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"Are you all right?" Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan shift around on the bed.

Obi-Wan seemed almost embarrassed by the question. "I've never spent this much time in bed in my life, especially one this soft. I'll be fine."

"I could ask for another mattress for you."

"No, it's all right. This is the last night we'll be here anyway." Obi-Wan pulled the extra pillows out from under him and rolled onto his side. "Tomorrow I'll probably be complaining that the bed on the transport is too hard."

"Tomorrow, your comfort will be my top priority." Qui-Gon stood as Anakin entered the room. "Knowing Master Windu, he will have an extra pad for his bed stashed somewhere."

"And tomorrow we talk -- about everything." Before Qui-Gon could move away from the bed, Obi-Wan caught his hand. "No more secrets, I promise."

Qui-Gon brought their clasped hand up and pressed them against his face. "No matter what you have to tell me tomorrow, I will never abandon you again. Whatever trials lie ahead, we will face them together, my Obi-Wan." After a gentle kiss to the knuckles, he placed Obi-Wan's hand back on the blanket and turned to Anakin. "I will be in the other sleeping room meditating." With one last glance at Obi-Wan he slipped out of the room.

Anakin sat on the edge of his Master's bed. "By this time tomorrow evening he'll know everything."

"What then?" Obi-Wan turned onto his back. "I keep trying to imagine the look on his face when I tell him, and I truly don't have a clue how he'll react."

"Don't you? He'll be shocked of course. That's to be expected, after all, you're the first Jedi male to give birth in the history of the order. Once he gets over the shock, he will be thrilled. He loves you, Master. He'll love the child you and he created. You may just have to give him a little bit of time to get used to the idea. It took me a bit to get my head wrapped around the concept."

"As did I." Obi-Wan gave a short laugh. "Promise me that you won't let him fall flat on his face when he hears the news."

"I'll take care of him, Master." Anakin paused, then continued. "I won't let Master Windu bother him while he's getting used to the idea, either."

"Qui-Gon and Mace? My goodness Padawan, you're going to have your hands full on the way home."

Anakin just gave an indulgent smile. "Good night, Master. Sleep well."

Qui-Gon sat back on his heels, letting the force guide him as the fragments of memory danced in his head. Himself, ill, prone on the bed. Tender hands caring for him, soothing him, stroking his forehead. Obi-Wan's worried face looking down on him, the gentleness of his voice as he murmured words of encouragement. The memories swirled around him, taking him inward, revealing themselves to him.

"Qui-Gon, stay with me. Please, Qui-Gon." Soothing coolness stroked at his face and he turned towards it. A damp cloth held by a hand he would always recognize.

"Obi-Wan." He twisted back to look into the face gazing down upon him. "You're here."

"Of course I'm here. Did you think I would leave you while you are ill?" Obi-Wan finished wiping his face and moved on to Qui-Gon's arms.

"It would be no less than I deserve." Qui-Gon stared at the figure seated on his bed. Despite the dark smudges under his eyes, Obi-Wan was even more beautiful than he had been while Qui-Gon's Padawan. The once cropped hair was now thick and luxurious as it brushed his broad shoulders. The cleft chin he adored was covered with a soft beard, but it did bring more attention to the stormy green eyes that hadn't changed a bit. Maturity had filled out the torso once slender with muscles and definition. The thin leggings that covered his lower body hinted at strong thighs and clung enticingly at his groin. For the life of him, Qui-Gon couldn't remember what had possessed him to turn this vision away from his life.

The cool cloth moved onto his chest, circling around his nipples before moving down his body to stop at the waistband of his leggings. He whimpered at the loss until strong arms lifted him up. He found himself resting against Obi-Wan, the dampness of his body creating a slickness between them. Those competent hands washed away the sweat from his back, but he found the skin under his lips much more intriguing. Without rational thought he nipped and sucked his way across Obi-Wan's shoulder and onto his neck, using his forehead to push the other man's head back to give him better access.

"Qui-Gon?"

The words didn't interest him much, but they vibrated against his tongue and he moaned his appreciation. Whiskers tickled his mouth and he playfully tugged on them with his lips as his hands slid between them to pinch the nipples he could feel pebbled against his own skin. The washcloth disappeared from his back and now ardent hands explored his body. Warm lips brushed against his ear.

"Be very sure of what you're asking of me." As he spoke, Obi-Wan pushed the other man back against the pillow. "I have so very much love in my heart for you, Qui-Gon Jinn. I don't think I could survive if you rejected me again, if this is just a fever-induced delirium."

Qui-Gon reached out and brushed his fingers through Obi-Wan's golden hair. "I think the fever has burned away my idiocy. Why did I waste so much time -- why did you let me?"

"You had to find your own path." Obi-Wan turned his face and licked the fingers within his reach. "Although I began to despair at the amount of time the journey was taking."

Qui-Gon pulled his fingers free and began tracing a path down Obi-Wan's chest, leaving a wet trail through the downy hairs. He paused to tug at the strings of the other man's leggings. "The next time you find me dawdling along the course of our destiny, feel free to give me a kick along the way."

I will," Obi-Wan gasped as Qui-Gon's touch became more personal, "I will remember that."

With one hand wrapped around his lover's thickening cock, Qui-Gon wrapped his other arm around Obi-Wan's shoulders and pulled him down on top of him. "Enough talk."

"Are you well enough, beloved?"

"You tell me." He flipped them without warning and gave a feral grin to the man who was now underneath him. In response Obi-Wan tilted his head back, exposing his throat. Qui-Gon marked him, reveling in the whimpers and moans coming from the younger man. His need increasing, Qui-Gon bit and sucked his way down his chest, using his teeth to tug at the fine hairs along the way. When he reached the thick, coarse hair he rubbed his face back and forth, letting his beard tickle and inflame the sensitive organ there as he pushed the leggings further down. It was an easy task for Obi-Wan to kick them off.

"Please." Obi-Wan's voice was rough and Qui-Gon decided he liked the passion-filled sounds his lover made when aroused. Almost as much as the echoes he felt in his mind. He barely made contact with the hot flesh as he circled the tip of Obi-Wan's cock with his tongue. Obi-Wan shuddered and Qui-Gon used the slight movement to push his knees up and out, giving him complete access to the most private parts of his former Padawan's body.

To encourage him, Obi-Wan grasped his knees and tugged them even further. Qui-Gon reared back slightly to gaze at the sight laid out before him. Over all the years, and all the images he remembered of Obi-Wan nothing compared to the vision of the younger man consumed by passion. Head thrown back, skin flushed, body trembling with need, he was everything Qui-Gon could ever imagine wanting or needing. He pushed back the increasing fever of illness with the fever of desire as he slid his tongue down the length of Obi-Wan's shaft, continuing on to circle each ball as they pulled up tight. The taste drew him back and he swallowed deep this time, allowing the flavor to explode in his mouth.

Qui-Gon steadied himself with one hand, as he became dizzy. With his other hand he rubbed the satiny skin behind Obi-Wan's testicles, waiting for his reaction. Obi-Wan gave an inarticulate cry and arched off the bed, dislodging him. Qui-Gon used the motion to move back up on the bed and kiss him deeply while stroking the pulsing heat, his free hand frantically shoving down his own leggings. "I want you." He groaned between kisses. "I want to bury myself deep in you." With one last squeeze of the cock in his hand he bit down on Obi-Wan's throat.

"Yes." Obi-Wan gave a strangled cry as he climaxed, the warm fluid pooling on his stomach exactly where Qui-Gon wanted it. He coated his fingers and reached again between Obi-Wan's legs. The younger man tilted his hips in encouragement. Even sated and relaxed, the opening was tighter than he expected and he added a touch of the Force to assist him. Sweat ran down his face with the effort of remaining in control as his body weakened.

Obi-Wan sensed his waning strength. "Do it Qui-Gon, take me now." A burst of Force energy bolstered him even as he felt his body temperature begin to rise again.

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Love me."

