Obi-wan's first thought was that it was too quiet. His second though was that he was really thirsty. He decided to act on that. He opened his eyes a crack. From what he could see he was in a medical ward. And after he registered that he realized he was not alone in the ward. Sitting next to him on the bed was Master Yoda. And dosed off in a chair was Master Mace. He turned his head towards Yoda. "Hello Master." He croaked out. He didn't try to say anymore. His throat felt like he has swallowed sandpaper. Yoda realizing this quickly levitated the waiting glass of water over to the bed. He then held the glass so Obi-wan could sip trough the straw. After drinking some Obi-wan laid back on the bed, and looked at Yoda.
"What....what happened? How did I get here? The last thing I remember is lying on the floor after I killed the Sith." Mace answered. He had awoken while Yoda brought the glass of water and had watched the interacting. "You were brought here by the Queen's guard. After no one had heard from you after they defeated the Nemoidians, they began searching for you. When they arrived at the melting pit they found you lying on the floor. Qui-gon was lying on the floor on the other side of the room. It looked as if he had been thrown there. You were glowing bright blue. But as soon as the queen touched you the glow faded. They grabbed the both of you and brought you to medical. They examined you and found the remnants of a belly wound. They put you in bacta to heal that, and then we just let you sleep. After the Jedi Healers arrived it was determined that the force had put you in a type of stasis and started healing you. When human help arrived it allowed you to be taken and cared for by them." Obi-wan stared wide eyed. He couldn't believe that that had happened to him and he didn't even remember! And then another though occurred to him.
"You said Qui-gon was there?" Mace nodded. "We figure that he found you after leaving the decoy and Queen. He probably tried to start healing you himself. But when the force took over he was flung away." Obi-wan was still confused. He made as if to ask more questions but Yoda stopped him. "Sleep you should, young one. Questions you can ask later. Answer we will." "But-"Yoda was having none of that. "Sleep" and he added a force compulsion. Obi-wan was still weak enough that it worked. The exhausted Jedi slipped back into the healing embrace of sleep.
The next day Obi-wan was deemed healed enough to have a conference with the council, and a private conference with Mace and Yoda. But after that he was under healers ordered to go to the rooms the Queen gave him and sleep. He walked to the center of the room the council had taken over for this impromptu session. Yoda spoke. "Ask you we do Obi-wan. How felt you when killed the sith you did?" "Frightened Master." Adi Gallia spoke next. "Frightened of him?" "That was part of it." Master Windu spoke. "Frightened of your actions?" "That too." Ki Adi Mundi spoke last. "What else?" Obi-wan looked at the council. "I was frightened of what would happen if I did not win. I would not wish that fate onto the galaxy. I was determined to do anything in my power to prevent that future from coming to pass." The council took that in. And then Master Yoda spoke. "Confer on you the level of Jedi Knight, the council does."
Obi-wan was speechless. Mace chuckled. "Say thank you Obi-wan." That woke him up. "Yes Master. I mean thank you Masters." They all chuckled at his actions. Adi spoke up. The Knighting ceremony can be done right now if you wish." He nodded. "Oh yes. Please!" Another chuckle from the group. Mace walked forward. "I cut the braid that was the symbol of your apprenticeship. Your learning is never finished but this stage has passed." He cut the braid. "I cut the tail that showed your rank as a Senior Padawan. You have joined the ranks of Knights and have not need for rank symbols." He sliced off the tail in back. "I present these to you, the remainders of your youth. Do what them as you will." He handed the braid and the tail to Obi-wan.
Obi-wan then turned to Master Windu. "Will you take as a memento of our time together a portion of my braid?" Mace nodded. Obi-wan sliced the brain in half. After handing his piece to Mace he turned to Yoda. "Will you take as a memento of our time together a portion of my braid?" Yoda nodded and Obi-wan handed him the other half of the braid. He then spoke the last words. "I will burn the tail and spread the ashes. It will be gone but not forgotten. As are all things that have outlived their significance." Adi Gallia spoke from behind him, where all the other Masters had gathered. "Turn Knight Kenobi, and see the council as a Knight for the first time." With a blazing smile he did so.
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