Warning: Story will contain incidences of corporal punishment of one or more teenage padawan learners. If you find this subject matter unacceptable, please move along to something more to your liking. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Known characters remain the property of George Lucas and Disney. I promise to return them in good working order. No Jedi has been seriously injured in the writing of this fiction. Obi-Wan is likely to disagree, but don't believe him. We're having a little trouble with honesty anyway.

AN: Just a little something I've been playing around with while I prepare for NaNoWriMo. Trying to knock some rust off the brain and get it back into working order. It's a fairly simple tale, but I'm considering extending it out a bit so I can play with Qui-Gon's love life a bit and get Bant in the hands of her appropriate master. Her current master is actually borrowed from a series of stories written by Diana Williams. I hope she doesn't mind. Haven't been able to find her, but I've found her Young Obi-Wan Series inspirational.

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. Reviews are always appreciated as are ideas. I'm trying to think of some tenth anniversary Twilight thing for NaNo, but I may end up messing with Jedi. ...Or writing my own version of Episode 9...at least Rey's lineage as I would like to have it work out. I just need to figure the logistics because some missing body parts have thrown a monkey wrench in my plans. Thankfully, in Star Wars there's always a work around if you want it bad enough. :-)

Hope you enjoy, and thanks again.

Tears that had begun to flow at the first reproachful word from the respected Jedi now dampened the man's cloak as the auburn haired initiate buried his face in the soft folds of billowing material. Taking hold of the youngling's upper arm, the towering knight bent over and rained three firm smacks upon the child's defenseless bottom. Maintaining his grip on the distraught boy, Qui-Gon crouched down and met Obi-Wan's glassy eyes with a serious expression.

"Never lie to me again, child. I won't have it. Do I make myself clear?"

Sniffling, the little one nodded in response as his free hand snaked behind him to rub his smarting rump.

A faint smirk softened the knight's features. The swats had been meant to gain the boy's attention and little more. He knew any pain was minimal, but the wide blue gray eyes and quivering bottom lip tugged at his heart just the same.

"It can't be as bad as all of that," he said while relaxing his hold on the impish initiate.

"It hurts," answered Obi-Wan as his lip poked out further in a full blown pout.

"Then you know how I feel, Obi-Wan," the bearded man said as he cocked a brow. "It hurts me when you lie."

The little tear stained face looked up to study Qui-Gon for several seconds before the child launched himself into the Jedi master's arms.

"I'm sowrey. I won't lie. Never ever."

The man cuddled the boy close before dropping a kiss on the top of his head.

"See to it that you don't, little one. Trust is a requirement for all Jedi knights. If we don't have the trust of others, it makes it very difficult for us to help them. For that reason alone, it is imperative that you be truthful at all times."

"Imperative?" the youngster asked.

"Obligatory."

Questioning eyes blinked in confusion as he tried to absorb the lesson the warrior was struggling to convey.

With a soft sigh, Qui-Gon tried again.

"Very important, young one. You must always tell the truth no matter how hard that may be. Telling the truth is always the right choice to make."

"Even when it means telling Bant that I accidentally dropped her toothbrush in the toilet?"

"Especially at times like that," the man replied as he stifled a snort of laughter.

"Oh," whispered the child as he mindlessly twisted the hem of his tunic between his fingers while glancing away.

"What am I supposed to do with you, imp?" the master said with a grin.

"Forgive me?"

"Always, little one," Qui-Gon answered while rising with the tiny child bundled in his arms. "Always."

The memory surfaced as it so often did at times like this. Obi-Wan's master was a man of his word, but the young teen couldn't help but wonder if this would be the time when he had taken things a step too far. He was no longer a little boy whose childish antics were easily forgiven, and he knew without a doubt that the consequences of his current actions would be much worse than those three mild taps on the behind. Worse of all, the young Jedi wasn't even sure that he was deserving of forgiveness this time.

It hadn't seemed like that big of a deal. They were just going to a concert. Yes, they were supposed to be studying in the library. And yes, it was a school night, but the show was for one night only so it wasn't like they could put it off until another time that was more convenient.

He knew asking to go would have been the right thing to do, but it was highly unlikely that his master would allow it. Besides, what was that line of old text he had read in philosophy?

"It's better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission," he muttered to himself as he cradled his head in his hands.

"Looks like we're going to be doing a lot of begging," Reeft said with a groan.

The two of them sat on bench outside the security office beside their mutual friend Garen while Bant nervously paced the floor.

