Before - Legends Forged Bonds re-write in progress and reposted

*De-lurks*

 

Thank you for de-lurking Cowgirl Jedi 1701. I hope you are enjoying the story.

Chapter 17

Skylar quickly led Thoran and Kaleb to the war room. She was feeling uneasy and knew the anxiety would not pass until Zac was back with them unharmed. Their family was incomplete without him. She could not imagine life without the four of them together. It did not take them long to arrive. As soon as they entered the war room, Skylar knew something was amiss.

Qui-Gon's expression was stoic and calm. In the years she trained under him, she knew he always had a steadiness of mind under strength. "We need to be alert," Qui-Gon told them, "I sense a great deal of fear in the palace today."

Skylar nodded, "I sense it too, Master. Have you seen Prince Delapar yet?"

Qui-Gon shook his head no, "that is what concerns me. Usually, he would be waiting for us." At that moment, they heard heavy footsteps coming toward the room. The five Jedi glanced at each other, and each of their hands went to their lightsaber hilt.

Prince Delapar entered the room with Lady Rarr to his right and eight Kuati soldiers behind them. His eyes wandered to Thoran, "You must be Jedi Knight Malin's husband. Funny that I always thought marriage was off-limits to the Jedi Order. "

"Not always," Thoran said evenly, "We are anxious to hear if you have any news on Padwan Rinda. We would like to begin our search immediately for him, and any information you have would be appreciated. "

Prince Delapar's voice dripped with fake concern, "As I told your wife, the resistance is brutal and vicious. But we do have some information for you." Delapar gestured to Lady Rarr, who began to speak.

"There is a prisoner uprising at our high-security prison about 150 miles away," Rarr told them. "We feel the resistance is behind this, and Padawan Rinda may have been taken there for execution."

Skylar kept her expression passive while inside her body; she was weeping. She was relieved when Qui-Gon took the lead and spoke.

"What makes you think the resistance would execute a Jedi?" Qui-Gon asked her. "Surely they know the fury of the Republic would fall on them if they should carry out such a deed."

Lady Rarr nodded in agreement, "That is why we are imploring the Jedi and the Republic for assistance. We must destroy the prison and the surrounding area."

Kaleb shuddered at the thought, "at the loss of how many lives?"

Prince Delapar gave an annoyed sigh, "and yet another Jedi child who thinks he knows best. We must stop the dangerous and hardened prisoners from escaping at all costs."

"Yet my Padawan has an excellent point," Thoran said, meeting the prince's eyes. "How many innocents will die? We are Jedi, not hired mercenaries."

Qui-Gon held up his hand, "That is enough, Knight Sannes." Turning to Prince Delapar, he said, "We need to contact our council for Jedi reinforcements. We will do so from our ship. Send the coordinates of the prison, and we will meet you there."

Prince Delapar gave both Skylar and Thoran a triumphant glance before he turned to Qui-Gon, "Thank you, Master Jedi. We look forward to victory." Delapar could not believe his luck. Qui-Gon Jinn was a fool and would help him in murdering his brother and the Jedi brat too.

Thoran held his tongue until they were on the Republic cruiser. Kaleb did a quick scan for listening devices and nodded to his Master; it was safe to speak.

"Qui-Gon, you can't be serious in helping this treasonous traitor," Thoran said, not even attempting to keep the edge out of his voice.

Qui-Gon slowly smiled, "Of course not, but Jedi are landing soon anyway. Plus, we now know where they have Padawan Rinda. Prince Delapar, believing we are working for him, gives us the advantage."

Thoran began to smile too, "So, we are playing him?"

"Of course," Qui-Gon said with a small smile. "Delapar thinks I am a fool." Turning to Skylar, he said, "Zac had no right to go off on his own, but we will find him. I promise."

Tears came to Skylar's eyes. This was the Master she knew and loved, "thank you, Master."

Only Xanatos seemed to have a problem with this, "shouldn't we be making sure the coronation goes smoothly."

"No, Xan," Qui-Gon told him gently. "If Delling is still alive, the throne belongs to him." Qui-Gon's comlink sounded, and the coordinates to the high-security prison were provided. As Qui-Gon went to the cockpit to share the coordinates with the captain, Xanatos scowled.

Kaleb quietly studied Xanatos and knew he would keep watch on him. He turned to follow Skylar and Thoran to the cockpit as well. It would not take long to reach the prison at all.

Qui-Gon sat at the communication terminal and contacted the temple. Qui-Gon explained to Mace Windu that Prince Delapar was requesting help in destroying the prison.

"I also sense this is a trap," Qui-Gon said. "How soon until the other Jedi arrive?"

The hologram of Mace replied, "We are sending three teams. Master Darrick and his padawan will get everyone briefed. They are already en route and should arrive shortly after you reach the prison. Be cautious. May the Force be with you." The transmission ended.

As they neared the prison, Skylar reached out to Zac and was elated while when she felt his presence. He was alive. But she realized he had a head injury and immediately pulled back.

"I felt Zac," she told Thoran, "but he has a head injury." She was very concerned.

"How bad?" Thoran asked her, taking her hand.

She shrugged, "I could not tell, so I pulled back. I need Zac to keep his focus on his surroundings and not on me."

__________

The prison break was going as well as any prison break could go. Mostly all the prisoners were political, and the balance was made up of petty thieves. For such a high-security facility, there were no dangerous criminals incarcerated.

Zac had just freed a young woman who identified herself as a councilwoman for one of the many districts on the planet. "I am indebted to you, Young Jedi," she told him, "When I return to my region, I will draft legislation to name a street after you."

Zac gave the woman a grin, "thanks, but that is not necessary. I am a Jedi, and this is what we do." He guided her outside and led her to the resistance soldiers who were escorting political prisoners to safety. His head went to his head as he faltered.

Prince Delling came beside him and held Zac's elbow as he steadied himself, "Are you alright?"

Zac took a couple of deep breaths to center himself, "I will be. My Master is nearby."

"Good," Delling said, smiling at the young teen, "I look forward to telling her about how you have shown honor to your training.”

Zac pushed his headache away once again, and humbly replied, "thank you, Your Majesty."

"I think we are officially friends, so you can call me Delling," was the prince's good-natured reply.

Before Zac could reply, the building was jolted by a massive explosion outside. "Delapar is bombing us," Delling said, breaking into a run, "karabast! Come on, Young Zac. We have to see the prisoners to safety!"

Zac matched his stride as they ran to make sure everyone made it out.

_______
As the Republic cruiser prepared to land, Skylar's heart dropped when she saw the bombs exploding around the prison. "Qui-Gon," she said, taking his arm, "Zac is in there! I can feel him! We have to demand they cease this attack."

Qui-Gon went to the communication terminal and contacted the Council. Yoda's face appeared, "Qui-Gon, make contact with Major Dayrider you must. Lead you to Prince Delling and Padwan Rinda he will."

"Yes, my Master," Qui-Gon responded, "however, the situation has become far more complex. "They are bombing the high-security prison. Padawan Rinda is there, and I would assume Prince Delling too."

Yoda nodded, "expected this we did. In an emergency session the Senate is. Stop this we will."

Once the cruiser landed, Skylar wasted no time and ran down the gangplank with Thoran and Kaleb close behind her. She watched as three other Republic Cruisers began to arrive. The first Jedi to disembark was Saesee Tiin and his padawan, Eryk Dane. Master Tiin said, "The Council is working with the Supreme Chancellor and the Senate to approve an arrest warrant for Prince Delapar."

Skylar nodded, "I pray it does not take too long."

Master Darrick Kint and Sindri soon joined them. Darrick still had his comlink in his hand, "We have been ordered to find Prince Delapar and arrest him and his advisors."

"Xanatos will come with me along with Master Kint and Sindri," Qui-Gon said, strategizing. "We can cover more ground if we split up."

Thoran caught on quickly to Quo-Gon's tactics, "I will lead Skylar, Kaleb, and the other Jedi. We will help what survivors we can and find Prince Delling and Zac." He paused as another bomb landed too close to its target. "But we better hurry."

The Jedi split in different directions, and Skylar said to no one in particular, ""We have to figure out a way to stop the bombings."

Master Tiin, "The Republic Navy is supposed to intercept the bombers and push them back." As soon as the words left her mouth, a shadow passed over them. They looked up to see the Corellian Fleet entering the atmosphere. They quickly began flanking maneuvers, and the bombers had no choice to pull back.

"Talk about timing," Kaleb said with a grin.

Thoran nodded in agreement, "Now let's find Zac and Prince Delling."

As they got closer to the prison, they saw the entire eastern portion had been destroyed. Skylar felt a sense of relief, knowing Zac was not inside when it collapsed. As they ran around back, she hoped that no one had been inside.

There was pure chaos once they reached the back of the prison. The prisoners were running in all directions. She saw a young officer shouting commands, "Move into the woods! Stay together!" He saw the Jedi and came over to them and gave them a salute, "Major Tarrick Dayrider. It is an honor to serve with you."

Skylar gave a slight bow, "I'm Jedi Skylar Malin."

"Ah," Tarrick said with a smile, "You are the one Young Zac speaks so highly of."

Her heart lept with joy, "You have seen him."

"The last I saw him Zac was assisting Prince Delling in freeing the prisoners of the western cell blocks. Follow me!" Tarrick said.

Skylar, Thoran, and Kaleb jumped into a speeder that Tarrick had guided them to. "I managed to find Zac's lightsaber, so he does have his weapon," Tarrick explained. The speeder raced toward the western cell blocks, and Skylar could feel Zac close by. She was concerned about the haziness of their bond and was worried about what condition he may be in. As they turned a corner, she saw the familiar blue beam of her padawan's lightsaber. He was standing guard, ready to fend off any attackers as more prisoners escaped. A taller man was standing next to him, holding a blaster. Skylar assumed this was Prince Delling.

His head jerked in Skylar's direction, and she saw a broad smile. However, his smile was shortlived. From the prison emerged Prince Delapar and Lady Rarr, both had blasters pointed at Delling. The speeder halted to a stop, and the Jedi jumped out, desperate to reach Prince Delling and Zac.

"Your insurrection has come to an end," Delapar said with a wicked smile. "Surrender, and I may just spare the Jedi brat."

Delling attempted to reason with his brother, "Look around Delapar. You have lost." Delling used his arm to sweep around the compound, "Even if you kill me, you will never rule."

"On second thought," Delapar responded, and his voice was not the brother Delling grew up with. It was the voice of a madman. "I will kill you and the Jedi brat." He and Lady Rarr raised their blasters and aimed directly at Delling's heart. The blasters fired. When the smoke cleared, Delling was still standing and was not injured. In front of him in a protective stance was Zac. He had deflected the blaster bolts, and they went back to their respective shooters. Both Delapar and Lady Rarr laid dead on the ground.

Zac stood with a look of shock on his face. Tears came to his eyes. It was his first kill. His breaths were coming in great gulps, his head was spinning, and he began to feel dizzy. Powering off his lightsaber, he dropped to his knees, his energy ultimately spent.

"Zac!" Skylar screamed as she watched her student go down. She reached him and knelt next to him, cradling him in her arms, promising herself she would never let him go.

The young teenager opened his eyes, "Master, I'm so sorry." With that, the padawan passed out.

Skylar clutched him tightly as Thoran checked for a pulse, finding one that was reasonably strong Thoran turned to Prince Delling he said: "He needs a hospital."

Major Dayrider was already on his comlink calling for medical assistance, and in moments a medical speeder arrived. There would only be enough room for Skylar to go with him. Zac was placed gently on a stretcher, and medics ran to the speeder along with Skylar, who was holding Zac's hand. She was sending healing waves through the Force.

She glanced at Thoran, "Go," he told her. "We will meet you at the hospital."

As the speeder raced towards the hospital, Delling held out his hand to Thoran, "Prince Delling. I owe that boy my life and my throne."

 

Yes, I am enjoying the story. And it would appear that Zac now has a friend in high places.

 

Cowgirl Jedi 1701, thank you again for reading. Yes, Zac now has a very powerful ally. One who could come in handy in the future.


Chapter 18

Thoran watched as the speeder raced Zac to the hospital. He then turned back to Prince Delling, "Your Majesty, are you alright?"

The Prince nodded, "I am thanks to Young Zac."

At that time, Qui-Gon returned with Xanatos, and the other Jedi he was leading, "Where is Skylar?"

Thoran told him, "Zac has a head injury and passed out. She escorted him to the hospital."

Xanatos could not help my snicker, "What a little bit of action, and that kid fell apart?" He did not notice Prince Delling standing there.

"The only reason I am alive is because of Padawan Rinda," Delling said in an even voice showing his authority, "without any hesitation that boy jumped in front of me, prepared to protect me from blaster bolts." The Prince gestured with his arm toward the dead bodies of Prince Delapar and Lady Rarr. "Had it not been for him, I would be lying there dead instead."

Qui-Gon gave a bow to Delling, "Your Majesty, we are relieved you are safe. I am Master Qui-Gon Jinn."

Delling glared at Xanatos and can continue, "Zac Rinda behaved as a Jedi should. He honored the entire Jedi Order. He will forever have the gratitude of myself and my planet."

Xanatos briefly met his eyes, but quickly bowed to the Prince. He knew if he defied the Prince openly in front of Qui-Gon, it would get back to the Council. He had Qui-Gon believing he was obedient and respectful. He would play along, "I'm sure he was as you say, Your Majesty," Xanatos said smoothly.

Prince Delling considered Xanatos for a brief moment, before deciding the arrogant child was not worth his time, "Master Jinn, I trust you and your fellow Jedi will be able to see the former prisoners, my people, to safety?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon said. "We are honored to be of service."

"Thank you, Master Jedi," Delling said gratefully. Glancing over, he called, "Major Dayrider."

