emotions than they usually displayed. 'And the other piece of information?'
'That is even bigger news,' Obi-Wan said. 'Vorzyd 5 is definitely not responsible for the pranks.'
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow. 'And I assume you are going to tell me who is?' he asked.
Obi-Wan inhaled slightly. 'Freelies Vorzydiak kids.'
Qui-Gon was quiet for a moment, letting this information sink in. It changed their mission considerably.
'I followed some kids to a secret meeting and listened from outside the room,' Obi-Wan explained. 'If I can pass myself off as a Vorzydiak boy, I can pretend to join the cause and gather all kinds of information about the kids and what they are trying to do. Then we can — '
'Absolutely not,' Qui-Gon interrupted. 'Infiltration is not part of our assignment. We must tell Chairman Port what is happening.'
Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Qui-Gon got the feeling that it took all of his Padawan's resolve not to explode in frustration.
Obi-Wan took some time to gather his thoughts, standing up and moving across the room before turning back to face his Master. Qui-Gon could almost see his mind working.
'This society is clearly unhealthy,' Obi-Wan finally said in a calm voice. 'It is not working for its people. The youths' actions are an obvious cry for help. If we are not careful about how we expose their involvement, we risk ruining everything. We may as well say good-bye to any hope of change.'
Obi-Wan stopped speaking for a minute but continued to look his Master in the eye. Qui?Gon sensed that he was not going to back down.
'The Vorzydiak 4's would be better served if we prepare both sides for the confrontation ahead,' Obi-Wan finished. 'It will still be a mediation, just not between the parties we expected.'
Qui-Gon looked at his Padawan. He stood near the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes burned with determination, but not an angry one. He simply believed that this was the best path for the mission to take.
Qui-Gon disagreed. They had not been summoned by the Council to infiltrate the Vorzydiaks. They should simply explain that Vorzyd 5 was not to blame and leave Vorzyd 4 to sort out its own troubles. The Jedi were keepers of peace, not politicians or spies.
But then, missions often didn't go as planned. And this one was no exception. Nothing on Vorzyd 4 was as they'd expected. The dinner they'd shared with the Ports was not just culturally different, but stifled and awkward. He'd sensed that Bryn was unhappy, perhaps even depressed.
Relations between the generations could certainly be described as unhealthy. But was this the way to fix it, and was doing so within their mandate?
Qui-Gon stood up and paced the room. Wasn't he constantly telling Obi-Wan to trust his instincts? How could he give the boy such guidance and then never let him act on it?
Because you are afraid to let him go, afraid of the day you won't be his Master.
'Master?' Obi-Wan's voice cut into Qui-Gon's thoughts. He had not meant to be silent for so long. Obi-Wan was looking at him, waiting patiently for a response.
Qui-Gon exhaled a long breath. 'You may gather information for three days,' he said. 'But you must keep me informed of all happenings. And if after that time you have not convinced the Freelies to come forward and discuss matters with the adults themselves, I will have to report their involvement in the pranks to Chairman Port.'
Obi-Wan dropped his hands to his sides and smiled. His blue eyes clearly showed his gratitude. 'Thank you,' he said.
Qui-Gon nodded. He was not at all certain that he'd made the right decision.
Chapter 8
Obi-Wan immediately began to formulate his plans. He was a bit surprised that Qui-Gon had let him take the lead in the mission, but he was pleased as well. It was the first time Qui-Gon had given him so much responsibility.
Perhaps he is beginning to think of me as a peer and not just a pupil, Obi-Wan thought. The young Jedi had been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this, and was determined to succeed.
Lying on his sleep couch, Obi-Wan recounted what he'd overheard at the Freelies meeting. The more he could remember, the better his chances of infiltrating successfully. It seemed he had just fallen asleep when his Master was gently rousing him awake.
'Time to get up,' Qui-Gon said. 'The Ports will be waiting.'
Obi-Wan got up and dressed quickly. But when they arrived at the Ports' dwelling the family had already left for the day. Cold kibi and patot panak were on the table, and the Jedi dutifully sat down to eat despite the fact that the food did not look particularly appetizing.
A message on the databoard asked the Jedi to come to Chairman Port's office in the workspace as soon as they could. He wanted to contact Vorzyd 5 immediately.
'I'll have to find a way to stall him,' Qui-Gon said aloud as he bit into a panak.
Obi-Wan nodded. 'I'd like to visit the Vorzyd school today, Master,'
he said. 'There's no point in waiting for another secret meeting to occur — it would waste valuable time.'
'That is probably wise. But be careful, Padawan.' He paused, then added, 'And I suppose I do not need to tell you to keep your eyes and ears open at all times, since that's exactly what got us to where we are right now.'
