It took me a while but here it is! This is the last chapter of part II. I hope you'll enjoy it.
As I have pointed out earlier, there will be more parts and the story will be much longer. I'll need some time to write my draft for part III, so be patient ;)
Once more I have to thank blueowl for the wonderful beta, this story has so much improved since I have you ;)
And thanks to all of you who reviewed! Sometimes I really need that to continue writing. You motivated me even during the time I have neglected the story.
Chapter 17
The Room of a Thousand Fountains never ceased to amaze Qui-Gon. He hadn't found another place in his life, which gave him more serenity. Even the palace gardens of Naboo, where he had felt the Living Force strongly, hadn't had the magic this room always wore for him. His eyes closed, he felt Tahl approaching and smiled to himself. The new connection between them was strong and he loved having her presence constantly in his mind. Slowly, he opened his eyes and met his lover's gaze.
"I'm sorry to disturb your meditation, my love," she said with a warm smile.
"I don't mind being disturbed by such a beautiful sight," he replied, noticing her faint blush.
"Master Yoda just informed me that we've been granted permission to live our relationship here in the temple," she said, trying to contain her joy.
He took her in his arms and closed his eyes with a silent thanks to the Council, who had made this happen. It was amazing how Obi-Wan had changed everything. He never would have thought living with Tahl together in the temple could be a possibility. As if the young man had felt his thoughts, Qui-Gon sensed him approaching together with Mace Windu.
The happy pair looked toward the young man and the Korun-Master. Obi-Wan wore a broad smile on his face at seeing his former Master and Tahl together.
"I see that Master Yoda has already given you the news," Mace said with a tight smile. Qui-Gon felt his friend's uneasiness mixed with his will to accept the new course of the order.
"I've taken my things to my own quarters, Qui," Obi-Wan stated, and seeing the shock in Qui-Gon's eyes he added, "You didn't think we would be able to live in one quarter, the three of us, did you?"
Qui-Gon had to laugh at this. "No, I don't think that would be a good idea. However, it seems weird to me to live without you, my former Padawan."
Mace now smiled broadly. "We've assigned Obi-Wan quarters becoming of a Council-Master."
Qui-Gon took a deep breath, trying to hide his astonishment. "Council... uhm," he stuttered.
Obi-Wan looked down sheepishly and Mace had to laugh at the young man's behavior. "You see, Qui-Gon, your former apprentice is still too modest to admit the truth. We've not only granted him the rank of a Master but also assigned him to the Council."
Qui-Gon felt an overwhelming wave of pride at hearing this. He took Obi-Wan's hand. "Congratulations Master Kenobi. I think you're the youngest Council-member I've ever encountered."
Obi-Wan inclined his head gratefully. "Thank you, Master. I am sure I am the youngest Councilor ever. But let's not forget it's all because of your training."
Tahl had re-found her voice by now. "I am overwhelmed to hear this, Obi-Wan," she said and shook the young man's hand. "I am sure you will have a lot of explaining to do when Bant is getting to know this." She winked and received a sheepish look from the young Master.
Mace coughed slightly. "Master Yoda has summoned all Jedi who are present in the temple this afternoon to make a few announcements. We hope that after this Obi-Wan won't have to explain why he is part of the Council. There are many changes the Council has decided upon and we need to fill everyone in."
Qui-Gon nodded. "Seems like a good idea to me. Will Master Yoda address the fact that Obi-Wan came back from a former life?"
"He will," Mace answered, "We aren't able to explain his position otherwise. The Council believes in the wisdom of the Force. We've already made a good experience in telling the Council and we are sure that giving up secrecy is the only way to change things."
Qui-Gon exhaled with relief. "Honestly, I am more than happy to hear that, Mace. We should trust our fellow Jedi. They will know what to do with the knowledge."
"We won't address Obi-Wan's Midichlorian count though," Mace replied. "The counts of Jedi have never been common knowledge and we will keep Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Luan protected from any high expectations."
