NIGHTSHIFT 30: M41-M50 HALLWAY

[byname_bynature]

[In M47]Artemis was particularly pleased at how the day had ended. Showering with his fellow underage males had been embarrassing and uncomfortable, but he'd ended on a good note--a wonderful, wonderful argument in which the opponent couldn't hit him. Perhaps the orderlies weren't so bad after all

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[qui_gonjinn]

Qui-Gon sat on the bed, knees under him as he meditated, his hands loosely folded in his lap

[braidless]

Obi-Wan knew he should have expected Schuldig to have company. He also knew it wasn't the best idea to stick around, and so the Jedi had wasted no time in clearing out. He hadn't allowed himself much time to process the mysterious radio man's death, but he knew it was a significant development. The information that he'd had was now lost forever. And as unclear as his motives had been, he'd been one of the few people not trapped in the institute who'd actually done anything on their behalf

[qui_gonjinn]

Qui-Gon slowed his pace, keeping his voice down.

"I'm glad to see you are well," he said, reaching out for a moment and clasping Obi-Wan by the elbow.

He trusted Obi-Wan and knew him to be capable. But Qui-Gon knew that they were not at their strongest here. Every night they ran the risk of being taken for experiments and he couldn't help but worry for his friend. Just because he knew Obi-Wan could handle what was thrown at him didn't mean he wanted him to be tested. Not like this. Perhaps it was a little selfish to bask in that stark relief he felt at seeing Obi-Wan alive and well. He would just have to indulge himself.

There was also things that they needed to talk about. The murder of the man behind the radio, for one thing. Then there was the issue that they were armed, and that they probably couldn't do much better unless they happened to stumble upon their lightsabers in the mean time. The basement was still unexplored, as was the good portion of Landels

[braidless]

"And I you," Obi-Wan replied with a small smile. But, of course he knew Qui-Gon was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He hadn't had to worry about his former Master becoming involved in the riot (although it would have been so very like him to try to mediate some of the conflict). Still, it was a relief to see him standing there alive and well, especially considering how their last mission together had ended.

Obi-Wan would do what he could to make sure there wasn't a repeat of that ever again.

He knew it was possible that one of them would be taken for experiments one day. But in the meantime, they could look out for themselves and each other.

Obi-Wan got the impression that the older man had things he wanted to discuss, too. But it didn't seem like a good idea to stand in one place for too long. They'd already learned that it was the best way to become monster bait.

"Should we speak privately in your room, or decide on a course and talk as we walk?" he asked after a moment.

[qui_gonjinn]

"We should keep moving," said Qui-Gon. "We can talk on the way."

He didn't speak up immediately as they started down the hall. For now, his senses didn't pick up any threats, any beings with hostile intent directed at them; there was only the ripples in the Force, dark and shot with anger, fear and pain. And there was Obi-Wan at his side, a bright spark that still could glow even with his senses weakened as they were; it was just as it'd always been over the years...this sense that Obi-Wan was beside him, that he wouldn't always be that young, head-strong Padawan but something more.

They were nearing the end of the hall when Qui-Gon did speak up.

"I believe we have a few choices," he said, keeping his voice low. "We can continue to explore and gather intelligence. We can also try to find Earthian electronics. Or we can see what we can find out about this lower level."

Qui-Gon thought that finding those electronics should be the priority, but he was interested in hearing what Obi-Wan had to say.

[braidless]

That sounded like as good a plan as any, and Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. It would probably be more productive than sitting cooped up inside Qui-Gon's room for a large portion of the night. Their time was limited, after all, so it was better to make proper use of it when they had the chance.

Neither of them spoke as they continued down the hallway. Obi-Wan was careful to keep on the look-out for the nighttime creatures, however. Fortunately, nothing seemed to be in their area, and so they were safe for the time being.

Once Qui-Gon presented some options to them, Obi-Wan paused to think for a moment. "I do have maps of the lower level," he said. "Although it might be a good idea to properly prepare before heading down there. Perhaps it would be better to focus on electronics tonight now that we're properly armed."

[qui_gonjinn]

[Moving out to here]