The officer immediately came over and saluted, "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Please see that the prisoners are cared for, fed, and any injuries treated," he ordered. "Allow them to contact their families. The Jedi will assist you."

Major Dayrider saluted again, "Yes, Sir! But where are you going?"

Prince Delling smiled back at the officer, "I am going to escort Master Sannes and his padawan to the hospital to see their family. Could you please get me a comlink?"

-----------

Skylar sat in the cold waiting area of the hospital. Zac had remained unconscience the entire trip to the hospital. Skylar checked for blaster bolt injuries and was relieved to find now. Her probing with the Force showed he had some bruised ribs, which she knew would not be a problem to heal. However, Skylar was more concerned with the large lump on the back of his head where someone had hit him with a blunt object. His short hair matted in dried blood. He was lucky his skull had not been cracked open. She placed her hand on his cheek.

This head injury is why he could not communicate over our bond.

Skylar thought ruefully. From the size of the lump, she knew he probably had a bad concussion. Because of the escape, the rescue of other prisoners, and how he had to use his Force abilities continually, she could only hope he had not caused his brain to swell.

Once they arrived, the medics spirited her padawan away to a trauma room. A practitioner blocked her path as she tried to follow, "My apologies, but you need to wait here."

"He is a Jedi," Skylar told him, "The doctor must be mindful of his head injury. He needs a Jedi Healer."

The practitioner nodded solemnly, "We will stabilize him and contact your temple. Please wait here."


She sat slowly in one of the hard chairs, resting her head in her hands and cried softly. She blamed herself. Had she listened to him, maybe he would not have wandered off on his own.

She felt a familiar presence and jumped up to greet her husband, his padawan, and to her surprise, Prince Delling. She bowed to him, "Your Majesty."

"Please be at ease, Jedi Malin," the Prince told her with a friendly smile offering his hand to her. "Unless I may call you Skylar. As much as Young Zac has told me about you, I feel as though I already know you."

She shook his hand, "Of course, Your Majesty," she said. "I would be honored."

"And you would all honor me if you all call me Delling," he said good-naturedly. "I will have a lifetime of being addressed so formally. I prefer my friends to be more casual with me." His expression turned serious, "How is he?"

Skylar's voice cracked, "I don't know. No one has told me anything," They gave her a moment to compose herself. "His head injury is serious, with all of the overexertions..."

Thoran wrapped his arms around her, "Don't think about that right now," he comforted her. But he and Kaleb both knew the terrible consequences of his brain swelling, especially without a Jedi Healer.

The door to the trauma rooms opened, and a doctor made his way over to them. Skylar immediately asked, "How is he? Is he awake?"

The doctor was solemn as he shook his head, "I am Dr. Leven. His head injury was severe. We figured it would be best to keep him in a medically induced coma in a bacta tank for now."

Kaleb asked in a shaky voice, "but he's going to get better? Right?"

It made them all uncomfortable when he did not directly answer, "We made contact with your Jedi Temple. There was a team of Jedi Healers on Corellia and were heading back to Coruscant. They were very close and will land in the hour."

Skylar breathed a sigh of relief. The Force worked in mysterious ways. How else could a team of Jedi healers be just passing by a system where a Jedi desperately needed them.

"Can we see him," Skylar asked the doctor.

The doctor quickly nodded, "follow me." As he led them to the room where Zac was, he told them, "You know I have made contact with your Temple before."

"Oh, why is that?" Thoran asked.

"I've offered to have Jedi Healers and their apprentices to come to this hospital and work with us," the doctor told them. "I genuinely believe it would be mutually beneficial for us to work together."

Skylar was perturbed. That was very much like the Jedi Council in their ivory tower. They were utterly oblivious to what was happening in the galaxy. "I assure you, Dr. Leven when I am on the Council, that will change."

Thoran and Kaleb exchanged glances. Skylar never mentioned wanting to be a part of the Jedi Council, but she had been very vocal regarding her desire for change. The only way she would see the changes she advocated for was to be part of the leadership.

They went into the room, and Skylar's eyes filled with tears. He looked so young and helpless floating in the tank. Kaleb moved forward and placed his hands on the glass. He closed his eyes and tuned everyone out. Even though Zac was in a coma, the older boy sent waves of the Force to him. He wanted him to know he was not alone.

Thoran and Prince Delling had just returned with cups of hot caf from the refectory for everyone when the Jedi Healers arrived. Jedi Master My'Al entered first. Jedi Master Mind Healer Nik-Ka followed.

My'Al wasting no time told Dr. Leven, "We need to get him out of the tank."

The healer and doctor worked together on their patient what Master Nik-Ka guided the others out of the room. "It would be best if you all remain in the waiting room," he told them kindly. With that, he turned back and went back into the room.

Skylar's hand went to her mouth. Zac needed the help of a mind healer when she had never required one. She also never had such a severe head injury. Or her first kill at age fourteen.

Thoran handed her a cup of caf and put his arm around her shoulders, "It will be alright," he told her. He didn't finish the sentence with his usual

I promise.

He wished he could promise her. He could not imagine their family without Zac.



_________

It seemed like hours before the Jedi healers and doctor exited Zac's room. They looked exhausted but pleased. Skylar had dozed off on Thoran's shoulder but quickly came to her senses as she heard them approach. "How is he?"

"Better," My'al said. "His brain had started to swell; however, he somehow managed to keep it under control."

Prince Delling nodded, "I noticed him today, closing his eyes and breathing in and out as in some sort of trance."

"Meditation," Skylar said in an emotional voice, "he usually hates it."

Delling considered her words, "In our cell before we were able to escape, he meditated. He seemed at peace. You must have trained him well."


Skylar quickly wiped her tears, "Thank you, Your...Delling," she turned to the healers, "can we see him."

"Only you, for now, Skylar," Nik-Ka told her, "He is waking up, but will be very tired. We do not want to overexert him, or he could relapse."

My'Al nodded and continued, "tomorrow, he should be well enough for more visitors."

"Stay with him, Love," Thoran said, kissing her forehead, "we will see you tomorrow."

Prince Delling told Dr. Leven, "Doctor, Master Malin has had an exhausting few days. Can you please have a cot and blankets moved into Zac's room for her to use?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the doctor responded as he bowed.

Delling placed a warm hand on Skylar's shoulder, "Please be sure to tell Zac I am indebted to him, and I will visit him tomorrow."

"I will, Delling," she told him, "thank you for watching out for him."

Delling laughed as he replied, "I think he watched out for me more, but you are welcome."

Skylar turned and entered the trauma area and made her way to her padawan, her son. She quietly entered the room and saw the lights were dim to protect Zac's eyes and senses when he woke. Sitting down in the chair next to his bed and took his hand. Soon he began to move in the bed, and she placed her other hand on his forehead. "Shhh, it's alright," she told him. "You're in the hospital."

He tried to sit up, "Prince Delling, where is he? Is Prince Delling safe?"

Skylar sent waves of love and comfort through their bond as she gently pushed him back into the bed, "He is safe and will be king, thanks to you. But you need to relax and allow your body to heal."

A wave of dizziness reminded Zac of his head injury. The boy leaned back on the soft pillow and breathed in and out slowly.

Skylar leaned her forehead on his and matched his breathing. She was guiding him back to calm.

After a few minutes, Zac said, "Master, I'm so sorry."

"Why did you go off on your own?" She asked gently.

"When Xanatos and I were exploring, we found a datapad," he told her," I spliced into it, and when you left me in our rooms, I deciphered it."

Skylar nodded, "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"I did," Zac said, getting upset, "I told Xanatos. I told him I was going to contact you, and he took my comlink telling me I was already in enough trouble."

Skylar swallowed her anger and moved to ease her Padawan, "Do not worry about that now. You must rest now." She sent sleep suggestions through their bond and watched him move into a fitful sleep.

A moment later, Master Nik-Ka entered. He whispered in Skylar's ear, "Skylar, he can pick up on your emotions. You must control them."

"Yes, Master," Skylar said, feeling ashamed. She needed to keep her mind on the hear and now. Zac needed her now. She should have known that Xanatos knew more of what he let on. But she would deal with him later.

The door opened again a medic brought in a cot and blankets. Skylar sat on the floor by the window, deciding she would meditate first. Then she would sleep. Nik-Ka watched her take a meditation position and felt her negative emotions released into the Force. As she did, he watched Zac calm, and his sleep became restful. Satisfied, he left the room.



__________

When Thoran, Kaleb, and Prince Delling returned to the Palace just as Qui-Gon and Xanatos were. "How is he?" Qui-Gon asked.

"He had a nasty concussion," Thoran explained. "That, coupled with his constant need to use the Force, made it worse. He someone managed to keep the brain swelling under control."

Qui-Gon rubbed his beard, "But he will recover."

"Yes," Thoran said. "He will need rest to recover. But he will be fine."

"Good," Qui-Gon said. "I will tell Skylar later about my report to the Council. After Padawan Rinda is well enough to understand."

Thoran's eyes narrowed, "What report?"

"I need to tell them about his behavior," Qui-Gon replied. "His insolence, his disobedience, and how went off on his own and was captured."

Prince Delling had heard enough, "And in his capture resulted in my rescue, the rightful ruler of Kuat."

"That was the Will of the Force," Qui-Gon agreed, "however, my report will remain the same."

Kaleb could remain silent no longer, "Xanatos, you know more than you are leading on."

Xanatos hid a smirk, "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Kaleb moved toward him, "You are a kriffing liar!"

Xanatos did not back down and took a couple of steps toward the other boy as well.

Both Qui-Gon and Thoran stepped forward, and each grabbed their padawans to stop the confrontation from coming to blows. Qui-Gon growled at Thoran, "Control your student, Knight Sannes. It's obvious where Padawan Rinda picked up his impudence."

Thoran's firm hand on Kaleb's shoulder stopped him from saying something rude to Qui-Gon. Both teenagers glared at one another, but neither said another word.

"Qui-Gon," Thoran attempted to reason, "you can't be serious about giving Zac an unfavorable report. Not after his performance out there."

Qui-Gon was anything but reasonable, "He put himself and this entire mission in danger, had he waited, we may still have found Prince Delling."

"Would you have found me before or after my execution?" Delling asked in a sarcastic voice. "I've heard about you too, Master Jinn. I can assure you, I owe my life and my throne to Padawan Rinda, and I will see the Jedi Council receives my report as well. "

Qui-Gon bowed slightly to Delling, "As I said, we are relieved you are safe. The Jedi Council will take your report, of course."

"However, they will not use it when it comes to correcting an arrogant student," Xanatos added with s slight grin.

Prince Delling looked to Qui-Gon, expecting him to reprimand his student who had arrogance radiating off him. Yet none came.

"Xanatos and I are turning in," Qui-Gon told them. To Thoran, he added, "there is room enough for you and your padawan in the quarters assigned to us."

Thoran did not trust himself to say anything and simply nodded. He was still holding Kaleb's shoulder. Once Qui-Gon and Xanatos were out of earshot, Kaleb said, "I would rather sleep in a pit of gundarks."

"I don't blame you," Delling told him. "I can honestly say I never met a Jedi such as Master Jinn. Is he always like that?"

"Yes," both Kaleb and Thoran said in unison.

Thoran went on to say, "He wasn't always like that. Skylar told me stories of how he was once firm but fair. Strict but loving. His discipline did not always come via criticism."

"She knows him well?" Delling asked.

Thoran gave a small laugh, "I suppose you can say that. He raised her."

"That cold and serious man was Skylar's master?" Delling asked in disbelief. "But she seems like a delightful young woman and a loving master."

Kaleb nodded, "she is all of those things and more. Zac and I are lucky because we, in a way, have two masters."

"Follow me, gentlemen," Delling said. "Far be it for me to have you stay with Master Jinn and his apprentice, and I am fresh out of gundark nests."

Kaleb laughed as they followed Delling into the private quarters of the royals. As they entered, servants cheered, clapped, and some stepped forward to hug Delling. He greeted them all and promised they would all catch up soon. "I am happy to return and to see you all, some who have watched me grow from a small boy. But please, let's see our guests to a room, they have had a trying day." Two maids quickly moved forward to set up a bedroom for Thoran and Kaleb to share and brought them a light dinner to eat before bed., Kaleb was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow after his shower.

Thoran could not sleep and quietly left the bedroom. He saw Delling sitting in front of a fire with a drink of Alderaanian brandy. He looked up and said, "Please, Master Thoran, join me." Holding up the bottle of brandy, he asked, "are Jedi allowed to partake?"

"Yes," Thoran smiled gratefully, taking the drink, "in moderation."

Delling nodded, "Of course. I have to be honest with you; I was surprised to hear you and Skylar are married."

"Many people are," Thoran said, taking a sip of his drink. "We are something of an abnormally in the Order. Attachments are not encouraged. Marriage is usually not allowed, especially among humans."

Delling listened intently, "are other species allowed?"

"Those with a low reproduction rate, or those who have a low species count," Thoran replied. "Sometimes, I still wonder why the Council agreed. It was truly the will of the Force."

Delling poured them another drink, "Skylar mentioned being on the Council one day. She would be an asset."

"That she would," Thoran agreed. "You will never meet a woman more dedicated to the Jedi Order. She feels the Jedi Council, as wise as they are, can be rather out of touch in their 'ivory tower' as she calls it."

Delling told Thoran, "I will be sure to let the Council know how well Zac performed under pressure and injured. That is a true testament to his master's training."

 

I genuinely hope I am not boring anyone reading this story. If you are reading, please let me know.
I've wanted to finish this story for years. It will segue into my Siri-Wan. Skylar will have an essential role in my Siri-Wan, and I am trying to give a character a good foundation.

Master Nik-Ka is my original character and a mind healer from my old Survival of the Fittest trilogy. You would think with all the Jedi see and do; the Council would make sure they had some quality therapy available.

Master My’al is another original character from an Obi-Wan one-shot story Boomerang Effect.


