I know this took me forever, but the Senate hearing was a tricky one ;) I hope you'll like what I made of it. Have fun and give me your opinions ;)


Chapter 14

When Obi-Wan arrived back at the Healers wing, he was struggling to keep himself upright. The Council meeting had taken its toll on him and he had a hard time fighting the growing fatigue. However, when he spotted Tahl's happy face, he felt energy rushing back into him. Her facial expression could mean only one thing: Qui-Gon must be finally awake.

Her expression changed from smiling to frowning when she saw him and she shook her head in exasperation. "Which part of taking it slowly did you not understand, Obi-Wan?" she asked, her tone stern.

He gave her a sheepish smile, knowing well that she wouldn't let him escape with it. "I'm sorry, there were important matters to deal with," he replied, swaying a bit.

She rushed over and supported him by taking his arm. She pulled him over to the next chair and placed him onto it. "I am well aware of the fact that you think of yourself as irreplaceable. However, I am sure the Council is able to decide on matters without having you present, especially if it threatens your recovery."

He swallowed, feeling that she really was annoyed. "Well, they are. However, they tend to make the wrong decisions then," he replied with a wink, hoping that his attempt at humor would help to make it up with her.

She really had to laugh at this, knowing well enough that Obi-Wan was far too modest to mean what he had said. She placed her hand on his temple, checking his temperature. "Well, you seem to be fine, but you really shouldn't overdo it at the moment," she admonished him.

He rolled his eyes and heaved a deep sigh. "Just tell me if Qui-Gon is all right, Tahl, and leave me be. You should know that I wouldn't have strained myself if it hadn't been necessary."

She gave him an incredulous snort at that, but her expression changed into a smile then. "He awoke a few moments ago. He's still weak. But he asked to see you."

He released the breath he'd been holding at the joyful news. He just didn't feel whole without his former Master at his side. She reached out with her hand and he took it gratefully when he strained to get up. Together they entered Qui-Gon's room where he saw the older man sitting upright in his bed. He was still pale but Obi-Wan saw the shimmer of joy in his eyes at the sight of the young man.

Tahl pulled a chair to the bedside and gestured Obi-Wan to sit down. "I'll leave you alone," she said with a warm smile. "However, neither you, Qui, nor you, Obi-Wan, are up to any kind of stress. So please keep your conversation short and," she gave the young man a stern look, "light. . . ."

When she had left, Qui-Gon took the young man's hand in his. "How are you my Padawan?" he asked with concern in his eyes.

Obi-Wan gave him a wan smile. "Well, at the moment I am a bit tired but, all in all, I'm coming around. How are you feeling?"

"Well, thanks to you, I am well enough," Qui-Gon responded. "Considering the fact that I should be dead by now. . . ."

Obi-Wan gave him a stern glance. "But you aren't. As a wise man once told me, the Force has provided us this bond for a reason. You saved my soul, Qui, it was the least I could do to support you with my life-force."

"I've never doubted you, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said when he saw his former Padawan's gaze shift to the floor.

"Maybe you should have," the young man replied with a sad tone. "It was a close call. If it hadn't been for you. . . . "

A moment of silence stretched between them and then Qui-Gon said with concern in his voice, "He is haunting you, isn't he?"

Obi-Wan began to tremble. "I. . . If you don't mind, I prefer not to talk about that at the moment, Qui."

Qui-Gon squeezed his hand. "You know that we need to talk about this soon, Padawan," he replied, his tone firm. "I saw your nightmares and I felt what he did to you. We have to work through this."

Obi-Wan tried to avoid the older man's eyes. He couldn't do this right now. He had to focus on his speech before the Senate, as well as on the possibility that he could be forced to give it without the Council's consent. The painful memories of his experience would only distract him.

Apparently understanding his predicament, Qui-Gon nodded. "We don't have to do this now, Obi-Wan. But be sure that I won't let go of the subject."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, half out of relief, half because he knew that Qui-Gon wouldn't like what he had to tell him. "I am going to tell the Senate, Master," he said, his voice trembling the tiniest bit. Qui-Gon's approval was so much more important to him than that of the Council.

