Note: The following fiction was a group fiction. The following people took part in writing the story: Jemmiah * Healer Leona * The Musical Jedi * Dagan Conner * Jedi Kylenn * Opi Wan Cannoli * Wampy * ***** " No master, please... not the zoo!" As the words left his mouth, Obi-Wan's eye brows climbed to a seemingly impossible height, as if trying to escape from off his face altogether. His master turned to look at him, stifling the slightest of sighs and crossing his arms across his chest to emphasize that the situation was irrevocable. Not that Qui-Gon didn't sympathize with his 21-year-old apprentice; a trip to the zoo with the youngest of the Jedi initiates would not have been high on his own list of must-do things. But there really was no choice... "I'm sorry, Obi-Wan, but this is not negotiable. The whole idea for this Padawan/Initiate excursion belongs to Master Yoda, and from experience it's better to bow and do as commanded. Not to mention less painful". Qui-Gon stroked his short beard absently. "For such a small being, that stick of his has a considerably impressive reach." One look at Obi-Wan's rapidly paling features told him that his attempt to inject some humor into proceedings had not been well received. The voice became firm once more. "You'll just have to grin and bear it, Padawan. You're going with the others from the temple and that is an end to it". Qui-Gon walked past his dejected apprentice into their living quarters, seating himself with as serene an expression as he could muster under the trying circumstances. He understood Obi-Wan's dismay. Both of them had more than earned a break from the constant field missions and somewhat tedious diplomatic duties that had become such a large part of their lives. The boy was feeling jaded, and Qui-Gon had promised some down time. But the Council had found a way to intrude on that, too. And neither of them liked it. As Obi-Wan followed his master into the room, Qui-Gon noticed the usual sparkle was completely absent from the his Padawan's eyes, and in it's place was a look of abject terror. "But master, I'll die!" At this declaration of woe, Qui-Gon failed to keep a smile from appearing on his lips. "Don't exaggerate, Obi-Wan". "I'm not!" Obi-Wan dropped theatrically to his knees. "Master, don't send me out there, please! You have no idea what it'll be like". "It's only the zoo, and it's only a group of children". "Only!" Qui-Gon placed a hand to his broad forehead, trying to concentrate on the living force. Something else was going on here... "You like children". He replied calmly. "They don't like me!" They met each other’s stares in silence for a moment, before Obi-Wan wilted somewhat. "I've already got something to do". Qui-Gon caught his Padawan's nervous gulp. Thought as much, he mused secretly. And I think I know where this is going to go... "I told Jemmy I'd meet her. She's leaving for Corellia tomorrow and I won't see her for the best part of four months..." The voice trailed off as Qui-Gon's expression became tight-lipped. Jemmiah Gleshan, the little Corellian waif that had somehow captured the heart of both himself and his apprentice on a dangerous mission some seven years ago. At the age of ten she had returned to Coruscant with them, eventually finding herself a home with Master Sovalla, one of the minders in the initiate's crèche. She had over the years become Obi-Wan's closest and most loyal friend…and then to Qui-Gon's initial horror when she hit sixteen had become closer still. Although they sometimes bickered she remained very much an important part of his life, at least that was until two months ago, when a heated argument between his Padawan and the young lady in question had led to Qui-Gon witnessing what seemed to be an unwarranted attack on his apprentice's person. As if breaking in to his thoughts, Obi-Wan hesitantly ventured "You're not still angry at her, are you?" "She smashed you over the head with a vase, Padawan!" "I'm not likely to forget"; Obi-Wan replied dryly, "It was my head, after all. But I've forgiven her, why can't you do the same?" "It was MY vase", retorted Qui-Gon. "I was up half the night whilst An-Paj pulled vast quantities of glass out of your head." "I see", Obi-Wan muttered, hands on hips " You're angry because it was YOUR vase, not because it was smashed on MY head." He sniffed. "Thanks a lot, master. That really makes me feel appreciated! And don't tell me it was valuable because I know that Master Windu gave you it as a joke. He got it dirt cheap off a flea-market on Ymprana." How did he know that, wondered Qui-Gon? Anyway, that was hardly the point. "It held great sentimental value." "You hated it! You told me that if it hadn't been a gift you would have ejected it into deep space!" "What I'm saying, Obi-Wan, is that we have very little in the way of possessions, which is as it should be. It beholds us to look after the ones we do have, which is also how it should be." He glanced at the chrono on the wall. " It