply looked at the man with that blank, unrevealing Jedi vale on his face. //Steady Padwan, remember action with insight, speed with patience. Wait for the force to give us the answers we need.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan answered slowly wiping the spit off his face with the sleeve of his robe.

The leader of the men nodded again and two men came to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and held them still. The leader proceeded to kick and through John around the room. John was stronger than Qui-Gon had thought he was. He could feel John’s pain, but John made no sound and simply stood up defiantly every time he hit the floor. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had begun to send out slow flows of healing energy to him. They where careful not to use too much of their energy up in this tough, incase they needed it latter.

As the beating continued John found himself growing stronger. No, not physically, but he felt his mental strength growing as he firmly came to the resolution that these men of lower charter and weaker morals would not defeat him. A foot came down hard on his knee and he felt it break under the pressure. He gasped with pain but refused to let the scream pass his lips. He stood defiantly again, leaning heavily on his right leg to take weight off his broken left knee. That’s when he realized what this man wanted. He wanted John to scream. He wanted that scream to torment Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan; he wanted a scream that would break them all down in one fell blow.

//I have to stop this.// Obi-Wan directed at his master.

//No, Obi-Wan! Padwan you will remain silent and still.// Qui-Gon shot a hard look at Obi-Wan, but was sure to make it unnoticed to the others.

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan answered submissively.

//Action with insight, speed with patience. Trust the force, let it show you it’s intentions. Be vigilant, focus. Pay attention to John, he’s going to do something very soon, but I’m not sure what.//

Obi-Wan turned his gaze to John and then the man who was kicking him in the ribs. The man looked over to Obi-Wan, “What, you’re not going to save him? Perfect calm, cool, collected Jedi. What good friends you have boy, Jedi who won’t even lift a finger to help you!”

Qui-Gon could feel the vicious expression flash across John’s face and then it was gone. //John, don’t give in to hate. Hate leads to fear, fear leads to suffering, and suffering leads to... darkness. Remember action with insight, speed with patience. Think trust the force, trust us.//

Another sharp thrust of the leader’s foot and Obi-Wan could here John’s shoulder dislocate with a pop. John’s face went pale with his massing pain, but his expression did not betray, he looked stern as ever. //Qui-Gon, master Jinn, I can’t take much more of this.//

//I know, John try to find your calm center.//

Just then a tall darkly clad woman entered the cell and threw the man who was still beating John aside. “What is this?!” she demanded pulling the man to his feet by the color of his tunic.

“He, the boy, he’s not a Jedi,” the man trembled terribly. John took advantage of the moment and slowly moved between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon sent blast after blast of healing energy into him. He healed the knee and alleviated some of the pain, but he couldn’t risk using more of his strength.

The woman smacked the man hard across the face, “What are you doing with them? Uninjured and unspoiled was the deal. They may pay for the boy as well. In any case they are not to be touched.” She dropped the man and he scrambled to stand up, “Be gone with you, all of you!” They left in a hurry.

The woman knelt beside John who was now sitting on the concreet cell floor. “I’m going to put your shoulder back into the joint, be still. Bend your arm and make a fist.”

John did as he was told. With a sharp thrust and excruciating pain the shoulder snapped back into place. “Here,” she took a bacta patch out of her belt poutch, “put this on your shoulder it will help the pain and speed the recovery of the tendons. I see your friends have all redy tended to you knee.” She took out a canteen and handed it to Qui-Gon, “Here, some water for the three of you. I know you posses the ability to check it for poison, but its clean and not poisoned. I was very upset to find out they drugged you Master Qui-Gon Jinn, but it has all warn off now. Padwan Obi-Wan Kenobi, are you all right, other than that nasty bruse?”

Obi-Wan nodded. He was confused wanted to ask her why she was helping them, but bit his tongue knowing it was not his place. “Please, Obi-Wan, speak your mind,” she said absently as she spread a disinfectant salve over John’s various cuts and abrasions.

Obi-Wan looked to Qui-Gon who nodded consent. “Why are you helping us?” Obi-Wan asked, “if you entend to sell us.”

