Old Republic
    Summary:  Two innocent people are accused as witches, but this time the defendants have power
    Author's note:  This story is tribute to my ancestor, Parson James Capen who defended those who were accused as witches during the Salem witch trials.

Disclaimer:  This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Lucasfilm.  No money is being made and no infringement is intended.

~

 Sixteen year old Obi-Wan, with his pack in one hand, grabbed his master's pack from off his bed before Qui-Gon could take it.  They were to meet Master Plo Koon at the dock.  Obi-Wan liked Plo Koon.  Dispite his frightening appearance and earned reputation as a fierce fighter, Plo Koon was tender-souled and fatherly.  Plo Koon and Qui-Gon were good friends since their early childhood, and the Council would often pair them together for missions.
 Qui-Gon, Plo Koon and Obi-Wan rendezvoused on the dock to board their assigned ship Brianna, a transport, newly inaugurated into the services of the Order.  The Jedi confirmed their destinations with the pilots Zen and Teilor, then the ship took off for the planet Berenica to pick up a group of explorer scientists and escort them to the planet Rojia, which according to its inhabitants' dominate language, meant "world".
 Rojia was strictly off limits to off-worlders except for government controlled research, for the purpose of developmental study.  A space station was situated in Rojia's solar system to make sure no off-worlders trespassed those rules.
 The role of Qui-Gon, his apprentice and Plo Koon was to protect the scientists from being harmed during the study.
 It took a day to reach Berenica. The group of four scientists boarded the ship, then they took off toward Rojia.
 Two days later they reached the Rojian System and docked at the space station.  To minimize the chance of detection by the Rojian natives, the station provided a small unlit, black shuttle with their own pilot to take them to the planet.  Their approach and landing were to be timed so that the shuttle will be coming in through the dark of night, just before dawn, close to one of the towns of the advanced civilizations.
 The rotational axis of Rojia was straight up and down with a shallow elliptical orbit so it had only two seasons:  hot, and not so hot.  At the time of the visit, Rojia was at apogee, so the season was not so hot.  Even at paragee, the time when the planet was closest to its sun, the heat was not intolerable.  The valleys and mountains of its terrain with the help of its oceans and moons created a small variety of tropical climates that included deserts, marshes and forests.
 The civilizations of Rojia varied from aboriginal, to those that had use of the pendulum clock, and the printing press.  Superstition usually ruled over reason with all of Rojia's civilizations, as well as vying for power among those who understood the force they would have over people who would gladly or fearfully keep themselves ignorant and superstitious.  It also meant that the existence of the printing presses and those who operated them were periodically threatened.
 In the darkness of night, the shuttle landed near the town of Ven'Carr, dropped off its passengers, then took off again for the space station.
 The scientists were all wearing clothing lent to them by the space station so as to blend in with the area's population.  They were also equipped with money used by the region.  The Jedi, except for Obi-Wan, were dressed as monks.  Because of Plo Koon's obviously out-worldly appearance, they chose a religious order whose raiment concealed the entire body, leaving only slits to see out with.  That was not the original plan, but someone had forgotten to tell the Jedi Council that the Rojians were human-like.  Plo Koon, being four fingered on each hand, had to wear large, five-fingered gloves with the ring fingers on each glove stuffed with fabric.  The Jedi hid their sabers under their habits.  Obi-Wan dressed like the scientists, and posed as a boy from a farmer's family.  He hid his braid in a hat.  All of them were temporarily implanted with a language translator.  They relaxed among the trees, going over the day's agenda, while waiting for the sun to rise.
 The first thing they were going to do after sunrise was to enter the town of Ven'Carr as travelers from another province.  Once there, they will mingle together with the townsfolk and study their mannerisms, language and mores.  It should be an interesting adventure, providing that they're not discovered as aliens.  And they are to stay as a group and not split up, for the sake of safety.
 Just as the first of the sun's light was beginning to glow over the horizon, a faint squeaking sound reached the ears of first the Jedi, then the scientists'.
 As it got nearer, it was determined that the sound come from wheels of a cart.  The cart, unseen by the group, rumbled by and rolled its way toward the town of Ven'Carr.
 The group listened lazily as the sound of the wheels got fainter as the cart rolled farther and farther away.
 The scientists resumed their quiet chatter and the Jedi resumed their meditation.
 The pleasance was broken by far off screaming of both human and beast.  The Jedi jumped to their feet.
 "Stay here." commanded Qui-Gon to the scientists as the three Jedi took off running toward the screaming.
 The source of the screaming turned out to be the driver of the cart and the beast pulling it.  A large, beautiful jungle cat had attacked the yoked emon, knowing it to be easy and tasty prey.  It had pierced the emon's neck with its fangs before the man was able to try to beat it off with his staff.  The beating was effectual enough only to turn the cat's attention to the desperate man.  The cat screamed in rage as it prepared its haunches for to leap at him.
 An odd expression came over the cat's face and it paused its actions in confusion.
 Two unusually tall monks stepped out of the shadows of the jungle.  Qui-Gon was in the cat's mind, calming it, and Plo Koon soothed the wounded and distraught emon.
 The man watched in surprised fascination as the jungle cat started purring and rubbing its large body on the monk's thighs, nearly making the monk fall over.  The other monk had placed his gloved hands along the gashing wound of the emon, and the wound stopped bleeding and started to close.  The monk then placed his hand gently on the emon's head and calmed its racing heart.
 The cat had rolled on its back and was curling it toes with pleasure as Qui-Gon rubbed its tummy and caressed it behind its ears.
 Plo Koon looked up at the man in the cart.  The man was staring at him and his friend with pursed lips, and without any kind of expression of gratitude, the man snapped the reins and the emon and the cart made their way down the road.
 A sarcastic voice softly spoke from the shadows. "Well!  I never saw a man blubber so much with gratefulness as he!"
 "You'll see that at times, padawan." said Qui-Gon.  "Even with people who know of Jedi; some will have imperious, demanding expectation for you to help them, then afterward act as if your assistance was barely sufficient."
 "Fortunately, that's not always the case." rumbled Plo Koon as he bent down to contribute his time to push the cat's purr button.
 A rustling in the jungle heralded the coming of the scientists.
 "Oh my!" exclaimed Lisa as she saw the cat.
 The cat looked at the newcomers with a smile in its eyes and opened its bewhiskered mouth wide to deliver a tiny squeak.
 "Awww! It's just like a little kitty!" exclaimed RinShinn in a high-pitched voice.
 "What happened?" asked Linmae.
 Plo Koon answered, "The kitty attacked the emon."
 "But we stopped it in time.  The beast, cart and man are on their way toward town." said Qui-Gon.
 Linmae looked worried. "Did you stop the attack in such a way that was not normal to the people of this planet?"
 "You mean, did we use the Force?" asked Plo Koon.
 Linmae nodded.
 "We had to." said Qui-Gon.  "There was no other way."
 Linmae closed her eyes and sighed.  "Couldn't you have let the emon die?  It was going after it, right?  It would have been sad, but our mission here is to observe the natives without being discovered."
 "The cat was about to leap on the man." explained Plo Koon.  "And there's just no way we can watch a man get torn to shreds for the sake of a scientific study."
 "Perchance this might help your mission instead of hinder it?" suggested Qui-Gon.  "You weren't involved with this rescue, so you're still anonymous, and this provides you with an opportunity to observe any kind of reaction that might result from this."
 Linmae groaned softly.  "I guess you're right.  But it's not "might result", it's "will result".  A large source of entertainment for these people is talk and gossip.  Not only will that man talk about it, but he'll embellish it.  Who knows what the outcome will be."
 Qui-Gon spoke.  "I think it would be best if the Jedi kept themselves apart from your group, and follow from a distance, with the exception of Obi-Wan.  He was not seen, so he can stay with you.  That way, you won't be implicated if something goes wrong, and we can still protect you.  If we meet or talk in town, it could be as if our two groups just met."
 Linmae did not much like the new arrangement; she liked the company of the Jedi.  But the plan made sense under the circumstances and she acquiesced.