Chapter 19

The next morning Skylar woke up, grateful for the cot provided to her. After meditating the night before, she was able to fall asleep knowing Zac was on the mend. While she had been able to sleep for most of the night, she still had an uneasy feeling she could not seem to shake.

As she got up, she noticed Zac stirring he opened his eyes and said in a sorrowful voice, "they cut off my braid."

Her heart broke as she put her hand on his cheek, "I know. It's alright. You will grow another one. Get some more rest. I will be back soon."

He did not say anything but gave a slight nod and closed his eyes. Skylar went to find the refresher so she could wash up and try to make her hair presentable. As she left the room, she was grateful to see Thoran and Kaleb walking towards her with a fresh change of clothes and her travel pack.

"You must have read my mind," she told them, kissing her husband good morning. “No, to find a place to wash up and change.”

A medic overheard, “follow me. You can use the doctor’s lounge. There is a private refresher there.” Thirty minutes later, Skylar returned to the room.

Thoran stood up from the chair he was sitting in when she entered, "Feel better?"

"I do," she said, giving Zac a quick kiss on the top of his head. "How do you feel, Padawan?"

He shrugged, "my head still hurts, but the nausea is gone." He looked up her with an earnest look, "I'm so sorry. I didn't think my plan all the way through."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Skylar asked him.

Zac looked at his hands in his lap instead of her, "I tried to, but you did not listen."

"I'm sorry too, Zac," she told him. "You're right, and I did not listen to you. But that still does not mean you can wander off like that without me."

Zac nodded, "I know, I should have known the files were too easy to decipher. But the Force was guiding me. It was like it wanted me to get caught so I could help Prince Delling."

"What do you mean," Thoran asked.

The boy continued, "if I didn't get caught, Delling might not have escaped. I don't regret what I did." He was quiet for a moment, "If I didn't find him, Delapar would have executed him and instead..."

He trailed off, realizing in protecting Prince Delling, he had killed both Prince Delapar and Lady Rarr. His eyes filled with tears, and he said, "Oh, Force, I killed them."

"You had no choice Zac," Skylar told him, sitting on his bed next to him and taking his hand. "You need to stay calm."

Thoran went to the other side of the bed and laid a gentle hand on Zac's head, "You protected Delling from their blaster bolts, and they died because of their actions."

Zac took some deep breaths, trying to come to terms that while he had saved a life, he had also killed. The first kill was not always easy, especially for someone that young. The door opened, and Master Nik-Ka entered.

He kindly said," I will help you come to terms with this. I don't think we have ever met, Zac. I am Master Nik-Ka, and I am a Jedi mind healer."

"A mind healer?" Zac said, confused.

Nik-Ka nodded, "Yes, I help Jedi, who have had traumatic experiences and how to handle them." Turning to Skylar, "Can you come back in about one hour. We will keep the first session short."

Skylar squeezed his hand again and turned to leave with Thoran and Kaleb behind. Thoran took her hand, "Let's go find you a nice hot and strong cup of caf. You are going to need it after I tell you this."

"She is going to need a tall Jawa Juice," Kaleb quipped. Thoran gave him a stern look, and the teen did not say anything else.

Skylar sighed, "I suppose you're going to enlighten me about the anxiety I can't seem to move beyond?"

They found the refectory. Skylar went to sit at a private table towards the back. In a few minutes, Thoran and Kaleb returned. Thoran handed a cup to her.

She took a sip, "thank you, now tell me what is going on."

"Qui-Gon is compiling a mission report," he told her. "He is on a one-man mission to criticize Zac's performance."

Skylar gave a disgusted laugh, "Let me guess, he is not going to lead with how he saved Delling's life." She shook her head and said, "I don't understand him anymore. He was never like this."

"Skylar, he is what he is now," he told her as gently as he could

Skylar replied, "I know. Yet, for years, he always told me to listen for the living Force. It would guide me. Well, I believe it guided Zac. I don't like what he did, but if he feels so strongly about it, I will back him up." She took another sip of caf and added, "besides, Qui-Gon is not the only one who can write a report."

"Prince Delling is going to contact the Council too," Kaleb told her hopefully.

Skylar was thoughtful, "I appreciate that, but you know that the Jedi Council does not use political or royal reports when they make their decisions."

"So, what are we going to do," Kaleb asked her in a worried voice.

Skylar patted his hand and used her affectionate nickname for him, "You, Dear One, will not do anything except be supportive of Zac. He is my Padawan. I will handle this with Qui-Gon and the Council." She tried to sound confident, but the foreboding feeling stayed.
____

Prince Delling arrived later that morning, "I am indebted to you, Zac. Because of your help, I will be King. I will speak to your healers to see if you would join me on for my coronation as my Republic representative." It was customary on many worlds for a Jedi to be present and standing to the left of the throne while a new monarch took their solemn oath.

"I didn't do that much, Your Majesty," Zac insisted humbly.

Delling could not believe the goodness and maturity of the teenager, "You only saved my life and the democracy of this world." He gave the boy another grin, "Besides, haven't I told you we are friends, and you can call me Delling."

"Thank you, Your,” Zac caught himself, “Delling," finally giving his first real smile since he woke up.

He put his hand on Zac's shoulder, "You are very welcome, Young Zac."

Skylar came in, followed by Healer My' al and Nik-Ka. Skylar smiled, "Delling, it's good to see you," she said, extending her hand to him.

"I will hope your husband is not the jealous type," Delling said as he took her hand and kissed it. "Good Afternoon, Masters," he said to My' al and Nik-Ka. "I am hoping Zac will be well enough to attend my coronation tomorrow as my Republic representative."

Skylar was not surprised; Zac had done well here. It would be a great honor for him. The healers looked to one another, and My' al gave a small nod, "He would need to take it easy. Maybe not be part of the procession and join you on the dais when you arrive."

"That is most agreeable," the Prince told them happily. "I look forward to seeing you all there tomorrow as my guests." He said his goodbyes and left to return to the preparations for tomorrow's ceremony.

My' al moved toward Zac and used a small light as she peered into his eyes, "Good, your pupils are not as dilated." She moved to the back of his head. The head wound was closed from the bacta, and the lump was not as prevalent. "You seem to be healing well. I would like you to stay here one more night."

Zac sighed, and he laid back down on his pillow, frustrated, "great."

"Cheer up, tomorrow afternoon; you can attend the coronation and go home to the Temple," My' al told him trying to raise his spirits.

Nik-Ka spoke, "we will have another session tonight after your evening meal and one tomorrow morning before you are released." He turned to Skylar, "Once he is back at the Temple, I will see him every day for about six weeks."

"Six weeks," Zac exclaimed. "But I can still do lightsaber training, right?" He looked hopefully to his master.

My' al shook her head, "Sorry, Zac, but it will be at least six weeks before you can start training again." The healer turned to Skylar, "he can attend his normal classes, but no katas or lightsaber practice at all until I clear him."

"This is just getting better and better," he said a little harsher than he intended. He blushed and said, "I apologize, Masters. My behavior is uncalled for."

Skylar sat next to him on the edge of the bed, "I know you are frustrated, so I will let it pass, however, we do need to speak on some things." She waited for the healers to exit the room.

Zac looked apprehensive and asked, "what is wrong?"

"Master Jinn is compiling a mission report," she began and knew there was no easy to tell him, "he is going to tell the Council about your behavior."

Zac became very anxious," So, what does this mean?"

"I don't know yet," she told him truthfully. "I will show the Council how well you did and how the rightful ruler of Kuat is now on the throne. That will count for quite a bit."

Zac bit his lip and worriedly asked, "will they send me to the AgriCorps?"

"No, they will not," Skylar promised him. "I don't want you to be troubled over this. I will take care of it."

_____

Thoran came by after dinner, and he and Skylar took a walk while Zac met with Master Nik-Ka. Thoran spoke first, "how did Zac react when he learned about Qui-Gon's report?"

"As well as you could expect," she replied. "That wonderful boy asked if the Council would send him to the AgriCorps."

Thoran stopped. He knew how much Skylar hated the AgriCorps. She thought it was cruel to send children away from the only home they knew because a master did not choose them before an arbitrary date. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him no, they would not," she said vehemently. "The stars as my witness, I swear once I am on the Council, I will treat initiates and the AgriCorps much differently."
Thoran noticed this was the second time in a matter of days that Skylar mentioned being on the Council. He also knew when she set her mind on something; it usually got done. Thoran believed one day, she would fundamentally change the Jedi Order and how the galaxy viewed them. He also knew any changes she made would be for the best. For now, he simply took her in his arms and held her.

_______

Back in Zac's room, Master Nik-Ka was starting the session, "let's talk about Prince Delapar and Lady Rarr, shall we?"

Zac tensed up, he could not help it, "I did not want to kill them."

"Of course not," the older man said. "We all know that."

Zac's fingers went up to the place his braid should be. He always twirled his braid when he was nervous or in deep thought. His hand dropped back to his lap when he remembered it was gone. Cut off by Delapar and Rarr when they knocked him out. "I did not want revenge," he said earnestly. "I just wanted to protect Prince Delling."

"And you succeeded, young one," Nik-Ka assured him.

Zac looked at his hands and said in a defeated voice, “Not that it will do any good. Master Qui-Gon is rebuking me in his mission report."

"Oh, tell me about that," Nik-Ka gently requested.

Zac thought a moment on where to start and told Nik-Ka everything from the trip here to investigating the palace with Xanatos and finding the datapad. Master Nik-Ka held up his hand to interrupt, “Xanatos knew you took the datapad?”

“No,” Zac said, “I didn’t take it. I downloaded it onto mine.” Nik-Ka made a mental note of this information and motioned for him to continue.

Zac was telling him about the dinner and said, “I did not mean to be disrespectful, but so many people on Kuat were suffering, and I felt like I had to speak out.”

“Yes, Zac,” Nik-Ka agreed, “It is difficult to see any living creature oppressed and mistreated. That is where diplomacy comes in.”

Zac listened intently to his words, “I struggle with my diplomacy class at the Temple.” he admitted.

“Yes, many young students do,” Nik-Ka said. “But with study and observing your own Master on missions, it will come to you. What happened after dinner?”

Zac frowned, “I deciphered the codes. I should have known they were too easy. Xanatos returned, and I told him everything.”

“Did you try to contact your Master?” Nik-Ka asked him.

Zac started to get angry, “I was going to, but Xanatos used the Force to take away my comlink. When he went to the shower, I decided to go off on my own. They tricked me into believing he was in the ancient dungeon on the sublevels.”

“So, you understand leaving alone was wrong,” The mind healer pushed.

Zac thought before he answered, “I understand the danger, yes. But I would do it again if I had to.”

“Explain please,” Nik-Ka asked, intrigued.

“I felt as though the Living Force was guiding me as if it wanted me to get caught,” Zac stopped abruptly. “I’m sure that sounds stupid.”

Nik-Ka shook his head, “No, not at all. If you truly felt the Force, you felt the Force.”

“I had visions that I was the only one able to save Prince Delling, and I don’t care if I did get a bump on the head,” the boy said fervently. “If I had to do it over, I would still listen to the Force and do it again.”

 

This story is not boring. Perhaps there do not seem to be many people commenting on it, but for every person who comments there are probably many lurkers who are reading without commenting.

 

Cowgirl_Jedi_1701 thank you for reading and reviewing. You are probably right. I hope you like the next chapter.



Chapter 20

The next morning Zac had another session with Master Nik-Ka and was feeling much stronger when it was time to leave for the coronation. He was dressed in his best tunic with his lightsaber hanging from his belt. Delling had sent his transport to bring them to the palace. Zac would not be part of the procession. He would be seated in the front row and would join Delling on the dais.

Zac sat in the front row, humble and respectful. He heard the whispers behind him and realized they were talking about him. How he was the Jedi child who had helped Delling escape and freed the political prisoners, many who were in attendance that day. He hoped he was not blushing. He glanced to his right and saw Skylar, Thoran, and Kaleb sitting in the audience. They all looked at him with pride. A moment later, Qui-Gon and Xanatos arrived. Qui-Gon gave him a small nod while Xanatos looked at him with contempt.

Zac turned away as the music began to play. The audience stood, and Zac stayed in his place until Delling arrived at the front and stopped. He smiled at Zac and used his head to gesture for Zac to take his place behind him. Zac held his head high and moved with ease behind the soon to be king. As he took his place with Delling on the Dais, those in attendance began to cheer.

Delling stood in front of the throne as the Kuati priest removed the Coronation Crown from a velvet box. The priest motioned for Delling to sit down. Zac watched as he stared straight ahead. The priest held the crown high over his head and said, “Do you so solemnly swear to uphold the sacred laws of this realm?”

Delling replied, “I do.”

“Do you solemnly swear to rule your citizens with honor, equality, and integrity?” the priest continued.

“I do.”

The priest lowered the crown on Delling’s head, “By the power vested in me by the Government of Kuat and the Republic, I present to you, King Delling, The Righteous.”

Delling stood and faced his citizens. He glanced over at Zac and smiled at him as he moved toward the podium for his speech.

He smiled at the audience, “I would like to welcome you all and thank you for coming. It has been a long road to arrive at this day. Unfortunately, the road was not an easy one and filled with treachery. Had it not been for the Jedi, I may not be here today.” He stopped and gestured to the Jedi in the Audience, “I would like my Jedi friends to stand and offer my thanks.” The five Jedi in the crowd stood and bowed their heads in respect. Once they sat in their seats again, Delling continued, “While I thank the Jedi Order and the Republic, I would like to give recognition to Padawan Zac Rinda.”

Zac’s mouth dropped open before he brought his features back to neutral. Skylar could not help being proud of how he was carrying himself. King Delling motioned to the priest who had just performed the ceremony. The priest had another velvet box in his hands. Delling held out his hand and motioned for Zac to join him at his side, “May I present to you, Padawan Zac Rinda.”

