ObiwanDS – I like the relationship between in Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in this because while they are teacher and student, they are also free to be father and son in a way. I think as the story progresses everyone will also like the freedom Qui-Gon has in this universe to be who he is.

Chewbrok – Thanks

Jedi Kay-Kenobi – The Order in this universe went into hiding because they were basically declared illegal. The arguments over attachment became troublesome because the Jedi discovered they either needed families or at least the appearance of families to survive outside the temple.

Beloved Daughter – It will be quite the ride with twists and turns, familiar characters, and some not-so-familiar characters.

Katerinaki - Sorry to confuse with the new names and OCs. I have included an author's note below and will add to it if needed. For the most part, the core characters will stay familiar. Senator Kitab, obviously, will be around. I will make mention of Obi-Wan's parents and Mace's family in passing. I have one more major OC player left to introduce in coming chapters and then we should slow down for a while, though I will keep you guessing on what familiar characters will come out to play.

Chapter 7

The crowd pressed in around him, heated bodies shoulder to shoulder. He stumbled to keep his footing as the mass of beings moved him along, each individual trying to push ahead to get a better look. At what, he didn't know. Some cheered; some shouted insults and protests – their opposing currents of exuberance and contempt surrounding him, echoed in the Force. But, Obi-Wan couldn't hear what they were saying. Their voices were distorted as though he were submerged under water trying to break free.

There was a bright burst of light and a deep, bellowing rumble of thunder. He looked up searching for the storm clouds, but even as he saw the gray billows seeping into the air, he realized it couldn't be thunder. It was too close. There were screams and the coldness of death nearby, but he couldn't see what was happening and was quickly swallowed by a mass of humanity like waves crashing on a shore as they rushed in a panicked flee, trampling him beneath.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes to the ceiling that hung close to his face, his breath coming in short, shuddering pants. He wanted to believe he was just having claustrophobic dreams from being sandwiched into the bunk area, but he sensed otherwise. It was good his shields had stayed strong. Qui-Gon was already concerned enough as it was.

In the dead silence, he could clearly here the slight humming and vibrations of the ship's engines. This was soon punctuated by the loud, wailing cry of a baby. Again? They seemed to be on the same schedule for waking this evening. He heard a chuckle drift up from Qui-Gon's bunk.

"Are you awake, Master?"

"Yes," came the amused, sleepy response. "I should have anticipated the hazards of traveling with the never ending hunger of an infant. You were just as bad when you were a baby."

"Are you sure I was this bad?"

"You might have been worse. I seem to remember your parents walking around half-asleep for at least a couple of months. I believe you had days and nights mixed up because when I visited during the day you were sleeping as peacefully as could be."

The wailing quieted and they were left once again in silence.

"Ah, the comfort only a full stomach and a mother can give," Qui-Gon said. "I guess we can get back to sleep now."

"I'm glad we have Kara's permission."

She was probably just hungry, but Obi-Wan wondered. What did infants sense through the Force? Was she as unsettled as he was? He shook his head sensing that Qui-Gon had already drifted back to sleep.

From space, Dantooine was a simple orb; a swirl of olives, blues, and browns. It was far removed from galactic space traffic and remained unspoiled by industrialization with vast untouched savannas. The native Dantari were few in number and only concerned about their simple lives in the coastal lands, making it a good place to hide something even as large as a Jedi training center.

There had been debate among the elders about the wisdom of placing another training center on the same planet Jedi Master Vodo Siosk-Baas had established one thousands of years before. It was agreed that any remaining Sith, in their arrogance, would assume that the memories of Exar Kun turning and the ancient center's destruction by Darth Malak would be twin blows that would keep the Jedi away. For most the elders at the time, the chance to hold onto some piece of their history was worth the risk.

Upon disbanding the Order, the Senate had allowed the remaining Jedi to retain possession of an account containing generous private donations of credits and aurodium. It was meant for them to divide among themselves giving everyone enough to build new lives, but the Jedi were used to simple lives and able to make do with very little. After using a bare minimum to pay for passage to Aksu and make living arrangements, the remainder was invested wisely. The modern Order, including the training center, was funded by the growth of that allotment and contributions from current members of the Order.

The transport settled down on the landing pad outside the training center and Obi-Wan followed the other passengers down the ramp – several, including the elders already present, had gathered to meet the transport.

Jun Windu stood waiting with Tao at her side. She wore a stern, serious expression that quickly melted into a smile as Yong made his way to where she waited. Obi-Wan was amused with the way she stepped back and looked the boy over as though accusing Master Windu of harming him in some way while the two had been on their own. Seemingly satisfied with his well-being, she engulfed the boy in a hug. Mace greeted Tao warmly and spoke briefly with Jun before joining the other elders who were assembled.

Obi-Wan's eyes went to the small, hunched form of the Order's oldest member, and one of the Center's permanent residents. He remembered that his father had often said it was by a miracle of the Force that Master Yoda, one of the few non-human Jedi, had even been found and trained. Without access to the Archives, the small master had been instrumental in carrying down Jedi knowledge and teachings to several generations.

