Author's Note: Hey everyone! I received a note from a reader who thinks this story is stagnating due to the fact that no action is occurring. If anyone else feels that way, I apologize, but the story needs to be written in its due course. I think jumping ahead too soon would cause confusion as Obi-Wan is trying to work things out in his mind as well as his heart. Coupled with his Jedi training and the memories he's regaining every day, he's seeking a balance within himself. He needs to experience things to do this: good, bad or inconvenient.

On another note, another reader felt that everyone is getting along too well. I would sincerely hope that a child in the situation of having two homes to visit, so to speak, would have adults that would be willing to set aside their differences to put that's child's well-being above their own wants and desires. That is all I was going for with the Abrams and the Jedi. They may appear to be getting on well, but that doesn't mean there still isn't some resentment or other feelings lying underneath. They've just decided that Obi-Wan/Ben is more important.

Having said that, I sincerely hope you all continue to enjoy the story. Thank you all for reading and for leaving your comments: I appreciate each and every one of you!

Chapter 36

"So, what's the verdict?"

Healer Alejandro took his time looking over the test results as his patient practically bounced in place. A firm hand came down upon the boy's shoulders stopping the movement, causing the physician to bite back a grin when he saw the shadow of a pout appear around the edges of the teen's lips.

When Obi-Wan tilted his head back to look up at his mentor, he was met with one raised eyebrow and a stern visage. Knowing what that look meant, he took a deep breath and settled himself to wait calmly. Setting the data pad aside, Ale glanced at the assembly before him. The Abrams, Obi-Wan and Master Jinn awaited his decision as to whether the Padawan would be discharged from the doctor's care.

"His test results are better than I expected given what we've dealt with in regard to keeping him stagnant during the healing process. And his mental shields are back to full strength." Focusing on the patient in question, he reminded rather sternly, "Rest does do the body good, young one. You'll want to keep that in mind!"

Obi-Wan gave an obedient nod. "Yes, Master." Knowing he had really put his family and his mentor through a rough time during his recovery, he felt an apology was due. "I'm sorry for being a handful over the last few weeks." Glancing at Qui-Gon and Ale, he half smiled. "I never have been a model patient."

"You don't say," Qui-Gon murmured under his breath.

When the Abrams chuckled at the comment, the Jedi realized he'd said it a little louder than he had originally intended. Ruffling the youth's hair, an unusual public show of affection for Qui-Gon, he asked, "Does this mean he can return to normal activities?"

Ale nodded. "I don't see why not." When the padawan in question grinned, he raised a hand to ward off further comments. "BUT, I expect you to take it easy for at least a week more. You may return to a modified version of your normal routine, which means nothing too strenuous. Once the week is out, you may drop the modifications provided you have listened to instruction. Am I clear?"

When the padawan made to answer, the hands on his shoulders tightened. "He will do as prescribed, Ale." Looking down at his apprentice, Qui-Gon asked, "Won't you, Padawan?"

Glancing at his parents and Jace, he saw the same resolve plastered upon their faces and knew he was outnumbered. "Of course, Master."

Jinn gave one final squeeze of the shoulders beneath his hands before releasing them. "I guess we'd best be going, Ale. We're due back in an hour."

"Another mission? So soon?" Obi-Wan asked, disappointed at this turn of events, watching the pair gather their things.

"No mission, padawan," Qui-Gon soothed, sensing the disquiet in the youth's mind. "But I do need to debrief in regard to my last excursion," the Jedi smirked.

"But I thought you said Master Callen took over for you. Shouldn't he be the one to go before the Council?" the young man asked, somewhat confused about the matter. But then, he was rather out of it when Qui-Gon had explained the situation to him.

"Zarek arrived rather late last evening, so the debrief was postponed until this afternoon. The Council requested we both attend since I only had time to give a quick rundown of the situation before I left. And because I was there for the first half of the negotiations, I need to fill them in on the situation as it stood at that time. Callen will complete the formalities from there," the Jedi explained in his usual patient manner.

A thoughtful nod of acknowledgment was given in place of a verbal reply as he walked his mentor and the physician to the door. "Master."

When he was sure he had Qui-Gon's undivided attention, he continued, "Thank you for coming back early. It helped."

