Master Apprentice Archive Shades of the Past Quick search:

Shades of the Past

by Sian1359 (sian1359@yahoo.com)

Author Email: sian1359@yahoo.com

Rating: NC-17 for all sorts of reason including forays into darkness.

Pairings: Q/O

Categories: AU, Horror, Action/Adventure, H/C, First-Time, Underage

Archive: MA, eventually to Author's website: http://www.hawksong.com/sian/index.html

Series: Yes, as if I don't have too many AUs already occupying my time

Disclaimer: Star Wars characters, props and some situations belong to Lucas Film Ltd., George Lucas, and Jude Watson . not me. Also I've stolen directly a certain plot device from the X-Men and Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc.

Kudos and Thanks go to Lori who made sure this finally got finished, my every sterling and ever vigilant Jedi Christy who has been there for me through AU after AU, and to Jennifer/Gail, who didn't know enough to say no. Feedback can come to me publicly or privately.

Story Notes: For Halloween yes, but not DPS

This started almost a year ago as a short (hah!) offering for Halloween, and as my backhanded tribute to Liam's The Haunting (which I despised in part because I loved the original book by Shirley Jackson and rather thought the first b/w movie was also quite good as both rely on storytelling to build real tension and suspense, not stupid special effects). Instead, it has become rather lengthy and involved - being my longest story yet to date -- spawning way too many ideas and a viable alternate universe in my mind that I intend to continue exploring at some later date. At this point any resemblance to The Haunting or The Haunting of Hill House is superficial, but yes there is a house, a spiral staircase, and something unseen.

Also, I have grown up on John Wayne movies, Alistair MacLean and Clive Cussler books, where action heroes can do anything despite the odds and their injuries (and never have mundane bodily needs [g]). So some literary license of what our Jedi and the Force can allow them to accomplish may be present. I am not a doctor or nurse, and my EMT reference person has moved out of state with no computer access. But the exaggerations of injury/coping shouldn't be quite as extreme as some of my previous stories.

Summary: Jedi hunters and Sith haunters

PART ONE

1.

"Tell me again, Master, why we're here?" the younger asked the elder, his tone a mixture of interest and anticipation along with frustration and resignation. It was the tone of a student to teacher, yet with a touch of something that might strike an outsider to be curiously like friendship despite the disparity of their ages and responsibilities to each other.

`Here' was the northeast tower of the complex of buildings collectively known as the Jedi Temple of Coruscant. The name was quite the misnomer, as ten separate buildings actually comprised the complex, several connected only by arched walkways and intricately paved garden paths. The smallest building encompassed a base perimeter of nearly a quarter mile and rose up to thirty levels, while the largest could have held a full village in the old days before Coruscant the planet had become a world-encompassing, single city.

None of the buildings actually housed anything outsiders might call a temple; the name was a throwback to the days when Coruscant still held indigenous species and a natural environment instead of being the center of the Galactic Republic, and when the Jedi were a religious order of less than a hundred supplicants instead of the ten thousand or so from just as many diverse cultures who now followed a more secular, philosophical path.

Millions of feet or other appendages had traveled these same corridors as those currently, the Order having grown over the ages with the city and with the Republic. No doubt countless other apprentices had asked the same question of their master, some even with the same mixture of emotions. No matter how many years had come and gone, no matter how many species learned of the Force and joined in the active pursuit to defend and protect and so became Jedi, the nature of students and teachers remained constant. A student asked why. And, whether the question had been asked for the sake of knowledge, or in just the opposite -- as an attempt to avoid a lesson -- the teacher always had an answer.

Just not always the answer the apprentice looked for.

"What's the matter, Padawan? Afraid you will accidentally brush against one of the books and learn something by osmosis?" the master chided the younger man. "Or are you just afraid you'll get lost, which is quite the possibility I admit, given how little time you've ever spent here?"

"Hey! I've only gotten lost here once -"

"Twice."

"Fine, twice," the teenager snarled, but without rancor. "But the first time was because I had never seen a book before. And you brought me to a place that held millions. So I got a little overwhelmed and forgot to watch where I was walking. Well, where you were walking." He stopped and turned toward his elder who also stopped, and thrust out an accusatory finger. "The second time was even more your fault. And I didn't get lost, I got left behind because you were walking too fast for me to keep up. Of course, that's not a problem anymore," he added with marked laughter, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

Indeed in the last year, it had become the master needing to quicken his step to keep up. At seventeen, Anakin Skywalker was already five centimeters taller than his master, and likely had more than several more to grow. Nor was the youth who strode so confidently beside him the insecure, yet hyperactive child he had taken as his padawan learner eight years ago.

"That sounds remarkably like a boast, Padawan." Letting a half smile reach his own lips, Obi-Wan Kenobi turned his steady regard to his apprentice. "You know I will make you live to regret such a challenge. Should I give you a choice as to which field of battle you will lose?"

Obi-Wan still held the edge in their competitive sparring, in agility and, of course, in most of the academic pursuits they both liked to indulge in; he had almost twice the number of years, and significantly more experience. But Anakin was definitely the more inspired pilot, although the teen's occasional lack of common sense and a tendency toward impatience just as often translated into indulging in reckless or foolish tactics behind the controls. Because of his size, the teen was also stronger physically, but with little of the finesse that applied skill and experience should eventually bring. Anakin was also stronger psychically in raw power, but like his physical strength, he still had a lot of learning and control to pick up. Plus, Obi-Wan had a few tricks up the sleeve of his umber robe, which should keep him ahead despite his student's growing maturity.

Like a lifetime of conditioning not to make anything easy. Even the answer to a simple question.

"I don't suppose the Council would grant a trip to Malastare even if it was for you to try and whip my butt in pod-racing," Anakin lamented. Then muttered, but not quite softly enough not to be heard, "like you ever could," before continuing, unrepentant. "So no, Master, if you feel you must vaunt your prowess over your lowly apprentice, the choice of combat is yours."

"I only wish we had the time, Padawan," Obi-Wan turned suddenly sober, yet not because of anger at his student's teasing disrespect or the glare from the older, Bothan master they were passing by.

"A new mission already, Master?" While Anakin could mask his emotions psychically to the point that even those of the Jedi High Council would have trouble breaching his shields, he could rarely keep them from showing through his expressions, like wide eyes of surprise and a budding grin of excitement. Such ... enthusiasm had certainly made some of their previous missions interesting.

Of course, he couldn't shield his guilt any better than his enthusiasm.

Obi-Wan knew that Anakin still believed himself personally responsible for the breakdown of the peace process they'd been sent to oversee in their last mission. And, unfortunately, Anakin also felt he should be punished for that breakdown, if not by his own master, then by the Council. The teen didn't yet understand that his own guilt was leading him to evaluate and learn from his actions better than any form of punishment could, coupled with the meditations he'd needed undertake to pass the time while being confined to Medical.

Some missions were simply doomed to failure even before they were undertaken. Although there were Jedi - Obi-Wan included - who could glimpse the future, nothing was ever that absolute, especially where free will was involved. Any single decision or action could change the future, which was why living in the moment was so important. And had been one of the hardest lessons Obi-Wan had ever needed learn from his own master.

Just as not believing that everything centered on that one moment was still Anakin's lesson to learn. That despite his unprecedented access to the wonders of the Force and his unmatched abilities to wield its powers, the future did not depend solely on one - not so lowly - Jedi apprentice by the name of Anakin Skywalker.

The inherent contradiction that gave meaning to being alive instead of just living.

Now if he could convince Anakin of this. And that their new mission wasn't a punitive one.

"The Council had received rumors that someone is searching for information on the Sith, Anakin." Obi-Wan dropped his voice not so much in deference to their surroundings, but because this was information not really meant to be casually overheard, even by other Jedi.

Anakin's stride faltered. Instantly Obi-Wan put out his hand to steady his padawan, also transmitting some of his own energy to offer comfort and control instead of the more common exchange to promote physical healing. This new mission was too soon, both from terms of recovery from any previous mission, but especially from that particular mission. First Dugs and Toydarians and now one of the Fallen Ones, bringing with it even more difficult associative memories for them both.

It had been a Sith who had killed Obi-Wan's master, thus forestalling a relationship that should have been more as brothers having been raised and taught by the same man instead of now being teacher to student/parent to child for all that there were only fourteen years between them.

At least now Anakin didn't need to ask why Obi-Wan had not refused the mission. Nearly as long as there had been Jedi, so too had come the Sith; those who stood in polar opposite to all that Jedi lived and fought for. Countless battles, even wars, had been fought between the two Orders throughout millennia, although there had been just as many battles amongst the Sith themselves as against the Jedi enemy. Thousands of Jedi had died in the last war, yet Sith deaths had been in the tens of thousands -- their near extermination -- when the cessation of overt hostilities had come about. And that cessation had lasted for thousands of years.

For many now, the Sith were only myth or characters out of history. But some Jedi held that the Sith were not truly gone, as darkness could never be completely overcome even by light. Too many remnants of the battles and the Sith's blood magics lay in wait to be found by those disenchanted with following the Light, even if they did not truly worship the Dark.

So all Jedi were prepared for the inevitable time of conflict to come again, even as they sought to defend and protect all of those worlds and creatures the Dark would one day return to claim. Each rumor needed to be investigated, each place or spell of evil found and exposed. Most of these rumors over the last thousand years had simply been phantoms of the true menace, darkness instead of Dark.

Until a little conflict on the Outer Rim world of Naboo.

It had been there that a true Sith had once again surfaced to terrorize and destroy; succeeding at least within the heart of the Jedi Order, for all that the tiny world had been saved. A master, one of their best defenders, had been foully killed. Leaving Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi with the distinctions of being the only Jedi within living memory who had seen - and fought - a Sith.

It was not for revenge but practicality that led the Jedi Council to ask Obi-Wan and Anakin to undertake this mission of tracking down the rumor. Having fought and defeated that Sith, Obi-Wan had not only proven his mettle and abilities so that his knighthood was then granted without the standard trials so undertaken by every other Jedi in the Order's recent history, he was also the only Jedi aware of what the Fallen Ones were capable of outside of tales taught, but too often discounted. He knew of their powers first hand. He believed. And he would, therefore, be less likely to succumb to overestimating his abilities if something out of myth again proved true.

"So that's why the library, Master?" was all that Anakin asked as they again resumed their striding.

Obi-Wan nodded. "There is a twist to this one, my padawan. We need to consult with another master because if the information the Council received is correct, the being looking for information on the Sith is ... dead."

