Lillafiore – This order is much more allowing of family relationships, and I wanted to capture what a big day a knighting ceremony would be.

Jedi Kay-Kenobi – I have to think in this AU that Qui-Gon would have wanted something of Obi-Wan's father's there. The robe made the most sense to me. The pendant idea came as it might be something for them to remember themselves by but that could remain hidden.

Jocasta Silver – He will get his taste soon enough.

Katerinaki - I think the ceremony and celebration is much more keeping with the familiar ties this order has.

sterling5842 – The pendant will become significant at some point, so remember it. And yes, Kitab has given up his most trusted aide.

Chapter 13

Obi-Wan brought the speeder to a halt, leaving his hands resting on the steering column as he looked towards the large transport docked in the distance.

"Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?" he asked, fighting the growing lump in his throat.

"The new term starts soon." Qui-Gon said. "Besides, you leave for Eriadu in a couple of days anyhow." Aware of the multitude of emotions that simmered under the younger man's composed veneer, emotions that most likely mirrored his own; he reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder. "This is no different than when you were in the Diplomatic Corp. Sometimes you were away, sometimes you were on Coruscant."

"But I feel like I won't be returning … home."

"Home isn't a place," Qui-Gon said, guiding a cleft chin until blue-gray eyes met his own. "But I suppose you will have to find more appropriate accommodations when you get back …"

"Already done. Senatorial housing is owned by the government so I will be taking over Senator Derih's apartments."

"Well, then you will have to invite me over." Qui-Gon's mouth stretched into a crooked smile. "You might remember that I don't live very far from the Senate district."

"I will," Obi-Wan said, returning the smile. "I don't know if I will be able to keep meeting you at the Temple. I will miss that a lot, but it would be much more obvious if a senator was frequently visiting."

Qui-Gon chuckled lightly, shifting his gaze in the other direction. "I guess … I'll finally have to show you the underground tunnels." Hearing nothing, Qui-Gon looked back at Obi-Wan. He laughed out loud at the jaw dropped slightly open in disbelief. "You didn't really think I took that abysmal tour every time I went in there, did you?"

"You never told me?"

"You never asked," Qui-Gon said.

He got out of the speeder and collected his bags. Before heading towards the waiting transport, he stopped, taking in his former apprentice's presence one more time.

"Go there tonight and be who you are, Padawan. Be Obi-Wan - the exceptional young man I raised and taught and you will be fine."

"Thank you Master."

"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan."

"And you also Master."

He watched the retreating figure until Qui-Gon disappeared onto the transport before starting the engines on the speeder again and driving away from the hangar.

Lively music was muted by the walls of the office where Senator Kitab and Senator Charay, both dressed in the deep blue Senatorial robes of their system sat waiting. The door to the adjoining room opened and Obi-Wan entered, wearing robes of his own for the first time. His gaze flittered to Aidan Derih, now a private citizen and dressed as such, and the older man winked giving him a slight smile.

"You look good – like a natural." Senator Kitab beamed. "We just need to go over a few things."

"I'm listening," Obi-Wan said. The customary briefing before any social event always made Obi-Wan feel more comfortable. It was a pleasant reminder that they worked as a team.

"Obi-Wan, you have always been exceptional at being a true shadow, blending into my background. It was necessary when you were my aide, but the time has come to make a presence for yourself. I want you to go in there like you belong."

"I understand."

"Also, you have always been very good at keeping your mouth shut. Obviously, this was because our opinions sometimes differed and you didn't want to speak for my administration. That role has been reversed. You said yourself that you are young; it's time to show them you can stand and think on your own two feet. And I have every confidence you will."

"But senator, it has always been my understanding that Yopurga spoke for the system."

"That never stopped Aidan." He shot the former senator a mock scowl. "But I prefer to think of us as a team with me as the spokesperson. I only step in and make a decision when we don't agree."

"Anything else."

"Go have fun – this is a party." Kitab smiled. "But remember, that room is full of local politicians. It is still very much business as usual. Governor Boran will take you and drag you around like you are his prized tuget on a leash." Obi-Wan laughed out loud, images of the tall stubborn beast of burden common to Aksu coming to mind. "Let him. There's nothing we can do about it tonight. It's his way of trying to show others he controls what goes on in galactic policy. We know that to be different, but it doesn't hurt to let him have his delusions."

An impatient knock at the door accompanied the laughter of the small group.

"Ah, Mena darling. Come in." A short dark-haired woman entered the room, skirts of crimson shimmersilk rustling as she made her way to Senator Kitab.

"The governors are restless, Dear. They want to know when their senators are coming. I can't keep making excuses forever," she chided.

