The Threat Within
Page 10
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."