Again Anakin stumbled in a step, but righted himself and continued forward before Obi-Wan could offer aid again. "Dead? You mean we're hunting a ghost?" The most undignified squeak since the teen had hit puberty came out of Anakin's mouth.

"We have discussed their possibilities in the past, Ani, had you but paid attention," Obi-Wan rebuked mildly.

"I did," came in something close to a whine. "But I thought they were just stories you made up to give me a good scare. You know, like the Sith will get you ..." At Obi-Wan's expression of sympathetic amusement, Ani trailed off and blushed clear to the tips of his ears that were quite visible due to his close-cropped hair.

"Exactly Padawan," Obi-Wan said fondly. "Like Sith, ghosts can be all too real. This one may be trying to become both. So I need to consult with someone who has had experience in dealing with Force spirits, since I have not."

Anakin stayed silent and was still too pale for Obi-Wan's liking.

"What is it, Padawan? The Healers have pronounced you fit, but if you do not feel up to it -"

"No, no! I'm fine. Fully recovered and ready to get back to work." But to one who knew him so well, the smile and enthusiasm were obviously forced.

"Padawan - Ani." This time Obi-Wan stopped. He turned and placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, then looked up to meet the other's eyes. "Does the nature of this mission really bother you so, Anakin? Even though we've discussed death and what happens afterward, you don't really believe, do you?"

Anakin looked even more stricken if that was possible. "I do believe - well, I think I believe," he whispered, his eyes dropping. When he again looked up those blue orbs were impossibly wide. "But why didn't the Sith you killed on Naboo become a spirit, then? I mean, if anyone would want to come back and haunt something, I would think he would have."

Obi-Wan stifled a sigh. It wasn't the Sith that Anakin was really wondering about, that kept him doubting one the basic tenets of their Code: There is no death; there is only the Force. What he truly wanted to know was why he had never seen his mother's spirit after her death. Or the one who had freed him from his slavery, Obi-Wan's master.

"Usually spirits only stay when they have unfinished business, Ani. Becoming one with the Force is very comforting, especially when life had been so difficult. The need and will to resist that comfort must be very great. To deny those we love their peace would be rather selfish, wouldn't it? Especially when we have our memories, when we are their legacies?"

Anakin finally nodded. "But memories of being held are not the same as being held." His eyes were suspiciously bright.

His own tears just a blink away from falling; Obi-Wan gave the teen a quick hug that would have been squirmed away from in embarrassment at almost any other time. "I know, Ani. And it is okay to miss people. But neither of us is alone, right? Not while we have each other."

The shy grin that was instantly offered was so reminiscent of their first meeting that Obi-Wan had to struggle very hard not to let his tears fall. He could never have gotten over his master's death if it hadn't been for Anakin, and he did not want to know how deep into despair or even darkness he might have fallen.

"So this ... ghost will be pretty dangerous?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan nodded. He raised a hand up to brush Anakin's neck at the start point of his padawan braid, then let his fingers follow to its end just past Anakin's shoulder blade before giving it a quick tug. "Even without a Sith's power a ghost can be dangerous. Which is why I must be sure you are ready for this. I'm not sure I can find a replacement for myself, but I could probably convince one of the unpartnered knights to come with me instead --"

"I don't want you going after something without me, Master," Anakin said softly but with surprising vehemence. "I am your padawan. I am supposed to be at your side."

Unfortunately Anakin still looked so much like the lost little boy Obi-Wan had first met in the hold of a Queen's ship. Instead of tugging again on the braid, Obi-Wan fingered the beads that adorned the length. When they had first paired, Obi-Wan had needed use part of his own braid to get the braid started. He couldn't see any of the ginger strands, but knew they were still there, hidden within the golden ones, just as his had been woven with strands of his master's, the only thing he had left of his master, in fact. The length and the number of beads on Anakin's spoke eloquently of their many years and missions together.

"And there is no one I would rather have at my side. But if there is -" He frowned suddenly as a bit of memory came back. Or perhaps it was from a leak in Anakin's shields. Not his own memory, but Anakin's.

"It's not just the ghost, is it? You don't want to go on any mission yet, because -- damn, your next pilot rating test is in two days, isn't it?"

Talk about being an inadequate master. His master had always known Obi-Wan's schedule, often times better than Obi-Wan remembered it himself. Even being so often off-planet in the course of their duties, still he'd always been provided time for certain testings or classes. For Anakin, all he had needed do was remember and inform the Council to take them off the active rolls --

"There will be a chance to retest in six months, Master," came quickly. "I really would rather be with you than stay behind. You know how I hate taking tests anyway."

"Which is all the more reason I should insist on you staying and taking it," Obi-Wan responded with a wry smile to his padawan's effort at soothing his conscience. "Your needs are just as important as the Council's, and I am not only supposed to be making sure you are learning how to be a Jedi, but how to be a man. Which means helping you face and overcome the things you dislike. As well as encouraging you to take time for yourself and your individual interests. Like flying."

Anakin offered a bigger, slightly twisted smile of his own, and Obi-Wan took a step back from the hint of mischievousness he now faced. "What?"

"How about I go on the mission, but we use the Udan Orr?" his padawan asked with no further evidence of any trepidation over leaving. Or over ghosts. "If you let me do most of the piloting and sign off on it, it'll more than make up for having to postpone the rating test."

Obi-Wan had to smile at the teen's resilience. Despite having started his life as a slave -- or perhaps because of it -- Anakin had become very good at making the best out of things others would more likely rail about. And even if he used it sometimes as a way to manipulate his master into granting a boon greater than the disappointment was worth, such unfailing optimism was pretty impossible to willfully destroy.

Like denying him the opportunity to fly the Udan Orr.

Obi-Wan had inherited the scout ship a couple of years past. Because it had come from his birth family, he'd been granted an exemption from the rather inflexible rules of what type of property Jedi could receive or keep. And because of his willingness to occasionally use it in lieu of the hires contracted by the Order, the Council let him berth it at the temple with the few other own ships so he needn't worry about trying to find money for storage or docking fees.

Just the expense of maintaining a ship was generally well beyond a Jedi's usual means. Jedi earned no money but a monthly stipend from the Order, along with lodging, food and clothing; accepting fees or rewards from those they assisted was thought to compromise their famed neutrality. But the Council allowed Obi-Wan to draw on equipment, parts and fuel stores, even when such items were not needed for a specific mission. In part because he and Ani also spent a portion of their downtime in the maintenance bays working on more than Obi-Wan's ship. Obi-Wan was a skilled mechanic, Anakin a gifted one. It was much the same as for their piloting abilities, Obi-Wan having the greater skill and experience with a much larger variety of ships, but Anakin the more instinctive flyer.

"I think that can be arranged, Padawan," he grinned even if his response or his expression wasn't exactly masterful. "And I am pleased that you are willing to set aside your fears and take this mission with me."

He certainly had not wanted to conduct the mission without his padawan, even though the threat of danger was likely. His own apprenticeship had amply proven that a master couldn't always protect their charge from danger. And he would much rather take the risk of Anakin getting physically hurt than mentally or emotionally stifled by showing over protectiveness.

Nor did Obi-Wan really trust anyone else to do a better job of seeing to Anakin's needs or safety than himself.

Of course, that didn't mean that he would always push his padawan into something the teen actively resisted. Or that there wouldn't be the occasion where Anakin didn't come along, fear or not. It would soon be time to give Anakin a choice, of recognizing that his padawan was coming to an age to begin making his own decisions and choices under certain circumstances.

He probably could have started such a rgime a year or more ago, but for too long -- because of his late start in training -- Anakin had been too inexperienced to make such a judgment based on anything other than emotion, especially as compared to his age mates. And certainly in the beginning, any time away from each other had set back Anakin's training far more than having a variety of instructors would have helped.

Many of Anakin's peers -- and even some of those instructors -- still had a tendency to be uneasy dealing with Anakin's extraordinary rapport with the Force. His padawan was trusted to do the right things and was respected for his abilities, but because he had not grown up in one of the temples from infancy as had the others, there were still situations when Anakin's differences brought him into direct conflict.

In some ways Obi-Wan thought it fortunate he had inherited Anakin's training from his own master, otherwise he might have harbored some of the same doubts about training someone so old and already set in ways counter to the codes, tenets and mores of the Jedi. Obi-Wan had been twenty-three, had really only been a senior padawan himself when he suddenly found himself granted knighthood and a padawan within a few weeks of each other. The first months - even those first couple of years - had been a period of great learning for them both, something Obi-Wan had never hid from Anakin, though other masters had expected and probably wished that he had.

Many of the older and much more experienced masters thought Obi-Wan far too familiar with his padawan. On the other hand, Obi-Wan had known from the first that Anakin would have resented the type of authority the others cautioned him to impose, which would have seriously endangered an already difficult relationship. Having been born into slavery, dreams of being a Jedi had been Anakin's original taste of freedom. At nine years of age, all he had known was that he never wanted anyone to have that type of power over him again, even if it was supposedly for his own good. But that was exactly what some of the other masters had been insisting.

It had been mutual grief and abandonment that had brought them together, an uneasy alliance against the expectations of others that found them creating a bond and, finally, mutual respect and an eagerness on both their parts to prove their maturity that led them to become friends.

Anakin learned that being free did not always mean doing what he wanted, while Obi-Wan learned when to discipline and when to share his own failures. Theirs might not be one of the most traditional pairings in the Order, but their mission success record spoke for itself. As did the number of friends they both had individually, and as a pair.

Speaking of which -- before he or Anakin got the opportunity to call out to the Calamarian woman just beyond the doors were passing by, some of the children with her spotted them. Their excited, high-pitched voices drowned out anything the adults might have been about to say.

"Ani, Ani! Master Obi!"

In seconds thirteen initiates, some as young as four and others approaching the beginning of their time of choosing at eight, surrounded Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi-Wan was tempted to let the eager little hands pull him down as they did his padawan; the children's undisguised happiness at seeing two of their favorites not only lightened Obi-Wan's heart but he took perverse pleasure in the frowns he, Anakin and children were receiving from some of the other nearby Jedi for all the noise. It wasn't as if the books minded laughter. And there were plenty of booths and rooms scattered throughout the library that researchers or readers could disappear into if they required quiet.

Bant rescued him, however, before he'd have to be the villain for the day and extract himself and Anakin from the throng. The salmon- skinned Calamarian wove in and amongst the little ones, transferring handholds from Obi-Wan's legs and clothes to her own. She even managed to lean over and let him give her a quick kiss to her lightly scaled cheek.