“For one thing,” the woman answered flatly, “they won’t want you if your badly damaged, and for another thing I may not be a moral being in your eyes, but much unlike Dregous, I am not cruel. You will not suffer at my hands.”

Now Obi-Wan was compleatly confused, “Who are you selling us to?”

“Young Padwan, I am not stupid either,” she answered but did not seem upset.

Qui-Gon gave him a look that said ‘shut up, now.’ “No one said you where stupid,” Qui-Gon said with a gentle, even tone of voice, trying to gage her reaction to his words, “It is only that my Padwan doesn't understand why you would be kind to us. I understand however that you don’t want to be here doing this. I don’t know your story, and I dont’t pity you, but I do know you’re a victim of circumstance, or at least you where.”

Fury flashed across the woman’s face, her eyes burned Qui-Gon’s stare, “You presume too much, Jedi,” she said coldly, “you know nothing about me.”

“I know at least, that you are not cruel,” Qui-Gon replied still his voice was even and calm, “and I know that you do not enjoy your... line of work.”

The woman unhooked a small sack from her belt as she stood, throwing it at Qui-Gon she left and locked the door. Qui-Gon opened the bag inside it was six rolls and a few pieces of fruit. He doled them out to the others and passed the canteen to John. He took only one roll and banana for himself. Qui-Gon munched on his food while he examined the bag further. He noticed something strange about the seem. The seam came apart easily to reveal something sewn between three layers of fabric. This must have taken forever to make, he thought, what’s this. A tiny cylinder the with of a pen ink well and about 1 cm long, and it was wrapped in an equally small peace of paper. He had to use the force to read it.

It read:
*I’m sorry but I had to do this, they have taken my friends and family hostage. They will only release them in exchange for two Jedi. This device when slipped into the ear canal will allow you to here me and speak to me. Forgive me but I had no choice.*

Qui-Gon handed the note to Obi-Wan and examined the small cylinder with the force. He felt no danger from it and so just as Obi-Wan was about to stop him, Qui-Gon slipped it into his ear canal. He felt a tickle in his ear and through as slender tendrils slid to his ear drum and voice box. “Hello?” he asked wondering if she really was there.

“Sssshhhh!” came a sharp reply, “you’re going to make me def. You need barley whisper for me to hear you at normal volume. You can speak louder if you are required, but please try not to raise your voice too high. I’m wearing a regular ear peace, so I can remove mine easily. To remove yours you’ll require a second person and the small tweezers I included in the pouch.”

Qui-Gon looked in the folds of cloth, “I have it here,” he whispered.

“I takes a very steady hand, but it need only be tapped once on the top and then pulled out three seconds latter.”

“OK,” Qui-Gon handed the tweezers to Obi-Wan, “Keep this hidden.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered finding a place for the tweezers in the folds of his clothes.

“I’ll contact you latter,” said the woman’s voice inside Qui-Gon’s head, “They won’t be here for several hours, and I’ll make sure those goons stay away from you. Rest and heal.”

“Thank you,” Qui-Gon said quietly, but he got no answer.

By now the note had been passed onto John. //No one can find that.// Qui-Gon stressed. //Keep it safe.// Much to their supprise John ate it.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had to work hard to hold back their laughter. //That’s not exactly what he meant.// Qui-Gon quipped.

//Well its safe in my stomach.// John teased back. //Besides, I was still a little hungry.//

//Force!// Qui-Gon teased. //You have more of an appetite than Obi-Wan.// All laughed stifled laughs.

“Are you all right, John?” Obi-Wan asked, “I feel so bad. I’m told to keep you out of trouble, and what do I do? Get you kidnapped with us, even though they didn’t even want you.”

“It’s quite all right,” John said gently, “you did nothing but try to protect me. In any case, you did not bring this upon me, they did.”

John’s words heartened Obi-Wan, “Thank you, your words are kind.”

John smiled, “Well, what do we do now?”

