Author's Note: It's been a long time. Apologies for that. I've gotten a wee bit distracted by other stories I'm writing. The poor folks at Jedi Council Forums (where I also post this story) have been waiting since something like May for an update ::is ashamed::. But I promise it's not abandoned, even if it sometimes seems that way. It will be finished. In fact, there's probably only 2 or 3 chapters to go. Thanks for your patience!
And so it went for several days – Qui-gon quietly shutting down the bond, trying to ignore the slight shock from his padawan the moment he did it. The shock got less and less every time, but it was still disconcerting.
Obi-wan maintained his dual roles as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Qui-gon knew it was far too much to be asked of a Padawan that young, but it could not be helped, so instead he tried to ease the boy's tension – pulling out the role of "Ben" as often as he could without worrying the Council would have his hide.
But he did so in the privacy of his rooms, mostly in the hushed time just before Obi-Wan went to bed for the night. He had taken to letting the boy fall asleep in his bed before transporting him to the children's dorm. This seemed to cut down on any nightmares or memory interference courtesy of the B'disth. Qui-gon tried not to think about what that meant.
The council had gently voiced some concerns about how Obi-wan was doing after his original reports on how the B'disth operated. One more thing the Master tried not to think about. If the council had misgivings about how his Padawan has fared on this mission he would very quickly vest them of that concern upon their return to the temple. Until then, the mission was under his direction, and he would guide Obi-wan as he saw fit.
And that's what he told himself as he carried the boy to bed that night.
In the morning they had breakfast together and then parted ways. Qui-gon wanted to do more investigating at the palace, knowing that their window of opportunity was quickly coming to a close. The council had insinuated they would be recalled in a matter of days, regardless of whether they had any evidence or not.
So he strapped on his recording device and snuck out of the resort.
And while he was on his way to the palace he shut down the bond.
Obi-wan had been meditating – hard - in the clearing in the forest. He had gotten pretty good at the whole lack-of-bond thing. However it took him several minutes to quiet the panic that rose when he felt the loss of his master as he left for his research. It felt all too familiar, Qui-gon off investigating while he was being the useless padawan.
He took a deep breath and tried to centre himself once again. He succeeded, but with some difficulties. Clearly the b'disth were still drugging their food and drink, as his access to the force was muddy.
But manage it he did, and he was able to tell himself that everything would be all right.
Many years later he would enjoy the irony that just as he was calming down several b'disth were approaching to attack. He would end up berating himself for months afterwards, for not sensing the danger in the force.
It only took one blow to the head, and he didn't even feel it. Not until much later, anyway.
Qui-gon was in the middle of the high prince's storage room at the time, quickly and quietly snapping holos to send to the senate via the council. With the evidence he was gathering he would need to encode and send them as soon as possible.
He made a point of getting a very clear holo of the rather large di jinn/di kylo box. If the council had any reservations about their behaviour surely this would show their emotions were being manipulated and. . .harvested, he thought darkly. He reached out to gently touch one of their sculptures.
But he only indulged for a moment; he still needed to move towards the throne room for recordings.
It was several hours later before he was able to find transport. Taking a seat, Qui-gon finally relaxed and re-opened the bond to Obi-wan. And then he was very suddenly tense again. The bond was silent. He was abruptly very sure that Obi-Wan was gone. He was still alive, but he couldn't say where, or in what condition. He cursed loudly, drawing the eyes of various b'disth in the vehicle.
Why on earth had he left the boy alone? Without the bond he was practically defenseless!!
While Qui-gon knew their missions took precedence over their safety, they were always supposed to be able to defend themselves. Right now the master would risk every mission they had for the hope that Obi-wan was able to keep himself from being gravely injured. He supposed he wouldn't know any more about what happened until he reached the resort compound, if then.
The trip seemed to take forever, and Qui-gon had the irrational thought that if he jumped ship now he could probably run there faster.
And run was what he did when he arrived. First to the clearing where he knew Obi-Wan had been meditating, where he felt his heart drop down to his knees.
Nothing.
Obi-wan had been here, of that he was sure – although it had been hours since. Chances are whatever had happened took place shortly after he had left the premises. Meaning they had been watching, waiting for an opportune moment to snatch his child.
He found himself cursing again, if only with the trees for audience, and he knew that whatever influences the b'disth used, they were still impacting him. His control was shamefully weak. How could he lecture his learner on this very subject while he, too, clearly needed practice?
While the urgent need to find Obi-wan was clear in his mind, Qui-gon dropped to his knees in the clearing and began to meditate. He would be of no use to the boy if he was unable to pull himself together.