"No more pestering Master Obi, you misbegotten, horrid wretches!" she growled, much to the children's delight. "You promised me you'd behave if I brought you here for story time."

"But we are b'haven, Bant, " a bright-eyed Bothan lisped. "Ani and Mather Obi can tell uth a thory, and fen we don't gotta go any farfer."

Bant shook her head. "But it is not Master Obi and Ani's turn to tell stories. We are here to see --"

"Uh huh, Master Bant," a slightly younger human girl argued. "It's been ever so long since we've seen them, so it's got to be their turn!"

Obi-Wan grabbed up one of the little girls who was persistently attempting to climb up his leg for a hug, while surreptitiously trying to straighten the leggings she had instead nearly succeeded in pulling down over his hips. And ignored his padawan's not so subtle amusement at his predicament.

"I am sorry it has been so long since we've visited," he apologized, giving Morgan her hug, then stooping down to receive twelve more hugs. "You know we love you all. But we've been on a mission -"

"Ooh, what kind of mission?" one of the oldest, a male Devaronian interrupted. "Did you save anybody? Did you have to fight?"

"Yes we did," Anakin said from amongst his own crowd of kissers and huggers. "Two warring generals didn't want to give up to the civilians who had agreed on peace," he explained in simple terms. "I wouldn't have come back at all if Master Obi hadn't also saved me as he did the delegates." Gently pulling his arm from around one of the smaller human boys, Anakin flipped back the sleeve of his robe and turned up the cuff of his tunic. Pink scars were visible on both sides of his left forearm from the projectile that had nearly caused him to bleed to death.

The youngest ones grew wide-eyed and poked gently at the puckered marks. They were not yet of an age to understand the pain that came with something like that, but a few of the older initiates had recently begun sparring lessons with powered down versions of a training lightsaber. Anything that would leave such a scar had to be much worse than the light burns they were learning to handle. They looked at Anakin with a mixture of respect and worry. He had not been more than a year older than the oldest in their group before he had become Obi-Wan's padawan. And had gone on his first mission. While this one had happened eight years later, they understood that getting injured like that could have happened on any mission. And might soon happen to one of them.

"Well, then we shall all have to thank Master Obi for being such a good master and saving the delegates and Anakin, shan't we?" Bant said to her charges.

Suddenly Obi-Wan was receiving thirteen more hugs, then a fourteenth from Anakin. He didn't think he'd given into the blush he felt, but from Bant's wicked gleam, she was well aware of his embarrassment. And she was taking quite of bit of pride from being part of the cause. He shot back a glance her way that promised retribution, then turned it on Anakin for good measure lest the teen do anything more.

"Will you tell uth what happened?" the young Bothan asked before Obi-Wan could do anything, however.

While Jedi never kept the truth of the dangers of their way of life from the children in training, neither did they usually go out of their way to boast about their exploits.

"Maybe next time," Obi-Wan promised, eyes and expression softening. "But Ani and I are getting ready to go on our next mission, and you still have the real story time to get to. Now we can only tell you good-bye."

Which got him a third round of hugs, and Anakin a second. Even Bant hugged him this time, and offered a kiss back. "You two take care of yourselves," she said softly. "I want to hear your stories just as much as the little ones do."

Obi-Wan brushed his fingers across her cheek and nodded. "Don't let them run you into the shallows," he offered one of the sayings of her own amphibious people.

"Never," she laughed. "It would take more than these little ones to catch me." And she softly clapped her webbed hands together, bringing the children back to attention and into somewhat orderly rows.

Amidst a chorus of good-byes and good lucks, Obi-Wan watched with a bittersweet smile as the sister of his heart limped away. They had both lost their masters at roughly the same time, with Bant also losing a leg during her disastrous mission. She had received a bionic replacement -- along with her knighthood -- but had chosen to retire from field duty after months of therapy and re-training brought her to the realization that she'd never again have the strength or stamina she had enjoyed before her injury. Even training a padawan was out due to her limitations, so technically she would never become a master. But in her loss she had also discovered the great gift of healing that came from a child's laughter, and had found a new calling for herself within the crches.

"Maybe next break you can take a turn teaching," Anakin suggested quietly as he came to stand by Obi-Wan's side. "We can both spend some time with the initiates, and you can see Bant and Reeft for more time than just passing in the halls."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment before nodding. Of his closest friends while growing up, only Bant and Reeft were still around. So many of his age mates were either involved in long-term assignments in the Outer Rim or beyond, or were dead. This time of great prosperity for the Republic also meant so many more troubles that seemed only the Jedi could handle.

Such as the return of the Sith.

Anakin watched the mantle of melancholy settle over his master, something that really hadn't waned in their years together despite his attempts to offer ease and friendship. From what little he had been able to find out from some of his master's peers, the moodiness was a new facet of his personality, something that had manifested only after Naboo.

He understood, of course. He had seen his own share of death and was changed himself. But he had only vague memories of his mother before her death, and even fewer of Obi-Wan's master as he'd been free for only a few days before death had found the Master Jedi on Naboo.

And even the best of the slave masters had left him feeling little sorrow in their deaths.

How hard those first days must have been for Obi-Wan. Losing his lover and his master, getting stuck with a padawan, then his best friend Garen's death and Bant's horrific injury less than two weeks later. Anakin had at least had the newness of the Temple to occupy his time and thoughts, the wonder of being able to become a Jedi. And all the lessons, since he was so far behind the others his age in any sort of schooling or training. Yes, Obi-Wan had had the newness of becoming a master, but how much worse had it been to have to train the one whose very presence served as a constant reminder of what - and who -- Obi-Wan had lost?

Anakin felt flattered that his master now trusted him enough to let emotions like melancholy show. They had hidden so much from each other in those first months, thinking to spare the other pain and loneliness, but serving instead only to keep the despair bottled within, unable to let go. It was only after their pain was shared that it began to lessen, and their bond began to grow.

Anakin had known that some on the Council had recommended he be turned away in those first days, knew others among the Jedi still didn't trust him or at least expected him to fail. But none of that mattered in the face of his master's trust. Of his faith and love.

And his master had such a great capacity for love. Anakin found himself vowing again, as he had several times before, that one day he would see his master return to the joyous person he rarely had glimpses of other than in stories of the past.

"Are you sure you haven't gotten us lost, Master?" Anakin looked in dismay down the hallway they now stood within. There were at least twenty closed doors stretching out before them, ten to each side. Ahead was an intersecting corridor that undoubtedly held at least another twenty. He had certainly never been in this part of the library before.

If it was still even considered part of the library.

"He's here somewhere," came the distracted reply. His master obviously had only a vague idea of what he was looking for; he was reading each sign they passed instead of heading toward one of the doors directly.

"He who?" Anakin could check out the other side and maybe speed up the time spent searching.

"The former head of the library on Solis Four," was offered without his master seeming to realize he hadn't given Anakin an answer that the teen could use.

"We're here to see a librarian?" Anakin groused. "Sithspit, I bet he's as old as Master Yoda," he further muttered to himself. "And as boring as Master Mundi or Master Koon."

"Maybe we'll be lucky and he'll be a Wookiee who doesn't even understand Interlac," the other shot right back, obviously not so distracted that he hadn't heard the rest of Anakin's complaint. "That will give you the opportunity to handle the translations which don't include words like Sithspit."

"You mean he's not even human?" Anakin protested, despite knowing he was only setting himself up for more trouble. Maybe he couldn't actually see the smile, but he could feel his master's mood lightening even if it was at Anakin's expense. Unfortunately, Anakin knew the other was not just teasing or making an idle threat to get a further complaint or surrender from his cheeky padawan. He really would make Anakin conduct the discussion if this ... librarian turned out to be a Wookiee.

Anakin had thought Huttese would be the most difficult language to understand, and in their early days together had even boasted about how quickly he had been able to master it regardless. That had been one of the first things he had tried to challenge his master's authority on in an attempt to escape some of his lessons.

Instead of getting to avoid the standard language classes since he already spoke a larger variety than did many of his peers, his master had suggested he tackle the accelerated curriculum since he was so 'wizard' at them, which involved studying a new language every year. Kashhyk'ka was only the latest he had undertaken, and he'd been working on trying to master the basic lexicon for over six months. He knew only twenty or thirty words, or so it seemed by the many times he failed to be understood by his Wookiee tutor. And it hadn't mattered when he'd found out that his master didn't speak Kashhyk'ka himself; he apparently understood it better than even Anakin's tutor, which he demonstrated by also pointing out the times Anakin got it wrong.

"Actually, I have no idea of his species, Padawan. Nor how old he is," came the admission. "Or even what language or languages he may understand. Your humorless Master Koon simply suggested we might benefit from this particular Jedi's experience when he gave me the briefing for the mission, and I'm not one who thinks he knows all of the answers."

Anakin scowled. That was another thing that wasn't fair. All of his friends had masters who were more like parents. Strict, sometimes maybe too strict, but also wise, solemn ... unsarcastic. His, on the other hand, often treated Anakin like the best friend of his childhood's older brother had. It wasn't that his master acted particularly arrogantly, but it did seem like he sometimes expected too much -

"No more than you are capable of handling, Padawan." There wasn't a hint of anger in his master's tone, expression or Force aura as the thoughts Anakin had voiced were contradicted. "And we're here, so you might want to tighten up your shields before our host also picks up on what you are accusing him - and me - of."

Absolutely mortified to have been so indiscreet, Anakin blushed as red as a stupid tourist after spending time under Tatooine's twin suns. "Sorry, Master," he quickly apologized. "I didn't mean -"

"I know," was smiled back to him, then his master moved up to the door and knocked.

Force save him, if he did have a master like all his friends, he'd be doing chores from now until the sun rose over Coruscant tomorrow. Maybe he did have the better of the deal in having only to face sarcasm. Even the disappointment, although the thought of causing that bothered Anakin worse than any chore or punishment his master had ever devised.

"Come in," they heard in Interlac from the other side of the door. And from a throat that at least sounded normal - human.

2.

He was not Anakin's feared Wookiee. First off he wasn't tall enough despite standing at least a handful of inches over Obi-Wan. And he certainly wasn't covered in fur, was in fact clean shaven with hair a sun-streaked sable showing only a scattering of gray that framed a high forehead and chin before just brushing his shoulders.

In addition to his imposing height, Obi-Wan was also surprised at this master's relative youth, apparently only eight or ten years older than Obi-Wan himself. Usually masters retired from field duties took on such a vocation as Librarian, and only years later were granted such a position of authority as Senior master for one of the outlying Temples. Or they were like Bant and Tahl, knights retired out of active service because of injury or illness.