Qui-Gon looked at the Master with a stunned expression. "Luan?" he asked and saw that the others hadn't been surprised about the fact that Mace had added a third name to Anakin and Obi-Wan.
Tahl nodded. "The little girl was brought into the healer's wing when she arrived in the temple. I took a blood sample and discovered that she had the same count as Anakin and Obi-Wan."
"I've been in the healer's wing to meet her," Obi-Wan added. "She's still very confused and refuses to talk with anyone. She must have lost her parents. The Jedi who found her hadn't been able to locate them. Adi Gallia tries to connect with her but I think she's going to need more stability than our other younglings. I hope we'll be able to find out about her origin soon."
Qui-Gon looked thoughtfully. What was the meaning of this? Three Jedi with an incredibly high Midichlorian count? This couldn't be a coincidence.
"She is disturbed," Tahl confirmed. "The seeker team found her in the midst of a battle. The ship had been attacked by space pirates. It's way too much for a child of six years to cope with. I am going to survey her healing process personally if you allow me, Mace."
Mace gave her a nod of assent. "We've already decided that, Tahl. It's paramount for her to regain her speech. We need to know where she comes from."
"What's her full name?" Qui-Gon asked. "Perhaps we would be able to determine her origin by it."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "We don't know her full name yet, Qui. We have a necklace with the name Luan on it. We're still not sure it's really her name."
"It would be an asset if Qui-Gon helped me with my task, Mace," Tahl said and Qui-Gon looked at her questioningly. "His connection to the Living Force might help the girl in joined meditation." She explained and Qui-Gon nodded.
"That's right. Perhaps I will be able to make a connection through the Force to gather any information from her," he confirmed.
"It's settled then," Mace stated. "We should try every solution to help the girl."
That evening, Obi-Wan sought out the calmness of his new quarters. The announcement Master Yoda had made that afternoon had led to many questions and the young Master had had a hard time answering them. Bant and Garen had been stunned when they came to know that their Obi-Wan had already lived once. He was relieved that he had escaped them now. There would be more questioning tomorrow. Today, he just wanted to meditate.
He knelt down on the balcony and, watching the stars, he slowly enveloped himself with the Force. He had finally regained enough strength to find out about his feeling concerning the Dark side. It was time to explore it.
Sidious had entered his mind before which meant there had to be a connection. If he was able to shield himself sufficiently, he should find him out there. Slowly he reached out and strengthened his connection to the Dark side carefully avoiding to open a gate to his mind. He didn't have to wait long, Sidious had already expected him to use the connection.
"My little Knight, I've been waiting for you." Obi-Wan saw a hooded figure standing on a weird surface surrounded by fire.
"So, it's still you, Sidious," Obi-Wan stated, not surprised by the fact that it was him and that he was able to talk to him over their connection.
"I hoped you hadn't expected me to be dead," the figure answered and chuckled. "No, Obi-Wan, I am not dead, I love playing with you too much."
"Playing with me?" the young Master asked with surprise.
The figure nodded slowly. "Haven't you realized yet that we are connected? Or how do you think you were able to find me?" He made a step toward the young man. "This time it was you who made contact. I wonder why you did that. Are you finally accepting that you belong to me?"
"I don't belong to you, Sidious, and I never will." Obi-Wan said in a steady voice. "You are going to meet your end one day and I will do everything to make that day come soon."
The Sith Lord laughed out loud. "I like you being brave, my young Knight." He made another step toward the young man. "I wonder if you will remain brave when you meet my power. The power of the Dark side."
Obi-Wan didn't flinch. "We will see that when the time comes, Sidious. However, it seems to me that at the moment you are hiding yourself like a coward."
The Sith lost his triumphant smile for a moment. Then his gaze became furious. "How dare you, little Jedi. I am going to train my new apprentice and he will defeat you one day. Until then, you are welcome to visit me as often as you want to. I like it when you strengthen our connection."