---------

 The glow of the sun was just beginning to appear.
 "What are we going to do about the big fuzzball?" asked Joseph.
 "We'll make a mental influence for her to not attack people or people's beasts and have her keep away from people altogether." said Qui-Gon.  "That will keep her and people out of harm.  The problem with animals is that they learn that people-things like livestock and cooked food are tasty."
 Everyone nodded.
 Qui-Gon positioned himself at the cat's head and sat down, crossing his legs.  He gently grasped the purring cat's head and closed his eyes.
 Everyone watched Qui-Gon and the cat in silence.  The only sounds were that of the jungle around them and the rumbling purr.
 After several minutes, Qui-Gon let go of the cat's head and the cat got up, and still purring, scampered into the darkness of the jungle.
 "She'll now have the desire to eat only wild animals and stay away from people." said Qui-Gon.  He did not voice his mental phrase 'I hope
 When the sun was sufficiently high in the sky to allow Linmae's group to look like honest travelers, they left the forest and started their walk down the road, making sure first that no one saw them creep out of the trees.
 The town was enough at a distance that by the time they got to the gate, they had a reasonable amount of dust upon them to complete their guise as travelers.  Three roads met at a juncture near the front gate, and the morning rush of people going to market created a traffic jam.  The Jedi and the scientists followed the bulk of the crowd.
 Qui-Gon was beginning to wish they were carrying something.  Almost everyone else was carrying baskets, sacks or pulling carts full of something to sell or trade.  The noise was raucous.  The smells alternated between pleasant and rank.
 When they reached the market place, it reminded Qui-Gon of a fair or holiday.  Flags and canopies of many colors -- peddlers and sellers crying their wares -- pockets of entertainment scattered here and there -- the wonderful aroma of food -- people talking, laughing, arguing or haggling.
 One stand was selling newspapers.  Printed news of the realm on single large sheets of paper rolled up as a scroll.  Fewer people were at that stand than at the others; most likely because only a few of the public could read.
 Linmae led her group to the stand and purchased two scrolls and gave one of them to RinShinn who tucked it away.  The group then headed for a large open area of grass that people spread blankets on for relaxing or eating.  Lisa took out a blanket from her pack and spread it on the grass, and the five of them sat down.  Linmae rolled out her scroll and started reading aloud to the group.  Obi-Wan telepathically transmitted what Linmae was reading to the Jedi Masters as they sat far apart from the group as if completely detached.
 Linmae's reading was smooth but somewhat slow as she had to struggle over a few words.  She knew how to read in the native language, but the opportunity to practice with variations of their printed words did not come very often, and a visit like this was authorized usually only once every twenty years.  There was some debate over whether or not twenty years was too often.  Depending on any of the governments of Rojia, progress or societal events can go forward, remain the same, or even go backward.  Those that go backward are always the result of cruel and grasping tyranny.  Most often, except in pockets of enlightenment or discovery, society's progress is so slow that it may take centuries for any noticeable leap to occur.
 The paper spoke of recent civic events, births and deaths, crop conditions, gossip, and a daring commentary criticizing the recent actions of a governing official.  The adjective daring was not used lightly.  If the printing presses and news agencies were not willing to become puppets of the government, the threat of being shut down was always hovering like a dark cloud, or members of the press would get arrested as "enemies of the people", or simply disappear.
 After Linmae finished reading the paper, they discussed its contents, then simply sat and watched the town go about its activities.
 An hour passed before Lisa said, "I'm getting hungry."
 "Let's find an inn." suggested Joseph.  "They're usually centers of discussion, and we could eat while there and I'm itching to move around."
 Everyone agreed that that was a good idea, and they got up and stretched their legs before folding the blanket.  Qui-Gon and Plo Koon also got up.  Qui-Gon checked Plo Koon to make sure he was still concealed well, then they moved on, following the scientists.
 They walked slowly through the streets.  Lisa bought a basket, and the group began to gradually fill it with purchased goods.  It would make it that much easier to blend in.
 They gradually neared the church at one end of the market place, hoping to find an inn along the way.
 They found one and went in.
 It was a comfortable place.  They sat at a table, and an aproned man who may have been the proprietor walked up to them.
 "Hello there!  What can I get for you all?"
 Linmae spoke.  "What do you have today?"
 "We have nice roast fowl, fish soup and pot roast.  We also have bread freshly baked this morning."
 "Sounds good!  I would like the fish soup." Linmae looked around at her companions.
 "Fish soup." nodded Lisa.
 "Fish soup."
 "Pot roast and a loaf of bread."
 "Roast fowl, please."
 "Anything to drink?" asked the proprietor.
 "I'll just have water." said Joseph.
 Everybody nodded in agreement.
 "Water."
 The innkeeper left to fulfill the order.
 The five discretely listened to the quiet conversations around them.
 "It's certainly not the same as inns portrayed in holovids." quietly commented Obi-Wan.
 RinShinn laughed, then softly answered, "You expect obnoxiously loud conversations and arguments in exaggerated male growly voices, and a group of prison guards playing knucklebones in the corner; beer, wine and ale sloshing about and big breasted tavern wenches with messy hair sitting on people's laps?"
 "That happens later in the day." joked Linmae.
 "We've arrived too early!" uttered Obi-Wan with a smile.
 The innkeeper came back with the victuals.
 "Anything interesting to see in this town?" asked Joseph.
 The innkeeper thought shortly before answering.  "Well today, as you most likely know, is market day.  There's usually the latest news cried at one of the clock.  Other than that, just the usual goings on .  If you're here four day hence, we'll be celebrating the festival of St. Ewens.  Say, are you from Addan?  My brother-in-law is from that province and he has the same kind of accent as you."
 Linmae nodded.  "From the town of Thear."
 "I don't get around much, myself." said the proprietor, "This town's the only place I've ever been.  Well, I'll let you all eat in peace.  Enjoy the food!"  He walked away to tend to two monks that just came in.
 Obi-Wan telepathed a <hello> to Qui-Gon and Plo Koon after they ordered their food.  As sea food was Plo Koon's favorite food, he predictably ordered fish soup.  When the food arrived, the two "monks" had to lift their veils enough to clear the food whenever they took a bite.  Plo Koon was careful not to lift his veil too high.  The unhuman color of his skin would get them into trouble if it were noticed.
 The noise level rose a little as more people came in as stomachs got hungry.  The innkeeper knew most by name; some he knew all his life.  The resulting chatter presented good information to the scientists as they listened to the tales of humor or woe about the doings of family members or friends; about vengeance or injustice, arguments, lovers and crops.
 The scientists ate slowly to make sure the monks had a chance to eat, and when they were finished, they paid what they owed, plus tip, then left the inn.
 The market place was even more noisy than when they had left it.  Linmae led the group to the center of the market place in hope of catching any news from the town crier, if there was going to be one today.
 As it was not quite one o'clock yet, they drifted about looking at more stalls, but never wandering too far from where the crier would be.  Carrying around the increasingly heavy basket got tiresome to Lisa, and she gave it to RinShinn to carry.
 The scientists' attention turned toward a commotion several yards away.  They, along with other townsfolk, crowded around to see what was happening.  The scientists were dismayed to find that Qui-Gon and Plo Koon were being arrested by soldiers.
 The man whose life was saved by the Jedi earlier that morning, pointed at the bound Jedi, still clothed as monks, and crowed with triumphant glee, "Witches!  Witches!"  He looked around the crowd with an unholy gleam in his eyes, and yelled, "I saw them use sorcery!  They had a jungle devil to do their bidding for them and they made it attack me, but I was able to protect myself with the aid of the Bosk!"  He held up a symbol that hung around his neck on a cord.
 Obi-Wan had a look of disgust on his face.
 Linmae stepped close to him and whispered, "The Bosk is a religious symbol.  "Jungle devil" is another name for the jungle cat, more properly known as "unchoo"."
 Obi-Wan knew what a unchoo and a Bosk was because of the studies done about Rojia during their trip, but he was not familiar with such ugliness that he was witnessing.  By the Force, Obi-Wan knew that man knew that his life was saved by those he was publicly accusing of being witches, but the sense of righteousness and integrity that his religion taught apparently was conveniently ignored.
 The soldiers were taking Qui-Gon and Plo Koon away.
 <Stay with the scientists, Obi-Wan> commanded Qui-Gon.
 Obi-Wan fidgeted in anxiety.  He knew logically that his master and Plo Koon would be alright, but his heart and body were pushing him to immediate action.  He willed his feet to stay planted on the ground.  Linmae saw the anguish on Obi-Wan's face and put a comforting hand on his shoulder and remained silent.
 <We'll be alright, Obi.>
 Obi-Wan watched as the Jedi Masters were swallowed up in the excited crowd as they were being led away.
 'What mundane lives these people must lead' thought Obi-Wan to himself, 'to find thrill in such theatrical absurdity as that man's accusations.'
 RinShinn placed a fatherly hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, opposite of Linmae.  "It's a good thing the Jedi are able to protect themselves." he said.
 "We'll see if we can get into the courthouse to watch what happens." said Linmae, "I'm not sure if we'll be able to though, because the whole town will be wanting to go."
 "Maybe we can camp outside the courthouse." suggested Lisa.
 "If they allow us to." said Linmae.
 "They will allow us." said Obi-Wan through clenched teeth.  "I'll make sure of it."
 "Without exposing yourself, I hope." said RinShinn.
 "They'll think every thought they have is their own." assured Obi-Wan.

