Thank you for the reviews! This chapter… we find out exactly what ails Obi-Wan… Slightly shorter chapter but the next few should be quite long...

A Jedi's Love

Chapter 20

Obi-Wan sat in his Council seat, worry flittering through his stomach as he waited for Bant to begin. It had been five days since they had carried out their experiments. Standing in the centre of the Council chamber with Bant was a human male, a surgeon if Obi-Wan recalled correctly. It made him feel a little sick at the thought of what his friend had uncovered that she would need to bring in experts to assess his case.

"We are here today to discuss the results of the experiments that Obi-Wan and Anakin carried out on themselves to determine his injuries and their uniqueness of their bond," said Mace Windu. He looked towards Bant, inclining his head to give her permission to speak.

"Masters, my results are not what we would have hoped for," began Bant, her eyes flickering around at the Council members seated in the chamber. "Prior to carrying out the first experiment, I scanned Obi-Wan to see what his body looks like before we took the Force away from him. When we did take the Force from him and he reached the point of near death, I scanned him again to see the extent of his injuries. Before I get into the injuries he sustained two years ago, I would like to present my opinion on their bond, if that is acceptable?"

"Go on," said Obi-Wan. He wanted to hear her theory and he was sure everyone else would want to as well.

"Everyone probably suspects this already based on the events on Mandalore. I believe that Anakin is life-support for Obi-Wan. From what I've managed to tell from my observations, and from a conversation with Obi-Wan on the day, I believe Anakin, when he brought Obi-Wan back, instructed the Force to heal Obi-Wan, giving the cells the power they needed to restore Obi-Wan completely to life. Because Obi-Wan had essentially died, when Anakin returned the soul to its body, he gave it a rush of Force energy." Bant looked sideways at Obi-Wan. "I had to look on the report filed for the Sith's death and that is where I learned that you used a forbidden technique to help Anakin. Is that correct?"

Obi-Wan nodded. Every Council member knew this but it was not common knowledge among the rest of the Jedi Order. For Bant to carry out accurate research into the events surrounding his 'death', she needed access to the original report so Obi-Wan had given her admittance to it. It had been essential for her to read the original, just in case it revealed facts about Obi-Wan's resurrection that could help her with her research.

"It is," Obi-Wan confirmed. "I'm surprised I never faced charges for my use of it. I suppose on reflection it enabled Anakin to defeat Sidious. Giving him my power helped him to more than equal Sidious' power. It overwhelmed him… There was no defence against double the power Anakin wielded." He glanced at Anakin. "What exactly did you do to rebuild our bond?"

Anakin frowned. "I just grabbed the pieces and pulled them back, using the Force to reattach them, willing it to happen and it did. That is what I remember doing and the only way I can explain how I made our bond live again. Our bond was broken. I can try to elaborate further… I remember charging it with the Force… and then instructing it to go back into you… giving you back what you had given me…" He scrunched his eyes shut. "After I had convinced you to come back with me, after I had built up the bond… after we had separated, I sent healing energy after you. I have never been trained to do that before… but I did. I'm not sure if that would have been the crux to heal you but I woke up immediately after that and you were just waking up. I didn't even notice your wound… Could you have been healed while I was repairing the bond, or when I charged our bond with the Force or when I sent healing energy after you?"

"I think we know very little about the true nature of the Force. I have looked at recordings made of the battle that day. Unfortunately Anakin you are blocking the camera from seeing Obi-Wan. Whatever happened there occurred right in front of you but because you were deeply within the Force, you missed it," explained Bant carefully.

"What are your other theories?" asked Adi Gallia, who was speaking in hologram form from Mandalore.

"Based on my research and how Anakin and Obi-Wan are with one another," began Bant, hesitating slightly, "is their bond became stronger than ever before after this particular incident. Anakin entwined his own Force essence with Obi-Wan's in order to tie their bond together. He stabilised it for the time being, keeping him alive. Without their connection, or the ability to sense one another, Obi-Wan's injuries return because they were never really healed in the first place. Anakin is acting as a living conduct, stabilising his own friend within life. When I sense them in the Force, I always sense both, even if they are not even in the same room as one another. I am sure others have realised this too?"

It was phrased as a direct question to the Council.

"Master Yoda…" initiated Mace. "You studied their bond because we were worried what it meant for both Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker after this happened. Can you explain a bit more of what you sensed?"

