Author's Note: There have been some questions regarding the surprise party that Garen and the other padawans are planning. It will come up in another post or two; I haven't forgotten about it.
Chapter 21
The meeting had been in session for the last four hours; he wasn't surprised, depending on the diplomats and the topic of discussion, negotiations could take days. To keep boredom down to a minimum he had tried to meditate, but the peace he sought was hard to come by. So instead he toured the Senator's office, looking at the various items on the shelves behind his father's desk: datapads, holobooks, holographs, and an assortment of trinkets. The holographs contained images of the Abrams family in varying years: Rayfe holding a young Ben, foreheads touching and smiles dancing on both faces; Nyla holding infant Ben with Jace at her side; Jace with a young Ty; and a few with an older man and woman whom he thought could be grandparents. There were others with arrangements from the entire family to some with friends. He looked at each one, lingering here and there as a memory surfaced and then dissipated just as quickly.
He wasn't by nature a prying person, but as a Jedi it paid to be curious when attending missions. Sitting down behind the desk, he opened the drawers one by one and looked through the contents, telling himself he was just trying to learn more about the man who had fathered him. Closing the drawers on the left side, he turned to the right and started sorting through them. In the bottom drawer, he found an envelope and pulled it out. Empting the contents on the desk top he carefully sorted through them, discovering several photos toward the middle of the pile. Singling them out, he set them side by side. The first was a still image of Ben the year he went missing, the second was an age progressive photo while the third was the same but altered to take into account his padawan hairstyle. He had seen the latter two at the meeting he had attended with his master when they spoke to Master Yoda and Jace. He unconsciously ran a hand over his hair; it was longer than it should be.
Looking through more of the documents, he noticed they ranged from the year he disappeared to present. Articles covering the family's loss, a record of possible leads, letters from the detective his father had hired detailing any information he had discovered, and a photo of a young woman with shoulder length brown hair and hazel eyes. His gaze was transfixed as he looked at the woman who had turned his life upside down. She had treated him well; he couldn't say otherwise. But she had still done the unthinkable, even if she did give him to the Jedi in the end. But why take him in the first place? Holding the photo with his right hand, he rested his left elbow on the desk and leaned his forehead against his hand, his eyes glued to Taren's face. Why'd you do it? he whispered.
It was some time later that he finally stood and walked over to stand by the window, looking out over Coruscant. He had an unobstructed view of the courtyard around that side of the Senate building, occupied with patrons and Senators. The photo was still in his hand. He crossed his arms and leaned against the window pane, losing himself in the horizon.
X
"Well Gentlemen, it would appear we have new neighbors," the Chancellor stated shortly after the ambassadors had left. He placed the treaties he held in his hand into an envelope and set it on the table in front of him: he would give them to his assistant to file with the Senate. Having heard both sides of the story, the representatives realized how misinformed they had been. One of the things that had helped them in determining whether they would join the Republic was the fact that the Order had agreed to work closely with Child Protective Services when obtaining custody of potential initiates to ensure that the situation with Senator Abrams would not happen a second time.
When they had pressed for the child's name, they were surprised to find an overly protective father and Jedi Master denying them their request. They were firmly informed that the child was currently a minor and in order to protect said child, a name would be withheld. The dignitaries had each agreed to keep the details as basic as they could if asked to explain their decision. Though they may have been the ruling parties of their respective planets, each had a set of checks and balances in place to prevent tyranny from reining should any one successor have a desire to pursue such a feat.
"I was beginning to think they were going to go the other way," Rayfe admitted. "Especially when I refused to give details concerning Ben."
"They were a curious lot, I'll give them that," Mace replied. "Chancellor, with your permission, we'd like to send a member of the order along with the Senate's representatives to each planet within the next week to help them begin the transition."
Having taken it upon himself to gather refreshments, Chancellor Valorum passed out drinks to the men sitting at the conference table before replying, "I think that would be a good idea. The Senators may feel more secure in doing so." Retaking his seat, he leaned back and took a drink from his glass before saying, "I do admit the trade routes running through those systems will be a great help to the Republic. I thank you all for helping in this endeavor. Though I do understand the complexity it could represent for you, Senator Abrams."
Rayfe held his glass between his hands, turning it slowly round and round. "I've spoken with Ben about the possibilities of this coming out sooner than we would have liked, and not surprisingly, he took it well. And if they keep their word, we won't have anything to worry about."
"Obi-Wan is well versed in handling the media when required, though he would just assume do without it," Qui-Gon said, his voice holding a note of affection for his apprentice.
The four men talked for some time, unwinding from the meeting they had been in for most of the day. An hour had passed when Rayfe pushed his chair back and stood. "Thank you for an interesting mid-morning, gentlemen, but I need to be going." He looked across the table at the Jedi sitting there and asked, "Master Jinn, would you mind walking with me a bit?"
