CHAPTER 11

While the children were at school each day, Sara would take some time making the house presentable in case any visitors came around. On the last day of school week she would properly clean the entire house, minus the children's bedrooms, but every other day she would just clean up the mess that was left in the main part of the house.

On the Friday, a week after all their relatives had left, Sara did her usual clean up then, being fed up of the state of her children's rooms got a garbage bag and put everything on the floor in the bag for them to sort out, if they didn't then she would put it in the bin.

She would have gone straight past Obi-Wan's room knowing that it to be as impeccably clean as it always was, but there was an incessant beeping coming from the room.

Moving into the room, she looked around trying to find the source of the noise and found it on one of the wardrobe shelves. It was a small metal device that had a speaker and a small light on the front and a button on the side. It looked like an alarm clock of some sort so she just pressed the button and moved towards the door.

"Hello? Obi-Wan are you there?"

Sara jumped and turned quickly to see who had spoken, bumping into the desk and knocking over the chair that sat beside it.

"Obi-Wan? Are you alright?"

"Who's there?" Sara asked, looking over at the 'alarm clock'.

"Oh sorry, I might have the wrong frequency; I'm trying to contact Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Sara got up and moved back to the wardrobe, "No this is where he lives but he isn't home at the moment, can I take a message," she said uncertainly, while they had long range communication in the house which could contact anyone on the planet with a corresponding device, it had to be plugged into the phone wires before it was of any use so it felt strange talking to the person who, she realised, was most likely in some other part of the galaxy.

"No but you might be able to help me. My name is Tahl, I'm a friend of Obi-Wan's Master Qui-Gon and I promised I would visit. Could you tell me when the best time would be?"

"Obi-wan is normally here all day except when he collects the children from school. Where are you?"

"I'm about three hours away from the planet and I could come as soon as I arrive otherwise I shall wait for a more convenient time for you."

"No that's fine, I'm sure Obi-wan would love to see you. He should be home in about an hour so if you come as soon as you land then he should still be awake."

"Thank you, Ms…"

"Sara, Sara Kenobi."

"Thank you Sara. Why don't we keep this to ourselves? I can surprise him."

Sara smiled to herself, "Are you sure you want to do that, the last person to surprise Obi-Wan went home with a broken nose."

There was a moments pause, "I'm sure that is a very interesting story, I'll have to ask him about that, however I'm sure I'll be fine, I shall be there in around three and one half standard hours."

"I'll look forward to it. Now how do I turn this thing off?"

True to her word at three and one half hours later, Sara saw a lone figure in Jedi clothing come through the front gate. Sara opened the door for Tahl and invited her in. The Jedi was a tall woman and while she was humanoid, her skin was the colour of honey and her eyes were striped green and gold. Though her face was marred with scars, the largest of which went across one eye and down to her chin, she was still extremely beautiful. The woman was very polite, just as all the Jedi Sara had met had been but she wouldn't make eye contact, which was slightly unnerving but something Sara was willing to ignore.

Sara brought her into the kitchen where Sandra, Terrian and Bella were doing their homework.

"Everyone this is Tahl, she's a friend of Obi-Wan."

Sara introduced each child in turn and there was various mumbles of hello.

"Shall I go wake up Ben?" Terrian asked, starting to get out of his seat.

"Oh if he's asleep I can come back tomorrow?" Tahl said before Sara could answer.

"No, he needs to get up anyway."

"I'll go and wake him if you like, it'll give him a bit of a shock, got to keep him on his toes after all." Tahl said winking at the children.

Sara couldn't hold back a smile and agreed.

Sara led Tahl to Ben's room and the children all followed wanting to see their brother's reaction. Tahl walked over to the bed, her hand trailing along the edge until she reached the head end. She knelt down on the floor next to Ben's head.

Ben moved slightly as if he had been poked though nothing had touched him.

"Wakey Wakey, its time to get up Obi-wan." Tahl whispered next to his ear.

Ben grown and moved his head away from the noise before going back to sleep.

She poked him again, using the force then reached out with her hand to move Ben's hair out of his face.

"Have dinner without me mum, I'll eat something later." Obi-wan mumbled before rolling over.

