Chapter 12

Everyone was glad that Obi-Wan seemed to be on the mend, even if he was still unconscious. The difference was that he had achieved a healing trance instead of being lost in his mind, and as he had reestablished his connections, it was apparent that he was getting better. Padmé was just happy to feel his steady presence in her mind again. It reassured her after everything she'd seen on Dathomir. She knew that what she had witnessed would have a lasting impact on him, and it was clear that he would need emotional support when he woke up and during his convalescence, but with all of them present, she was confident that they could provide him with that. The deep friendship he had with everyone around showed in the frequency of visits to his bedside. He was never alone, the Jedi keeping a schedule to make sure one of them was always there. At the moment, she was sitting in the medical bay with Anakin, who was also overjoyed to have the bond back.

Padmé sighed deeply and took her partner's hand, squeezing it. "It's time for you to wake up, my love. Everyone is anxious to speak with you."

Anakin smiled and took Obi-Wan's other hand. "Yes, Master, and Masters Yoda and Windu are currently giving their report to the Council. I know that you will be furious that you aren't able to do it yourself."

"Would that change anything?" Padmé asked.

Anakin shook his head. "No, in the end, I believe he shouldn't be present at this meeting. They would just poke him until he is too exhausted to function. And. . . I trust Master Windu to convince the Council that they need to take him back."

"What would he do if they expelled him, Anakin?" The desperation at the thought was shining through in her voice.

Anakin shrugged. "I'm not sure. But many other things could happen. Expulsion is just the last resort, and I can not believe that the Council would risk losing him. They know that he is important, and with this new thing, this Guardian mystery, I expect them to just make his life difficult."

Padmé chuckled sadly. "Well, he is used to that. They made his life difficult every step f the way."

He gave her a thoughtful nod. "Yes, they should have helped him long ago. I'm so glad that at least Master Windu and Grand Master Yoda are seeing that." Then he took her hand. "Just. . ." he began and trailed off. Then he seemed to have gathered his thoughts and continued, "I do not know much about possible sanctions. But it could well be that things will be getting worse before they get better. He is going to need us, whatever they decide."

She frowned. "What are we talking about, Anakin?"

"Well, Qui-Gon told me that he is fairly sure that they are going to strip him of his position in the Council. He won't be too heartbroken about that, mind you," Anakin replied with a smile. "But they can also forbid him to continue my training."

Padmé's eyes widened at that. "They wouldn't. Everyone knows how deep your bond is. That's a line I can't imagine them to cross."

Anakin gave her a doubtful gaze. "Letting him train the Chosen One after what he's done? It's certainly a line for them. . . . "

"You shouldn't dwell on possibilities, Anakin," a voice from the doorway interrupted them. Garen Muln was entering and sat himself down at the remaining chair in the room. "It doesn't help us, and it certainly doesn't help him," he said in a soft voice. "You are aware that at some point, the healing trance allows him to hear every word we're saying."

Anakin looked guiltily toward his Master and said with a wan smile, "Don't worry, Master. Master Yoda is going to defend you."

Garen nodded. "He will, and so will Master Windu, and let's not forget that Tahl is attending, too."

Padmé looked up at that. "She is? As his healer?"

"She's a member of the Alderaanian Council, which gives her the right to attend all Council meetings. She doesn't get a vote, but I am sure she is going to do what she can to help him," Garen explained.

"Isn't Qui-Gon a member, too?" Padmé asked with a frown.

"He is, but he suffers the same consequences of leaving the Order as Obi-Wan does. It's a miracle that they didn't sanction Tahl, too. I think that after Master Windu decided to help Obi-Wan, they were afraid to punish even more of their own. But it doesn't mean that they won't do it now."

Anakin cleared his throat and shook his head with a glance at Obi-Wan. Garen remembering his own words hurried to say, "But we will know more after their meeting is finished." Then he turned toward Anakin. "Siri is waiting for you in the Gardens. She wants to spar with you, and Master Windu thought it was a good idea to continue your training while we are here."

Anakin jumped up with a broad smile. "I love sparring with Siri!" he exclaimed.

Garen laughed. "Then waste no time," he urged the Padawan. "I am going to stay here with Padmé."

After having relayed events on Dathomir to the Council, the shimmering blue Holoprojections of Master Yoda, Tahl and Mace Windu formally stepped back to let their fellow Jedi discuss how to deal with what they had heard.

Mace knew that they had to proceed with caution. Over the last years, there had been many discussions about the change of direction the Order had taken. Some of the Councilors had only supported their course because they trusted Master Yoda to know best what needed to be done. However, that trust was wavering, and their refusal to help Obi-Wan had shown that they didn't follow them without question any longer. On the one hand, Mace was glad that they were arguing, having wondered often if the Jedi had really agreed with what they had changed, but on the other hand, he struggled with the fact that they had begun to find their voices the moment Master Kenobi needed their help. He just hoped that they would move forward now.