Zac bowed to the king. Delling opened the velvet box and lifted a medal with the royal crest engraved by an artisan. King Delling said, “Padawan Rinda, you have my gratitude and the gratitude of my people.” He placed the medal around the teenager’s neck. “You will always be welcome on Kuat. If you ever require assistance, you only need to ask.”

King Delling placed his hand on Zac’s shoulder as the boy stood tall next to him on the dais. The entire assemblage rose to their feet for Zac and gave him a standing ovation. As Zac faced the crowd, he noticed in the front row the young councilwoman he had freed and guided to safety was there. He stared for a moment, realizing how beautiful she was. She met his eyes and gave him a radiant smile. He blushed a bit as he grinned back.

After the coronation was over, there was a reception. King Delling introduced Zac to Valeray Horn, the councilwoman he had rescued, “Zac, may I introduce to you to the youngest councilwoman in the galaxy, “Valeray Horn. She was only seventeen years old when she won her election last year.”

She put out her hand, and Zac shook it. Delling moved forward to the next group and left Valeray and Zac along. She smiled at the young Jedi again, “I do want you to know how I will always be grateful to you. Your fearlessness very well may have saved this Democracy and our way of life.”


Zac shyly told her, “It is what we do.”

“And you are humble too,” Valeray said. “Handsome and modest.”

Skylar arrived just in time to hear Valeray’s compliment, “he is both.” She gave him a quick hug and introduced herself, “I’m Skylar Malin, Zac’s Jedi Master.”

“It is an honor to meet you,” Valeray said, shaking the other woman’s hand. “You can be proud of his accomplishments here.”

At that time, the other Jedi came to join Skylar. Xanatos looked at Valeray with interest. Xanatos was only a year younger than her and tried to charm her. “Senior Padawan De’Crion, Milady,” he smoothly said with a slight bow. “I am at your service.”

Kaleb rolled his eyes. While they were older than Zac, they were not yet Senior Padawans.

Valeray was not impressed; she raised an eyebrow and said, “thank you.” She turned to Zac and kissed him on his cheek, “Please make sure to keep in touch.” He smiled as she walked away, He turned back towards his master, hoping his face was not red.


“It is almost time to go, Zac,” Skylar said to him. “Why don’t you go and say your good-byes. I would like to speak to Master Jinn before he leaves.” Zac nodded and felt anxiety raise in him, knowing when he returned to Coruscant, he would likely face punishment from the Council. At least he would be traveling home with Thoran and Kaleb instead.

Once Skylar walked away, Xanatos turned to Zac and said, “Have a nice life in the AgriCorps.” He sauntered off to find Qui-Gon.

“Don’t mind him,” Kaleb said. “He is just jealous.”

Zac shrugged and went to say goodbye to King Delling and Major Dayrider.

_________________



“Master Qui-Gon,” Skylar said, “a word before you go, please.”

Qui-Gon stopped and faced her, his arms tucked into the sleeves of his cloak, “Yes, Skylar.”

“I was hoping we could speak about your report regarding Zac,” she said.

Qui-Gon said, “your padawan was contemptuous and brash.”

“Yet because of his actions, the rightful king is now on the throne,” she replied sharply.

Qui-Gon told her, “The success your padawan had should not excuse his recklessness. I will see you back on Coruscant.”

___________

Three days after they returned to Coruscant, Skylar was summoned to the Council room. She stood in front of Yoda as he spoke, "Padawan Rinda, reckless was he. Put himself in danger he did."

Skylar glanced at Qui-Gon, who had come without Xanatos. She then spoke respectfully," Masters; Zac did as he felt was right. I also have reason to believe that Padawan De'Crion knows more than what he has shared.”

Qui-Gon's eyes turned fiery as he defended his padawan, "This again, Skylar? Please, stop it. I've told you more than once that resentment is not a Jedi trait."

"And I have told you, my former Master, that I am neither resentful nor jealous of your padawan," Skylar's voice was calm and steady as she released her anger into the Force.

"Masters," Qui-Gon said, turning away from Skylar, "Padawan Rinda is young and headstrong. While I agree he was detrimental to our mission, a little punishment is all that is needed."

"Wait a moment," Skylar demanded, her calmness slipping away. "My padawan did what he thought was right; surely you can't punish him for this. Because of him, the rightful ruler of Kuat is on the throne. He does not deserve retribution."

"Calm yourself, you will," Yoda told her. "Infractions Padawan Rinda made."

Skylar once again schooled her features, "Masters, we all know that the Force speaks to each of us in different ways. It is not always black and white; there are many shades of gray."

Jocasta Nu spoke in a kind voice, "My dear Skylar, we are not sending Zac away to prison or even the service corps. You feel rather strongly about this. Why, may I ask?"

Skylar swallowed hard, "I feel that Master Jinn's report may be biased."

She did not look at Qui-Gon since she thought she had just shown disloyalty towards him. Feeling Qui-Gon over their bond, she knew he felt the same way.

Yoda looked from knight to master; his heart was heavy. "Punishment will not be. Learning experience it is."

"Of course," Jocasta said. "I propose that Zac spend some time with me in the archives. Some studies on other cultures may help him with his negotiation and diplomacy skills."

It was quickly agreed, and Skylar and Qui-Gon left the Council hall. Qui-Gon turned to Skylar, "how dare you tell the Council my report was biased."

"I only told the truth, Master," Skylar said sadly. "You raised me always to be honest, even if the truth hurt?"

"Skylar, I don't understand you," Qui-Gon harshly said. "You are jealous of Xani; do not bother to deny it."

"You don't understand me?" Skylar said, incredulously. "Master, Xani has changed you. You are not the man who loved and raised me."

"I don't know what you are talking about," Qui-Gon told her angrily.

Well, let me enlighten you, my dear old Master,” Skylar said just as harshly. "Where is Tahl?"

Qui-Gon had the decency to look away, "Tahl and I agreed that I needed to focus on Xanatos and his training."

Skylar gave a half-laugh, "Oh really, Funny how she was always around during my training. As part of our family. I would have thought you would be married by now, perhaps with a little Jinn running through the Temple halls."

"Things change, Skylar," Qui-Gon told her sharply. "I decided to concentrate fully on Xanatos."

"And to Sith Hells with everything and everyone else?" Skylar asked him.

"Skylar, our time is passed," Qui-Gon told her gently but firmly. "You have a padawan and a husband. My loyalty needs to remain with Xanatos. Since you still cannot accept that, we need to part and not see one another again."

Skylar felt as if her heart broke in two. This was not the man she knew and loved. "You have changed; my father would never say that to me."

Qui-Gon felt a sadness sweep over him and quickly banished it, "that's just it, Skylar. I was never your father. I was the man responsible for raising you to be a Jedi Knight. I have fulfilled my duty. May the Force be with you." He turned and walked away from her,

"Master!" Skylar called out. Qui-Gon did not turn around, but he did stop. "Please know when you need me; I will be there for you. I am and will always be your loving daughter."

She saw Qui-Gon's head dip a little, but he still did not turn around or speak. As he walked down the hall, she was mortified to feel their bond slowly closing off with every step he took. By the time he reached the end of the hallway, it was closed entirely. She saw him turn at the end of the hall, his cloak billowing behind him. Tears came to her eyes as she began to accept the cold void left in her mind where once love, and warmth lived.

Skylar closed herself off to every living being in the Temple, except for one. Making her way to the gardens, she climbed the Wroshyr tree given to the Jedi as a gift from the Wookies. This tree had its growth stunted so it would not grow as tall as the ones on Kashyyyk. Still, it was tall and private. She climbed it and waited for the one person she allowed to feel her grief.

Thoran knew where to find her. He climbed the tree and found Skylar on the branch she would always sit on when she was troubled or needed to think. He felt a flash of anger for Qui-Gon for hurting her like this but said nothing, as he held her in his arms and allowed her to cry.

 

Qui-Gon's tunnel vision when it comes to Xanatos is working my last nerve! Skylar and Thoran and Zac make a wonderful supportive team and nurture one another through all the heartaches and struggles.

 

Excellent. And Qui-Gon is clearly being, as Tahl would most certainly say, "a stubborn bantha's ass who wouldn't know a krayt dragon if it sat on him."

 

Cowgirl Jedi 1701, Thank you for the review! Hey, do you mind if I use this line in my next chapter? I love it!

 

WarmNyota, thank you for the review. Yes, Qui-Gon's tunnel vision is something else. I'm glad you like my OC's. Skylar is going to turn the Council upside down one day and show them how it needs to be done.

 

Yes, use it. Share the love!

 

Cowgirl_Jedi_1701 thank you for the fun line you gave me. I hope I did it justice.

Just a short chapter before Qui-Gon's crash and burn.

Chapter 21

That evening Skylar did the best to hide her emotions from Zac and Kaleb. They, however, both saw her red eyes and knew she had been crying. As she excused herself to the refresher to take a shower, Zac blamed himself. "It's all my fault," he said sadly, sitting on the couch.

Thoran and Kaleb each sat on either side of him, and Thoran tried to assure him, "it isn't your fault, Young One."

"Had I not wandered off, maybe Qui-Gon would not have said those things to my Master," he argued softly. "He hurt her because of me."

Kaleb was not having any of this, "it is not your fault," he said to the younger boy. "Don't you dare give Qui-Gon the satisfaction of you blaming yourself."

"Kaleb's right," Thoran said. "Now get ready, we are going to CoCo town. Maybe some bantha burgers and deep-fried tubers at Dex's will cheer you up."

Zac stood up, "what about Master Skylar?"

At that moment, the door chimed, and Thoran went to answer it, "Skylar will have company, and they should be left alone so they can speak in private." He opened the door and welcomed Tahl into the apartment. She was holding a small pot. Thoran took it from her.

"Thank you for calling me Thoran," Tahl said. "How is she?"

Thoran waited for the boys to go to their bedroom to get their cloaks. "She is understandably hurt, but she is also worried about Qui-Gon."

"We will talk," Tahl told him. "I know she does not like to eat when she is upset, but I made her favorite soup from her childhood."

Thoran kissed her on her cheek, "We are lucky to have you, Tahl." He placed the pot on the table.

The boys came out of their room, and Thoran said, "Good, let's go, boys." They said good-bye to Tahl and left the apartment.

A few minutes, Skylar came out of the refresher, already in her pajamas and robe. She figured she would go directly to bed. The younger woman gave a small smile when she saw Tahl in the small dining area of the apartment and smelled her favorite soup. Tahl was pouring them both a cup of tea. "There you are," Tahl said kindly. "Come and sit."

Skylar felt like she was twelve again as she went and sat at the table. Tahl remembered Skylar could not eat when she was troubled, so she had made her favorite soup. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered her years with Qui-Gon and his quiet counsel over a bowl of soup and a cup of tea.

Tahl placed her hand on Skylar's shoulder, "It will all be alright, Skylar." She sat down at the spot across from the younger woman. They sat quietly for a few minutes and ate.

"Thank you, Tahl," Skylar said, finally feeling a little better. "This is delicious as always. I can't count how many times you or Qui-Gon made me this soup growing up."

Tahl nodded, "I can't either. We both knew when you were troubled; this was the only thing you would eat."

Skylar felt tears come to her eyes again, "I will never understand why he did what he did. Or why I was so disposable to him."

"You were never disposable to him," Tahl promised her. "It's just that Qui-Gon is behaving like a stubborn bantha's ass who wouldn't know a krayt dragon if it sat on him."

This comment made Skylar giggle, "Tahl!" She exclaimed.

"What?" The Norrian woman replied with a broad smile. "As if your padawan, husband, and husband's padawan did not think the same thing. I only said it aloud."

Skylar laughed and said, "your point is well taken." She was quiet for a moment and added, "I still do not trust Xanatos. He is going to wound Qui-Gon's soul one day."

“I wish I could say I feel differently,” Tahl told her. “However, my senses tell me you are right. As much as I care for that man, I cannot make him see what is right in front of him."

Skylar could not help replying, “maybe it’s because the krayt dragon is sitting on him.”

“There’s the girl I know,” Tahl said, laughing. “I’m glad our visit made you feel better.”

Skylar smiled back at her before she mused again, “what happens when Qui-Gon can no longer ignore Xanatos and his actions.”

“We will love and support him,” Tahl replied, patting her hand. “As hard as it is to wait, we must.”

Skylar understood. She could not make Qui-Gon see the truth about Xanatos. She could, however, promise herself she would be there to pick up the pieces for Qui-Gon when the time came.

One Year Later

Thoran, Kaleb, and Zac took great care not to speak of Qui-Gon to Skylar, and she never mentioned his name. They all knew how much he hurt her, and all three men were resentful over his cruelty. Thoran offered her quiet comfort and a strong presence. She loved him even more because of it. She immersed herself fully into Zac's training and grew even more proud of him every day. Zac was exceptionally talented and certainly not the reckless padawan Qui-Gon had portrayed to the Council.

Zac was disheartened from Qui-Gon's harsh review of him in his official account. Kaleb took it upon himself to bring out the younger boy's good spirits again. Zac enjoyed his time in the archives with Jocasta Nu, and he learned a great deal about many of the cultures in the galaxy. His diplomacy and negotiation skills had greatly improved, as he proved during the back to back missions he completed with his Skylar, Thoran, and Kaleb.
Finally, almost a year later, they returned to the Temple on Coruscant for some much-needed rest and meditation. Their first night back, they went to the busy dining room for dinner. Zac and Kaleb sat catching up with friends they had not seen for the past year and left Thoran and Skylar to do the same.

Alina Anwar took a seat next to her. Alina was Skylar's best friend since her days as a ten-year-old padawan. She leaned over and spoke as if conspiring, "My padawan and I had a mission with your old master and his padawan."

Skylar's heart jumped, and she glanced at Thoran, "really?"

