Obi-wan began packing under the watchful eyes of Master Windu and Master Yoda. As he began searching for his most formal robes in his closet Mace spoke up. "Are you sure you want to do this Obi-wan?" The answer came back muffled. "Nomuoueutwinywa" And Yoda chuckled. "Say that again with your head not in the closet you should." Obi-wan pulled out of the closet triumphantly holding up the navy roab and under tunics in various shades of blue. "Found it! And I said No I'm not sure, But I will anyway."
Mace shook his head. "You know with the amount of time you spend going to diplomatic formal functions, you would think that you would have your formal robes in the front of your closet." Obi-wan began folding them into the special case that would keep them from wrinkling. "Nope. I toss it in the back in the, apparently vain, hopes of never having to wear it again." Yoda snorted. "Know your views on formal functions we do. Know your opinions the entire temple does." Obi-wan zipped the case up. "Yet you still insist on sending me to them." Mace chuckled at the by-play. "But you do so well at them! All the senators want to have you come to their functions. You're the only one that can get the issues resolved the way you do." Obi-wan gave him a dirty look. "And I'm sure you do nothing to encourage their opinion of me do you?" Mace gave him an innocent look. "Me? I don't do anything. Yoda on the other hand...." Obi-wan chuckled and headed to the refresher to get his toiletries. "Promised you would that speak of that you would not!" He exclaimed. Mace answered and Obi-wan could only imagine the look on his face. "I didn't tell anyone. Obi-wan doesn't count. You know that." "True. But tell other you will not!" "Of course not Master Yoda."
Obi-wan smiled. He felt a warm glow move through him at the comment that he wasn't other people. It made him feel wanted. It was a sensation he had rarely felt until he had started training with the two masters. They had become for all intents and purposes his parents. That started him chuckling. They even fought like a bonded couple at times! He walked out still chuckling, to add his toiletries to his pack. "What find you so funny?" Obi-wan choked down his laughter. "Nothing Master" Yoda looked at him in speculation. "Know that tone I do. Nothing it is not. Tell me you should. Think it funny I might." Obi-wan settled his fully packed bags onto the floor. "It was just, well I was thinking about how you two have become my family. Almost like my parents." Yoda nodded. Mace figured out where this was going and clamped a hand over his mouth to contain his laughter as Obi-wan continued. "And I was just noticing how you and Master Mace fight like a bonded couple....Oww!" The last was said as a pillow flew across the room smack him in the face. Yoda mock glowered. "Funny that is not!" Mace let his laughter out. And not a moment later Yoda began to chuckle along with the other two. It was some time later before they were all able to calm down.
The next morning a properly somber Obi-wan stood outside the launch pad waiting for Qui-gon. When he saw the other Jedi approach he grabbed his bags and lifted them to his shoulder. Qui-gon very quickly was next to him. "Are you ready to go Master Jinn?" Qui-gon nodded. And the two of them headed onto the ship that would carry them and the Queen towards Naboo.
In the shadows Mace and Yoda watched them walk away. "I hope this was a good idea. I don't know that sending them off together is a good plan." "Do this we must. Healing must start between them. If not all will be lost. Last chance this is for a reconciliation."And after that cryptic comment the diminutive master walked back to their transport. Mace waited a moment and whispered. "Good luck Obi-wan. May the force be with you both. I think you'll need it."
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