Qui-Gon instantly knew what the young man was talking about and after a moment of hesitation he gave Obi-wan a nod. "I am not sure if the Council is going to like it," he said.

"They don't. They wanted me to hide how far Sidious had driven me toward turning," Obi-Wan stated with a flat voice.

"Knowing you as well as I do, I guess you defied them," Qui-Gon said with a tad of humor and respect in his voice.

"I did. They are going to decide what to do in the afternoon. However. . . ."

"You've already made up your mind, no matter what they say," Qui-Gon finished his sentence with a knowing smile.

Obi-Wan's face took on a resolved expression. "I need to, Qui-Gon. I am convinced that it would be a mistake to lie to the Senate. We need to build a relationship of mutual trust. The secrets have to end. It. . . ."

"You don't need to convince me, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon interrupted him. "I am at your side. I agree with you and I've always felt that it is a mistake to not deal openly with them. They should know that the Jedi aren't different from any other being in the Galaxy."

A heavy weight was lifted from the young man at hearing Qui-Gon' approval. Gratefully, he squeezed his former Master's hand, not able to say anything.

"I am going to support you in this, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon continued. "If it means to defy the Council, we're going to deal with it together. I am quite used to handling that."

Obi-Wan had to laugh now. There was no one in the temple who couldn't care less about what the Council was thinking than Qui-Gon. He had to thank the Force that this man was not only his former Master but also his dear friend. For the first time since he had left the Council chamber he felt grounded and sure of his own course.

When Tahl entered a few moments later, both men were sharing a much lighter conversation and had to smile at the satisfied look the healer was giving them.


The afternoon went by and somehow everyone was gathering in the Healers wing to await the Council's decision. While Obi-Wan was finally resting, Tahl had set up tea for those who were present in the waiting room. Immediately after the argument in the Council chamber, Master Yoda and Mace had called Bail Organa in to discuss the matter with him. Now the viceroy was sitting between Padme and Anakin, apparently at ease. His expression made Tahl confident that the Councilors had taken Obi-Wan's intervention seriously and everything was to be solved.

She had approved of Master Yoda's decision that Obi-Wan should rest than partake in the current session. The young man would need his energy for the Senate hearing tomorrow and he had said everything that he needed in the morning. After talking briefly to Qui-Gon before, she was sure that Obi-Wan had made up his mind anyway. Whatever the Council would decide, the young man was convinced of his opinion and he would tell the Senate exactly what he thought was right. It was only a matter of him doing so with the approval of the Council or not.

The conversation stilled when the door opened and Dooku came in. Tahl was stunned, the former Jedi hadn't come into the Helaers wing once since Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had been brought in. The silence stretched and no one seemed to know how to deal with his presence until Padme stood up and walked over to him.

"Master Dooku," she said, a warm smile on her face. "It's nice of you to join us. I've been waiting to thank you for what you have done in the battle. The Republic owes you a great deal for helping us defeat Sidious."

Bail was shifting on his seat uncomfortably and Tahl watched Anakin narrowing his eyes in suspicion. The boy had a deep connection with the Force and it was evident that he could sense the darkness surrounding the former Jedi.

Dooku bowed to the Queen and Tahl saw his expression soften a bit. "Thank you, your Highness," he replied respectfully. "However, do not overestimate my role in this. It is entirely due to Obi-Wan's abilities that I was able to finish Sidious off."

Tahl was surprised by the humility the former Jedi showed. Maybe Obi-Wan was right and there was still enough good in him to come back.

In this moment the door to Obi-Wan's room opened and the young man came in, apparently having rested enough. Before everyone was able to greet him, Tahl went to him and checked his temperature. Satisfied, she nodded. "It's good to see you awake and well, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan squeezed her hand gratefully and looked about, a question in his eyes. "Well, what are you all doing here?" he asked with a wink.

Padme, who was still standing, moved over to him and gave him a brilliant smile. "What do you think? We're waiting for the Council's decision and meanwhile we decided to pay you a visit."