The oldest Master of the Council looked around at his fellow Jedi Masters. "Darkness I did not sense. Nearly one they are, barely separate are they, one person they are, inhabiting two bodies. Will of the Force this was otherwise survived Obi-Wan would not have. Anakin is the conduit to which the Force lives through, able to complete feats that you and I would not be capable of."

"What happens if one dies?" asked Saesee Tiin.

"I believe if Anakin dies, Obi-Wan will too, however if Obi-Wan dies, Anakin will still live. He does not have the wounds that Obi-Wan has," answered Bant quietly. "That is the point of everything. Obi-Wan was never healed from those injuries. Anakin's presence keeps him in this world, functioning as an ordinary Jedi would. Without Anakin, the wounds return and he will die."

"I thought it might be something like that," said Obi-Wan, trying to feel happy about it but not liking the situation he was in one bit. "Anakin tied us together because he didn't want to let me go. He physically tied our bond together, creating one person instead of two. He even inhabited by body with the Force, giving my cells life again when life had fled from them. He rejuvenated my body, long enough that I could seek medical attention, but because there was no physical signs of injury, we didn't know." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There have been hints of my condition over the past two years."

Anakin looked at my quizzically. This wasn't something he had mentioned during the experiments.

"I've been blocking Anakin on occasion. Our connection is strong enough I know what he is thinking, feeling and doing. There are certain things he does I do not wish to know about." Obi-Wan wasn't going to embarrass Anakin further by mentioning exactly what he was elaborating, especially since Anakin was now well aware that Obi-Wan could sense when he and Padmé where in a compromising position. "Whenever I've tried to block him I do get headaches. I haven't felt ill and neither of my original injuries reoccur but the headache is a prominent side-affect we both suffer from, even if we try to block one another slightly."

Bant nodded. "This further suggests to me that they cannot be separated. It's not just their minds that are linked, it is their very souls. However Doctor Hesein has read through my results. He does believe there is the possibility of Obi-Wan recovering from his injuries. He has agreed to speak here today, however due to patient confidentiality he will not be explaining the exact injuries you have, Obi-Wan, but will speak to you in private so you can make your decision."

"Fair enough," replied Obi-Wan. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

Doctor Hesein bowed, inclining his head in a gesture of respect. "If I am allowed to be blunt, Master Kenobi, you should be dead."

"I figured," he answered. "I blame Anakin."

Anakin nudged him across their bond.

"There is a small chance I can do something for you, to help your condition," the Doctor continued. "However it is likely you will not survive. For you to be adequately cured from your injuries, you do need surgery. The injuries you have are severe and the amount of time you would be in surgery could be up to or even more then sixteen hours. Even if surgery is a success, there is no guarantee you will survive. The recovery period will be long and it will be up to you. If you decide to take the surgical route, I will take your case. I would caution you are given all the facts before you even consider a specific action."

Obi-Wan uncrossed his legs, leaning forward in his chair to catch the Doctor's eyes. "I will meet with you after this meeting with Anakin." He looked around at the Council. "I would like this to be my decision alone. No interferences and no stopping me from going through with what I decide. I'm asking this because I know some of you will raise objections if I decide to go through with surgery."

"This is your decision, Obi-Wan," replied Ki-Adi Mundi, his holographic form acknowledging him with a small nod. "I will stand by you and support you."

One by one each Jedi Master of the Council agreed to honour his choice. Surprisingly, Agen Kolar did as well. Still stationed on Mandalore, aiding Ahsoka with her investigation, he had remained quiet throughout the meeting. When it came to abiding by Obi-Wan's wishes he had hesitated but relented. There was still the glimmer of resentment in his eyes for Obi-Wan. When Kolar returned to Coruscant, Obi-Wan would need to have a little chat with him about attachments.

That was, of course, providing he survived his operation.

You've already decided, haven't you? Even without the full facts? Anakin had sensed the decision in his mind.

Obi-Wan caught his eyes. Yes. It's the only way to save my life and not be tied to you. No offence Anakin, but if you die, I do not particularly wish to go with you. If I'm treated, then whenever we are blocked from sensing one another, these wounds will not magically reappear again. I wouldn't be relying on you to keep me alive, would I?