Obi-Wan didn’t answer, but he knew the answer well. Qui-Gon did answer, “Wait and be patient. Wait for the force or our friend to show us a way out of this.”

Obi-Wan gave a slight nod, and John answered, “OK.”

John sat back and found his ‘calm center’ as Obi-Wan had tough him and began to slip easily into a meditative trance. Obi-Wan looked at him through the darkness of the cell. //It amazes me how in tune he is with the fore. For some one untrained, it’s suprizing that it only took him three lessons in the most basic things to help him control his connection to the force, so he now has a strong grasp on it.//

//I know.// Qui-Gon agreed. //He is very strong with the force. So very strong for one not trained. If he where a student in the Temple, perhaps he’d be dismissed, but he definitely well grasps the ability to let the force guide him.//

//You know master, I was supposed to help Jen’re da Suton study for her biochemistry test, this evening.//

Qui-Gon raised an eye brow in interest, a gesture he knew Obi-Wan couldn’t see in the darkness.//A study date, huh?//

//Who said anything about a date?// Obi-Wan countered.

//The excitement behind your words at the mention of her name.// Qui-Gon teased, feeling Obi-Wan squirm uncomfertabally. //So tell me, how well do you know this Jen’re da Suton?//

//We’re, ah... well... old friends.// Obi-Wan just knew Qui-Gon was enjoying his discomfort.

//Spill it, Padwan.// Qui-Gon said smiling.

//You’re enjoying this aren't you? Well, you see... She’s master Maston’s Padwan, but when we where just students we kind of had a relationship. Mind you we where only ten at the time. But we’re really close friends and when we where younger our friendship crossed the line between friendship and romance a few times. Not that we dated or where really seriously romantically involved, or anything like that. But you know, when your that close for that long, one thing leads to another sometimes.// Obi-Wan was very uncomfortable, this wasn’t really an appropriate conversation for a Padwan and their master to be having. Obi-Wan however would answer any question his master asked him fully and with out hesitation.

Qui-Gon smiled and put a reassuring hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. //You know I still remember the name of the first girl I ever kissed. We where young then. She had been a Padwan for a year and I had just been taken for Yoda’s apprentice a month ago. Some how I had managed to get some free time to myself and I was wondering the many halls and gardens of the temple, letting myself get lost in the force. Then I saw her; she was sitting on a bench in the hall of a thousand fountains. She was so beautiful, so perfect, as she sat there deep in meditation. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breath, and she sparkled with the radiance of the force. I could see the tiny rose pettles and water droplets that she levitated about herself and they moved soft and gentle like snow up and down and all about her. I moved to leave, she seemed so peaceful, I didn’t want to disturb her, but as I did she returned the pettles and water droplets to their places. She slowly opened her eyes, and patted the seat next to her on the bench. “Qui-Gon, please, come and sit with me.”// Qui-Gon sighed wistfully and let his hand slip off of Obi-Wan’s shoulder . //I did sit beside her and I spoke, “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, friend,” I said gently touching her Padwan braid, it was about a foot long, “I’m afraid I don’t know you name.”

“Jallyla Dan,” she answered and giggled softly, “I have to go in just a moment, my master calls, but the force has led me here to meet you.” She leaned over and kissed me gently, but passionately, “You have given me hope, and yet I know not how. May the force be with you Qui-Gon Jinn.” I stood too follow her, but she said not to. “I will never for get you,” she said as she walked toward the door. “Nor will I,” I answered. I didn’t see her again for five years, not until her burning ceremony. And to this day, I don’t know what I gave her hope for. She had not even become a Knight before she died. Too many students and Padawans die so young.//

This story saddened Obi-Wan, he knew his master had just told him the reason why he rarely got close to women, even as friends. Now Obi-Wan put his hand on Qui-Gon’s shoulder gently.//Master, I had no idea. At least it’s a pleasant memory you have of her.//

Qui-Gon smiled. //Indeed.//

“Look alive,” the woman’s voice sounded in Qui-Gon’s head, “we’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“Thank you,” Qui-Gon whispered. //Obi-Wan, John, they’re coming. Be alert and focus, trust your instincts and stay in the moment.//

//Yes, master.// came Obi-Wan’s answer.