Alina saw her friend's eyes, "I'm sorry; I did not wish to upset you."

Skylar gave a small smile, "It's alright. I guess I will hear news regarding him from time to time. Part of me still misses him."

"He asked about you," Alina told her.

That surprised Skylar, "what did you tell him?"

Alina took a sip of her caf, "What I felt like saying was; why don't you ask her yourself. Alas, the ever-polite Jedi in me told him you were well and had just finished a successful string of missions."

"I hope one day we can reconcile," Skylar told them sadly. "But as long as Xanatos is in the picture, that will not happen."

Alina gave her hand a comforting squeeze and continued, "It was my first time working with his padawan. Does that kid think he is the master of the galaxy or what?"

"Yes, he does," Thoran said. "You didn't let your padawan work with him alone, did you?"

"Force no," Alina said, shuddering. "She is only fourteen and was looking at him as if he was the male model for Jedi tunics. He was basking in it, of course. I wouldn't trust him not to take advantage of the situation with an impressionable girl."

"Smart move," another friend Dain Albry said, "I hear Qui-Gon is asking the Council to consider him for his trials already."

Thoran looked at his friend, "you can't be serious. Xanatos is only eighteen."

"You mean, Xani," Dain said with a smirk. "Yes, I know, rather young to be taking his trials if you ask me, considering you, Alina, and I were almost twenty-five."

"And I was twenty-two," Skylar added.

"Only because you were chosen at ten," Dain told her. "Fact is we all had at least twelve years of training. Xani has only had five." They all smiled at the way Dain said, Xani.

"I can't imagine sending Kaleb for his trials now," Thoran said as he shook his head in disbelief. "He will be a great Knight one day, but he is just not ready."

"Xanatos could be good," Dain said, putting his fork down. "That is if he finds a way to rid himself of his arrogance. I have worked with them several times. I guess because I do not have an apprentice to be protective of." It was an unspoken fact that masters with younger padawans did not wish to work with Qui-Gon and Xanatos.

Skylar looked at Dain and asked him, "When you work with them, does Xanatos have Qui-Gon's back?" Even after a year, she still worried about her old master. She could not help but love him.

"To be honest, Sky." Dain replied, "I don't think that kid has anyone's back but his own. But we will find out sooner rather than later where Xanatos's loyalties are."

Thoran and Skylar exchanged glances, and Thoran asked, "What do you mean?"

"I am leaving with them next week. The Council is sending us to Telos IV," Dain answered. "Apparently, Xanatos's father, Crion, is the planet's governor and is in the midst of a crisis and civil war."

Skylar was shocked, "the council are sending him to his home planet?"

Dain nodded, "I have a bad feeling about the whole mess. Intel shows Crion is behind the crisis."

"Who else is going?" Skylar asked.

Dain sipped his caf, "other than me, Tahl.

Hearing Tahl would be with them made Skylar feel a little better. She trusted Tahl to look out for Qui-Gon even when he would not look out for himself. She grabbed Dain's hand, "please promise me you will look out for Qui-Gon and contact me if anything happens."

"You are one of my best friends, Sky," Dain told her. "Of course, I will."

After dinner, Thoran and Skylar gathered their padawans and went home. After the boys went to their room, Thoran asked," Do you want to talk about it?"

"Talk about what," Skylar asked a little more emotional than she liked. "That my worst fear for my old master may come true."

Thoran tried to ease her concerns, "you don't know that for sure, Sky." He opened his arms to her

"I have a bad feeling about this," Skylar said as she went to him and allowed him to hold her.

A week after Qui-Gon, Xanatos, Dain, and Tahl arrived on Telos IV, Skylar heard from Dain. She answered her comlink, and the hologram of her friend came into view. "Skylar, it's not good."

"What's happening there?" Skylar asked, dreading the answer.

Dain shook his head, "Xanatos got a glimpse of his father's wealth and power and is not remaining neutral at all."

"What is Qui-Gon doing about it?" Skylar already knew the answers.

Dain gave a sarcastic laugh, "You know, Qui-Gon. He is making excuses for him and coddling him."

Skylar thought for a moment, "Is there a chance Qui-Gon can keep control of the situation?"

"Doubtful," Dain said. "Jedi Shadow intel shows that Xanatos may have sabotaged the first meeting to rally the Telosians, but the evidence is not strong enough, so Qui-Gon has dismissed it."

Skylar sighed in frustration, "That man and his stubbornness will be the death of me."

"I will watch out for him as best as I can," Dain told her, "but be prepared, this may not end well."

 

How utterly frustrating. Not enough evidence exists to prove the obvious.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha frustrating indeed. Thank you so much for reading.

Chapter 22


Another week passed, and Skylar had not heard from Dain again. While she was still concerned, she knew and understood Dain could not stop in the middle of a mission to contact her. From the chatter she was picking up, the situation on Telos IV was still dire.

During this time, the Council sent Skylar and Zac on a short mission to Alderaan. The task was simple enough. They were assigned to deliver a new tax and trade treaty. It only took a day to go over the treaty and gather the necessary signatures. Within three days, they were on their way back to Coruscant and would arrive by nightfall.

Finally, the call she had been dreading came through. She was surprised to see both Dain and Thoran in the hologram. "Dain, are you already back on Coruscant?"

"Yes," he said grimly. "Skylar, there is no easy way to tell you any of this."

Skylar's chest tightened, "is Qui-Gon safe?"

Both Thoran and Dain exchanged glances, "physically yes." Dain told her.

"What has happened," she asked.

Dain took a deep breath, "Civil War broke out, and Crion appointed Xanatos as the head of the Telosian Army."

"But the Jedi were there for diplomatic purposes," Skylar interrupted. "The Jedi were not there to fight a war."

Thoran gently told her, "that did not matter to Xanatos."

"Go on," Skylar told Dain suddenly she felt sick to her stomach.

Dain continued, "Qui-Gon decided to go after Crion himself. He was desperate to save Xanatos from the insanity his father had caused."

"Except Xanatos did not want to be saved," Skylar deduced. "So Xanatos stayed on Telos IV with his father?"

Dain glanced at Thoran again and turned back to Skylar, "Crion is dead, Skylar."

"Dead? How?" She asked, truly confused.

"Tahl and I went to help Qui-Gon, but by the time we got there, Crion had challenged Qui-Gon," Dain told her. He paused a moment and continued. "It all happened so fast. Qui-Gon destroyed the sword Crion was wielding, and Crion was pushed into one of the many large decorative fires around the palace. He died instantly."

Skylar could not speak at first. Her mind was spinning from the news her Master had killed Crion. "What else do you have to tell me?"

"Qui-Gon tried to apologize and bring Xanatos back to the light," Dain sadly told her. "But, Xanatos was not having any of it. He cursed Qui-Gon and the Jedi 0rder." The Jedi stopped to take another deep breath, "As Xanatos was cursing Qui-Gon, he picked up his father's burning hand and removed the ring. He then pressed the scorching hot ring into his cheek."

Skylar thought for a moment, "he branded his father's death on his body."

Dain nodded, "and since Qui-Gon's lightsaber had cut the ring, it left a broken circle on Xanatos's cheek."

"And the Council?" Skylar questioned.

Dain replied, "the Council had cleared Qui-Gon of any wrongdoing. Crion's death was in self-defense."

"How is Qui-Gon now?" Skylar asked, dreading the answer.

Thoran was the one to answer this question, "No one knows. After meeting with the Council, he went to his apartment, and no one has seen for the past three days."

"This happened days ago, and you are just telling me now?" Skylar said sharply.

Dain told her, "Skylar, so much was happening. I went directly to your apartment when I returned, but you were already dispatched to Alderaan. I could not disrupt your mission with this. Plus, we had to meet with the Council and give our mission reports."

"I'm sorry," she said sincerely. "I know you're right. I will go see Qui-Gon as soon as I arrive back on Coruscant," Skylar said. "I should land in a few hours."

"I don't think that is a good idea," Thoran told her.

Skylar looked at the hologram of her husband, "this is not up to you, my love."

"I just don't want to see you hurt again," he responded. "I want to protect you."

Skylar understood, but stood her ground, "I know, but I don't need you to protect me."

Thoran knew she was right. He was to support and love her. He promised he would never possess or control her. He sighed, "promise me, you will call me if you need me."

"You know that I always do and always will," she said, smiling at his hologram image. "I love you."

He smiled back, "I love you more."

They ended the transmission. Zac came up behind her, "Xanatos turned to the dark side?" He asked her.

"It appears so," she told him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Now, let's meditate. My Master needs me."
______________
A few hours later, they landed on Coruscant. Skylar immediately went to Qui-Gon's apartment and punched in her old code. She smiled when the door opened. It made her feel better Qui-Gon had never changed her code. She stepped inside the apartment and gasped.

Sprawled on the couch was a disheveled Qui-Gon who had passed out. The floor and the table in front of the couch were covered in empty bottles. For the past three days, Qui-Gon seemed to have lived on Corellian Rum, Jawa Juice, and even Port in a Storm. There appeared to be dried vomit on Qui-Gon's filthy tunic.

Zac followed, and his nose wrinkled at the sour smell in the living area of the apartment. She turned to her padawan and said, "Zac, go home. Do not speak of what you saw here except to Thoran and Kaleb. Tell Thoran I will be there when I can." He nodded and left.

Skylar began to pick up the bottles and cleaning up the apartment. She expected to find Qui-Gon distraught but not in a drunken stupor wallowing in his own filth. It was somewhat difficult to see her stoic Master in this condition. A couple of hours had passed when Qui-Gon began to wake. Skylar had just finished cleaning the refresher and walked back to the living area when she heard her former Master moving around. He looked up at her, confused with bloodshot eyes.

"Skylar," he rasped. "What are you doing here?" He sat up and was immediately embarrassed by his appearance.

She replied in a loving voice, "you needed me."

Qui-Gon sat up and could not meet her eyes, "I don't deserve your kindness."

"Of course, you do, Master," Skylar said softly. "You have a fresh change of clothes on your bed. Now go shower and dress."

Qui-Gon did as he was told as if he was a thirteen-year-old padawan. Skylar went into the kitchen and did not find much in the way of food. She wondered when the last time Qui-Gon ate was. Contacting the Temple kitchen, she requested a light meal be brought to the apartment.

The meal had just arrived when Qui-Gon exited the refresher feeling a little better. His damp hair was now clean and combed. It hung loosely around his shoulders. He felt ashamed of how he had treated Skylar. Looking around, he saw that she had cleaned up after him and even ordered him something to eat.

She was plating his meal for him and smiled, "Come sit, Master." She had the decorum not to comment on the condition she had found him in as she poured him a cup of his favorite tea. She gave him a kiss on his forehead and went to sit in her old spot at the table.

Qui-Gon realized he was hungry. When Skylar sent him to the refresher, his body rid itself of the final remnants of his binge. He took a sip of tea first and then a spoonful of soup. Not knowing how his body would react, Qui-Gon ate slowly. Once he knew his body was accepting the nourishment, he continued to eat.

They sat quietly while Qui-Gon slowly ate. Finally, he spoke, "I owe you an apology, Skylar. In fact, I owe many an apology. But you especially."

Tears came to Skylar's eyes. Her old Master was sincere in his words, and she was quick to place her hand on his, "I forgive you, Master."

"I don't deserve your forgiveness either," Qui-Gon choked. "You saw what Xanatos was and tried to warn me. As did Tahl. I refused to listen."

Skylar stood up and went to Qui-Gon. He turned to her and allowed himself to be embraced by her. He remembered her words to him the last time he saw her.

Master, please know when you need me; I will be there for you. I am and will always be your loving daughter.

He also remembered what he did after. He walked away from the woman he considered to be his daughter and closed off their bond. Even after this, she never stopped caring or loving him. It overwhelmed him with emotion as he clung to her. After a few minutes, they separated, and Qui-Gon stood and placed his hand on Skylar's shoulder.

"Thank you for coming and setting me straight," Qui-Gon told her. "You can go home now; I'm sure your family would like to see you."

Skylar took his hand, "I can stay, Master. I don't want you to be alone." She glanced at the door to her old room, knowing Xanatos still had his belongings in there.

"We will clean out the room later," Qui-Gon told her, knowing she would not allow him to face that task alone.

Skylar nodded, "Yes, Master. But I can still stay."

"I know," he told her. "But I am doing much better now. While it will be difficult, I will need to move on. Your compassion and forgiveness have shown me that I can."

She hugged him again, "Will you come tomorrow morning for breakfast at my apartment."

"I think I will," Qui-Gon answered. "Your family will be the first of a long list of apologies for me."

As Skylar walked out toward the door, she felt a warm surge of the Force. Tears of joy came to her eyes as Qui-Gon's familiar presence took its place in her mind. Their bond was no longer dormant and flowed with love and respect. She turned around, "thank you, Master."

"No, my dear padawan," Qui-Gon said, his own tears shining in his eyes, "thank you."
_______
Skylar returned home and found Thoran seated on the couch, his head tilted back where he had dozed off waiting for her. He woke as he heard the door slide shut, "How are you?" He asked, concerned.

"I'm fine," Skylar told him, sitting next to him on the couch and leaning her head on his chest. "Qui-Gon is too. He restored our bond."

Thoran wrapped his arms around her, "Zac told me about how you found him. I have to say I was a little shocked."

"As was I," she told him, snuggling with him. "He seems to be sorted out now and wants to move on. He is coming to breakfast tomorrow."

Thoran glanced down at her, "well, that may be a little awkward."

"It doesn't have to be," she said, looking up at him. "We need to be there for him. He is part of our family. Besides, he would like to apologize."

This surprised her husband, "the almighty Master Jinn is going to apologize?" His disbelief held a hint of sarcasm.

"Yes, he is," she told Thoran playfully, hitting his chest. "And you will accept his apology like the gentleman you are."