But Obi-Wan could sense no infirmities in the other, no evidence of any physical weakness at all - quite the opposite, in fact.

A not so subtle prod by Anakin told Obi-Wan he was staring, although only a couple of seconds had truly passed. One of the advantages and drawbacks of having such a close relationship was that his padawan knew his tastes and interests so very well.

But what was not to stare at?

For all that this was a scholar who stood before him, not only was this master tall, but he was big in musculature and hands, in the blunt features of his face. The nose upon which anachronistic glasses were perched had been broken at least once. The fact that it had never been cosmetically fixed spoke either of pride or shame, which led Obi-Wan to suspect it had been earned in a fight, not a simple fall down a set of stairs or something else equally innocuous.

The smile that lit the other Jedi's face as he turned away from an overstuffed bookshelf, however, did not belong to a brawler -- no missing teeth and too genuinely meant. Nor did the deep laugh lines around a pair of mesmerizing eyes even bluer than Anakin's belong to someone who faced down others over the glare of his saber. Obi-Wan's own stare lines and creases were from too many suns on too many worlds, from the pleas for help that had brought him and Anakin to those worlds. Not from laughter.

Were it not for Anakin, Obi-Wan would probably have no laugh lines remaining.

Of course, his padawan was just as responsible for as many of the worry lines as he was those from joy. And for all of Obi-Wan's own gray hair amidst the more prevalent ginger.

"This is my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker," Obi-Wan finally had the presence to say. "And I am -"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi."

The twinkle in his eyes and a hint of a brogue captivated Obi-Wan as much as the other's openness that he could sense when they exchanged handshakes.

"I was just leaving Medical when the two of you were coming in from your last mission."

Supposing he could excuse himself for being too concerned at the time with Anakin's health to have missed anyone else's presence save the Healer who had needed to pry his grasp from around Ani's arm, Obi-Wan hid a small flutter when he realized that the other had gone out of his way to find out his name.

"I hope you were not there for an emergency yourself, Master ..." Anakin quickly filled in the gap caused by Obi-Wan's surprise. And speculation.

"Jinn. Qui-Gon Jinn, actually. And no. I was just there for some basic first aid supplies." The master shrugged and turned away for a moment, looking in vain for somewhere to put the papers and books he had begun to clear off the only other chairs in the room beside the one behind the cluttered desk. "I made a habit of having a fully stocked kit while living on Solis Four and haven't gotten used to not needing to be quite so self sufficient here," he finished over his shoulder, finally resigned to adding the two piles in his hands to two more which towered precariously against one of the legs of his desk.

Obi-Wan trod not so lightly on Anakin's foot at his padawan's smirk as one of the stacks began to tumble. He had little doubt Master Jinn had noticed, and flushed in embarrassment at his padawan's behavior. He hurried forward and stooped down to help put things back in order. Then flushed deeper when he touched Master Jinn's hand as they both moved to grab the same book. Fortunately Master Jinn did not seem anywhere near as flustered, cheerfully accepting the need for help, then extending a hand to return the favor and help Obi-Wan up out of his crouch when they were finished.

And not so incidentally, confirming Obi-Wan's impression of concealed strength and pride of fitness despite a scholarly vocation.

"I've not had many visitors yet," the other Jedi continued, more in explanation than apology for the state of his office. "I am not even halfway unpacked, and as you can see, have nowhere near the space I need for all of my things. My quarters are even worse, or I would just suggest we adjourn to there for our discussion."

"We could take one of the study rooms," Obi-Wan began.

"Actually, I've had quite enough of the library right now, if you don't mind," Master Jinn countered. "I was going to suggest using one of the gardens. I've not been back to Coruscant since I was a padawan and have had little time to check out all of the inevitable changes, but I remember loving to wander about the Starlight and Crystal Garden and was thinking maybe we could head there?"

While Obi-Wan managed to keep close his own reaction to the suggestion, again, much to his chagrin, his padawan did not.

"Isn't that your favorite garden, too, Master?" Anakin asked in a too cheerful a voice. "It's nice and secluded, or so I've heard. With many nooks set up for private ... conversations."

Promising dire revenge with his eyes, Obi-Wan controlled the blush that threatened, but not a quick cough. Any student of behavior would know that something was going on between the pair, and Master Jinn began to look troubled, or embarrassed.

"The garden is still there, but the primary usage has changed since you were here," he quickly explained. "The meetings conducted there are ... well, it is used for more recreational escapes now," he said even more quickly.

Another brief look at Anakin, who didn't even have the grace to look uncomfortable, much less repentant.

"Especially by knights or masters who have obnoxious padawans with tendencies to voyeuristically abuse their training bond," he added more pointedly. While he wanted to keep his glare on Anakin, Obi-Wan found himself a little too interested in Master Jinn's reaction not to look that way.

"I see," was all the other said. Yet the look in his eye was almost speculative, and Obi-Wan felt another flutter rush through his stomach that, no doubt, Anakin sensed and would tease him about later.

At least his padawan showed enough discretion not to call him on it now. But that still wasn't going to let him off the hook for his earlier comments.

"I suppose I should have asked for your suggestion first," came Master Jinn's follow-up, along with a broader smile. "Even though you came to me for my expertise, so technically I am the host, I must bow to your wisdom and much more current familiarity of the possibilities here. I leave the choice in what I am sure are capable hands."

The flutter turned into an entire flock of butterflies. Qui-Gon Jinn was unlike any scholar or research librarian Obi-Wan had needed consult with in the past. All too often they were exactly the stolid individuals Anakin had assumed they would be meeting, being more interested in their books or research than in life and others. Not that he had met many anyway; it had been his former master's task to meet with such individuals when they'd still been together as master and padawan, Mace knowing all too well that few of scholarly masters cared to have youngsters underfoot who might question or insufficiently appreciate their expertise.

"If you want gardens or at least an outdoor setting, there are a few good spots in the Arboretum midlevel in the Contemplation Tower that might work for our purpose. Otherwise, I do still have one of the small training salles reserved for later today that I've had no chance to cancel," Obi-Wan offered, but silently questioning why he even brought the last up. Yes, he and Anakin often conducted mission briefings over locked sabers, but again, that had been something he picked up from Mace Windu when he'd been a padawan, and was not a common Jedi practice. Especially not for a scholar, he assumed.

Master Jinn's face lit up. "That sounds good. The salle would pretty much guarantee our privacy, and I imagine the Council doesn't want the nature of what you're after spreading through the rank and file?"

Obi-Wan nodded. Was he just imagining the speculative look in return? Master Jinn's response was logical, not suggestive, a gentle reminder that this was about a mission, not a seduction.

"We could even work out, perhaps, instead of just taking advantage of its isolation?" Master Jinn had returned to the other side of his cluttered desk and began gathering up some of the papers and a pad, along with two books, while putting away and shutting off other devices. The eyeglasses were also removed and set down.

"That wouldn't be distracting?" Obi-Wan had to ask although he was very interested in seeing what kind of skill this not so ordinary scholar might exhibit.

A shake of his head. "I'll need to stop by my quarters to change and pick up my lightsaber, but I could meet you there in say, fifteen minutes?" Looking up from under the bangs that now slid to partially cover those crystalline eyes, Master Jinn looked even younger than the forty-five Obi-Wan had first placed him at.

"T-that would be fine, Mas -"

"Qui-Gon, please. I've neither a padawan in training nor have current duties for which being called master sounds natural. And even when I did, the title never felt right coming from a friend."

This time the flutter didn't disappear no matter what Obi-Wan did to try and control it. Yes, he could see becoming this man's friend. He could see enjoying very much becoming Qui-Gon Jinn's friend.

"We will be in salle 17-B, level 34, then, Qui-Gon," he managed to get out.

Anakin had not missed any of the by-play between his master and Master Jinn. When he was younger, he might have resented having to give up any of his time sparring with his master to another, especially in the course of a mission briefing. But he had a feeling watching the two of them was going to be even more fun than working sabers with or against his master. He hadn't needed any connection to the Force to see the attraction building between the two, yet found it fascinating to watch and study through his Force-sight anyway, in part because this was a something he'd never really seen from his master before.

Within the Force, Master Jinn was an element like water. A lake - no an ocean. Huge and still on the surface, but with tremendous depths and life teeming below. Anakin had no doubt this master would be dangerous when riled up, a challenge or threat to the unwary.

His master was water, too, but more like a stream, all quicksilver movements and bright reflections of light. Nurturing, but more for individuals than Master Jinn's undoubted ability to calm the masses with his mere presence. His master also had hidden depths, hidden dangers, seemingly easy and conforming to the path laid out before him, but wild and unfettered within his heart. No one challenged the Jedi tenets and Council as much as his master, not so much in Anakin's mind because his master chaffed at the restrictions, but because it was his life task to forge paths out of nothingness.

Which had made it interesting to be his padawan over the years.

For himself, Anakin was more like fire. All potential except when something set off a spark, then whoosh. But even that was quick, destructive yet containable, or at least controllable. From the first and for now, it was his master who gave him his control. But Anakin knew that was only until he learned to control himself, that his master had the utmost faith that he would be able one day to control himself.

Unlike some of the others, including a few on the High Council.

And although it was well within his power, never once had his master tried to put Anakin's fire out.

For that and so many other things, his master would always have Anakin's thanks and love. Along with the hope that his master might one day find someone who could give him more than a friend's companionship. Yes Anakin knew his master had used the Starlight and Crystal Gardens a time or two, but never for more than a casual coupling and, despite his implication, never without Anakin's full awareness, though the teen had never watched, mentally or physically.

From the start his master had made it clear that no one was more important to him than Anakin. That no one would ever be, at least not until Anakin became a knight and broke the training bond between them himself. No one -- including lovers.

It had taken time for Anakin to get over his guilt in this knowledge.

He had finally decided it was because his master's own bond with Master Windu had been severed so abruptly. Even now, Anakin knew the other sometimes doubted his abilities not only as a teacher, but as a Jedi. It had to be hard for his Master to stand by his convictions in the face of censure from the Council or his peers; it was hard enough for Anakin to stand by and observe it as it happened. Plus, having been saddled so young with the responsibility for another, and during a time when his master should have been discovering his own path ... Anakin wasn't sure how he had not only managed, but managed well, despite working with him, who so many of the others deemed untrainable.

A couple of years ago Anakin had determined that not only would he make the others take back their words against the two of them, but that he would be the one who eventually helped his master find his way and his heart again. At the time he had been in the throws of a massive crush, not to mention dealing with his own rapidly increasing interest in sex. And he had thought his physical growth spurt was mirrored by an emotional one. So he had sought out some of his and his master's friends to try and find out how to go about seducing him.