//OK, Qui-Gon.// John answered.

A few moments latter they could here foot steps. //Padwan, how many are there?// Qui-Gon asked, ever the teacher, always testing.

Obi-Wan focussed his mind trying to discern the sound of the foot falls without the force. //Eight... no ten.//

//Very good, Padwan, I’m glad to find you don’t rely on the force for everything.//Qui-Gon smiled and came to his feet followed by the others. Qui-Gon was sure to put himself informant of them with John between him and Obi-Wan. The door swung open to reveal several blasters pointed at them. The woman from earlier stepped forward, “Move it Jedi, and don’t try anything funny.” Her words where cold again, she was very skilled at appearances and shields.

She waved her blaster, and they exited the cell as directed. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan noticed the faint reflection of silver metal from somewhere in the folds of her many layers of clothing. //Master could she be?// Obi-Wan asked as they where ushered down the hall.

//No she most definitely is not a Jedi. Though I sense perhaps there was one in her linage somewhere along the line.// Qui-Gon ignored the impact of a rifle butt against his shoulder. “Faster, Jedi,” one of the men from hissed.

Qui-Gon gave no reaction but moved along a bit faster as he was told to. He felt a spark of pain through his bond with Obi-Wan and turned to see him stand up silently from the floor. The evidence of a blaster rifle’s but lay on his cheek. Qui-Gon easily evaded a swat from the man next to him. “Keep moving Jedi, your boy will be fine,” he spoke acid, “at least he will be wail your in our hands. Who’s to say what they want with you.”

Qui-Gon nodded to the man as he kept walking, such a small show of indifference, but it served to outrage the man. “Bite your tongue!” the woman said before the man Qui-Gon had upset could respond. The man turned red with anger but said nothing. They walked the rest of the way in silence. A headhunter waited for them outside. One man exited the ship and walked toward them with hand cuffs and ankle binders in his hands.

“Who’s that?” he asked the woman, walking closer to examine John, he had a clam even tone of voice.

“I don’t know,” the woman answered, “a friend of theirs I guess, this one,” she gestured to Obi-Wan, “tried to protect him when my men captured him. Son of a bitch killed three of my men.”

“Prisoner exchange will take place on Karas Prime. I’d be glad to give you a ride if you’d like,” the man said as he placed the hand cuffs and ankle binders Qui-Gon, John, and Obi-Wan.

“You double crossing-” The man cut her off sharply, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, double crossing, two timing, blah, blah, blah; I’ve gotta look out for my interests honey.”

She turned a scornful look on the man, but then focussed on the ship for a moment, “I’ll go with you, but they stay in my care until we get to the exchange.” She caressed her rifle lovingly.

“As you wish,” the man said and turned to go back to the ship.

Once they where on board the man spoke again, “I haven't any proper cells to keep them in Kara, but I’ve put in a security protical to one of the living quarters, room C. You can have room B, Kara, or if you prefer you can room with your ransom, if you feel the need to keep an eye on them.”

Kara nodded and pushed her prisoners off to their room. Once inside the room, Kara put down her gun and locked the door. “I know you can, so scan the room for bugs,” she said as quietly as she could.

“There’s no bugs in here,” Qui-Gon answered at length.

Kara took a pick set from her belt pouch and removed all of their restraints. Kara looked at Obi-Wan and stated flatly, “I see they weren't so successful at disarming you.” Then she produced a silver cylinder from inside the layers of her clothes, “Here you lost this,” she tossed the light saber Obi-Wan had given Qui-Gon to him.

“Thank you,” Qui-Gon said warmly.

“I know how important they are to you,” she patted her side. Qui-Gon noticed the glint of metal under her clothes again. “No, I’m not one of you,” she answered his unspoken question, “but my father was.”

Qui-Gon nodded to himself now understanding what it was he felt from her, “You are force sensitive.”

