The Threat Within Read online

CHAPTER 23

  In only two days the retirement complex had changed significantly.

  Almost every door stood open, including the front entrance that led to the

  courtyard. After work hours, Vorzydiaks of all ages drifted in and out.

  Occasionally the sound of laughter even made its way down the once-deserted

  halls.

  Obi-Wan walked with Qui-Gon toward the exit, marveling at the change.

  The Vorzydiaks would need time to mourn Flip's death and the damage he had

  done. The rift between the generations would not heal quickly. But Obi-Wan

  was hopeful.

  The irregular bleat of a Vorzydiak echoed down the hall. It made Obi-

  Wan smile, and then stop in his tracks. It sounded like Grath.

  "Master, wait," Obi-Wan called. He rushed back down the hall toward

  the familiar noise, and was not disappointed.

  Grath sat in a circle of chairs in one of the complex bedrooms.

  Taking a second look, Obi-Wan noticed that instead of sleeping couches this

  room had been filled with chairs and tables positioned for conversation. It

  had been converted into a sort of leisure lounge.

  Obi-Wan was pleased to see the converted room, but immediately sensed

  a sadness in the air.

  Grath stood and greeted his friend. "We were just talking about Flip,

  " he explained. "The things he did are still very painful, but sharing

  memories is helping all of us." He gestured to the others in the room - a

  few Freelies, his father, Tray, and Tray's grandmother, Ina. They all waved

  their antennae at Obi-Wan in greeting.

  Grath turned back to Obi-Wan. "You are not leaving yet, are you?"

  Obi-Wan was glad when Qui-Gon came into the room behind him and

  interrupted Grath's question. They were, in fact, on their way back to

  Coruscant.

  "Chairman Port." Qui-Gon's voice was warm and deep. He crossed the

  small room in two steps and held out his hand to the chairman. "You're away

  from your office. Don't you have work to do?" Qui-Gon's eyes were alight

  with amusement.

  Chairman Port took Qui-Gon's hand but did not return his smile. "You

  have shown us there is more important work to do," he said humbly. "We are

  grateful."

  "We were on our way to thank you," Grath said. "But we stopped to

  talk to Ina and were sharing some memories of Flip."

  Obi-Wan smiled slightly. The generations of Vorzydiaks were finally

  spending time together, sharing emotions. And in spite of the pain caused

  by Flip's death, they seemed to be enjoying it.

  "We wish to thank you," Chairman Port said formally, "for assisting

  us in our relations with Vorzyd 5, and..." Chairman Port struggled to find

  the words. His flailing antennae touched the top of his son's head,

  tousling his hair. "And in our relationships here on Vorzyd 4."

  Qui-Gon nodded, accepting the thanks.

  "Oh, and we have a new plan," Tray said excitedly.

  For a brief moment, Obi-Wan thought she was talking about another

  Freelie prank.

  "The young people are helping to make an outdoor space for us," Ina

  explained.

  "The laborers will also be helping," Grath added. "Father is

  shortening the work week by one day so that there will be time."

  The Vorzydiaks looked from one to the other. Their antennae waved

  gently back and forth as if they were riding a gentle breeze. Obi-Wan

  didn't think he had seen any of them looking as alive and happy as they did

  right now.

  "There is still much to be done," Chairman Port said. "But we have

  begun. And together we shall finish."

  "I believe that you will," Qui-Gon agreed. "But I'm afraid it is time

  for us to get back to Coruscant. We have our own work to do."

  "Of course, of course," Chairman Port agreed.

  The Vorzydiaks bid good-bye to the Jedi, and Obi-Wan followed his

  Master down the hall. They did have work to do, Obi-Wan knew. And it was

  work they needed to do together.

  "Our work is well begun, my Padawan," Qui-Gon said, breaking into

  Obi-Wan's thoughts. They stepped outside into the courtyard, and Qui-Gon

  stopped and turned to his apprentice. "And though we are beyond the

  beginning of our journey, we are not quite at the end."

  Obi-Wan nodded. "I know. I still have much to learn."

  "Yet you have already grown so much," Qui-Gon acknowledged. "I am

  proud of you, Obi-Wan. Proud of what you have become. It is an honor to

  teach you, to work with you. I could not ask for a better Padawan learner."

  Obi-Wan beamed. "To work then," he said. "Yes," Qui-Gon agreed. "To

  work."