---------

 The next day, dark and early, people had gathered in front of the town gates waiting for them to open, hoping to catch some of the excitement, first hand, of seeing two witches go on trial.  Witch trials were always the most interesting.  The most amazing tales of magic and wizardry are told by witnesses.  The last such trial happened five years ago when an old widow was accused of casting evil spells on some babies and on her neighbor's chickens.  She was arrested, then tortured until she confessed.  Then her confession and the testimony of her neighbors were used during the trial.  She was found guilty, then hanged.  Her small patch of land and her house her husband lovingly built for her years before his death were confiscated.
 The babies whom she had been accused of casting spells upon seemed to be no worse for wear, and the chickens, it turned out, had a bad infestation of lice, which made them lethargic and ill.  That malady was traced to a farm in the neighboring county from where the chickens were bought.  The old widow would have had a remedy for lice, which was a mixture of herb and tobacco juice.  She also had remedies for quieting coughs and soothing pain, but she was dead.
 Now the folk were eagerly anticipating this next trial.  Entertainment like this did not come often enough.  Some were dreading it, but as they seemed to be in the minority, they did not dare voice their opinion.
 When the gates were finally opened, people flooded in.  News had spread fast around the county, and the neighboring counties.  The roads leading to the town gates were flooded with people as if it were the Autumn Fair.
 In prison, Plo Koon and Qui-Gon could hear the crowd outside, and they could see it through their Force senses.
 Plo Koon spoke in a hushed voice.  ""You must be discreet." the Council said.  "The Rojians must never know of your presence." the Council said.  "Just be silent and protect the scientists." the Council said.  Windu said, "Plo, keep Qui-Gon out of trouble -- you know how he gets.""
 Qui-Gon harumphed.  "I don't get into trouble!!"
 They sat and stared at each other; the crowd outside the prison the only sound.
 The humor of it hit Qui-Gon like an avalanche, and he threw his head back and laughed hard.  He leaned back against the stone wall for support as his body shook with laughter.  He could see the looks on the Council's faces when he and Plo Koon make their report.
 "Ouch!" he said after he thought of what the consequence might be.
 Plo Koon just sat and smiled as he watched his friend's humor.
 A few minutes later, the door to their cell opened and in came four guards.  They hesitated as they walked close, when they saw that the two prisoners were not shackled as they had been yesterday.
 "Stand up." said one of the guards.
 The Jedi stood up and the guards placed wrist cuffs on them, then led them out of the prison.
 A great deal of shouting and whooping went up as the Jedi were led and surrounded by armed guards through the crowd of people on the way between the prison and the courthouse.  Various kinds of spoiled food and other things were thrown at the Jedi by members of the crowd, but they would always miss their mark, somehow, and the garbage would land on the crowd on the other side of the Jedi.  Each person who got hit would vengefully throw garbage back at the other side.  As the result, the mood of the crowd was getting ugly; not at the Jedi, but at each other.
 The Jedi and their guards reached the courthouse.  The loud tumult outside the courthouse became muffled when the doors were closed.
 The judge was waiting imperiously behind his desk on a dais when the Jedi were ushered in.  A panel of five legal advisors sat near him at another table.
 Obi-Wan had used mind control to gain access to seats in the courthouse, and he, with the scientists, watched with consternation as his master and Master Plo Koon walked down the center isle to stand before the judge.
 "What in blazes is all that racket out there?!" asked the judge loudly.
 It's a riot, Sir." answered one of the guards.
 "Over the prisoners?" asked the judge.
 "No, Sir, it's about food."
 "Not enough food??"
 "No, Sir, there's a lot of food."
 The judge scowled, then dismissed it out of his mind.  "Bring the prisoners forth." he commanded.
 The prisoners, untouched by garbage, stood before the judge.
 In a voice loud enough for the court to hear, he asked the prisoners, "Do you know what you are accused of?"
 Qui-Gon spoke.  "Yes."
 The judge continued. "Then you know that you are accused of being witches and practicing witchcraft.  How do you plead?"
 "Not guilty." answered Qui-Gon.
 The judge leaned back in his chair in satisfaction.  The accused pleading not guilty meant that the interesting case will continue.  "Do the accused have a defense?"
 A man stood up from one of the tables.  "I will defend them, Your Honor."
 "Yes, Parson Jaymes.  I suppose you would." sighed the judge with mild irritation.  The judge did not much like the parson.  Parson Jaymes was a theosophist who had defended many he thought were falsely accused as witches, in this and other counties, and had nearly been accused as a witch himself, in the process.  He had defended the old widow, but he could not prove the innocence of the widow in the eyes of the court, even with logic and proof of the health of the babies.  Conversely, the court could not prove her guilt either.  However, in the frenzied excitement and perhaps fear, she was found to be a witch and subsequently punished.
 Parson Jaymes had written several articles for the newspaper that questioned the ethics of certain people in power, and is in the suspicious habit of collecting books, many of which were considered heretic.
 One thing consoled the judge:  try as the parson might, he'll still lose his clients to the rope.
 "Who does accuse these two of being witches?" called the judge.
 The cart driver stood up.  "I do, Your Honor."
 "Your name?"
 "I am Clayson the brick maker, sir.  I come from Thear."
 "You will now testify as to what you witnessed.  Speak up for the court to hear."
 Nervously rolling his hat in his hands, the brick maker began his testimony.  "I was driving my cart to town -- Ven'Carr -- and the sun had not yet risen.  I wanted to arrive at the gates as early as possible to avoid the crush.  When I got to a certain place, I heard strange chanting, and when I got closer, I saw these two dancing with demons and talking with jungle devils.  I think there were five."
 "Five what ?  Demons or unchoos?" asked the judge.
 "Unchoos."
 "Then what happened?"
 "When they saw me drive by, they attacked me, but I warded their evil off by this."  He held up the Bosk that he was still wearing around his neck.
 Obi-Wan's thoughts were sarcastic as he conveyed them to the two masters. <It seems that what he saw from his angle of vision was much different from what I saw.  It appears that I missed some interesting things.>
 <You must have looked away for a moment.> conveyed Plo Koon.
 Qui-Gon added, <Yes.  Next time let us introduce to you our best friend demons, Melvin, Barbara and Mildred.>
 The judge looked at the Jedi.  "Is this true?" he asked.
 "About Melvin, Barbara and Mildred?" asked Qui-Gon.
 "What??"
 Plo Koon gave his companion a mental nudge.  <You're going to sink us deeper into the stew, friend.>
 Qui-Gon answered the judge.  "I was being satiristic about that man's claim about us cavorting about with demons."  He then continued.  "Only the part where he was driving his cart down the road was true.  The rest is fantasy hash."
 "Liar!" yelled Clayson.
 Qui-Gon and Plo Koon turned to face him.  Without influencing Clayson's mind, Qui-Gon rather slowly asked, "Why not tell the court the truth?  Is not the truth just as fantastic as that rubbish you spewed forth?  Or are you afraid that it may provoke sympathy in our favor?  I'm surprised that you're doing this to us considering what we had done for you."