Master Ki-Adi Mundi was the first to react, deciding the upcoming discussion's direction. Mace was well aware that the Cerean Master had often advocated for a more cautious change in the Order and was known to be one of the more traditional Councilors.

"How is Master Kenobi now?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked.

Tahl stepped forward. "He is in a healing trance and still unconscious. His bonds are intact, but communication isn't possible yet. He will take more time to recover."

"To expel Sidious has taken its toll. We didn't realize how difficult this period must have been for him," Mace added. "We just assumed that he could cope as long as he didn't complain. I underestimated what the Dark Lord could do to him."

"Maybe we all overestimated his abilities," Saesee Tiin said thoughtfully, and Mace cringed at that. This wasn't going as he had hoped. The Ikotchi Master, as Ki-Adi Mundi, was very critical toward any changes. He had vigorously debated against the lifting of the non-attachment rule, and Mace remembered his opposition against Kenobi's Knighting all too well. "We made him a Knight long before his time, and his Mastery was not founded on our experience, but our notion of him in a former life."

Mace placed a hand on Tahl's arm when she moved forward to protest and shook his head. Best to see who in the Council was on their side first.

To his relief, Adi Gallia spoke up immediately. "That's not true. We all witnessed his abilities when he shared his memories with us. I don't think that his promotions were unfounded. We can't forget how he advanced the Order over the last few years."

"It's not proven that the changes he initiated advanced the Order," Mundi objected.

"It is not?" She asked with disbelief. "We tripled the number of initiates since he suggested that we look for them in the Outer Rim. We have functioning Jedi families with powerful children living in the Temple. I think the advancement is more than obvious."

"The families also prove to be a distraction," Oppo Rancisis stepped in. "Quantity is not the same as quality. We still don't know if the changes will pay off in the long run."

Mace shook himself to not show his annoyance. The traditionalists seemed to have taken the time to form a coalition. He didn't like that at all, and he sensed that Master Yoda was beginning to get uncomfortable, too. It wasn't that the venerable Master had to worry about his own position, as Grand Master of the Order, he was the only one they couldn't replace, but Mace Windu knew how important it was for him that the Council wouldn't treat Obi-Wan as a rogue Jedi.

"We're taking ten steps back," the Korun-Master tried to stop this. "We know that our numbers will be crucial in the future. Do not let us question the common goals we were already united about."

Master Mundi nodded. "You're right, Master Windu. Let's discuss what to do with Kenobi now. There is no point in questioning past decisions."

"I still think we should take a step back," Saesee Tiin countered. "After Kenobi's reckless decision to defeat Sidious with Sith Magic, I am not comfortable seeing him rejoin the Council. We do not know how events have affected him. I don't want him to make decisions on behalf of the Order. I am also convinced that the signal to the other Jedi would be disastrous. We can't explain why he is allowed to defy the Council while others are not."

Tahl's eyes widened in disbelief, and once more, Mace prevented her from arguing with them. He and Master Yoda had expected that. They had agreed that removing Obi-Wan from the Council would be a concession they were willing to make. However, he had to admit that he didn't like how this was going. Apart from Adi Gallia and Master Plo Koon, no one reacted with surprise. It was as if the decision had been made long before this session, and it annoyed him that they didn't wait for their report. He felt Master Yoda breathing heavily. Apparently, he had a similar feeling.

"I want to add," Oppo Rancisis said. "That I'm also not comfortable with his Mastery. After having dabbled in the Dark, we can't in good consciousness let him continue training an apprentice. And he can't function as a representative of the Order. He needs to recover and prove his loyalties before he can take on an important role again."

"You can't be serious," Tahl responded, not willing to hold herself back any longer. "He proved himself again and again. You even sent him on the most dangerous missions, not once asking what this would do to his Padawan. Not to mention to him. . . He was fighting against a Sith Lord residing in his mind. He should have taken it slowly, focusing on getting Sidious out. He should have seen a mind healer, but you weren't interested in that, were you? And now that he is finally free, you want to take Anakin from him?"

"But is he free?" Saesee Tiin asked with raised eyebrows. "Who's to say that he isn't suffering aftereffects – from the possession and his use of the Dark Side? No," he shook his head. "I don't believe letting the Chosen One in his care is a good idea."

"These are two different things. Before we decide about Obi-Wan teaching Anakin, we need to talk about his rank as a Master," Oppo Rancisis stepped in before Tahl could continue arguing.