“No, not like you,” she shook her head as if disappointed, “all be it I can use a light saber, but surly not even with your Padwan’s skill, I only had two weeks of training with it before my father was killed. The force, it does whisper to me sometimes, but I haven't the ability to actively use it. Try as I might.”

Again Qui-Gon nodded to himself confirming his suspicions. “I am sorry about your family, but if your father was a Jedi why did you not come to us for help?”

“I did,” she retorted, “they didn’t want to help me said they don’t negotiate with terrorists. ‘Difficult to see, the future is,’ they said and sent me on my way. Left to my own devices, this is all I could come up with,” Kara was almost in tears, but she refused to let them fall, “My father wouldn’t approve, I’m sure, but this horrible man took my husband, my daughter, and my son. They're only three and five, what was I to do leave them at the whim of a mad man?”

“You do not have to justify yourself to us, Kara,” Qui-Gon said with a warm smile and a soft tone of voice.

“I can see you weren’t planning on making this trip,” Qui-Gon continued, “it will be ten standard days to Karas Prime. If you like Obi-Wan and I can help you hone your saber skills.”

Obi-Wan looked unsure, but not challenging, at Qui-Gon, but he said nothing, for it was not his place to question his master. //Relax, Obi-Wan, there is no evil or malice in her, only good intentions.//

//Yes, master.// Obi-Wan felt them take off as the hyper drive made the jump to hyper space.

Kara took her father’s light saber out from her clothing and passed it from one hand to another checking the balance she thumbed it on the brilliant indigo blade glowed, it felt so right in her hands. Then she thumbed it off. “That would be nice,” she said flatly.

“All right then,” Qui-Gon said, his leadership training kicking in automatically, “Obi-Wan why don’t you lead Kara and John in stretches and a light work out, then we can do some saber practice.”

Kara felt instantly at home with Qui-Gon, witch even though he was much like her father, suprised her. “I haven't had a Jedi style work out in many years,” Kara said lightly, “but I remember them. The first time my father did a ‘light’ work out with me I couldn’t move for a week.”

Obi-Wan chuckled, “I hope you’re in better shape now.”

“Yes, I am,” she answered with a chuckle herself.

Obi-Wan turned to address John, “The stretches should be no problem for you, but if you get sore or tiered during the work out stop and stretch out until you feel you can comfortably rejoin the work out. Do remember this work out’s designed for teenagers and adults, and you’re only nine.”

“OK, I will,” John beamed. He was just happy to be included. Obi-Wan led them in a hour of stretching. Qui-Gon had meant to actually be a part of the stretching, but more often than not he found himself helping and correcting John. Then there was the work out: pushups, sit ups,, and jumping jacks and so on. Obi-Wan gave Kara and John different numbers of these than he and Qui-Gon did, but he judged them well, for they all finished about the same time. Unfortunately the constraints of the room prevented them from further exercise. Now standing in the middle of the room Qui-Gon directed a lesson between Obi-Wan and Kara. After that Qui-Gon directed Kara to stretch again, “Now John I want you and Obi-Wan to go over a few self defense basics.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan answered staying where he was.

“OK,” John was elated as he bounced over to where Obi-Wan stood.

“First things first,” Qui-Gon said looking at John seriously, “I do not want you to appose anyone with a gun. Do not put yourself in any unnessacary risk,” John nodded as Qui-Gon continued, “Now what is going to happen is Obi-Wan will attempt to grab, grapple, and pin you to the ground. He is aloud to use any physical means available to him to do this, his only constraint is he is not aloud to use the force. You however,” he addressed John, “can do anything in your power to escape him. The bed there will be the safe zone. Until you get there your fair gaime to be captured again. And do not worry, John, you can not hurt Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan faced Qui-Gon and bowed, then bowed at John, he returned the bow. Obi-Wan leaped onto John who stuggled furiously, but Obi-Wan had securely wrapped his arms around him and wasn’t letting go. Qui-Gon stepped forward, “Freeze,” he said Obi-Wan and John stood still not changing position, “what you should do if someone gets hold of you like this is use your arms, John, they’re free, hit him, or release your self. Remember, you may not be able to pry yourself free, but you should use what you can. Resume.”