He laughed with her, "I thought we were not going to tell each other what to do."

She did not need to tell him or ask him. He would accept Qui-Gon's apology. He was just not sure if he would ever be able to have a close relationship with the older man. He would, however, be civil for his wife's sake. He only nodded, and their lips met in a kiss.
______________
The next morning, Skylar woke early to prepare breakfast and set the table for five. Thoran went to help her and started a pot of caf. They were setting out fresh fruit, nerf-milk, and freshly baked breakfast tarts when Kaleb and Zac came to the dining area. They saw an extra plate, and Zac looked at the adults, "is Qui-Gon coming for breakfast?"

"He is," Skylar told him. "He is already embarrassed by his behavior and wishes to make amends."

Kaleb sighed; "do we need to stay?

"Yes," Thoran told him in a no-nonsense tone, "and you will both be respectful and polite."

The boys both nodded and took their seats. The chime to their apartment rang, and Thoran went to answer it. He gave Qui-Gon a slight bow as he welcomed him inside.

"Master Jinn, it is good to see you."

Qui-Gon bowed back and offered his hand to the younger man, "thank you for your hospitality, Thoran. It is good to see you as well and too long." They stayed in the foyer, and Qui-Gon considered the man in front of him. Qui-Gon mused Thoran would be his 'padawan-in-law', and continued to speak, "I owe you an apology Thoran. I am also grateful to you for taking care of Skylar as you have."

"I accept your apology, Qui-Gon," Thoran replied. "But don't let Skylar hear you saying anything about needing to be taken care of." He grinned at the older man.

Qui-Gon smiled back, "thank you, and you are probably right." He followed Thoran over to the dining area and saw both Kaleb and Zac watching him, each with suspicious eyes. He supposed they were both his grand-padawans.

Zac spoke first, "Master Jinn, welcome to our home."

"Thank you, Padawan Rinda," Qui-Gon told him. "I suppose I owe you an apology." He turned to Kaleb, "and you as well, Padawan Faln."

Kaleb and Zac stood. Both had decided they would forgive Qui-Gon and would not hold any bad feelings. They also decided they would not trust him.

Kaleb said, "Thank you, Master Jinn, please sit." Both Skylar and Thoran nodded to their padawans approvingly.

The five made conversation regarding current politics, and Qui-Gon decided to break the ice with the boys. "I've seen both of you sparring. You both do very well with Soresu."

"I started with Shii-Cho," Zac told Qui-Gon. "Once I started training with Kaleb, I switched."

Kaleb smiled at the younger boy and looked to Qui-Gon and said, "thank you. Master Drallig wants to start me on Ataru." He glanced at his chrono, "speaking of which, we need to get going, or we will be late for our first class today, which is lightsaber instruction."

The boys stood and bowed to the masters, still seated at the table. They grabbed their backpacks and left. Qui-Gon stood up to leave as well. Turning to face Skylar and Thoran, he told them, "Thank you for breakfast. I must go see the Council now and ask to be placed back on active duty. I expect a lecture."

"You would not be my old Master if you were not getting a lecture," Skylar told him with a grin.

He gave a soft laugh and nodded, "After, I will need to clean out the padawan bedroom of my apartment."

"And I will be there to help," she promised him.
___________
Later that afternoon, Skylar arrived at Qui-Gon's apartment before him. She let herself in and walked into the bedroom that once belonged to her. Deciding to make this easier on Qui-Gon, Skylar opened the closet to empty it. She was surprised to find it almost empty.

"It's almost as if he knew he wasn't going to come back," Qui-Gon said from the doorway.

Skylar removed what was left and placed it in a box, "It seems like he took almost everything he owned." She moved to the desk, only to find datapads and discs for the various classes Xanatos took in the Temple. It did not take long to empty the bedroom. They moved the boxes to the living room.

Qui-Gon made them tea. He handed her a cup and said, "I've requested a smaller apartment. The Council will take it into consideration."

"But why, Qui-Gon?" Skylar asked. "Eventually, you will take a new padawan."

Qui-Gon shook his head, "No, I will not. I failed Xanatos, and even though you were already a Knight, I failed you."

"You did not fail me," Skylar told him, "and Xanatos made his own choices, you did not make them for him."

Qui-Gon took a sip of tea, "and while he was making those decisions, I was blind."

"You still have so much to offer a youngling," Skylar told him. "Because of your training, I have been selected for special leadership training. I plan to sit on the Council one day."

Qui-Gon smiled at that, "I'm sure you will sit on the Council one day."

"You simply must train another, "Skylar tried to convince him. "My senses tell me that in this Temple right now, there is an initiate who can only be trained by you."

Qui-Gon was resolute, "I will not train another, Skylar."

Skylar did not say anything else; however, she was sure she felt the Force weeping.

 

This entire chapter. Skylar and Thoran with one another are so loving and supportive. Skylar with Qui-Gon is just so fantastic.

Kaleb and Zac's reactions are understandable I think, holding back trust for a while.

I can absolutely understand why Qui-Gon does not feel able or willing to train anyone; it'll be a long process more than likely before the time is right.

 

First, you used "stubborn bantha's ass" perfectly.

Second, we all know that Skylar is 100% right about Qui-Gon training another apprentice, because Obi-Wan.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Thank you for the kind review. I'm glad you like my version of a Jedi married couple. As far as Skylar and Qui-Gon go, I'm trying to write them with a father/daughter dynamic. Kaleb and Zac are protective of their masters, and as they grow older, they will even become more protective.
Qui-Gon is actually out of time to ponder about training another. The Force is going to make his decision for him.

Cowgirl Jedi 1701 Thank you again for the quote. I'm glad you liked how I used it. And speaking of Obi-Wan...

May I please present to everyone, Initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 23

There was never a more stubborn Jedi then Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Much to Skylar's chagrin, Qui-Gon spent much of his time away from the Temple. In almost three years he had rarely returned to the Temple, preferring a life of back to back missions.

Skylar and Thoran continued training 'their boys' as they affectionately called Kaleb and Zac. Thoran felt Kaleb would be able to take his trials sooner than later. At twenty, he already had a solid reputation for his abilities. Zac at seventeen was doing quite well too. He and Kaleb worked very well together. There was mutual respect between the two young men, brothers in arms as well as brothers in their hearts.

One afternoon Skylar and Thoran were watching a sparring match between Kaleb and Zac. The two moved fluidly and easily across the floor.

"You know, I've been thinking," Thoran said, not taking his eyes off the two boys.

"About what?" Skylar questioned. She then called out a brief direction to Zac, "watch your left, Zac. If your opponent changes form, you will need to compensate."

He took Skylar's hand, "Well, the boys are older and may even start solo missions soon. I think it's time for us to consider the child we have talked about and have put off having."

Skylar looked at him, her mouth open, "are you serious?" Joy was bursting inside of her.

"Of course, I'm serious," Thoran stated. "I have wanted to have a child with you since we married, but duty took precedence. I feel now is the right time." He gave his wife a little half-smile. "That is unless you object."

Replying with a playful smack, Skylar said, "of course I don't object, Silly. I'm thrilled." A baby would complete everything. The idyllic life she had been living would finally come full circle. Both Masters then noticed Master Yoda enter the training room. He briefly stopped to watch Kaleb and Zac and then moved on to their masters, who stood to greet him.

"Returning tomorrow, Qui-Gon is," Yoda told them.

"I did not know this," Skylar said, feeling elated. She had missed Qui-Gon. She also had a strong feeling that Yoda had ulterior motives.

Yoda picked up on her feelings, "Correct your instincts are, Skylar," Yoda told her, his eyes warm and friendly. "initiate Obi-Wan Kenobi. Heard of him you have?"

Thoran spoke up, "I instructed him in Galactic History for the brief time I filled in while Master Alad was ill. He is a very bright boy. I have also observed him in the Temple. There is just something so promising about him."

Yoda agreed, "plans for him I have. Qui-Gon will watch him spar when he returns."

"You want Qui-Gon to take him?" Thoran was appalled. "Master Yoda, with all due respect, there are other Masters who would jump at the opportunity to train him. I'm surprised he hasn't been chosen already."

Yoda remained silent, and Skylar spoke up, "am I correct when I say there are other masters who are interested in Obi-Wan as a student?"

"Correct you are. Ordered them to stay away I have," Yoda told them. "Take him Qui-Gon must. Right with the Force it will be. Help him to see this, you will. Tell him of my involvement, you will not."

"Yes, Master Yoda," Skylar conceded. "However, you know that my old Master is very stubborn in his ways. This will not be an easy task."

"Love and trusts you, he does," Yoda said as he walked away.

The two watched as Yoda hobbled away and turned to one another. Thoran was shaking his head, "I can't believe the Council has made Obi-Wan off-limits to other masters."

"Nor can I," Skylar agreed, not knowing what to make of it. "We may not understand, however, if Master Yoda feels this strongly, it must be right."

"I would never be one to cross Master Yoda," Thoran agreed. "Yet, I can't help but have a bad feeling about this. Obi-Wan is bright, gifted, and inquisitive. Not to mention very kind. Qui-Gon has been cold for so long; I feel there is more of a danger of Obi-Wan warmness fading away than him melting Qui-Gon's icy exterior."

Skylar considered Thoran's words, "sometimes I feel the Council is out of touch. They still lecture on attachments, feelings, and fear while they sit in their ivory tower."

"Something else you will change when you are on the Council," Thoran said with a grin.

Skylar replied, "yes. Obi-Wan turns thirteen soon. He is feeling the pressure of not being chosen yet." The frustration was evident in her voice.

"Especially when there are masters who would accept him in a Coruscant second," Thoran concluded.

Skylar sighed, "I guess I better think about how I am going to get Qui-Gon to a sparring competition between two initiates."

"Without him knowing it," Thoran added. The happiness of discussing a baby of their own was forgotten.

The next day, Skylar went to meet Qui-Gon's shuttle. He was pleased to see her. "Skylar, it is good to see you."

"It has been too long, my dear Master," Skylar told him with a hug. She began to walk with him into the Temple, walking him toward the training dojo where the match would take place.

Qui-Gon paused, "Why are we going this way, Padwan?" Skylar did not respond as she linked her arm in his and continued to walk. Soon they found themselves at the dojo. Qui-Gon hesitated and turned to his former student with his arms folded, "Why are we here, Skylar? I told Master Yoda I was not interested in another padawan."

"I know, Master," Skylar told him softly. "I simply ask that you indulge me. The initiate I want you to see is gifted."

Qui-Gon exhaled with mild annoyance, "I will indulge you, Skylar, however, it will not make a difference."

Skylar noted as they entered the dojo that the spectators were either other initiates or Master/Padawan teams. True to Yoda's word, the only Master in the room available to take a new padawan was Qui-Gon. They found seats near the front. She pointed to one boy, "The boy there, with the ginger-colored hair, that is Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"He is attacking viciously," Qui-Gon observed. "An initiate that age should fight to defend and conserve strength. His style is very dangerous.

Skylar tried to play towards Qui-Gon's compassion, "Obi-Wan turns thirteen next month. He is likely desperate to impress you."

"He should not be focused on impressing me," Qui-Gon said critically. "He needs to be focused on the here and now."

Skylar nudged Qui-Gon and grinned, "well, you are here now, and he is a boy in need of a teacher. Give him a chance, Master. Don't you feel the Force singing around him?"

Qui-Gon gave her a peculiar look and said cautiously, "he does have quite a bit of potential. With the correct Master, he could one day be a powerful Jedi."

"Qui-Gon, you are the correct Master," Skylar implored to him. "I believe you could very well be this boy's last hope."

A few minutes passed, and Obi-Wan several decisive blows, knocking Bruck's weapon from his hand, and cleanly caught the other boy between his eyes with his practice blade. Obi-Wan had won the match. He turned to look at the spectators who were cheering for him, and he met Qui-Gon's eyes. Qui-Gon gave him a brief nod.

Obi-Wan grinned. He bowed to Yoda and the rest of the masters. He then went to the dressing chamber to shower and change.

"So, what do you think?" Skylar asked him, praying to the Force to soften Qui-Gon's resolve.

Qui-Gon rubbed his beard, "I think he is dangerous and angry, but I will go speak with him." Skylar decided to wait and see what happened.

Not long after, Qui-Gon left the dressing chamber, and Obi-Wan was close behind him. Skylar saw Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon begin conversing. She could not hear the conversation, but she saw the distressed expression on Obi-Wan's face. Qui-Gon met the young boy's desperate eyes with the cold demeanor that had invaded and taken over the compassion Skylar knew so well.

Skylar's heart almost broke when she saw Obi-Wan drop to one knee, which was both a sign of humility and respect. She saw Obi-Wan's lips move and, even without hearing, knew what he had asked. Then to her absolute dismay, she watched her former Master shake his head no. Qui-Gon turned and walked away, leaving in his wake a dejected youth alone with his shattered dreams. Skylar let out a sigh as she went in search of her former Master. This was going to be much harder than she thought. She finally found Qui-Gon in the star map room, staring at the star systems as though they held the answers to all that plagued him.

He sensed Skylar's presence, and without even turning around, he said, "I have already heard it from Master Yoda. I do not need to be lectured by you as well, my grown but still very young Padawan."

"I would not dream of lecturing you, my beloved Master," Skylar told him serenely. "I did see you speaking with Obi-Wan after the match."

"I told him it was better not to train a boy with such anger," Qui-Gon answered, glad his back was still turned towards her. He was not proud of his words. "There is a danger that a boy with such anger can turn to the dark side."

Skylar's hand went to her mouth, "Master, you didn't?"

Finally, Qui-Gon turned to face her, "I did Skylar. I have told Yoda, and now I'm telling you, I will not take him or any other as a Padawan." His words had a very sharp edge.

"So, what happens to him now?" Skylar asked, concerned about the gifted boy.

"He will be sent to the Agri-Corps," Qui-Gon said, expecting Skylar's wrath in full fury.