Mace swallowed thickly. This was worse than expected. Not only had they discussed what to do beforehand, but they also had a strategy in mind. If they didn't treat cautiously, Obi-Wan would be left with nothing at the end of this session. "You can't demote someone with his abilities," he said, straining for a measure of calm.

"Why?" Ki-Adi asked. "It's not unheard of. We can't make exceptions just because he is kind of a celebrity in the Order. His actions have to have consequences if we don't want other Jedi trying out Dark techniques if they so wish."

"You can't compare his situation with a wish to play with Darkness," Master Gallia exclaimed, her patience now wearing thin. "There is no other Jedi whose situation is comparable to his."

"We could have found a solution for this if only he had asked for our help," Saesee Tiin stated.

Tahl gasped at this, and only Master Plo Koon's interference held her back. "He asked for our help repeatedly," he said firmly. "We chose to ignore it."

Ki-Adi Mundi shook his head. "This will lead to nothing. Master Yoda, can you vouch for the young man? Can you assure us that he isn't influenced by Darkness now that this is over?"

Master Yoda looked down in concentration, and with regret, he said. "I can not. The impact of his experience not clear it is yet. Not felt any Darkness I have for now. But vouch for him, I can. A fine Master he is. Earned, he has our trust. Not demote him, we should. Lose him, we might will."

"I propose to put him on probation then. Let him keep his title but put him under the tutelage of an experienced Master – one who mentors his progress and decides when he can fulfill his role again," Master Mundi said with determination.

Tahl couldn't even protest at hearing what Master Mundi was proposing, and Mace took a deep breath. This was outrageous. Never had there been a Master who had been put on probation before. He looked to Master Yoda, who radiated sadness at what was happening. "I'm sorry," he stepped in before anyone could discuss this idea. "This is unheard of. You're trying to treat a sophisticated Master with extraordinary skills like a little Padawan who needs discipline. I will not stand for this. You can't put such a measure in place without my consent as Head of the Order."

"Do you want to tell us that we are not free to do what the Force tells us to do?" Oppo Rancisis asked incredulously.

"It's not the Force that tells you to do this," Mace replied calmly. "It's your fear to change, your fear of Kenobi's role – of the prophecy Mother Talzin spoke about. As Head of the Order, it's my duty to prevent the Council from acting based on assumptions and concerns. We need to move forward, explore the role of this Guardian, support Obi-Wan on his path. . . . We can't treat him like a child who defied us. It won't help." He took a deep breath seeing no other option. With a regretful gaze at Master Yoda, he continued. "If you go through with this decision, I can't lead you any longer."

Tahl's head shot up, and she mouthed, "Please, don't!" She must have felt that they would let him go before moving on this subject. He knew it, too, but he wouldn't consent to this. He wouldn't betray Obi-Wan's trust. If they wanted to turn back the progress they had made, they had to do it without him.

After a moment of hesitation, Master Mundi gave him a thoughtful nod. "I would regret to see you go, Master Windu. However, we must draw the line at this. The Council can't condone the use of the Dark Side by one of his members. Maybe you can serve the Order in a more suited role at the moment."

Adi Gallia snorted. "What are you implying? That you want to accept Master Windu's resignation rather than reconsider this ridiculous idea of probation for one of the best Masters we always had?"

"Not demote Master Windu, you can," Yoda added with an icy stare. "Demote me, you would have to at the same time."

Ki-Adi Mundi shook his head. "I'm not planning on demoting anyone. We should explore the possibilities of a more progressive course while maintaining the status quo for most Knights until we know what effects the changes have. Let Master Windu lead the Temple on Alderaan and experiment on families and children, or any rule-bending he thinks will help the Jedi. For my part, I trust his judgment completely. But let us keep things as they are here on Coruscant. That gives us all the options we need. No one wants to lose your expertise, Mace, but we need a more traditional approach after everything that happened. We're going to send more Knights to Alderaan – let you found an expanded base there."

Mace closed his eyes briefly. He saw no way to fight this. The conviction coming from the other Councilors was palpable in the Force. With a regretful smile toward Tahl and Master Yoda, he said, "I agree," trying not to sound resigned. "I just have one condition. There is still the subject of the Clone Army to deal with. Senator Organa trusts me. I'd like to see that done and hope the Council will not relieve me of that task."

Oppo Rancisis nodded. "I think we shouldn't risk our relationship with the Alliance by exchanging the Jedi liaison again. Master Windu should take on Kenobi's role."

They all gave a nod of consent. Then Mace looked up again. "What does this mean for your plans regarding Obi-Wan? You can't in good conscience put him on probation."

Saesee Tiin looked around with a questioning glance and then shook his head. "I am sorry, Master Windu, but it seems that this is what the majority of the Council is prepared to do. The young man needs some time to recover, and he has to find his way back to the Light. He can't do that with the responsibilities he has to take on as a Master. He also needs guidance. He wouldn't dispute that if he were here now."

