by Джуд Уотсон
It was as if he were challenging him to do something, to make the first move.
Qui-Gon did. He brought his lightsaber down in a powerful strike — once, twice, three times. Obi-Wan was there to block each blow. The graceful arcs he made with his blade were confident and accurate. His eyes never left his Master's face.
Qui-Gon suddenly realized that his Padawan's lightsaber skills had improved significantly in the past months. His physical energy was exceptional — young and true. Obi-Wan was fighting like a Jedi Knight.
Not to mention trusting his instincts, Qui-Gon thought wryly. He suddenly had the feeling that one day the boy would beat him. And that such a day might not be so far away.
The two Jedi dodged and weaved with incredible speed, their ignited blue and green blades blurs of energy in the Vorzyd night. But behind them pulsed something even stronger-Jedi will. Obi-Wan wanted to be treated as an equal, Qui-Gon knew. But while he had grownup a lot in the last four years, he was only seventeen. He still had much to learn.
With each stroke, Qui-Gon pushed Obi-Wan farther back. It was not terribly difficult. But even as he advanced on his Padawan, Qui-Gon had the feeling that Obi-Wan was allowing him to do it — that the Padawan was somehow in control.
He was. In a flash of blinding green light Obi-Wan swung, ducked, and turned. His blue eyes flashed and a small smile turned up the corners of his lips. He now had the upper hand.
Qui-Gon was accustomed to this kind of haughty strategy coming from an enemy. But it was slightly unnerving to see it in his own Padawan learner. And yet it had worked.
As if picking up on his Master's thoughts, Obi-Wan stepped up the pace an additional notch. Now he was swinging repeatedly and with phenomenal strength, pushing Qui-Gon in a wide arc around the courtyard.
His green blade was a bright blur in the darkness, and his entire body moved with certainty and empowerment.
Qui-Gon had to concentrate — hard — to keep ahead of his Padawan.
They had fought side by side often enough for him to be able to guess what Obi-Wan would do next. Of course, the same was true of Obi-Wan. And once in a while the young Jedi blocked a blow so quickly that Qui-Gon knew the boy had known exactly what was coming.
With a flash and a buzz, the lightsabers met in a raised cross. Both men were breathless, sweating from the exertion. This had been no lighthearted spar.
Obi-Wan looked up at his Master, his eyes bright and intense. It was clear that he had not actually won the match, but that he had stated his case firmly. Something had changed between them. Obi-Wan had taken yet another step toward becoming a Jedi Knight, and Qui-Gon was closer than ever to letting him go.
Without speaking, the two Jedi switched off their lightsabers and headed back into the retirement complex.
"You must go to Grath," Qui-Gon said quietly. "The students and the laborers have much to teach one another."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I agree," he said. "As you have had much to teach me. I am grateful, Master."
Qui-Gon felt a surge of pride. Obi-Wan was a good man, and would be a great Jedi Knight. "We learn from each other, Padawan," he said. "But thank you."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I think I should find Grath immediately," he said.
"I see now that there is still a chance for us to stop the dispute, to get the two sides to listen to each other. But we do not have much time. I think that deep down, the students and the adults want the same thing."
"Yes, deep down," Qui-Gon agreed.
Chapter 18
Obi-Wan slept soundly through the night and awoke with a clear head.
He knew exactly what needed to be done, and was prepared to do it.
After donning his Jedi robes, he left the retirement complex, walked over to the Ports' homespace, and knocked on the door. It seemed as though Grath were standing right on the other side, because the door slid open immediately. Obi-Wan was surprised to see Nania behind him.
"We were just getting ready to come look for you," Grath explained.
He looked a bit sheepish. "I'm glad you've come."
Grath stepped aside and Obi-Wan entered the dwelling. Nania led them all to the table.
"I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan," Grath said as soon as they were sitting down. "I knew you were a Jedi because I overheard my father. I should have told you. But I thought you might not want to help if you knew I knew. Or that your Master would not let you. And I didn't think that all of the Freelies would accept help from a Jedi."
Grath spoke quickly and clearly, and his words felt genuine. Obi-Wan could see why he was the leader of the Freelies.
"I deceived you as well," Obi-Wan admitted. "I knew that it was dishonest not to tell you that I was a Jedi. But I felt it was the best way to learn what was happening on your planet, and how to help."
Grath's eyes lit up. "I know," he said. "And I think you can help. We need to get through to our parents. They are not our enemy. You have seen firsthand what our relationships are like. They are crumbling. We need to rebuild the foundations. You might have the power to help facilitate that."
"Both sides could be a problem at this point," Nania added. "The adults suspect that we have been pulling the pranks, so they may be hostile. Especially because they've been accusing Vorzyd 5. We've caused a lot of trouble. And now the Freelies are divided."
"I did not tip off the adults," Obi-Wan said earnestly. He wanted Grath and Nania to know he would not betray them in such a way.