"A farmer?" Skylar said, not even attempting to hide the incredulous tone in her voice. "a boy with such potential sent away. Master, you have finally lost your mind! I am so disappointed in you!"

Qui-Gon did not try to stop her. He knew Skylar was not so much angry with his actions but saddened. His heart was heavy as well. However, he was determined the boy was not his responsibility, and it was the will of the Force. The tiny voice in the back of his head whispered;

//You are wrong.//

Skylar meditated for a bit in the gardens and decided to see the Master behind all of this. A short while later, Skylar entered Master Yoda's private living quarters and sat cross-legged on one of the seats. "I disagree with you, Master," Skylar told him truthfully. "You have a young and impressionable boy feeling unwanted and inadequate."

"Trust in the Force you must, Skylar," Yoda replied in his usual enigmatic way. "Find the way, Qui-Gon will."

"At the expense of a young boy," Skylar said firmly but respectfully. "Can't you keep him at the Temple, Master? Perhaps open him up to be selected by another teacher?"

"Obi-Wan's teacher, Qui-Gon, is meant to be," Yoda told her. "Foreseen this, I have."

Feeling frustrated with both Qui-Gon and Yoda, Skylar returned home. Thoran found her in the kitchen slamming cabinets.

"Is it safe to come in?" Thoran playfully asked her.

"Well, considering you are not Qui-Gon, yes," Skylar said, dropping an empty pot on the stove. She moved to the cooling unit and opened it, "I'm not even hungry," she snapped.

Thoran shut the door, "I'm not either. The boys are doing night maneuvers training and will not be back for hours. You do not need to cook.” He pulled her into his arms and, with a teasing nudge, asked, "Now tell me why you wish to cause Qui-Gon bodily harm?"

"He watched Obi-Wan spar with Bruck Chun today," Skylar pulled back so she could face her husband. "Obi-Wan practically begged Qui to take him as a student, and Qui-Gon turned him down flat. It was heartbreaking."

"I'm not surprised," Thoran told her with a sigh.

Skylar huffed, "he was not always cold like this. His compassion was his most wonderful quality."

"Xanatos tainted that," Thoran told her kindly. "What of Obi-Wan? Is Yoda going to open him back up for selection?”

"No, Yoda Is sending him to the Agri-Corps." The disdain in Skylar's voice was the same she always had when the Agri-Corps were discussed.

"The Agri-Corps?" Thoran blurted, "But why? Yoda knows how much potential Kenobi has."

Skylar shook her head, "I simply do not know. Yoda insists Qui-Gon will learn the way."

"Poor kid," Thoran said sadly. "Let's hope Qui-Gon figures it out quickly, or Obi-Wan's self-esteem is going to suffer."

 

SQUEE on Skylar and Thoran deciding to have a youngling of their own.

Was totally surprised that Obi-Wan has been put off limits to other Masters.

Obi-Wan is bright, gifted, and inquisitive. Not to mention very kind. Qui-Gon has been cold for so long; I feel there is more of a danger of Obi-Wan warmness fading away than him melting Qui-Gon's icy exterior."

Skylar considered Thoran's words, "sometimes I feel the Council is out of touch. They still lecture on attachments, feelings, and fear while they sit in their ivory tower."
THIS!!!!! I totally got a sense of this "ivory tower" craziness while reading Dooku, Jedi Lost.
There was a total disconnect which makes it easy for Rogue Jedi to arise and for secrets to fester.

I agree that the AgriCorps is a bad idea for Obi-Wan with his potential and Qui-Gon coming to his senses

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, Thank you for the review! I am glad you like Thoran and Skylar together. Yoda had plans for Qui-Gon to take Obi-Wan all along.
Skylar will be laying the groundwork for some much-needed change in the Jedi Order in this story and my Siri-Wan sequel.

Thank you so much for reading!




Chapter 24

Much to the dismay of both Skylar and Thoran, Qui-Gon did not figure it out quickly. Skylar went to see him in hopes she could change his mind about Obi-Wan.



Qui-Gon handed her a cup of tea and told her, “I have been given a mission to Bandomeer. I board the Monument tomorrow. “



“Bandomeer?” Skylar asked. She knew Yoda was behind this but would not share that with Qui-Gon. “Isn’t that where Obi-Wan Kenobi will be serving in the Agri-Corps?”



Qui-Gon sipped his tea, “a coincidence and nothing more.”

“You know better than that, my dear Master,” Skylar told him. “you know the Force does everything for a reason.”



Qui-Gon did not respond. He knew he would be lying if he said he had not thought of Obi-Wan's despairing face. It was all he could think about. Instead he told his former Padawan, “as I told Master Yoda, the boy is not my responsibility.”



“Master, you are better than this,” Skylar said earnestly. “Where is the compassion I knew so well during my childhood? My heart tells me he would flourish under your training.”



Qui-Gon shook his head, “You are speaking with emotion. Remember your training, there is no emotion, there is peace.” His correction was lukewarm.



“Or there is emotion, yet peace,” she told him. “We are sentient beings, Master. Not droids. Obi-Wan has so much potential.”



Qui-Gon sharply said, “he is dangerous and reckless.” He did not tell her that Yoda had told him he was much like Qui-Gon at that age.



“I had hoped you would change your mind,” Skylar sadly said kissing him on the forehead. “I can see I was wrong.” She walked to the door, “I will see you when you return from Bandomeer. May the Force be with you.” She left behind a brooding Qui-Gon who was still thinking about Obi-Wan.



Skylar made her way home when she heard a commotion in the hallway near the lift that would take her to the floor her apartment was on. She stayed back and out of sight so she could observe and listen. She heard the voice of Bruck Chun and his friend Aalto.



“Oafy-Wan, we have a bet going,” Bruck told him in a mocking tone.



Aalto finished, “We give the Agri-Corps one planetary rotation before they kick you out too.”



“Yeah, Oaf-Wan,” Bruck cruelly said, “you are such a failure that no one would even care if you disappeared forever.”

.

Both Bruck and Aalto laughed at the other boy’s embarrassment and pain. Obi-Wan did not respond, he stood with his head down. Skylar was about to step forward and stop the verbal attack on Obi-Wan, but she did not have too. From the other side of the hallway she heard the voice of her own Padawan.



“Hey, why don’t you both leave him alone. “You are to respect your fellow initiates and behave like Jedi,” Zac told them both. Skylar felt a rush of pride of how mature he sounded.



Bruck responded, “Oh come on now. This is Oafy-Wan Kenobi. He will never be a Jedi.”



“Yeah,” Aalto said. “He didn’t get chosen and is now going to a backwater planet to be a farmer. He is a loser.”



Zac was running out of patience, “I didn’t see anyone choose you either. Now get back to your dormitory.” Both boys decided the fun of tormenting Obi-Wan was over for the evening and stepped on the lift. Bruck gave Obi-Wan one last hateful glare before the door slid shut.



Zac looked at Obi-Wan and asked, “are you okay?”



Obi-Wan tried to stop tears from coming to his eyes and said, “No. But I will be. Thank you.” He gave Zac a slight bow and continued his way. Zac watched him walk down the hall with his shoulders slumped. Zac felt sorry for the boy.



“You handled that well, Padawan,” Skylar told him making her presence known.



Zac blushed, “thank you, Master. So that is Obi-Wan Kenobi? I feel sorry for him.”



“As do I,” Skylar said putting her arm around his shoulders. “He leaves for Bandomeer tomorrow morning.”



Zac nodded before he grinned and said, “He will be back.”



“What do you mean,” Skylar asked him.


Zac shrugged, “I had another vision today. I foresee he will be a great Jedi and may one day save us all.”



Skylar knew Zac had been having visions, but to hear he had one about Obi-Wan gave her hope that not all was lost.



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



Skylar was working with Yoda as part of her rotation in the leadership program when Qui-Gon contacted them. She and Yoda were the only ones in the council room when the transmission came through. She watched the wavering hologram of Qui-Gon in front of them.



“We were attacked by pirates,” Qui-Gon told them. “Obi-Wan did very well, he obeyed my directions and flew us to safety.” Qui-Gon hesitated a moment before he continued, “the Monument’s nav system was damaged in the battle and he had to fly the ship manually.”



Skylar and Yoda exchanged glances, “manually?” Skylar said impressed. “That shows quite a bit of skill for someone so young.”



“Powerful, Young Obi-Wan is,” Yoda agreed. “More to tell us you have?”



Qui-Gon went on to tell them about Jemba the Hutt stealing the dactyl and how the Arconans almost died because of it. “Obi-Wan and I were connected,” Qui-Gon admitted. “Somehow; we seem to have a bond.”


Yoda’s ears stood up as he inquired, “A Master and Padawan bond?”



Qui-Gon did not respond. He could not say no, because Yoda knew he too well. As did Skylar for that matter. He simply continued briefing them on the mission. Including Obi-Wan protecting the cave from the draigons and how the Hutts had tried to assassinate the boy. “I administered the Dactyl to the Arconans and hurried back to Obi-Wan's side in time to see him deflect a blaster bolt meant for him. It went back to Jemba the Hutt killing him.”



“How is Obi-Wan dealing with that,” Skylar asked. She knew how troubled Zac was when he killed Prince Delapar and Lady Rarr.”



Qui-Gon seemed perplexed, “I don’t know, I have not spoken to him about that. We were defending the cave against draigons.”



“Fought well did Obi-Wan?” Yoda asked.



Qui-Gon nodded, “Yes, we were completely in sync. When I moved to the right, Obi-Wan covered my left. When I moved forward, he protected me from behind.” He stopped and considered his next words, “the last time I was so Intune with another was when I fought beside you, Skylar.”



“So, you are going to take Obi-Wan as your Padawan?” Skylar asked.



To her surprise, Qui-Gon shook his head, “I underestimated Obi-Wan, however, I will not take him.”



“Qui-Gon, you can’t be serious,” Skylar told him. “The Force has shown you how powerful he is and admit you share a bond.”



Even in the hologram Skylar could see Qui-Gon avert his eyes, “I am not sure what to do as of yet.”



“When unsure of the path,” Yoda told them, “wait you must.”



This frustrated Skylar, but she knew Yoda was correct.

 

They worked so well together on Bandomeer, on so many levels; yet this only led to uncertainty not clarity for Qui-Gon; frustrating indeed. Still, I feel he's closer than even he realizes.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, Thank you for reading. Qui-Gon can be rather frustrating, I know. He is finally starting to get it.


Chapter 25

Skylar and Thoran met in a secluded spot in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Kaleb and Zac were practicing night maneuvers again. Both teenagers were becoming more self-sufficient. Kaleb would start independent missions soon. Zac would not be far behind him.

“So, tell me about your day with Yoda,” Thoran said taking her hand in his.

She sighed, “Qui-Gon contacted us. Obi-Wan is more gifted than anyone imagined. He flew the Monument manually after the nav system was damaged in a pirate attack. “

“That is rather impressive,” Thoran replied. “Something tells me Qui-Gon was not as impressed.”

Skylar shook her head, “No, he was impressed”. She went on to tell her husband about how Obi-Wan was almost assassinated and how he defended the cave from draigons by himself until Qui-Gon returned.

“If Qui-Gon was impressed, is he taking Obi-Wan as his Padawan Learner?” Thoran asked her.

Skylar sighed again, “no, he is not. Even though they already share a bond.”

“A bond?” Thoran asked in a surprised voice.

“They were connected as they fought together,” Skylar told him. “He said the last time he was this connected with another was when he was with me.”

“And he still won’t take him,” Thoran said shaking his head. “What is wrong with that man?”

Skylar leaned on him, “I truly wished I knew. I also have a very bad feeling about this whole mission. Offworld Corporation is very secretive. No one knows who runs it.”

“Don’t think about that now,” Thoran said kissing the top of her head. “A few weeks ago, we had a conversation about having a baby that we were not able to finish.”

Skylar stood up with a smile, “Well, we will never have a baby if we are only talking about it.”

Thoran laughed as he stood up, “I suppose not.” He took her hand and they practically ran back to their apartment.

*******************

It was another week before Qui-Gon contacted the Yoda again. After Yoda spoke with Qui-Gon, he summoned Skylar. “Involved Xanatos is.”

Skylar absorbed Yoda’s words, “Xanatos is on Bandomeer? He is behind Offworld?”

Yoda nodded, “Information of Offworld, Obi-Wan found. Dismissed it, Qui-Gon did.”

Shaking her head, Skylar said, “Of course he did. Qui-Gon's reasoning tends to become clouded when Xanatos is involved.”

Yoda replied, “Thinks he can read Xanatos.”

Skylar exhaled, “I hope he is right this time, Master Yoda. What do you need from me?”

“To the archives go,” Yoda instructed. “Research Offworld you will.”

Skylar stood up, “Yes, Master. Before I go, do you know how Obi-Wan is faring with this?”

“Tell him of Xanatos, Qui-Gon did not,” Yoda told her.

Shaking her head again, she said, “The boy needs to be warned.” She could not understand why Qui-Gon would not tell Obi-Wan of how dangerous Xantos was and to be cautious.

“Qui-Gon felt safer for the boy not to know,” Yoda told her. “ Admonished him I did. The apprentice accepts the danger when the master chooses the apprentice.”

Skylar’s head jolted slightly, “did Qui-Gon finally accept him?”

“Not yet. Soon he will,” Yoda responded in his usual vague way. “Go now. Expecting you, Master Nu is.”

Skylar contacted Thoran on her way to the archives and told him she would not be home for dinner as she explained the current events. She had just ended the transmission when she arrived at the archives. Master Nu was standing there with her arm full of holo disks. She quickly led Skylar to a terminal, “This is to get you started, my dear,” Jocasta told her.

“Thank you, Master Nu,” Skylar told her. “I will begin immediately.”