"I knew this was a bad idea. Why in the Force did I let you talk me into coming here?" the Calamarian girl moaned as she attempted to wear a rut in the stone floor. "Our masters are going to kill us and there isn't a single excuse we can offer for being off the grounds. How can I even begin to try to explain?"

"Relax," Garen called. "Master Efret won't be too angry with you. It's not like you were part of the fight. And hey, at least you weren't already grounded so that's a bonus in your favor. Me, on the other hand..." The youth ran a hand through his hair before releasing a heavy sigh. "I doubt I'll see the light of day for a standard month or more. It's safe to say that Master Clee is not going to be happy."

"Master Binn thinks Obi-Wan is helping me study for my ethics exam," Reeft mumbled as he wound the tie that secured his leggings tightly around his finger.

"And that's what we call irony, folks," Garen remarked with a broad grin.

"This isn't funny, Garen," Obi-Wan said while shooting his friend a withering look. "I should have known those tickets were fake. We wasted our credits, got into a brawl over our bogus seats, and now our masters have been informed of where we are. So much for sneaking back into the temple before anyone knows we're missing."

"We're doomed. We've broken so many rules," Bant injected. "What if we're brought up on charges for disrupting the peace? Have any of you thought about that? We could be toss out. Banished. We're supposed to be the keepers of the peace for Force sake."

"We won't be expelled from the Order," Garen said with conviction."Look, we're not the first padawans to mess up, and I sincerely doubt we'll be the last. If they expelled every screw up from the Order there wouldn't be any Jedi left. No. It won't come to that. Maybe disciplinary probation, but not expulsion."

"Because being on probation is so much better. One false step and we're gone for good, not to mention we won't be allowed to accompany our masters on any off world missions as long as we're under review," Obi-Wan pointed out. "I don't know about you, but I won't let my master go into danger without me being there to watch his back. That's my duty and if this night prevents me from doing that ... I don't know what I'll do."

"It won't," Garen assured his friend. "This looks worse than it really is. Honestly. You'll see."

Quick booted foot falls caused a hush to fall over the padawans as their attentions turned towards the source of the sound. The looming form of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn came into view as he strode down the hall towards them.

"I'm dead." Obi-Wan sighed. "It's been nice knowing you all. Bant, you can have my collection of holovids to remember me by. I'd give you my river stone, but I plan on being cremated with it. Promise me that you'll spread my ashes somewhere nice. I've always been fond of tropical planets. Maybe one with a few waterfalls or a jungle."

Entering the reception area, the Jedi took in the sight of the motley crew before him. What in the name of the Force had they been thinking? As he gazed at his padawan sitting with his head lowered in shame, the anger and worry he felt upon receiving the call from the security officer slowly dissipated to be replaced with relief and bitter disappointment. Closing his eyes for a moment, the large man took a deep breath and slowly released it, freeing himself of the negative emotion before dealing with the errant collection of learners.

His expression mild, he softly called to his boy.

"Padawan."

After receiving no response, he tried again.

"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"

Reeft elbowed his friend causing the teen to look up and meet his master's clear blue eyes. Swallowing hard, Obi-Wan nodded.

"I'm okay, Master."

"Then would you care to explain that bruise beneath your left eye?"

"Not really. No."

Biting back a retort, Qui-Gon shook his head then glanced over the other students for any obvious signs of injury.

"How about the rest of you? Do we need to make any stops by the medical bay before I take you home?"

A near whispered chorus of "No, Master Jinn" answered his inquiry.

Nodding in satisfaction the knight folded his arms, his hands vanishing into the sleeves of his cloak, and allowed the weight of his gaze to fall on the band of miscreants.

"The four of you will come with me. Be thankful that the event coordinator has decided not to press charges. With that lucky break, this incident will not appear on any official record and this time the council doesn't need to be notified."

Relief filled the air, but it was a short lived victory as the man continued.

"However, your masters have received notification and are waiting to address this most serious infraction with each of you."

"Can we just stay here, Master Jinn? I think I would rather take my chances with planetary enforcement," Garen remarked. "The worse they can do is ship me off to the spice mines. Tangling with a deadly spider sounds like a better option that facing my master."

"I'm afraid not," Qui-Gon said before placing a hand on the youth's shoulder. "Master Rhera is expecting me to deliver you post haste. She's very concerned for your welfare."

"I'm in such deep trouble."

"You might have thought about that before leaving the temple without permission."

"Yes, Master Jinn," the boy dutifully responded as he scuffed his toe against the floor.

"And that goes for the rest of you as well," Qui-Gon said in a slightly raised voice. "You know the rules, padawans. There is no excuse for what has happened here tonight. None. And mark my words, should there ever be a repeat of the call I received this evening, you will answer to me before facing your masters' corrections. Trust me, that won't be a pleasant experience for any of you."