 The judge leaned forward.  "What have you done for him?"
 Before the Jedi could answer, Clayson interrupted.  "Anything they'd say would be a lie!"
 "I did not ask you to speak!" pounded the judge.  He turned back to the Jedi.  "What did you do for him?"
 Qui-Gon stated.  "We were sitting in the trees to rest -- we came a long way -- when this man in a cart rode by us.  He had gone on down the road when he started screaming.  We ran to see what the matter was, and we saw an unchoo was about to leap upon him.
 We have somewhat of an ability to calm the minds of some animals because of lessons learned during meditation.  We calmed the unchoo and prevented her from attacking."
 The judge asked, "Where were the demons during all this?"
 "There were no demons."
 "Liar!" yelled Clayson.  "They were dancing with them, then they attacked me!"
 The Jedi looked at Clayson.
 "Believe me," said Qui-Gon, "If we wanted to attack you, you would have not been able to stop us."
 The judge looked at Plo Koon, then at Qui-Gon.  "Your companion." said the judge pointing at Plo Koon, "Has he nothing to say?"
 Qui-Gon answered, "He has taken a vow of silence."
 The judge grunted in satisfaction.  Monks and priests were always taking odd vows for this or for that.  Little good does it do.
 The judge looked at Parson Jaymes who had stood up.  "You may speak, Parson."
 "Thank you, Sir."  Parson Jaymes looked at the brick maker.  "Clayson the Brickmaker, how many demons did you say there were?"
 Clayson suspected a trap.  "Uh...."  He did not remember speaking about the number of demons.  "There were several.  I don't know."
 "Good enough." said the parson.  "How many unchoos did you say there were?"
 Clayson felt his face grow hot.  Did he say five?  Did he say three?  Damn, what did he say!  "Five.  There were five."
 The parson nodded his head.  "Indeed, you had testified in court that you saw five.  Explain to us, then, why yesterday in the market place, at the time you had the monks arrested, every witness heard you loudly proclaim that, quote:  They had a jungle devil to do their bidding for them, and they made it attack me, but I was able to protect myself with the aid of the Bosk, unquote."
 The nervousness in Clayson was growing apparent.  "Well -- they had five, alright, but they sent one to attack me."
 The parson read from his notes.  "When you were relating in court about how you were attacked, you kept using the word "they" -- implying that more than one unchoo attacked you."
 "O-one in particular was going after me, while the others were behind it.  It was about to leap at me, but I held up the Bosk, and they all stopped."
 "Seems to me," said the parson, "that in the market place, you would have mentioned the other four unchoos as well.  That would have made your tale that much more exciting, and propelled you closer to heroship."
 "I'm not one to brag."
 The parson looked at him.  "I see.  And what were the demons doing during this time?"
 "They dared not attack me when they saw the Bosk."
 The parson replied, "It amazes me that it was so easy for you to ward off vicious unchoos and demons just by the fact that you were carrying a Bosk, when people all over the world, who are just as religious as you, are struck down by disease, famine, criminals, and perhaps by demons......yet the level of protection you seem to have around yourself is astonishing.  If you tell the court how you do it, then we can spread the news around that would provide everyone the same protection as you.  That way, no one would have to fear evil or misfortune ever again."
 The Jedi smiled.  They liked the parson.
 The judge leaned his head on his hand and sighed.  "Well," he asked Clayson, "do you have a response?"
 "Well, maybe the concentration of evil was so great that angels had banded together to protect those who crossed their path."
 "Oh! Come now!" said Qui-Gon in a droll voice.
 The judge glared at Qui-Gon.
 The parson spoke.  "If their evil is so powerful, then why were they so easily captured and brought to trial?"
 "The same reason why all those accused of evil were not able to use black magic to defend themselves." declared the judge imperiously.  "The power of evil is ineffectual in places of righteousness."
 "Indeed.  But what about here?" asked Qui-Gon.
 Laughter sprinkled about the courtroom.
 The judge glared at Qui-Gon.
 The parson retorted, "That's a mighty convenient explanation as to why defendants were not able to use their alleged powers to save their lives."
 "You are dangerously close to being in contempt of court." warned the judge.  "Besides, if those who were condemned were innocent, then they would have a special place in Heaven."
 The parson looked squarely into the eyes of the judge.  "And what would be the special place for those who did the condemning?"
 There was soft tittering coming from around the courtroom.
 The judge leaned forward.  "One more snide remark like that toward me, and you will be fined one hundred genas."
 "Sorry, Sir."  Parson Jaymes did not actually feel sorry, but it was politic to apologize under the circumstances.
 One of the legal advisors whispered something in a servant's ear, then the servant whispered it in the judge's ear.
 The three Jedi knew what was being whispered, and knew the situation was going to get sticky.
 The judge had a hard time concealing his glee as he listened to the message.  His eyes sparkled as he studied Plo Koon.  The proceedings had been going the parson's way -- but now....
 The judge's smile stretched from ear to ear as he pointed to Plo Koon and asked Qui-Gon, "What is your friend's name?"
 "Brother Plovus."
 "And yours?"
 "Brother Aquinas."
 "Brother Plovus!"  The judge spoke the name as if savouring the sound.  "Brother Plovus.  You have an interesting shaped head under your cowl."
 Plo Koon and Qui-Gon looked at each other.
 Qui-Gon took a deep breath.  "He is not normal."
 The judge's eyebrows rose.  "Hmmm?  Not normal?  Not normal.....as in howwww?"
 "He was born deformed.  He was a newborn when he was found on the doorsteps of the monastery."
 The judge looked disappointed.  "How convenient that he should be left on the steps of an Order that required its members to be completely covered."
 "It was probably foresight by whomever left him there." answered Qui-Gon.
 The judge beckoned to one of the advisors, and he whispered in his ear.  The advisor quickly shook his head no.  The judge scowled, then asked out loud to the rest of the panel, "The court has no precedence whatsoever over religious covenants?"
 The panel shook their heads.  "No, Your Honor." said one.  "Perhaps you can ask the abbot for permission, but I doubt he would grant it.  Vows in the monastery are vows before God.  The court cannot force those vows to be broken."
 The judge pounded his hand on the desk and scowled at Plo Koon.  The judge knew that if this monk's physical differences could be revealed before the court, it could easily be construed as demonic evidence.  Plovus could be swinging on the rope within the week.  Along with his friend.
 In a dark voice the judge said, "Send a messenger to the St. Shawve Monastery."
 One of the legal advisors protested.  "Your Honor!"
 "Don't worry your legal little head!" said the judge.  "If the abbot does not give permission, then I won't pursue that particular issue any further.  But it might take two or three days to get the answer, so the court is dismissed until then!"
 A rumble of voices ensued as people got up and shuffled about.  The doors were opened, and shouts went up from the crowd outside, waiting to hear the news.
 Guards surrounded the Jedi.  Qui-Gon and Plo Koon touched Obi-Wan's mind as they passed.  They were escorted outside and through the crowd toward the prison.