Tahl saw the young man's eyes taking on a warm shimmer and felt an overwhelming joy at realizing how deep his feelings ran for the young Queen. It was what Obi-Wan deserved. With all the responsibility on his shoulders, he would need some place to come home to, besides the family she and Qui-Gon provided for him.

Dooku waited patiently until Obi-Wan looked toward him. A silent glance was exchanged between them and then Dooku cleared his throat. "Well, I heard that you once again decided to take the difficult road," he said and Obi-Wan's expression changed into a frown.

"I didn't think that you expected me to do it any other way, Dooku," he replied.

The former Jedi gave him a snort. "No, I didn't expect it, but you could have taken the easy path for once. It will be hard to explain things to the Senate. You have to go about it the right way to not cause a crisis."

"I am well aware of that. However, you of all people should know that I have to do what the Force tells me to do."

Bail was standing up now too and Anakin followed him, eager to greet the young Master. Obi-Wan placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, showing him his affection without voicing it, when he looked at the viceroy with a smile. "I gather, you're not happy with me, Bail," he said.

Organa shook his head. "On the contrary, Obi-Wan. I have absolute faith in you and your ability to deal with the Senate. I have to admit that I was against revealing the truth to them, but I also disliked the idea of the Council dealing with the matter on their own. I should have known that you would choose honesty over politics in this case. It's sometimes difficult for me to imagine someone doing just that."

Obi-Wan's smile grew wide and Tahl felt that Bail's approval meant a great deal to him. All of them were sitting down then, Obi-Wan safely placed between Anakin and Padme. The Queen gave him a mug with tea and the young man took a sip before speaking up again. "I can't tell you how much it means to me to have all of you at my side in this." He placed his arm around Anakin's shoulder and Tahl had to smile at the silent conversation, which was taking place between the boy and the young Master. They would make a formidable Master and Padawan team.

Silence fell and everyone was waiting for one of the Council members to come inform them about their decision. The tension was palpable and no one was ready to talk until the door finally opened and Master Gallia came in.

The whole group was staring at her and she swallowed briefly. "Master Windu wants to have a word with you, Obi-Wan. He asked me to bring Bail Organa and Dooku with you."

Tahl felt irritated that Adi didn't tell them about the outcome of the Council session but she knew that there was no point in arguing with the Master if Mace had told her not to inform them.

Nodding, Obi-Wan stood up, giving Anakin's shoulder a last squeeze and exchanging a warm glance with Padme. Then he left with Bail and Dooku in tow. Tahl, Padme and Anakin stayed behind, having no other chance than to wait again.


Mace Windu was sitting behind his desk in his office when Adi came in with his guests. With a brief nod she left again and the three men took their seats across from him. Reaching out into the Force he felt the unison these three presented and he heaved a deep sigh. "I gather that you've already made up your mind, Obi-Wan," he said with an annoyed voice. "No matter what the Council has decided."

Obi-Wan gave him a nod, projecting the confidence behind his decision. "I'm sorry, Mace. I have to do what I think is right and the viceroy and Dooku have already reassured me that they will support me in this."

Mace snorted at that and looked to Dooku. "I am surprised that you go along with this. Didn't you of all people tell us that we shouldn't disclose any possible weakness to the Senate?"

Dooku's eyes narrowed. "I've already told you whose side I am on, Master Windu." Mace saw Obi-Wan frowning at that and Dooku continued," I was wrong. Telling the Senate about what happened in this battle isn't disclosing a weakness, it's a sign of strength if Obi-Wan shows them how the Jedi are able to make their choice. Even if the Senate isn't able to understand it and decides to strengthen the defense of the Republic, the Jedi order will show that they are determined to change their ways. The secrecy has to end and you know it as well as I do. A relationship of mutual trust will make it very difficult for another Sith to rise."

Mace looked toward Bail Organa, who confirmed Dooku's words with a nod. "You three are a really exceptional alliance," he said with a sigh. "However, the Council agrees with you in this. We decided to put our faith in you, Obi-Wan. It was a hard decision to make, as you can imagine. I just hope that this is the right thing to do."