His voice had softened, but the steely edge to it sent a chill up every youngster's spine.

A light tug on his cloak sleeve caused the master's attention to shift. Looking down he sighed to himself as he glanced into the shimmering pools of Bant's huge expressive chocolate brown eyes.

"Did Master Efret say...?"

Bowing her head, the girl let her question die on her lips while her stomach knotted with nerves.

"I have the feeling that you'll be kept busy cleaning the infirmary for some time to come," he answered honestly. His tone was sympathetic before turning a touch sterner. "And be grateful if that's the extent of your punishment, young lady. Were I your master, I can promise you that it most certainly wouldn't be."

"Master Jinn?"

"Yes, Reeft. Master Ibes is looking forward to your return as well. The two of you have much to discuss. It appears that this is going to be a long night for everyone."

"That wasn't what I was wondering," the boy said as he ducked his head, cowering under the big man's exasperated glare. "I wanted to ask if he appeared angry. I understand if he is, but I wanted to be able to prepare myself in that case. You see...I don't think I've ever really seen him angry. Then again, I've never done anything like this before."

Qui-Gon didn't answer immediately. He allowed his gaze to drift over the fidgeting students until it stopped on his own fretful learner. Obi-Wan hadn't looked up as the others had even though he was well aware of his master's eyes on him.

"No, Reeft. Your master isn't angry," the Jedi answered softly, his vision never straying from his padawan. "None of the masters are. While emotions may differ some, at this moment I would have to say that the most common one shared is disappointment. Disappointment and hurt at finding that you all have abused the trust we've placed in you."

The silence that followed Qui-Gon's reveal hung heavily over the small gathering as the master and apprentices each attended their own thoughts. It was Bant who finally broke the stillness.

"I almost wish you were my master," she admitted in a just audible whisper. "I think Master Efret's correction will be less than I deserve."

"I'm sure it will be sufficient enough to make his point. The lesson will be well learned."

"Yes, Master Jinn," she replied as her shoulders sagged in defeat.

"Come on, young ones. Let's get you back to the Temple. There's no point in putting this off any longer. Your returns are anxiously awaited."

The teens filed past the Jedi and headed towards the building's exit where an air taxi would take them home. Upon reaching his master, Obi-Wan stopped. Without looking up at the man the boy sighed.

"We're going to have a long talk tonight, aren't we, Master?"

"A very long one, padawan," he agreed.

"Does it help to say that I'm sorry?"

"Is there meaning behind those words?"

"Yes, Master. The concert seemed like a chance for some harmless fun, but I had reservations about going from the start. Now I'm ashamed that I didn't pay more attention to my instincts."

"Not just your instinct, my padawan. Your knowledge of right and wrong. You knew the correct path, but you chose to take another."

"Yes, Master. I know I shouldn't... I am sorry."

"I believe you, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said while placing his hand on the back of his learner's neck and gently guiding him to follow his friends. "And I feel that you'll make better choices in the future, but that doesn't excuse the fact that you lied to me and broke several rules while knowing full well the consequences of those actions. Recognizing your errors and admitting to them does help though. It proves that you're willing to accept responsibility. It shows me that you're maturing into a reliable young man, and even under these circumstances that fact makes me proud."

"Too bad I'm not too mature to be punished," the boy grumbled as they stepped onto the landing platform.

Chuckling softly, the Jedi master ruffled his padawan's hair before raising his hand to flag down a taxi.

"I'm afraid you'll never get quite that old. I can't think of anyone who has."

"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan offered causing his master to laugh all the more.

"You may have me on that one. I'll tell you what, young one, once you have a few hundred standard years on you, maybe...just maybe we'll consider you too old for my correction. However, until then, I'm afraid you're going to have to accept all that comes with being my learner, including my guidance when needed."

"I only wish that guidance wasn't so embarrassing or painful."

"You'll survive, padawan. You'll survive and you'll learn. That's the goal."

"Yes, Master."

The ride back to the Temple was quiet as the normally boisterous bunch pondered their individual fates. Obi-Wan sat beside his master, only too well aware of what awaited him once they reached their quarters. He would have preferred to go straight there and get it over with, but his partners in crime had to be escorted home first.

Qui-Gon delivered Garen and Reeft, speaking quietly with their masters before leaving the boys to face their fate. Obi-Wan couldn't help but cringe at the thunderous look in Master Rhera's fiery orange eyes as she took possession of Garen. The padawan had seen the same look in his master's eyes on several occasions and knew from experience that this wasn't going to go his carefree friend's way. With a nod of commiseration, he watched his classmate disappear into the apartment and whispered a request for the Force to intervene on Garen's behalf and soften his master's hand.