Tahl took a few steps back, her expression one of utter shock, and Mace shook his head slightly, pleading with his eyes that she stopped arguing. "Then I have one more request," he said, knowing that he was pushing things. "Let Master Kenobi come with me. I need his expertise, and I should be a suitable mentor in the Council's eyes."

"You would be more than suitable," Master Mundi replied calmly. "However, you have to train Anakin Skywalker, and the task of mentoring Kenobi should be done on Coruscant."

Master Yoda's ears twitched, and he looked up. "To the new Head of the Order, the task will
fall," he said sadly and gave Mace a glance. "Master Mundi, accept the position, will you?"

Mace looked down, careful not to betray his thoughts. It was the only chance they had to keep Master Yoda in the position to at least support Obi-Wan during this ludicrous probation period. Yoda had to join them in the game to not lose his own place. A Grand Master wasn't replaceable, but it was indeed possible to ignore his advice repeatedly.

"I humbly take on the position," Ki-Adi Mundi said, and Mace fought a snort. This had been a coup if he ever had seen one.

"How long?" Tahl asked with a defeated voice after a moment of silence. "How long does Obi-Wan have to prove himself?"

"Probation standard is three years," Saesee Tiin replied. "We shouldn't make any exceptions."

"Formed a bond he has with the young Queen," Yoda intervened. "It's going to need feeding."

"I don't think that we should support that," Ki-Adi said. "The bond is new. It should fade in time."

"She's a Galactic leader," Plo Koon said in his usual calm voice, and Mace felt that he was trying to get them to listen. To let an elected leader of a planet suffer knowingly was outrageous, and it wouldn't help them in their dealings with the Senate.

"I know, Master Koon. But it's not a Council sanctioned bond. He did that while not being part of the Order. It shouldn't have happened in the first place. However, to help the Queen, we're going to leave Master Tahl stationed on Naboo to deal with the repercussions. I also suggest that we send Knights Tachi and Muln to look for any mention of a Guardian in Jedi history, as Master Windu has suggested before. They're going to report to me as I will be Kenobi's mentor."

"What about Obi-Wan's relationship with Queen Amidala. I assume you're not supporting it at all." Tahl asked, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

"No, I won't," Master Mundi replied, his voice showing a determination that made Mace cringe. "Before taking another step in relationships, I'd like to see how the existing families work out for us. Kenobi needs to focus on his rehabilitation. There is no way we're going to let him take a sabbatical in this situation. The same goes for his other relationships. I don't want him to be distracted as long as he recovers from his ordeal."

Mace had to bite back a remark and gave Master Yoda a pleading look. They couldn't let them do this. Obi-Wan needed his friends. "Allow me to mentor him, too, you must," The venerable Master intervened. "A person he knows and shares a bond with he needs."

Ki-Adi Mundi gave him a respectful bow. "It will be a great honor for me to share this task with you, Master Yoda."

The Korun-Master practically heard the word 'task' replaced by the word 'burden' and looked down to hide his annoyance. They didn't appreciate the young Master and couldn't see what they were doing to him. He remembered how the Council had treated Anakin Skywalker without compassion in Obi-Wan's former life and sighed. The subjects of ancient Jedi prophecies didn't seem to invoke trust in the Jedi but fear.

"It's settled then." Saesee Tiin summarized. "Knights Tachi and Muln will be leaving for their mission as soon as possible. We'd like to debrief Master Jinn and Padawan Skywalker before sending them with you to Alderaan, Master Windu. You're scheduled to return tomorrow afternoon."

"That's just not possible," Tahl countered. "Master Kenobi still needs time to recover. I won't allow you to put his health at risk. This is my prerogative as his healer. He stays here as long as I think it's necessary." Tahl's voice was firm, and Mace gave her a grateful nod. It would help them to sort things out before they were all separated from Obi-Wan.

"One more thing to decide we have," Master Yoda hurried to step in before anyone could argue Tahl's position. "Destroy Sidious' anchor, we must."

"And we really need to talk about this other apprentice," Master Windu added.

Plo Koon looked at the hologram with a thoughtful expression. "Is he really a threat? He hasn't made an appearance up to this point. Maybe he has given up on his plans?"

Mace shook his head. "He was behind the plot on Altiria. We have solid proof of that, at least."

Master Tiin tilted his head to the side, and Mace felt him reaching into the Force. "I fear that Master Windu has a point here. We should take this threat seriously. That he didn't help his former Master take over Kenobi's mind makes him even more dangerous. It means he doesn't need Sidious to continue his plans."