It could have gone so wrong. Considering how young and stupid he still was, Anakin didn't like to think about how foolish he had been then. But he had been fortunate his first choice in asking had been Bant. Being of an amphibious species, she and his master were not sexually compatible, but that had not stopped them from becoming best friends. Or stopped her from also becoming Anakin's friend.

It had been Bant who had told Anakin that his master had lost not only his master, but also one of his closest friends, Garen Muln during that time. And even worse, he had lost his lover of several years only a month before Naboo. That what should have been a relatively simple trade negotiation had been so chosen to help his master get past Bruck Chun's death. Before Bant's quiet words, Anakin had never heard of a padawan named Bruck Chun, had frankly never known his master had ever been in love. And in that moment, Anakin realized that even if he had somehow managed to be convincing that he was no longer a child, his master might never be able to see him without also seeing everything he had lost at the time of their meeting.

That realization had hurt. And Anakin had cried. But then realized he was more crying for his master's losses than for his own, for he had only lost what was likely an unrealistic fantasy. He still had his master's protection and love -- knew would never completely lose that even if he somehow turned to the Dark.

That closeness was more than enough.

But he kept hold of his vows. Only now it was not out of vengeance but acceptance that he wanted the others to recognize his and his master's accomplishments. Just as Anakin now knew it was up to him to convince his master that his heart was big enough to love someone else in addition to his padawan.

But was Qui-Gon Jinn a likely candidate?

From where Anakin watched as the other removed his robe and joined him and his master in first form katas, the answer was more yes than no so far. The physical attraction was obvious, even more so in now seeing the grace in which the bigger man moved. Anakin himself might have been attracted, had Master Jinn not been well over twice his age, not to mention how messed up such an interest could make his and his master's relationship.

Not that he wouldn't be above teasing his master about the possibility regardless.

If he showed a slight interest, not only might it suggest to his master that Master Jinn was worth pursuing, but Anakin would have the added bonus of driving his master crazy with worry. Even though he was now seventeen and had taken all the reproduction and sexuality courses, had the almost prerequisite crush on his master, and had endured The Talk, Anakin knew the other was still having trouble coming to terms with his thinking about becoming sexually active. It was actually kind of nice to have something that his master wasn't completely able to trust him about, even if this was a tacky way to have someone still looking out for him. Normally he wanted to be treated as the adult his master usually saw him as, but sometimes the more he was trusted to be able to take care of himself, the more he wanted to be a kid. To be able to make mistakes and know that someone would take responsibility for his actions. Who would love him anyway.

"How would you like to begin this?" Master Jinn asked as they completed the warm up forms. "Continue with the formal katas, or were you thinking of some actual sparring?"

Anakin grinned at the look his master shot his way first, and nodded to what he figured was on his master's mind. You could learn quite a bit about another Jedi in watching the way he fought or defended himself.

"Sparring would be fine," his master said as he rolled his shoulders to stay loose. "I wouldn't mind starting by defending against the two of you, at least until we get a better measure of each other."

Master Jinn's eyebrow rose, but he only looked thoughtful instead of questioning the potential arrogance that statement had implied. "As you wish."

"My master has been the singles champion for the last five years," Anakin offered conspiratorially as he took position next to the older master and across from his own.

"And the two of you in pairs competition?" Master Jinn asked as the three of them bowed formally in acknowledgement of what was to happen.

"Semi finals only, and not always that," came his master's laugh as he twisted away from Anakin's first feint, then flipped bodily over both Anakin and Master Jinn. "Between his growth spurts and erratic Force control, we're lucky we don't take each other out instead of our opponents when we work together." Again his master twisted, and ducked, avoiding the green and yellow-white blades that came toward him.

"So you've put me at a disadvantage instead of taking it easy on a stranger," Master Jinn laughed back. He neatly blocked Master Obi-Wan's first aggressive move and pushed him back toward Anakin. But his master was then airborne again, leaving Anakin to slash only at emptiness.

"Are you kidding? You out-mass me by at least twenty kilos and outreach me by 13 centimeters. I have to maintain some sort of edge."

"Hey, you're both making it sound like I am a liability!" Anakin protested.

"Yep," came the grin. His master let Master Jinn bind his blade for a second, then dove under Anakin's outstretched riposte, dropping down to the mat and rolling over his shoulder. The escape from Anakin was easy, but Master Jinn had anticipated his position on rising, and was waiting.

Instead of trying again to rise, his master twisted away from the blade of green, then swept out with his feet. Master Jinn just jumped above the scything movement and swung out with his blade. Again his master dodged and this time used his momentum to gain his footing. Only to again find Master Jinn in position to attack. Anakin found himself backing away at this point, content -- intrigued -- to watch instead of participating.

Oh how he loved to watch his master fight. His first extended memory of his master had been on Naboo, seeing the two Jedi go up against the Sith that ultimately killed Master Windu. It had been such a revelation, and had played upon Anakin's dreams to become a Jedi even more than had the thought of being free.

Anakin had known even then that Jedi were not all about fighting, were never just about killing. But there had been something almost spiritual in watching the battle between then Padawan Obi-Wan and the red and black, horned creature; all the more a monster for how human he was despite the visual trappings of a Sith. There had also been something terribly satisfying about that battle's conclusion. That particular moment had been the first time Anakin understood what his then unidentified Force-sight had been showing him throughout his childhood, the first time he could really see the difference between the Light and Dark that imbued all aspects of life.

He'd been able to see and understand that his master had not killed the Sith to revenge his own master's death, that both Jedi had been fighting to protect Anakin -- and the people of Naboo. And his master had been near perfect in doing it, connected in body and spirit, the Force about him actually glowing to Anakin's eyes. It had only been later that Anakin realized he would have been the only one able to see the glowing light that defended against the soul-stealing shadow, had been the only one to actually witness the struggle as those the Jedi had come to protect had had their own battles to fight and survive. Not even Master Windu, by dying the instant the Sith's blade had pierced his heart, had been witness to his padawan proving his ability to become a knight.

Five more times since that first battle, Anakin had seen his master light his blade for something other than practice or competition. The last time had been only a week previous, when Anakin's own prejudice led their mission to end disastrously.

In the first couple of years of their master/padawan relationship, the Council had kept the two of them close to home, allowing his master the time to provide the grounding in the Force that Anakin had missed by never being an initiate. Even when they started taking on missions, most had been of the diplomatic variety, in part because knowledge of the thousand upon thousands of worlds comprising the Republic was another one of Anakin's weaknesses. He had grown up in the lawlessness of the Outer Rim, well versed in the overt maneuverings of a variety of species, but quite ignorant in the more subtle battles of politicians.

Anakin knew it must have galled the Council to not be able to send one of their best warriors out against those determined to disrupt the Light. Many of the disagreements his master and the Council had gotten into during that time were likely so related. Anakin suspected even his master occasionally resented not being used to his best capabilities, otherwise why would he have acquiesced to so many solo missions as soon as his padawan was old enough to look after himself for a few days?

It had shocked Anakin to learn the Council had actually been holding those missions for his master, instead of sending someone else. The only types of mission that could so wait upon a particular knight's schedule were those concerning mere rumors of the Sith or other Dark Jedi. But Anakin hadn't questioned the extra days the missions sometimes took despite Council assurances up front, not until he had needed to go to Medical for what turned out to be appendicitis. And discovered his master floating in a bacta tube, recovering from injuries when Anakin hadn't even been told he was home.

That had resulted in the first and so far only real argument between the two of them. An argument that sent half of the Council into apoplectic fits as Anakin lost control not only of his temper, but also of his power. Talk about a whoosh! For some, Anakin's near meltdown was proof positive of what they had been saying all along: he was too dangerous to train to become a Jedi.

Anakin had been all but expelled, supposedly for attacking his master, but in truth because of his potential to do so much more. Then his master had quietly pointed out that he had been able to contain all but the mildest of physical destruction Anakin's Force explosion had caused. And that such an explosion would never have happened in the first place, if the Council hadn't insisted he keep secrets from his padawan. To this day Anakin was not sure if the Council had backed down because they believed his master's words, or just because they had gotten caught encouraging lies.

The incident hadn't made either of them too popular with the Council over the next few months, but their subsequent success rate on missions couldn't be argued with, nor could Anakin's quantifiable improvement in those few months not only in his ability to control the Force, but also in his studies. While Anakin had no doubt those on the Council would never forget or forgive the incident -- that they were still only waiting for the time he would completely lose control, perhaps during a time when his master wasn't present -- for the most part, the second-guessing had finally been left behind.

"Anakin!"

Oops.

While his master wasn't angry, neither was he particularly pleased to see his padawan woolgathering and caught in rapt appreciation of the battle when he was supposed to be participating. Anakin ducked his head in embarrassment, and then stepped forward.

Master Jinn was good, much better than a scholar had any right to be. Anakin quickly fell into an easy rhythm with the older Jedi and they were beginning to work in proper tandem, although his master still managed to block, evade or turn back most of the blows. Anakin, of course, was nowhere near as clumsy as his master had led Master Jinn to believe; sparring against the best fighter in the Order had by necessity made Anakin a pretty good fighter himself. Not to mention that he was pretty intimately familiar with his master's style and so could predict the other's moves, even if he couldn't always counter them.

Now back to the three of them, the fight began to speed up instead of slow down. They began drawing a little on the Force for stamina, strength or flexibility. Anakin had a moment's regret that they had chosen to do this in a private room; he could feel himself - could feel all three of them -- coming closer to that edge of perfection, to that point a Jedi could sometimes reach where he was in tune not only with himself and the Force, but with the entire universe. If any one the Council could see them now, they would never need fear that his master couldn't handle his padawan, or that said padawan would turn to the Dark. But on the other hand, such moments were so very rare, so very intimate, and perhaps something Anakin didn't want to share with any but those who were helping create it.

For a few seconds time stood still.

Swathes of color suspended themselves in the spaces around them; the arcs their blades had made, the paths their blades would yet be making. And sounds hung in painful clarity, the buzz of feedback when their blades clashed, the harsh exhalations of breaths, of boots slapping against the floor, all played in counterpoint to the deep thrumming of his pulse, of the blood that beat in Anakin's veins and powered his heart.

He could not only hear the blood as it rushed through his veins, but also feel its ebb and flow. Along with the slide of damp linen against his sweat-slicked skin, the flow of air across each and every hair, the solid comfort and weight of the saber hilt in his hand. Every nerve ending was firing and Anakin felt more alive than he ever had before.

