"Do you have a probe droid you can lend us?"
Bini shook her head. "Probe droids are illegal. Absolutes still use them, of course. We do not."
Qui-Gon saw he had no choice. Reluctantly, he rose. "May I sleep in the med unit tonight? I don't want Obi-Wan to be alone."
"I'll make arrangements," Yanci promised. "And Eritha can sleep in my unit," Bini said. "It is only one more day," Yanci said.
But one more day could mean everything. He could not risk Obi-Wan's health. Qui-Gon pushed his decision off until morning. If Obi-Wan was not better, he would consider going on alone and leave Eritha here with him. It was not a choice he wanted to make.
And when the chase began again, he would not have the probe droid. He would have to track Balog on his own. It would take longer. He might not succeed.
Tahl felt farther away than ever.
Be strong, Tahl. You pledged your life to me. I gave you my heart.
Know that I will find you.
Chapter 11
Now that Qui-Gon had just become a Jedi Knight, Yoda had suggested it was time he took a Padawan. Qui-Gon decided to go on one last mission while he thought about it. He never did anything rashly. He had a Padawan in mind, and it was easier to consider him away from the Temple.
He had a stopover in Zekulae while he waited for transport. It was a barren world, noted for its mineral soil, which was dark and rich and studded with blue crystals. The soil was so fine that within days it was everywhere — in his hair, in his mouth, in his boots. Qui-Gon found that his careful thoughts about his future had shrunk to a longing for his next shower.
He stopped in a cafc for a cool drink. He sipped it, eyeing the locals. Zekulae was not overly dangerous, but you had to be careful here.
The government had a relaxed attitude toward rules and laws. Disputes were most often settled with fists or blasters.
Suddenly an argument broke out behind him. It was between two beings playing sabacc. One was a native of Zekulae, the other hidden by a column.
The Zeku stood, scattering the cards.
"Strange that you're the one so upset, when I'm the one who's been cheated," a dry voice said.
Qui-Gon knew the voice, even though it had changed. He hadn't heard it in years. It was deeper, huskier than he remembered.
Tahl rose from the table. He waited, watching her, as did everyone in the cafc. She commanded attention. He didn't know her mission here. It might not be safe if she were seen talking to a Jedi. She was wearing a traveler's cloak and boots, and her lightsaber was hidden.
The Zeku moved his hand toward his belt, but he didn't get a chance to draw his weapon. Within the space of an eye blink, Tahl reached out and disarmed him, at the same time pressing one shoulder so that he was forced to sit back down in his chair, hard. Maintaining the pressure, she scooped some credits off the table.
"Let's call it even," she said. "And I'll buy you a drink. Wouldn't you rather live to see the sunset?"
He nodded, his face contorted in pain. She called to the bartender.
"Something special for my friend here."
She tucked the credits inside her tunic, released the Zeku, and walked on. Nobody in the cafc moved. No one spoke. They all watched the woman who combined elegance and danger walk casually through them.
Qui-Gon watched her, too, admiring her toughness and grace. He was astonished at how lovely she was. Her extraordinary eyes and the strength of her features had become dramatic and striking with maturity.
Then she saw him, and her face lost its severe cast. She came over to his table and sat as conversations started up around them. The incident was over.
"Well, it's you," she said. "It's been so long."
"Too long."
"I only have a minute," she said. "I'm on a mission."
Only a minute, when they hadn't seen each other in years!
"So tell me everything as fast as you can," she said, laughing. "You look well. I hear you are now a Knight."
"As are you," Qui-Gon said. "I'm thinking of taking a Padawan. Yoda is urging me to consider it."
"Do you have a candidate?"
"Xanatos."
She nodded slowly. "He is gifted. I would consider carefully, however. I'm not sure he's the right one for you."
"I haven't seen you in years, and you're giving me advice?" he teased.
"Who else in the galaxy understands you so well?" she answered, smiling.
"No one," he admitted. "You were wrong about that. Remember what you said when we said good-bye?"
Her smile grew soft. "I am glad," she said, "to have been wrong about that. I'm glad to still be the one who knows you best. And we never said good-bye. Remember?"
They sat for a moment in silence, remembering the Temple, the days when they had looked forward so eagerly to becoming Jedi Knights. They hadn't known then how hard it would turn out to be. Neither had they known how deeply satisfying it would be at the same time. Yes, a life of service suited him. Suited Tahl, he could see. And it was something, to have this connection now, still so strong after so many years.
"I have to go," she said softly. "l will see you soon. Missions can be short, you know."
He smiled, remembering the eager, young Tahl who had said that so confidently years ago.
She stood. She did not say good-bye. He knew she wouldn't, no more than she ever said hello. With a last smile, she walked out of the cafc and did not look back.
Dusk fell quickly. Qui-Gon checked on Obi-Wan and found him in deep meditation. He quietly went out again, glad to see it. Obi-Wan was focusing his mind on healing. Maybe his Padawan would be ready to travel by morning.
He had no doubts as to Yanci's diagnostic abilities, but she had never treated a Jedi before.
Qui-Gon strolled through the Rock Workers' settlement, taking deep breaths of the cool night air. He was impressed with its design and organization. He could see that though the quarry work was difficult, the Workers themselves had created a good life. They took care of each other and their young. Under other circumstances, he would have enjoyed the brief stop. Now he only wanted to be gone.
He found Yanci, Bini, and Kevta sitting outside a small housing unit, and they waved him over.
"We were enjoying the stars," Kevta said. "It is a hard life out here, but I tried city work. It didn't take."