Reeft's master exuded a more relaxed energy as he took charge of his wayward padawan and thanked Qui-Gon for bringing him back safely. Obi-Wan could feel an underlining tone of disappointment from the man, but no anger at all.

"All younglings feel the need to test the boundaries every now and again," the man remarked with a ghost of a smile. "They just need some reining in. That's our duty to them, right, Qui-Gon? To help them learn from their mistakes."

"Let's hope they learn well this time so there won't be a next."

"Hmm. There's always a next, or don't you remember being a boy?"

"I do remember," the tall Jedi said with a smile and a nod. "But I rarely made the same mistake twice. Master Dooku saw to that."

"That he did, my friend. That he did. And Master Yoda as well, if memory serves me correctly," Binn said with a wink.

Obi-Wan watched in amazement as a flush of color brightened his Master's neck before making its way into his cheeks.

"That little gnome swings a wicked stick," Qui-Gon admitted. "Though I don't recall you ever getting on his bad side."

"That's because I never got caught."

The masters shared a laugh before bidding each other a good night so Master Ibes could deal with his less than crafty apprentice.

As they neared the medical bay where Master Efret would be waiting for Bant, Qui-Gon paused.

"Padawan, you may go on ahead. I'll catch up with you shortly. Bant, please come with me. I would like to speak to you for a moment in private."

A worried looked passed between the two friends, but a large warm hand pressing gently against her back steered the Calamarian girl towards a nearby bench while Obi-Wan reluctantly continued down the hallway.

The teen's salmon skin flushed brightly and she noticeably trembled as she took a seat next to the imposing knight.

"Am I in worse trouble than the rest?"

"No. Not at all. I just wanted to have a word with you." Exhaling, Qui-Gon centered himself before speaking softly. "Bant, I know you are better than this. You're much too smart to fall into these situations. I understand that being a few years younger can make it difficult for you to stand up to the others, but as Obi-Wan's best friend I trust you to help me keep him out of trouble, not follow him into it."

Swallowing hard, she bowed her head at the soft reprimand.

"I realize I'm asking a lot from you, but that's only because I know that you're more than up to the task. Obi-Wan will listen to you at times when he won't hear me. I would like for you to be his conscience when needed; the voice of reason."

"I...I don't think I can, Master Jinn."

"Were you aware that your actions tonight were wrong?"

"Yes," she answered, a large tear rolling down her cheek.

"As was Obi-Wan. All he needed was a little nudge to do the right thing, and it seems that you could have used the same," he said as he gently brushed the tear away. "All I'm asking is that you give these misadventures a little more thought in the future so you can avoid trouble. Don't get sucked into the boys' schemes, sweetheart. Saying no to your friends is never easy, but you're a strong young woman with a good head on your shoulders. I have all the confidence in the galaxy in you to do what's right."

Qui-Gon startled momentarily as the girl suddenly wrapped her arms around him and buried her head against his of regret quickly soaked his tunic as he embraced her in a supportive hug.

"There now, little one. It's okay. Shh. There's no need for tears. Master Efret will think I've taken Master Yoda's gimmer stick to you if he sees you in this state," he whispered as he tried to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, Master Jinn. I let Obi-Wan down."

"You did no such thing. If anything, Obi-Wan let you down. He made his decision and dragged you along. What I'm asking from you won't always work, Bant. I'm only too well aware of that. My apprentice can be very stubborn when the mood takes him. I just feel that the voice of a friend will make a difference in getting him to think a little more clearly."

She shook her head.

"It will. You'll see. You're younger, Bant, but in many ways you're more mature than the boys. You aren't nearly as prone to recklessness, but if you ever feel conflicted and need to talk to someone apart from Master Efret, you can always come to me. I'll listen and advise you the best that I can."

After a few moments, the girl regain control and pulled away from the knight.

"I'm sorry, Master Jinn," she whispered as she noted the wet stain on the front of his tunic.

"There's no need. It happens more often than you might think," he said with a smile as he drew a cloth from the folds of his cloak and gently wiped away her remaining tears. "Feeling better?"

She nodded, but found it hard to meet his gaze as she blushed a deeper shade of orange.

"Bant, I know you have healing talents which brought you to Master Efret, but I would like you to do one more thing for me. I want you to keep your options open a little while longer. Learn all that you can from him, but don't give up on becoming a knight. Not yet. You still have time to be chosen, and there's no doubt that you possess a warrior's heart. The right master is still out there waiting to connect with you. I can feel it. The Force expects great things from you."

