Bound

Of Things Unsaid

"That will not be necessary, Master Ja'Prinn, but I appreciate your thoroughness in the matter," Qui-Gon offered sincerely. The healer dipped his head in acknowledgement.

"I was only attending to my duties, Master Jinn. Protocol is quite clear in these situations."

"I thank you just the same," Qui-Gon responded as he swiveled around in his bed and prepared to stand. Immediately, the healer placed a restraining hand on his chest.

"It would be improper for you to be out of bed at this time. You are no longer in danger, but you are not yet recovered. As there are no pressing concerns for you at the moment I must insist that you remain abed," Ja'Prinn intoned as he gently, but firmly pushed the other master back onto his medical couch; compromising with the master for a reclining position. More tired and sore than he cared to admit Qui-Gon was unwilling to argue and acquiesced with a sigh.

"Very well. I suppose my "pressing concerns" can be brought here to me instead, lest I suffer your wrath," Qui-Gon stated dryly. "Please have Obi-Wan come to me here."

The pale skin visible above the healer's eye veil drew slightly together.

"The boy, Kenobi, is currently being housed with the other non-critical Corps members aboard this ship. It is my understanding that once the current ground team gives clearance, he and the others will be returning to the surface to begin salvage and reconstruction efforts."

"Obi-Wan will not be returning to the planet. He will remain here with me and he will journey with us back to Coruscant."

"Those were not my instructions from the Council, Master Jinn," Ja'Prinn replied calmly. Qui-Gon, on the other hand, had to quickly check his flash of irritation though the healer still noticed the master's reaction as a spark of magenta that arced through the master's Force aura.

"Then you have not spoken to the Council since your departure, I take it," Qui-Gon answered smoothly. The healer shook his head.

"I had intended to file my report after concluding my exams of you and the child. I have only just done so."

"Ah," Qui-Gon responded. "Then allow me to update you. Obi-Wan Kenobi has been taken as my padawan. As such, it would be improper for him to return to the planet," he said deliberately mimicking the healer's smug attention towards procedure and protocol. It appeared to work.

"Of course, Master Jinn. I will see that your padawan is sent to you at once."

"Thank you," Qui-Gon replied as he settled back more firmly into the pillows behind his back. It was a matter of a few moments between Ja'Prinn's departure and Obi-Wan's arrival. He stood meekly in the doorway not yet stepping into his master's room, but Qui-Gon could feel the steady thrum of relief tinged with a touch of excitement. He hid his smile as he called the boy over.

"Come here, Padawan," he said. Obi-Wan stepped into the room and came forward until he was standing beside Qui-Gon's medical couch.

"I'm glad to see you are well... Master," Obi-Wan said, adding the title shyly.

"As am I, Padawan," Qui-Gon answered with a small, but genuine smile then his expression sombered somewhat. "Padawan, do you know the circumstances of our rescue?"

Obi-Wan's forehead immediately creased and Qui-Gon could detect wisps of confusion creep over the bond. The boy shook his head slowly.

"I... I thought you saved us, Master," Obi-Wan offered. Qui-Gon gestured encouragingly for the boy to continue. Obi-Wan took a deep breath.