But Qui-Gon had not. The Council had opposed Qui-Gon's wish to pursue Xanatos.

"I do not understand your hesitation," Qui-Gon said. "Xanatos is a powerful enemy of the Jedi."

"Enemy of yours, I think he is," Yoda said, his gray-blue eyes intent on Qui-Gon. "Fruitless, a search may be. Wasted energy, it is. And too much anger I sense in you, Qui-Gon. Xanatos will reappear. Meet him you shall.

But seek it you shall not."

"We do not forbid you," Mace Windu said. "But know that if you do, you go without our support."

Qui-Gon did not react. He bowed stiffly and turned on his heel. Obi-Wan followed him from the room.

They stood in the hallway together. Obi-Wan saw that Qui-Gon was struggling to contain his emotions. He knew the Jedi Knight was bitterly disappointed.

"You have told me many times that Yoda always turns out to be right,"

Obi-Wan tried cautiously. "Even when it doesn't seem so."

"Not this time," Qui-Gon said grimly. "I am going after him, Obi-Wan."

Surprised, Obi-Wan fell silent. He knew how much Qui-Gon respected the wishes of the Council. To oppose them must be a wrenching decision.

Then he pictured Qui-Gon alone, hunting his enemy, and an essential truth pierced him. The picture was wrong. There was a piece missing. Even if Qui-Gon couldn't see it, Obi-Wan could.

Obi-Wan's hand fell on the hilt of his lightsaber. He took a deep breath. He did not need to pause to weigh all the implications of what he was about to say. He knew it was right.

"Then I am coming with you," he said.