After The Storm

Chapter VII

Former Jedi Master, Trenal Drentar, sat in the clone observation area. His eyes remained on the milling room below him, but his thoughts were on the two Jedi that he had just seen off. His ‘mission' had been a success, he had done what his Master set before him, everything had gone according to plan. Yet he couldn't shake the feeling he had failed somehow.

"Yoda, my old friend, forgive this fool." He said quietly to himself.

Drentar sat in silent self-disgust for several moments before the other joined him.

"My Master sends his congratulations Trenal. You did well."

"I don't want his thanks, I just want him to keep our bargain."

"The data chip is in the hands of the Kaminoans. All that is needed is your sample."

Drentar slowly turned to face the tattooed demon. "There is no doubt that I will be completely brought back in the clone? Even this conversation will be remembered?"

"The chip is recording even now."

The former master nodded his understanding. "Tell Sidious I'm done, I did my part, and now I am done."

"You know that isn't how it works Trenal."

"I don't care how it works, I'm out!" The elder man snarled at the Zabrak. "I will not fall any further than I already have."

"You have no choice."

"We all have choices, even you Maul." The former Jedi turned away from the Sith apprentice. "So now take your choice."

"As you wish." With Force enhanced speed, the dark knight came up behind the old man and twisted his neck. A sickening crack echoed through the room. As Darth Maul let go of Drentar's head, his lifeless body slowly slid down to slump in the chair. "I chose mercy in a quick death for you." The tattooed Zabrak wiped his gloved hands on the fabric of the seat that now held Master Trenal Drentar's remains then turned and walked out of the room.

Obi-wan sat in the healer's ward, his head resting against the bacta tank that held the clone of his Master. His eyes slowly scanned over the data pad that he was trying to read. However, he had read the same paragraph six times and nothing had stuck in his mind. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and let the data pad drop into his lap.

It had been three days since he had returned to Coruscant. As promised, Master Yoda had been waiting for him with a full medical team when he and Qui-gon's clone had touched down. The healers immediately took Qui-gon into their care. Obi-wan was lead to the Council's chambers for a debriefing. In that meeting Obi-wan had heard more about the under tides of the Council than he had ever hoped he would.

They had informed him of the problems they were having accessing the Force. The Jedi Council, the most powerful gathering of Jedi that existed, was having problems accessing the Force. It didn't seem possible, yet it was happening.

They had also told him about their hand in the clone army. Several had felt the darkness that was creeping through the galaxy, and knowing that it was this darkness that was affecting their Force abilities, they had decided that the army may eventually be needed. The Jedi were too few, to far spread if a large-scale problem arose. The clone army offered a chance of back up should the need arise.

Obi-wan could see the wisdom in their thinking, but he didn't have to agree with them. He had spent many hours in meditation to release his anxieties to the Force, working toward acceptance of their decisions. It had been a difficult task, but he eventually found some sense of peace.

Then he had come to the healer's ward. He couldn't stay away from the man who was his Master, and yet was not. He could have monitored the clone's condition through the reawakened bond, but it wasn't enough, he needed as close to physical contact as possible.

Turning his head, Obi-wan opened his eyes and looked at the man floating in the bacta. After watching him for a few minutes, Obi realized that the clone's eyes were open. He shot up out of the chair, and called for a healer.

Then he leaned against the glass ~They are coming Master, you will be out of the slime in a few moments.~

Qui-gon nodded, letting Obi-wan know he had heard his mind speak then closed his eyes again.

~NO! Stay awake Qui-gon, we need you to stay awake.~

~I am awake Obi-wan, but this stuff is rather hard on the eyes.~

Obi shook his head and chuckled softly. ~Of course Qui, I wasn't thinking clearly.~

The healers entered and began the preparations to get Qui out of the bacta tank. Obi-wan moved to the furthest corner of the room to stay out of the way. In a matter of a few moments, Qui-gon was lying on a stretcher, breathing on his own, dripping slime. One of the healers approached Obi. "He is fine, the bacta helped him purge the excess anesthesia. I still don't understand how the Kaminoans could have miscalculated so badly."

"I'm not convinced it was a simple miscalculation Master Healer."

"You think he was deliberately overdosed?"

"I don't know, but it just seems that a people that have perfected cloning to the extent they have, shouldn't have let a mistake this simple slip past them. I have no proof, it just seems odd."

"I tend to agree with you Master Kenobi. However, what is done is done, and Qui-gon is asking to see you."

Offering his thanks to the Master Healer, Obi-wan made his way to the still-dripping clone. At his approach the other healers finished their duties, telling Qui-gon that when he was ready they would escort him to the showers to remove the rest of the bacta. Qui-offered his thanks to them then turned to Obi.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For not letting me die on that ball of water. For bringing me home."

Obi-wan looked as if the other man had slapped him. "Do you really think I would have left you to die? That, more than anything, proves that you are not Qui-gon Jinn."

