Bryn's antennae fidgeted as she looked the Jedi over.

"We appreciate your hospitality." Qui-Gon offered a hand. "Chairman Port has kindly invited us to share a meal in your home."

Bryn nodded again but did not take Qui-Gon's hand. Instead she turned toward the galley. After pressing a few buttons, she placed two more settings at the table that was already set for two.

"Grath will not be eating," she said. Chairman Port nodded.

"Will he be home later?" Obi-Wan asked. He was anxious to meet the Ports' fifteen-year-old son. Vorzyd 4 seemed so… boring. He couldn't imagine what life must be like for the teenagers on the planet, and was hoping that they would be easier to talk to than the Vorzydiaks he'd already met.

"After mealtime. He is working," Bryn replied flatly.

While they waited for the meal to be served, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon looked around the small residence. It was furnished and reasonably comfortable, but revealed nothing about the inhabitants. It reminded Obi- Wan of the sterile spaces travelers could rent on Coruscant. With so many different species coming through, the quarters were designed to be nothing more than clean and inoffensive.

"Is Grath away from home often in the evenings?" Qui-Gon asked when they sat down to dine. "It must be disappointing when you cannot share your last meal of the day together."

Obi-Wan knew that Qui-Gon was also looking for a sign of emotional connection in the family.

"It is an honor to work," the chairman said tersely.

His wife nodded. "May he be as productive tomorrow as he is today,"

she said.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchanged a look as the table fell silent.