Obi-Wan reached the bottom of the ramp and started to join his master. He was surprised to see Master Yoda break away from the group and slowly shuffle towards him. The master stopped in front of him. Obi-Wan knelt down in respect so he did not have to crane his neck to look up at the younger Jedi.

"Good to see you it is Obi-Wan. Been away for far too long you have."

"Yes Master. It is good to be back. I already feel the change of having so many Force presences near. It is uplifting."

"It is." Yoda's features saddened, his face falling in one movement with the two large ears on the sides of his head. "See this you must. Matters of great concern to you and us all have happened." Tiny clawed hands surrendered a datapad to the young Jedi.

Obi-Wan quickly perused the datapad, brows furrowing in concern. He lowered it and turned a questioning look at Master Yoda.

"When did this happen?" he whispered.

"All the details I have are there."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Yoda sensed the shift in the younger Jedi's thoughts as they went to his dreams the previous evening.

"See it did you, young one?"

"I'm … I'm not sure, Master. I saw something."

"Talk of dreams and visions later we will – seen much I have. Now you must go. Already set up for communications your quarters are."

"Thank-you, Master," he nodded, leaving his bags and taking off for the residence wing at a brisk pace.

Master Yoda stood watching the young man's retreating form and sensed a presence approach from behind.

"What happened? I sense much distress from my apprentice."

Yoda looked up at the much taller Jedi master standing beside him.

"Much to talk of we have my friend. Busy for some time young Obi-Wan will be, and privacy he will need. Eat with me you will, my old padawan. Join us later Obi-Wan will."

Stumbling fingers struggled to place codes quickly enough. Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief. Senator Kitab was in his offices. He waited impatiently as the holographic form materialized before him.

"What happened – I just landed and have very few details?"

"Chancellor Vallorum had finished morning business and was heading out of his offices for the afternoon after an appointment with me. We met up with Senator Gallia and she asked to have one of those 'meetings on the run'. I saw them to the main entrance. There was a lot of confusion with the crowds gathered. Many were there to protest the Trade Federation. I think there may have been some supporters.

"That doesn't sound unusual – anything involving taxation is controversial. The news brief mentioned an explosion."

"Yes, about a dozen of the onlookers were killed and more were injured. But it turns out, it was only a distraction. Right after, in the confusion, a sniper opened-fire on the Chancellor and Senator Gallia."

"How serious are their injuries? There seem to be rumors that they are dead."

"Your information is outdated then. The Chancellor was hit in the arm, but is expected to make a full recovery. Senator Gallia is in intensive care, but it looks like she will pull through after some time and bacta. She's pretty tough."

Obi-Wan was still fighting back the various images of the crowd in his visions, when Senator Kitab spoke again.

"It's a miracle. I can't explain it. Three of the Chancellor's personal guards, trained for situations like this, were killed. Yet, somehow Adi managed to get the Chancellor out of the way without getting herself killed in the process, and while wounded got him back into the Senate building."

"You said she is pretty tough." Obi-Wan offered a slight grin, but didn't say anything else. He knew that somehow the Force had warned her. She had sensed the attack before it even came and had the reflexes needed. He stowed the information away in his mind along with other things he wanted to bring up to the elders.

"What will the Senate do?" Obi-Wan asked, remembering the senator was waiting on the other end.

"Well, we are definitely in recess now. I think I will continue on to Aksu, but I am sending you the information from the last session. I warn you, it didn't go smoothly. It was actually Senator Palpatine who managed to bring order out of chaos once again. He has suggested a summit for Trade Federation members to discuss the issues at hand. It went over really well in the Senate."

"I imagine it did, but I can't wait until the Senate tries to decide where to hold it."

"Already decided. Palpatine suggested Eriadu."

"And the Senate agreed?" He somehow assumed there would be the usual bickering and disagreements over where such an event would be held; everyone wanting the prestige of being host.

"Palpatine has always seemed to have the pulse of the Senate. He brings us together when needed. I'll send details as I get them, but you are not to leave wherever you are vacationing. If I need you, I'll contact you."

"Thank you, Senator."

Obi-Wan ended the transmission and ran his fingers up over his face and through his hair. He reached out with his senses to find his master. Not surprising - he was with Master Yoda. He knew they were waiting for him – and talking about him.

Characters:

Senator Olin Kitab – lead senator for Obi-Wan's system

Windu Family

Mace (elder)

Jun (legal wife)

Yong (adopted twin son), Tao (adopted twin daughter)

Tallis Family

Yuldash (elder)

Ayal (wife, Qui-Gon's sister-in-law)

Byram (son, Qui-Gon's nephew)

Auren (Byram's wife)

Kara (Byram and Auren's daughter)

Kenobi Family

Brenan (elder, deceased)

Kaiya (wife, deceased)

Obi-Wan

Jinn Family

Qui-Gon (elder)

Kara (wife, deceased)