"Don't misunderstand me Obi-wan. I know you would ever leave someone to die if you could prevent it, but I also know how hard my existence is on you. No one would have blamed you for leaving me where you found me."

"Blame my Master for my weakness for pathetic life forms."

Qui-gon chuckled. "I'm glad for it." He looked down at his slime-covered form. "I do believe it is time for a shower, would you mind calling a healer to help assist me?"

"If that is really what you want, but I don't see the need when I am quite able to lend my assistance."

"Very well. I am sure the healers have much more pressing matters than my cleanliness to attend to anyway." He carefully sat up, swung his legs over the side of the stretcher and held a hand out to Obi-wan. "I think I can walk, but this gook is slippery, I could use your help to not slide all over."

It was Obi's turn to chuckle. "I think I can manage that." Taking Qui's hand, he helped the clone to his feet then slipped under the taller man's arm. "I would offer to use the ‘fresher in my quarters, but they are across the temple."

"The ward's ‘fresher is fine."

Obi nodded and helped Qui-gon to the communal showers.

Chapter VIII

After getting Qui-gon cleaned, dressed, released from the healers and a quick meal in the commissary, Obi-wan took him back to his personal quarters. He settled Qui-gon in the common room as he made them some tea.

A sense of déjà vu overcame Qui as he waited. The quarters were the same ones he had shared with Obi-wan, the only difference was his own non-existent Force signature. It was easy for the clone to slip into the comfortable fantasy that the memories of his death and the time spent with the Kaminoans were just bad dreams. So easy in fact, that when Obi-wan reappeared from the kitchen, his older form startled Qui-gon for a moment.

"Qui? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, just a moment of disorientation." He offered a weak smile.

"Are you sure? For a moment there you looked like you had seen a ghost."

"No, not a ghost, a premonition or perhaps a wish."

Obi-wan tilted his head. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Sit and I will tell you then."

The younger man took a seat on the divan, setting the tray with the tea on the small table as he did. Without thinking, he started to pour and prepare Qui-gon's. He even went as far as adding the tiny extra sweetener he knew his Master liked. Qui-gon took his place in what would have been his chair in another time.

As he started to lift the mug to his lips, it dawned on him what they were doing. "Do you realize what is going on Obi-wan?"

"What do you mean, we are having tea, and you were going to tell me about your premonition."

"No, look how we are sitting. Think about what you just did with my tea. Suddenly ten years have disappeared. You are treating me as you did your Master, and I am just falling into the role."

Obi opened his mouth to protest, but shut it before a sound was uttered. "You are right."

"Padawan, can you now continue to deny what our bodies, our Force-run minds keep throwing up at us. I am Qui-gon Jinn. I am your Master."

Obi-wan slumped in his seat, a barely audible sigh escaping his lips. He didn't want to accept this. Everything in his brain told him it wasn't right, but he couldn't deny it.

Mistaking Obi's posture as non-acceptance, Qui-gon brought up another point. "Obi, do you remember how you addressed me when you found me awake in the bacta tank?"

"I called you Master."

Qui-gon nodded. "You did. When our unconscious minds take over, they know whom we are. The bond, the unconscious acceptance, even being able to be with each other without strained silence all point to the truth."

"You are Qui-gon Jinn. You are my Master." Obi said quietly. "I can't deny it anymore, but it won't be so easy to accept it."

"I'm not asking you to pretend nothing has happened, or to forget the past ten years. I couldn't, too much depends on your continuing your life. Anikin needs his Master. The order needs you as a Knight. All I am asking for is the chance to become part of your life again."

"You never left my life." Obi slowly looked up. "There hasn't been a day that went by that I haven't thought about you. I am always asking myself ‘how would Qui-gon handle this'. There was so much that was never said between us, so much left undone. I should be thanking all the little gods that you have been returned to me so we can have a chance to do it right."

"And what would you wish we could do right my own?"

Obi dropped his eyes, staring at his tea as if trying to find his answers in its murky debts. Slowly he leaned forward and set the cup on the table, going to his knees on the floor. Still without looking up, he ‘walked' to where he was kneeling between Qui's knees. With trembling hands he reached out and took his Master's cup and placed it on the table also. Finally he looked up into Qui-gon's eyes. "I wouldn't have let a fight about a boy end the intimate relationship that had just started between us."

Obi-wan placed his hands on Qui's thighs. "I would have told you I loved you." He came fully up on his knees, eyes snapping with emotion. "I would have done this over and over until you became a writhing batch of nerve endings, begging me to never stop loving you." He reached up and captured the back of Qui's neck. With gentle pressure he brought the clone's face down to his own, his lips barely brushing against his Master's.

A soft whimper rippled through Qui-gon, then he captured his Padawan's lips in a bruising, soul-searing kiss. Wrapping his arms around him, he dragged the smaller man up into his lap, crushing Obi to him.

