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.'
'I'm glad to have run into you,' Qui-Gon said, settling himself beside them. 'Would you mind if I asked you more questions about the raids?
It might help us track the Absolutes.'
'We will tell you what we can,' Kevta said.
'I think I'll make sure Eritha is settled,' Yanci said, rising. 'Bini and Kevta are the strategists here.' Qui-Gon noted how her hand lingered on Kevta's shoulder. He gave her a gentle smile as she left.
Qui-Gon questioned Bini and Kevta closely. By listening to the details, he was able to find a pattern in the direction of the attacks and the minimal amount of tracking the Rock Workers had done.
He left the two of them and walked slowly back to the med unit.
Without knowing it, Bini and Kevta had given him good news. The Jedi did not have to return to their last coordinates. They could track Balog from a point a few kilometers from the Worker settlement. If Balog was heading to the Absolute camp, they should find some evidence of his route. There were only a few possible routes through the canyons.
Of course, it all depended on whether Balog was heading for the secret hideout of the Absolutes.
It was a chance they had to take.
Qui-Gon checked on Obi-Wan, who was now sleeping deeply. Good. Qui- Gon needed to do the same. It had been days since his last sleep. He quieted his mind, allowing sleep to come. He knew he had to operate at his peak, and his body told him that he needed rest.
He slept, but his dreams were vivid and disturbing. Once again he was in the cafc on Zekulae. His heart lifted at the sound of Tahl's voice. He rushed forward to greet her. But her gaze was lifeless, her eyes a dull black color. He realized she could not move or speak.
He woke with a start, his heart pounding. It was still dark, but dawn was near. He immediately swung his legs over his sleep couch and went to check on Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan seemed to feel his gaze. His eyes opened slowly, and then he came awake at once.
He tested his leg muscles, stretching beneath the thermal blanket.
'Better,' he said.
He swung his legs over his sleep couch. 'Take it easy,' Qui-Gon said.
'Yanci thinks you need one more day.'
Obi-Wan slid out of bed, holding one hand against the wall to steady himself. He walked around the room. 'Much better,' he said. 'I am ready to travel.'
Qui-Gon studied his Padawan to make sure he was telling the truth. He knew Obi-Wan's desire to move on would be greater than his concern for himself. But his color was good, and there was no sign of pain on his face.
His gait was a bit stiff, but it was steady.
'We'll see what Yanci says,' he said.
When Yanci arrived, bringing Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's breakfast, she was startled at Obi-Wan's recovery.
'I guess I'm better than even I thought,' she said cheerfully. 'I see no reason why you can't travel, Obi-Wan. Just try to rest the leg when you can, and apply bacta again tonight.'
Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan finishing breakfast while Yanci added some items to his medpac. The suns were just a suggestion of orange along the horizon as Qui-Gon hurried to the speeders. They would need to be refueled before they took off. Every moment counted. And he should awaken Eritha. Part of him wanted to let her sleep so that they could leave her behind. He knew she would insist on coming with them, and he worried about her safety. Tahl was his first concern. Protecting Eritha would be a distraction he didn't need. But if he did not wake her, undoubtedly she would try to find them, and she could get into more trouble that way.
To his surprise, he found Eritha at the pen where their transports were kept.
'You're up early,' he said.
She jumped. 'You startled me.'
