"I'm sorry I was fighting, Master," Obi-Wan said. "But ... but ..."

"But what, Padawan? What have I taught you about finding other outlets for your anger?"

"But -- "

"Nothing any of the other students said should have driven you to fisticuffs."

Suppressing his urge to laugh out loud at his master's use of the word 'fisticuffs,' Obi-Wan merely murmured, "Yes, Master," and submitted to Qui-Gon's healing energy.

"Particularly with other Jedi. I'm very disappointed in you, Padawan."

"I'm sorry, Master. I'll remember what you've said, next time."

"Next time what, Obi-Wan?"

"Next time someone calls you a wuss, Master. I'll remember that you've warned me to avoid, ah, fisticuffs, and find another outlet for my anger."

Qui-Gon paused. "A wuss?"

"Yes, Master."

"Other padawans were calling me a wuss?"

"Yes, Master. And they wouldn't believe me when I defended you."

"Which students were these?"

"I don't think it's anyone you know, Master."

"Do I know their masters, these students I don't know?"

"I couldn't say, Master."

Qui-Gon gritted his teeth. "Very well." There was a long pause. "And you defended me?"

"I felt it was my duty to do so, Master."

"Your duty? You defended me because it was your duty?"

"Yes, Master."

"Not because you believe that I am not a -- what was that word?"

"A wuss, Master."

"Because you believe that I am not a wuss?"

"What I believe is not material, Master. It is my duty as a padawan to defend my master's honor."

"I see." There was an even longer pause.

"I think I'm all set, Master. The bruise on my eye will take care of itself."

"Very well, Obi-Wan. You no doubt wish to attend to your studies."

"Yes, Master." The young man rose.

"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon called, as his student retreated to his room.

"Yes, Master?"

"Do you think I'm a wuss?"

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