The door to the apartment hissed open. "Master, you won't believe it! They let me…" Anakin stopped dead in his tracks just inside the door. "I'm so sorry Master, I didn't realize…." His eyes widened as he realized just whose lap his master was sitting in. Then the Padawan turned ghost white, his eyes rolled back in his head and he crumpled to the floor in a full faint.

"Anakin. Anakin!" Obi-wan gently slapped his Padawan's cheek, trying to bring the young man back to consciousness. "Ani, wake up."

Anakin's eyes slowly fluttered open. He looked up into his Master's worried face and scrubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand. "What happened?"

"You fainted. Have you been eating right?" A small teasing smile played along Obi's face now that he knew his Padawan was all right.

"Of course I have Maste…" Anakin's eyes widened to the point where Obi was seriously worried about them popping out of his head. "Did I see who I thought I saw Master?"

With a sigh, Obi-wan nodded his head. "Yes Ani, you did."

"But… but, that isn't possible, he is dead."

"Yes, he is."

"But he is here, I saw him"

"Yes, he is, and yes you did."

Anakin glared at Obi-wan. "You aren't making any sense Master."

"Forgive me Padawan, but it is rather awkward speaking to you with you lying prone on the floor."

Anakin pushed up onto his elbows, and then came to a sitting position. Qui was still sitting in his chair watching the Master and Apprentice.

"Hello Anakin, it is so good to see you again."

Ani looked at Obi-wan. "I do hope you plan on explaining this to me."

Obi-wan gained his feet and held his hand out to his Padawan. "I'll start some more tea while you get settled on the couch. I have a feeling it may be a late night."

Chapter IX

A late night had been a conservative estimate. It had been almost dawn before Anakin had finally accepted the truth of the story and gone to bed. Qui and Obi were still in the living area, Qui sitting on the couch, Obi lying on it, his head in Qui's lap. They talked in quiet tones, Qui-gon gently running his fingers through Obi-wan's hair as the sun rose over the city planet.

"He has been an amazing student. Sometimes I think he is better prepared to be a Knight than I am to be his Master. It was hard at first, he had trouble in his academic studies and his grasp on the Force was erratic at best. But if you can't tell he caught up quickly, and was soon passing his age mates."

Qui-gon smiled softly. "You have done a good job with him. He is so connected to the light even the bit of darkness that hovered around him when we found him on Tatooine is no longer evident in him."

"When YOU found him on Tatooine." He chuckled and reached up to run his hand down Qui's face. "I had nothing to do with finding him. I got left on the ship remember."

Qui sighed softly, then turned his head and kissed the palm of Obi's hand. "I'll never forget the look on your face when I brought him back to the ship. I thought you were going to tear me apart the moment you got me alone. I never meant to make you think you were unwanted. I truly thought you were ready for your trials." He smiled down at his former Padawan. "And in a way it was a ploy to get you out of your bedroom into mine, on a permanent basis, without fear of being thrown out of the order."

Obi chuckled, and shifted on the couch so he could sit up some. "I just wish you had let me in on the plan." He leaned forward and brushed his lips against Qui's. "I wouldn't have spent the last ten years questioning if you loved me or I was just a quick answer to a need of release."

"Never doubt that I love you, because I do, and I did, with all my heart." He pulled Obi-wan into his lap with a bit of help from the Force and wrapped his arms around him, holding him close. "There was never anyone that captured my heart the way you did, and there will never be again." He kissed Obi-wan as his fingers threaded through the young Master's hair.

A soft moan escaped Obi-wan and his arms went around Qui's neck. The kiss quickly became more heated as the men allowed the realization of their position seep into their minds. Obi shifted and ended up straddling Qui's lap. He moved his lips from Qui's to along Qui's jaw line. He savored the taste and feeling of the man as he explored what skin he could.

Qui allowed his head to fall back against the couch, giving Obi-wan free rein of his throat and neck. His hands ran along Obi's back, really wishing the tunics weren't in the way. Almost as if on cue, Obi-wan pulled away and untied the belt holding said tunics closed and let the cloth fall to the floor behind him. He looked down at the clone of his former Master with a rather hungry look in his passion darkened eyes. "This would be much more comfortable in my bedroom."

His mouth suddenly having gone dry, Qui could do nothing but nod his acquiescence. Obi-wan smiled and slipped from Qui's lap, and held his hand out to him. Taking the offered hand, Qui rose to his feet and followed Obi into his room.

Once the door was closed behind them, Obi turned to Qui. "Take your clothes off, I want to see you."

Taken back a bit by Obi's sudden demanding demeanor Qui stood there staring at him.

"Please." Obi said softly. "I just want to look at you. It has been so long, I want to remember and relearn."

Having Obi put it that way caused a jolt of desire to run through Qui's veins. He slowly started to remove his clothes, giving Obi plenty of time to examine each area as it was reveled.