Mena Kitab was her husband's staunchest supporter and greatest advocate, she was as essential to him as any member of his staff. And although the personal cost was at times great, she still remained faithfully at his side after many years in the political arena.

"Of course." He kissed his wife gently on the cheek. "Tell them we are coming now."

They left the room, Senator Kitab walking slightly in front of Obi-Wan and Senator Charay. Derih walked at Obi-Wan's side. At the end of the corridor, Kitab paused at the top of a long, broad staircase making sure the guests below noticed their presence before starting down the stairs.

A middle aged, balding man met them half way down.

"Glad you could finally make it," he said shaking Kitab's hand then greeting each of the others. He reached last for Obi-Wan's hand. "And we have many wanting to meet our newest addition."

"Thank you, Governor," Obi-Wan said as the man tugged at his arm and broke away from the group, tearing down the stairs. Obi-Wan shot a glance over his shoulder at Kitab who merely broke into a wide grin chuckling loudly. He could almost make out the mouthed words "prized tuget" as the senator and his wife waded into the waiting crowd.

After nearly two hour, Obi-Wan had met advisors, leaders in legislature, the Chief Justice of the High Court, prominent militia officers – whoever Governor Boran managed to bump into as they meandered around the ballroom. Being a diplomat had taught him the art of mingling and he did his best to mentally catalogue the overload of names and associations while keeping up his charming, pleasant demeanor.

They paused for a blessed minute, giving Obi-Wan time to catch his breath. Across the room, he could see Senator Kitab talking to the Osaya Ustel, the Yopurgan governor. He was a master at looking completely absorbed in his present conversation, but Obi-Wan knew every sense was alert looking for another person he may need to speak with.

"Hello Governor." Obi-Wan's attention snapped back at a familiar voice. "I was hoping for an introduction."

"Of course, of course. This is our new senator Obi-Wan Kenobi. And Obi-Wan, this is Mace Windu – he's one of our High Court justices, and if I might say, will likely end up as one of the youngest Chief Justices in our history."

"Pleased to meet you Justice Windu," Obi-Wan said, reaching to accept the dark-skinned man's familiar strong grip. He didn't know why he was momentarily shocked and flustered; he knew Master Windu was on the High Court. He was just unaccustomed to seeing him in such trappings. The feeling of surprise increased as a stunning woman with elaborately arranged raven locks, dressed in an emerald evening gown took her place at his side. It took a second glance to realize it was Jun Windu.

"You remember my wife Jun, Governor."

"Yes, how could I forget something so beautiful?" The governor pressed a light kiss to the slight hand offered.

"And, Jun this is our new senator, Senator Kenobi," Mace added.

"Pleased to meet you she said," offering her hand once again. Obi-Wan hesitated for a moment, before placing his own kiss to the top of her gloved hand.

"The honor is mine." It took effort to keep from blushing. After all, he had just kissed a Jedi master's hand and it seemed … odd.

"Sorry to steal my husband away, Governor, but Chief Justice Gilem is asking for him." Jun said.

"Of course."

Obi-Wan resisted the childish urge to chuckle as he watched the Windus walk away together, elbows folded around each others, appearing as any other married couple. He was pleased to see Senator Kitab approach with his wife.

"Governor, I haven't had an opportunity to see you yet tonight." Kitab interposed himself between Obi-Wan and the governor, pushing Obi-Wan to the outside of the group. It was his subtle way of rescuing the younger man.

The guests had faded away one by one until all that remained were three governors and the three senators who represented them. They had retired to Governor Boran's spacious office and were interspersed through the room seated on chairs and sofas.

"So about this conference on Eriadu … where do you think the Senate stands on the issue right now," a very proper Governor Ustel asked.

"The Core and Inner Rim systems are quite solid and supportive of taxing the trade routes. For them, it is obviously about more revenue for the Republic because many feel like some of the outlying systems have benefited from trade with them without contributing."

"Where does that leave us?" Boran asked.

"It's not positive for most of the mid-rim." Obi-Wan glanced up almost asking for permission to continue. "Since the Trade Federation will try to make up for the lost the revenue by raising its costs, the burden will rest heavily on systems like us."

"So I assume you plan to rally those in the mid-rim and outlying systems who also stand to lose," Governor Ustel pressed.

"We should have Palpatine's influence. Naboo stands to lose greatly as well," Senator Charay said.

"I don't think we can count on that," Obi-Wan said.

"What?"

"He has charisma and is able to rally votes, but I believe he is more loyal to the power of the Senate than to his own sector," Obi-Wan continued. He had spent much time observing other senators for Kitab, Palpatine in particular, in his time as an aide.

"I've tried to keep him close," Kitab said after a few moments of silence. "I don't trust him. He can be a powerful ally, but would be a powerful enemy if crossed."