An affectionate smile crossed the Jedi's lips. "I wouldn't have been anywhere else," he replied.

"So how much trouble are you in?" the youth asked, his features schooled so not to give anything away.

The innocent look didn't fool Qui-Gon in the least. "Not so much that you can trade me in on a newer model if that's what you're thinking," he assured the teen.

"That's good," the teen nodded with a thoughtful look. "Because it would be too much trouble to break in someone new." Obi-Wan grinned, ducking the playful swipe at his head.

"Brat," his mentor said and then lowered his voice. "I'll see you soon, padawan."

Sobering, the youth gave a slight bow. "May the Force be with you, Master."

"And with you, young one."

"Remember what I said, Obi-Wan, modified activities for one week more. Jace has agreed to supervise if need be," Ale told him.

The teen gave into the urge to roll his eyes at the thought of his older brother playing nursemaid for another week. "I will, I promise."

-JA-

The sounds around the dining table that evening were music to the Senator's ears. All three of his sons were talking and joking, between taking bites of their dinner that is, with the older two teasing their younger brother. When Ty looked to have had enough, his second-born relented. Leaning over to his little brother, Obi-Wan whispered to the boy causing a smile to break across what had been moments before sullen features. Ty glanced at Jace and burst out in laughter. Before his eldest could make heads or tails of what the two younger ones were up to, Rayfe cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

"With everything that's been going on these past months," he began, his tone rather quiet. "I was thinking we could all use a break from the capital. I thought maybe we could take a trip back to Tarmas for a vacation of sorts."

Turning to Obi-Wan, he clarified, "I've spoken with the Judge in charge of our case and he's agreed to allow you to leave Coruscant with us-" When the padawan looked ready to object, Rayfe held up a hand to silence the protest he could see coming. "Please hear me out," he firmly requested.

The teen reluctantly settled back in his chair and gave a curt nod for his father to continue. The other occupants at the dining table remained silent. "As I was saying, the Judge has agreed to allow you to accompany us on this excursion given the Jedi agreed. I've spoken with Masters Jinn, Windu and Yoda and they've all given their consent. I've filed our itinerary with the court and have given copies to your mentor and Child Protective Services, given they're due to evaluate us in few weeks as per the court order. My question is…will you accompany us to Tarmas for a time?" The Senator's gaze never left his son's the entire time he spoke of what he had planned.

Obi-Wan blinked a couple of times, trying to take in the thought of returning to a home he had forgotten for thirteen years, a home, he had only recently remembered. But to leave Coruscant and the reason not be related to a mission or to leave and it not be at the side of his mentor or another Jedi? But Qui-Gon gave his consent, the youth argued with himself. But why did he agree? If I refuse, will they still make me go? Why wouldn't I want to go?There were times when he felt that if he didn't get it worked out so Ben and Obi-Wan were one in the same, he'd go insane. He was sitting here arguing with himself. His time here was coming to a close, when the court would make a final decision. Question was…what did he want?

He looked around the table at the hopeful faces of his family. He had gotten to know them well over the past four and three-quarters months. He had become a part of what he had tried to ignore in the beginning. He had extended to them the love and affection of a lost and recovered child, a love and affection that had been buried deep within him. So deep that it had been hidden along with his memories, waiting to be uncovered by the ones it had originally belonged to. Reaching out with the force, he felt only sincerity in the question posed to him from his father. A soothing warmth suddenly filled him and he looked toward his mother, a knowing look on her face. He gave a brief smile of gratitude and returned his attention to his father.

The given duration mentioned earlier was rather vague. "How long is a time?" he questioned.

"A few weeks at most," Rayfe replied.

The youth thought a moment and then nodded his consent. "I'll go, but I would like to speak with Qui-Gon before we leave."

"I'm sure he'd expect nothing less," Rayfe assured him.

Nyla smiled. "I think this trip will do us all some good."

A passing thought. "Do you think Garen could come?" Obi-Wan asked. "I mean, if this is a family vacation, are Uncle Trae and Aunt Alys coming?"

"I hadn't really given much thought to asking them," Rayfe admitted, brow furrowing a moment. "I don't see why we shouldn't invite them. I'm sure Trae could use the break as well." He looked to his wife and remaining two sons for their thoughts. When they nodded, he said, "If Garen's mentor agrees, he's welcome to come."