Obi-wan watched Qui, chewing on the inside of his bottom lip. Once his former Master was fully undressed Obi just looked at him. Some of the scars he remembered didn't exist on the clone, as well as some of the wrinkles. The body before him belonged to a man of twenty-something, not forty-something. However, it was still Qui-gon. The well-known musculature of the chest and belly hadn't changed much, perhaps a bit tighter, but that was all.

"Would you mind turning around?"

Qui-gon felt totally exposed and slightly uncomfortable, but he did as he was asked.

A smile danced along Obi's lips when he saw the familiar scar above Qui's left buttock. "I didn't think you would still have that." He said softly. "It happened on one of our missions, why is it still there?"

Qui chuckled slightly. "Would you believe the same way I got the first one?" He looked at Obi over his shoulder. "Not quite the same circumstances but the same end result. I was sparing with a training droid, instead of fighting for our lives in a battle, but I fell back to parry a wild shot and tripped over a log. I was training in the garden. Well, when I went down, there was a twig sticking out of the ground. Sound familiar?"

"Quite," Obi-wan chuckled and moved forward at last. He wrapped his arms around Qui from behind, resting his head on the clone's broad back. "I'm glad it is there. It makes you even more real, gives more proof that you are Qui-gon Jinn."

Qui sighed softly, and laid his hands over Obi-wan's on his chest, twining their fingers together. "I am very real my own, and I want you so much, and not just for this moment or this day. I want you forever."

"Let's just deal with today for now. Is that all right? I don't know if I am ready for more than that."

Qui closed his eyes, quickly releasing his hurt to the Force. "It is alright, I understand you need more time, and I want to give you all the time you need."

"Will you share yourself with me, here, now?"

Qui slowly turned in Obi's arms. He cupped Obi's chin in his hand and gently raised his former Padawan's face so they would be looking in each other's eyes. "It would be my greatest pleasure to share this moment with you." He kissed Obi softly. "I want to be with you Obi-wan Kenobi, as a man, not as my Apprentice, but as equals."

Obi had to close his eyes for a moment to let the words soak in. "Equals." He whispered.

Qui kissed Obi again, then lead him to the bed. With a gentle push, he dropped Obi to the mattress, following a moment later. He caressed the skin of Obi's chest as he once again partook of the luscious mouth the other man so willingly gave. Tentative kisses quickly gave way to exploring ones that even quicker became a battle between their tongues for supremacy.

With a moment of regret, Qui left Obi's lips to explore more of his body. He traced the contours of Obi's chin and throat with his tongue, relearning his textures and tastes. He also found a forgotten sensitive spot just to the left of Obi's Adam's apple. He worried this tender spot until a dark love bite marked the tender skin.

The sounds that were escaping Obi-wan's mouth sent electrical jolts through Qui's body, all of them ending up as a burning mass in his groin. A shift in body placement caused Qui's arousal to brush against Obi's still clothed thigh and a groan of pure passion was forced past Qui's lips. Obi grasped Qui's head and brought him up for a mind-bending kiss.

When they had to come back up for air Obi scrambled to get the ties of his trousers undone. At the same time he was trying unsuccessfully to toe off his still latched boots. A groan of frustration rumbled in his chest. "A little help? I want to feel you skin to skin."

Qui couldn't help but chuckle. "I don't know. A desperate Obi-wan is a very enticing thing to behold."

"If I don't get out of these clothes I am quickly going to pass desperate and climb into put out."

"Oh, now that I do not want." He playfully slapped Obi's hands away from the ties and quickly undid them. Grasping the waistband he pulled them slowly down, stopping only long enough to remove Obi's boots and socks. Soon, a very naked and very aroused Obi-wan laid before him. Qui drank in the sight. "Force you are beautiful."

A slight blush colored Obi's skin. "Have you looked in a mirror lately? The same can be said about you. So if you are done looking, I would rather have you touching."

Not needing anymore of an invitation, Qui rejoined Obi on the bed, gathering the smaller man into his arms. "Better?"

"Much, but you aren't kissing me, that would be even bet….hmmmmm" Obi's voice was cut off as Qui's lips covered his once again.

Fingers and hands explored as lips and tongues tasted and teased. The two men took their time in the growing light learning each other's bodies again. At one particular moment Qui had taken Obi's cock into his mouth and had the smaller man begging for him to either stop or let him cum. Qui chose to make Obi-wan wait for his release.

Finally when both men were close to dropping over the precipice of orgasmic oblivion, Obi pinned Qui to the bed and straddled him. "I want you inside me. I want to feel you filling me with your essence."

Qui could only nod his acceptance.

Obi leaned over and opened the small nightstand next to his bed. He produced a small vial of oil and removed the stopper. The gentle scent of almonds mixed with the smells of their passions. Obi poured a goodly amount of the oil into his hand. Working his way down Qui's body, he took the clone's arousal in hand and slathered the blood-hardened organ.