The Jedi glanced at his colleague to see if there was a reason he was needed back at the Temple. Receiving a nod of approval, Qui-Gon stood and gestured toward the door. "Shall we?" Offering a bow to Valorum, he took his leave.
X
The Jedi and Senator walked in silence for some time before Qui-Gon asked, "How is Obi-Wan?"
"He's actually the reason I asked you to accompany me."
Qui-Gon held back the worry that flared within him, consciously keeping the emotion from his features. However, his eyes were another story.
Rayfe smiled in assurance. "Don't worry, he's fine. But I think you should know that he was involved in an altercation this morning."
"What happened?"
Knowing there was an alcove nearby that held several tables and chairs for public and private use, Rayfe led the way to the recessed area and sat down, inviting Qui-Gon to do the same.
Once the Jedi was seated, he proceeded to explain his intentions. "He was defending his younger brother from some overzealous teens." Before the other could offer his thoughts, Rayfe continued, "He's fully aware of the consequences of his actions and admits that he should have handled it differently. We discussed the situation, so he's been properly chastised." The latter comment earned him a small smile.
"Obi-Wan isn't one to rile easily; what set him off?" Qui-Gon asked, leaning against the table with his arms crossed on the counter in front of him.
"From what he's told me, he was the target of a bully in his younger years. I think that coupled with seeing Ty in the same position caused him to react like he did. But I think it was also a mixture of his inability to correctly complete this morning's exercise routine, coupled with the stress he's feeling: his memories have been returning at a rapid pace these last weeks. There are still things he can't quite grasp, but what he's remembered is enough to make him feel torn in two."
As much as Jinn wanted to go find his padawan, he forced himself to stay where he was. "May I ask why you are telling me this? Not that I'm complaining, but I'm somewhat confused."
"I was hoping you would be agreeable to spending some time with him today. Granted, I too would like to spend time with my son. Not as your chaperone, but as his father. If you're willing to share him, you're welcome to accompany us to our home for the afternoon."
Surprised, yet pleased by the invitation, Qui-Gon asked, "And Mrs. Abrams?"
"Doesn't know. She had an appointment earlier this morning and was going to visit her sister after. If she happens to return while you're there, I'll find a way to handle it."
Rayfe could see the indecision in Qui-Gon's gaze. "Master Jinn…." when the other looked at him, he said, "I am not too proud to admit when I need help. I know my son is adjusting, and he is putting forth every effort to be a part of the family and to learn all he can about his past and about us. But even I can see that he needs help in a way that neither myself nor my wife can give him." The Senator paused just a moment before continuing, "Will you speak with him?"
It was hard to miss the devotion and love the Senator was plainly showing for Obi-Wan; Qui-Gon couldn't help but feel for the man…but more than that, he couldn't help but feel for his padawan. "I accept," he said.
The Senator breathed out a sigh of relief and stood. "If you'll follow me to my office, he's waiting to give me a lift home."
X
As the two men entered the reception area, Rayfe motioned for his assistant to remain quiet and gestured for Qui-Gon to proceed into his office. Through the partially open door the Jedi could see his apprentice standing near the window, his arms crossed over his chest, leaning one shoulder against the glass pane. Jinn could tell from the boy's stance that something was bothering him.
Gently pushing the door the rest of the way open, the Jedi stepped inside and walked to the middle of the room and stopped. Rayfe stayed outside the door off to one side so not to intrude by being seen; he quietly observed the scene unfolding before him.
"You're thinking too hard, young one."
Obi-Wan's eyes closed on their own accord at the sound of the voice behind him, savoring what he thought must be a figment of his imagination. Deciding to entertain the idea, he opened his eyes and turned toward the fabricated voice he knew as well as his own. When his eyes met with the gaze of the man who had helped raise him, he couldn't help but offer a wavering smile.
"Hello, padawan mine."
The young man in question pushed away from the window and hurrying over, he threw his arms around Qui-Gon's torso while burying his face in the Jedi's tunic.
Qui-Gon embraced his student, tightening his hold when the boy began to tremble ever so slightly. "Let it out, Obi-Wan."
The pressure and strain the youth had been struggling with finally came to the surface: released in the comfort of home.
Rayfe watched as his son finally let loose the pent up emotion he had been holding onto. The Senator in no way held any ill will toward the Jedi Master; when it came to Ben, he was willing to do whatever it took to help his child heal. Even if that meant allowing another man to temporarily fill the position of father figure.
The master and padawan remained where they were for some time before the youth finally pulled back and looked up at his master.
Offering the man a half smile, he said, "I've missed you."
Returning the sentiment, Qui-Gon replied, "The feeling is mutual, I assure you." Reaching up to the youth's cheek, he gently traced his fingers along the bruise while releasing a healing stream of the force into the discolored skin. The dark coloring slowly faded, going through the stages of healing until it finally settled on a light yellowish tint. "Better?"