Her cheeks glowed hotly.

"Thank you, Master Jinn. I think I've already found my calling, but I'll keep training just in case."

"Good girl," he said before standing and offering her his hand. "Now, let's get you inside so I can get going. I don't want to leave Obi-Wan alone too long with this thoughts. He probably expects me to feed him to a sarlac by now."

In spite of her predicament, Bant giggled.

Obi-Wan knelt on a mat in the common room of the apartment he shared with his master. Staring out of the large window overlooking the brilliant lights of the bustling city, he vainly tried to quiet his mind. Even though the words hadn't been spoken, he knew from experience that his master expected him to meditate on his actions. He would ask for an explanation and this was the padawan's chance to reflect and devise a reasonable answer.

Closing his eyes, the teen silently groaned knowing that this time no reasonable answer existed. He was wrong, plain and simple, and would assuredly be subjected to his master's discipline. There was no doubt that his friends were already receiving a hardy dose of correction, so it was only right that he accept his with as much grace as possible. They had broken the rules as a team. A team of ne'er-do-wells instead of Jedi, Obi-Wan sullenly thought. And they had earned their punishments fairly.

A sudden coldness rushed over him as his mind drifted to Bant. She didn't deserve to be caught up in this. Originally he hadn't been overly concerned about her being in trouble. It wasn't that he was callus when it came to the young girl. If anything he felt more protective of her than he did his own hide, but Master Efret was known to be pretty lenient when it came to minor things like ...

The boy's groan shattered the silence of the room and he bowed his head in shame.

Sneaking out of the temple wasn't minor disobedience. Not by a long shot. Even the youngest of initiates knew that permission was required to leave the temple grounds, and that rule applied to all students; initiates and padawans alike. It was a rule of safety making breaking it a very serious violation.

Then there was the not so little matter of making themselves unreachable. All of their masters expected to be able to be in a state of constant contact, but they had decided to turn their comlinks off. It wasn't that they were avoiding discovery, Obi-Wan casually lied to himself, it was because they wanted to enjoy the concert undisturbed. Bant might have mentioned that going dark was a bad idea that would likely cause any master who tried to contact them a level of distress, but the boys had shrugged her worry off. They weren't planning on being out late, so it didn't seem likely that anyone would be trying to touch base with them. That reasoning hadn't stopped Obi-Wan from firming up his mental shields to keep his master blind to his whereabouts. The apprentice cringed at the thought of what his master would have to say if he was already aware of that fact.

And then there was the main offense. Something that no master, not even the laid back Master Ibes, would allow to slide. Each and every one of them, even Bant, had lied about their plans for that night. Maybe not originally. After all, they had gone to the library to study. That was the object for their evening from the very beginning, at least for Bant whom had been kept in the dark, but plans had the nasty habit of rapidly changing in the face of something new and exciting. Top rated concerts were much more exciting than studying for ethics exams or working on that tedious navigation report of the outer rim systems.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked out the window. In the distance, he could swear that he could just make out the floodlights of the concert hall where thousands were having the time of their lives. Thousands of happy teens were dancing and cheering while he and his companions were about to be ... The padawan didn't want to reflect on this anymore. It only made him feel worse, particularly when his thoughts returned to his young Calamarian friend. Why had his master singled her out? Why did he pulled her to the side instead of turning her over like he did Garen and Reeft? What if Master Qui-Gon didn't think Master Efret would be strict enough with her? Would he... ? No. He wouldn't. He couldn't.

The apprentice scrubbed a hand across his eyes. Of course he could. He had promised to personally deal with his friends if they tried anything like this again, and Qui-Gon never made idle threats. Obi-Wan also knew that his master was fond of Bant and just as protective of her as he was. If he felt that sterner measures were needed to keep her safe, there was little that anyone could or even would do to prevent him from acting.

The youth felt queasy. It was one thing to get himself into trouble and have to weather the storm that was his master, but quite another to know that he had put his best friend in the same predicament. His stomach tightened and his chest constricted as he thought of Bant suffering a punishment that she didn't deserve because of his doing. This was entirely his fault.

"Why are you solely at fault, padawan?"

Without turning to look at his master, Obi-Wan lowered his head and quietly answered.

"Because it was my idea, not Bant's. She didn't even want to go."

"Did you threaten her to get her to go along with this nefarious plan of yours?" Qui-Gon asked as he slipped out of his robe and hung it up near the door.