It took every ounce of will that Qui had at his disposal not to arch up into Obi's hand. He gripped the sheets below him and groaned low in his chest. "Oh Force. Beloved let me prepare you. No matter how much I want this, I will not hurt you."

Obi handed Qui the vial of oil as he turned around in the bed. Still lying on top of the bigger man, he presented his backside for preparation.

Another groan rumbled through Qui's chest as he drank in the image before him. He had to taste again. Lifting his head from the pillow, he ran his tongue along the underside of Obi's cock. The action caused Obi to jump and moan. "Please, I need you inside me. I want you inside me when I go over."

Unable to deny his lover this request, Qui drizzled some of the oil down the cleft of Obi's ass, catching it before it rolled fully off. He carefully began to massage the oil into Obi's skin, his fingers brushing against the entrance to Obi's body with each pass. Soon Obi was panting, his warm breath stirring Qui's pubic hair.

With patience only a Jedi could accomplish Qui slowly pushed one finger into Obi. "Open for me my own. Let me in."

At the breach of his body, Obi moaned and pressed back against the intrusion. He relaxed his muscles as much as possible, but he was so close it was a difficult task.

When he felt Obi relaxing, Qui added a second finger, gently scissoring them to stretch the tight muscle. "That's it beloved. Force you are so tight."

"No other lovers. No one other than you."

That caught Qui off guard, and he stopped for a moment. "Obi, why?"

"Love only you." Complete and true sentences were beyond the young Master's ability. "Please, need you."

Qui removed his fingers from his lover's body and urged him to turn around. Once he was face to face with Obi-wan again, he kissed him deeply. As he did, Obi pressed down and slowly took Qui into his body. Once Qui was completely sheathed in the tight heat of Obi's body, both men moaned into each other's mouth.

Obi-wan sat up bracing himself with his hands on Qui's chest and slowly began to ride him. Qui arched to meet every downward movement. Soon they had a steady but slow rhythm.

Qui wrapped his hand around Obi's cock and began a counter stroke to their thrusts. "Open your eyes love, I want to see them. I want to see your desire and lust."

Obi's changeable eyes slit open and he looked down into the indigo ones of his beloved Master. "I love you." He said softly. "I am where I am supposed to be."

The words touched Qui's soul, bringing sudden tears to his eyes. "And I love you, with everything I am."

Obi leaned down and licked the tears from Qui's cheeks, then whispered in his ear. "Now fuck me like you mean it."

The vulgar words spoken from his seemingly innocent lover's mouth almost sent Qui crashing over the edge. He began thrusting in earnest, his back arching off the bed over and over.

Obi-wan sat back up and moaned loudly. Qui began pumping Obi's cock once again and soon the moan became a scream of release. As Obi's seed spilled over Qui's hand and chest, the muscles clenching around Qui's maleness was too much and his own cry mingled with Obi's as he emptied into the body above him.

Obi collapsed over Qui's chest, smearing his semen between them. Once he was able to catch his breath, and his mind started to become his own again, he sat up slightly and captured Qui's lips with his own.

Holding Obi too him, Qui rolled them over onto their sides. As his spent member pulled free of Obi's body he couldn't help the small moan of protest at the loss. Gently breaking the kiss, he looked into Obi's eyes and smiled as he brushed a stray strand of hair back from the smaller man's face. "I love you Obi."

Obi smiled back. "I know, and I you." He gave the man another small kiss then snuggled into the crook of Qui's shoulder. "I still have the rest of the ten-day off." His voice was starting to show the signs of fatigue. "Do you think we will be able to figure out what to do with the time?"

Qui chuckled and kissed Obi's hair. "Oh I don't think it will be too hard. But we may have to soundproof the room or Anakin will never get a decent night's sleep."

Obi-wan laughed. "I'll check into it, later." He closed his eyes and quickly fell into a sated slumber.

Qui-gon smiled as his eyes closed. "Beloved, I am home." Then he followed Obi into the oblivion of sleep.

Chapter X

The incessant beeping of his personal com unit brought Ob-wan into semi-wakefulness. With stumbling fingers he found the noisy piece of technology on his bed stand.

"Kenobi," he croaked into it once he had brought it to his face.

The image of his smirking Padawan flashed on the screen. "Well well, I see you did survive." Anakin chuckled. "Any odd aches this afternoon?

"Anakin!" Obi warned. "I am still your Master. You will show me the respect I am due!"

Only lightly chastised, Ani's smirk faded only a fraction. "Of course my Master. Forgive my impudence."

"Forgiven. What is it you wanted Padawan?"

"Master Qui-gon wanted me to ask you if you would like to join us for sparing, then perhaps the three of us could go out for third-meal."

"Third-meal? What about first and second?"

"Master, check your chrono. You already missed them." Anakin's smirk was back full force.

"Oh….," Obi-wan rubbed at his eyes, trying to bring his still slightly asleep mind fully up to speed. "What sallie are you sparing in?"