Fair point, sighed Anakin over their bond. But I'm going to be there with you every step of the way.

I know.

"Thank you," said Obi-Wan aloud.

"Then it is decided," proclaimed Windu steadily. "The decision is yours, Obi-Wan. We will all support you in this. The Council is dismissed."

Obi-Wan and Anakin retreated to Obi-Wan's quarters, bringing along with them Bant and Doctor Hesein. All of them realised they had to discuss the implications of the results sooner rather than later. After Anakin had made a pot of tea, they gathered around the small table in Obi-Wan's quarters. He had brought one when Anakin had made it a habit of bringing Padmé for dinner, just so she could experience the taste of his fomer Master's cooking. Until they had, had children, they had been regulars at Obi-Wan's apartment.

He kept the table because he knew one day he would need it again. Certainly, when Luke and Leia were old enough to train, no doubt Anakin would be bringing them to their 'uncle's' apartment on a very regular basis.

Obi-Wan and Anakin sat side-by-side with Bant and Doctor Hesein facing them.

Obi-Wan breathed out slowly. "Tell me what do I need to know? Other than that I should be dead." He didn't need to hear that again. He required details.

Hesein opened the folder he had been carrying, turning it around so that Obi-Wan and Anakin could have a proper look at it. The first page was a scan of Obi-Wan's body whilst he and Anakin were still connected. "This shows your body as it is now." Hesein turned the page over. "These scans show your body at the point of death."

Obi-Wan's eyes bulged. His insides was a… well, there was no better word to describe it, other than a complete mess. There were several different images for him to look at over several pages of the folder, all showing his bodies injuries in different ways. The first scan showed an axial plane of his body, the scan images showing down through his chest and to the bottom of his pelvis. There were splotches of white throughout the image. "I am assuming that is internal bleeding…?"

"It is," replied Hesein. "You have a lot of it and it would be difficult to repair the damage since the blood isn't just leaking from one specific part of the body but different areas as well."

The second set of images showed a coronal view of the body, with the image starting from the skin border at the back and going right through to the top of his tummy, effectively presenting an image going through the body from back to front. In these images to, there were white splotches throughout and Obi-Wan could make out damage organs. The damage to the skin was highlighted in this set, muscles and tendons torn apart and crusted blood settling on the edges of the open wound.

The final images were showing sagittal views where the x-rays had gone through side-to-side, from his left arm to his right arm. It was sticking out to him how badly he was injured. Even Anakin was silent in his mind for once. He knew Anakin had hoped that the injuries he had sustained were not as bad as they had feared. Obi-Wan hadn't been optimistic. For him to have died, his wounds would have been terminal to start with.

"It's not very pretty is it?" noted Bant sadly.

"No… it isn't." Obi-Wan pushed the image away.

"The damage is severe. And it will be a difficult surgery if you choose to go through with it," explained Hesein.

"What needs fixing? asked Anakin.

My body isn't a machine, Anakin.

I know. I couldn't think of a better word.

"The entrance point is your solar plexus. You stomach walls have been burned through, as well as your liver and pancreas. Your left kidney narrowly missed being nicked by the blade. Your spine and spinal cord survived intact. Your aorta, the main blood artery in the body was nicked by the lightsaber blade. You have severe internal bleeding and a lot of damage to your stomach, liver and pancreas."

"But lightsabers stop bleeding…" mentioned Anakin. "There shouldn't be any internal bleeding."

Obi-Wan threw a glance at his friend. "I was also electrocuted with Force lightning after I was stabbed. Any wounds that were small enough inside to stop internal bleeding were made redundant when he tortured me. They must have broken open. Regardless of that, I was dying anyway."

"You would of died due to internal bleeding from those three organs as well as your aorta," confirmed the Doctor.

"Can I recover from this?" queried Obi-Wan.

Hesein sighed. "I have thought about this case long and hard. It is a difficult one to say. Surgery is your only chance if you wish to prevent these injuries appearing each time you are blocked off from your friend. However, there are great risks with the surgery. You stand a very high chance of death. The operation will not simple. We will have to attempt to repair the damage to your aorta, following by your pancreas, liver and stomach. Only after that can we attempt to stitch you up, close the wounds and hope that you pull through. The recovery will be long. You will be in intensive care for at least two weeks while your body manages its own healing. Even if it is successful, I cannot guarantee that the organs affected will work at full capacity. It may be that you require a transplant at some point in the future."