Jocasta Nu told her, “Offworld is rather secretive. But I have curated a thoughtful collection of information that you will be able to build off.” As she turned to leave she told the younger woman, “call if you need assistance.”

Hours later, Skylar had gathered some, but not nearly enough information. It seemed Offworld Mining Corporation had many fronts as well as shell corporations. It was difficult to trace it back to Xanatos, but when she was able to connect Offworld to the Telos company, UniFy, she knew he was behind it. She keyed UniFy into the terminal she was working on and waited for the results. As she was waiting her comlink went off. She glanced around the archives and saw she was the only one there at that late hour. Even Jocasta Nu seemed to have retired for the night. She answered her comlink.

A small hologram of Qui-Gon appeared, “Skylar, Master Yoda tells me you are researching Offworld. Do you have any information?” Even though the holographic transmission she could tell Qui-Gon was troubled.

“Some, Master,” Skylar told him. “It appears Offworld has many shell companies. Probably to mask illegal activity. UniFy is the most prominent and its home base is on Telos.”

Qui-Gon nodded, “Can you link Xanatos to any of it?”

“Not yet,” Skylar told him. “I will continue to work on it. You seem distressed, are you alright?”

Qui-Gon shook his head, “No. Obi-Wan is missing and Xanatos is behind it.”

Skylar felt her heart leap, “Are you sure?”

Qui-Gon lamented, “Xanatos goaded me into a lightsaber duel. When I was about to get the upper hand, he presented this. To throw me off balance.” Qui-Gon held up another lightsaber.

“Is that, is that Obi-Wan's weapon?” Skylar asked.

“It is. As I turned from the duel, I grabbed it from Xanatos’ grip,” Qui-Gon explained. “I then did something I never did before. I ran from a battle.”

Skylar tried to reassure him, “You were right to leave, Master. Obi-Wan's safety is what is important now. Do you have any idea where he has taken the boy?” She hesitate and took a deep breath, “or if he is even alive?”

“He is alive,” Qui-Gon said sharply. “I feel his presence, however, our bond is new and I can’t sense where he is. I have no idea where he took him.”

Skylar noticed Qui-Gon spoke of his bond with Obi-Wan and it made her feel better about the circumstances. “I will continue my work,” she told her former master. “Contact me if you need anything regarding information on Bandomeer.”

“Yoda was right,” Qui-Gon sadly said. “I am running from my past instead of looking to my future. I have shut out and wounded an innocent boy. Now he is missing. I know Xanatos will not hesitate to hurt him if he thinks it will get to me.”

Skylar’s heart broke for her master, “Master, you will find him. Find him and bring him home.”

“I have been a fool. I will bring him home, to the Temple where he belongs. Thank you, Padawan,” Qui-Gon told her.

She smiled at him as she replied, “May the Force be with you, Master.”

Skylar was beside herself with worry for both her master and for Obi-Wan. Skylar knew she would not be going to sleep anytime soon. She needed to gather all she could on Offworld, UniFy, and the other shell companies. Somewhere there had to be something to connect them to Xanatos. She said a prayer to the Force that when Qui-Gon found Obi-Wan it would not be too late. Qui-Gon was ready to take him as his Padawan. She did not know how her former master would react if something happened to Obi-Wan.

 

Oh, much progress has been made but Kenobi's still in a dangerous situation

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, thank you for reading and reviewing. Hope you like the next chapter.


Chapter 26

Skylar worked until the early morning. She finally stood to stretch and felt dizzy. Skylar placed a hand of her chair and took a couple of deep breaths. She heard footsteps and sensed her husband's presence behind her.

"Are you alright?" Thoran asked her concerned. He placed his hand on her back.

She nodded slightly and waited for the dizziness to pass, "I think I sat at that terminal too long."

"Fourteen hours, I would say so," he reproved her gently. "Did you have anything to eat?"

Skylar replied, "No, but I can't think about that. Obi-Wan is missing."

"Missing?" Thoran sounded concerned as he helped her gather her datapads. "Let's go home and get you something to eat, and you can tell me everything you know."

By the time they returned to their apartment, the boys had already left for their classes for the day. She sat at the dining room table and put her head in her hands. Thoran handed her a cup of her favorite herbal tea instead of caf, "I figured you might want to sleep after this."

"I can't sleep," Skylar said. "I think I found the link between Xanatos, Offworld, and UniFy. He is the one who took Obi-Wan."

Thoran saw her exhaustion and knew he would not be able to tell her to stop. He wouldn't even ask her. Instead, he put his hand on hers and said, "tell me."

Over breakfast, Skylar explained how Xanatos was involved in the situation at Bandomeer, "Offworld, and dozens of shell companies all go back to UniFy, which is headquartered on Telos. That has to be the common denominator. With more research, we maybe we can figure out where he has taken Obi-Wan."

"What have you discovered so far?" Thoran asked her. If he could help her, he could watch her over her without her knowing it.

Skylar powered up one of the many datapads they came home with and handed it to him.

"You made a lot of progress," Thoran told her. "But I'm not surprised. Research is one of your many talents and gifts."

Skylar was sipping her tea, relieved her dizziness had subsided. She took a bite of her breakfast, even though she was not very hungry. She did that more for her husband's sake than hers. "Thank you, it appears that Xanatos infiltrated Bandomeer's leadership after Jemba the Hutt's death."

"Xanatos always did move fast," Thoran replied, looking at the datapad with her. "So Offworld controls most of the ore and mineral extraction on most of the outer rim worlds. Do you think he took Obi-Wan off-planet?

She gave a slight shrug, "I really don't know. Qui-Gon insists he is still alive." She took another datapad and continued, "If he can't find him, I don't know if Qui-Gon will recover."

It's his own fault, Thoran thought to himself. To his wife, he said, "It's a shame Obi-Wan has to suffer while the Council and Qui-Gon manipulated his future so they can figure this out."

"I agree," Skylar sighed, "however, this is not the time for finger-pointing." She opened up the datapad again. "Xanatos appears to be using the guise of being a philanthropist, but I know him better than that."

Thoran nodded, reading another datapad, "It will be challenging to prove that to the Telosians. They seem to believe he is their savior."

"It's infuriating!" Skylar snapped "He still wants revenge on Qui-Gon. That is why he took Obi-Wan. To cause Qui-Gon pain."

Thoran considered his wife's words, "so even Xanatos could sense their bond through the Force. That is almost unheard of."

Before Skylar could respond, her comlink sounded. She immediately answered. A distraught Qui-Gon appeared in the hologram. "Padawan, I learned that Xanatos sent Obi-Wan to a deep-sea mining platform."

Thoran and Skylar exchanged glances. Skylar started typing on her datapad again and said, "He will need all of his senses to stay alive."

"I know," Qui-Gon replied in a worried tone. "I need coordinates."

Skylar was already transmitting, "I'm way ahead of you, Master. Coordinates should already be on your comlink. What else can I do?"

"Please inform the Council and ask them to notify the Supreme Chancellor. We may need Republic intervention." The transmission ended.

Thoran sighed when Skylar stood up and asked her, "will you be alright?"

"I will," Skylar said as she kissed him. "I will let you know what happens."

Skylar arrived at the Council chambers and was welcomed in by Yoda, "Skylar, come in. News you have for us?"

"Yes, Masters," Skylar began. "I sent Qui-Gon coordinates for the deep-sea mining platform on the Great Sea of Bandomeer. That is where Xanatos sent Obi-Wan."

Mace Windu leaned forward in his seat, "We have heard rumors about the mining platforms. They throw you off at the slightest infraction."

"Are we even sure Obi-Wan Kenobi is still alive?" the question came from Master Ki-Adi Mundi.

Skylar's response was sharp, "Master Qui-Gon believes so." She stood tall and waited to be admonished. But none came.

"More to say, Skylar?" Yoda asked her. "Speak your mind you may."

Skylar calmed herself and bowed to Yoda, "Thank you, Master. May I ask why we send young and impressionable initiates to dangerous worlds, to begin with?"

"Bandomeer is only dangerous due to Xanatos," Oppo Rancisis told her. "When one is not chosen, we send them to serve the Force in other ways."

Skylar glanced at Yoda, whose ears perked up. He nodded to her as if giving her permission to continue. Which she did, "With all due respect, Masters, we send vulnerable and naive initiates away from the only home they have. It's cruel. We do not even send them home to their families."

"Attachments are not encouraged," Ki-Adi Mundi told her in a somewhat condescending tone. "We would not send them to a family they do not know. You, Knight Malin, are the exception for attachments." He glanced at his fellow Council members, "Did we make a mistake by allowing you to marry?"

Skylar remained silent at first. She knew she and Thoran were an exception. The Council had denied other couples wishing for the same courtesy bestowed to Thoran and Skylar. "I feel our attachments make us stronger. We love without possessing one another. We honor the Force above one another."

Yoda tapped his gimmer stick, "A mistake it was not. A time to discuss this later."

"Yoda is correct," Mace Windu said. "What else did Qui-Gon tell you?"

Skylar replied, "he asked for you to inform the Supreme Chancellor. He felt Republic intervention may be needed if he is unsuccessful in rescuing Obi-Wan."

"Inform him we will," Yoda told her. "For your hard work and dedication, we thank you."

kylar bowed to the Council and left. She felt dizzy again. Not wanting to worry Thoran, Skylar decided to go meditate in the gardens. She went to a quiet and secluded spot and began her meditation.

Sometime later, the young woman heard her comlink. Reaching for it, Skylar was pleased to see Qui-Gon and behind him, Obi-Wan. "Are you both not a sight for sore eyes," she happily exclaimed.

Qui-Gon gave a slight laugh and looked back toward Obi-Wan, "Padawan, can you please go tell the pilots we are ready to leave."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said with a grin as he bowed and ran towards the cockpit.

Qui-Gon waited until Obi-Wan was gone and told Skylar, "thank you for all the research you did."

"It was my pleasure, Master," Skylar told him. "You called him Padawan." She was elated to see the two had finally come together.

Qui-Gon glanced over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. He saw Obi-Wan speaking to the pilot. The pilot was showing Obi-Wan the controls of the cruiser, who seemed engrossed with the conversation. Once he was satisfied the conversation was private, he said, "Yes. He is now my Padawan."

"I'm happy for you, Master," Skylar told him sincerely.

Qui-Gon's hand went to his beard, "they tried to kill him, you know. As I was racing toward the platform, I saw them push him overboard. As he fell, his face held no fear."

Skylar could not help but gasp, "how did he ever survive the fall?

"He somehow made a friend," Qui-Gon told her. "In that terrible place, he actually made a friend—a phindian names Guerra.

Skylar smiled at her former Master, "his goodness shines through no matter the circumstances. How was Obi-Wan saved?"

"Guerra made a sling and caught Obi-Wan before he was able to plummet to the water," Qui-Gon told her, still amazed. "It was Obi-Wan's integrity and honesty that caused Guerra to risk his life."

Skylar nodded, "Obi-Wan is very special. I'm so glad you found him, and he is safe."

"There's more, Skylar," Gui-Gon told her. "Xanatos confronted us. We engaged in a brief battle, and he escaped."

Skylar asked, "why were you unable to pursue him?"

Qui-Gon sighed, "Xanatos had planted bombs, and we would have died, had it not been for Obi-Wan. He offered to sacrifice himself. He was willing to die, so others could live."

Skylar told him, "the Force is strong in him. He has a great destiny. How did you escape?"

Qui-Gon continued, "the Force embraced Obi-Wan, I could practically see it envelop him in its embrace. He knew the ionite would neutralize the timers on the bombs. That gave me enough time to defuse them."

Skylar was in awe what Qui-Gon had told her. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were meant to be teacher and student, "Have you shared with him your history with Xanatos?"

Qui-Gon shook his head, "Some. There is no need to share it all."

Skylar bit back a sigh, "Master, you can not truly heal until you put Xanatos behind you. You can start by letting your new apprentice into your heart and telling him."

Qui-Gon looked at her sadly, "Skylar, Obi-Wan is my student. Maybe one day we will be friends. I told him what he needed to know about Xanatos, and that will need to be enough. I will not share more." To himself, he said, I can't.

Master, you are stubborn," Skylar told him. "After all you have seen Obi-Wan do, you still can't trust him?"

"My failing," Qui-Gon admitted, "I know."

Skylar shook her head, "Master, please do not cause that child any harm. Please open up to him."

"I will think about it," Qui-Gon said. "May the Force be with you." The transmission ended.

Skylar stood up and realized she was lightheaded and sat down again. She dismissed the lightheadedness and dizziness and believed it was from lack of sleep. After a few minutes, she went home.

Once she arrived, Thoran greeted her. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," she admitted. "But Obi-Wan is safe, and Qui-Gon has accepted him as his padawan."

Her husband noticed she was not as happy as he would have expected her to be, "I would have thought you would have been thrilled, what's wrong?"

Skylar moved into his arms, "Qui-Gon is stubborn. He only wants to have a master/student relationship with Obi-Wan. He refuses to tell him the whole story about Xanatos."

"Is he expecting Obi-Wan to betray him?" Thoran asked incredulously.

Skylar shrugged, "it appears so. Even after all that Obi-Wan accomplished on this mission, Qui-Gon is still going to make him pay for Xanatos's mistakes."

"I hope I am not right about Qui-Gon's icy exterior drowning out Obi-Wan's warmness," Thoran told her. He saw how exhausted Skylar was and said, "let's get you to bed. You need to rest."

Skylar nodded, "I will, but let me shower first." Once she went into the fresher, she was overcome by nausea. She turned on the water to the shower and stood there a few minutes, waiting for her nausea to pass. Once it did, she climbed into the shower to happily wash the day away. She once again dismissed everything as overexerting herself and lack of sleep.

I will feel better in the morning. She told herself.

 

Hope Skylar will get the rest she needs Loved her talk with Qui-Gon. Her patience is incredible.