Mace saw the young man releasing a breath of relief and had to smile. After everything, the Council's approval was still important enough for Obi-Wan to loathe the thought of defying them. The young Master inclined his head and said, "I am honored by your trust."

Mace acknowledged it with a nod, and then his gaze shifted toward the viceroy. "It would be helpful if you talked to a few Senators about this before the hearing tomorrow. Obi-Wan is going to need allies."

Bail sat upright and Mace saw the contentment with the situation in the politician's eyes. He had to admit that all of them had felt uneasy about the fact that they wanted to hide the truth. Even he sensed relief now that they would deal with this openly.

"I am sure that Senator Antilles and Senator Dorvin will support this course of action, Master," the viceroy said.

Mace's gaze turned to Obi-Wan. "Are you prepared to do this or do you require further assistance?"

Obi-Wan gave him a reassuring smile. "I was prepared for this ever since I left the Council chamber this morning, Mace. I will be doing everything in my power to show you that your faith in me is justified."


Adi Gallia was with Master Yoda and Mace in the ancient Master's quarters. They had come together for a brief meeting in the evening. The setting sun was shining red through the shades and even though everyone was tense because of the impending Senate hearing, there were more matters to deal with at the moment. The temple on Alderaan was ready to use and they had to decide who would move there. Mace Windu had just suggested that she should lead the settlement as Council Master and she was processing the thought, feeling Master Yoda's eyes scrutinizing her.

Having made up her mind, she looked up. "I don't think it would be wise to send me, Mace," she said and at the puzzled glance she received, she continued, "First, I think my place is here on Coruscant. I can't imagine giving up the crèche and the responsibility for the search teams. However, what is even more important, I think we should send some Jedi who stand for the changes we made. I would suggest giving Qui-Gon and Tahl this assignment."

Mace shook his head. "Master Yoda and I have already discussed that Qui-Gon and Tahl should move with you. But they aren't members of the Council, Adi. We need someone to take charge of the new temple."

"And what about Obi-Wan? He is a natural leader and would be perfect." She saw the two Masters exchanging a glance and frowned. "You don't grudge him his defiant behavior today, do you?"

Mace waved his hand dismissively. "No, that's not why I am against sending him, Adi. It's just that I fear we're going to need him here. We have to improve the younglings' training again and I don't think we will be able to do so if he is not present. What is even more important, I prefer having Luan and Anakin separated. We shouldn't make us vulnerable in having both of them at the same place."

Adi gave him an understanding nod. "I understand that. However, you should know well enough that I have other reasons to decline," her eyes locked with his. She didn't want to give up on the tentative relationship they had formed. "I know that duty comes first, but I can't see that there is no other solution than sending me."

Mace heaved a sigh and looked toward Master Yoda for guidance. Somehow Adi felt that he himself was reluctant to let her go and it filled her with silent joy to realize it.

Master Yoda's ears twitched briefly at the interaction between them and he said, "Understand I do, that not separated you want to be. But no other solution I can see."

Having a sudden idea, Adi began to smile broadly. "But I think, I have one, Master. Make Qui-Gon a member of the Council and send him with Tahl and Luan." She had to laugh at the incredulous gaze Mace gave her at that. "Come on, Mace, don't tell me you have never considered it. I mean, Qui-Gon has done a lot for the Jedi during the last few years and he proved his loyalty more than once. He and Tahl are the most dedicated Jedi I know and it would suit us to finally appoint someone who is bonded to the Council."

"Hmmm, good solution it would be to have Qui-Gon in the Council. Of much help his connection to the Living Force can be," Master Yoda said before Mace was able to respond.

Adi knew that the subject was settled with this. She saw Mace narrowing his eyes in thought and had to smile. It would take him longer, but he would come around eventually and realize that this was a good solution.