Mace's eyebrows raised at the Councilor's words. He hadn't expected Master Tiin to see the danger. "We need to have Master Kenobi's expertise if we want to find him," he emphasized.

"We will have it," Ki-Adi said with a nod. "I am going to work with him on any clues we can find. And we will be looking for a way to destroy that anchor. It's a good trial for the young man to prove that he can work on it without dabbling in the Dark."

Mace knew that if he had to listen to the Cerean Master referring to Obi-Wan as a young man in that way once more, he wouldn't be able to keep his emotions in check, and he sensed a similar exasperation coming from Tahl. "Very well then," he said curtly. "We're going to inform you as soon as Tahl has an estimate on our arrival on Coruscant." With a flick of his finger, he ended the transmission and leaned forward, breathing heavily.

"I can't believe this!" Tahl exclaimed the moment they could be sure that they were alone again. "They didn't even ask what Obi-Wan needs to recover. I would have told them that he needs his friends at his side. And ignoring his bond with Padmé, I. . . ."

"Tell him we must," Yoda interrupted her with sadness in his voice.

"How can we do that?" Mace exclaimed, finally able to vent his anger. "Tell him that he is demoted like the little Padawan he hasn't been for more than forty years and that he has to stay away from his friends?"

"Hear it from us, he needs to," Master Yoda insisted.

"I know," Mace replied. "But I don't have to like it. He's going to be devastated. They didn't leave him any breathing room. After we stood idly by while he was fighting Sidious for over three years, we humiliate him? I'm sorry, Master Yoda, but we need to do something about this. I won't be a spectator from the sidelines while Ki-Adi Mundi tries to turn Obi-Wan back into what he thinks is a perfect Jedi. What, in the blazes, is Kenobi going to learn from him? He surpasses all of them in almost every aspect."

"Not to mention that he can't do anything about Sidious as long as they are keeping a strict watch that he doesn't cross any lines," Tahl added in a resigned tone.

The venerable Master just gave them a sad look, and Mace knew that they had lost this battle. There wouldn't be a way to get the Council to see reason. He took a deep breath and exhaled his remaining anger. They would have to live with it.

On Coruscant, in a basement, far away from the Republic center, a hooded man was entering his secret base, with a smile on his face. His plans on Altiria hadn't worked out, but now that Kenobi had driven Sidious out of his mind, he could at least be sure that his former Master didn't pose an immediate threat any longer. The possible return of the Sith had been his primary reason to see the Jedi Master dead. Sidious had taught him everything he knew, but he wouldn't let the old man determine his plans any longer. The leader of a Sith Empire would be him – not Sidious and certainly not Dooku. His former Master had been obsessed with Kenobi, and it hadn't helped their cause. To rule the Republic, they had to be more cautious, and they had to chase the Jedi Order back into complacency. He just hoped that his efforts to sow the seeds of discord in the Jedi Council had been successful.

In front of him, an illuminated hologram appeared. He moved the chess-pieces around - Bail Organa who would play a significant role in the Republic – Kael Dorvin, Organa's trusted friend in the Senate, and Padmé Amidala, who had to become a Senator after her term as Queen. He still had to pull some strings to place them on the board according to his wishes. With a disgusted expression, he pushed the image of Obi-Wan Kenobi far away from them. He needed the Jedi to separate him from the politicians. His influence had already damaged enough of his plans.

There were other Jedi that needed to be dealt with, like Mace Windu and Qui-Gon Jinn. Hopefully, the Jedi Council would do that. His spy in the Temple should have taken care of it by now. Impatiently, he turned to his commlink, which stayed silent.

He returned to his hologram and regarded the image of young Anakin Skywalker. Kenobi's tutelage had proven to be an advantage in making the young man exceptional. Additional to his unbelievable strength in the Force, he had gained abilities far beyond what was expected from a Jedi Padawan his age. He would make a powerful Sith one day. The man smiled satisfied. Finally, everything was proceeding as planned.

He was disturbed in his musings when his commlink finally went off, and he pushed it to answer. "Yes," he said.

"My Lord," a voice from the other end replied. "It's done."

The Sith smiled. "What of Kenobi?" he asked, trying to hide his curiosity, behind a severe tone.

"They put him on probation. He is still a Master," the spy said with disappointment in his voice. "But he won't be able to do anything over the next three years. He will be mentored, and he lost his Padawan, too. Master Windu is going to continue Skywalker's training on Alderaan."

"On Alderaan?" the Master asked with surprise.

"Yes, the Council relieved him from his duties as Head of the Order. Master Mundi took that position," the voice chuckled. "They played right into our hands. With him gone, there will be no more changes here."

"I am impressed," the Sith answered and restrained himself from laughing. The Jedi were more foolish than he had hoped. "What about Obi-Wan's relationship with the Queen?"