is also time for you to get ready to go on your little trip, which is as it is going to be." Again the gulp. "What about Jemmy?" A small hint of irritation surfaced on Qui-Gon's usually impassive countenance. "Until Jemmiah has learned how to treat people and what's important to them with more respect, she will have to do her cooling off on Corellia. And your only date is with a pack of Banthas in that zoo. Now go." He watched his apprentice linger unhappily for a moment. "That's an order, Obi-Wan. And don't try the little-boy-hurt routine either. It may work on the female Padawans but it doesn't work with me." Grumbling to himself, Obi-Wan shuffled to his own room. "There is one consolation, I suppose," he offered Qui-Gon, his rich tones heavy with sarcasm, "at least today can't get any worse". Once he had left, Qui-Gon exhaled the breath he felt he had been holding for what seemed forever. Neither of them liked arguing with the other, but Jemmiah's little tantrum had let all manner of tensions rise to the surface. It wasn't that he didn't like the girl - he loved her very dearly - only that she seemed to have a hold on Obi-Wan that he didn't particularly care for. His training should always come first. The door chime sounded, and before Qui-Gon answered it he knew who it was. Sure enough, the door slid back to reveal the concerned figure of Master Windu. "How did he take it?" Mace asked pointedly. "About as well as a feral Ffarfalak takes castration" glowered Qui-Gon to his friend. "We could have done without this, you know". "I'm sorry, Qui. I told Yoda that his idea would not sit well with the Padawans, but the little troll wouldn't pay any attention. Said something about being a good learning experience...what's that sound?" Both men turned towards Obi-Wan's room, where a persistent thumping sound could be heard. "That, if I'm not mistaken my friend, is the sound of my Padawan banging his head off the adjoining wall". Mace laughed. "He really did take it well! You haven't lost your touch, Qui! How I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he takes those kids round the zoo...Master Yoda!" Windu's voice seemed to squeak an octave or two higher in shock, as the diminutive Jedi master appeared from behind him. Damn, his shields were good, Qui-Gon thought. They'd had no inkling of when he'd arrived. "Something to say, you have?" asked Yoda of his fellow council member. "Err... I was just telling Qui-Gon how much we liked your idea of today’s little jaunt with the initiates." "Yes, infact Master Windu was just telling me how much he would love to be there to see it". Qui-Gon couldn't help but add, only to see the desperation on his friends face turn to a scowl. Yoda nodded sagely. "Good this is. A volunteer I needed, to keep an eye on things. Get ready, you should. Waiting the Padawans and children will be". The gleam in Yoda's eye was unmistakable, and Qui-Gon once more fought the urge to laugh. His old master seemed to study him a moment. "Amusing, you find this, Master Jinn?" Now Qui-Gon gulped. "Not in the least, Master Yoda". "Good. Thinking of what you said, I have been. Not enough time you and Obi-Wan have away from the temple. Accompany him today you will." "Yes, Master Yoda", Qui-Gon replied bleakly. "And what of you Master?" asked Windu politely, "will you be coming with us on this little adventure?" Yoda looked startled, bat-like ears stretching in disdain at the suggestion. "No. I feel a cough coming on...yes, that's right. A cough". He pulled his cloak more tightly around him. "Would not like to infect young ones with germs." He gave a few feeble attempts at coughing, then began to shuffle away down the corridor. He stopped briefly as he heard the thumping sound coming from Qui-Gon's apartment. "Get your plumbing seen to, you should", he muttered before continuing on his way. Qui-Gon and Mace looked directly at one another. "A cough, eh? I think we shall have to report that one to An-Paj." Qui-Gon growled. "No doubt he'll have something suitably foul to force down Yoda’s despicable green throat!" "Anger leads to the dark side, Qui-Gon." Sighed Windu. "Don't lecture me with all that force stuff!" "Sorry!" Qui-Gon ran a shaking hand through his long, greying hair. "I don't think you appreciate the seriousness of the situation, Mace," he paused, wondering briefly if Jemmiah Gleshan had cursed him in some way, "We have to spend the rest of the day dragging a bunch of hyperactive initiates and moody Padawans round an impossibly large, not to mention smelly, animal enclosure." He suddenly realized that the thumping in the background had stopped. His Padawan had probably knocked himself out, if he was lucky. Now there was an idea. Mace watched his friend walk over to the wall. "What are you doing, Qui-Gon?" he asked in amazement as his friend started hitting his head against the surface. "What does it look like? Most people use the force to calm themselves in trying times, but I find this is more