Sunday Six
from the next Side-Slip story, tentatively titled “So Close Beside”:
Depa’s gaze was sharp, locked onto Qui-Gon’s like a bird of prey onto a prospective repast. “Such a ‘gracious’ act will surely be made note of.”
“No doubt,” Qui-Gon agreed, serene, hands tucked into his sleeves. He had no intention of being latemeal, whatever the sharpness of Councilor Billaba’s claws. Inclining his head to her briefly, with all respect due a worthy opponent, he moved back to rejoin his padawan and the Skywalkers.
“Starting out with a bang then, as usual, I see,” Obi-Wan murmured, with what felt rather like exasperated fondness warming the bond.
“As the Force wills, Obi-Wan. Besides, it wouldn't do to coddle them.”
“Oh, I don't know. You might try it sometime, if only for the novelty.”