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"You would make the better governor, good brother," Paxxi said. "Wait, I lie as well! I would be better! I shall run!"

"Well, you'll have to decide between yourselves," Qui-Gon said. "It is time for us to part. Obi-Wan and I must get to Gala."

"I will take you!" Paxxi cried. "It would be my happiness!"

"Thank you, but we have a transport ship," Qui-Gon said. "This time, I would like to reach my destination."

Guerra reached out to clasp Obi-Wan's hands. "You are my great good friend, Obawan. If you ever need the service of the new governor of Phindar, you have only to ask."

"To ask me!" Paxxi said cheerfully.

"Not so, my good brother," Guerra said. "Me."

"Farewell," Qui-Gon said. "We will meet again, I'm sure."

The brothers said good-bye by wrapping their long arms around the Jedi at once and squeezing three times. When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan walked away, the Derida brothers were still arguing over who would return for governor.

Qui-Gon was still smiling as they headed for the spaceport. "Our next mission will be far more difficult, I fear,' he said. "But the stability of Gala is crucial to this star system. We're needed there more than ever."

"I'm not looking forward to meeting up with Prince Beju again," Obi-Wan admitted. "I hope he doesn't win the election.'

"We are there merely to observe," Qui-Gon reminded him.

"Yes, that is always true," Obi-Wan said. "Yet we always seem to end up in the middle of things."

They entered the spaceport where their transport was waiting.

"I'm glad of one thing, Padawan," Qui-Gon said. "You have held on to your memories."

"Your river stone helped me," Obi-Wan said, placing his hand over his inner pocket. "I did not realize the stone was Force-sensitive. I should have known you would have given me something of great value.'

"Force-sensitive?" Qui-Gon frowned. "What do you know. I thought it was just a pretty rock."

Obi-Wan gave him a startled glance. Qui-Gon's face was impassive as he strode toward the transport. Was his Master kidding or serious? He had no idea.

They started up the entry ramp. A smile stole over Obi-Wan's face. Another mission lay ahead. Perhaps through its trials he would grow to understand Qui-Gon. But somehow he thought not. It would likely take a lifetime before he figured his Master out.