"Couldn't you just do that in the same procedure?" asked Anakin.

"We would need his genetic material from those organs to be able to effectively grow an identical organ," replied Hesein quietly. "Those swabs would be taken in the operation itself but growing organs takes time. Even if we can take that route there is no guarantee that will work either. Trying to transplant three organs will be very difficult. If surgery was the option you chose then I am more inclined to attempt to repair the damage and hope your Force helps you."

"What are my chances of dying on the operating table?" asked Obi-Wan. He needed clarification on that.

"High. Mainly due to the amount of internal bleeding you have," answered Hesein. "There is a eighty percent chance you will not survive. I would suggest that you think through this carefully. If you decide to be operated on, you will need to be treated at a Coruscant hospital. The facilities for the surgery and care you will need are not available at the Temple."

Bant leaned forward. "Obi-Wan, remember that as a Jedi the Force does help us heal. We can recover from injuries that ordinary people sometimes cannot. I am not saying this to urge you to go through with this, but I know that you have a slightly higher chance of surviving this operation than someone like Doctor Hesein would if it was him."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I will think about this. Give me a few days and I will contact you."

The doctor nodded. He passed over a piece of small card in the shape of a rectangle. "My contact details if you wish to reach me, Master Kenobi."

Bant rose from her chair, bowed slightly to Anakin and Obi-Wan and led Doctor Hesein out of Obi-Wan's quarters.

"What are you going to do?" enquired Anakin. "I know what you are thinking."

"You're right," replied Obi-Wan quietly. "Surgery is my only option. Only problem is, you have to be cut off from the Force while I heal completely."

"Oh."

"You hadn't realised?" asked Obi-Wan, surprised.

Anakin groaned. "I had wondered how this would be carried out if our connection is keeping you alive and stable. And, obviously you would need the Force to be able to aid your recovery period." He pulled a face at the prospect of being Force-suppressed. "Yeah, don't do it."

Obi-Wan smirked. "I'm not going to say no to the operation just to spare you a headache for a couple of weeks."

"I know. It was worth a shot," answered Anakin. "What are you thinking?" Obi-Wan looked thoughtful.

"I want to see Satine before I make this decision final. We are together. She has the right to be involved in this decision," explained Obi-Wan.

"In person or over the com?"

"I would prefer in person," sighed Obi-Wan. "It may be the last time I ever see her."

"It won't be," replied Anakin automatically.

"You cannot be sure on that." It was an automatic response.

Anakin shook his head. "I am sure."

Obi-Wan chuckled lightly. "Well… if you are sure…"

"Definitely," said Anakin, a smug smile on his face.

"I'm still going to Mandalore." Obi-Wan threw him a look. "And you are coming with me."

"Why?"

"Have you forgotten you left a Padawan there? Wouldn't you like to see how she is doing with the investigation assignment you gave her?" laughed Obi-Wan. "Besides… it will give us an excuse to return to Mandalore."

"What if the Council forbids you to leave…" pointed out Anakin.

"Then I will just have to leave, won't I?" shrugged Obi-Wan. He turned to look at Anakin. "If I die and I do not see her again, I will regret it. I want to say goodbye in person… just in case. I want to give her what she wants. Just once, in case we lose this chance to be together because of my condition. After all these years, Satine deserves it…" He sighed, agitated. "You don't have to come with me if you don't want to, but I'd like you there."

Anakin blinked several times." Obi-Wan… I'm always going to be there for you." He smiled lightly. "Of course I will come."

"Thanks," whispered Obi-Wan softly.

To be continued…

Please let me know what you think!

Now we know the extent of Obi-Wan's injuries… He really should be a dead man. I think it is realistic he would want to return to Mandalore to speak to Satine about it. In regards to Obi-Wan's injuries… I hope they do not seem too far-fetched. Internal and external damage that needs fixing… if he goes through with it.

The next chapter will deal with Obi-Wan and Satine discussing the situation (even though Obi-Wan is fairly sure he knows what his decision is), we get an update on Ahsoka and Anakin and Obi-Wan have a heart-to-heart with Shmi and Padmé. And we may hear a bit more on what Dooku is up to…

I hope to post again next week!

Until then,

the-writer1988