"I do, so very much." He used the last of the cooling fluid to coat his own shaft. His vision began to gray as the head of his cock breached the body under him. Obi-Wan's pain bled through into his feverish mind and he tried to pull back. Obi-Wan hooked his legs around his waist. The love he felt outweighed the pain as he accepted the newly formed bond between them. Slowly he rocked back and forth, sliding deeper each time.

Qui-Gon was lost, buffeted between the delirium of fever and the frenzy of passion. Reality faded away as the maelstrom overtook him. His arms buckled beneath him and he collapsed, impaling himself fully into that still too tight chamber. A sharp cry penetrated the fog that surrounded his mind, but he was too weak to slow his descent into the abyss as unconsciousness came on the heels of climax.

Awareness returned and Qui-Gon found himself back in the visiting dignitaries quarters of the palace, his knees throbbing in time with the ache in his groin. He leaned forward, resting his face against the cool stone of the floor. The truth was a simple as it was deplorable. The fever had not taken his memory; it had been the horror of knowing the pain he had inflicted on the only person he had truly loved. Rolling onto his side, he curled into fetal position and watched one more Naboo sunrise.

"Absolutely not." Anakin pressed his master's shoulders back against the pillows. "You're not going to him, not in his state."

"He's blaming himself for something that was beyond his control. If anything I should be the one to blame for my injuries that night. How could I have not sensed how high his fever had risen?" Obi-Wan turned pain-filled eyes towards his apprentice. "I'm the one that lost control that night, Anakin. Not him."

Anakin raked his fingers through his hair. "Force, all right, I'll talk to him. Promise me that you'll stay in bed no matter what."

"Padawan..."

"Master, I'm going to have my hands full enough with Master Guilt in there. I don't need to worry about you over-extending yourself right now too."

Obi-Wan settled back on the bed, apparently yielding. "What are you planing to do?"

"Whatever it takes." Anakin sat on the edge of the bed, not looking at his master. "Look, I know how much you love him. I was the only apprentice my age in the Temple whose master was still a virgin."

"Anakin!"

The young man laughed slightly at his master's embarrassment. "What I'm trying to say is that if being with him means this much, then I'm going to find a way for you to make it work." He moved through the door as he finished. "Even if I have to beat some sense into him."

The door had barely closed when Obi-Wan sat up in bed, a warning tingling through their training bond. "Anakin, put the candlestick down."

In the common room, Anakin gently replaced the large, ornate antique muttering, "I wasn't going to hit him hard."

Nute Gunray's image shimmered in front of the hooded figure. "My Lord, preparations are complete, but I must object. You promised us the head of the Senator."

Sidious glared at him. "If your battle droids are as improved as you claim, they should be able to target both of them. Kenobi's destruction is the key to my plans. Afterwards, do as you wish with the Senator, she is of no consequence to me." He did not bother waiting for a response before cutting off the transmission. A figure moved up behind him.

"My Lord?"

"Tyranus, you have something to ask?"

"What of the secret Kenobi keeps?" He waited. Questioning Sidious was a dangerous predicament.

Sidious gave no reaction. "Not even Kenobi can maintain his shields as he dies. I will have his knowledge, and he will die knowing that he failed. Now leave, they are waiting for you on Geonosis."

"Get up." Anakin didn't wait for a response as he moved across the room. "Master is waiting for you, get up."

Slowly the older man sat up, resting his head on his knees. "He's better off without me."

"Oh, no you don't, you sanctimonious bastard. You are not walking away from him again." Anakin grabbed his arm and yanked him upright before tossing him into a nearby chair. "He loves you, and by Force, you're going to see this through. No more running."

"He deserves..."

"He deserves to be happy. You're the only person in this whole damn galaxy capable of that. Not Master Windu, not even me." Anakin let his legs fold as he collapsed onto the unused bed.

Qui-Gon looked up at that last comment. "No, Ani, that's not true. Master Obi-Wan does love you -- very much. Anyone who looks at the two of you can see that."

"I'm not talking about the master, I'm talking about the man. You are the only one who can touch that part of him."

"Never again, not after what I did. You don't understand."

"Who do you think took care of him that night? Who do you think washed his blood off of you?" Anakin immediately regretted his outburst when he saw Qui-Gon's face. "I'm sorry, that was out of line."

Qui-Gon screwed his eyes shut, refusing the apology. Quietly, Anakin moved to kneel in front of him. "He has forgiven you, Qui-Gon."

"I can never forgive myself."

Anakin had participated in the negotiating forum long enough to know when it was time to change tactics. "How long did you plan his rape?"

"What? No, I never planned, never wanted to..."

"Did his pain excite you?"

"No! How could you ask such a thing? What kind of monster do you think I am?" Qui-Gon covered his ears, rocking back and forth slightly. "Stop it. I love him, I would never willingly hurt him."

Progress. "Then what happened?"

Qui-Gon opened his eyes as he continued to confess to his beloved's apprentice. "His hands were so gentle and caring -- I felt so cherished when he cared for me. Then I looked at his face, and there was such love in his eyes. I knew that I had been given a second chance at a wonderful gift, Anakin."

Anakin waited patiently, allowing him to compose himself before he continued.

"When we touched, it was like everything in the universe fell into place. We loved and we kissed and for a moment all was right with the world. Bringing him pleasure was the most wonderful...I felt myself weakening, the illness gaining ground, but I gathered the Force to strengthen myself." Qui-Gon shifted, looking over Anakin's right shoulder rather than at his face. "I could tell that he wasn't very experienced, and I wanted to go slow, to allow his body time to adjust...my arms bucked and I fell onto him, into him."

"Qui?" Both men turned, startled, at the arrival of Obi-Wan.

"Master, what are you doing out of bed? You promised to rest."

Obi-Wan just gave his apprentice a look before moving into the room. Anakin scrambled to his feet and pulled another chair close for his master. He sat, never taking his eyes off Qui-Gon. "Do you remember when I was sixteen and we went on a retreat to Yavin?"

Without thought, Qui-Gon's hand reached out and traced the side of the other man's face. "How could I forget? You contracted Pan'qa Fever and almost died before the healers arrived."

"I hit you." Obi-Wan grasped the hand against his face even as his other hand traced a faint scar on Qui-Gon's temple.

"You were delirious, you can't blame yourself for that." When Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow at that comment, Qui-Gon shook his head. "It's not the same thing."

"Why not?"

"It just isn't."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

Behind them Anakin gave a short laugh. "This from the two best negotiators in the order?"

At the smirk from the other man, even Qui-Gon had to smile. "Perhaps not our finest moment."

Obi-Wan seemed to acknowledge that on several levels. "So, make it up to me." He reached out through their newly opened bond with all the love he could project.

The last fears melted, unable to maintain their hold under the warmth of such emotions. "Every day, for the rest of my life, love." Qui-Gon reached out and gathered Obi-Wan close, peppering his face with kisses. "Such a gift, such a wonderful gift."

Obi-Wan stilled the other man, resting their foreheads together. "The Force has given us a wonderful gift, beloved, more than you know."

"Tell me?"

Anakin had a split second of warning, but not enough time to intercept their visitors. The chime startled the two Masters and they pulled back reluctantly. Obi-Wan shook his head. "It's time to leave for the memorial."

"I'll tell Amidala that you're not well enough to attend." Anakin was desperate to not interrupt their progress.

Obi-Wan straightened up. "No, Padawan, we are Jedi first. This can wait until after the ceremony."

"But, Master..."

"Master Obi-Wan is right, Anakin." Qui-Gon brushed his hair back as he stood then helped Obi-Wan up. "The few hour delay won't kill us."

As the three of them exited their quarters, Anakin caught Amidala's arm and pulled her off to the side. "For a politician, you have lousy timing."

Anakin rocked on his heels as another Gungan official droned on. Under the best of circumstances this was his least favorite part of being a Jedi, but today was the worst. He barely noticed as this last speech was finished; only the scattered applause drew his attention back to the proceedings before Jar-Jar thumped him on the back.