"Third level, sallie twelve." Ani looked away from the monitor, obviously listening to someone off screen. He turned back to the screen, a broad smile on his face. "And Master, Qui-gon says to leave your tunics at home. This is just friends having dinner."

Obi nodded. "I'll bring some casual clothes for us to change into after our showers. Is there anything else Ani?"

"Just one more thing. Could you please call the temple builders and check into soundproofing your room?" Anakin quickly ended the call, but not before Obi caught the beginnings of his Padawan's laughter on the other end.

With a groan Obi-wan flopped back onto his bed, covering his eyes with his arm. *I wonder if gross aggravation is a plea against killing one's Padawan?* He pondered. *Doubtful, or Qui would have killed me during puberty.*

Hauling himself out of bed with a groan, Obi-wan made his way to the ‘fresher. He discovered along the way he did indeed, as his Padawan had so cheekily put it, have some rather odd aches. He smiled to himself remembering what caused those aches.

Twenty minutes, a shower, a quick snack, a rummage through Anakin's horribly kept bedroom (He was going to have to talk to that boy.), and a call to the temple builders later, Obi-wan strode into the training sallie, which his Padawan and former Master were already sparring in.

He made his way around the mat to place his bag on the bench at the opposite end of the room. After shrugging out of his robe, he turned to watch the two combatants for a moment. Even at top form, Anakin was having trouble keeping up with Qui-gon. Before his death, Qui had been ranked top swordsman of the order.

"Ani, keep your guard up, and watch for the slightly too wide arch of his swing. Qui has a tendency to over-reach, even against opponents that match his height. And the lightsaber he is using is too small for his hands, it makes his moves sloppy."

Qui glared at his lover. "Thank you oh grand Master. Perhaps you have some advice for me?"

"I'll go one better than advice." Obi rummaged in the pack he had brought with him. Turning around he tossed something toward Qui-gon. "Catch"

Qui snagged the object from the air and instantly knew what it was. His eyes twinkled with childhood delight as he threw the too small ‘saber away from him and ignited his own green energy blade. With the comfort of his own lightsaber in his hand Qui quickly retook the initiative in the match.

Anakin was getting very close to losing the match, and Obi let him sweat for a time. Then he opened the training bond they shared. ~Ani, the ‘saber Qui threw away. Show him what you can really do.~ A curt nod was his only acknowledgement that his Padawan had heard him

Ani called the discarded lightsaber to his hand with merely a thought, igniting it as it settled into his palm. He used the two energy swords in perfect conjunction with each other, creating a whirling wall of energy in defensive mode, and a barrage of double-timed attacks in offensive mode. To Qui's credit as a swordsman, he held his own for a fair amount of time, but the match ended with him on one knee, one of Anakin's powered off ‘saber hilts at his throat.

"Very impressive Padawan. Your skills are quite amazing."

A smile of well deserved, but not unduly abundant pride danced along Anakin's lips. "Thank you Master Jinn, I have a very good teacher." He offered his hand to the older man to help him up. "My Master thought it a good idea for me to learn some of the Sith's own tricks. It isn't a lightstaff, but close enough."

Qui nodded as he took Ani's hand and rose to his feet. "I agree, in this I feel your Master was very wise."

"Ah, hello, the Master you are speaking of is standing right here." Obi-wan piped in.

Qui-gon and Anakin smiled at each other then turned to face Obi. "Sorry Master." Anakin said with a small bow. "But you know how after match talk is. I meant no disrespect."

"Oh, of course not." Obi rolled his eyes as he shook his head and chuckled. "And what about you Qui-gon, did you mean any disrespect?"

"Absolutely. It is a Master's job to disrespect their former Padawan's in front of their students." Qui smirked and strode over to Obi's side. "But don't worry my own, you will get to do the same with Anakin one day." The clone gently pressed a kiss onto Obi's temple. ~I repeat again, you have done a wonderful job with him. His swordsmanship is astounding.~

Obi-wan slipped an arm around his former Master's middle and pressed a little closer to him. ~I had the best teacher a Padawan could ask for.~ He smiled up at the taller man, his eyes shining with all the love that flooded the bond between them.

Anakin watched the two Masters for a moment, then began to fidget, suddenly feeling like he shouldn't be there. He cleared his throat. "Should I leave? If you two want to be alone, I fully understand."

A bit of color rose on both Qui and Obi's cheeks as they hurriedly stepped apart. "That won't be necessary Padawan. We are here to spar after all." Obi said as he began stretching. "While I am warming up, show Master Qui-gon your fifteenth kata. Perhaps with his greater reach he can help you correct the ninth stance."

"If I remember right, you had trouble with that position too Obi-wan."

~Shhhh, I still do, that is why I can't help Ani with it more than I have.~

"He still does, and he throws me off even more because of it."

Qui-gon laughed at the dual information. "I see. Alright Ani, show me."