-JA-

"Are you sure?" Trae asked.

"Why not? It's not like you're going to be underfoot the whole time we're there. You're welcome to stay with us for as long as you like, but you also have your own home on Tarmas if you'd prefer more privacy." Rayfe explained in an amused manner, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk in front of him as he spoke to his brother-in-law on the comm unit. "Besides, I'm sure you'll want some uninterrupted time with Garen as well."

The younger Senator sighed. "Sounds tempting, Rayfe."

"What's wrong, Trae? Why the hesitation?"

The other man fiddled with the hem of his sleeve a moment before focusing on his friend. "At the risk of this sounding odd, I don't know that inviting Garen is such a good idea. He has a life with the Jedi. Why would he want to come to Tarmas with parents he doesn't really know? And what would we say to him?"

Rayfe smiled in understanding. "I know the feeling: we had the same issues with Ben. It's been a struggle but we're finally seeing the rays of light through the storm. Give yourselves and your son a chance, Trae. You're not asking Garen to return home on a permanent basis; you're merely asking him to visit. If he agrees and receives permission, he'll leave knowing that he will return. As for what to say…tell him how you felt the moment you learned Alys was pregnant with him. Tell him why he doesn't have any siblings. Tell him about the family. He'll only learn about his parents and his heritage from you."

Silence permeated through the speaker for a moment as Rayfe watched his friend take in what he had said. "I guess you're right…as usual," the other man softly chuckled. "Let my nephew ask Garen and we'll go from there."

-JA-

An opportunity had finally arrived. "They're leaving for Tarmas the day after tomorrow. You should have no problem obtaining the boy once they're there."

"I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind. I guess it doesn't hurt to wait for the perfect setting though, a returning to the scene of the crime is ingenious," a feral grin clearly heard in the disembodied voice.

The elder's jaw tightened. "Don't expect to know what I think, Jenson. I expect there won't be any mistakes this time around!"

The younger man half smirked. "Don't worry; I won't be hiring a sympathetic woman as an accomplice if that's what you're getting at."

-JA-

Garen stared at his friend through the view screen. "I'm not sure, Obi-Wan…I don't even know them. I guess I kind of do, but the talks we have now are mainly idle chitchat. Sometimes they'll delve into the past but it's usually a short enough occurrence that it leaves me wanting to know more."

"Then ask them," the padawan replied. "Look, it took some time for my parents and I to really talk about what had happened. We kind of brushed over the surface of it when I first got here but we didn't burrow down. Once we finally did and things started coming out, it wasn't because they or I volunteered the information. It was because we asked or because we overheard something and in my case snapped. It's an ongoing conversation; there's just too much to cover in the amount of time we've been reunited. You can't tread on ice if you really want to know them; you're going to have to ask questions."

"You sound like you've finally come to terms with the situation."

Obi-Wan half smiled, knowing what his cousin was trying to do. "We're not talking about me, but to answer, I have and I haven't." At Garen's confused look, the padawan let go a soft laugh. "There's still two of me, Gare," the youth explained. "Not so much as before but until I'm whole, I'm constantly questioning myself. And you know Qui-Gon's favorite quote."

The older teen nodded. "A house divided can't stand."

"So, are you coming?" Obi-Wan asked, turning the conversation back on his friend. "I know Master Clee and the Council have already approved the trip. So all you have to do is agree."

A sigh was released as the older padawan nodded his consent. "Yeah, I'm coming." Before he reached over to disconnect the comm, Garen reminded his friend, "You do realize you're still a pain when you want to be."

A smirk was the only reply he got before the screen went black.

-JA-

The gates opened as Rayfe entered the code. Steering the vehicle through the opening, the transport proceeded down the drive further onto the estate. Obi-Wan stared out the window, biting on his numb nail, as the scenery passed by. He remembered those gates.

"Come now, Ben, turn around in your seat," Taren had instructed. "You need to keep your restraining belt on."

The toddler watched the gates close behind the transport.

Mommy, was the thought that drifted through the child's mind. Turning toward the driver, he pointed toward the gated entrance. "I wanna go home," he instructed.

