Chapter Twenty-Four

"Master Jinn!" A firm shake to his shoulder followed by a gentle pat along his cheek did not elicit an immediate response and Padmé began to worry, however, soon his eyelids fluttered, revealing a pained gaze.

"We have to get out of here. Can you walk?"

"I…I think so." The voice was rough and crackling, as if he hadn't had a drink in several days. And he probably hadn't. Tyranus was ruthless.

"Obi-Wan?"

It was Qui-Gon's turn to utter the name in disbelief as he spied his former Padawan battling his captor - the man he had once called Master.

"Blaster."

"Master Jinn, Obi-Wan was insistent. I need you to come with me."

"Dammit woman, give me your blaster!" The older man demanded and Padmé scowled. That was the second time today she had been called that, and when the time was right, she was going to have her say on the matter.

Weapon in hand, Qui-Gon let off several rounds through the open door, much to the surprise and chagrin of Obi-Wan.

"Are you crazy?" Obi-Wan screamed out as he continued his struggle with his opponent, dodging the laser blasts that tore by him and ricocheted off Tyranus' blade.

But somehow along the training bond that he had thought was quiescent came the deep, gentle voice, urging him to move.

And he did. A lunge to the right. A blaster bolt striking the window behind him, allowing a rush of salt spray to blast through the shattered opening, stunning Lord Tyranus long enough for Obi-Wan to violently Force shove the older man out the window. Obi-Wan sped to the ledge to ensure that his enemy had fallen to his death upon the rocky surf below.

Following that assurance, he spun upon his mentor.

"What kind of idiotic stunt was that? Are you trying to get me killed?"

"You do have a double blade, Obi-Wan. I figured you could handle twice the action."

"Oh you did, did you? And I suppose that was the only thing you could think of."

"At the moment, yes."

"And you are a man of the moment. That much, I remember."

"It's good to see you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon replied, ignoring the sarcasm in his Padawan's voice.

It took a moment, but slowly, a lopsided grin lifted the corner of Obi-Wan's mouth. "You too, Master."

Epilogue

The trio gathered in front of the main doors where Obi-Wan and Padmé had first made their entrance into Tipoca City, saying their farewells to its kind and understanding host.

"A representative from the Galactic Senate will be contacting you soon regarding the army."

"It was my understanding our contact would be in the form of a Jedi." Taun We replied, her large, bright eyes narrowing in concern.

"If that is your wish." Qui-Gon intervened. "I will speak with the Jedi Council. I'm sure they will be allowed intervene."

"I am so glad you are well, Master Jinn, and I apologize for your inconvenience."

The three smiled at Taun We's particularly chosen phrase before they assisted Qui-Gon out into the wind and rain, heading for the ship that would take them home.

Taun We watched them go with a relieved smile, and far above the landing platform stood the prime minister of Kamino who witnessed the departure as well, but whose face was not as joyful.

And neither was that of the small boy who stood beside him. A sneer of revenge clouding his innocent features.

"Do not worry, Boba." The Kaminoan leader said. "Your time will come."

-End-