Even the smells were sharper. The tang of his own sweat, and the musk of the other two brought forth sense or Force memories of others who had sparred in this room. Anakin could smell his own excitement, his master's contentment and Master Jinn's quiet pleasure. He could taste love and lust, the Light that glowed through each of them until he thought he would burst from all of the overwhelming sensations. He was fire, and water, twisting along the air, grounded in the earth, but above all imbued with the spirit of the Force.

Another second and Anakin would have exploded, or fainted, or simply let himself dissolve into infinity. All of his master's words about death and becoming one with the Force suddenly came back to Anakin. He finally understood -- could believe. And could accept.

And with that enlightenment, the moment passed.

Without thinking about it Anakin stepped back and extinguished his blade, only then realizing that so had his master and Master Jinn.

In the next instant he found himself swept up within his master's arms in a fierce hug.

Are you well, Ani?

M-master?

Anakin knew he had not said the words, had not heard his master, because the other was instead agreeing to Master Jinn's suggestion of another kata, lest any of them stiffen up or pull something for ending so quickly and at the peak of the physical efforts. But Anakin did not have a deep enough bond to sense his master's thoughts. Sometimes he could barely even pick up on surface emotions!

Things change, Padawan.

And all things are possible in the Force, he finished one of his master's favorite sayings. But still Anakin's mind was awhirl with wonder. He had heard about masters and padawans who could bond this deeply, but generally such closeness came between older Jedi, those bonded in ways other than for training.

You needed only to believe. But now you need to get your butt back over here and join us for the cool down exercises. I promise, I am not going to be sympathetic if you wake up tomorrow too stiff to get out of your bed. Or too crippled to handle the cockpit controls.

Yes, Master!

Although he still had a million questions, a few of which he promised himself he would ask, Anakin let himself become distracted by the kata, and by the questions and answers his master and Master Jinn began to exchange about the mission. It was only once his master was answering a question back the climate of the place they were heading off to that Anakin broke off his silent contemplation, marveling that he could do so both vocally and mentally.

"Rain, Master?" Please tell me that where we are going is not like Dagobah!

"I am afraid you are going to find yourself wishing for Dagobah," came in answer to Anakin's silent plea out loud. His master then turned his head toward the other master, incorporating the movement into the flow of what they were doing. "Ani is a desert brat," was explained. "He got over his initial fascination with water after two months of training on Mon Calamari. And over his appreciation of landscape other than sand after a week on Dagobah."

"The upcoming mission is for?"

"Erinne."

"Ah," the elder nodded wisely. "Near freezing rain and bogs instead of heated and fetid swamps. Which continent?" Master Jinn continued his question, barely needing to move out of his own routine to correct Anakin as he stumbled in dismay from what the others were saying.

"Stofelis. And they are just about to start their six month winter."

Anakin wasn't sure if the look his master shot him was displeasure for his falling out of the rhythm of the kata, or just barely concealed amusement.

"Oh, that's bad," came from Master Jinn. "Rain and bogs and the potential for snow."

"I am not liking the sound of this, Master," Anakin finally spoke up, liking even less the feeling that both of the others were now gently laughing at him. "How much snow?"

A shrug was added into his master's almost hypnotic arm movements. "Lets just hope the mission doesn't last so long we are snowed in."

"What!"

This time his master went ahead and laughed. "Okay, it never gets as bad as Hoth. But you will need to prepare for a few nights that you might not be able to tell the difference. And even if we beat the snow's arrival, the rain is not likely to stop the entire time we are there." He finally let a bit of sympathy show; or maybe just his own distaste.

In truth, his master liked snow little more than Anakin did.

"Erinne is rumored to be like one of the Corellian worlds," Master Jinn joined in. "Either it was moved sometime in its history, or it is fully artificial. Its orbit is just on the near edge of the habitable band around its sun. And it is small. So the days are short, and because of the constant cloud cover, the sun's rays barely penetrate the atmosphere, leaving it in perpetual twilight. I believe I remember that the sentient inhabitants keep to the Senate schedule of time regardless of their own orbital cues. So their day encompasses two nights?"

His master nodded.

"Sounds like the perfect place to find either a Sith stronghold or a ghost." The older Jedi suddenly grinned. "I think I should like to come along, if a third wouldn't be intruding?"

Both Anakin and his master stopped their kata to look over at Master Jinn.

"Even knowing how awful the climate is?" Anakin had to ask. Why would anyone volunteer to go to such a horrible place if he wasn't asked?

... Oh.

"I would certainly appreciate having your expertise at hand instead of trying to cram all of your knowledge into the brief, but are you sure?" his master asked. "Forgive me for saying, but this isn't likely to be a comfortable mission, even if the rumors about a Sith's presence are unsubstantiated." He made a vague gesture to encompass the Temple beyond their walls. "Your readjustment to Coruscant and your research -"

"I have always preferred to conduct research in the field," came Master Jinn's reassurance as he headed toward the towels and water bottles. "As for settling on Coruscant, I will probably never finish unpacking before I relocate or am relocated again. I only came back because the Council made the suggestion."

A sudden smile. This is okay, then, isn't it Ani? You don't mind if Qui-Gon joins us on the mission? Obi-Wan asked, but silently because he was mopping the sweat off his face so any words would have been muffled anyway.

Or maybe it was so as not to put Anakin in a position of having to agree or disagree and perhaps give insult.

I guess he proved here that we wouldn't have to watch out for him, Anakin began, tentative both for the form of communicating and in forming opinions about someone he had just met. I do like him, and know that you do too --

Ani! came the sharp warning.

Oops. There was a down side in this type of communication. He would have to do better in shielding, since this seemed to lay his inner thoughts open to his master along with his intended ones.

I do not see that he would be in the way, Master, Anakin tried again, this time more formally. It could even be a push from the Force that led him to offer, and so it would be unwise to turn away his help.

For the first time since they'd paired together, Anakin could actually follow the way his master contemplated that thought through the Force.

He often noticed when his master seemed to be looking into the future, but had never really understood how it was done; his own skills didn't seem to lie in that direction.

At least not yet.

Even now he couldn't really follow what was being done. But Anakin did have a better idea now of the how. And he could vaguely see the possible consequences to the mission, could see potential relationships spreading out in a tangled maze of glowing lines. He had no idea of how to untangle the lines, or how to determine which paths were more likely to be real and, thereby, read how an action would end. He could sense when his master got his answer, however, and had to smile as he finished untangling his braid to prepare for his shower.

They were going to have company on their mission.

"I suppose I should run it by Master Koon since he gave us the mission, but we would be happy to have you along if it is approved, Ma - Qui-Gon," his master finally said as he tossed his now damp towel around his neck. "If it is not too much trouble, we have a launch window already scheduled for 0414 hours."

Anakin groaned. So that was what his master had been arranging while they were waiting for Master Jinn to meet them in the salle. He should have known, of course. It had even been his suggestion that they launch early when they used the Udan Orr. The concentration needed to pilot the ship through the initial stages of departure overcame being tired, and the earliness made it easy for the other to either head back to sleep or pass the first few hours in meditation.

For all that he had been a slave for nine years, getting up that early was something Anakin would never get use to.

Ignoring the looks of amusement both adults now leveled his way, Anakin also shut out his master's gentle mental chiding. He supposed he should be a bit more careful; he was not exactly putting on his best for the other master, despite how unassuming Master Jinn seemed to be about rank and protocols. And he certainly did not want to give yet another Jedi a reason to fault his master for how his padawan behaved in public.

You are behaving fine, Padawan, came warmly from his master. I would not know who you were if you didn't complain about something, followed more dryly, for all that it was without spoken inflection.

Then Anakin was flooded with a burst of love that overwhelmed any resentment he might have held for being overheard, or any fear of the resentment that had prompted the reassurance in the first place.

I don't care what the other masters think. You have never disappointed or embarrassed me when it mattered. I would much rather have an honest, if vocal, padawan than someone who was too afraid of me to speak his own mind.

Anakin tried to gather up all of his own love and other feelings for his master and pass them back through their new link. He knew he had succeeded when the other nearly tripped. He hid his smile in seeing Master Jinn instantly reach out to steady his master, and when the older man didn't immediately remove his hand. Obviously Master Jinn was not shy in offering aid, nor as restrained as his master when it came to things like touching. Even for something innocent.

Between Anakin's vow and Master Jinn's apparent willingness, his master didn't stand a chance.

As Qui-Gon watched master and padawan take their leave to return to their own quarters, he couldn't help but compare their relationship to the one he had had with his own padawan. Obi-Wan and Anakin were much more comfortable with each other's presence, much more willing to tease and show affection than he and Xanatos had ever been. Part of it, Qui-Gon knew, stemmed from the relatively few years difference in the ages between the two. Yet he and Xan had only been fifteen years apart, and he doubted Anakin and Obi-Wan were much less than that. Perhaps it was because Obi-Wan had been proclaimed a knight several years earlier than Qui-Gon had been when he had won the accolade himself. Certainly something seemed to have kept him from taking on the all too humorless, authoritarian attitudes so many other masters seemed to embrace upon choosing their first padawan.

The type of master Qui-Gon had found himself becoming as he had stayed on Solus Four, although it had only been after Xanatos had become a knightthat he seemed to have lost his ... enthusiasm.

He had taken Xanatos as his padawan when he'd been Obi-Wan's probable current age, having spent eight years on his own as a knight before feeling he was ready for the responsibility for training someone else. So he had had a chance to sow his wild oats and get all of those youthful indiscretions out of his system. To him becoming a master had meant growing up, taking responsibility and offering guidance and discipline, but not really the love that seemed evident between Obi-Wan and Anakin.

Of course, Xanatos had been just as formal, had appreciated the relationship between them being only that of teacher to student, instead of something more akin to friendship. Qui-Gon hadn't thought anything of it at the time. That was how most masters and padawans in his experience interacted. He had enjoyed the relationship, but it had been duty more than desire, and that was probably why he was in no hurry to find another to train.

But to train someone as engaging as Anakin Skywalker ...

The moment of deeper bonding between Obi-Wan and Anakin was even harder to fathom than their easy affection. A bond he had somehow become a part of. Again his own bond with Xanatos had never been close enough to allow the type of rapport those two seemed suddenly able to share. Qui-Gon could only imagine the revulsion Xanatos would have felt to be so exposed to another, even his master. Nowhere could he imagine Xanatos with the same expression of wonder and delight.