The smile was back and Obi-Wan felt a shiver creeping up and down his spine. A new apprentice? He knew he should find out about it, however, he was sure that his time of doing this without risk was up. Sidious was already trying to tug at the bond he had with Qui-Gon and Anakin and he couldn't allow him that.
With all his might he threw the Dark Lord out of his mind. "Stay out, Sith!" he said through clenched teeth. "There's nothing for you to explore here."
Before Sidious was able to reply, the young man closed the connection and came out of his trance.
Qui-Gon awoke with a start. What had awoken him? He shivered a bit and felt Tahl wrapping her arms tighter around him. He took a deep breath. There was a cold feeling creeping into him. A wave of darkness had disturbed his sleep. A darkness he never had felt since Naboo. Shoving the thought aside he returned to his sleep, concentrating on the comforting bond with Tahl.
Anakin wasn't able to sleep. The nightmare had returned and he had tried to fight it desperately. However, when he concentrated on his bond with Obi-Wan, which normally provided comfort, he felt a wave of darkness reaching out to him. Blocking the bond, he felt tears on his cheeks. The Sith had returned.
Master Yoda looked up at Mace Windu and the Korun-Master saw shock in the ancient Master's eyes. "Live Sidious does. Felt a wave of darkness coming from Master Kenobi, I did."
Mace looked back thoughtfully. "But how is this possible? We should have felt him earlier."
"A connection with Obi-Wan he has. Concealed he has himself but not hide from Kenobi he can. Protection our young Master will need."
Obi-Wan's revelation that Sidious still lived had caught most of the Jedi by surprise. However, it just emphasized the need to be prepared. The Council had urged Adi and Obi-Wan to work out additional lessons quickly and both of them were sitting together now to talk about solutions.
With the announcement of their change in treating attachments, the Council had caused quite an upset. There had been the Knights and Masters who had congratulated them for their wisdom but as expected there were also a few who had their problems with this fundamental change. These had criticized not only the change but also the fact that a young Knight had been granted a seat in the Council so soon. Adi could sympathize with them. She had been one of the members of the Council who had warned Master Yoda that Obi-Wan Kenobi was promoted too soon. However, she and the other Councilors had been convinced by Master Windu. If the skeptical Korun-Master supported Master Yoda's plan, there was a reason. Now she began to understand this reason.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was a Master who really deserved this title. She had observed how he had behaved after his promotion and liked the modesty the young man still possessed. His seat in the Council had not changed that. He still emphasized that he was no more than a servant of the Force and that he had been sent back in time for a reason. He had given the Council a great insight about the world of the Sith. She liked working with him. He had a keen mind and she was grateful for his advice.
"I think we should add a few lessons of how to cope with moves which are typical for the Dark side, like Force lightning and choking," Obi-Wan suggested. She looked up and nodded.
"Yes, we could integrate that into the lightsaber classes. Though, how can we do that as we don't have a Sith here to demonstrate these moves?" She gave him a wan smile. The fact that no one in the temple was able to show skills of the Dark side was a weakness in their ideas for additional training. However, they couldn't allow any Knight to cross that line.
She saw Obi-Wan raising his eyebrows. "It seems that we always reach that point in our plans. We need to find a solution for it. Perhaps a theoretical training would be possible?"
Adi shook her head. "It can be. I mean it's better than nothing. However, it doesn't help to get a level of practice. Knights and Masters would still be surprised about the real thing, wouldn't they?"
The young Master didn't reply and she saw his thoughtful gaze shifting toward the window. She knew this distant look all too well by now. Every time when he showed it, he searched for an unconventional solution. She had seen the look before when he had suggested that Anakin Skywalker should have the chance to see his family from time to time. It had been him who had had the idea to let Qui-Gon Jinn watch the contact between the boy and his mother. The Council had then supported the decision as they trusted Qui-Gon to deal with the boy's attachment.
He sighed and turned back to her. "I could do it." She saw him swallow. "I've seen it often enough to perform it."