The three of them spent the next several hours sparring and working on katas together. But below the obvious physical work, something subtler was happening. The three of them were bonding, each coming to their own acceptance of their current situation. By the time they were ready to shower and go out for the evening, it was as if the ten years that had passed since they had last been together had evaporated. The unit of three Jedi's had formed its foundation, and it was a strong one.

But could it withstand the blows that were coming?

Chapter XI

Six months had passed since Qui-gon Jinn's clone had come to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. In that time he had stood before the Council four times. The first was their initial appraisal of him. The second was his asking to remain in residence in the temple as Obi-wan's mate. The third was for further appraisal of the clone. The fourth was Qui-gon asking to retake his trials to regain his status as an active Jedi Knight.

Qui-gon stood before them once again.

"Qui-gon Jinn, stand before us you do to know the results of your trials?"

"Yes Master Yoda."

"Ready to hear our answer you are?"

"I am Master."

The little green Master struggled to gain his feet from his chair. He approached the kneeling clone, his glimmer-stick tapping on the marble floor. Once he was no more than a few inched away, he thumped the walking stick on the floor.

"Confer on you status of Jedi Knight the Council does. Knighting Day Ceremony tomorrow at first light will be. Find someone to stand as your Master you need to."

Obi-wan stepped forward from where he was standing outside the center circle of the room. "I will stand as his Master."

"Padawan you already have. Stand for him you cannot."

Obi-wan sighed but bowed his head in acquiescence.

"I'll stand for him" All eyes fell on the dark-skinned councilor Mace Windu.

"Sure are you?"

"I am."

"Acceptable this is to you Qui-gon?"

"It is."

"Any objections from the Council are there?" Silence was the answer is to his query. "Agreed upon it is. Announcement made will be. Night of meditations you will spend"

Qui-gon nodded and rose to his feet. "I offer my thanks to you Masters." He bowed to the Council then turned and left the room, Obi-wan trailing.

"Well," Obi said once they were out of the Council chambers. "You got what you wanted." He smiled softly and moved to walk beside his lover. "You will be a Jedi again."

"They couldn't have taken my heart away Obi-wan. Even if they had denied me, I would still be a Jedi."

"True, but now you will return to the duty roster, perhaps they will send the three of us out as a team."

"I was thinking about requesting being put on Special Forces."

Obi's head snapped around, his eyes glinting. "SF? Qui, you realize that if you do get that assignment they will force us to separate. SF Jedi cannot have lovers, or families, hell most of them don't have any friends."

"That is not entirely true, while off mission and on Coruscant I would be able to do as I please, including continuing our relationship."

"And just how often would that be? Once, maybe twice in a year's time?" Obi-wan sighed and shook his head. "I won't keep you from what you wish to do, but you could think of someone besides yourself." The young Master strode off anger and hurt adding speed to his steps.

Qui-gon tried to stop Obi-wan before he could get away, but his grasp was a fraction too slow. All his hand brought to him was the scent of Obi's anger. With a sigh, Qui changed the direction of his steps, and made his way to the meditation gardens.

Obi-wan burst into his quarters nearly causing his Padawan to dive under the couch in surprise, "Master?" The startled young man inquired. "Is everything alright?"

The older Jedi shook his head and beat a hasty retreat to his bedroom. If the door could have slammed, Anakin was sure it would have. He debated a moment, then quickly rose to his feet and knocked on his Master's door.

"Master, please, perhaps I can help."

"I think not Anakin, unless you could possibly beat some sense into the thick head of that man that has been living with us for the past quarter." Came Obi's voice from behind his closed door.

Anakin shook his head. "Did you and Master Qui have a fight Master?"

"No. No fight, nothing to fight about. He has already made up his mind, and I get left hanging while he traipses across the universe on missions we can't even discuss IF we ever get to see each other again."

"Oh." Anakin said as he placed his hand against the door. "He told you about Special Forces."

At this the door hissed open. "You knew about this? And you didn't have the honesty or the respect for me to say anything?"

"It wasn't my place."

"Is not your place to help protect your Master from harm?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "That is stretching it a bit Master."

The older Jedi sighed. "I know, but Sith, I would have liked some warning." Obi walked back out into the living area and flopped down on the couch, putting his head in his hands. "I don't know if I can handle being apart from him again. Not now, not after knowing the truth. It… it would be as if he were dead again."

Ani sat beside his Master, placing a reassuring hand on his back. "But he wouldn't be. You would be able to talk to him almost any time you wished, and when he is back on-planet you would be together."

"IF we are on-planet at the same time."

"Details, details." Anakin teased lightly. "Perhaps Qui-gon wants you to follow him. With your knowledge of the Sith, you would be a valuable asset to them."

"You know as well as I, SF agents aren't allowed to have Padawans Ani. What would I do with you?" He smiled an impish smile at his apprentice. "No other Master would have you."