Yes, Anakin was quite different from any other Jedi Padawan Qui-Gon had known. First there was the powerhouse of Force energy the teenager could barely keep in check. Add to that the seemingly different attitudes and understanding of not only the Force, but the Temple life and being a Jedi. The way Obi-Wan had casually mentioned Anakin's dislike of rain and cold, that he had gone so far as to call the youth a desert brat, spoke of more than just a genetic disposition to preferring warmer climes. Anakin's reactions were those of someone raised, not just born in a desert environment, of living there during his initiate years instead of on Coruscant.

But there were few enclaves beyond Coruscant or Alderaan set up for raising and training initiates; none on a desert world or continent that Qui-Gon could recall. Nor was it common to be relocated from one Temple to another, unless dire circumstances propelled such an action. It was also rare for a knight or master from one Temple to chose a padawan from another, as there were generally not even enough local candidates for their own resident, aspiring teachers. So inclined knights and masters often needed to come to one of the main temples for a padawan, not the other way around.

There was obviously a story here, and something Qui-Gon thought perhaps he should check into before their early morning departure, though he couldn't imagine finding out anything that would have him change his mind in wanting to assist them.

This certainly wouldn't be his first trip with another Jedi that he knew little about. And it also wasn't as if he needed to particularly worry; not as he might have in working in such ignorance with a civilian. There were certain common aspects of training and philosophy standard amongst all Jedi, whether they operated out of Coruscant and under the Council's dictates, or lived in one of the outer sectors, answering only to themselves and the Force. Qui-Gon knew his position on this mission would be as support to Knight Kenobi. That had been obvious even before he had offered, even before he had seen the other fight.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was a born leader, inspiring trust and exuding confidence and competence. While all the reasons he had given them had been valid as to why he would have no trouble leaving Coruscant, the simple truth of the matter was that Qui-Gon wanted to get to know the knight better. And he didn't want to have to wait for Obi-Wan to return from the mission in order to do just that.

But he also couldn't deny that there was a glimmer of something else, a hint of excitement or danger about the mission itself that called to Qui-Gon almost as strongly as did Obi-Wan's allure. Maybe not an actual suggestion from the Force, but Qui-Gon had learned early on not to ignore such a feeling regardless. Answering such a Force inspired call had led him to incredible discoveries, had enabled him to return to the Jedi some of the wondrous artifacts of antiquity, and testaments of their Order's origins. That it had occasionally led him into danger quite beyond what was normally considered for a scholar -- and that it might yet again -- wasn't important.

Other than lending a little more spice to his otherwise commonplace life.

3.

Qui-Gon made sure he was crossing over the threshold into the docking bay a good half hour before their departure time. Although dressed in standard Jedi tunics, leggings and boots, he had folded his robe into the small carryall he preferred to travel with, not only because the voluminous covering often got in the way aboard ship, but because by not wearing it, he could wear instead an old, beat up flight jacket. Patches covered the leather, some just to keep it repaired, but some also designated his ratings and guild ranking as a pilot. More than once he had found it useful for contracted civilians to realize they were dealing with one of their own.

Not that Qui-Gon figured Obi-Wan would really need any help dealing with outsiders; no doubt the knight could charm a free ride out of a Corellian smuggler. But Qui-Gon's presence still might help.

Or so he was hoping.

But the ship that loomed before him was not a guild charter, was not a charter at all, or so he had to surmise in seeing a pair of recognizable leggings and boots sticking out from under an open hatch. Only Jedi mechanics worked on Jedi ships. Which also meant there would be a Jedi pilot.

Qui-Gon undampened his presence within the Force so the Jedi might know he was there without being startled into damaging ship or self.

"Be just another minute," came a muffled voice that he had little trouble determining belonged to Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon let his stride eat up the distance between them and took advantage of the opportunity presented. During their workout yesterday he'd had a few chances to look over his companions, but had not wanted to get caught staring and so had been discreet. Now he could indulge himself, if only for a few moments longer. And if only at Obi-Wan's legs.

Such limited viewing was hardly a problem, however; the legs tightly encased within standard Jedi leggings and boots were quite nice to look at. Though small overall in height and breadth, this younger knight was at the peak of his physical abilities, as evidenced both in the moves he had exhibited the day before and in the obvious care he took of his body. Obi-Wan wasn't perhaps as spare as Qui-Gon's padawan had been; they both carried close to the same weight he estimated, yet Xanatos had a couple of inches on Obi-Wan. But Obi-Wan was more finely muscled. Obviously the knight had a much more active life in the field than he and Xan had had.

Both younger men also had a sleekness quite at odds with Qui-Gon's own oversized body. And moved with a much better body awareness. Qui-Gon had worked hard to try and develop some of the same grace his padawan had been blessed with, but knew he would always work more from strength than finesse. Qui-Gon could imagine he and Obi-Wan might also work well together, similarly covering each other's weaknesses, but certainly hoped not to have to find out if that would be true.

Qui-Gon found his gaze moving up to Obi-Wan's slender hips just as the knight closed up the panel and began wriggling his way out from under the belly of the ship. Though the other did not seem to be using his body to entice -- at least not deliberately - Qui-Gon could not deny being attracted to it. He quickly maneuvered his travel bag to cover his body's response to that attraction.

He then extended his free hand in an offer of assistance but Obi-Wan declined and simply sprang up with a shoulder spring, and waved his blackened hands.

"While I appreciate the offer, it's bad enough trying to get this stuff off skin, Master Jinn. Once it gets on cloth, it doesn't come out."

"Sounds like Arcathian mud," Qui-Gon responded, letting his grin grow to match. "And, of course, it is only those things we are most comfortable wearing that end up getting so marked."

"So we cannot wear them, but in private," Obi-Wan nodded. His sparkling eyes followed Qui-Gon's without embarrassment to look down at the shirt he wore instead of his uniform's tunic. It was heavily streaked, though few of the stains were from today, and worn almost completely through at elbows and across his shoulder blades. No doubt the most comfortable thing the knight had in his closet.

"I'll try not to offend your sensibilities and sense of proprietary any longer than I must, Master," came out more formally, but laughter still lit Obi-Wan's beautiful, mercurial eyes into some color between green and blue. "I did intend to change before your arrival."

"Don't go to the trouble on my account." Now that the other moved out of the shadows thrown down by the sleek, little ship's wing, Qui-Gon could see the shirt was thin in a few more places than just the obvious ones. He quickly wrested his attention back to Obi-Wan's face, glad to see that his wandering focus was not being particularly noted.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Without the same consideration he had shown Qui-Gon, in truth probably without much thought at all, Obi-Wan pushed back a few of the damp tendrils of hair that had fallen and shook his head. Black grease immediately darkened the ginger-colored strands and forehead, making Qui-Gon's fingers itch to smooth it clean.

"No, everything is fine and ready to go." Again Obi-Wan seemed oblivious to the effect he was having on Qui-Gon. But that didn't keep Qui-Gon from tightening up his shields and reaching for a bit more control. This was about a mission, not his libido.

"One of Ani's readings showed something off in his pre-flight checks so I figured I'd better make sure," Obi-Wan continued to explain. "But the glitch turns out to be in the sensor, not the system, so we are good to go as soon as we get your things and yourself stored on board."

He looked so closely at the case Qui-Gon was holding protectively in front that the Jedi Master feared he might have given himself away despite everything he was doing to maintain some sense of propriety.

But Obi-Wan simply asked, "Is that all you are bringing?"

Qui-Gon nodded. "I've always preferred to travel light and buy things from the community I'm visiting if I need something else. I have found beings more friendly if you are willing to aid their local economy instead of being too self-sufficient. Or even worse, expecting them to give you what you need for free."

"That's not a bad way of going about it," Obi-Wan agreed, leading the way to the boarding ramp. "I've dealt with a lot of folks who felt their goods were somehow inferior just because they weren't manufactured on Coruscant, or who assumed Jedi were too arrogant or insular to use something native. And a few Jedi who gave them reason to think such," he muttered under his breath. "Have you suggested this idea to the High or Allocation Councils?" Obi-Wan asked over his shoulder with a genial smile. "It probably should be the practice of all Jedi in the field, when practical. It really might help people get over thinking we are unapproachable ..."

Qui-Gon stopped. Although Obi-Wan had turned his head to ask his question, he had not waited for Qui-Gon's answer before turning back up the entryway. But the younger knight seemed to then notice he had lost his companion and stopped at the hatchway.

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"

Giving himself a quick shake, Qui-Gon started up the ramp himself. "Not really. You just made mention of the High Council like they had the time to listen to any Jedi who wanted to talk to them."

It was Obi-Wan's turn to stay unmoving for a few seconds. "But they will," he began, expression and tone filled with confusion. Abrupt awareness then chased across his face. "Oh. Again, I apologize, Master Jinn. I feel so comfortable around you that I had forgotten you've newly arrived, and that you didn't do much training here on Coruscant. You don't really know any of the Council members, do you?"

Warmed by the explanation and the regard, Qui-Gon shrugged. "I was introduced when I first arrived, but I certainly do not know any of them. And this is the closest I've been to being sent on a mission by them."

"Don't make it sound like an honor," Obi-Wan said dryly, again taking the lead as Qui-Gon followed him into the ship. "And don't get me wrong, I have tremendous respect for them. But I really wish they took the time to go into the field a bit more themselves. They may not be arrogant, but they certainly are insular, even from the rest of the Jedi. At the very least, they should take padawans again, just to be reminded that some things are more important than traditions."

Qui-Gon sensed fondness and amusement without any disrespect in the other's first words, but as Obi-Wan ended, an air of melancholy seemed to settle around the knight. He really wished he had been able to take the time for the research on Obi-Wan and Anakin as he had intended. But he had been less prepared to leave than he had thought, and had spent most of the night making changes to his schedule and seeing to the care of his plants during his absence than researching his traveling companions.

As if Obi-Wan realized his unsettled emotions, he quickly offered a smile that was only a little forced. "Let`s get you stowed."

From the midpoint entry, a landing had openings forward and aft into a corridor running along the beam of the craft, and a hatchway portside, seven meters away.

"Aft is a small cargo hold and access to the engines," Obi-Wan pointed left. "In front of us is the galley with a small, recessed medical bay." He shrugged. "It's really just storage for supplies, a table and an emergency stasis tube."

Qui-Gon made an appreciative noise as he followed Obi-Wan to the right. Any sort of medical equipment beyond the basic first aid kit he carried in his travel case was better than that offered by his usual berths. Even guild ships were stingy when it came to accommodations for Jedi. Not only were Jedi too often considered unapproachable, they were also rumored to be invincible, or at least able to care for themselves. And yes, Jedi usually recovered quicker from injuries than non-Force sensitives. Some could even heal themselves or others. But when they got hurt - and it did happen despite their reputations - they used medicines, treatment and bacta just like anyone else.

