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"This is very strange," Qui-Gon murmured.
"Nevertheless, we are glad you are here," VeerTa said crisply. "we have our doubts that Offworld Corporation will allow us to operate freely. Let us just say that they corporation has a history of making competition disappear."
"I've seen how they operate firsthand," Qui-Gon responded. "I have to agree."
Qui-Gon's voice was neutral, but Obi-Wan knew how deeply the Jedi disapproved of Offworld practices. On the journey to Bandomeer, Obi-Wan had been shocked at how openly Offworld used intimidation, treats and outright violence to keep control of their employees. Jemba the Hutt had deprived a groups of Arconans of the precious substance that kept them alive. He offered a brutal choice: to work for Offworld, or die. He had even laughed in their faces as they grew too weak to move.
"Then you'll understand why we'd like to have a Jedi representative at our first meeting with Offworld," VeerTa said. "Your presence will ensure that everyone plays fair."
Qui-Gon bowed. "I'll be happy to contribute what I can."
Excitement rose in Obi-Wan. Obviously, the meeting ahead would be important. The future of a planet was at stake. Plus, since the Home Planet group was in league with the Arconans, he would probably get to see Si Treemba and Clat'Ha again. He'd made friends with both of them on the journey to Bandomeer. Surely, Qui-Gon would want him present at the meeting.
"My companion will be traveling to the Eastern Enrichment Zone," Qui-Gon said, indicating Obi-Wan. "Can you arrange transport for him?"
Obi-Wan barely listened to SonTag's agreement. Stirrings of anger began to flutter underneath his frustration. While Qui-Gon would be involved in saving a planet, he'd be watching plants grow! He would be a farmer, after all.
He'd held on to a hope that after their adventures reaching Bandomeer, Qui-Gon would cancel Obi-Wan's original mission. Obviously, Qui-Gon still didn't believe he could become a Knight. He would send him off to a farm before taking him as a Padawan!
Obi-Wan struggled with his anger. Master Yoda had told him that often anger wasn't about another person, but about himself. "Close your mouth and open your ears, you must," Yoda had said. "Then hear what your true heart is seeking, you will."
Well, right now his true heart was seeking to scream out his frustration.
Qui-Gon extended his hands, palms up, then flipped them over, palms down. It was the farewell gesture of the Meerians. SonTag and VeerTa repeated the gesture. Nobody seemed to care what Obi-Wan did, so purposefully, he did not acknowledge their parting.
Obi-Wan's lack of courtesy was a severe infraction for a Jedi pupil. But Qui-Gon didn't say a word as they walked through the residence halls and out the main door.
The air chilled Obi-Wan's flushed cheeks as he and Qui-Gon paused on the steps. Obi-Wan waited for the older Jedi to reprimand him. Then he could tell Qui-Gon how he wanted to remain in Bandor. He could line up his reason; he could argue that Qui-Gon needed his support.
"Those seeming not to notice you usually do," Qui-Gon said, looking out into the distance. "They choose no to show it. Or they have greater concerns on their minds. It is no reason for discourtesy."
"But I — "
"I see that your discourtesy sprang from anger," Qui-Gon continued. His voice was soft and low, as it usually was. "I will ignore it."
Angry words sprang to Obi-Wan's mind. If you're choosing to ignore it, why are you mentioning it?
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan directly for the first time. "You will not, under any circumstances, intervene in any situation regarding my mission, or take any action, without contacting me."
Obi-Wan nodded.
Qui-Gon's gaze swept the mine towers of Bandor. "Things are rarely what they seem," he murmured.
"That is why I wish to — " Obi-Wan started.
"Come," Qui-Gon interrupted sternly. "Let's get your things. You must catch that transport."
He strode off briskly. Obi-Wan followed more slowly. He saw his chance of being a Jedi Knight dissolved in the cold, gray air.
Chapter 4
Xanatos was not an easy student. Though he was very young when he left Telos, he remembered that he had come from a powerful family on powerful planet. He used the information to try to impress the other students, most of whom came from far less privileged backgrounds.
Qui-Gon was patient with this fault, he considered it a childish failing that would disappear with time and teaching. When they first arrived at the Temple, most of the students still missed their families and home planets. Many of them spun tales about their backgrounds or retold remembered stories. Xanatos really wasn't that different, Qui-Gon told himself. And he made up for his snobbery with a genuine desire to learn and an excellent aptitude for Jedi skills. When the time came, Qui-Gon chose Xanatos as hid Padawan learner.
After seeing a simmering Obi-Wan off on his transport, Qui-Gon went for a walk. His mind mulled over the morning's meeting. Who had fabricated the request for Jedi intervention in Bandomeer affairs? If it was Xanatos, what was his reason? Had he lured Qui-Gon into a trap?
Qui-Gon pondered the questions, but came up with no answers. If there was a trap ahead, he couldn't see it. He could hardly confess to SonTag that he couldn't help because of a mysterious figure from his past who might still hold a grudge. The only thing he could do was proceed. The mission on Bandomeer was real. SonTag and VeerTa needed help.
SonTag sent word to Qui-Gon that the meeting with Offworld would take place at the Home Planet Mine. At the scheduled time, Qui-Gon headed out of his quarters. He found SonTag herself heading toward him down the hall.
"I'm glad I caught up with you," she told him. "We've changed the location of the meeting. I think it's better for both parties if we meet in a neutral place. Maybe if there's an official tone to the proceedings, everyone will be more polite." SonTag grimaced. "At least that's what I hope."
"I hope the same," Qui-Gon agreed. He shortened his long stride to match SonTag's.
In the receiving room, VeerTa stood waiting. She was wearing the gray-blue unisuit of a miner, along with an impatient look.
"This meeting is a waste of time," she told Qui-Gon brusquely. "Offworld will make us pretty promises and then break them."
"I'm here to ensure that they don't," Qui-Gon answered. He liked the fiery VeerTa. He hoped the meeting would go well for her sake, and for Bandomeer's.
The door opened, and Clat'Ha, the Human manager of the Arconan Harvest mining operation, entered. Qui-Gon greeted her with a bow. She returned it, he vivid green eyes giving him a warm glance. They had been allies on the ship to Bandomeer; he hoped they would remain so here.