"There are a few reasons why I can't do that, one I'm not your mother, two I really think you should eat for the child if not for yourself, and three Qui-Gon and Bant told me exactly where you're ticklish and I won't hesitate to use it if you don't get up in the next three seconds."

Obi-Wan's eyes snapped open and he pushed himself up as fast as he could. "Tahl?"

"I told you I'd come to visit." She reminded him with a smile.

The pair embraced and Sara herded the children away to give them some privacy.

"Did you get my letter?"

"Yes and I sent your other one on."

"Thank you. Is Bant with you?"

"No, Bant had some exams to complete and since this wasn't an official mission she couldn't be excused so I made her stay. Although for the record she was willing to fail the tests just to see you."

Obi-wan smiled, "She always did put friendship before anything else."

"Yes, she's forever running off with those other two when she's meant to be training." Tahl said in an annoyed tone, "but she will be coming next time have no doubt about it."

"You don't need to-"

"No, if I have to listen to her nagging about coming to see you one more time." They both laughed.

"Come on, your charming Mother has dinner ready I believe," Tahl continued pulling Ben to his feet. She steadied him then let go, brushing past his belly as her hands dropped. She looked confused for a moment but her hands quickly roamed over his protruding belly, "You're huge!" she exclaimed teasingly.

Obi-Wan scowled at her and even through see couldn't see she knew he was.

"Thanks Tahl that is really kind of you to point out, I hadn't noticed." Obi-wan said, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

"How many months are you now?" she asked, hands still exploring his girth.

"Six," he said gently pulling away, while he was use to everyone pawing at his belly he didn't enjoy it one bit, "and I can't wait for it to be over."

Tahl took no offence at him pulling away and simply laughed, "Pregnant bellies are public property Obi-wan, didn't you know?"

"No one thought to mention it but I have quickly realised for myself."

Tahl simply laughed again.

"Before I forget, Bant made me promise to get you to call her tomorrow."

Obi-wan nodded in agreement.

"Dinner!" Sara called from the kitchen.

"Coming!" Ben called back, then apologised to Tahl, who rubbed her sore ear. After she lost her sight she had done numerous exercises to increase her other senses, especially hearing.

The family were at the table already and just waiting for the eldest child before they could begin.

"I'll come around tomorrow and you can talk to Bant."

"Why don't you stay for dinner? You two can talk more afterwards." Sara suggested.

"I couldn't intrude," Tahl refused, "I'll eat in town."

"No I insist."

"Yeah Tahl stay." Obi-wan said joined in, knowing that his mother always cooked more then they needed.

Tahl scowled at him "Gang up on me then."

Sara grabbed another plate from the cupboard and placed it next to where Obi-wan normally sat then took her seat.

They were about to start eating dinner when someone knocked at the door. Before anyone could stop her, Asha was on her feet and racing to open the door. Sara also got up, though at a slower pace, to see whom it was. Unexpectedly Asha screamed and ran back to her mother, but they were unable to see who it was as the open door covered the doorway.

Tahl was on her feet as soon as she heard Asha scream, lightsabre raised and activated. Terrian moved in front of his brother protectively making Obi-wan scowl but he didn't complain knowing that everyone would gang up on him about it.

Tom made his way to the door but before he reached it a silver protocol droid came through the door. Obi-wan immediately recognised him.

"TooJay! Tahl I thought you'd have left him at the temple."

Tahl relaxed and deactivated her lightsabre, "I tried but that meddling little troll told him I was leaving and I found him on board after take off." Tahl said glaring at the droid.

The droid shuffled towards her, "but how else would you know of your surroundings if not for my guidance?"

"I manage just fine without you annoying me and anyway if I needed help I would ask Obi-wan."

"But Master Obi-wan isn't programmed-"

"Of course he isn't programmed he not a droid is he." Tahl snapped back, her annoyance towards the droid palpable.

The Kenobi's watched as the pair arguing back and forth for a moment before turning to Ben for an explaination.

"2JTJ is Tahl's personal navigation droid."

"Personal pain in the neck more like it," Tahl cut in.

"It was a gift from Master Yoda after she lost her sight." Obi-wan explained.