"We know that," Grath said.
"It was Flip," Nania added. "I overheard him and Tray laughing about how easy it was to fool the rest of the group." She reached over and put a hand on Obi-Wan's arm. "We know you've only been trying to help us, Obi- Wan," she said. "That's your job as a Jedi, isn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it is," Obi-Wan said.
"But things keep getting worse and worse," Grath said, suddenly looking a bit defeated. "We used to do this just for fun," he said. "You know, for something to do."
"It went on like that for a while, and it was okay," Nania said. "We were having fun. We worked hard together doing the planning and carrying out the pranks. And nobody got hurt."
"But then we changed the rules," Grath continued. "We wanted to wake up the laborers — our parents and grandparents. Then my father began to accuse Vorzyd 5." His voice suddenly held a tinge of bitterness. "We started to interfere with productivity, because that was all they seemed to care about. We just wanted to be noticed…."
Grath's voice trailed off and his eyes fell to the floor. "We're not so sure about the pranks anymore," he admitted. "We never intended for those explosives to go off when laborers were in the shuttles. We never meant for anyone to get hurt."
"Now we want to stop what we have in the works," Nania continued.
"But we're not sure we can convince Flip and the Freelies on his side to call it off — that violence isn't the way."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "This next prank would be violent?" he asked.
"It's not actually supposed to be," Grath replied. "But it was going to be explosive. And with the way things have been going…"
His voice trailed off once more. But this time he looked up at the ceiling. "I don't know what's happened to Flip," he said mournfully. "He used to be such a great person. A real friend. I always thought he looked up to me."
"He did," Nania said. "But Flip is his own person. You can't blame yourself for his thoughts and actions."
Obi-Wan's heart went out to Grath. He knew what it was like to feel responsible — he had felt that way so many times. When his friends were in danger. When his rivals had died.
"I'll bet he still looks up to you," Obi-Wan said, remembering how hurt Flip had seemed when Grath came down on him for setting off the explosive devices during the morning commute. "I think his anger might be a mask for his hurt. He wants you to be proud of him."
"I am proud of him," Grath said. "In a way. I just think his energy is misdirected."
"It's important for you to move forward an
d make the right decisions.
For everybody-including Flip," Obi-Wan counseled. "It's time to meet with the adults, to tell them what is going on. You need to confide in them."
Grath let out his breath slowly. "I know," he said. "But I don't know where to begin."
"I can set up the meeting for you," Obi-Wan said. "And Qui-Gon will help counsel the laborers."
Grath sighed. "Okay," he said. "But I have a feeling that talking to the laborers might be easier than convincing the Freelies to call off the latest prank and to show up at the meeting."
Chapter 19
That evening, over a Vorzyd supper of tasteless broth and a tough flatbread, Obi-Wan told his Master of his meeting with Grath and Nania.
"I really think we can turn the situation into a positive one," he said confidently. "The Freelies have to see that meeting with the laborers is the right thing to do. It's the best thing for everybody."
"I agree, Padawan," Qui-Gon said. "And I think I should accompany you to this Freelie meeting. There is much at stake."
Obi-Wan could not help but feel chided. Didn't his Master think he could handle the situation? Wasn't it clear that he was approaching the problem in a new way?
Obi-Wan swallowed his utensilful of broth and looked across the table at his Master. "I would like to go alone," he said slowly. "To finish what I have started by myself. We will both be at the meeting between the Freelies and the laborers, of course." Obi-Wan hoped this last comment might sway his Master a bit.
There was a moment of silence before Qui-Gon spoke. "Very well," he said. "I understand that it could be important for you to go alone. My presence might upset the balance you have been trying to create. I will contact Chairman Port and make sure the laborers are ready to meet. I will need to be present when he contacts Vorzyd 5 to apologize. And I may know a few others who would be interested in coming to the Freelie/laborer meeting as well," he added thoughtfully.
Obi-Wan wondered who his Master was talking about, but a knock on their retiree room door halted their conversation. A second later the metal portal slid open and Grath stood in the doorway. He looked sheepishly at Qui-Gon, as if he wasn't sure how to greet a Jedi Master.
Qui-Gon got to his feet and lowered his head slightly before Grath.
"It's an honor to meet the leader of the Free-lies," Qui-Gon said.
Grath looked surprised, but Obi-Wan just smiled. His Master was exceptionally skilled at setting others at ease.
"Obi-Wan has told me much about you," Qui-Gon continued with a friendly smile.
Grath smiled back. "It's an honor to meet you as well," he said. "And I'd like to thank you for your help. I'm hoping Vorzyd 4 will be on a new path before you leave."
"That is my wish as well," Qui-Gon agreed as he began to clear the eating utensils from the table. Obi-Wan sensed that it was his way of not intruding on their departure. Silently grateful, Obi-Wan left the room with Grath.