"Weesa goina have a biggo celebrationo back at Otoh Gunga. Yousa all invited." His all encompassing wave would have slapped Obi-Wan in the face if Anakin hadn't grabbed his arm.

It was Qui-Gon who deflected the large amphibian, pulling him away from the other Jedi. "Thank you, old friend, but Obi-Wan must rest soon. It's important that we return to Theed as soon as possible. When he is stronger, we will return for a visit, I give you my word."

Jar-Jar didn't seem offended by their refusal. "Okeday, yousa take good caren ofa him." He ambled off, undisturbed.

Anakin watched him go. "He'll never change. Are you ready, Master Qui-Gon?"

Qui-Gon draped his arm over Anakin's shoulder as they walked behind Obi-Wan and Amidala. "I am more than ready, Anakin." He groaned to himself as Chancellor Palpatine intercepted them.

"Master Jinn, would you be so kind as to accompany me back to the palace? I'd like to discuss some things with you, and I've been told that your time is very short."

The older master watched as Obi-Wan and Amidala climbed aboard their transport. Next to it sat the heavier transport that was used by the Supreme Chancellor. Before answering, he turned to Anakin. "Padawan, ride back with Obi-Wan. I will be right behind you."

A flash of something crossed Anakin's face before the Jedi mask fell into place. "Of course, Master Jinn. I know my place." He jumped up into the speeder that carried his master, the Senator, and several of her party. He barely had time to sit before the driver slammed the open-air transport into motion, leaving the Chancellor's group behind.

"What's the hurry?" Anakin turned to Amidala in alarm. "Why aren't we waiting for the others?"

Amidala seemed confused by his reaction. "I thought you wanted to get back quickly."

"Not without Qui-Gon."

"The Chancellor has a very fast transport. They'll catch up before we get to the palace, don't worry so much, Anakin." She leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of the wind against her skin.

Once they dropped into the next valley, they were out of sight of the rest of the shuttles returning to the palace. Anakin stood, the Force telling him of approaching danger. Obi-Wan pulled his lightsaber out, but remained seated.

"What is it?" Ten years ago, Amidala learned to recognize that expression on a Jedi's face.

Before either of them could answer her, a volley of blaster fire broke out.

Qui-Gon stared at Palpatine. "You want Obi-Wan to travel back to Coruscant with you? Why?"

"I only have his best interests at heart." Palpatine sounded sincere, but even the Jedi Master couldn't reach past the shields the other man had up -- shields that should be impossible to maintain for someone with no Force sensitivity. It made his skin crawl and he couldn't stop the half step he took to the side.

"Anakin and I will be able to take care of him just fine."

"On that over-glorified barge the Jedi are sending?"

As offensive as the Chancellor's questions were, a nearby disturbance in the Force drew Qui-Gon's attention. Soon they crested the hill and he could see a group of battle droids. Before his next breath, they opened fire on the transport carrying Amidala and the other two Jedi.

"No!"

Palpatine's driver cut sharply to the left, pulling away from the danger even as Qui-Gon reacted. "We must help them, what are you doing?"

"Are you suggesting bringing the Supreme Chancellor closer to an assassination attempt?" There was an edge of humor in Palpatine's words that Qui-Gon didn't waste time analyzing as he jumped from the moving transport and began a Force-assisted run towards the battle.

The Force flowed through Anakin as it had never done before, his blade a green blur as he deflected dozens of blaster shots back to their source, determined to keep his master from entering the fight. He blocked out everything -- Typho and the guards returning fire, the blaster in Amidala's hand, the sound of the transport's engine overheating, but most importantly, the words of his master, urging him to remember his training and to fight as team.

Obi-Wan growled in frustration. As long as he had the strength to hold up a lightsaber, he could not sit back and let others protect him. There was no room to maneuver independently where he was, so he climbed up next to the driver. The driver was a mere boy and frightened beyond his ability to function. Obi-Wan yanked him out of the seat and took over the controls, heading them towards a small grove of trees. With any luck it would provide them with some cover until help arrived.

Through their newly awakened bond he could feel Qui-Gon rushing closer to the attacking droids. // Be careful, Love. // He refused to believe that it could all be destroyed on the rolling hills of Naboo.

Anakin shifted forwards, intent on giving more protection to Obi-Wan. As he moved, one stray blast got past him, striking Amidala on the arm. She fell with a cry, distracting Anakin.

"Padme!" He reached out to catch her, momentarily turning his back on the battle in his panic. Obi-Wan stood, drawing his saber, just in time to deflect a bolt that would have killed the young man. Unguided, the speeder slowed down and tipped slightly.

Two more blasts were deflected easily, but the third was too low for Obi-Wan to reach and hit the undercarriage of the transport, rocking it viciously. One of the guards was thrown backwards, smacking Anakin in the head with his blaster. Anakin shook it off, ignoring the pain and beating back the dizziness. He didn't see the driver fall against Obi-Wan, knocking him off the craft.

Anakin wasn't the only one in harmony with the Force; Qui-Gon allowed it to silently carry him as never before. The droids were unaware that he was closing in on their flank.

// Be careful, Love. //

Qui-Gon let the warmth of love surround him, carry him into the battle. Five droids fell to his blade before the rest reacted to his presence. Once he was in the midst of them, he was too close for them to fire at him. Close quarters may have been a disadvantage on the ground shuttle, but it was a perfect strategy here. He continued to spin, slice, and jab as he moved closer to his goal. At the front of the line was one droid with the markings of a command droid. The destruction of this droid would interrupt the control of whoever was behind the attack. Qui-Gon was relentless as he moved closer to his target, forcing himself to block out what was happening to those he cared for most. The cry of pain was one he could not ignore and looked up in time to see Obi-Wan tumble out of view.

// Hold on, Beloved. // Qui-Gon redoubled his efforts as he blasted his way through the remaining droids. A squad of them had broken off from the main platoon and was moving closer to the now disabled craft. It was hard, but Qui-Gon ignored them, knowing that stopping them depended on the destruction of the command droid.

The blaster fire had obviously damaged the transport more than he had realized. Anakin fought back a wave of fear as the speeder settled down on the ground, its engines dead. In front of them a group of the droids were moving closer, and he jumped out to bring the battle to them. In the distance he could see Qui-Gon fighting to reach the droid with the yellow markings. Anakin didn't have time to think about it, each step closer gave the droids that much more accuracy.

Each step closer meant that the small hand held blasters carried by the honor guard and the Senator also became more accurate. The battle turned their direction as more droids fell to blaster fire. Out of the corner of his eye, Anakin saw the bright green blade of his master's master spark as it sliced through the command droid. Immediately the remaining droids shut down, some falling to the ground, some wandering aimlessly with no programming to guide them. The silence was deafening.

Anakin thumbed off his saber as the others looked around in shock. He spun back around to the transport. "Master, are you all right? Master?" He circled around, following his master's Force signature. At the bottom of the ravine was a crumpled figure in a dark brown cloak.

"MASTER!"

Qui-Gon allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as the droid fell at his feet. Instantly he could hear droids shutting down all around him. One was still standing next to him and he kicked it, sending it rolling down the hill. Most importantly, the remains of the squad near Obi-Wan's transport was also still.

Neither his eyes nor the bond could locate Obi-Wan. He began to run again, instinctively knowing that something terrible had happened. A Force shove cleared his path of the few remaining upright droids. A familiar voice called out, sounding incredibly young and frightened.

"MASTER!"

Qui-Gon slid to a stop at the top of the gully. Below him, Anakin had gathered his master close and was rocking back and forth.

"Please don't die...please don't die." The young man held him close, one hand on his head, the other on his abdomen, sending as much healing energy as he could into the injured man. Qui-Gon scrambled down to join him.

"How bad?"