It was late in the night and the Coruscant sky was lit with vehicles floating around, their artificial lights shining through the window of Obi-Wan's room. It was a silent night in the temple and Obi-Wan wondered what was keeping him from falling asleep. The Force seemed to pull him out of his bed and he decided to follow the distinct feeling he had.

The hallways of the temple were silent and Obi-Wan found only a few Knights sitting together and chatting in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Closing his eyes, he reached into the Force and immediately sensed what had driven him out of his bed. Near his preferred waterfall he felt Dooku's presence and slowly he approached the former Jedi.

Naturally, Dooku had felt him coming and turned around to greet him. "Obi-Wan, shouldn't you be asleep?" the former Master said and the young Jedi had to smile at the obvious concern in his voice.

He sat down beside the Sith and said in a slightly mocking tone, "Careful Dooku, one could think that you've already finished your journey back from the Dark if they hear you're worrying about me."

The other man didn't return the smile. His gaze became distant and Obi-Wan frowned at the serious expression. "You of all people should know that I am too far-gone for this, Obi-Wan," Dooku said, his voice flat.

"Is this the reason that you're sitting here in the middle of the night?" Obi-Wan asked with genuine interest.

Dooku shook his head. "No, I have to admit that I'm here to say goodbye. I didn't have the opportunity to do that properly when I left before."

The young Master raised his eyebrows at this. "There is no need for you to leave, Dooku."

Dooku gave him a snort and his face changed into a scowl. "We shouldn't deceive ourselves, Obi-Wan. We all know that after tomorrow things will change. Now the Jedi still need me to attend the Senate hearing, however, after that is done, their hospitality will end. They will be forced to deal with my punishment and I am well aware of the fact that there is no such thing as redemption after what I've done."

Obi-Wan didn't respond, feeling that Dooku hadn't yet finished but was contemplating how much he was ready to reveal. Then the former Jedi looked up into his eyes. "Honestly, I don't even know if I want to be redeemed. I can't imagine returning to a life led by the Council. For the first time since ages I am feeling free now. There is no Master who tells me what to do, no Council to deal with. . . ."

The young man gave him a thoughtful nod. "I understand," he said quietly.

"Do you?" Dooku asked with a quizzical look. "I don't think so, Obi-Wan. You are much too devoted to the order to feel constrained by its rules. However, I did, for my whole life I felt the boundaries of the Jedi were a burden for me and after that Sidious made my life a living hell. No, we are too different from each other for you to understand how I feel. But we have one thing in common. We both know that there is no Light without Dark and we are both intimately acquainted with the power of the Dark side. But I unlike you am not ready to deal with this knowledge within an order who still denies the truth."

"They don't. They are willing to face it, can't you see that?" Obi-Wan countered, his voice barely hiding the agitation at hearing Dooku's words.

The former Jedi sneered and shook his head. "Yes, after you forced them to do so. I on the other hand can't bear to know that my life will be a constant fight with the Council. This is what you are meant to do and the Force chose you well. But I. . . I can't even stand the thought of it. Anyway," he said and fought the sarcasm in his tone, "after tomorrow they will pursue my trial and they are not ready yet to let me get away unpunished after what I've done."

"You killed Sidious," Obi-Wan insisted. "Because of you the Republic is free. I am sure they will be considering this."

Dooku looked at him, his eyes blazing with a sudden surge of anger. "And you think I did it for the greater good? Don't be so naïve, Obi-Wan. I did it to free myself, not to free the Republic."

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed and, feeling the conflict in the older man, he said, "Isn't it always both? Freeing oneself can have an impact on the people around us."

"Don't try," Dooku said, shaking his head vehemently. "You are speaking about you not me. There will be no fairytale ending for this, Obi-Wan. We have to face that we won't fight on the same side in this battle. We will be able to join from time to time, if our goals match, but I am not the savior of the Jedi order. I am fighting for myself."

Obi-Wan felt a shiver running down his spine and he couldn't fight trembling at Dooku's words. "Do you really believe you are the savior of the Galaxy, my Obi-Wan?" he heard Sidious' distant voice, the voice of his nightmares. He shook himself and strained for a measure of calm. "I am not the savior of the Jedi order, Dooku," he said, his voice firm again. "I am not the Chosen One. We both know that."

