[Episode 1 Adventure](3)

“This is why we have summoned you, Qui-Gon Jinn,” Mace Windu answered. “You will lead two Jedi Knights to Esseles, to find Master Adi” At that moment, two more Jedi Knights entered the Council room. They were Vel Ardox and Noi’o Zak. Wearing a black wet suit, Vel’Ardox resembled a human; but she was an amphibious Biubreen from the Ploo Sector. Noro Zslc.his tapered ears and leathery, membranous wings indicated he was a Baxthrax. Qui-Gon nodded at the two Jedi Knights. He had fought alongside Vel and Noro in the past, and trusted them both;

“Except for the circumstances, it’s good to see you,” Qui-Gon greeted. Turning for the door, he continued, “The four of us had better, get going to Esseles. Come, Obi-Wan “

“Perhaps I was not clear, Qui-Gon,” Mace Windu interrupted; “A Jedi Master is missing. This mission could be extremely dangerous; As an apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi is not ready for such an assignment. Your Padawan should remain here at the Temple.” Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan, searching his face for any reaction. Obi-Wan wore a relaxed expression and wisely remained silent. But Qui-Gon sensed he was disappointed.

“Understood,” Qui-Gon answered Mace Windu. ‘Obi-Wan will help us prepare for departure.” Watching Qui-Gon,Vel Ardox, Noro Zak, and Obi-Wan leave the Council chamber, Yoda said softly; “May the Force be with them.”

In the starship hanger at the Jedi Temple the Cruiser Radiant Vll.”and its crew of eight ‘ a captain, two-copilots, two communications officers; and three engineers waited to transport the Jedi to Esseles. From the hangar deck, Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon followed Vel and Noro to the cruiser’s main hatch. Of course, Obi-Wan had hoped to join Qui-Gon on the mission; He had fought beside his Master before and believed he was well trained for such an assignment. But the Padawan knew better than to Question Mace Windu’s reasons for wanting him to stay on Coruscant. Also, he could feet relief within his disappointment. If Qui-Gon had argued with Mace Windu about allowing Obi-Wan to join the rescue team, it would have been embarrassing for the entire Council. Entering the Radiant Vll, Noro Z ak had to duck,. folding his thick-skinned wings tight against his back so they wouldn’t scrape the ceiling. Qui-Gon watched from the open hatchway as Noro neatly arranged himself in a seat beside Vel Ardox. “You can close the hatch now, Master Qui-Gon;” Vel noted. “We’re all ready.”: “Not quite,” Qui-Gon replied as he fidgeted with the hatch mechanism. Turning from the hatchway, Qui-Gon looked to the hangar deck and’ called out to Obi-Wan. “Padawan I want you to take a look at this hatch. I think it’s stuck.” Wondering why Qui-Gon hadn’t requested a proper droid mechanic, Obi-Wan left the deck and stepped into the cruiser. As soon as Obi-Wan was inside; Qui-Gon quickly sealed the hatch. - : “Ah!” Qui-Gon exclaimed. “It seems the hatchworks after all. Now, Padawan, since You’re. on board, you should find yourself a seat. We’ve a long trip ahead of us;” “B-B-But; Master…” Obi-Wan stammered. “Mace Windu said I should remain ” “I know what Mace Windu suggested,” Qui-Gon interrupted, “but You’re my responsibility. If I’m going to Esseles, I want you where you belong: at: my side!” Obi-Wan’s gaze traveled from the sealed hatch to Qui-Gon’s face. Despite the presence of Val and Noro, Qbi-Wan was compelled to protest. “Forgive me; Master, but you put me in an unfair position. You ask me to disobey either You or the Jedi Council.” “I’m not asking you to disobey anyone, Padawan,” Qui-Gon answered. “We both know you’re ready for this mission. I want you to come to Esseles with us because I have a feeling we’re going to need you there. if I’m asking for anything, it’s your.: help.” Turning to face the two seated Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows and asked, “Any questions?” Vel and Noro swapped glances. Turning to Obi-Wan; Noro inquired,

“Would you like a window seat?” After a moment of hesitation, Obi-Wan stepped away from the sealed door. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he muttered. Qui-Gon grinned. “Glad we sorted that out” Leaning toward a wall-mounted comm unit, Qui - Gon addressed the Radiant VII’s captain, stationed in the cruiser’s cockpit. “We’re all aboard, Captain. Prepare to launch.”

As Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slipped into adjacent seats, Obi-Wan whispered,. “Master? I was unaware that Master Adi ever saved your life. Instead of answering immediately, Qui-Gon closed his eyes, preparing to enter a deep meditation. “I will tell you all about it, Padawan… after we rescue Adi Gallia.”