"He needs help now." Anakin stood up, lifting his injured master. Refusing any help he climbed up to the stalled transport. Qui-Gon had no choice but to follow behind. Once they reached the top he moved to where Typho was bandaging Amidala's arm. She reached out with her uninjured one and he lay Obi-Wan down, his head resting on her lap. She brushed the hair back from the unconscious man's face.

"Oh, Obi-Wan, no."

Anakin looked around frantically before turning back to Qui-Gon. "Where's the other transport? Where the Sith is everybody?" It didn't take a verbal response for him to know. "They left us, didn't they? Palpatine left us here to die!"

"Protecting the Supreme Chancellor was of utmost importance, Jedi. Surely you understand that."

Anakin didn't acknowledge Typho's words as he turned back to treating Obi-Wan's injuries. A focused wave of energy stopped the internal bleeding, but Anakin knew that it wasn't enough. "Do we have communications?"

One of the guards working on the transport shook his head. "The communications board is dead, and our personal communicators won't reach far enough on their own. We'll have to wait for any help that Chancellor Palpatine is sending."

"Yeah, right." Anakin jumped into the cockpit of the speeder as Qui-Gon began checking the damage underneath. "I don't think we can wait that long." The guard running diagnostics wasn't fast enough for him and he unceremoniously shoved him away. "How bad is the damage below?"

As much as he wanted to be with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon knew the injured man's best chance was a speedy repair of their transportation. He pried the damaged panel off with more than a touch of the Force to expose a smoldering power conduit. "The J-12 conduit is gone and about half of the cable between it and the junction box."

Anakin's fingers were moving over the diagnostics screen so fast that a non-Force user wouldn't be able to see them. "Is the junction box intact?"

"Scorched, but it looks still functional. The power source seems to still be operative. What do you suggest?" He may only be a padawan, but there was no one in the order more attuned to machinery than Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon had no trouble bowing to his knowledge.

Anakin traced the lines through the system using the on-board diagnostics. He looked up and pointed to one of the guards. "You -- open the rear access port and pull as much cable as you can from the port exhaust stabilizer." He pointed at two of the other guards. "You two find Master Obi-Wan's lightsaber -- NOW!"

Qui-Gon frowned. "Anakin?"

The young man didn't wait for the rest of the question. "About five years ago Master Obi-Wan switched from an Olganian Sapphire to a Vaporol one because it could handle a wider range of power fluctuations."

"Of course." Qui-Gon instantly knew that the focusing crystal from Obi-Wan's lightsaber could handle the power necessary for a short time. One of the guards appeared at his side with an armload of cable.

Anakin's voice was muffled as he continued to bark out orders. Qui-Gon realized that he was working under the control panel. "Decide how much of that cable you need and toss the rest up here. I've got to run a secondary line through the control module."

As Qui-Gon was stripping the cable to make the necessary modifications, Obi-Wan's lightsaber was handed to him. Typho stepped in and took over the rewiring so that Qui-Gon could take the lightsaber apart.

The crystal was heavy in his hand, and Qui-Gon wondered what had provoked the change from the type of crystal Obi-Wan had used since he was an apprentice. Force willing, he'd hear the story from the man himself someday. A little adjusting and the focus crystal was securely in place just as Typho finished the wiring. Between the two of them and a heavy application of the Force they wedged the damaged panel back into place. Typho gave it a studied look. "It may not be pretty, but it should prevent anything from shaking loose."

"Agreed." Qui-Gon moved to the other side of the transport where the remaining guards were preparing to lift the injured onto the craft. Amidala was first; followed by one of the guards that had taken a hit on the leg. Obi-Wan was the last one to be lifted up, and Anakin jumped down to do that himself.

Qui-Gon followed him and prepared to sit with Obi-Wan on the ride back. Anakin looked at him apologetically. "It's going to take a Force user to keep this wreck moving. Master needs me here with him to keep him stabilized."

This was not the first time he wished he knew the truth about Obi-Wan's condition, but it was certainly the most painful. "Take care of him, Anakin." The craft groaned and vibrated, but it moved under its own power. Qui-Gon soon realized that only a Force user could have kept it underway as he used the Force to keep the focusing crystal from overheating. Behind him he could hear Captain Typho repeatedly trying to raise the palace on his communicator.

"I'm sure the Chancellor's party has informed the palace what has happened. Help should be reaching us soon."

Qui-Gon didn't contest Typho's assertion. How could he explain his belief that the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic quite possibly wanted some or all of them dead? Instead he wrapped a little more of the Force around Obi-Wan's crystal and pushed the transport a little bit harder.

Typho set the automated emergency signal, then moved to sit next to Qui-Gon. "You're suspicious of Palpatine, do you have proof?"

"Not yet."

"But you will?"

"I will report what I know to the Jedi Council, they will deem if an investigation is warranted." As they came over the last rise, the palace was visible, and Qui-Gon could see a medical team moving to meet them.

Typho continued. "Will you be the one leading the investigation?"

Qui-Gon broke out in a sweat as he Force-maneuvered the transport to a stop outside the palace. Healers swarmed over the craft and began moving the injured. As Obi-Wan was lifted onto a stretcher Qui-Gon studied Typho carefully. There was no deceit in the man, but still Qui-Gon leaned closer to answer him. "No, I have more pressing matters to attend to." Without giving the other man a chance to reply, he jumped down and followed the stretcher inside.

Qui-Gon followed the anti-grav stretcher into the medical wing of the palace. Once there, one of the healers stopped him from continuing into the examining room. With an apologetic smile, she shut the door in front of him. It only took a few seconds for Qui-Gon to realize they had moved Obi-Wan into a shielded room. Incapable of reaching his love, unable to release his anxiety to the Force, he began to pace the small waiting room. Behind him, Amidala and Captain Typho entered, obviously in the middle of a heated argument.

"...not until I know about Obi-Wan. Captain, I know you mean well, but my injuries are minor."

"Senator..."

"Let the healers concentrate on Obi-Wan. I can wait." She reached out and grasped Qui-Gon's arm as he went by, effectively stopping him. "Is there any word yet?"

Qui-Gon shook his head helplessly. He knew that he should be insisting that Amidala allow her injuries to be treated, but he couldn't bring himself to suggest it.

Amidala had seen fear on the face of many a man during the invasion and its aftermath, but never this raw and never on the face of a Jedi. She pulled him close, then sat down on the bench behind her, forcing him to sit also.

Neither spoke nor moved until another group of healers entered the room. They didn't acknowledge any of the occupants as they moved past and into the examining room. The brief moment the door was open gave Qui-Gon a glimpse of the pain and fear contained in the room. Enough that he was slow to notice Amidala's reaction to the identity of the healers.

Typho moved closer. "Amidala, what is it?"

That got Qui-Gon's attention. "Senator?"

She stared at the closed door for a moment longer before turning back to Qui-Gon. "Why would Anakin choose the Royal Obstetrician as one of Obi-Wan's healers?"

Qui-Gon blinked in surprise. "I don't know."

The exam room door opened again and the healer in question stepped out. She gave a brief nod to acknowledge the Senator before turning to Qui-Gon.

"Master Jinn, would you come with me please?"

"Yes, of course." He rose to his feet and accompanied her without hesitation.

Mace Windu's quick pace brought him to the end of the ramp before it was fully lowered. That didn't slow him down as he jumped to the tarmac. Dorme stood waiting for him, not bothering to hide her nervousness. She gave a stiff bow.

"Master Windu, welcome to Naboo."

He didn't waste time on pleasantries. "What of Master Kenobi?"

"The healers are still with him." Dorme had to run to keep up with him.

Mace stopped, not noticing when Dorme ran into his back. "He's alive?"

"Of course - I'm sorry, I though you knew that." She moved around his still form to stand in front of him as she spoke. "His condition is very critical, but I don't know all the details. A great deal of it has to do with the illness he already suffered from. I do know that Anakin and Master Jinn are with him and they won't let anything happen to him."

"Jinn is with him?" Something cold grasped at his heart even as he said the words. Unwilling to pursue it further, he changed the subject. "What exactly happened?"