relevant to our situation. He gestured to the wall opposite. "Feel like joining me?" Mace shook his head and walked out the door, leaving a trail of despair behind him. "And Obi-Wan said the day couldn't get any worse!" Qui-Gon groaned. Somehow he didn't believe that for a moment ***** In the hanger waiting for the transport to the zoo twenty Jedi initiates ranging in ages of five to eight chattered incessantly among themselves. Their faces radiated the excitement they felt at an excursion away from the Jedi Temple. Twenty feet away a group of five Padawans stood silently watching. In contrast, their faces hung with all the gloom of death row inmates. Through the door the last of the group arrived. Quickly assessing the opposing groups, Qui-Gon led them to the sullen Padawans. "Good day, Padawans." he greeted, wondering if he looked as forlorn as they did. "Good day, Master Jinn, Master Windu." they responded half-heartedly, bowing their heads in respect. "Well, I suppose we should get things underway." Mace straightened, taking charge. A quick glance at Qui-Gon received an affirming nod. From the Padawans only unintelligible grumbles could be heard. In his peripheral vision Qui-Gon saw Mace roll his eyes and could sympathize. It was going to be far worse on the two adults. Both were Jedi Masters and would have to show the best example here. They didn't have the luxury to indulge themselves in adolescent moods, no matter how they felt. "Ok then" Mace clapped his hands, saying a silent prayer, "let's get this over with. At that he headed for the children who immediately quieted at the sight of him. Qui-Gon followed a few steps behind his friend then stopped. Turing around he looked at the motionless Padawans, his own in particular. Cocking his head in expectation, a frown on his face he waited for them to join him. A visible shrug of defiance ran through the group as they forced themselves to follow. Heaving a heavy sigh, Qui-Gon turned and continued to the transport. Boy, wasn't this going to be fun. ***** Qui-Gon and Mace began herding the initiates onto the transport requested by the Council for this endeavor. Glancing back at the Padawans, Qui-Gon started to get annoyed by the way they still were lagging back. Come on, he called to them, None of us want to be here any more than you do, but we all have to take it in stride. Remember that you’re all setting examples for these initiates. Now move! The group of Padawans herded forward, climbing onto the bus. Qui-Gon turned to Mace. "How are we going to organize this? Group the kids up with a Padawan and you and I take a larger group?" Mace grinned. "It’d teach the Padawans some responsibility. How many initiates do we have? 28?" "Yes, that’s right; ten five-year-olds, eight six-year olds, seven seven-year-olds, and three eight-year-olds," Qui-Gon replied, taking a quick head count, "plus the five Padawans, sitting sullenly in a corner." "And a partridge in a pear tree. You know, what ever happened to good old missions to warring planets and try to get them to have peace with one another?" Mace asked, looking dejected. "I don’t know. I just don’t know," Qui-Gon replied. "All I know is that if we ever catch up with our little green friend, I say we take away his stick and make him in charge of their games for an afternoon or three." Mace grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me." The ride to the zoo was relatively uneventful, despite the loud chattering of the initiates. The Padawans stayed in their corner, discussing quietly what they’d like to do to Yoda on their return. The two Master sat in the middle, keeping an eye on both groups. Soon they arrived. Pouring out of the taxi, the initiates immediately began to charge the gates. Hiding a grimace, Qui-Gon yelled at them to come back. The group returned dejectedly, looking as though the animals would be gone before they got there. Glancing at Mace, who gestured for him to start, Qui-Gon cleared his throat. "You will be divided into groups to walk around the zoo with, four initiates to a Padawan." Obi-Wan looked up sharply, sending his master a heated look, which Qui-Gon ignored. "Mace Windu and I will have a group of eight. You must stay with your Padawan at all times. Padawans, if you have any troubles, and they had better be real problems," he added, a sharp edge in his voice, "you know how to contact us." Mace listed off the initiates that were to go with each Padawan, and then gestured for them to head to the entrance. "Let’s go!" he added at the end when everyone had their groups. Sending Qui-Gon harsh thoughts, Obi-Wan turned to the other Padawans before the initiates descended on them. "May the Force be with us," he said quietly, "because we may all be Sith by the time this day’s over." ***** Obi-Wan looked furtively about him, trying to make sure that all the initiates he had been given charge of were still with him. A slight tugging on the arm of his cloak alerted him to the presence of the