"The cockpit is further forward," Obi-Wan continued. Qui-Gon watched the ripple of muscles across Obi-Wan's back as the knight undogged another door after first wiping his hands across the already stained shirt. Qui-Gon noted the depth of the door and seal around the hatch, acknowledging the setup would contain a hull breach from spreading throughout the entire ship. This was a very well formed vessel.

Much like its owner.

Obi-Wan had stopped to await Qui-Gon's own passage through the low portal. From here a faint noise - music? - echoed through the corridor. Qui-Gon watched as first embarrassment then a frown overtook the knight's face.

"Claim either of the second two cabins here," came the offer, as they continued forward, passing one door portside but heading toward three more. Obi-Wan now needed to raise his voice. "Ani's taken the one just aft of the bridge and mine's the first we passed." He gave Qui-Gon an apologetic look as his last words were nearly a yell, gestured again toward the middle two doors, then took off at a jog toward the cockpit.

The hatchway into the cockpit had already been undogged, but hung mostly closed. A near solid wall of sound blasted through the corridor when Obi-Wan pushed it further open.

"Anakin Skywalker!"

Whether Qui-Gon had heard it vocally or only through the Force, obviously Anakin heard the rebuke also. The noise shut off so quickly that Qui-Gon was not sure the ringing in his ears in the immediate silence that followed was from the music or Obi-Wan's shout. Muted sounds followed that were obviously an exchange of words, then Obi-Wan was coming back through the hatchway, which he again partially closed.

"I am sorry," he apologized upon rejoining Qui-Gon. "When Anakin gets into a cockpit, he pretty much goes on automatic. And we are unused to having passengers with us."

Qui-Gon had wanted to touch Obi-Wan again ever since they had shaken hands upon leaving the training salle, so he took the opportunity to squeeze the other's shoulder in commiseration. "Think nothing of it," he smiled. "While my padawan was quite unlike Anakin, I, at least, was young once myself."

"Oh, don't say you're old," Obi-Wan complained, then let his head fall back to twist his neck side to side and loosen his shoulders under Qui-Gon's touch. "Then I might have to admit that I'm getting old, and my body tells me that enough without needing further encouragement."

"Not old, just much too tense," Qui-Gon couldn't help but observe.

He had a feeling the laugh he got in return was directed at Obi-Wan himself.

"Although I enjoy piloting, I don't particularly like space flight," Obi-Wan admitted as he slipped out from underneath Qui-Gon's grip. He then palmed both empty cabins open so that Qui-Gon could better choose.

"Am I keeping you from duties?" Qui-Gon moved into the third cabin, trying to tell himself he had not picked it for its closer proximity to Obi-Wan and its further distance from the other's padawan.

A quick shake of the ginger head. "Nah. Anakin likes to take us out, and there are so few things in our lives that I can offer to truly make him happy."

"But this ship is actually yours?" Qui-Gon asked, ignoring the common lament of a Jedi Master.

Beyond the responsibility to the Force and the Order, a master with a padawan had to be teacher and parent. Some never progressed to friends, even when the training relationship ended with the padawan achieving knighthood. It was obvious such was not the case between these two, but Obi-Wan would still be filling Anakin's days with all manner of study when they were not on a mission. Few field-active Jedi had time for hobbies or play. Qui-Gon was one of the lucky ones whose aptitude in academics had led him to a career that would also have been his chosen hobby. While Obi-Wan was no doubt very good at what he did, and could derive a certain pleasure in his skill and success as a diplomat and mediator, few Jedi could ever admit to being happy upon becoming warriors.

"I think of it more as ours, but I suppose it is technically mine," Obi-Wan answered Qui-Gon's spoken question. "At least that is what the paperwork says." He gave Qui-Gon an easy grin. "And I do have all of my ratings. I stopped taking the co-pilot seat on takeoff a couple of years ago, however, when it became an issue of trust and confidence with Anakin. He's over it now, and I know my being there doesn't bother him anymore, but I never liked side-seat pilots, so ..." he shrugged. "We can web up in the galley, or I can leave you to your bunk here."

Qui-Gon was quite sure he didn't need to go through take-off in private. He quickly stowed his travel case in the locking cabinet beneath the lower bunk and moved to follow Obi-Wan back out into the corridor.

"Once we're in flight I'll give you the codes so you can key your door," Obi-Wan offered.

"I don't need the privacy -"

"But you might."

Qui-Gon managed to keep walking smoothly, an extra blink his only visible reaction. Surely he had been mistaken in the intent behind that offer?

"Up from the galley is a small weapons pod," Obi-Wan continued with his verbal tour of the ship. "You might be a little cramped but the chair adjusts now that Anakin is growing so tall."

Medical bay and weapons pod. This was one little beauty of a ship.

Anakin's voice came over the communications system as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan took seats around the six-person table in the galley. "We have clearance from Coruscant Control, Master."

"Then we'll go in two," Obi-Wan responded into a handheld communicator. To have used the one on the wall at the entry would mean undoing the restraints and causing an even longer delay. Qui-Gon was just finishing with securing himself when Obi-Wan pushed another small comm unit his way.

"It won't be strong enough to get through to the Temple, but it should work about anywhere planet side once we reach Erinne. And the ship's system can reach the Temple. Again, I'll give you all the protocols once we get beyond initial acceleration."

"You don't have to -" Qui-Gon began, quite overwhelmed by all of the trust that was being exhibited. Even in the four times he had traveled on one of the ships owned outright by the Order, he had not been given anything but very basic communication and security codes. Obi-Wan was giving him full access to his ship.

"The Udan Orr is a small ship, but we're an even smaller crew. If you don't mind, it'll be nice to have another pilot; the trip to Erinne will take three full days."

"I will be glad to help anywhere you need me," Qui-Gon said quickly. "But even so -"

"Look, I know I'm listed as the senior Jedi with regard to the mission parameters, but I'm not about to let someone of your experience or expertise just sit on his hands. Anything can happen, especially if there is a Sith at the end of this. I would feel much better if you had full access. That way, any of the three of us can get the other two out if it becomes necessary."

There was a coldness to Obi-Wan's tone that Qui-Gon heard only through the Force. "Is that prescience, Knight Kenobi?"

The other's face grew a bit more shuttered and he shrugged. "Sometimes. Now?" He shook his head. "I don't know. But I also never take anything for granted on a mission. Especially when it might involve the Sith."

"How many have you faced?"

For a moment Obi-Wan looked away, but even in profile Qui-Gon could see the profound sadness. While nothing like the Sith of ancient history, at least in numbers and direct opposition to the Jedi Order, there had been a growing number of potential sightings in recent years, not all of them ending in a Jedi's favor.

"Five," Obi-Wan said softly. "And Anakin only knows of three." The look when he turned back was obvious enough.

"I won't tell him any differently."

Obi-Wan's answering smile held little humor, but Qui-Gon could read gratitude in the other's eyes.

"It's not like I want to keep things from him. But he still has nightmares about the first Sith - Dark take us, I still have nightmares about that Sith! That one killed my master. And is responsible for Ani becoming my padawan. Ani only found out about what he thinks was the second I faced by catching me in Medical when he thought I was still on a mission. The last to him is one he fought alongside of me. Of course, that one could have just been a fallen Jedi; she had little of the stink of Sith sorcery about her, though the aura of Darkness was as bad as any before her."

"So you're the Council's resident Sith Slayer?"

"One of seven." Obi-Wan's sharp, short laugh hurt instead of bringing relief. "I have the most kills, which impresses the rest a little too much, I fear." He buried his face in his hands for a moment, and nothing was said for a time as the warning of imminent take-off chimed. Then, with no override coming from the knight, the drag of acceleration pulled at their bodies for long, long minutes.

"Sorry," Obi-Wan apologized when the weight finally eased. He lifted his head and scrubbed at his cheeks to restore the proper flow of blood. "This mission is coming just a little too soon after our last. No Sith, but I still almost lost Ani, and I was really hoping to have some time home before having to be the Council's executioner again."

Qui-Gon was slipping out of his safety harness and had taken a step toward Obi-Wan before realizing the other might not be easy with the comfort he had wanted to offer. "Can I make us some tea?" he suggested in place of the contact he would have preferred.

Obi-Wan flashed him a look that might have been gratitude and nodded. "You've a variety of choices. There is a kettle with an internal heat pack in the third cabinet on the left, and sealed water in the right fifth."

Of course the knight had not needed to turn to point or look himself as Qui-Gon opened the doors he was directed toward. Like any good ship owner, things were stored where they could consistently be found with a minimum of confusion. While one did not make tea in the midst of free-fall or combat, one always wanted to know where items that could harm or save lives were stored. No doubt little broke loose from this ship in an emergency.

Qui-Gon took the time to explore more of the cabinets while he waited for the tea to heat. If Obi-Wan was going to trust him with the codes to run the ship, he would not be begrudged knowing what all was on hand. And at the moment the knight did not seem particularly inclined to break the silence.

"I'll take a thermos up to Anakin." Qui-Gon brought the first one over to Obi-Wan.

"Thanks," and before Qui-Gon could step away from the table, Obi-Wan gently caught at his arm. Sorrow, gratitude and not a little self-directed anger was present in the face that looked up at him.

Again Qui-Gon found himself wanting to run his fingers over those tight features, to smooth away the tension. Once upon a time he had been in training to be a healer; his master accusing him of trying to take on and fix all of the ills in the galaxy. A few too many disappointments for them both had Qui-Gon doubting his calling, and had led him into a field of study just about as far removed from dealing with people as he could get and still call himself a Jedi. But sometimes he found himself wishing he had taken the other path. Maybe he could not remove the entire galaxy's pain, but he would very much like to remove Obi-Wan's.

"After your tea, why don't you try to get a little more sleep," was all that he offered, though. "I can keep Anakin company if he needs it, and see to any last minute instructions from the Council if they get sent."

"Don't let Ani keep you trapped up there if you want to rest yourself," came in return. "He's used to being left alone, as I usually try to get in some meditation at the start of our flights. But he also loves to talk, and you are a brand new audience for him."

Qui-Gon smiled. Actually, he was rather hoping for just that from Anakin. He wouldn't mind listening to Anakin talk for a couple of hours, as long as he could direct at least some of the topics. Who better to ask about a master, but that master's padawan?