She sensed that he didn't like the idea of using the Dark side and shook her head at the mere thought. "No, we're going to find another solution."
"There is no other solution, Adi; you already know that this is the only thing which can work."
"What if you drive yourself too far?" she responded.
"I won't. I've already tried it once when preparing Qui-Gon for the fight on Naboo."
"There's a significant difference between using the Dark side once and doing it frequently, Obi-Wan." She really didn't like the idea of him crossing that line. He was way too important for the Jedi to be lost to the Dark side.
He nodded. "Perhaps you're right. We'll try it theoretically first. The risk could be too high."
She was relieved that he had given in. However, she knew that the young man was stubborn. If he thought that this course of action was needed, he would persist in the end. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that.
After weeks on Zigoola, weeks of being trained as a Sith, Dooku longed to leave this dreadful place. One would wonder why he still held out. But he did because with his presence here he was able to make sure that Sidious wouldn't actively pursue Obi-Wan Kenobi. This fact was reason enough for him to stay.
He often remembered what he had sensed when he had observed the young man's meditation on Naboo. Something had been different. Kenobi had a distinct connection with the Dark side and it made him vulnerable. From what Dooku had seen about Sidious' abilities, the Dark Lord was more than capable of using this to his advantage. The Sith was a Master in manipulating people and Kenobi wasn't a match for him at the moment. Dooku knew that he wouldn't be able to protect the young man forever. Sidious would make a move one day. But for now the Sith was keeping his side of the bargain.
Additionally, Dooku had begun to develop an interest in the Dark Lord's moves. He knew that he was walking a fine line with this but he wanted to learn the ways of the Sith. Sidious had not chosen him by coincidence. The Dark Lord had known that it was in his character to explore every possibility. He always had done it. The memory of his exploration of a Sith Holochron was still vivid enough for Dooku. Sidious had played well with him, giving him a hint of the power the Dark side provided during the last few weeks.
Yes, he wanted to know this side of the Force. It was another possibility to fight the Sith. He would be one of them and one day he would be powerful enough to overthrow Sidious. He would serve the Light by playing with the Dark. He just had to keep a piece of his mind in the Light. It was difficult but he would succeed. Sidious would make his move against the Jedi one day and then he would be there standing in his way.
Mace Windu looked up when he felt Tahl's presence approaching. She entered his office after having knocked and he waved her to come near and sit down.
"Mace," she began, "I've come because of Luan. She needs to leave the healer's wing. Physically, she's completely healed."
Mace nodded. "Then we're going to assign her to one of the groups of younglings."
She shook her head at that. "Honestly, I don't like the idea. Qui-Gon was able to make a connection with her through meditation and he told me that she is completely lost. I think we have to find a more stable solution for her until she is ready to begin Jedi education."
Mace looked at her and his eyes widened. "You're proposing she should stay with you and Qui-Gon then?" he asked. "That's not possible, you know that."
"We are aware of the fact that this is uncommon, Mace. However, in this case it's the only solution. She won't come around in a group. She must have seen terrible things as she shows all the signs of trauma. She needs a person to turn to and until now only Qui-Gon was able to calm her down. She has a similar connection to the Living Force as he has. She trusts him."
Mace swallowed. He should have known that more changes would come. Master Yoda had already prepared him that they had to find a way to deal with Jedi families. This case was just the first one even if Luan wasn't Qui-Gon's daughter. There would be Jedi children in the future and the Council wouldn't be able to separate them from their parents. Perhaps he should be grateful that Tahl and Qui-Gon were the first to claim a family life. Concerning the girl, Tahl was right. He had seen her meditating with Qui-Gon before and the connection couldn't be denied.
"Alright," he said reluctantly. "I am going to speak with the Council about that. I can't promise anything though."
"Don't get me wrong, Mace. I still support that she should be integrated into one of the groups when the time comes. I just think she needs some more time."
He nodded. "I understand that, Tahl, and I'm sure the Council will grant her this time."