Obi-Wan nodded that it was. "I can explain…."
Leading the way over to the couch that sat against the wall near the door, Qui-Gon made sure the youth was seated before joining him. "The Senator already gave me the details. And from what I've heard, you've already been properly lectured. I trust he did a good job."
The youth nodded that Rayfe had done a fine job in the role of guardian/authoritarian. "He made it clear that there's always an alternative to fighting."
"Sounds like good advice," Qui-Gon replied, a twinkle in his eye. Noticing something in the teen's hand, the Jedi asked, "What do you have there?"
Having forgotten he still had the photo in his hand, Obi-Wan looked down at it before showing it to his master. When Qui-Gon took the offered item, he glanced at the woman in the snapshot before asking, "Is this her?"
The teen nodded, but didn't reply.
"I can't help you if you won't talk to me."
Silence filled the room for quite some time before the young man finally spoke. "Ben's memories are returning more rapidly than I can handle. At first, it was mainly in dreams, like before. But lately, it doesn't matter whether I'm asleep, meditating, or awake."
He stood and walked over to the shelving unit behind the Senator's desk. When he reached the holograms, he said, "I was looking at these earlier and a few of them I began to recognize but the recollections came and went before I could grasp hold of them. They'll tease me off and on before I get any sense of what they're actually about. The memories are only snapshots of events, never the whole story, but then I was only two and half. "
The Jedi walked over and setting the photo in his hand on the desk, he stood behind his protégé looking over the photos the boy had mentioned. He smiled at the hologram of a toddler Ben. Lowering his shields, Qui-Gon sent a wave of reassurance to his apprentice, but didn't expect the reaction he got in return.
Obi-Wan flinched when he felt the touch to his mind, having been so long since he felt that presence. It was both comforting and slightly foreign. A strange concept considering he'd missed the openness of the training bond.
"A house divided is never a good thing, my padawan," came a softly spoken observation.
The teen looked at his mentor. "I know. But when someone has experienced two different lives, and one experience has more time behind it than the other, how does that person choose which life he wishes to live?"
The older Jedi turned to meet the young man's gaze. "You're fighting your past, young one. You must learn how to reconcile the differences so the two can become one."
"Senator Abrams said pretty much the same." The teen released a frustrated breath. "You both don't understand. When I went by the name of Ben, I can remember loving my family; we were close. But as Obi-Wan, I've been taught that attachments are a hindrance, and I've learned how to limit them and how to let go. The force is of the mind that I should know my family like before, but the Council would say differently."
Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully as he replied, "Yours is a unique situation, Obi-Wan. The Council will need to consider allowances in this case."
"They can't just change the rules because of my circumstances. And if they did, how would that look to the rest of the Order?" The youth was of the mind that he was no more special than anyone else within the life he had grown up in; so why should anyone cater to his needs, perceived or otherwise?
"It's been done before, padawan. Master Mundi was given leniency to marry in order to help save his race." When the teen made to comment, Qui-Gon silenced him with a raised hand and continued, "That's not to say that they will extend that privilege to you. It may only extend as far as an allowed attachment to your immediate family and no further. But the point is, Master Yoda has said time and again that the force has a destiny for you and if that includes the Jedi Order, then don't rule out the possibilities."
"Why are you pushing this?" The teen asked, confused by his mentor's consent to this course of action. "I would have thought that you would be against it."
The elder man took in a deep breath and then released it as a sigh. "Padawan, I've never been against your well-being. And if that should come by another means other than the Jedi order or my instruction, and if it's something you want that will not bring harm, then you will have my support in your endeavor."
Knowing better than to argue with his mentor when he was in his 'I'm doing what's best for you' frame of mind, the young man nodded his understanding but otherwise remained silent.
The Jedi moved over to the end of the desk and leaned back against it, lightly gripping the edges, while crossing his legs at the ankles to make himself more comfortable. "Have you meditated on this? Have you sought the Force to find out what it would have you do?"
The youth walked over to the window and looked out, avoiding his mentor's gaze. "The Force and I aren't exactly seeing eye to eye at the moment," he murmured.
The elder man couldn't quite hide a reminiscent grin. "Master Yoda was right," he stated in an almost thoughtful tone. When the young man glanced at him in question, he said, "The ole troll, as you've affectionately referred to him a time or two, made mention that you've picked up some of my more annoying habits. And it would appear he was right, at least in this case. You're trying to escape the will of the force as I did not so long ago. And we both know how that turned out. So let me give you a piece of advice, Padawan mine…the force's will is not something to run from, but to embrace."
Spinning around, Obi-Wan snapped, "You don't know what it showed me, what it asked of me!"