"They won't allow it, which should give you enough leeway to put your plans for her into action. Kenobi won't be permitted to see her while he is on probation."

"Good, good. . . . That's really better than expected. Send me a full report of the meeting immediately. Do not leave out who tried to put up resistance to this decision. We have to eliminate them as soon as possible."

"It will be done, my Lord," the voice said with obedience and cut off the transmission.

The Sith Master looked at his board, moving Kenobi's image even further away from the other actors. He had wanted to kill the young man as soon as the possibility arose, but now his suffering would be even more satisfying. He would enjoy seeing this troublesome Master reduced to a simple little Jedi, who couldn't change the Galaxy's course. He would feed on the despair Kenobi would feel while on probation. He chuckled and turned off the hologram. Finally, he was back on track, and no one would prevent him from rising any longer.

About half an hour after the meeting, Masters Yoda and Windu entered the Queen's quarters, where everyone had gathered to receive the news. Tahl had returned into the healer's wing to allow Qui-Gon and the others to attend because someone had to supervise Obi-Wan.

Mace Windu didn't like that he had to reveal how the Jedi had failed in front of everyone. Briefly, he had debated excluding Senator Organa and the Queen from the discussion. But in the end, he did what Obi-Wan would have done. The young man had stressed often enough that treating their friends as outsiders would only lead to mistrust. Each and everyone in this room had played a role in helping Obi-Wan. He wouldn't draw a line now. He was just glad that the Council hadn't gone as far as controlling Master Yoda and him on how to deal with the impact of their decisions. It left him enough leeway to do this the way he wanted to.

He looked around and smiled at seeing the group in front of him. The Queen and his interim Padawan were sitting side by side, and Mace knew that Anakin would support her if necessary. Qui-Gon had placed himself in the back on the couch, watching him anxiously. He really didn't like that he wouldn't be able to calm his friend's nerves. Siri and Garen, who sat together near the window, would be leaving soon but didn't know it yet.

At last, his gaze fell on Bail Organa, the Senator who wasn't afraid to criticize the Jedi when necessary. He had proved to be a stable ally in the Senate, and Mace enjoyed working with him because he always saw consequences they couldn't even imagine. Obi-Wan had been right all those years ago. They needed people from outside the Order to progress. He just wished that the other Councilors could understand that, too. Apparently, that wasn't the case.

He cleared his throat, and everyone looked up at him. "The Council debated Obi-Wan's situation at length today, and we came to a few decisions that will have an immediate impact on all of us." He took a moment to think about how he wanted to do this and continued. "What I am to tell you will be upsetting. I just want to say that Master Yoda and I didn't agree with most of what the Council decided. However, I suggest that I first finish what I need to say before discussing what it means. And please keep in mind that because Obi-Wan is still unconscious, you're obtaining information that greatly concerns him before he does. Master Yoda and I are agreed that it should be us to tell him this after he's recovered."

He received a nod from everyone and gave them a grateful smile. Then he began to explain about Obi-Wan not being welcomed back to the Council, about his probation, and the fact that he wasn't permitted to continue teaching Anakin. When he arrived at that point, he felt the Padawan getting upset over their bond. He stopped, and his instinct as Master told him to rush to the boy. Qui-Gon shook his head, reminding him to finish, and moved over to the young man, placing his arm around his shoulders, giving him the much-needed support to overcome the shock. Mace continued with the Council's attitude toward Obi-Wan's relationship with Padmé, which brought out a gasp from the young Queen. Bail Organa took her hand and squeezed it. Master Yoda gave Mace a sign to end with his own position.

"Well," he searched for the right words, evoking surprise in his audience as they knew well enough that this was quite unusual for him. "As the Jedi here know. The Council can't place someone under probation if the Head of the Order refuses. I tried to throw my weight around and told them that I wouldn't support that decision. However, it became clear that I no longer have their support as Head of the Order, which is why I resigned. They appointed me to the Alderaanian Temple to oversee the foundation of an expanded base there. We will have free reign in what we do, and it is accepted that we experiment to see if Jedi families are an advantage for the Order or not."

He felt empty now. He had talked for a long time, trying not to forget anything. However, now that he had finished, he was met with utter silence. All of them were looking at him with wide eyes, apparently searching for words.

Bail Organa was the first to voice his opinion, which didn't surprise Mace in the slightest. The young Viceroy wasn't personally involved with the Council. "Let me get this straight," he said with a firm voice. "They didn't help him in the first place, and now they punish him for preventing that Sidious uses his body and his powers to return?" He held up his hands at seeing Mace open his mouth to defend the Council's actions. "No, excuse me, Master Windu, I am not part of the Jedi Order, and I don't need to understand this. I am sure that there is an explanation for their decision in your Jedi philosophy, but I am a simple human, who is allowed to act on his emotions, and I am not ready to accept it. All I see is a friend of mine who was left alone in need and is punished for helping himself."