"She's blind!" The whole family immediately looked towards Tahl's eyes and the scars that ran across them.

"Oh sorry, I forgot to mention that." Ben said sheepishly.

"Cause it's such an easy thing to forget." Terrian said sarcastically.

"It is actually," Obi-wan countered, "Tahl functions just as well as any other person does with their sight."

"Thank you," Tahl said then turning back to TooJay, "you heard him go away."

"But how will I be able to direct you if I am not…"

Obi-wan moved around behind the droid while he was talking and shut him down.

"Thank you," Tahl said again relieved.

"It's probably better he doesn't go back to the ship alone anyway, if anyone sees him they would probably have the same reaction as Asha." Obi-wan suggested.

"Agreed," Tahl replied.

"Shall we eat?" Tom asked, gesturing towards the table.

"Yes, and you must tell me what you've been doing recently, you're mother mentioned something about breaking somebody's nose."

"Are you going to call your friend now Ben?" Sara asked after Bella and Asha had gone to bed.

"No, I'll call her tomorrow morning before I walk Bella and Asha to school, its 4am on Coruscant, much too early for her to be awake." He explained.

"Don't be silly, it's good for her." Tahl countered.

Obi-wan rolled his eyes, "You're as bad as Qui-Gon he was forever waking me up at strange hours of the morning when no sane person should be awake." He said remembering the mornings when Qui-Gon had woken his up so that they could be in the training rooms at four in the morning.

"Where do you think I learnt it from and I resent that, he is far worse then me."

"Not from Bant's point of view if I call her now," Obi-wan pointed out,

"So what do you specialise in Tahl? Obi-wan tells us that Qui-Gon is quite the diplomat." Sara interrupted, playing the negotiator herself.

"Yes he is; I believe most of the missions Obi-wan went on were to planets that specifically requested Qui-Gon, he was one of the best Jedi in the Order, and still would be if the council would just get their heads out of their asses. Personally I go with the problem solving side of things."

"And she's good at it," Obi-wan put in choosing to ignore her rather rude comment about the Council, "she actually worked out who was sabotaging the Jedi star fighters by the smell on a mechanics clothing."

"Shh." Tahl said, whacking him on the shoulder but missing when Ben moved to the side slightly.

"Have you talked to Qui-Gon at all?" Obi-wan asked suddenly.

Tahl sobered instantly, "Yes I went to visit him two weeks ago."

"How is he?"

"Continuously asking about you. Honestly he talks about nothing else. How is Obi-Wan? Is Obi-wan ok? Is Obi-wan eating properly?"

"Tahl." Obi-wan interrupted.

"He's fine mostly, slightly depressed, missing you, but he was very happy to get your letter and he won't forgive that I haven't come to see you before now. He sent you a reply but I left it on the ship so I'll have to give it to you tomorrow."

"Terrian, don't touch that." Sara said suddenly and they turned to see the teenager investigating 2JTJ.

"Oh no, please dismantle him, do what you like."

"Tahl I really don't think that Yoda will be too impressed if he asks where 2J is and you tell him you allowed a teenager to use him to practice their mechanic skills and even if he is annoying, he is also expensive."

Tahl just shrugged.

"Even more reason for you to stay away Terrian, come away." Sara insisted.

"Alright, spoil my master plan to get rid of the thorn in my side;" Tahl said, then, "I think Bant has had enough sleep."

"No leave her-" Obi-wan objected but she didn't listen, Tahl punched in her Padawan's frequency and waited for her to pick up.

"Hello?" a groggy voice said after a moment.

"Good morning sunshine." Tahl said, grinning the entire time, which Obi-wan thought was just evil.

Bant groaned, "Master it's four in the morning."

"No its 4:20 but I didn't call you for the time."

"And why did you call me."

"Aren't I allowed to call my Padawan just to talk?" Tahl teased.

"Not at 4am." Bant shot back.

"Fine, I won't let you talk to Obi-Wan then."

"Obi-wan?" Bant asked perking up instantly.

"I'm here Bant."

"I've missed you so much, why didn't you call? I know for a fact that you have a comlink and are perfectly capable of using it."

