These were his own fears, of course. Qui-Gon had been such a wonderful teacher. He was brave, strong, and wise. A gifted leader.

Would Qui-Gon think I am failing Anakin? That the boy needs an older and wiser Master?

Qui-Gon had been dead for almost four years, yet Obi-Wan suddenly felt his Master's presence. He was grateful for that, and took comfort in it. But sometimes he felt the loss so strongly that his chest ached.

"We will see that the remains of Professor Lundi are properly attended to," Mace Windu said.

The mention of Lundi's name brought Obi-Wan back to the moment.

"Well done, Jedi," Ki-Adi Mundi said, smiling. "You may go." The other Masters were nodding in agreement.

As Obi-Wan followed his Padawan out of the chambers, several images flashed in his mind: Dr. Lundi's mad, contorted face; the crude drawing of the Sith Holocron; the strange gray ship and its mysterious passengers; the Holocron itself; and, for a brief moment, the anger he'd seen in Anakin's eyes. These were just a handful of many signs he had seen on this mission.

Signs of things that would not easily be laid to rest…