eldest of the children in his group. Isadora Lucey. He shuddered. She had singled him out immediately as her favorite padawan, and when Qui-Gon had added her to his group (which the apprentice could have sworn his master had done on purpose) he had cursed heavily and for a considerable amount of time. And then hoped the insults he'd directed at Qui-Gon had been shielded well enough for them not to be heard. His command of swear words had increased steadily over the years, especially Corellian ones, something Qui-Gon seamed to blame on his friend Jemmiah. Oh, how she had taught him! He smirked to himself once more. What would Qui-Gon have said if he had known that with Master Windu's help, he had managed to get a message to the young lady telling her to meet him outside the Gurnaf enclosure in just under an hours time? He would not be best pleased, he decided. But a Jedi never ran from the battlefield. Well almost never. The tugging on his sleeve continued, and he was met by two blue eyes that contained nothing but eternal adoration. The sun reflected off a mass of blonde ringlets that momentarily blinded Obi-Wan when he looked down into the child’s face. "How old are you?" she asked the apprentice, her eyes raking the squirming padawan up and down leaving Obi-Wan feeling like one of the exhibits behind the force field barriers. The question stopped Obi-Wan in his tracks. Here was one battle that he was more than ready to run from if the chance arose! " Twenty-one. That's far too old for you" he griped mercilessly. She took no notice of the answer, merely content to follow him around with a rapt expression. "That's O.K. I like older men" she sighed. I think I feel sick, thought Obi-Wan. This is not my idea of a fun day. My girlfriend is leaving Coruscant and I ought to be saying goodbye...properly. Instead I've been stuck with a group of kids with runny noses and Candyfloss in their hair. And the questions! They never stop! My master was so lucky having me for a padawan. I was perfectly behaved. Never got into trouble...well, apart from that time during the Master/Padawan sack race during the temple sports day. How was I to know that they weren't sweets? Sith, I wish these kids would just go away and leave me alone. Somewhere at the back of his mind he heard a groan. His Master was evidently having problems of his own. Good. He caught a glimpse of one of the other padawans, 19 year old Simeon Cates, with a child hanging round his neck. He was slowly being throttled, judging by the interesting shade of purple the young man was turning, but this only seemed to add to the delight of the young initiate, as did the rapid gasps for breath. Even better. Obi-Wan was in a foul mood. Let them all suffer, he thought. I don't care if this is leaning towards the dark side! The only thing I'm sorry about is that Master Yoda's not here. I'd really love to tell him what he could do with that stick of his... "Have you got a girlfriend?" asked Isadora, tugging once more at his robe. "Yes!" snapped Kenobi irritably. Not that he was sure if Jemmy would thank him for that label, but if it would get this little monster off his back, it was well worth it. The little girl stamped her foot. Ha! That's got her worked up, Obi-Wan noted cheerfully. He watched as she tried to impress him with a flurry of eyelashes and a casual flick of golden hair. "I'll fight her for you" she remarked, unimpressed. Obi-Wan felt that if he had a proverbial tether; he’d long since reached the end of it. "I really hope someone claims you as a padawan", he told the little girl nastily, "Because when you are, you'll have to have all that hair cut off, and then what will you do?" Isadora shrugged. "Don't mind, 'coz then I'll look more like you with short hair" she sighed dreamily. Obi-Wan gave up in disgust. Come on, Jemmy, he pleaded silently. Save me from these terrifying creatures. I'm hopeless with children and they all know it. "I'm hungry". "I want Candyfloss". "I need to go to the bathroom". His head was spinning. I AM GOING TO GO MAD, he thought. Another tug on his robe, but this time from one of the youngest children, a boy named Toms, who Obi-Wan noted with irritation, had the annoying habit of trying to dry his constantly running nose on his cloak. He counted to ten mentally before smiling at the child through teeth that felt like they would shatter through the strain of being forced into a grin. "Yes?" he asked civilly. "What are those creatures doing?" He turned to see they had made it to the Gurnaf enclosure, only to witness what looked like a very heated and passionate moment of courtship. He felt his face heat as he struggled to find an answer suitable for the boy. "I don't know", he swallowed, "Why don't we find Master Windu and you can ask him?" The child seemed satisfied with the answer, much to the padawans relief. He viewed the creatures behind the force field once more. They're having a lot more fun than I am, that's for certain! He gathered the