Jocasta Silver – Going to be a bit still before Anakin shows up. Hang in there.

Katerinaki – Yes, Yoda knew he would have to push a bit for Obi-Wan to face his visions. Poor Obi-Wan. I wouldn't want Yoda and Qui-Gon ganging up on me.

sterling5842 – wow, quite the marathon catchup. Thanks for the reviews.

Ch 7 – The senate should be very concerned about Palpatine, but you already knew that.

Ch 8 – I had a lot of fun with this. I imagine young Qui-Gon quite fearless.

Ch 9 – I wanted to keep everyone guessing on who was confronting Obi-Wan. It actually was
difficult to write without giving it away.

Ch 10 Garen is really fun to write, and I am sure Obi-Wan was regretting that they sent
Garen up after him.

Ch 11 - I think Obi-Wan knows he is destined to face Sith, but can you blame him for not
wanting to be killed by a Sith. He would consider that failure.

Chapter 12

Half shaking hands worked at the coarse folds of light sand colored fabric as Obi-Wan watched his reflection in the mirror, finding it difficult to function with his sudden case of jitters. What was there to be nervous about? It was his knighting ceremony. It was only … one of the most important events in the life of a Jedi. He straightened the dual collars of the tunics before draping the tabards over the top. Picking up another length of fabric, he carefully wrapped it around his waist, tucking it before securing it with a simple belt. He straightened the ceremonial garments one more time before giving his reflection an appraising smile. He looked like a Jedi.

He caught sight of Qui-Gon in the mirror and wondered how long his mentor had been standing there unnoticed. Obi-Wan turned giving his master an equally appraising smile. The older man was dressed in matching light tunics and a long, flowing dark brown robe. Hair that usually was pulled tightly behind his head, now loosely fell around his shoulders giving him a more roguish look, yet he carried himself with all the dignity and poise one would expect from a Jedi master. Obi-Wan shuttered momentarily, their appearance a reminder of the vision that had been his companion so much recently.

"Are you ready? You've been in here for a while. I was beginning to worry."

"Sorry, I don't wear these every day, and you've had a few more years of practice with all the folds," he said, flashing an impish smirk.

"So I have," Qui-Gon said. "Perhaps, it's good this isn't our daily attire. I would hate to have to drag you from the refresher every morning."

Obi-Wan's laughing eyes went to the reddish brown robe draped loosely over his mentor's arm. "That's not my robe."

"I know." Qui-Gon paused, his silent struggle for composure unnoticed. "It was your father's robe. He wore it for his knighting ceremony, and I thought you might like to wear it."

Qui-Gon extended his arms, letting the robe fall to its full length. Obi-Wan reached out fingering the soft, sturdy material. His father, being an elder, had worn the robe much more often giving it a more comfortable, aged feel than Obi-Wan's own tunics and robe. Turning, he slipped his arms into voluminous sleeves before pulling the robe up over his shoulders. He lifted the fabric close to his face, recognizing at once the scent he always associated with his father, surprised at how strong it had remained as it permeated his senses.

"Master, we need to talk." Obi-Wan motioned to the sofa in the common room of their quarters.

"Now? The ceremony begins …"

"This is important, Master." He softened his words with a light smile. "I have a feeling they will wait for us if necessary."

Qui-Gon sunk down to the sofa, watching his apprentice consider his words. Obi-Wan was usually poised, thinking easily on his feet, and to see him struggle for what to say concerned the Jedi master.

"I am honored to wear my father's robe. It means so much to me." He paused again, hesitant eyes seeking out Qui-Gon's. "But, today is not about Brenan Kenobi."

"How can you say that? He was your father." Qui-Gon was at once on his feet, feeling the need to be mobile. Obi-Wan composed himself waiting, watching his master.

"Yes, he was and I miss him and will never forget him. He was nearly my life for thirteen years. But you are the one who has been there for the last eleven." Qui-Gon's eyes widened as he looked down at the younger man. "I don't call you father, but you are as much my …"

"Don't say it," Qui-Gon interrupted, holding a hand up to halt the words.

"Why not?"

Two sets of eyes, each mirroring the other's stubbornness locked for several moments before Obi-Wan tilted his head, raising an eyebrow, clearly still waiting for an answer. Qui-Gon dropped down into the nearest arm chair. Leaning forward, he folded his hands, resting his elbows on his knees. The Jedi master studied the floor in silence, and Obi-Wan was suddenly concerned that he had pushed too far. He brushed Qui-Gon's mind with an apology.

"No, Padawan. You're fine." Qui-Gon looked up and Obi-Wan could see the glistening of threatened tears in the older man's eyes.

"Master?"

"Your father and I were best friends, nearly brothers. I've watched you grow up from birth, and remember so many times I talked with your father. He told me about his hopes and dreams for you. Do you know how often he spoke of this very day?"

Obi-Wan shook his head.

"It should be him here today," Qui-Gon murmured. "I almost feel like I betray his memory by being the one at your side."

"But, Master. You are the one that saw to it that today even happened. Why does it betray his memory that you pushed aside your own grief and moved your life around to take in an angry, grieving boy?"

"You speak as though I had a choice."

"You did. The elders would have placed me with a family."

"I'm not talking about the elders." Qui-Gon's features grew serious, an expression Obi-Wan recognized as synonymous with deep conviction. "There was no question in my mind from when I found you alive and dug you out of that wreckage what the Force was telling me to do. I had no choice but to obey the Force."

"But I never felt I was a duty to you. You went beyond that – you loved me. I don't think there is anything wrong with acknowledging that you are a big reason I am who I am."

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said softly and humbly. "And, I am so very proud of the man you have become."