---------

 It was midafternoon that same day and Qui-Gon and Plo Koon were sitting in prison, shackled to the stone.  They were alone, but guards were posted outside the doors.
 <The pot is going to boil over when they find out the abbot doesn't know who we are.> telepathed Plo Koon.  <I'm surprised they haven't tried torturing us by now.>
 <They're probably cautious to not offend the Church; until they find out we're imposters.>
 <If it weren't for the prospect of the Council's disapproval, I'd be having fun with this.> sent Plo Koon.  <But we botched it.>
 <Did we?> asked Qui-Gon.  <This all started because we defended the life of an ungrateful twit.>
 Plo Koon was silent for awhile.  <Perhaps we would be forgiven, since it is self-defense against that same ungrateful twit.>
 <Let's deal with things as they come, but do it in such a manner as to protect Parson Jaymes.  If we make it apparent that we have magical powers, he would be scorned for the rest of his days for defending "demons", and his credibility would be lost.  He's a good man.>
 Plo Koon nodded his head in agreement.  <We need to be discreet anyway so that the scientific expedition remains untainted.  I agree with you that this is an opportunity for the scientists to observe the reactions of the natives to this kind of thing, and how their legal proceedings go.  It's educational.  The scientists will have something to write about.>
 Both Jedi smiled.  Things will turn out allright.
 <I'm getting tired of these.> Qui-Gon used the Force to quietly unshackle himself.  He stretched himself upon his back, hands behind his head, and sighed.
 Plo Koon was comfortable enough as he was, for the time being, so he did not bother to unshackle himself.  <We need to do something about the abbot.>
 <Let's "travel" to him and enfluence his mind that we're brothers of St. Shawve.> sent Qui-Gon.
 <Yes.>
 They closed their eyes and their breathing slowed.  Through the Force, they saw their bodies in the prison.  They rose above the prison and above the town.  As quick as thought, they found themselves flying over the messenger who was heading to the St. Shawve Monastery, riding on a creature almost similar to that of a horse.  It would be well into the night before the messenger would reach St. Shawve.  In the next instant, they found themselves over St Shawve, then in the presence of the abbot.  The abbot was never aware of their presence, but within a few minutes he was familiar with two Brothers by the name of Plovus and Aquinas.