remaining children into a group and grinned. He knew how to get the kids on his side. "Who wants to hear my impression of a Draigon?" ****************************************************************************** OK. The Draigon idea had been a bad one. Perhaps too realistic. The tears were still drying on the youngest boys chalky-white face, whilst one of the others had been sick with fright. On his robe. But it had shut that awful girl up. As they wandered in a circle for the fourth time round the vicinity of the Gurnaf area, Obi-Wan got the strangest image in his head. One of Master Windu with a large furry Murrit sitting on his head like a hat, and his master holding his side uncontrollably with laughter as it refused to budge. And from somewhere else came the mental image of an exhausted Simeon Cates being pelted with brightly colored Candyfloss. Master Yoda had a LOT to answer for... ****************************************************************************** "Qui-Gon, please, slow down!" Master Windu had to raise his voice over the squealing laughter of two six year olds who were running round and round him in circles, one trying to tag the other. He watched as another of them tried to hide under his robe. Did I ever have that much energy, he wondered briefly? And if I did, where did it go? "Come on out from there. It's against the temple rules to hide under a Jedi master's cloak, especially when he's in it." The children slowed gradually, and the little one came out from his hiding place, staring defiantly. "I've never heard of that rule." he stated in disbelief. "Would I lie to you?" Windu replied, crouching down to the boy’s level and making a crossing motion over his heart. The eyes squinted as the child considered this. "Padawan Kenobi says that you are one of the most accomplished fibbers that the Jedi order has ever seen," he quoted word for word, "I heard him say so to Padawan Cates and Padawan Abran in the transport on the way here." The boy scratched his head. "Is that good Master Windu? I thought Jedi's weren't s'posed to fib." Windu's mouth dropped open. This was getting interesting. "Oh, did he? And what else did Padawan Kenobi have to say?" "That if Master Jinn found out that you'd been helping him to sneak off and meet his friend in secret that he'd have both your hides used as temple crash-mats." Pride glowed on the little boy’s face. He was one of those annoying kids with perfect recall, and every word, every inflection and rounded vowel was repeated to recreate Obi-Wan's smug tones. "Padawan Kenobi has a very big mouth." muttered Master Windu. "He's also irritatingly sure of himself, in which respect he's just like his master." Mace glanced over his shoulder to see the man in question enduring in stoic, Jedi fashion a session of hair pulling by little Sabra-Ni Gil, a dark haired youngster with an unfortunate tendency to not fully control her bladder properly. As they had both found out to their cost. Words formed in Windu's mind. <Mace> they said, <help me! > The master straightened up, sighing. Let's see if this diversion works, he thought. "Who's for more Candyfloss?" The screaming in the affirmative of eight high pitched voices almost caused Windu not to hear the <More! > from his friend. < Tell me, Mace, have you ever seen eight projectile vomiting kids? It's not a pretty vision. All that pink and green fluffy stuff cannot be good for them, and you want to give them MORE?!> <They like it! > <You'll regret it; I'm warning you. > <Look, just shut up and leave the thinking to me. Weren't you ever a kid? Besides, when they're eating their mouths are full and they can't talk> Pause. <Good idea> <Yes, well. Deviousness is one of my stronger points, or so I've been told already today. > <Let's just buy them the stuff. My hair's being pulled out in clumps and the rate this little girl's going I'll soon be resembling you! > <Very amusing. > The walked over to the vendor, and bought an array of multi-colored and sugary confections. Qui-Gon was still not convinced. To quote his Padawan, he had a very bad feeling about this. Then they made their way to a large ceramic tiled seating area, whilst the children ate and played, staying in the masters line of vision as instructed. Mace sat down, groaning. "I'm getting old, Qui." he stated flatly. His friend smiled at him. "You ARE old, Mace." "And what does that make you?" "I have a Padawan to train. Just trying to keep up with Obi-Wan helps me stay in shape." He poked Windu in the tummy. "You're getting flabby, my friend." "I'm not flabby!" "You couldn't keep up when we climbed that hill to the Reptalon enclosure." He finished smugly. "I can out-last you any day!" "Want to bet on that?" Windu looked uncomfortable. "Jedi don't bet." "Coward." He looked into the large field opposite. It contained some rubbery looking, brown scaly creatures of disproportionate size with a single large horn on its nose, and a trailing top lip. They were unspeakably ugly. "What