"But I thought you were going to help me do the shopping," she said, glancing at the child. "I have a surprise for you, Ben. But you'll have to come with me to see it."

"Suwprise?"

Obi-Wan closed his eyes a moment, trying to rid himself of the memory. He swallowed several times trying to control the emotions that recollection had brought. He'd come such a long way since the memories had begun to return, he didn't want to start back at square one. And memories involving Taren always threatened to do just that. A nudge to his arm had him opening his eyes, his gaze fixing on Garen who sat next to him. He couldn't help but notice, out of the corner of his eye, that his mother was also watching him.

"You okay?" he whispered. "You phased out back there; your force signature's out of whack."

Well, that explained his mother's interest. The padawan shook his head to the negative, focusing on his friend. "Another memory," he murmured. "And not a pleasant one now that I know the motive behind it."

"Take a couple deep breaths and reign yourself in; you're giving me a headache," Garen informed.

"Then raise your shields!" the other padawan snapped before looking back to the window.

Gently nudging his friend in the side, Garen offered a confused look. "I didn't mean anything by it," he whispered.

The other padawan took a deep breath and nodded. "I know. Sorry, I'm just a little on edge." When he received a nod of understanding from his cousin, he returned to looking out the window. A lake in the distance caught his eye and had him sitting up, straining his eyes toward the scene.

"I wanna go swimmin' Jace! You pwomised!"

"I also promised Anen we wouldn't go into the water until our stomachs settle; we just ate lunch." Gesturing toward a nearby tree, he explained, "I'm going to get the rope down so we can swing out into the water. Don't go sneaking in without me; you don't know how to swim really good yet."

The little boy plopped himself down on the bank of the lake. Watching his brother climb the tree, he pointed toward the rope and said, "Mommy says I'm too wittle."

"Don't worry; I'll stand out in the water and catch you," Jace called down to him. "And in case I miss, you've got your life vest on."

"I remember that lake," Obi-Wan stated quietly, looking at his older brother.

Jace nodded that he had heard. "We used to swim there all the time. You used to drive me to distraction to take you swimming." Pointing toward a tree not too far away, he mentioned, "We had a tree house there."

"It needs repair now, though," Ty added, having overheard his brothers talking. "When Grandpa and I came out here over the summer, some of the planks were loose."

"We'll have to fix it then," Jace assured him, knowing how much Ty liked the old hideaway. Using his foot to lightly kick his immediate younger brother in order to gain his attention, he asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah." he gestured toward the estate as a whole. "Just memories I need to put into some kind of order is all," Obi-Wan assured him.

The vehicle followed a curve where the land opened up to display an expansive two-story home. A ghost of a smile crossed the padawan's lips at the sight, his eyes drawn to a window on the second floor overlooking a flower bed below.

"I used to throw my shoes out that window," he said, a teasing glint in his eye as he grinned at Anen, who was sitting caddy corner across from him.

The elder woman huffed. "You go doing that this time and you'll either go without or you'll go get them yourself!"

"You're no fun!" he teased.

When the transport came to a stop, the occupants climbed out and walked toward the home. The Abrams and Mulan's entered the foyer, pausing to greet the assembled staff that had come to meet them. It appeared to be more of a family reunion than employer, employee relations. Obi-Wan stood back, nodding and shaking hands as he was greeted. The older women opted to greet the boys with a hug but upon the first to try such, Obi-Wan backed away, his gaze widening with an unexplainable fright. Noticing all eyes were on him and that everyone had gone silent, he swallowed and tried to explain something he had no idea how to describe, but found that the words wouldn't come.

The older woman stopped her approach and dipped her head slightly in understanding. "My name is Ruth, child. I'm one of the cook's employed by your parents. It is good to have you home. We have all missed you."

Obi-Wan nodded once in acknowledgement of her words, his senses detecting her sincerity. "Thank you," he whispered, his eyes finding and settling on Nyla's, tugging on the bond between them. Mom?