---------

 Evening came.  Plo Koon had unshackled himself and was relaxing along with his friend when keys rattled in the lock of the prison door and Parson Jaymes walked in.  He was carrying food for the prisoners.
 He smiled.  "I didn't want my defendants to starve."
 "Thank you!" said Qui-Gon.  They realized then that they were hungry.
 The Jedi were munching when the parson asked, "Please tell me; everything you told the court today -- true?"
 Yes it is." said Qui-Gon.  He related again the events of yesterday morning.
 The parson sat down on one of the wooden benches.  "Your story is certainly more plausible than the brick maker's.  Unfortunately, plausibility does not count for much in the courts these days.  It is unfortunate that the courts are used more for purposes of entertainment and arbitrary convenience of evil doers than for justice."  The parson sighed and looked down at the stone floor.  "Being men of God, I'm assuming that you are able to deal, with personal fortitude, with whatever may come your way."
 Both monks nodded their heads.
 "Good."  The parson was silent for a moment before speaking again.  "Once a person is accused of witchcraft, no matter how innocent that person is, that person is doomed.  Even people who are sympathetic with you would not dare defend you for fear of being accused of harboring witches.  False accusations and fear spread like disease.  And like disease, people run from it to protect themselves and their families."
 The pain of the memory of the old woman's hope in Parson Jaymes as she clung to him in court, and the anguish on her face as she was sentenced to death, was profoundly strong within the parson.
 Unbeknownst to the parson, the two Jedi had received his memory like a mental holovid, along with the misery that went with it.
 The parson continued speaking.  "I'm telling you this because I don't want you to build false hope.  Yet, I fear that in so doing, I'm pushing your spirits into a dark hole where they don't belong."
 The monks shook their heads no.
 Qui-Gon said, "You were right in assuming that we can deal with whatever comes.  Our faith and our training will keep us in peace.  But tell us," Qui-Gon asked in sincere curiosity, "how is it that you haven't been convicted as a witch?"
 "Good gravy, I don't know!" sighed the parson with a pensive smile.  "Perhaps it is because I am too well respected in my own county.  Perhaps it is because I'm too well known.  But so were the victims of these witch accusations.  They too were respected and well known, in their communities.  But by the grace of God I am as yet unscathed.  But were they not also under the grace of God?"  The parson shook his head in puzzlement.  "I don't know.  It's certainly not because I'm wearing a Bosk.  God is much more profound than the physical symbols and knickknacks we creatures create and think are so religious.  We so often attempt to limit the Creator's Mind to that of our own understanding."
 Thoughts passed between the two Jedi.  Parson Jaymes may not have the right number of midichlorians to become a Jedi, but he certainly possessed the right mind.
 "Perhaps we are overlooking something." said the parson.  "Perhaps there is hope that Abbot Wensly will save you from the rope?  That is the one thing you have in your favor that none of the others had."
 The monks nodded.
 Parson Jaymes stood up.  "I'll be back tomorrow with your breakfast."
 The Jedi stood up and bowed their heads to him in gratitude, then the parson left, and the prison door was locked again.
 The Jedi sat in silence, eating their dinner.
 <I'm worried about one thing.> telepathed Plo Koon.  <The fact that I healed the emon, and that brick maker hadn't mentioned it.  And we hadn't mentioned it to the parson.  As an effort to have us convicted, the brick maker might mention it as evidence against us.>
 <What evidence?> asked Qui-Gon.
 Plo Koon looked at his bloodless gloves and saw the healed neck of the emon in his mind's eye.
 <There is no evidence.> concurred Plo Koon.
 Qui-Gon:  <I think the reason why he didn't mention it yet is because the act of healing the emon would conflict with the claim that we tried to attack him.>
 Plo Koon:  <And if he brings it up, we can treat it as more absurdity, and hope that the conflict between that and his previous accusations won't go unnoticed by the court.>
 Qui-Gon leaned back against the wall in satisfaction.  <I think, Plo, things are looking up.>
 <Let's visit the abbot again tonight, just to make sure.>

---------
 

 The next day, Obi-Wan was sitting cross-legged on the floor of one of the rooms of the inn they had visited the first day.  He and the scientists (known now to the proprietor as nephew with aunt, uncle and cousins) had rented two rooms for the duration of the trial.  In a state of meditation, he touched minds with his master and Plo Koon.
 <Are you reasonably comfortable, Master?>
 <Yes.  We "convinced" the jailers to not bother with making sure we're shackled, and we have pallets.  Parson Jaymes is keeping us fed.>
 <What of the abbot?>
 <He's on his way to Ven'Carr to show up in person.>
 <In person?!>
 <Plo Koon deemed it wise to get the abbot to speak in our defense in person, in hope of expediting our freedom.>
 <I hope it works, Master, I'm getting tired of this place.>
 <Get out and have fun!>
 <Phooey!  I can't have fun while the two of you are in prison!>
 Qui-Gon grinned at his padawan's use of the word 'phooey'.  He never heard him use that before.  <Obi, go out and experience this culture.  You know nothing bad is going to happen to us.  The only things we have to worry about are not to reveal ourselves as aliens and to not betray Parson Jaymes' trust.  And facing the Council when we get back.>
 Obi-Wan's <Yes, Master.> was sent in such a way as to reveal resignation rather than enthusiasm.
 Qui-Gon telepathed to Plo Koon.  <There's something else.  We have to figure out what to do with the abbot after the trial.  As far as he's concerned, you and I exist as members of his monastery.  But what about after all this is over?>
 Plo Koon thought about it for awhile.  <Well, we can't simply have him forget about everything after we leave, because everyone around and about would know about Brothers Aquinas and Plovus, and we can't have Aquinas and Plovus be suddenly nonexistent in the monastery after the trial.>
 "Another problem!" sighed Qui-Gon.  <Maybe we can get everybody to forget.>
 Plo Koon laughed quietly.  <I'm assuming you're joking.  I've never attempted to get an entire community of people to forget.>
 <I was just tossing an idea up there to see if it would stick.> sent Qui-Gon.
 Plo Koon looked up at the ceiling as if expecting to see a glob of wet tissue stuck to it.
 <I have an idea.> sent Qui-Gon.  <We can make the abbot think he sent Plovus and Aquinas to another monastery, away from the negative effect brought about by this trial.>
 <That'll work.> sent Plo Koon, <But to which monastery?>
 <He'll forget.> grinned Qui-Gon.  <And he'll forget to have it written down anywhere.>
 <Poor guy!  If somebody inquires about them, all he'd be able to say is:  'uh....I forgot.'  That won't make him look very intelligent.>
 <No!  All he has to do is explain that for the sake of their privacy and peace, their whereabouts will not be revealed.  Which would be convenient for him anyway, since he wouldn't know himself.>
 Plo Koon was quietly laughing while trying not to make any noise.  <There's an aspect of comedy to all this.  And what about past records that were supposed to have been kept about Plovus and Aquinas while members of the monastery?>
 Even as he asked the question, Plo Koon thought of an answer.  <We can use the Force to start a small fire where they keep the records.  Just enough to burn a group of records that would have included Aquinas and Plovus.>
 <That'll work.> sent Qui-Gon.  <And let's make sure no innocent person is held at fault.  And that the fire is put out easily enough to not have caused major damage.>
 <And the fire was started by a spark from a torch or a fallen candle.> sent Plo Koon.
 Qui-Gon sighed.  <Our 'to do' list keeps getting longer.>