"Oh, thank you so much for your vote of confidence Master." Anakin rolled his eyes. "And you won't have to worry about me for much longer. The time for my trials is quickly approaching."

"Don't rush the future my Padawan, it will come in its own time." He reached out and ruffled the younger man's hair. An affectionate gesture that stuck between the two of them from the beginning of their partnership. "I have no desire to rid myself of you until you are fully ready."

Anakin smiled and gave the older man a quick hug.

"What was that for?" Obi-wan asked with a bemused smile.

"Just because I love you. And because you are the greatest Master any Padawan could ask for"

Obi-wan smiled and pulled his Padawan into a light embrace, his arm around the younger man's shoulder. "And I couldn't have asked for a better Padawan. I love you too Ani."

The two men sat in quiet companionship for a while before Obi broke the comfortable silence. "Would you meditate with me Anikin?"

"Of course Master."

They rose from the couch together then exited onto the balcony. Kneeling facing each other, they both quickly fell into meditation. The lights of the Coruscant sky flickering across their calm faces.

Chapter XII

Qui-gon sat in the meditation gardens, trying to find his center, frustration rolling off him in waves. He switched his weight from knee to knee as his hands clenched and unclenched on his thighs. Finally with a sigh of frustration he opened his eyes, to find Master Yoda watching him, a bemused smile on his face.

"Trouble meditating having you are? Hmmmmmmm?"

Qui nodded. "Yes Master. I can't find my center."

"Troubled you are, meditate on it you should." The old master cackled at his joke.

The clone chuckled and shook his head. "Of course Master." He paused a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Master, may I ask you a question?"

"Of course Padawan. Answering questions my specialty is."

Qui smiled at the old honorific, but it faded quickly. "Is it unfair of me to think of joining Special Forces while Obi-wan remains on the Duty Roster?"

"Feel it is do you?"

"I don't know. I think SF is where I belong. I think I can do some good there. But at the same time, I will be leaving the one man I have ever loved behind. Obi-wan says I am being selfish and only thinking of myself."

"Feel the same you do I think."

"I'm beginning to." Qui replied with a small nod. "I was hoping he might follow me. He would be an asset to them also."

"Cannot follow you, Padawan has he."

"I know, but he won't forever. Anakin is so advanced, he should be ready for his trials soon."

"Second time presuming knowing when a Padawan is ready this is. Not wise is it." The little Master's voice was stern.

Qui-gon bowed his head. "Forgive me Master."

"Forgiven are you." The green Master grunted as he took a seat on the ground. "Guide you in meditation I will. Since Knight you are not, Padawan you still must be." He smiled at the clone, the ends of his ears twitching slightly. "Lead you your Master will"

With a smile, Qui-gon nodded and closed his eyes. Finally, with his former Master's help he was able to find his center and meditate.

The lower levels of Coruscant were a pit of filth and despair. Rarely did any but the poorest or those in hiding ever brave it's dark streets. This night was different, however. A rare treat was waiting for the patrons of the Matted Bantha bar. There was a senator among them.

"Senator Palpatine?! To what do we owe this pleasure?"

The Senator smiled at the bartender. "I am to meet a business associate here tonight. He said you had a fine establishment, and I can see he was quite correct."

"Well thank you Sir. Please have a seat, I'll offer the first round on the house."

"Thank you, it is much appreciated." Palpatine made his way toward one of the more shadowed booths, toward the back of the bar. "I would appreciate if you didn't bring notice to my presence. This meeting is of a sensitive nature and I don't want to cause undue stress to my associate."

"Totally understandable Sir." The tender nodded rapidly several times. "You have my word, no one will bother you. I run a tight ship here, don't need no problems."

"Good. Thank you for your understanding."

Not long after Palpatine found his seat, the door opened admitting a black-cloaked figure. He made his way to the Senator's table without looking around. "Master," he said quietly as he sat down.

"Maul. I must say, your choice in establishments leaves something to be desired."

"I thought it would suit our purpose."

"It does, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." The Senator waved a hand in the air. "But you get me off track. How goes our project?"

"My source tells me that the clone has regained his status. He will be receiving his honors come dawn."

"Good, good, everything is going as planned."

"Perhaps not my Master. There is talk that the clone has decided to join the Jedi Special Forces."

"And this presents a problem how?"

"It will separate the clone from the other."

Palpatine nodded. "I can see why you are concerned, but I don't feel it is a bad turn of events. With the two of them separated, and more than likely arguing about it, it will be easier to get to Obi-wan, and through him to Anakin."

"Perhaps. Do you want me to continue to monitor the clone? Or should I remain with Obi-wan and the chosen one?"

"You may stay with your future toy, I have another in mind for the clone." An evil grin came over the face of the senator. "Indeed, he won't be able to resist her."

Maul rose to his feet and bowed low to Palpatine. "As you wish Master. I will send my next report in the allotted time."

"Very good. Keep your eyes sharp my apprentice, our time is fast coming on us."

"Indeed."