[Jedi Apprentice] - 14(7)

He was the only one who worried. But did that mean he was wrong?

All he could see were her eyes. Usually they blazed like green crystals with traces of gold. Now they were black and dull, filmed with suffering.

When she saw him, they sparked to life. “It is too late for me, dear friend,” she said.

Qui-Gon woke with a start. He put his hand on his heart. The grief that filled him was because of the dream. It was not real. He told his beating heart to slow down.

This grief was temporary. It was already fading as his heartbeat slowed. But the vision - the vision was real.

He swung his legs over the edge of the sleep-couch. Enough, he told himself. Enough of trying to convince himself the vision had been more about his anxiety about Tahl than anything real. Enough of respecting her request to leave her be.

Enough.

        *

He waited until after the meditation period, when the Council members gathered for a short meeting. Then he headed toward the Council chamber.

He ran into Obi-Wan, who was on his way to the morning meal. His Padawan knew immediately that he had a purpose. Obi-Wan looked at him questioningly.

“I’m on my way to the Council Room,” Qui-Gon said.

“Tahl?”

He nodded.

“I’ll come with you.”

He was about to argue, but he saw the resolute look in Obi-Wan’s eyes. He kept on walking, and Obi-Wan swung into step beside him.

This time, Qui-Gon took the time to request permission to enter. He needed the Council on his side. It was granted.

He strode into the room, suddenly glad to have Obi-Wan with him.

“I wish to inform the Council that I am following Tahl to New Apsolon,” he said without preliminaries.

“What is the reason for this action?” Mace Windu asked. He knitted his long fingers together and frowned at Qui-Gon.

“Tahl promised to keep in contact with the Council. She has not. It has been nearly three weeks since she left. She said she would be back in under a week.”

“Jedi Knights are not required to conform to a schedule,” Mace Windu said. “And missions reveal their own time frame. The Council members are not concerned.”

“But I am,” Qui-Gon stated firmly. “Complete this mission alone, Tahl wanted,” Yoda said. “Best it is for her, we think.”

“I have tried to honor her wishes,” Qui-Gon said. “I feel that there is danger there. I have seen it.”

“A vision?” Yoda asked. “Know you do that visions can lead us astray as well as guide us.”

“This one must guide me,” Qui-Gon said.

“You know that secrecy is crucial to Tahl’s mission,” Mace Windu said. “She could have already started her journey. She could have the twins with her. We will wait for her next communication.”

“I will not,” Qui-Gon said.

Yoda exchanged a glance with Mace Windu. It was clear they were surprised and displeased.

“Noted we have your concern for Tahl over the years since she was blinded,” Yoda said. “Natural, it is. But good for her, it is not. Find her own way, she must.”

“I am going,” Qui-Gon insisted.

“Qui-Gon,” Mace Windu warned, “you are not listening to our counsel. It is clear that you made a decision and will not be swayed. It is not like you to close your mind, nor is it like a Jedi.”

Qui-Gon said nothing. He would not argue with Mace Windu. But he would not abandon his plan.

“You must open your mind to other opinions. We sit here on the Council because our vision is a wider one than that of any individual Jedi. “

Qui-Gon stirred impatiently. “I am wasting time,” he said.

Obi-Wan looked at him, startled. Qui-Gon knew he had been rude, but he was on fire to leave the Temple. No matter what the Council said, he was going.

Mace Windu looked thunderous. “Counsel with us is wasting your time?” He pointed his finger at Qui-Gon. “Know this, Qui-Gon Jinn. If you leave to find Tahl, you do it against our wishes and direction.”

It was the strongest condemnation Mace Windu could give, short of forbidding it. Qui-Gon nodded curtly. He turned and left the chamber, feeling Obi-Wan at his heels.

He did not stop but stepped immediately on the turbolift. Obi-Wan had to jump to accompany him.

“I have never seen you act so impolite,” Obi-Wan said, running both hands through his hair. “You defied Mace Windu!”

The turbolift opened. Qui-Gon strode out.

“Qui-Gon, wait. Can’t you talk to me?”

He stopped and turned. His Padawan’s face was full of worry. He could see how torn he was. Obi-Wan did not understand how a vision could touch you so deeply that it was as though the real world dropped away and you were living in another reality. Qui-Gon had to get to Tahl. He had to see her, grasp her hands, look into her face. He had to know she was alive.