---------

 It was evening.  From without the prison cell, a voice of one of the jailers said:  "...and they've been as quiet as a peekit."
 A voice of one newly arrived explained, "One of them has taken a vow of silence."
 "Sure!" said the jailer, "But ne'er a squawk from the other one, either!"
 The keys to the prison door rattled.....
 <Why do keys always rattle in locks?> sent Plo Koon to Qui-Gon.
 <That's what old keys in old locks do, I guess.> answered Qui-Gon.
 .....and in walked the Abbot of St. Shawve.
 "Brothers Aquinas and Plovus!  I'm glad to see that you are well.  I'll do what I can to get you out of this unfortunate mess."
 Qui-Gon:  "Good evening, Brother Wensly.  Have you been told everything that's happened so far?"
 "Yes I have.  By both the judge and Parson Jaymes.  I'm trying to get you out of the trial altogether, but I don't know if I'll be successful.  But whether or not the trial takes place, I'll see to it that you are acquitted, and that the accusations against you are shown to be false."
 "Thank you, Brother.  I doubt that that brick maker had given any thought as to the atrocity he had committed; to us and to other people if he does this again."
 "I doubt that that brick maker has any thoughts at all." growled the abbot.  "I know your defender well.  I don't approve of the books that Parson Jaymes keeps, but I know he is a man of integrity."
 The Jedi nodded.
 "We have faith in him, Brother." said Qui-Gon.
 The abbot nodded.  "Good.  I'll see you tomorrow then, if not later tonight.  If I don't see you tonight, it's because I could not get you out of the trial."
 The Jedi bowed their heads to the abbot in respect and the abbot returned the same.
 "Good evening, Brothers." and the abbot left.
 The Jedi settled back down onto their pallets.  They had the feeling that they were going to be back in court tomorrow.