Obi-Wan hadn't tried to reach Sidious again after their last encounter. Even the fact that he wanted to know who the mysterious apprentice might be wasn't enough for him to take the chance again. Qui-Gon and Anakin had both told him that they had sensed the moment when Sidious had tried to tug at his bonds with them and he didn't want to disturb them further. However, he felt a constant temptation to give into the urge to draw on the connection again. He knew that it was Sidious who sent this temptation into his thoughts and he fought it. But this constant fight was exhausting and he felt that he was tiring much sooner because of it.
He had returned to his quarters after his meeting with Master Gallia and once more gave in to the urge to get some sleep. He sank down on his bed, feeling uneasy. He wasn't able to endure a day without sleeping during the afternoon hours. Until he found another solution to block Sidious, he wouldn't be able to go on a mission. He sighed at this. Not being able to fulfill his duties as a Jedi was more than disturbing for him. Finally, he succumbed to his exhaustion and drifted into a deep dreamless sleep.
"You know you can't fight it, Obi-Wan Kenobi!"
The dark voice entered Qui-Gon's meditation and he pulled himself away, opening his eyes in shock. What had that been? It had come from his bond with Obi-Wan. He reached out and felt the turmoil in his former apprentice. Instantly, he stood up and rushed to the young man's quarters. He knew that Obi-Wan needed his help now.
He reached out to open the door to the new assigned quarters with the Force when it opened without resistance. Obi-Wan must have programmed his Force Signature. Relieved, Qui-Gon hurried to get to the source of the turmoil.
When he entered his former Padawan's bedroom, he held his breath. Obi-Wan was writhing in his bed, fighting the unknown source of darkness which seemed to overtake his mind. Qui-Gon hadn't seen the young man lost in his dreams like that since they had returned to the temple. Knowing well what he had to do, he knelt down at his former Padawan's side and reached out for the bond.
/Wake up, Padawan!/ he sent an order toward the young man and instantly Obi-Wan opened his eyes.
Qui-Gon saw confusion in the young man's eyes and beads of sweat on his forehead. "W-what . . ." Obi-Wan stuttered.
Qui-Gon took the young Master's hand and sent him soothing waves through the Force, trying to calm him down.
"I don't know, but I heard a dark voice over the bond."
Obi-Wan sighed. "Sidious," he stated. "Ever since I made the connection, he tries to establish it again. I must have been too exhausted to fight it alone this time."
"This time? You mean he's threatening you constantly?" Qui-Gon asked incredulously.
Obi-Wan nodded. "He's trying to force me to draw on the connection. I don't know why, he doesn't actively try to reach me but something seems to hold him back. He wants me to do it."
"This has to stop," Qui-Gon replied. "We have to ask Master Yoda how to deal with it. You can't fight him constantly. You're already too exhausted."
Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan was overly tired when the young man just gave him a nod of assent. It wasn't like Obi-Wan to admit that he needed help.
Sidious cursed inwardly. He had been sure that this time he had driven the young man far enough. Obi-Wan had almost given into the temptation to establish the connection. It was the only solution to reach this exceptional Jedi. He still hadn't turned Dooku far enough to reach Kenobi actively. He needed the young man to do it. And it had already worked once. He just had to be patient.
Master Yoda came to the young Master's quarters immediately when Qui-Gon had called him. Now he looked to Obi-Wan, who was clearly exhausted by his fight with Sidious. Thoughtfully, he shook his head.
"Try to weaken you he does. Dangerous your connection with him is," he said with an admonishing tone. "Reached out to him you should have not."
Obi-Wan looked down instinctively in reply to the reprimand from the ancient Master. Qui-Gon shook his head. "He needed to know if his assumption that Sidious lived was right. Sidious would have found him anyway one day. We knew about this connection before. We need something to help Obi-Wan cope with this, Master."
Master Yoda nodded. "Right you are, Qui-Gon. Solution there is but difficult it will be for him."
Obi-Wan looked up curiously. "What do you mean, Master?" he asked.