The elder man raised a questioning eyebrow at the youth's tone. "How could I, unless you care to share?"
"He made me remember; he showed me scenes from my life as Ben. Some I had already dreamt of, but others I hadn't yet recalled. When I asked why he was doing this, he said it was important for me to know my family and that I would understand when the time came."
"He?"
"The force took on the form of a middle aged man. He looked as if he had seen too much, yet he was kind and compassionate. As if he had lived through a nightmare and lived to tell about it. He kept repeating that it was important that I make this connection, but what he didn't seem to understand was that he was asking something that went against everything I was taught."
"Who do we serve, Padawan? The Jedi Council and the rules they have adopted to keep order within the Temple…or the force?"
The youth was silent for several minutes before answering. "The force."
"Then why do you fight it?"
"Because…."
"Because why?" The elder pressed.
"Because I'm afraid!" The teen's eyes widened at his admission.
The Jedi smiled kindly at his pupil. "And why are you afraid?"
The teen lowered his head in thought. "Because it's the unknown," he confessed, raising his head to meet his Qui-Gon's gaze. "I don't know what will happen if I give into the memories or if I were to start to actually care for them as more than just part of the populace we were sworn to protect."
"Obi-Wan?" Making sure he had the youth's attention, Qui-Gon said, "Does any part of you want to regain what you once had with the Abrams?"
The teen's gaze slowly darted around as if he knew how to answer but wasn't sure of his reply.
"Tell me truthfully, young one. The answer isn't right or wrong, it just is."
When the youth nodded that he did indeed want to regain his relationship with his parents, Qui-Gon smiled. "Then stop allowing the code to hold you back and let nature take its course. I do believe that is the route the force is trying to lead you on."
"What if I surrender to the force's will but can't figure out how to let go if need be?"
"The force always finishes what it begins. It will be there if and when that time comes. All you need do is trust it and heed its direction."
When the youth merely turned back around to gaze out the window, the Jedi mentioned, "You already care for Ty more than if he were just someone in the galaxy who needed help. You defended him in a similar way that you've defended Bant over the years. And the fact that you trust the Senator as much as you do, tells me that a part of you cares for him as well. Your trust is not easily obtained, padawan. You only give it to those you feel closest to. Whether that is something that has to do with how you came to us or whether it's just part of who you are, I have yet to figure out."
The teen smirked. "Sometimes I think the training bond shares too much."
"Perhaps," was all his master would concede.
X
Seated on the floor near the door, Rayfe listened intently to the conversation going on inside. Obi-Wan had shared much with him over the last weeks: they had had long talks about their situation and how the teen viewed their circumstances. And yet, he was amazed at how much he was still learning by just listening to his son and Master Jinn talk. He had sent his secretary home some time before, not wanting to explain what she might overhear.
His hopes had risen having heard his son admit that he wanted a relationship with them and yet was unsure of moving forward to obtain it. He would need to speak with his wife about a possible adjustment to their temporary custody agreement.
X
The Jedi watched his apprentice as the boy's tense posture finally relaxed. He may not have been able to give the teen the answers he wanted, but he did give him the one's he needed, even if the youth had yet to come to that realization. Once they meditated on it together, he was sure that Obi-Wan would understand what he had been trying to tell him.
When the padawan turned back toward his master, a panicked look on his face, Qui-Gon caught the gist of the problem through their now open bond: the situation had finally caught up to the youth. "What are you doing here?" Obi-Wan looked toward the doorway. "The Senator will be back any minute, if he sees yo –"
"Calm down, Padawan." He moved over to the boy and placed a hand on each of the teen's shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Senator Abrams has offered to allow the three of us to spend the afternoon together. That is, if you agree."
The youth's eyes widened slightly and his mouth opened and closed several times. He looked toward the door again and then back at his mentor. "He really said that?"
"Yes, and if you're ready to go, he has invited me back to the house."
"But what about Mrs. Abrams?"
"He said if she returned while I was there that he would take care of it the best he could. Now, would you like to go or do you have more questions?"
The teen smiled. "I'm ready. Just let me clean up the mess I made." Walking over to the desk, he quickly picked up the articles, letters and photos and placed them back into the envelope they had come in before replacing it back in the drawer in which it had rested. Once finished, he followed his mentor out into the reception area.
Seeing the Senator seated to the side of the door, Obi-Wan stopped and offered him a hand. When Rayfe took hold of the teen's hand, the young man helped pull his father up into a standing position. Not letting go of the appendage right away, the youth surprised both himself and the Senator by pulling the other into a quick hug: the first since they had been reunited. "I don't have the words to tell you how much this means to me," he whispered to the elder man.
Holding on to his son, the Senator looked over the teen's head and gave the Jedi standing a few feet away a grateful smile before answering the youth. "You're welcome, little one."
Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoyed the new chapter! :)