Obi-Wan proceeded to tighten his grip, John went limp causing Obi-Wan to shift his weight abruptly. John took advantage of that, kicking Obi-Wan’s feet set him free and he made a mad dash for the bed. When he was almost there he ran strait into Obi-Wan’s chest. Obi-Wan did a quick maneuver with his hands witch threw John to the floor. Obi-Wan flipped him over on his stomach and pinned his arms behind his back, sitting on him. Qui-Gon walked over to them, “OK, Obi-Wan let him up.” Obi-Wan stood quickly and helped John to his feet.

“What was your mistake, John?” Qui-Gon asked.

“I don’t know,” John answered, “I got away and ran, isn’t that what I was supposed to do?”

“You didn’t look,” Qui-Gon said simply, “you ran with your eyes to the floor. You didn’t even see Obi-Wan come up informant of you.”

John nodded, “OK, I’ll look next time.”

“Good,” Qui-Gon said and nodded, “Again.”

Obi-Wan grabbed John by the wrists and attempted to trip him. He failed to trip John, but was able to keep hold of him easily. “John,” Qui-Gon said stepping close, “Throw your hands up and turn you hands out from your body. It will release you from his grasp.”

John executed the move well, but Obi-Wan quickly spun him around and kicked his feet out from under him. John hit the ground with a thud and Obi-Wan put his knee in the small of his back and held his wrists tightly. “Release him, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon instructed. Obi-Wan sprung up and then offered John a hand to help him get up.

John rubbed the small of his back, “You sure don’t lack for realism,” John said as he worked out some of his soreness.

Obi-Wan smiled, “I’m going easy on you.”

Qui-Gon smiled as well, “He is. Obi-Wan’s only putting about half his strength into it.”

“How thoughtful of you,” John said his voice heavy with sarcasm. Qui-Gon shot him a disapproving glance but said nothing.

“Again,” Qui-Gon said and Obi-Wan executed a different grappling technique this time. Obi-Wan hit John bluntly across the shoulders causing him to fall halfway over. Obi-Wan quickly pulled out some zip-tiy hand cuffs out of his belt pouch as he helped gravity pull John the rest of the way to the floor. Then Obi-Wan was on him, and John’s wrists where bound.

“John,” Qui-Gon said stepping close, “if you had to get out of these the only way is to cut them off or dislocate one of your thumbs. If they where real hand cuffs, you’d have to break one of your thumbs. But this is not what I want you to do. Obi-Wan step aside for a moment.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said and moved a few steps back.

“John,” Qui-Gon said stepping close, “I want you to reach out with the force. Take a deep breath and find your calm center. Invasion the zip-tiys coming loose, working their way apart. Do it, do not try.”

John took a long moment to calm himself and find his center, it was hard for him in this uncomfortable position. Then he concentrated. He felt the force flow from his body into the zip-tiys around his wrists and slowly they began to move and eventually they came all the way off. John’s eyes sparkled as he looked up at Qui-Gon in disbelief. “I want you to remember this, John. Remember that you do not need to posses a weapon to be armed. The two weapons no enemy can take from you are your mind and the force.”

“I will remember that, Master Jinn,” John said standing up and handing the zip-tiys to Obi-Wan.

“I think you two have learned enough for one day,” Qui-Gon said and Obi-Wan came back to the center of the room knowing what his master would say next.

“Obi-Wan would you lead them in a cool down and stretch,” Qui-Gon said moving back a bit to make room for Kara and John to stretch.

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan led them in a light cool-down and an our of stretching.

The com. in the room buzzed and the sound of the man’s voice was clear, “Kara, would you come to the control room?”

Kara pushed a button on the wall by the door, “I’ll be right up.”

Kara handed Qui-Gon the binders and hand cuffs, “I need you to put these back on incase he wants to come see you.”

“We understand,” Qui-Gon said and passed around the binders and hand cuffs to John and Obi-Wan. They placed them securely, but loose enough to allow for comfort.