"Block the connection I can but permanent it will only be if the block you accept."
"I would accept this, Master. But what's the difficult part then?"
Qui-Gon inhaled sharply. "A permanent block to suppress a connection through the Force is a massive manipulation, Obi-Wan. It could evoke headaches coming through the block every time Sidious tries to reach you," he explained and swallowed before adding, "The block can only be destroyed by the Master who erected it or the source of the connection."
Obi-Wan sighed. "Which means Sidious would be able to do severe damage to my mind if he gets hold of me."
"If entering your mind and destroying the block violently he is, damage could be done, yes." Master Yoda confirmed his conclusion.
"But he needs to capture me to do that? He can't do it through the connection we have?"
Qui-Gon looked to his former Padawan with astonishment. The young man was serene and seemed to analyze his options without any emotion. The critics of the Council's decision to promote him should see him now. Everyone had to admit that this man was one of the most capable Masters the order possessed.
"Blocked permanently the mental connection will be. Need to capture you to enter your mind he would have to," Master Yoda answered the young man's question and Qui-Gon knew what Obi-Wan's decision would be before the young Master spoke it out loud.
"Do it then, Master."
A chill went through Qui-Gon at that. He didn't like the thought that in case of an abduction or capture Obi-Wan would be even more vulnerable to Darth Sidious. However, the young man needed a solution. Exhausted, like he was now, he wouldn't be able to lead any mission the Council assigned.
Master Yoda gave them a nod and then approached the young man, placing his hands on Obi-Wan's temples to make a connection.
Two weeks later, Sidious decided that it was time to assign a mission to his new apprentice. Darth Tyrannus had made enough progress and reality in the universe had to do the rest in turning the Jedi Master into a powerful Dark Lord of the Sith. Sidious knew that Dooku was skeptical enough toward the course of the Jedi order that his scheme would work eventually. Until then his threat to reach out for Obi-Wan Kenobi was sufficient means to hold the Jedi master in his grip. Dooku wasn't aware of the fact that Obi-Wan Kenobi had sought Sidious out and that the connection was blocked now.
Sidious chuckled. With the block, the Jedi had given him a stronger opportunity to turn the young man later. Obi-Wan Kenobi would suffer painfully when he destroyed that block and all good memories the young man had with it. One day, he would finally have this exceptional Jedi as an ally and then there would be no one to stop him in this galaxy.
Until then, he needed to see that the advantage stayed with the Sith. He looked up with satisfaction when Dooku entered his room and immediately got down on his knees with respect.
"Master," the former Jedi Master said and looked up with a question in his eyes.
"Tyrannus, it's time for you to take on your first mission. Are you ready to fulfill my wishes?"
Sidious saw Dooku cringe a little bit when he made a step toward him. His new apprentice wasn't someone who feared him like his other apprentices had before him. However, even Dooku had learned to show him respect. Too vivid were the memories of the pain Sidious had inflicted on him.
"I am ready to do what it takes, My Lord," Dooku answered and inclined his head.
"Good, good," Sidious replied and grinned. "You will continue the last mission the Jedi have given you. You were looking for that damn prophecy, weren't you?"
Dooku nodded silently and Sidious felt the reluctance to provide more information. "Don't bother with hiding things from me. I know you were sent to find it because of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Somehow he has to be connected to this ancient prophecy. So, I want you to find it before any Jedi gets his hands on it. Do you understand that, Tyrannus?"
"Everything will be done according to your wishes, my Lord," Dooku replied and bowed again.
"Then stand up and leave. Your ship is already waiting. And Tyrannus?" He paused and his apprentice looked up to him. "Don't think I can't see what you are doing out there. Until now, you only know half of my powers, so don't try me." His tone was threatening and evoked a nod from Dooku.
After Master Yoda had placed the block, Obi-Wan felt better. He hadn't had the feeling of temptation again since then and he was more than ready to deal with the headaches Master Yoda had warned him about. Tahl had taught him a light meditation to conquer the pain and it had helped him quite well.