"Not forgetting how he achieved it they can," Master Yoda replied, not debating Bail's opinion.

"But they forget the full impact of their decision on the people concerned," Siri said with a frown on her face. She looked toward Anakin and Padmé, who remained silent, their shock about being forbidden to see Obi-Wan for the next three years evident in the Force.

"And they are forgetting how a recently formed bond between two persons needs feeding," Qui-Gon added with frustration.

"We tried to get an exception for Padmé to see Obi-Wan, but Master Mundi decided that a bond that recently formed should fade on its own in time," the Korun-Master explained.

Siri Tachi shook her head. "That Is outrageous, Master. The depth of that bond demands contact. We all know that. They are not only punishing Obi-Wan but a Head of State too. Even more so because Padmé doesn't have any experience in dealing with the ramifications of such a separation."

"They saw that problem," Mace replied. "They asked Master Tahl to stay on Naboo to help Queen Amidala until her term finishes."

The young Queen looked up, slowly regaining her composure. However, she didn't seem to be able to say anything at the moment.

Qui-Gon didn't have the same problem. "They must be out of their minds. They treat him like a little Padawan. I can't see Master Mundi mentoring Obi-Wan. That's just ridiculous. He surpassed him at the age of twenty-two. I doubt that they did themselves a favor with this. No one in the Temple will understand it."

"I hope that's the case," Garen said. "It's about time that someone questions what they do."

"Well, the Order is not a Democracy, Garen," Mace countered with a harsh voice, trying to keep things civil.

"Maybe it should be," Bail interrupted the Councilor. "The Jedi defend Democracy in the Galaxy. They fight for these principles, but in the Temple, they have to follow orders without question."

"Rules we need if not defeated by the Dark Side we want to be," Master Yoda tried to end the discussion.

"But who says that the Council has to decide about those rules alone?" Anakin asked. "The Jedi could decide together and elect their leaders."

Mace gave him a thoughtful look, and Qui-Gon nodded with approval.

"It is the principle the Republic is built upon," Bail confirmed. "There is no reason why the Peacekeepers shouldn't adhere to it, too."

Padmé shook her head. "I think this really should be discussed some time, but it doesn't help now."

"No," Siri agreed. "And as far as Obi-Wan is concerned, he faces three hard years. Master Mundi won't shorten his probation period, no matter what Obi-Wan will do to persuade him."

"Do what I can, I will," Master Yoda promised.

"So, it's settled then," Mace concluded. "Knights Tachi and Muln will be leaving this evening. The rest of us will stay here to oversee Obi-Wan's recovery."

Mace saw tears glistening in the Queen's eyes and was glad to notice Senator Organa placing his arms around her shoulders. He gave Anakin a sign to follow him, and the young man reacted instantly, knowing his Interim-Master well enough to not raise any questions.

When Mace, Anakin and Master Yoda had left, the rest sat together in silence for a while. Then Qui-Gon stood up."I need to go back to Obi-Wan," he said and looked toward Padmé. "I'd like it very much if you came by later. He may be unconscious, but he feels our presence. You can help him find his way back out of his healing trance. It's about time he comes out of it. . . ."

She gave him a sad nod. "I will be there as soon as I can," she replied with a soft voice, trying to fight back her tears.

As Siri and Garen decided to let the two politicians on their own, Padmé stopped them, "What do you think? Will the Jedi change one day, or will I have to prepare for a life led by the will of the Council?"

Siri threw her a look of contemplation and briefly closed her eyes in thought. "Honestly, I thought they had already changed. However, there is only so much an ancient Order can take. There will always be traditionalists who stick to the old ways. The Order is at a turning point right now. If they cannot open up to other ways, they won't defeat the Sith one day. But your relationship with Obi-Wan won't be their priority, your Highness. Primarily they want him to be a faithful Jedi. Someone who is the Order's face, someone who sticks to their rules, and someone who defends these. They know he is important, and in the end, they won't allow him to put someone else first. To have a family with him under these circumstances will be very difficult. I don't think they even want him to have a family."

"They allow Qui-Gon to have a family, and multiple Jedi families are living on Alderaan," Garen objected.

"Don't be naïve," she said. "These are Jedi-couples. Both partners are devoted to the Order and. . ." she sighed, "None have Obi-Wan's importance. His previous life experience makes him unique. The Council isn't going to allow any outside influence on him. And. . . I don't see the Queen of Naboo retiring after her term. Padmé is destined to play a future role in Galactic politics, which makes her a valuable ally for Obi-Wan but a dangerous one for the Order."