"I've been busy"

"I'm sure you have," Bant said sarcastically, "Give me a sec."

The sound of the comlink being put down was heard and then Bant getting out of bed and leaving the room.

She came back a few minutes later.

"Ok I'm back," she sounded more awake now. "How have you been? I wanted to come visit by Master Tahl wouldn't let me." Bant said the last bit louder to make sure Tahl heard it.

"Don't blame me, blame the council and their rules." Tahl retorted.

Obi-wan excused himself before going to the sanctuary of his bedroom.

"I've been well enough, life is fairly consistent here but its relaxing, a nice change of pace to constant missions." Obi-wan responded, they both knew he would much rather be on missions with Qui-gon but neither were going to say that. "How about you, how is your training going?"

Before Bant could answer the door chime sounded and Bant yelled that it was open.

"You had better have a good reason for getting us up this early."

"Oh you didn't" Obi-wan said, hearing his other friend's voice.

"I did, if I have to get up this early then they should too." Bant replied smugly.

"Who are you talking to you…you annoying fish with legs." Garen demanded.

"Yeah Bant its 4:30 in the morning, you're lucky my master was up already or we would have been having seafood for dinner with you as the main course." Reeft complained.

"Is everything about food for you?" Bant asked rolling her eyes at the pair.

"Are you quite finished?" Obi-wan inquired.

"Obi-wan?" the pair asked in perfect synchronous.

"Hi, how are you? Other then tired." He added quickly before they could answer.

"We're fine, how 'bout you?" Reeft asked, making no attempt to stifle a yawn in the middle of the sentence.

"Fine, as I said to Bant it's very predictable and quiet here."

"Predictable? Quiet? What are these things?" Reeft asked, false confusion in his voice.

Obi-Wan snorted, "Easy enough for you to joke but I'm living it." Then seriously he continued, "It is nice in many ways, very peaceful, apparently that's good for the baby so I can't complain too much."

"How is the baby?" Bant asked jumping at the opportunity to ask.

"Beating me up from the inside out," he quipped, "It's slowly turning into a shaak, I can't see my feet anymore, I'm going to have to give up on exercise altogether soon, I'm going to go stir crazy I just know it."

"I'm sure its not that bad," Bant refuted, Obi-wan could almost hear her eyeroll.

"You try it and then tell me if you disagree then." Obi-wan said in rebuttal.

"Bant and I have a mission near Maephn in a ten day, our master's have given us permission to come while we're there," Garen interrupted, "but we're not bring Reeft, he might eat your mother out of house and home."

"Hey!"

Obi-wan laughed, "Don't worry that happens a lot here I have four siblings, four! and they're forever bring their friends around, it's a wonder we ever have any food."

"I heard that!" Terrian said indignantly as he passed on his way to bed.

"That was my brother, Terrian. He didn't like me at first but he's getting use to me."

"Do you have any sisters?" Bant asked.

"Yes, Sandra is a year younger then me, Bella is nine, she's overly interested in non human races, Asha is the youngest, she's five."

"I envy you, I would love to meet my family, if only once." Bant said.

"They're great, my parents have been really supportive. I got to meet the entire family last week, all my aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins. It was a huge gathering, I'm surprise they all fitted into the house."

"Ben, don't stay up too late you." Sara said as she past on her way to bed, "I've put Tahl in the spare room for the night."

"Alright mum, Good night."

"Good night. Remember not too late, you need your rest."

"She really wants you to sleep," Reeft commented.

"Yeah, It's been getting harder as they baby is growing, keeps kicking my diaphragm in the night, wakes me up."

His friends weren't sympathetic at all, laughing at his predicament.

The four friends talked for a few more hours until Garen's master, who was looking after Bant while her master was away, called to remind them that they had to go to class and by that time Obi-wan was almost asleep on his feet despite the nap he had taken earlier.

They said their goodbyes; The others extracting a promise from Obi-wan that he would call them again soon. It was almost midnight by the time Ben got to bed but Sara, who had gone to check on all her children like she did most nights, let him be, she could tell that he was happier after talking to his friends, he'd needed it.

Reposted: 4 November 2011, 1:27am