The two crossed the courtyard and waited for Nania to pick them up in the shuttle. In spite of his apparent confidence back in the retirement complex, Obi-Wan felt quite nervous. What if the Freelies wouldn't listen to what he and Grath had to say? What if they still thought he was a traitor?
By the time they got to the refuse facility, Obi-Wan was practicing a calming breathing technique. But he did not have to worry. The Freelies were quiet as they heard Grath out.
"I must apologize to you all for not telling you that we had a Jedi among us," Grath said from atop a heap of rubble. "But at the time I thought I was doing the right thing."
While he listened to Grath, Obi-Wan looked around the facility. Kids were listening intently, and many were nodding. Only Tray stood apart, alone in a corner, looking angry. There was no sign of Flip.
"Obi-Wan has come to help us," Grath went on. "He understands what we are trying to do. And he can bring us and the laborers together."
"No!" Tray shouted, stamping her foot. Looking at her, Obi-Wan wondered why she was so bent on violence. What did she want to accomplish?
There was a murmur in the crowd, and kids began to speak. But they were much more orderly than they had been the previous day, taking turns and listening to what others were saying. Obi-Wan took this as a good sign.
"They don't care about us," someone said. "It's all about productivity."
"And they won't listen," another Freelie added. "They'll just stop the pranks, and the pranks are…" The boy struggled to find the right words.
"I agree," Grath interrupted. "Our coming together to make the pranks happen is the only fun I've had, and could be the best thing I've ever done. But we are not solving the problem. We are not getting any closer to our parents. We have to start somewhere if we are going to bring about the changes we need."
There was a moment of silence as the Free-lies looked at one another.
Obi-Wan noticed that Tray's antennae were jabbing at the air, as if fighting something invisible. But the others seemed to be getting what Grath was saying. They understood that violence wasn't the answer.
"You do not have to come to the meeting if you are opposed," Nania said, looking directly at Tray. "But we hope you will. It is for all of us.
It is the only way."
Nania kept her eyes locked on Tray, as if she expected an argument.
But the girl remained sullen and silent. Then Nania's antennae straightened.
"Where is Flip?" she asked.
Tray shrugged. "I do not know," she said. But there was a glint in her eyes that made Obi-Wan suspect she wasn't telling the truth.
Obi-Wan switched on his comlink. It was time to contact Qui-Gon. The device crackled for a moment, and then he heard his Master's voice.
"The Freelies have agreed to meet," Obi-Wan said.
"That is good news," Qui-Gon replied. "We are in the Multycorp annex next to Chairman Port's office. We have made peace with Vorzyd 5, and a large group of laborers has gathered here, along with some retirees. We are anxious to get started."
"Excellent," Obi-Wan said. For the first time in days he felt relieved, and truly hopeful. "We are on our way."
Obi-Wan ended the communication and climbed onto a small pile of rubble. "The laborers are waiting to meet with us — to hear what we have to say," he told the Freelies. "Some of the retirees are there as well. They want to begin the dialogue. We should all head over to the Multycorp annex at once."
There was audible excitement as the Freelies began to chatter among themselves. Antennae all over the room were bouncing up and down. Obi-Wan turned to look for Tray, and saw her sink to the ground. A look of horror was frozen on her face.
"But my grandmother — " she stammered. "No." She looked up at Grath and Obi-Wan. "The Multycorp annex is going to explode."
Chapter 20
The Freelies grew completely silent as Tray's words sank in.
"What?" Grath said. "What did you say?"
Tray's eyes were full of tears. "The Multycorp annex is going to explode," she repeated. "We thought it would be empty. There were no meetings on the roster."
Obi-Wan reached for his comlink. If he could tell Qui-Gon what was happening, they might be able to stop the explosion. But before he could even attempt to make a transmission Tray was shaking her head.
Obi-Wan tried the comlink, but there was only interference and static.
"It won't work anymore," she said woodenly. "We've scrambled communication." She pointed to her timepiece. "We're too late."
Tray leaped to her feet. "We have to stop the explosion!" she shouted. "Come on!"
Leading the way, Tray rushed out to the maintenance shuttle and climbed into the cockpit seat. For a moment, Nania looked as though she might try to take the controls from her, but she changed her mind. Tray needed something to do.
Unfortunately, Tray was not much of a pilot. If a ride with Nania was an adventure, a ride with Tray was a hazard. The shuttle lurched and bounced, tossing the other Freelies around in the back.
As he slammed into
his seat, Obi-Wan tried to clear his mind. He wanted to send Qui-Gon a warning about the explosion. But there was so much anxiety and commotion in the shuttle it was difficult to concentrate. He closed his eyes and shut out all of the noise and emotion. Gathering the Force around him, he sent a warning to Qui-Gon. Get everyone out of the Multycorp annex, he told him. Now.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes to find Grath staring at him. "I hope whatever you just did works," the boy said in a shaky voice. "If anything happens to my father because of me, because of what I've done…." he trailed off, suddenly at a loss for words.