"No, Master, but I countered her objections. I made her feel like she had to go. I...I teased her about being afraid to live a little and have some fun."

"Peer pressure can be a powerful thing, but Bant is wise enough to walk away from situations she knows are wrong. Still, it was unkind of you to place her in such an awkward position. We all make our own decisions, my young apprentice. No one can decide for us, but we should be able to count on our friends to accept those decisions, particularly when they know they're the correct ones."

Obi-Wan raised his head and gazed at his master's reflection in the transparisteel view panel. The man's blue eyes were soft and thoughtful. His manner was patient and calm as he took his place on the vacant mat beside his learner.

"Yes, Master," the boy answered while inclining his head respectfully, but his eyes remained troubled.

"You have questions, padawan?"

Obi-Wan swallowed against the lump forming in his throat as he nodded.

"Did you...?" He bit his lip and frowned. "Is Bant alright?"

"Bant is fine, though I'm certain she has learned a good lesson on allowing her friends to influence her to misbehave."

"You didn't teach her that lesson, did you?"

A smile ghosted across Qui-Gon's lips before he quickly schooled his features into a sterner mask.

"And if I have, padawan?"

"I...I just...," the youth stammered.

"Yes?"

"I don't think that would be fair. She's not your responsibility, and maybe she did make a bad choice, but she had a lot of help making it. She tried talking us out of going. She told us that we needed to stick to our studies instead of running off to do whatever we felt like. That we were being fools and would end up exactly where we are right now. Bant doesn't deserve ..."

He huffed and shifted his glare to his hands laying clasped in his lap.

"Relax, padawan. She's in Master Efret's capable hands. He will decide her culpability and the appropriate correction."

Obi-Wan glanced back up at the knight's reflection.

"So you didn't?"

"Not that it is any concern of yours, but no."

"It is my concern, Master," the lad said, his voice slightly raised. "It's my concern because she's my friend."

"Then treat her as such. Treat her with respect and show your concern for her welfare by not placing her into these sorts of situations. That's what she deserves, Obi-Wan."

The youth closed his eyes as he straightened his posture and inhaled deeply. His master's words had been spoken gently, but they struck like a harsh slap.

A hand lighting like a feather on his shoulder caused the boy to open his eyes and meet the reflection once more.

"I know many times Bant has gone with you on these foolish endeavors more out of loyalty than desire. She hopes that by being there she can keep you from digging yourself in too deeply, and I imagine there are more than a few of these misadventures that I know nothing about thanks to Bant."

The faintest of blushes colored his padawan's cheeks verifying the master's assumption.

"She is a good friend. I think it's time you repay that friendship, don't you?"

"Yes, Master," he whispered as he lowered his eyes.

"You're still quite young, my padawan. I have no doubt there's a world of mischief you'll still manage to get into, but I want you to start thinking about how that affects others. Try mitigating the risk to your friends, and I'm willing to bet that it will cut back on how many of these discussions you and I find ourselves in. I consider that a win for everyone."

"So do I, Master," Obi-Wan agreed with an inaudible sigh.

After giving his boy a moment to process this new information, Qui-Gon cleared his throat to regain the youth's attention.

"Do you have any more questions or concerns regarding your friends before we move this discussion along?"

"No, Master," the teen answered with a shake of his head.

"Very well, padawan. Then let's begin with you answering this simple question for me. What is a padawan's first duty to his or her master?"

"Obedience," he replied as he closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"That's correct, Obi-Wan, and did you uphold that mandate this evening?"

"No, Master."

"No," the man breathed the word softly. "No, you didn't. And in what ways have you disobeyed?"

"I ... I left the temple without permission to go to a concert that you knew nothing about. Once there I..." Obi-Wan paused, his shoulders sinking as the air escaped his lungs.

"Go on, padawan. Once you arrived at your venue, what did you do?" Qui-Gon asked, not unkindly.

"I illegally purchased some tickets."

"Illegally?"

He nodded.

"The performance has some questionable content. An adult would have had to buy tickets for us to attend."

"I see. So you talked someone into making the purchase for you, or you bought them from a third party who wasn't bound by regulations."

"The second choice," Obi-Wan clarified without looking up.

Qui-Gon allowed the boy to feel his disappointment across their training bond before very quietly commanding, "Continue."

"The tickets we bought weren't valid and when the real owners of the seats showed up..."

The boy hushed, unwilling or unable to go any further with his narrative.

Taking pity on the child, his master guessed the rest.

"You, Garen and Reeft indulged in a physical altercation that drew the attention of the authorities who removed you and notified me. Does that sound about right?"

Obi-Wan nodded.