Dooku turned toward him, his gaze questioning. "What are you then, Obi-Wan Kenobi? Why did the Force send you back? What do you think your role is in all this?"

Once more, Obi-Wan had to fight against the voice in his head. "Yes, my Obi-Wan, what are you? Are you Jedi or Sith? Are you Light or Dark? Can you feel the pull of power?" The young Master closed his eyes, shoving the voice deep behind his shields. Then he looked up locking eyes with Dooku. "I don't know what my role will be, Dooku. However, I know that I belong here. There is no other place I would rather be than with the people I love. The Jedi are my family and I will do what I can to protect them. I am sorry that you can't find it in you to feel like I do. However, I don't agree with you that the Council wouldn't be able to forgive you. I am sure we could convince them."

Dooku smiled at that. "I am sure that we could accomplish this. You, my young friend, seem to have the talent to accomplish almost anything you set your mind to. But I don't want them to forgive me. I did what I did and I feel no remorse about it. It is an essential part of what I am. I enjoyed the power of the Dark. I love it when I wield the Force to my will. I can't tell them that I won't do it again. I am no longer a Jedi."

Obi-Wan's eyes took on an icy shimmer at that. "If you tell them that, you know that the Jedi are forced to punish you, Dooku," he said and was barely able to repress the irritation in his voice.

Dooku stood up. "They will be, Obi-Wan. I've already told you that there won't be a fairytale ending to this, it's time for you to face it." His voice was firm and he turned away, leaving behind a thoughtful Obi-Wan.

"He is tainted, my Obi-Wan," he heard the voice again. "One day you will find out that you are like him and then you will be mine!" The Jedi stood up and held his temple, trying to pull the voice out of his head. Then he took a deep breath, panting against the pain. Having regained his serenity, he said, "You won't succeed, no matter how hard you try, Sidious!"


The air was laced with tension in the Senate building. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the hearing, knowing that its result would greatly impact the future course of the Republic. Obi-Wan sat on the visitor's tribune with Bail Organa at his side. He was grateful to have his friend here. Padme had joined Kael in the Naboo Senator's pod and he was able to spot her from above. Behind him, Mace was shifting uncomfortably in his seat and Obi-Wan had to smile. It was a rare occurrence that the Korun-Master lost his legendary Jedi calm. He turned around and gave his friend a reassuring glance.

Obi-Wan was slightly nervous too; however, he was able to ground himself by thinking about what Qui-Gon had told him just before he had left for the hearing: "You have proved that you're able to succeed in a fight against Sidious, there is no reason to doubt your abilities to prevail in this Senate hearing, my Obi-Wan. Have faith!" His former Master's unwavering faith in him gave him enough confidence to face what was to come.

A few moments later, Chancellor Valorum opened the session and, looking toward the young Jedi Master, he said, "I call Master Kenobi before the Senate to give us a report about his fight against Darth Sidious."

Obi-Wan stood up and moved toward the waiting pod, followed by Mace and Dooku. The pod floated into the room and Obi-Wan looked about. He was met with the curious glances of the Senators and took a deep breath. Reaching into the Force, he felt a mix of feelings coming from them. A few were waiting for his report to judge, while others had already made up their minds that the Jedi had saved them. However, there were enough left who were looking at him with narrowed eyes, and Obi-Wan knew that it would be difficult to convince them that the Jedi were able to keep the Republic from falling.

Chancellor Valorum inclined his head briefly to greet him, then he turned toward the Senators. "Master Kenobi will be giving you a detailed report of the battle. After this he and Dooku will answer all of your remaining questions. Master Kenobi?" Valorum was giving the sign for Obi-Wan to begin and the young Master gave him a short nod of assent.

"Senators," he said and his gaze shifted over the audience. "I want to thank you for this hearing. It's quite unusual that the actions of the Jedi order are questioned at all and for me it is a sign of our changed relationship rather than mistrust that I am able to tell you about our fight today."