The uncertainty in the plea pulled at Nyla's heart. Releasing Rayfe's hand, she walked quickly over to her second-born son and entwined her arm around his, clasping his hand. "It's okay," she assured him, quietly. "Remember when I told you that the only staff we retained were those who had been here before you and your brothers were born? That they were the ones we could trust? That they were more like family? "

When he nodded that he did remember, she went on, "Ruth and Anen are cousins, Ben. And I know you trust Anen. Ruth is an extension of her; she would never do anything to hurt you."

When Anen moved over to stand beside him, Obi-Wan looked between the two women noticing the similarities. Resting his eyes on Ruth, he said, his voice contrite, "I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect."

The elder woman smiled but made no attempt to step forward. "There's no need to apologize, child. We understand that you've been through a lot." All of the employees around them nodded their consent of her words.

"I can't believe how much you've grown, Ben," an older man sounded from behind Ruth. Having already greeted everyone else, he reached forward and waited for Obi-Wan to take his hand. The teen hesitated but then accepted the handshake. "I'm Jaren; I'm one of many who care for the land and the foliage on this estate." He chuckled. "You used to follow me around asking to drive the tractor."

"And you let me," he said quietly with a slight smile on his lips.

Seeing and sensing his friend's unease, Garen motioned to Jace that they should intervene.

"C'mon, let's get you settled," Jace said, pulling his brother with the aide of Garen, toward the staircase and away the overwhelming welcome.

-JA-

Obi-Wan sat down by the window in his room and looked around. He had explored the room thoroughly, picking up one object after another, memories ramming into him in such rapid succession that he needed to close out the physical reminders. Closing his eyes, he leaned forward resting his head in his hands. He smiled when he felt, more than heard, someone sit down beside him.

"We should have realized that it might overwhelm you," a soft voice said.

The padawan shook his head as his eyes opened. Nyla sat beside him, her gaze intently on his. "I can't exactly explain my reaction," he replied, biting his lower lip.

"Try," Nyla encouraged. "Just say whatever it is your thinking, whether it makes sense or not."

"I was having flashbacks of some of them while I was looking at them. It was surreal, almost as if it were double vision: what my mind saw verses what my eyes were seeing." H e shook his head. "See, it sounds crazy."

"Keep going," she urged him.

He swallowed before continuing, "Memories of Taren holding my hand and directing me toward the speeder by my shoulders shrouded those. When Ruth reached out to hug me, I just...I couldn't."

"So, in essence, the touch of someone who isn't immediate family reminded you of your kidnapping," Nyla deduced.

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yeah, but I think only because of the memories of Taren at that moment." He paused a moment, before asking, "And yet, Taren was family, wasn't she? For the time she was here?" The padawan glanced out the window, taking in the quiet of the estate.

Nyla nodded, indicating that his words were true. "The local authorities ran a background check on everyone employed shortly after your disappearance. We learned some things about some of them that we hadn't known. We expected honesty when we hired them and naively thought that people would respond in kind. Taren obviously wasn't one of them. Although her background was clear for the most part, she did have a few minor violations we should have checked into more thoroughly before hiring her. However, kidnapping wasn't one of them; we had no reason to believe she would go that route."

"Sometimes we can only see what others want us to see," Obi-Wan tried to reason, knowing that wasn't quite the truth.

Nyla frowned slightly, picking up on his need to excuse what had been overlooked. "But for us, we sometimes tend to see more clearly, don't we?" She explained, not wanting him to make excuses for the oversight.

The youth shrugged and then half grinned, remembering his mentor's amused admonishment about strapping his shoulders down until that gesture stopped. "Sometimes," he agreed and then looked toward the doorway as Ty came barreling through, clearly comfortable in the old home estate. The younger boy skidded to a halt in front of his brother and mother.

The thirteen-and a half-year-old looked around a moment before settling his gaze on his brother and smiling. "C'mon, Obi-Wan," he waved towards the door. "Jace is taking us down to the lake to swim! He and Garen are already headed that way."

Looking to his mother for approval, Obi-Wan went over to his luggage to find suitable clothing. Once acquired, he quickly changed in his en-suite fresher, grabbed a couple of towels and went to follow his younger brother to the door. Stopping halfway through, he turned back and went over to his mother, giving her a brief hug and quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for the talk, Mom." Pulling back he turned and ran out after Ty.

"Anytime, little one…anytime." Smiling to herself, Nyla went in search of her husband.