---------

 The people seemed more civil as the Jedi made their second trek to the courthouse.  It could have been because Abbot Wensly was in town on the defendants' behalf, or perhaps the people did not want to get mucked up by food again.  But whatever the reason, the doors closed on a peaceful crowd as the Jedi walked into the courtroom.
 The expression on the judge's face was sour.  Apparently, Abbot Wensly refused to allow the court to take the habit off of Brother Plovus.
 "The defendants step forward." called the judge.
 Qui-Gon, Plo Koon and Obi-Wan touched minds in greeting as they passed.
 "We are honored with the presence of Abbot Wensly of St. Shawve Monastery." said the judge.  "He is here on behalf of the defendants."
 The abbot and Brothers Plovus and Aquinas nodded to each other in greeting, and to Parson Jaymes who was sitting next to the abbot.
 The judge glanced surreptitiously at the brick maker.  The brick maker's scowling face was toward the floor, but his eyes were looking up at the monastic brothers.  His expression was as if he were watching his prey escape from his trap.
 The judge called, "The court scribe please read the summary of the court proceedings of the day before yesterday."
 A little man stood up from his desk holding an unrolled scroll.  "Yes, Your Honor."  He opened the scroll and read out loud.
 When the scribe finished reading, the judge turned to the legal advisors.  "Do you agree with what had just been read?"
 "Yes, we do, Your Honor."
 "Then let us progress." said the judge.  "Abbot Wensly, please tell the court what you know of Brothers Plovus and Aquinas -- and please describe the method of calming beasts.  I find it interesting that one could stop an unchoo from attacking, by a meditative technique."
 Abbot Wensly stood up and talked about the history of Plovus and Aquinas; about how Aquinas joined the monastery at the age of eleven; how the infant Plovus was found at the door of the monastery, and was assumed to have been abandoned because of his physical deformities; of the upstanding character they have within the monastery and their devotion to God and to their studies.  The abbot described the meditation technique that allows one to connect their energy or spirit to another being, and that its level of effectiveness is dependent on both the talent of the sender and the receptiveness of the receiver, and that it has been used, with deferent levels of success, on some mentally ill patients.  He went on to explain that it takes a long time of study to understand and practice forms of advanced meditation, and that one could not acquire the know-how just by listening to him describe it in court.
 People who possess nothing of this kind of knowledge might easily and erroneously perceive one who is practicing meditative techniques as practicing witchcraft.
 When the abbot had finished speaking, the judge asked the abbot if it were possible to use one of the meditative techniques to stop an unchoo from attacking.
 "Yes it is." said the abbot, "It is an advanced form of meditation that requires the ability to connect minds.  Some people are better at it than others, and it also tends to work easier on animals than with humans.  I, myself, am not as strong with that ability."
 The brick maker was shifting nervously.
 The judge asked, "Could you demonstrate that ability now in court?"
 "Certainly." said the abbot, "But I would prefer that Brother Plovus or Aquinas do the demonstration.  As I said, I'm not as strong with that ability."
 The judge turned to the Jedi.  "Would one of you touch my mind?"  I would like to experience it myself."
 Plo Koon stepped forward.  Pretending that he needed a little time to get into the meditative state, he bowed his head a little, touched his gloved hands to his forehead, and after several silent moments used the Force to gently touch the mind of the judge, making sure that the judge "felt" Plo Koon's mind to be human.  To push the judge's perception toward favoring the defense of the Jedi, Plo Koon conveyed the mental image of the unchoo being kept from attacking the brick maker as if it were seen from Plo Koon's eyes at the time of the event.  He conveyed it as such that the science team did not exist and the emon was not attacked.  It was all transmitted in a flash of a moment, yet was comprehended fully by the judge.
 When it was over, the judge said nothing as he sat back in his chair and contemplated what he experienced and saw.  Then he looked at the brick maker and noticed that he looked uncomfortable.
 The events that had flashed through the judge's mind could only be defined by him as being the truth, and anger welled up in him as he deduced that the brick maker was playing with him and making a play-thing out of the court.
 Finally, the judge spoke.  "I'm gratified that I was finally able to communicate with Brother Plovus.  But I am not gratified by the apparent lack of respect some people have for the laws and this court."  And he frowned at the brick maker.
 The brick maker's face paled before he stammered, "B-b-bbut I --"
 The judge leaned forward.  "You what?!"
 <Oh, oh, here it comes.> telepathed Plo Koon to Qui-Gon.
 "The deformed one healed my emon!" declared the brick maker.
 There was silence in the court for a span of time before the clearly incredulous judge answered.  "That's a new one!!  Tell the court about that one!"
 "After the unchoo attacked my emon, the deformed one healed it!"
 Parson Jaymes stood up and cleared his throat.  "Was that before -- or after -- the demons danced?"
 "Well that was...." The brick maker scratched his head.  "uhh....after.  The demons were dancing as I was riding up, then they attacked me....the unchoo -- unchoos -- unchoo attacked me, but before he -- they attacked me, it got my emon.  But I hit the unchoo with my staff and it turned on me, but I stopped it with the Bosk.  Uh -- the others were stopped too."
 "Others?"
 "The unchoos.  And the demons."
 The judge asked, "And when did Brother Plovus heal the emon?"
 "Aouuhhh...."  The brick maker scratched his head again, but more vigorously.  Moments passed.
 "Clayson," said the judge, "leave the flea alone and answer the question."
 "Uuhhhh, he healed the emon before we were able to escape."
 The judge, who was by now sympathetic toward the defendants, leaned an arm on his desk and looked at Brother Plovus.
 Plo Koon spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders.
 "Did you?" asked the judge.
 With hands still spread, Brother Plovus shook his head no.
 Abbot Wensly spoke.  "Your Honor, if Clayson is referring to instant healing, no one at St Shawve has that ability, unfortunately.  Some of us are trained in the art of medicine and can help speed up healing over time, especially if it's accompanied with certain meditation techniques, but instant healing has so far eluded us."
 The judge turned to the brick maker.  "Describe how the healing took place."
 "He held his hands over -- sometimes on -- but mostly over the wound and it closed."
 "What kind of a wound was it?"
 "It was gashing."
 "And Brother Plovus closed it?"
 "Yes."
 "And during that time, you were holding the demons and unchoos at bay with your Bosk."
 "Yyyyes."
 "Why would they be interested in healing your emon if they were intent on harming you?"
 "Maybe it's because I had something valuable they wanted and they wanted to get rid of me to get it."
 "What would that be?"
 "Bricks."
 "What would demons want to do with bricks?"
 "Maybe they wanted to build something evil made of brick.  Or maybe they wanted to eat my emon."
 "If they wanted to eat your emon, why would they heal it?  Wouldn't it be easier to eat if it were dead?"
 "They probably wanted to save it for later.  Or they needed it to pull the bricks about."
 The judge tapped his fingers on his desk.  "If Brother Plovus had the capability to heal as you say he does, wouldn't he heal his own body?"
 "Perhaps evil demons like to look ugly."
 Parson Jaymes spoke.  "Why did you not mention this act of healing in court the day before yesterday?"
 "I guess I forgot."
 "You forgot something so weird and outstanding as instant healing?  I would think that to see something like that would be an unforgettable experience."
 "Well....I just now remembered it."
 "Or you just now thought it up.  It's interesting how you never mentioned more than one unchoo in the market place, then later in court you claimed there were five, and how you never mentioned the healing which could have pushed the argument in favor of the prosecution, but today you 'just now remembered it'.  You seem to lack memory during crucial times."
 "Well as I said day before yesterday about the unchoos, I'm not one to brag.  And I thought it would be best to save the act of healing for today."
 "Why??"
 "I don't know."
 The parson shook his head in disbelief.  "You don't know??  And that's supposed to give you credibility?"
 The brick maker scratched his head while trying to think of a response.
 The parson continued.  "Again I observe that you "forgot" something so supernatural as instant healing, yet I notice that you remembered a precise phrase you had spoken in court day before yesterday."
 "I....wanted toooo save mentioning the act of healing for.......later...when......."
 "You wanted to save mentioning the act of healing?  But you claimed a moment ago that you just now remembered it."
 "I wanted to save mentioning the act of healing before, but I forgot it since then.  And I now remember it."  The brick maker's eyes narrowed as he looked at Parson Jaymes.  "How come you weren't so nitpicky during the old woman's trial?"
 "Nitpicky???  NITPICKY???"  Anger seethed within the parson.  "I was doing my DAMNEDEST to save her LIFE!!!!
 The court was silent.  Some people were looking at the brick maker, some were looking at the ceiling as if in thought, and others were smiling nervously.
 The parson pointed to the brick maker.  "And I DON'T recall seeing your face in this court during her trial!!"
 The brick maker shot back.  "Maybe you don't have a good memory!!"  He immediately regretted saying that.
 The parson leaned forward and his voice was as steel.  "You -- weren't -- here."
 The brick maker did not respond.
 The court was silent.
 The silence grew uncomfortable to the brick maker.
 The judge leaned both his elbows on the desk and rubbed his face with his hands a little.  His eyes peeked out over his finger tips at the brick maker before letting out a deep sigh.  He straightened up and placed both his hands flat on his desk.
 The judge spoke.  "Clayson the Brickmaker ---- the court does not like being made a fool of.  It is obvious to the court that you committed false accusation and blasphemy by pretending to do the work of God for the sake of your own selfish entertainment.
 You have wasted my time, and you have wasted the court's time."
 The judge looked at Parson Jaymes who was wearing a quietly satisfied, but tired smile.  The judge audibly groaned.  He did not like the parson.  He disliked even more the parson's victory.
 "Clayson the Brickmaker," declared the judge, "To reimburse the court costs, you are hereby fined the sum total worth of your emon, cart, and bricks, and you are to spend six months' time in prison."
 The brick maker sank into his chair like a wilted cabbage leaf.
 "Brothers Plovus and Aquinas!" continued the judge, "The court declares you innocent of all charges brought against you.  These proceedings are now closed; the court is now dismissed; go in peace."
 Obi-Wan fought hard to keep himself from whooping in victory.  The doors of the court building were opened and the news declared to the crowd.  Parson Jaymes beamed with happiness and the abbot smiled with confirmed faith.
 It was difficult for Qui-Gon's apprentice to continue to act as a stranger to the monastic brothers, but the difficulty was eclipsed by happiness as he and the scientists filed out of the court house with the rest of the people.  Brothers Plovus and Aquinas, the abbot, and the parson stood grouped together and conversed.  The judge grunted in greeting as he passed them, and walked out a rear door.

---------

 The evening of the next day, Qui-Gon and Plo Koon waited in the jungle where the group had waited before to tryst with Obi-Wan and the scientists.  The abbot had left for St. Shawve shortly after the court concluded the day before, and had learned that a small fire had started in the records room.  And it was in his memory that the Brothers Aquinas and Plovus had been welcomed into another monastery, far from the influences of Ven'Carr.

It was well into the night when the scientists met with Plo Koon and Qui-Gon, and reposed among the trees as they waited for the shuttle.  As they reviewed the events of their mission, the scientists were jubilant that their quest had been more productive and enlightening than they had hoped for when they had left Berenica   They also had two new newspaper scrolls depicting the events of the trial and its result, and featured an article by Parson Jaymes.
 Even though the Jedi Masters were satisfied with the success of the mission, they felt less exuberant than the scientists.  They still had to face the Council and explain how they almost blundered the mission.  Obi-Wan was not worried though; everything turned out right, and with no evidence of outworldly presence or magic.

 All of Ven'Carr's citizens were asleep as well as the inhabitants of the counties around and about.  The jungle was loud with sound of its nocturnal creatures as the shuttle silently floated down from the black sky.  A minute or two passed, then the shuttle lifted off again, carrying its passengers to the space station.