A murmur went through the crowd at this and Obi-Wan patiently waited until it had abated. "Darth Sidious proved to be a threat for the Jedi order as well as the Republic, and as we have never faced such a danger to democracy before, we need to pay special attention to what happened between him and. . . me." He didn't like it but it was the truth; after all, he had been forced to fight Sidious alone. "A Sith is well equipped to battle a Jedi and a Sith like Sidious even more so. He was exceptionally powerful and he was able to use more weapons against me than his lightsaber."

The puzzled looks he received proved that most of the Senators weren't able to imagine what this meant and Obi-Wan took a step forward. "You have to be aware of the fact that the Force exists in each every one of us; however, the Jedi are able to feel it, to act on its will and, as everything in this Galaxy, the Force has two sides. A Jedi is grounded in the Light side of the Force. However, there is a fine line between the Light and the Dark. The Jedi order raises us to listen to the Force, to follow its will. It always is the Force that decides our actions. The moment we begin to use the Force to get what we want, the moment we wield it to our own will, we cross the line and we can be lost in the power we feel. Imagine, being able to hold such a power in your hands, a power that allows you to shape the course of the universe. It's tempting and as we are all normal beings after all, we experience moments of temptation as everyone else. A Sith is able to use this against us. Especially in a battle, when our mind is set on succeeding, it is possible that we are more vulnerable to temptation and I have to admit that I was crossing the line in this fight."

The collective gasp of the Senators stopped him from continuing and he closed his eyes briefly. "I drew on the power of the Dark side because I wanted to put an end to Sidious. He had been able to find my weaknesses and he played with them. In the end the will to defeat him was strong enough to take me over the edge."

He swallowed thickly when he saw the incredulous glance of Chancellor Valorum, but regained his composure immediately. "I could tell you now that I did it solely because I wanted to end the threat to our Republic so badly that I was ready to use any means to succeed. However," he looked around and his eyes focused on Padme, who was sitting behind Kael, holding her breath. "My first thoughts weren't for democracy or the Republic. In this moment I was thinking about the people I love and that I needed to protect them, no matter the cost. I did what everyone in my situation would have done. I attacked Sidious with all the power I had, just to finally end this – to save 'my family'." He saw the encouragement in Padme's eyes and gave her a grateful nod before turning around again. "You could wonder now, why the order has lifted the rule of non-attachment if love can drive us this far. However, in the end it was this love that prevented me from turning. My former Master was nearby and as he has a bond with me, he was able to break through the darkness within me. He forced me to rethink. I instantly felt that the people I wanted to protect wouldn't want me to do it at such a high cost. I needed to make a choice and it was hard to decide. Accepting the will of the Force meant also accepting the fact that maybe I wouldn't be able to defeat Sidious. Following the Dark meant that I could lose myself in its overwhelming power and lose everything I hold dear. With that, I let go of my wish to succeed at any cost. I returned to my training, concentrated on the will of the Force and defeated Sidious without the power of the Dark side. The Force didn't let me down. My immersion in the Light alone was means enough to destroy him and this is what it means to be a Jedi."

The silence that followed was tense and Obi-Wan knew he had to continue. "What I want to tell you is that I am a Jedi, which means that the Force gave me the power to use it and fight with its help. However, deep down, behind all the training and instinct, I am a human being. If I experience a life-threatening situation, I will act as every other human being does. I have to decide how to act to save the ones I love. However, I have to consider the fact that in my case the power that comes with wielding the Force to my own will is going to change me forever. In the end it was too high a price to pay and I made the right choice." He inclined his head, indicating that he had finished and waited for the response of the Senate with anxiety.

The silence was broken when the first Senators began to clap their hands. The applause was still hesitant but after a few moments most of the Senators were standing and cheering. Obi-Wan's gaze shifted to the floor and his obvious sign of humility made even more Senators stand up.