Kara turned for the door, “I’ll have the door locked, but the code is KA143R8DIDOT226A93, just incase.”

Qui-Gon nodded his thanks and Kara left quickly.

--------------------

“All right, Rygal,” Kara said sharply as the door to the control room slid open, “what do you want?”

“Kara, dear, please sit, make yourself comfortable,” Rygal said smoothly.

“I’ll be comfortable when I’m back on Coursant with my family,” she retorted with a hiss.

“All right then, Sith yourself,” Rygal said smoothly, “I just wanted to tell you that the mess is fully equipped, and sense you want to keep the prisoners in your care until we make the exchange, I expect you to pick up the tab for their food.”

“Of course,” Kara said throwing a handful of black chips at Rygal, “I knew you wanted something form me.” With that she stormed off to the kitchen. She entered a meal selection into the computer. Five minutes latter she had four pasta dishes with chicken and vegtables on a tray. She made a pot of tea and carried everything to the “cell” where the others where waiting for her.

The door opened to reveal Kara with a tray laden heavy with food and drink. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan used the force to remove their binders and hand cuffs. Qui-Gon went to help Kara with her burden, and Obi-Wan went to help John with his binders and hand cuffs.

“John,” Obi-Wan said softly, “concentrate, feel the force flowing around you, through you. Find your calm center and invention the hand cuffs, see the locking pin on your right wrist move and and unlock it’s self. Now see the same happen on the left,” Obi-Wan smiled at John, it was taking time, but John was able to free his wrists and ankles, “very good John, just remember you’re not really trained at this so take your time and don’t rush yourself.”

John smiled back at Obi-Wan, “Your a good teacher.”

“Thank you,” Obi-Wan answered, “but you should thank Qui-Gon for teaching me to be so patient.”

Qui-Gon laughed, “When did you become patient, Padwan?”

“Well a lot more patient than when we first met, master,” Obi-Wan snickered.

//I saw that, Padwan!// Qui-Gon looked over to Obi-Wan, “Are you two hungry.”

“Yes!” came both of their responses.

Obi-Wan and John came over to the table and all sat down and ate. The pasta dish was well enough, but the tea was really excellent. “What kind of tea is this?” Qui-Gon asked, “it’s really excellent.”

“Its my own special blend,” Kara answered.

Kara put her mug down on the tray, “I’m going to bed now guys, if you need anything Qui-Gon can get me through the com... I’ve got it set to wake me up if it receives any voice stress, so if you call me with urgency Qui-Gon, my com. will wake me up.”

“OK,” Qui-Gon answered as Kara walked toward the door, “get some sleep and keep your door locked.”

She nodded her head, “You three get some sleep too.”

The door locked behind her as she left. “Obi-Wan you and John can take the bed, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan said he undressed down to his pants, neatly folded his clothes and placed them on the table. John followed suit.

“Master do you want one of the blankets?” Obi-Wan asked when he saw him settle down on the couch fully clothed.

“No, Padwan,” Qui-Gon smiled, “I’ll be fine.”

Obi-Wan nodded and went to bed, “Good night master, good night John.”

John jumped into the bed tousling Obi-Wan before he snuggled under the covers, “Good night Qui-Gon, good night Obi-Wan.”

“Good night John,” both of them answered.

John did not go to sleep, he lie in bed still and quiet full of worry for several hours. He tried to sleep to no a vale. He was about to get up and meditate when he herd Obi-Wan in his head. //John, what is it?//

//Nothing, Obi-Wan I just can not sleep.//

//Would you like someone to meditate with?// Obi-Wan asked sitting up in the bead and turning to look at John. //Or would you prefer some time to yourself?//

//Actually.// John answered. //I’d prefer a workout, to help elevate my stress. I was afraid I’d wake you and Qui-Gon though.//

//Qui-Gon sleeps like a rock unless there’s soothing amiss.// Obi-Wan reassured him. //Would you like someone to workout with?//

//That would be nice.// John smiled at him. //I know I haven't a saber like the rest of you, but I really think sparing would do me some good right now.//

//If we where at the Temple, we could spar with kobos.// Obi-Wan looked around the room. //I doute there’s anything suitable here.// HE got up and went to the fresher. Obi-Wan returned with a grin, he had to bars from the towel racks and two small towels in hand.