The young Queen let out a breath of frustration. "So, my success is going to prevent us from being together?"

"I'm afraid that Siri might be right about that," Garen confirmed.

She gave him an understanding nod. "They'd prefer him having fallen in love with another Jedi."

He shook his head. "They'd prefer him not to have fallen in love at all. They'd prefer him to be the perfect Jedi Master he was in his former life. Honestly, they'd prefer him not to have a special role. They don't want the Order to change, and they fear that if they continue to follow him, they will lose their positions."

"It's going to be their downfall," Bail stated, and Padmé seemed to contemplate what Siri and Garen had told her.

Then she stood up. "I really need to see Obi-Wan. I have the feeling he is going to wake up soon. Then we will see what he has to say about this."

Bail gave her an approving smile. "Just tell him that I will always be on his side, and I won't let the Council prevent me from seeing him."

Anakin followed Master Windu outside and was surprised when his interim – no, now permanent – Master turned around with a soft gaze. "I know this is difficult to accept," he began, and a sigh escaped him. "I can only try to make this situation easier on you. I know that you can find ways to communicate with Obi-Wan even against the Council's wishes. I just want to assure you that I am not inclined to punish you for it. You have a strong bond with him. I won't tell you to close it. There is a reason why the Force put you together. I just ask you to give our relationship a real chance. I am not ready to fight you every step of the way. Instead, I'd like us to make the best of this situation. I am sure that I will be able to teach you a few things if you let me."

The young man gave him a blank stare. It was quite disconcerting to feel the Korun-Master's unusual insecurity. Nervously, he took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Don't get me wrong, Master," he said, biting his lip. "I respect you, and I promise you to do as you ask as long as we have no other choice. However, I feel that I should be at my Master's side. I can't imagine staying on Alderaan while he is stationed on Coruscant. Isn't there a way to convince the Council that they are acting against the will of the Force in separating us?"

Mace reached out with his hand and gave him a brief pad on the shoulder, his eyes full of compassion. "I'm sorry. For now, I don't know how to change their mind. They are not ready for any more changes. "

Anakin gave him a sad nod. "They didn't want me and Luan educated in the same place. How will that work out now?"

Master Windu scoffed at that, and the young men felt his exasperation in the Force. "Honestly, they are so focused on diminishing Obi-Wan's influence that they didn't even think about that. And as far as I am concerned, I don't care. They took away the most crucial person in your life. I think we should take what we can to compensate for that loss, at least in part." The Master smiled when he saw Anakin's eyes widen in surprise. "Padawan," he said with a solemn voice. "Please believe me when I say that I won't stand in the way of your relationship with Obi-Wan. He can't be your Master at the moment, but he is always your friend. The Council can't take that away from you. I . . ." he swallowed against a lump forming in his throat. "The Council can't take that away from him. He will be devastated when he hears about this. He is going to need our help to get through this."

Anakin sighed deeply, knowing that Mace had made an important point here. While this was difficult for all of them, they would have each other on Alderaan to cope with it. In the meantime, Obi-Wan was forced to stay on Coruscant without anyone to help him. "He could defy them," the Padawan said with a shimmer of hope in his eyes.

"They would expel him. They were ready to accept my resignation over this," Mace countered.

"Then let them, and we leave with him," Anakin blurted out. "We can't let him go through this alone!" He wasn't able to fight the wave of despair that had been building over the last hour any longer.

Mace looked at him with deep understanding. However, he shook his head. "What would Obi-Wan tell you now, Anakin?" he asked softly.

"That it's not my place to worry about him. That he is a Jedi Master and able to cope." Anakin's shoulders slumped in resignation. "He would tell me that I am destined to be a Jedi and that I have to finish my education. He wouldn't let me leave the Order. "

"And he won't be alone," Mace added. "Master Yoda will stay with him, and I am sure he's going to do what he can to shorten his probation period."

"It's just so unfair," the boy replied with tears in his eyes. "They should be grateful to have him. They shouldn't fear his influence. He always taught me that I have to face my fears, but it's not what the Council does. They let fear determine their actions, and we are all suffering for it."

Mace gave him a nod. "They do. However, for now, they cannot be swayed. So, let's make the best of it. In their hurry to get rid of me, they gave me full freedom to change Alderaan's rules. We can build an entirely different Order there. Let's do this and show them that there is nothing to fear."

Once more, Anakin was surprised at the Korun-Master's words. The Council was still steeped in the old Jedi rules, but it was evident that Mace Windu's point of view had thoroughly changed. The Padawan was eager to see where he would lead them, and for the first time, he had the feeling that maybe the Force had chosen him as his Master for a reason.