She frowned at the sudden change. "We're not completely sure, but it appears to be an assassination attempt."

"Against whom? The Senator, or the Supreme Chancellor?"

"The Chancellor wasn't in the transport that was attacked. Amidala and Master Kenobi were in the first transport travelling back to Theed." Dorme shook her head as she thought about the attack. "We don't know if the droids just attacked the first transport, or if they were specifically targeting someone. I'm sorry, I wish I had more to tell you."

"Where was Jinn when it happened?" Windu had to slow his pace to allow Dorme to lead him through the winding back corridors of the palace.

Dorme blushed and gave a short giggle. When Mace glared at her, she hastened to explain. "It was really rather romantic. He had been asked to ride back with the Chancellor, but when he realized the others were under attack he jumped out and ran to save them. He was the one to destroy the command droid and stop the attack." She gave another dreamy smile. "It was like a fairy tale with the brave warrior rushing in to save his beloved."

Mace deliberately ignored the analogy. "Was he alone?"

"Alone?"

"Did any of the Chancellor's guards assist him?"

"No, they stayed with the Chancellor. Is there a problem?"

"Where is the Chancellor now?"

"On his way back to Coruscant." Dorme again questioned him. "Is something wrong, Master Windu?"

Mace chose his words carefully. "It is regrettable that Chancellor Palpatine couldn't have spared a few guards to assist during the attack. His people were able to get a message through to the palace about the attack?"

"Well, actually..." Dorme bit her lip as she hesitated. "Senator Amidala's guards were able to communicate with the palace first."

"You mean after the attack was over? When did anyone hear from Palpatine's staff?" He grasped her arm gently and forced her to turn and face him.

Dorme studied Mace's boots. "We received the message right before his ship made the jump into hyperspace."

"After they had left orbit?" Mace didn't wait for an answer as he stormed into the palace medical unit.

Qui-Gon entered the room silently, not wishing to disturb the resting occupant. Obi-Wan was deathly still, buried under a mound of blankets. Anakin was at the head of the pallet, bent over him in an apparent healing trance. He turned to the healer that had escorted him in.

"How is he?" Qui-Gon didn't wait for an answer as he moved next to the bed and reached out to stroke Obi-Wan's face. The skin under his fingers was unnaturally cool.

The healer wouldn't look him in the eye. "For the moment, he's stabilized..."

"But?"

Silence met his question as all the healers in the room shifted uncomfortably. Next to him, Anakin straightened up.

"Why don't I explain Master Obi-Wan's condition to Master Jinn? I think it would be easier to accept coming from me."

"We will give you some privacy." Qui-Gon didn't notice which healer spoke to him as they filed out of the room. He barely noticed when Anakin grasped his arm and led him to the cluster of chairs near the window.

"I can't lose him, Anakin - I can't."

"I know." The apprentice knelt in front of him and grasped both his hands. "At this point, I think you are the only one who can save him."

"Tell me how, I don't understand."

Anakin stood up and began to pace. "That night on Sriluur, I healed his injuries from when you...umm...fell on him."

Qui-Gon winced, remembering what had gone wrong that night, but remained silent.

"I let my fear control me, and I healed him until I had no strength left." A solitary tear ran down the young man's face. "If I hadn't done that, Master would be all right."

"Anakin?" Confused, Qui-Gon stood and reached out. "How would that cause what is happening now? Tell me, please."

"Master Obi-Wan told me not to worry, that nothing in his body could have absorbed that much healing, but he was wrong."

Qui-Gon clenched his fists, willing himself not to shake the answers out of his beloved's apprentice. Anakin began to pace again, Qui-Gon following him.

"On Master Obi-Wan's home world, men carry the reproductive organs of both sexes. It's just that the female organs haven't been functional since the beginnings of their written history. Until now."

Anakin just had enough warning to Force-shove a chair under his master's lover before the larger man's legs buckled.

"You turned him into a woman?"

"No! Well, not exactly." Anakin raked his fingers through his hair; this had been much easier when he had practiced it in his head.

Qui-Gon stood again and stepped closer to Anakin. "Not exactly? What in the hell does that mean?"

"He's still a man, he's just...more."

"More? Damn it, boy, make sense!"

"I'm trying, Master Jinn!" Anakin stared in horror as he realized that he had just raised his voice to a master. Qui-Gon was too upset to notice, so he took a deep breath and continued. "If that had been the only thing that had happened to Master Obi-Wan, then his body would have stabilized and returned to normal without any problems."

"What else happened?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "You had sex with him, remember? That's what started this whole mess."

Qui-Gon's pacing increased as he became more agitated. "What in the Sith does that have to do with anything?"

"It has everything to do with it! You weren't using birth control." Anakin barely had time to Force-shove a chair under the other man.

Qui-Gon sat stunned for a brief moment before he was back on his feet, prowling the now too small room. "Are you saying that he...that I...that we...?" This time the younger man followed him across the room with a chair and was prepared when it was needed, and this time he used the Force to keep him seated.

"Stay put! I promised Master that I wouldn't let you fall on your face, but I don't have the energy to spare to keep following you around with a chair." Anakin's mouth quirked in a half-grin. "I can't believe we're having this conversation."

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Nor I." He turned and studied the figure resting in the bed behind him.

Anakin had to strain to hear his words. "You're telling me that he is carrying a child, my child?"

He pulled a chair close and straddled it, resting his chin on the backrest. "Yes." Anakin watched as a hundred emotions flickered across the other man's face. The silence stretched on forever as Qui-Gon seemed to struggle with the news. Just as Anakin was giving up hope, Qui-Gon smiled.

"A child." He closed his eyes and whispered as if to himself. "He is carrying my child."

When he opened his eyes, Anakin was stunned to find them filled with tears. He moved immediately to the older man's side and dropped to his knees. "Master?"

Qui-Gon made no effort to hide the tears streaming down his face. "A child...I never dared to dream that I would ever be so blessed to have a child of my own."

"A son, Master. Obi-Wan carries your son." Anakin straightened up and looked towards the door. Qui-Gon noticed the disturbance, but dismissed it, instead shifting next to the bed and dropping to his knees.

The decision was easy, and Anakin moved to the door. "I'll take care of it, Master Jinn. You take care of Master Obi-Wan." Before he left, Anakin turned and studied the two men. Qui-Gon's head was resting on the pillow next to Obi-Wan's as he softly whispered words of encouragement and love. Qui-Gon barely noticed Anakin's departure.

The door slid closed behind him before Anakin moved further into the room. "Hello, Master Windu."

Qui-Gon heard the door close behind him, but immediately dismissed it from his mind as he brushed Obi-Wan's hair back from his face. A bruise was evident on his temple and Qui-Gon gently touched it, allowing the Force to flow through him to heal the other man. The bruise faded, but Obi-Wan did not stir. The connection was made though, and Qui-Gon opened himself to the other man's Force signature.

Familiar, yet not, it flowed through him, caressing his soul. Qui-Gon searched further, separating out the Force patterns flowing from their unborn child. He smiled in awe; their child was already strong in the Force.

Of their own volition, his hands pushed the covers down, revealing the bare form of his beloved. Healing energy still flowed from him as his fingers trailed down Obi-Wan's chest to his stomach. Then he wrapped his hands around the curve of his abdomen, encompassing their child with his love.

"Hello, little one, I'm your father." His lips brushed Obi-Wan's belly in a gentle kiss as he opened his mind and heart to his son. He could sense Obi-Wan's strong connection to the baby along with Anakin's. Pain flashed through him for a moment as he realized that Anakin had connected with the child before he even knew of his existence. Before that thought could fully form, however, his son's mind touched his own, instinctively seeking the last parental bond that was missing.