Things were calming down in the temple and the Jedi were beginning to teach the new lessons Obi-Wan and Adi had worked out. Until now, the theoretical approach worked well enough and Obi-Wan had dismissed the idea to perform dark techniques. He had played enough with the Dark side. He wasn't ready to take any other risk if he could prevent it.
When he came back to his quarters this evening, his com was blinking and with joy he saw that Padme had tried to reach him. He hadn't heard from her since he had left Naboo and he was happy to see her message now. Eagerly, he pushed the button on his com and her picture came to life before him, a wide smile on her face at seeing him.
"You haven't wasted much time, Obi-Wan," she said.
He smiled back at her and couldn't fight the feeling of warmth he had at her sight. "If a Queen wants to talk to me, who am I to delay my response, Milady?"
She laughed, knowing well he was teasing her. "I just wanted to know how you are. I see you've moved into new quarters. . . ." He heard the question in her voice before she voiced it.
"Qui-Gon and Tahl are finally living together. As we had expected, the order has changed its view toward attachments and I didn't want to be the fifth wheel," he answered with a wink.
"Oh, I understand that. The order really has allowed that, though? I am impressed. So, you're living alone now?"
He nodded. "Was about time, wasn't it? But there's more news. . . . Uhm, they promoted me."
He saw the satisfaction in her eyes at hearing this. "That's good. After what you've done you deserved it."
"Hm, wait till you know the rest... they... uhm, I was appointed to the Council."
Her eyes widened at that. "You were? At your age? I've never heard about a member of the Jedi Council that young. I am more than impressed, Master Kneobi."
He laughed at her tease. "Is there a reason why you called me today, Padme?" he asked then, returning to a serious tone.
"In fact there is, I have good news too and I wanted to let you know. Kael has been elected as Senator today and he will be leaving for Coruscant tomorrow. He told me to ask you if you'd be willing to see him after he has settled down there."
Obi-Wan saw the joy in her eyes about the fact that her trusted friend was now her Senator. "Give him my best wishes and congratulations. I am happy everything went well," he replied, "I will be honored to meet him. Just give him my number."
"He will be thrilled," she said with a broad smile on her face. "He doesn't have any other friends on Coruscant. You should show him around a bit."
He laughed. "Padme, I don't think that he will be interested in the things a Jedi Master can show him. A young man like him needs other friends than me. But I promise to do my best."
"I need to return to my office affairs now, Obi-Wan. It was nice talking to you. We should do this more often."
He smiled in return. "You're right. At least as long as I am in the temple we should com each other. I'm going to call you after I have met with Kael to inform you about your Senator's dealings." He winked at her and she laughed.
When the com shut down he still smiled. She really was able to light up his days. He had to call her again soon.
"Qui!"
Tahl inhaled sharply at hearing the voice who had called out for her love and rushed into the common room of their quarters. With awe she looked toward the picture she saw.
Luan was hugging Qui-Gon who was kneeling on the floor murmuring quietly in the ear of the young girl. Then the child turned around, having felt Tahl approaching them. She reached out with her hand and laughed at Qui-Gon when she said, "Tahl!"
She smiled back at the girl and fought tears. For weeks they had hoped that Luan would open herself up enough to speak and finally she had done it. She had come to love this cute little girl with her long black hair and warm brown eyes. Hearing the soft voice made Tahl more than happy. It was a great step for Luan in the process of recovering.
Qui-Gon took the child into his arms again and squeezed her. Once more, he whispered something into the girl's ears and Tahl wondered what her partner was telling the child. Then Luan freed herself and turned toward her, reaching out with her arms. "Hug me?" the child asked and Tahl saw the insecurity at that request.
She knelt down and opened her arms. "Sure, come to me, Luan," she said reassuringly and the girl ran into her arms, holding her tightly.
This was a good sign. Luan seemed to re-find her trust in people and perhaps they would find out the story behind this child soon.