His master mirrored the nod before sighing.

"That's quite the list you have going, padawan."

"That's not all of it, Master."

"Oh?"

"We cut communication. Through our comlinks and through our bonds."

"That is serious, young one. What if there had been an emergency at the temple? What if you and I were called upon to leave immediately on an assignment? What then?"

"I didn't think about that."

"You were just interested in having a good time with your friends. That became more important than your obligations to the Order."

"Yes, Master," said the youth as he forced himself to lift his head and turned to face the man who was so much more than a mere teacher.

"And ...I lied. I told you that I was going to study. That I might run a little late because we were preparing for exams. We started out at the library, but Garen and I had been planning this evening for several weeks. I thought if we got caught I would let you believe that it was a spur of the moment thing, but it wasn't, and I can't lie to you anymore than I already have. I'm sorry, Master. You have every right to be angry. You should be 've been saddled with the worse learner in the galaxy. I am truly sorry."

Qui-Gon refrained from speaking for several long seconds while his student's anxiety built. Heaving a soft sigh he cocked his head to study the youngster. Condemnation, guilt and a touch of fear swirled in those stormy blue-gray eyes.

"I see you've done a great deal of soul searching in my absence," the master finally said. "You've done a good job of identifying your transgressions, Obi-Wan, but I would point out one more that you've overlooked."

The teen's brow furrowed as he rapidly flew through his mental inventory of misdeeds in search of some further misstep.

"Padawan, what I have told you about debasing yourself?"

"That I shouldn't," the boy replied while averting his eyes.

"And why is that?"

"Because you value me."

"Because I love you," the elder corrected. "Because you're a good person. You make mistakes, Obi-Wan which is to be expected. Everyone does. It's how we learn and improve. I am not 'saddled' with you. I chose you as my padawan learner because I treasure the opportunity to help you reach your potential. It's humbling for me to know that I'll leave this world a better place because I've helped train a superior Jedi to replace me."

Obi-Wan blinked back tears as he turned his head away, but his master caught his chin and brought him back around until their eyes locked.

"Take this as your final warning, my apprentice, because the next time I hear a self-deprecating word from you I will scrub it out of your mouth."

The youth's eyes widened and he swallowed hard while nodding.

"Don't try me on this, padawan because I will follow through. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good. Then with that settled, let's move on. I wasn't aware that you had turned your comlink off, but I'm not surprised that you shielded your intentions. I'm glad for your honesty, Obi-Wan because this is a most serious infraction that needs to be addressed. You can't be allowed to do this. You were taught as a youngling that your comlink is your lifeline. It is to be on your person at all time and it is to remain switched on. No exceptions, padawan."

"I know, Master."

"Remind me. How would the creche masters correct a youngling who obstinately broke this particular rule?"

"That would be dependent on many things, Master. There may be more lessons or chores. An earlier bed time..."

"How would a repeat offender be handled?"

"But, Master. I'm not a repeat offender. I swear. This is the only time I've turned my comlink off."

"How is a repeat offender discouraged, Obi-Wan?"

The teen closed his eyes and lowered his head.

"He would be paddled, usually in front of his crechemates to serve as a reminder to everyone," answered Obi-Wan, his voice becoming very small and shaky.

Qui-Gon sat in silence waiting patiently for the boy to rack up his courage and once again turn his pleading eyes upon him. Once he did, the master exhaled softly.

"Seeing as this is your first offense, I believe a training refresher will suffice. For the next three days, every three hours you will send me an alert to let me know that the line of communication is open. Randomly, I will ping you and expect a response. Miss just one of these communications and I will borrow a paddle to send you to bed with a reminder of the importance of being reachable."

The youth blanched, but nodded his understanding.

He could sense the nervousness building within his apprentice at an alarming rate and did his best to temper it with his own measure of calm.

"Obi-Wan, you're not about to be dismembered," Qui-Gon said with a smile. "Take a breath, my padawan. You need to breathe."

"My chest...It's tight."

"I know, young one. That's why I need you to breathe. You've gotten yourself into a panic. I've seen you face off with sand panther and be less concerned. Am I really worse than a feline predator who would like nothing better than having you for a meal?"

There was a teasing twinkle in the man's bright blue eyes to back up that easy smile and demeanor.

"I'm not going to hurt you, my apprentice." The Master suddenly raised his head and gazed off into the distance. Inhaling deeply, he tossed his head before releasing the breath in a single long exhalation. "That's not entirely factual, is it? I won't do any lasting damage to you, my boy. Unfortunately, there usually is some pain involved in discipline."