Qui-Gon willingly and happily accepted the link in his mind, feeling both the baby and Obi-Wan gaining strength as they finally linked. He peppered Obi-Wan's skin with kisses as he moved back up to nuzzle his neck. Shakily he stood up to remove his boots, belt, and robe before joining Obi-Wan on the bed. He gathered the other man into his arms as he used the Force to wrap the blankets around them. Beyond the door he could feel Mace Windu and Anakin, but he trusted the young man to keep this moment private for them. That was confirmed as their Force signatures moved further away, one less willing than the other. He dismissed everything outside that room from his mind as he focused on the here and now. A here and now that had become more precious and wondrous than he could have ever imagined.

"Hello, Master Windu." Anakin stood in front of the door at full attention, presenting himself more as an ancient sentry than as a modern padawan. The challenge was unspoken, as was the answer, as Mace made no attempt to cross into the inner chamber.

"How is he?" Windu glanced around the room, not knowing how much the occupants knew about the condition of the man in question.

"Better now that he and Qui-Gon have fully reestablished their bond." The emphasis on 'fully' left no question in the councilor's mind, and Anakin's next words made sure of it. "I've never seen Master Jinn happier."

Mace closed his eyes as the realization hit him. "I see."

Anakin's features softened as he felt the flicker of longing that Windu tried so hard to hide. He motioned to a nearby balcony. "Why don't we talk in private?" The older man's shoulders sagged as he followed Anakin outside.

Qui-Gon felt a slight tremor in the Force as Obi-Wan began to awaken. He raised up on one elbow to gaze into the face he so loved. As the green eyes fluttered open, he kissed each brow.

"Qui?"

"I'm here, love, and you are going to be just fine. You and our son." He watched, smiling as Obi-Wan slowly reacted to his words.

"They told you?" No amount of Jedi calm could completely cover the tremor in Obi-Wan's voice.

"He's beautiful." Qui-Gon deliberately ignored the question as he lay back down. "Now you must rest and regain your strength."

"You're angry." It was a statement rather than a question.

Qui-Gon thought for a moment. "It's not anger, but I am disappointed. More with myself than anything."

"With yourself? Why?"

"I've been such a fool, missed so much time. If I had handled things better four months ago on Sriluur, you would have been able to tell me sooner. You wouldn't have had to go through all this alone."

"Not so bad...didn't know myself." Obi-Wan's eyes drifted closed as he faded into a healing sleep. Qui-Gon had a hundred questions, but he satisfied himself with the knowledge that they had time. Time for answers, time for loving.

Anakin rested one hip on the balcony wall as he observed the senior master. Windu stood ramrod straight as he stared unseeing over the Naboo landscape. He knew the other man would speak when he was ready.

"Do you trust him?" Mace closed his eyes as he waited for the answer.

"If I didn't, he wouldn't be in there." Anakin paused as Mace turned and looked at him. "He is thrilled about the baby, even through his shock I could feel it." With no response forthcoming, he pressed on.

"What happens now? Qui-Gon and I will protect them, but we need to be somewhere that Palpatine's people can't watch his every move."

Windu frowned as he glanced around. "Yoda has found them a place. We will speak no more of it until we are safely off-planet."

"Of course." Anakin stood and straightened his tunics. "Master Jinn should have him strong enough to leave in the morning. Will that be satisfactory?"

"Have they..." a smirk crossed the dark face, "...or does he even know about the necessity of a physical relationship between them?"

"Not yet." Anakin blushed slightly as he further explained. "I thought I would let him read the medical report first, then answer whatever questions he still had."

"That should be an interesting discussion. Would you like some assistance?"

Choking at the thought, Anakin turned to return to his master's side. "No, thank you."

Anakin slipped into the room to find the two men curled up together on the small medical center bed. As he gently checked his master's condition, Qui-Gon opened his eyes and watched the young man, a questioning look on his face.

"He's doing better. Both he and the child are stronger." Exam finished, he tucked the blankets tighter around them. "How are you holding up? This has been a - different - day."

"Different?" Qui-Gon chuckled, "I see that you have inherited your master's wry sense of humor, but you're right. I never would have guessed this."

Anakin continued to stroke his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair. "I've spoken to the healers, and it's agreed that his recovery would be better in more private quarters. We're going to move him in a bit."

"You're worried about his privacy? This room is shielded, and you're limiting those who have access. What else needs to be done?"

"Actually, it's your privacy I'm more worried about at the moment."

That made Qui-Gon blink. "My privacy? I assure you, Padawan, my privacy at the moment is..."

"Very important to Obi-Wan." Anakin straightened up and began to pace the small room. "Look, there is a lot more you need to know about his condition and the treatment he and the baby need to survive. I'm going to give you a readout of what the healers at the temple have put together. That should answer most of your questions."

"Anakin?" Qui-Gon raised up on one elbow to watch him.

The young man turned, the data reader already in his hand. Qui-Gon accepted it with a brief nod.

"I do have one question I'd like answered now."

"Of course, Master Jinn." The other man seemed calm, but Anakin couldn't help the flash of nervousness he felt.

"Our time on Sriluur was months ago, yet you told me that Obi-Wan became ill very recently. Why didn't he show symptoms earlier?"

Anakin sat back down on the edge of the bed, and resumed brushing his master's hair back away from his face. "Very few people really know how strong Master truly is. If it had been anyone else, the reproductive organs would have failed, the child would have died before he became self-aware, and no one would have ever known what could have been. Master Obi-Wan's body instinctively protected and nourished the baby until his own reserves were so depleted that his life was in danger. When the child gained the first level of self-awareness, the increased drain on Master Obi-Wan precipitated his crisis."

"You've bonded with the baby."

"That's two questions." Anakin smiled, then grew serious. "Because of my healing of Obi-Wan the night the child was conceived, he has as much of an awareness of me as he does you and Obi-Wan. It's a different kind of bond though, it's the beginnings of a training bond."

"A training bond? But that would suggest..."

Anakin finished for him, "...that he will be my Padawan learner. Yes, Master Yoda has foreseen it." An impish look crossed his face. "Look at it this way - you've fathered your own Great-grand Padawan."

Qui-Gon fell back on the bed and covered his face with his hands. "Great-grand Padawan? Force, I feel old."

"You shouldn't, not yet. Wait until he's two. He'll have your stubbornness, your ability with the Living Force, Obi-Wan's strength, his connection to the Unifying Force and half the council doting on him. Then we'll all be feeling old."

Qui-Gon opened his mouth, then closed it. Somehow he could feel the Force laughing at him and knew that Anakin was right. He also knew that no one would derive more pleasure out of the situation, than his own Grand Master. His shins ached at the thought. Before he could think of a suitable comeback, a group of healers entered the room with an anti-grav stretcher.

The last of the healers quietly left the room as Qui-Gon finished the report Anakin had given him. He knew his ears were bright red without seeing the expression on the younger man's face as they sat facing each other. Qui-Gon cleared his throat.

"This must have been the first time a Jedi healer ordered sexual activity."

"I believe Plag-Nal's exact words were 'take two orgasms and call me in the morning'." Anakin grinned as Qui-Gon turned even redder. "You should have seen the expression on Master Poof's face."

Qui-Gon glared at him. "Imagining it is bad enough, Padawan."

Anakin suddenly turned serious. "You're not uncomfortable about resuming a relationship with him, are you?"

"No." Qui-Gon sighed as he tried to explain. "I am very much in love with him, Anakin. I do wish the more intimate details of our relationship weren't quite so public."

"It truly is just the healers and the members of the council. The rumor-mill believes he picked up a blood disease on our last mission."

Qui-Gon looked past him towards the large bed. "I want to take care of him. That seems incongruous with the idea of forcing him to resume sexual activities."

"Don't let it affect your performance."

"Anakin!"

"I'm serious, Qui-Gon. He needs this to survive. So does your son. The healers could remove the necessary samples from you, and implant it into Master Obi-Wan, but the procedure would be difficult and humiliating for him."

Qui-Gon shuddered. "It won't happen like that. I give you my word." He stood and tossed the reader to Anakin. "However, as you said earlier, some privacy would be nice." A well-placed glare had the young man laughing and scrambling for the door.

"Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon stared at the closed door for a moment before moving next to the bed. A raised hand greeted him as he rested on the edge of the mattress. "Are you all right with this, love?"

Obi-Wan gave a slight smile as his hand was squeezed. "Perhaps not the most romantic circumstances for a honeymoon, but I do love you so very much."

"And I, you. Circumstances be damned, this is exactly where I want to be." He bent down and captured the other man's lips with his own. As their tongues dueled, the last of the bond slid into place, allowing Qui-Gon to feel his lover's needs and weakness. He straightened slightly and reached for his belt. "When you are stronger, I plan on seducing you properly."

"I look forward to it." Obi-Wan raised up and tugged the other man's tunics open as Qui-Gon dropped his belt. "In the meantime, come here."

Qui-Gon resisted his beloved's call long enough to pull off the rest of his clothes. He absently noted the bottle of lubricant Anakin had casually placed on the bedside table. Finally naked, he climbed into the bed and gathered Obi-Wan into his arms. Hungrily, they kissed as his hands explored the body beneath him. Down past hard muscles, past the life-filled swell of his belly, to the prize he sought. He wrapped long fingers around Obi-Wan's cock and began building a rhythm. When Obi-Wan reached for him, he shushed him. "Let me do the work this time, love. We have the rest of our lives to pleasure each other." He silenced anything the other man might have said with a kiss.

As he felt Obi-Wan shudder beneath him, he began moving down the other man's body, exploring the skin he passed along the way. Nipples pebbled under his mouth, a slight moan reaching his ears. He smiled and tugged at the fine hair on Obi-Wan's chest. He sputtered and wiped the hair off his lips as Obi-Wan gave a hearty laugh.

"Now I know why you shaved off your beard." Under him Obi-Wan continued to chuckle and Qui-Gon reveled in the sound. He let his tongue and hands roam over the skin stretched over Obi-Wan's belly. They both silenced as their son kicked and squirmed beneath Qui-Gon's fingers.

Qui-Gon sat back on his heels, Obi-Wan's legs draped over his as he watched his lover's body undulate. "Does it hurt, Love?"

"No," Obi-Wan shook his head as he struggled to put it into words. "It's actually quite wonderful. Here..." He gave up trying to explain and instead pulled Qui-Gon closer.

Qui-Gon instinctively lowered his shields as their foreheads touched. The bond rushed through them, and the physical barriers faded away. Between them the baby's movements increased, energized by the currents of the Force flowing through his parents. Qui-Gon smiled as he felt the sensations through Obi-Wan's perspective, echoed through his own body as the skin of his abdomen rested against the undulating form beneath him.

"Oh, my...oh, my." Words failed the respected negotiator, so instead, he poured all his love and joy into their bond.

Obi-Wan turned slightly to kiss his jaw. "Now join us, and make us complete."

"Yes." He didn't even try to gather the Force around him as he reached out for the bottle of lubricant, his focus entirely on the body under him. With slick, trembling fingers he lovingly prepared Obi-Wan. Part of Qui-Gon cursed the lack of foreplay in their joining, but the more logical corner of his brain concentrated on the necessity of haste as he felt Obi-Wan's energy flag.

Finally, slowly, carefully, he eased his way in. The bond was still completely open; enabling him to closely guard Obi-Wan's safety and comfort. He didn't need to bury himself to accomplish this first joining, so he stopped at the first sign of pain from Obi-Wan.

"I'm not that fragile, Qui."

"Humor me, Love." Adjusting his angle gave him just enough penetration to brush against the pleasure center, causing Obi-Wan to gasp and try to deepen his strokes. Qui-Gon shifted back slightly, not wanting to thrust any deeper that he had been.

"When I am stronger, I will throw you down and ravish you - I want you to know that." Obi-Wan tried to move again, unsuccessfully.

"Promise me you will recover enough." A tear slid down his face without his notice. "Promise me that you will live."

"I promise." The surge of climax overtook them both as Obi-Wan cried out. Strong arms wrapped around him as they rode out the waves of passion. When awareness returned to him he was cradled gently against Qui-Gon's chest. Kisses were being peppered against his face and he raised up to greet them, allowing his lips to brush against Qui's.

Qui-Gon tenderly kissed him before pulling him close again. "Rest, Love, rest and be well. Tomorrow we begin our new life together, and you will need your strength." As he spoke, he stroked the side of Obi-Wan's face, subtly weaving a sleep suggestion around him.

Obi-Wan could feel what was happening, but was too content to fight it. He yawned and settled further down in the bed. "I'm far too old to be put to sleep like a child, Qui."

"Of course you are, Love," Qui-Gon gazed lovingly into the unfocused green eyes, "however, I will do what I must to protect you both." As those beautiful green eyes lost the battle to stay open, he gently kissed Obi-Wan's forehead.

"Remind me," Obi-Wan yawned one last time, "to be very cross with you when I wake up."

"Very cross, I'll make a note of it." He smiled at his sleeping lover one last time before following him into slumber.

The slightest whisper of the Force woke Qui-Gon as the first light began to filter through the window covers. He tensed, reaching out with a Force probe, before relaxing again. The door slid open quietly, outlining a figure in the harsh light. His words were soft-spoken, and brought a smile to the older Jedi's face.

"Masters, I don't want to impose, but..."

"It's all right, Anakin, I'm awake." As he spoke he waved the younger man into their room, the door closing behind him. "I am hoping that Obi-Wan will sleep a while longer. He needs his rest."

Anakin set a plate down on the nearby table. "I know, but if he doesn't eat something soon, he'll be nauseous for the rest of the day." He broke off a small corner of the toast as he touched his master's face with his other hand. "Master? Obi-Wan, you need to eat a little bit."

Obi-Wan gave a sigh as he burrowed further against Qui-Gon's warm chest. He spoke without opening his eyes. "My morning allotment of that wretched ryka toast, I assume?"

"It does help settle your stomach in the mornings, Master. Would you like some help sitting up?" Without waiting for an answer, Anakin steadied the older man as he raised up, pleased that Obi-Wan seemed to be having little difficulties in moving. Obi-Wan ignored the small piece in Anakin's hand and instead grabbed both of the slices remaining on the plate. Smiling, Anakin quickly took a blood sample and ran the analysis as he watched his master wolf down the toast.

Qui-Gon was also watching with amusement. "It appears that your appetite has improved, Love." He was sitting up behind Obi-Wan, prepared for the expected weakness. When it came it was much milder than he was expecting and Obi-Wan simply leaned back against him. With Obi-Wan securely wrapped in his arms, Qui-Gon waited for the test results from Anakin.

Anakin ran the tests three times before he turned back to the masters. "It's almost too good to be true."

"I do feel much stronger this morning, Anakin." "Obi-Wan shifted slightly to look over his shoulder and to kiss the worried brow of his bondmate. "Really, Qui, I feel remarkably better."

Qui-Gon returned the kiss before turning his attention to the apprentice. Anakin didn't even wait for the question.

"Over sixty percent of the medication is being absorbed into his body. That is the highest reading we've had ever." He beamed at the two men in the bed. "It should continue to rise as the two of you, well, you know." He broke off as the objects of his attention both blushed a bright red. "The healers will be pleased to know it's working," he turned so they couldn't see his grin. "I'll try to keep the details to a minimum." When Qui-Gon started to choke, Anakin turned back around, tucking the blankets firmly around them. "Do you have a preference for morning meal, Master? We should take advantage of your improved appetite."

Obi-Wan didn't hesitate. "Poached vala eggs with pruguli greens, and some burumu leaf tea." His apprentice could barely stop his shudder.

"That's an...unusual combination, Master, are you sure?" When Obi-Wan just raised an eyebrow at him, Anakin turned to the other man. "Would you like the same think, Qui-Gon?"

Qui-Gon didn't hesitate either. "That's quite all right, Padawan. I'll have whatever you're having." He carefully observed the young man, not bothering to hide his smile. "I assume that you're having something different?"