The elders' chambers were as they had been the morning Obi-Wan had sat in front of the group of twelve, sunlight shining brightly from above. Chairs had been set up for guests with a semi- circle in front for the elders.

Usually only family and close friends came for a knight ceremony so Obi-Wan was mildly shocked to see so many in attendance. Some were not a surprise. The Tallis family, without baby Kara, sat together. Ayal, being Qui-Gon's sister-in-law, was like an aunt to him, and Byram like a cousin. Nesa Mylan, a healer who had gone to medical school with his mother, sat with her family.

Some were not expected at all. Jun Windu sat, looking as serene as ever, with Yong and Tao on either side. He had never got to know her much and was touched to see her present. A hint of a smile played across his face as he saw Garen Muln, in ceremonial robes, sitting on the back row. Either the man was desperate for a position or already becoming a fiercely loyal friend. Obi-Wan sensed it was the latter.

When it appeared everyone had arrived, the elders entered and took their place in the semicircle of chairs before those gathered.

"Padawan Kenobi. Come forward, you may." Master Yoda's countenance seemed lighter than it had in a long while; a smile gracing his face. "Kneel before us you will."

Obi-Wan stepped into a spacious area between the elders and those in attendance and knelt down on the floor. Qui-Gon left his seat and stood at his apprentice's side, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Master Windu stood. "In the days of our ancestors, a padawan braid signified status as a learner. It was started when an apprenticeship began, and various beads and bands would mark the journey taken by master and apprentice. At a padawan's knighting, the braid was severed, signifying the beginning of a knight's journey alone. While today, our padawans no longer have braids to mark their status, the journey of a master and apprentice is the same and we come today to acknowledge that Padawan Kenobi has completed his padawan training. We the elders bestow on him the level of Jedi Knight."

Obi-Wan bowed his head as Master Windu approached and slipped a silver chain around his neck. The pendant hanging from it was engraved with the Jedi code, a reminder of who each and every one of them was as they returned to a life outside the company of their Jedi brethren.

After Master Windu returned to his seat, the members of the Jedi elders stood one at a time and came down to kneel before Obi-Wan. Each quietly spoke a charge to the newly appointed knight. Obi-Wan had seen this before in other ceremonies, but until they began, he never knew how much he would treasure the carefully composed words spoken to him. Some were exhortations to stand firm, to not be drawn into corruption and thirst for power. Some were encouragements to always seek the Force and never be afraid to seek the counsel of others. Each was delivered with sentiments of encouragement through the Force.

Master Yoda approached, resting a clawed hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. The aged master had seen so many young ones reach this point in his lifetime, yet there had always been something special about Obi-Wan. Perhaps it was because he had considered both the boy's master and father dear friends. Perhaps it was that they shared a similar gifting of foresight, and sometimes he sensed a bond there. He finally spoke. "A hard path you have walked already for one so young and sense I do that requires much of you the Force still does. Know this as you walk this path - never alone are you. Even should all of us pass away, still there the Force will be. Much wisdom you already have - stand firm you will."

Only one elder remained – the one standing alongside Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon knelt down, choosing to speak through their training bond.

/There is little more I can teach you, so now I must hand you off to the Force – a far greater teacher than I. Rest assured that although our titles now change, I am always there … I am humbled that you would consider me a father, and know that you are as much my son as if you were my own flesh and blood./

Qui-Gon smiled, squeezing the young man's shoulder as both battled to hold in stinging tears. As he stood, the other elders did as well. Once again, Yoda spoke.

"Stand you may Knight Kenobi."

Obi-Wan stumbled into his room past midnight, the festive reception in the dining hall finally dying down. Many more well-wishers than those gathering at the ceremony had turned out and Obi-Wan had been congratulated more times than he could count.

He pulled off tunics and went to wash his face, smiling as he caught sight of the pendant now hanging around his neck. He pulled on a light tunic for sleeping and checked the time. It was late on Aksu, but the senator would be up still. As he sat down at the com terminal and entered the necessary frequency, he realized this would be his first act as a knight.

A small, sleepy-eyed image of Senator Kitab dressed in sleep clothes materialized in front of him.

"I am sorry Sir, did I wake you."

"Not at all, Obi-Wan. You know me." Obi-Wan was very familiar with the senator's ability to run on little sleep, a habit he himself was quickly picking up. "To what do I owe the pleasure of such a late call?" A wide smile stretched across his features as he waited expectantly.

"I have decided to accept the Senate seat for Aksu."

"I never doubted you would."

"Thank you, Sir." Obi-Wan shifted in his seat. "So, where do I go from here?"

"Ah, yes. We have decided to send a delegation to the conference on Eriadu. Issues of taxation do concern us, as they do many other mid-rim systems, since we rely in some part on the Trade Federation. In about two weeks time we will have a reception on Aksu in which we will officially present you as senator - I will send you the details. After that, we can leave for the conference together. Will that give you enough time to wrap things up wherever you are and get back?"

"Yes, Sir." Obi-Wan pushed aside the mournful ache within, but he knew he couldn't stay on Dantooine forever. "There are staffing issues – I don't who of Senator Derih's staff wants to remain, and I need to assemble a security detail …" Obi-Wan didn't know how long Garen would need to tie up his affairs.

"We can sort that out when we get back to Coruscant. Until then, I think my security team can accommodate you." He flashed a wide grin. "Unless, you don't trust them. And I think you know the members of my staff. Of course, I might be somewhat lost myself. I seem to no longer have the services of my chief aide, the one who held everyone in my office together."

It was Obi-Wan's turn to grin. "You know what. I think we'll manage."