"Master, remind me again why we have to take commercial transport," Obi-Wan groaned. The waiting room was filled with beings from all reaches of the galaxy, some smelling better than others. Children of all species ran around screaming, making life hell for the other patrons. Their parents were either too tired or too apathetic to restrain them.
"Budget cuts," Qui-Gon grunted.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, but said nothing.
The woman in line in front of them at the check-in counter was bitching about her seating assignment to a bored looking clerk behind the counter. Obi-Wan groaned to himself, burying his hands in the sleeves of his robe to keep from strangling the woman.
Qui-Gon reached out a hand and touched her shoulder gently. "Calm down," he said soothingly. The woman's demeanor changed instantly. The clerk flashed Qui-Gon a quick smile.
When they had received their boarding passes, the two Jedi took seats along one wall. Obi-Wan pulled off his robe and balled it up into a pillow. He stretched out across three seats, curling his growing frame to fit. Qui-Gon watched him with a faint smile. How Obi-Wan could sleep in this mad-house was beyond him. The boy must really be tired.
A squalling child of a species he didn't recognize ran past him. He hurriedly tucked his long legs under him to prevent the child from tripping. The child was followed by another - presumably a sibling - and the older one pounced upon the younger, shrieking. Qui-Gon rolled his eyes heavenward. /Give me strength./
Obi-Wan opened one eye and peered up at his Master.
"You know the saying 'try the patience of a Jedi,'
Master?" At Qui-Gon's nod, he smiled. "I think
they've managed."
THE END
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