are those things?" Windu asked in distaste. "No idea." sighed Qui-Gon. "I must have been asleep during the how-to-recognize-ugly- captive-mammal class." Windu stared blankly. "Didn't you used to go out with a girl that looked just like that?" "Ha-ha!" "You did! What was her name...ten ton Trudi! That's what we used to call her." "Mace." Qui-Gon warned. "You’re just sore because your Padawan has a better taste in women." "I just knew this was coming." grumbled Qui-Gon. "Why can't I have a conversation just once in a while that doesn't revolve around my Padawans love life?" Mace drummed his fingers against the tiles, watching distractedly as one of the kids turned another of her fellow initiates upside down before placing her head first into a trash receptacle. "You're jealous." "I'm WHAT!" "You heard." "Jealous?!" "Yup." "Of Obi-Wan?" "Uh-huh." A fleeting moment of panic crossed Qui-Gon's mind as he had a vision of his apprentice standing by an underwater enclosure, with a large tentacle-shaped appendage sneaking towards him from behind... He shook his head to clear the image. Mace looked at him, challenging him to deny it. "You're just upset because your Padawan's not your little boy anymore. He has his own life, too." "That's not true." "Yes, it is." Windu folded his arms. "Everyone in the temple knows you look on Obi-Wan as a son. Well, I've got news for you, Qui. Your eaglet is about to leave the nest. What are you going to do when he becomes a knight?" "He's got years before that..." "Listen to yourself! Stop playing the heavy-handed father and let the boy has some fun! Do you want to turn into Yoda, for Siths sake!" That made Qui-Gon think. "What's wrong with Jemmiah anyhow?" Mace asked. Qui-Gon watched a fly absently circle his head. "Nothing." "Oh, is that right? You haul her all the way to Coruscant age 10, and for the next six years it’s "Oh, isn't she sweet". Then she hits the big 16, your Padawan becomes all doe-eyed and you get protective!" Master Jinn sighed. "Is that what I'm doing?" he asked tiredly. "YES. For force sake, Qui, she's a young woman." "Really. I hadn't noticed." He retorted, but the smile was back on his face. "Your Padawan has." grinned Windu. "Yes, well. The least said about that the better." They watched the grazing creatures opposite for a while, aware that time was slowly, VERY slowly ticking away. "Those things REALLY smell." Windu muttered. Qui-Gon was lost in thought, remembering the earliest days when he had taken Obi-Wan as his Padawan. A hesitant start had turned into an exceptionally strong bond. A stray memory forced itself into his mind and caused him to smile. "What is it?" Mace asked. Qui-Gon laughed. "Do you remember the Master/Padawan sack race during the temple sports day? Obi-Wan must've been about thirteen." "Oh, I think everyone remembers that one!" replied Windu ruefully. "The stomach pump incident." "It wasn't his fault. He thought those tablets were high energy sweets." "Yoda wasn't too happy." "Well, we won the event at least." muttered Qui-Gon. "There's no pleasing some people." "You got disqualified for illegal drug taking. Obi-Wan was as high as a Sand Falcon!" Qui-Gon pulled a face. "That was one of An-Paj's most memorable calls of duty. Having to pump a Padawan’s stomach during a sports day. I think he was only expecting cuts and bruises." "Yes. Master Cheat and Padawan Junkie they called you two." "I do remember!" Mace sighed. "Nothing's ever simple with kids, is it. Remember the last Padawan/Master outing?" "Sith, yes!" "You go out for a quiet drink, down town, not expecting any trouble. Suddenly, you're wandering drunkenly round the temple gardens with no clothes, three missing padawans, four Jedi masters who manage to get arrested for indecent exposure..." "Obi-Wan nearly drowned in that fountain." frowned Qui-Gon. "I only left him at the side to dry off!" sniffed Mace. " "He wasn't breathing." replied Jinn pointedly. "You're so picky! Anyhow, I had other problems to contend with." The dawn of realization hit Qui-Gon. "Oh, yes. You tripped and sat down on that up-turned rake!" "It wasn't funny!" "No you're right. It was hilarious!" Jinn laughed. "An-Paj's face when he had to remove it! Do you recall what he said?" "No." grumbled Mace sullenly. "He didn't miss a beat. Just looked at it and said "My, what a well worn piece of equipment! The healers were laughing for days!" "I'm sure." "An-Paj was brilliant though. Said he knew where to turn to if he wanted somewhere to store his gardening tools!" "Have you finished?" Silence reigned briefly, but not for long. The kids were staging a mock lightsabre fight with the Candyfloss sticks, but masters Jinn and Windu were too tired to care. "I s'pose we ought to be moving." Qui-Gon offered. "S'pose so." replied Windu. Neither made any move. Qui-Gon sighed. He DID feel old. "Care for some Candyfloss?" he asked Mace. |
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| Lions and Tigers and Padawans, Oh My! |