Obi-Wan was getting used to life in the temple but the longer he stayed the more he became restless. He wasn't able to live a life in the temple and he was far too young to retire. So, he was more than relieved when Mace told him that he had to leave to negotiate a border conflict the next day.
He called Anakin and went together with the boy to Qui-Gon and Tahl. He wanted to spend time with the people he loved before leaving for his mission.
Tahl was in the kitchen preparing a meal and Qui-Gon was already expecting them with Luan in the common room. Obi-Wan was amazed that the girl had opened herself to his former Master so well. She was still reserved in Obi-Wan's presence, not saying more than a quiet, "Hello, Master Kenobi." But she hadn't the same problem with Anakin. After a few minutes, Anakin and Luan disappeared to the girl's room to play and Obi-Wan smiled when he saw Anakin protectively placing an arm around the girl's shoulders.
"It's good that the Council allowed her to stay with you," Obi-Wan said.
Qui-Gon nodded and sat down beside Obi-Wan. "Yes, she really needed a home. She doesn't remember anything that happened on that ship before the team brought her here. However, I am sure that one day she will regain her memory and we will find out more about her origin."
"Perhaps if Garen finds the prophecy, we'll be able to unlock the secret anyway. She must be related to it like Anakin is," Obi-Wan replied and looked thoughtfully out of the window.
"Like you, my Padawan," Qui-Gon added. "You seem to forget that Master Yoda has sent Dooku to look for the prophecy because of you. You must play a key role in it as well."
Obi-Wan made a dismissive gesture and Qui-Gon smiled. "You are far too modest, Obi-Wan," he said and took Obi-Wan's hand. "So, the Council has finally given you a mission. When do you have to leave?"
"Tomorrow morning," the young man replied and swallowed. "Truth be told, it's weird to know that I will leave without you, Master. I haven't been on a solo mission for quite some time."
"Oh, but it's time for you to get used to it again. You're a Master in your own right and you have adjusted well in your new life. You really don't need my assistance anymore," Qui-Gon said with a fond smile. Obi-Wan could see pride shimmering in his former Master's eyes.
"Yes, I know that it's time for me to let go of you," the young man stated with a wink. "The Force gave us so much more time than we should have had in the first place."
"You don't have to let go of me completely, Obi-Wan. I'm still here and over our bond you can get my advice any time you need it."
The young Master nodded. "And I'm sure I will need it, my Master."
Before Qui-Gon was able to answer, they were summoned by Tahl and after a few moments, all of them were gathered around the table in the kitchen to enjoy their meal. Bant had joined her former Master and Obi-Wan was happy to have her at his side this night.
Looking at the table and the people who joined it with him, Obi-Wan swallowed thickly. This was his family, Qui-Gon, Tahl, Bant, Garen, who already had left for his undercover mission to find the prophecy, Anakin and Luan. He never had had something like this before. This sense of belonging was new and it had to be what families felt for each other. He was grateful that the Force had given him a possibility to experience this. There was nothing which could compare to it. He knew that he was Jedi enough to accept that these people wouldn't be with him forever. However, he was ready to do what he had to do to protect them.
The Force had given him more than a new life. He had finally understood the meaning of love and compassion. He realized what a mistake it had been for the old order to ignore it. In this life he would take care that the Jedi would be able to find a way to deal with love rather than deny it. He was well aware of the fact that this way would be difficult for Masters like him and Mace. Looking at Qui-Gon, he almost envied his former Master for his connection to the Living Force. It made acceptance of this so much easier. But with these people at his side, he would succeed. He had to, because being here with all of them was what he wanted. He never wanted to find himself again alone on Tatooine waiting for Anakin's son to grow old enough to defeat his own father.
At that thought, Obi-Wan inhaled sharply and Qui-Gon turned his gaze toward him.
/It won't happen again. We're going to make sure about that, my Padawan./
Obi-Wan felt tears glistening in his eyes at that and gave Qui-Gon a small nod of acknowledgment. With the help of the Force, they would do just that.