//What are those for?//

//Improve to kobos.// Obi-Wan laughed quietly. He wrapped each three foot long hollow pole with a towel and produced from a belt pouch a silvery-gray cylinder. //I never go anywhere whit out duct tape.//

John laughed silently. Obi-Wan securely tapped the towels from top to bottom of the pole. They weren't bad, if not a little short and light. //Let’s stretch then, I will show you a little with these.//

Obi-Wan helped John get into a proper ready stance by first having John imitate his poster then going over to him and moving his feet and hands, and shifting his hips. //There, that’s better. Here.// Obi-Wan placed the makeshift kobo in his hands. //See here where I made the tape thicker, this will surve as the hilt. If your hands stray above here just imagine they decinteragated before your eyes.//

John smiled with amusement. //Now we’re going to start very simple. I don’t want you putting out an eye or anything like that.// John laughed and nodded his head in agreement.

//Ok, first you just stand there, I’ll only come at you from the front. I won’t do anything fancy and I’ll come at you slowly. I just want you to block my attacks, ok.//

//Ok, I can do that.// John answered. He reached out to the force to help him focus.

//Very good, John. That’s what you want to do. Rely on your human skills, but reach out to the force to help you focus on them.//Obi-Wan bowed to John and then took his ready stance and advanced on John at a walking pace. Obi-Wan was very conscious of his positions as he moved in on John and with every swing of him ‘improvised,’ kobo. John picked up fast. Though of course his inexperience was against him.

After John had much success with the blocks Obi-Wan changed on him. //Good, John, very good. You’re getting the hang of that. Now I’ll stand still and you attack. Start a little slow so you can get the hang of how I block and how to get around them. Again I won’t use any tricky maneuvers on you.// Again Obi-Wan bowed to John, who this time also bowed then they both took ready stances. Obi-Wan corrected John’s stance again, though this time he only had to move his hands and feet a bit. Obi-Wan moved back to his spot. //John, I won’t attack or move except to pivot one foot off of center and back. You can attack from anywhere and I will match pace with you. You won’t learn anything if I move so fast you don’t know what happened. Keep your eyes open and be mindful of the force. It is very useful for noticing attacks and blocks before they happen. Begin anytime you’re ready.//

John proceeded to attack slowly from a stationary position. Eventually he sped up a bit. When he got comfortable at a little faster pace, Obi-Wan directed him again. //Ok, John, that’s good, now move around a little bit.// After a while John was moving comfortably, though slowly, but still very well, in circles around Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan was now beginning to combine multiple blocks with simple attacks. At first that threw John off, but he quickly caught on and began to adapt well to the attacks.

//Very good, John.// Obi-Wan and John put down their ‘weapons,’ and bowed. //Let’s stretch. Then I think it’s time for a shower and sleep.//

//I agree Obi-Wan. Thank you, that helped a lot. My minded feels clear and unfrustraited now.//

//I’m glad.// Obi-Wan smiled as he led John in a light stretch then they cleaned up and went to bed.

Qui-Gon woke up about an hour before Obi-Wan and John. He decided to meditate for a while then he sat on the couch quietly. Obi-Wan and John woke up together. “You too have fun while I was asleep last night?” Qui-Gon smirked and held up one of their improvised kobos.

“John couldn’t sleep last night,” Obi-Wan said quickly, “I helped him take his mind off of things.”

“Is that so?” Qui-Gon teased, John nodded.

“Well I think the three of us should meditate. Then I think a workout’s in order,” Qui-Gon continued, “Then perhaps you too can distract each other again. I’m courious to see what Obi-Wan has tough you.”

John blushed, “We weren't spring all night. I haven't learned much.”

To be continued...

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