Bound

Working on the Edge

Some spoilers from Jedi Apprentice.
No betas, therefore the mistakes are all mine.
See chapter one for disclaimers.

Qui-Gon pulled his cloak close around his body as he moved silently through the mostly empty corridors of the main Agri Corps building. Remembering the tour given at his arrival, the master easily made his way to the facility's cafeteria. He entered and paused just inside the doorway, his eyes searching the many tables for Obi-Wan. To his consternation, the boy was nowhere to be seen, nor was the master able to sense the child's Force aura nearby. The master was still contemplating what to do next when an unfamiliar voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Jedi, right?"

Qui-Gon turned to the being that had spoken; a human male fairly young and with shockingly red hair.

"I am," the master replied evenly. The young man smiled and stuck out his hand.

"Xinnix Ero," the young man said. Qui-Gon took the proffered hand and gave it a solid shake.

"Qui-Gon Jinn," he replied. "I was looking for someone, perhaps you know of him?" Qui-Gon began. At Xinnix's questioning expression the master continued. "His name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"You're looking for Obi? Are you here to take him back to the Jedi?" Xinnix asked. There was no way for the master to mistake the hope he heard in the young man's voice. Reluctantly, Qui-Gon shook his head.

"Not exactly, but I had hoped to speak with him, to help him if I can," he answered. The young man was clearly disappointed with the master's response, but he perked up a bit at the last words. Xinnix looked over his shoulder to a pair of Agri Corps members sitting at a nearby table.

"Care to join us?" he said jerking his head in that direction. As he watched the Jedi consider the invitation he added, "We're the closest thing Obi has to friends here. Maybe we can help you help him."

As expected, that settled the question for the master and, with a nod, he followed Xinnix to the table. The pair already seated looked up with barely disguised awe as the master sat down at their table. Xinnix, on the other hand, had a sparkling grin plastered across his youthful features.

"Sair, Surjik, this is Master Jinn. Master Jinn, this is Sair and Surjik Zilae," he said gesturing to each in turn. Qui-Gon gave a polite bow of his head to each twin. Eagerly, Xinnix continued. "He's here to help Obi."

"Well, it's about time," Surjik said her momentary wonderment disappearing and irritation taking its place. Sair quickly placed a calming hand on his sister's shoulder.

"What my sister means, Master Jinn, is that we are glad the Jedi finally sent someone over."

"Actually, I'm here because my ship was in need of repairs. I was only made aware of,"

"Wait!" Surjik interrupted. "You're here by accident? The Jedi didn't send you? Of all the stupid, hard-headed, Sith spawned, son of a," Surjik continued launching into a full blown tirade before Xinnix cut in to stop her ever more colorful flow of words.

"Doesn't matter why he's here, Sur. Only that he's here now," he told her glaring at her violet eyes until she calmed herself. When she finally sighed and flopped back in her chair, he turned his gaze to the master Jedi. "Do you think you can help him?" he asked. Qui-Gon took a deep breath and placed his hands in the sleeves of his cloak.

"Perhaps, but it would help to know more about how he reached his current condition."

"Not much to tell," Sair started. "Obi was kind of quiet when we first met him, but everyday he got a little quieter. At first we thought he was shy. Then we thought he was sad, but now we wonder if perhaps he's... I don't know, sick."