Drawing a stuttering breath, Obi-Wan gasped, "I lied."

"You did, and why is that so troubling to you in this moment?"

"Because ... You'll stop trusting me."

"Padawan, you haven't lost my trust. If that's what's fueling this panic attack, let that fact ease your mind. Making a habit out of lying will definitely damage our relationship, but not today. Do you know why?"

"No, Master."

The teen drew a slightly less hampered breath while his Master reached out and lightly cupped his cheek.

"Because in the end you chose to be honest. As far as I can tell, you haven't held anything back from me. You were forth coming, even about turning off your comlink. You recognized your errors, padawan and brought them to light. I don't expect you to be perfect, and I can't reasonably ask for anymore than you've given me this evening."

"So, you really aren't angry?"

"No, Obi-Wan. I'm not angry. Do I expect more from you? Yes, I do, but you still have a good amount of growing and learning ahead of you. You'll get there, and I can be patient."

The boy took a few more breaths as he began to recover from his body's stress response.

"Better?" his master inquired.

"Yes, Master. Thank you, and you're not," the lad answered in an even tone.

Qui-Gon quirked a brow.

"What am I not?"

"You're not more frightening than a Corellian sand panther."

The Jedi laughed and ruffled his student's hair.

"That's good to know. It would be hard to teach you if you were running from me at every turn."

"I promise not to run, though I may want to once you decide on my punishment for getting into a fight," the learner admitted as he smoothly brought the discussion back on track.

"Did you draw your weapon?"

"No, Master," Obi-Wan said, aghast. "I wasn't in any sort of life threatening danger. I would never draw my lightsaber for something as trivial as a seat at a concert."

"But you would get into a fistfight."

The boy thought for a moment before nodding.

"Which seems pretty stupid now."

"You could have been injured worse than a black eye, padawan, or you could have caused serious injury to someone else. Most of the people you will come into contact with haven't been trained to fight. You already have skill sets that set you apart from the crowd. You need to respect your opponent as well as your own power. If you wouldn't raise your sword, don't raise a fist."

"Yes, Master. And my punishment?"

"We'll work on your diplomatic skills. You will attend the senate banquet with me next weekend,"

Obi-Wan didn't even attempt to suppress his groan. It was bad enough when missions required him to be an observer of these stuffy governmental affairs. He never thought he would be dragged to one at home. Sith hell! He would die of boredom before the night was out. They'd find his dust covered skeleton leaning in a corner one day and wonder why such a young being had been exposed to so much torture.

"But, Master. That's cruel and unusual punishment. I'd rather take a beating."

"I know you would, but this will teach you much more. Given the growing tensions, you might even get to practice defusing a volatile situation."

"I'm more apt to be a volatile situation."

"You had better not be. You, my padawan, will be on your very best behavior, and there will be no sulking in the shadows. I'll expect you to mingle, be engaging and use this opportunity to better yourself, your social, and observational skills."

"Master, can we discussion some other option? What if I mingle with some gang members in the lower levels and negotiate a peace treaty? Wouldn't that be a better test of my diplomatic skills?"

"I'm not looking to get you killed, Obi-Wan," said the man as he smiled faintly.

"But, Master, please," the teen whined.

"No," Qui-Gon replied firmly. "You will accompany me to the banquet. End of discussion."

The apprentice crossed his arms and his expression darkened, his recent fear of angering his teacher clearly gone.

"Obi-Wan, you would do well to check that attitude right now. Even my patience has its limits, as you well know."

"This isn't fair!" the boy suddenly roared as he turned on his master.

"What isn't fair?" asked the knight, irritation creeping into his tone. "That I decided to discipline you instead of just punishing? That I want this lesson to be useful to your future instead of teaching you to flinch whenever I raise my hand?"

"I don't want to go!"

"It's not always about what you want. That's not how life works. Do you think I wanted to cut my evening with Tahl short to traipse down to the concert hall and collect a group of wayward learners? That instead of relaxing, I desired the challenge of trying to convince the coordinator to turn you over to me instead of the council? Is that what you think, padawan? Is it?"

Qui-Gon's voice came out as a gruff growl fueled by frustration; a sound that shocked both man and boy.

Rubbing his hand across his eyes in an attempt to dull the throbbing behind them, the Jedi Master reined in his emotions before speaking again.

"Obi-Wan, go to bed."

"Master, I ..."

"Bed," he repeated a little too loudly, before softening his tone. "We'll continue this tomorrow after your classes. After we've both had a chance to calm down."

The apprentice responded with the only words he could. The only words that felt safe to mutter out loud.

"Yes, Master."