Chancellor Valorum was looking at them with respect and when the crowd grew silent again, he nodded with approval. However, before he could say something, the Senator of Cato Neimoidia spoke up. "Master Kenobi, this was an impressive little show. However, as far as we were informed it wasn't you who killed Darth Sidious in the end. Would you please explain why Dooku deemed it necessary to intervene if your devotion to the Light was that unwavering."

Obi-Wan's expression changed into a frown at the slightly mocking tone of the Senator but in between seconds he had swallowed his irritation and turned toward the Senate again. "It's true, in the end I didn't deal the killing blow. I was, however, determined to do it," he looked toward Dooku, knowing that the former Jedi wouldn't like what he had to say. "The moment Sidious was kneeling before me I knew that I couldn't let him live. This man had threatened the people I love and he was determined to continue to. He would have tried to kill my fellow Jedi and everyone I hold dear. He would have tried to take over the Galaxy and he would have destroyed the Republic. I was not ready to let him succeed."

"So, you were determined to act out of vengeance?" the Senator of Cato Neimoidia asked with raised eyebrows.

Obi-Wan looked about and felt that the other Senators were curious about his reaction, knowing full well that he hadn't spoken about revenge at all. "Is it vengeance when we decide that the risk of leaving someone alive is too high? Yes, there was a brief moment in which the need of revenge threatened to overtake me; however, in the end it was my devotion to this Republic and my friends that led my actions. The boundaries are blurred in such a situation, but isn't it a sign of determination? Weren't the Jedi sometimes accused of not having enough determination – to fight pure evil until it is destroyed? Would you rather deal with this Sith now? A Sith Master who was able to twist my mind during battle? A Sith Lord who was determined to take over this Republic? How would you have dealt with him? It is impossible to hold such a man prisoner."

Dooku stepped forward now and Obi-Wan inclined his head, giving him permission to speak, "I interfered the moment I came into the room. I have to admit that I wasn't able to judge if Master Kenobi was hesitating or not. I agree with him. We can't allow someone like Sidious to live if we want to keep this Galaxy safe. I took matters in my hands because I was convinced of this truth and I wasn't ready to take the risk of letting him go. Now that I heard what Master Kenobi told you, I admit that my intervention was unnecessary."

Silence fell and Obi-Wan held his breath. He just hoped that he hadn't gone too far. They needed to understand that Sidious had to die. Such an adversary was dangerous, no matter if he had an actual weapon in his hand or not.

He felt a pod float forward and, realizing it was Senator Antilles of Alderaan, Obi-Wan looked gratefully toward the tribune to Bail Organa. As always his friend had prepared the Senate session well enough to get the Jedi support from his own Senator.

Senator Antilles spoke up, "This is the first time in my life I see a Jedi before me who is determined to defend peace and justice even if it means risking his life and his soul. Alderaan and its people thanks you for what you've done, Master Kenobi." He looked toward the other Senators who were still processing what had been said. "We all should thank him, instead of questioning his motives. No one in this room is able to say how he would react in such a situation. Where is the difference in the space of a moment between revenge and ulterior motives? The important thing for me is that Master Kenobi is standing here, bearing his soul before us, grounded in the Light. I am not Force sensitive but even I am able to feel his devotion. We should be relieved that this threat is over. After all I've heard today, I feel that the Jedi are our best option to face whatever is to come. Master Kenobi's consideration of the consequences his choice would have had amazes me, and I feel safe trusting the order to train their children to protect the Republic."

The applause was overwhelming now and Obi-Wan, exhausted after his long speech swayed a bit at it. Mace Windu reached out and pulled him to sit down, while Dooku looked around, his eyes showing disbelief.

Chancellor Valorum tried to calm the crowd and after what seemed like an eternity the Senate returned to order. With a nod, the Chancellor looked toward Obi-Wan. "Thank you for your openness, Master Kenobi. I think we all have learned a great deal about the Jedi today." He looked toward the Senators and continued, "I suggest we end this session for today. The matter of an army of the Republic should be dealt with tomorrow."

No one disagreed with that and Obi-Wan felt relief when the visitor's pod slowly floated toward its place again. After all that had happened, his honesty seemed to have paid off.

….