Anakin returned his grin as he moved towards the door. "Quite different, don't worry. I'll make sure that it is something high in energy for you. After all, you're going to need your strength. He gleefully ignored the sputtering behind him as he carefully Force-locked the door behind him.

Qui-Gon buried his face in Obi-Wan's shoulder. "I think your apprentice is enjoying this far too much."

A quick shove and he was flat on his back with Obi-Wan bent over him. The younger man licked his lips. "Not nearly as much as I am."

Anakin carefully balanced the tray as he opened the Force-lock and entered their quarters. Once the door was secured he moved towards his master's sleeping room. The smell of the pruguli greens made his eyes water even through the dome covering the plate. "Why don't we eat on the balcony?"

His question went unanswered and when he entered the sleeping chamber he saw the two men tangled together. "Food first. You'll have plenty of time for that later." He didn't slow down as he moved out to the balcony and set the tray on the table. A few moments later, two flushed masters joined him in the cool morning air. Wisely, Anakin refrained from comment as Qui-Gon casually made sure that he was not down-wind of the other man's fragrant meal.

Mace looked up from his pre-flight check as a shadow crossed over him. A rather smug looking Padawan stood over him. "How is he? Is he strong enough to leave?"

Anakin threw himself into the copilot's chair "He's better than he's been since this whole thing started. He'll be ready to leave whenever you are." The young man's smirk widened. "Or as soon as we can get them pried out of the bed."

A dozen lectures crossed the councilor's mind, but Anakin's words depressed him too much to comment. Instead he just nodded and Anakin instantly felt guilty for his attitude.

"I'm sorry, Master Windu, It's just been a while since I've seen my master this strong, and I've never seen him this happy."

"That is the most important thing." Mace closed his eyes as he gathered his composure. "See if you can hurry them along, we have several days travel ahead of us."

"I'll see what I can do." Anakin stood and moved to the hatch, stopping when Mace cleared his throat.

"My own feelings aside, I am very happy for Obi-Wan. He deserves all the love he receives."

Anakin leaned against the hatch and stared out at the distant palace for a long time before he responded. "He didn't mean to hurt you, he just can't love anyone else the way he loves Qui-Gon."

"I know." The expression on the dark councilor's face softened as he moved to stand next to Anakin. "I've always know, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. What about you? How will this affect your relationship with your master?"

The young man was quiet for a long time. When he spoke, Windu had to strain to hear him. "Not a day has gone by that I've haven't been proud to be the apprentice of Obi-Wan Kenobi's. I know some people thought he was too young to be a master, that I was too dangerous for him to handle. What they didn't realize was that I needed a friend, a mentor, more than a traditional Jedi Master. When you start out life as a slave, it colors everything in your life. Obi-Wan understood that. The only regret I ever had was not having Qui-Gon in my life. I needed them both."

Mace shook his head. "The council should have realized..."

"Yes, they should have." Anakin gave him a look that Mace couldn't identify. "Now we have a chance to be the family we were meant to be. It will be hard to share my master after all these years, but I think it will be worth it." He didn't wait for a reply as he left the ship.

Amidala stood at the base of the ship's ramp watching the two Jedi approach. She marveled at the tenderness and love obvious between them. Following behind was a third, weighted down with three packs as a droid carried the medical supplies. The happy group stopped in front of her.

"Senator Amidala." Obi-Wan reached out and took her hands, squeezing them as he smiled. Amidala couldn't help but notice a glow about him that was missing before.

"It appears that you did have somebody shooting at you after all. I am deeply sorry about that, Master Kenobi." She smiled as he pulled her into a hug.

"True, but it was a small army this time." He chuckled as she straightened up. "We are making progress." A gentle kiss on her cheek was her only warning before he pulled away and moved up the ramp.

Warm arms wrapped around her as she watched Obi-Wan enter the ship. Instinctively, she leaned back, returning the embrace. Qui-Gon's robe always smelled like the spices that her mother had put in her tea when she was a little girl.

"Thank you, milady, here on Naboo I have found what I didn't know I had lost." He bent down and kissed the top of her head. Amidala smiled as she turned in his arms.

"What was that, Master Jinn?"

"My soul." He touched the side of her face before turning to Anakin and taking the packs the young man was lugging.

Once all three packs were securely on one shoulder, he used the other to nudge the Padawan. "Be sure to give the Senator a 'proper' goodbye." Chuckling, he strode up the ramp, the droid right at his heels.

The two young people were laughing as they drew close. After a moment Anakin's face grew serious as he bent down to kiss her. Just as their lips touched, his master's voice rang out from inside the ship. "Not that proper, my still too young apprentice."

Amidala laid her head against Anakin's chest as she laughed helplessly. Rolling his eyes, Anakin looked up in time to see his master elbow the tall figure standing beside him. Whatever Qui-Gon was doing to his neck soon had the other man laughing and Qui-Gon led him away from the hatch. Just before they moved out of sight, Qui-Gon looked back at Anakin and winked.

Amidala stopped laughing when she felt Anakin's warm fingers stroking along the edge of her ear. She looked up, an apology on her lips. His thumb slid across her cheek and onto her mouth.

"Everything that happened was meant to happen, Padme."

"Everything?"

"Everything." The tip of his thumb traced the curve of her bottom lip. "We will be together again, Amidala Naberrie, never doubt that." Sensing his master near the viewport, Anakin settled for a brief kiss on her cheek before also moving into the ship.

Once the ship was in hyperspace Qui-Gon relaxed and joined Obi-Wan on the bed in their cabin. Obi-Wan pulled him close for a kiss. "Be at peace, Love, we are safe."

Qui-Gon pulled off his boots before completely settling on the bed. "I am trying, it just seems so strange to not be on a mission." He shrugged off the tunics that Obi-Wan had managed to loosen, then pulled him close.

Obi-Wan kissed his way across the broad expanse of chest under him. "It will be different. Months of rest, with nothing to do except train Anakin."

A gentle roll had the smaller man under him. "Not exactly nothing else to do." He slowly began rubbing against Obi-Wan's body. "The healers will be expecting me to take good care of you, after all."

"They do?" Obi-Wan smiled as he opened his legs to allow Qui-Gon to settle closer to him. "In the past we've had a rather poor reputation with the healers at the temple."

Qui-Gon smiled as he reached for the tie on Obi-Wan's leggings "It's not befitting for a Jedi to have such a poor reputation with anyone. We'll have to work to change that."

"Really?" Obi-Wan bit his lip, as his smile grew wider. "How do you suggest we change that?" He raised up slightly so that the other man could pull his leggings down.

"We must..." Qui-Gon tossed the leggings over his shoulder. "Follow..." he raised up to pull off his own leggings, "the healers orders on a regular basis."

Obi-Wan reached up and trailed his fingers down Qui-Gon's chest. "Regular?"

Now naked, Qui-Gon swooped down for a kiss. "Regular and often, my Obi-Wan."

Anakin joined Mace on the bridge of the ship, bringing him a cup of tea. "Now that we are safely away from Naboo, can you tell me where we are headed?"

Windu took the cup, drinking half of it before setting it down on the console. "There's a small Jedi retreat on the planet of Kitdu."

"I've never heard of it." Anakin though for a moment. "How many know of it?"

"Other than the council, only a handful of Jedi know if it. The people of Kitdu guard it as their thanks to the Jedi for saving their world over 500 years ago." Mace turned to look directly at Anakin. "I've never been there, but Yoda tells me that it is very strong in the living Force, and very peaceful. You will have regular supply drops, and the healers will accompany those ships. Otherwise you will be left in peace until it is time for the birth."

"It sounds like exactly what Master Obi-Wan needs right now." Anakin seemed briefly distracted before Windu could sense his shields increasing.

Realization dawned on the other man. "Again?" The smirk on the younger man's face gave him his answer. He rubbed his face before picking up his tea. "It's going to be a long three days."