Chapter 26: Talk and More Talk

Double doors opened up into the large circular room. A lone figure strode in full of purpose and determination. Strong leonine features were hard set as he took in his surroundings. Crystal clear blue eyes looked at each member of the Council in turn - all of which were in attendance. Their startled glares did little to deter this man. Deliberately he had interrupted their session and found his place in the middle of the room. He stood tall and announced in a clear baritone, "I have come to discuss the subject of Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Master Jinn," the one-eyed Master began sharply, "you saw fit to put aside this discussion until you felt it was time. How dare you walk in here proclaiming that we should put all other subjects aside to discuss a criminal."

Tight-lipped, Qui-Gon tried not to let the curt remark anger him further. He kept his voice as steady as he could. "Master Piell, it was my understanding that you were already discussing it, I am merely here to offer my opinion."

"Already known your opinion is." The tiny green being felt it wise to intervene before verbal blows could be dealt. His tone was weary but he continued on, "Agree with it some do. Some disagree as well."

Qui-Gon regarded the ancient Master curiously, some of his earlier anger slipping away. So often they had sat together and talked about many things. On more than one occasion, the subject of Obi-Wan had come up, a sore spot for both men. And now that the future was brightened with renewed hope, he couldn't comprehend why the enigmatic little being seemed to be discounting it so quickly. "Master Yoda, I must confess, I am a little confused by your behaviour. Often you had mentioned to me how you wished that Obi-Wan were still alive, that he should have been a Jedi, yet it seems you have not offered much support in his defense. May I ask why?" He truly wanted to understand. He didn't mean to put Yoda on the spot in front of the whole Council but he just couldn't wait for an answer any longer.

It was apparent to all that Yoda did not wish to discuss his reasoning at this point but since he had little choice in the matter, he said, "Hoped I did that return on his own Obi-Wan would."

"He has returned now, Master." In some ways he ignored the rest of the Council, his primary focus the green creature before him. However, one specifically would not allow him to ignore them for long.

"Only after he was found. And among pirates no less." Piell countered.

Qui-Gon turned to regard the Councilor. His arms folded tightly across his chest. "I understand that the circumstances by which he was discovered and subsequently apprehended are not ideal, but he is still a Jedi. You must see this."

"How can we see anything? Only Master Gallia was with you and even with her testimony there is still much that is unclear. To determine Obi-Wan's fate we must know what has happened to him since his dismissal. And as of yet, has not been brought before us."

His frown deepening, he tensed at the Master's continued refutation. His tone a little harsher than he intended, but then again he felt it was called for. "That is difficult to achieve considering he is in Republic custody." Willingly, he pointed out the obvious answer to Piell's heated comment. "Perhaps you could effect his release and this matter could be settled once and for all." Qui-Gon heard a 'humpf' come from Yoda at his candid remarks. He was about to press the subject further when a deep voice full of authority spoke.

"That is something we cannot do." Mace leaned back in his chair steepling his fingers.

Qui-Gon stared at him for a moment. He knew that the Mace's posture meant that his word was final but he simply could not accept defeat yet. So, cautiously, he inquired, "And why not?" The pair locked gazes waiting for the other to speak, but in the end a calmer voice answered.

"Qui-Gon," Adi began, "you have been on many missions recently and have had little interaction with many of the Senate and political leaders. So it is to my regret to inform you of the a growing sense of unrest right now amidst their circles. It is because of this unrest that the Order must consider its position carefully. Those that oppose the Jedi have become more vocal and are beginning to gain support. When I told you to stand down on Onderon, I was not doing so simply to defy you. This is larger than just one boy. If this is handled badly on our end it could further the beliefs that the Order is a liability to the Republic."

The room fell silent as all weighed her words. Qui-Gon had not been completely oblivious to the opposition towards the Jedi. However, like most of the Order they had not realized the extent of which it went. If the Republic no longer felt that the Jedi were beneficial to the peace of the galaxy they could pass a statute to disband the Order. He wondered if such a rule could ever be passed. Yet, he was starting to realize that cases of rogue and fallen Jedi could very well lead to their downfall. It was then that he also figured out what they were trying to say indirectly.

Qui-Gon looked at the senior members pointedly. "So then we are not going to offer help to Obi-Wan? We are going to allow Republic law to judge a Force-sensitive? They know nothing of who we are."

Stern brown eyes observed the Knight, as Mace spoke, "They know the Jedi are powerful, wielding abilities that many do not understand."

Qui-Gon took a step forward, his arms falling to his sides. "And they will destroy him for those abilities alone. So often that which is feared is destroyed. We cannot allow that to happen. Obi-Wan was meant to be a Knight." Impassioned, he could not allow this injustice to occur.

"We have little choice right now. If we step in and make exceptions the people will start to wonder what kind of power we hold over the Senate and the laws. As Adi mentioned, there is already the perception that Jedi are above the law, that we do not have to abide by it. We know that we are not, but we must prove that we are not exempt. So, we will have to submit to their judgement first. He is a Republic criminal and Republic procedures must be followed. Once he has been tried and punishment has been administered can we reclaim him."

The Knight shook his head refusing to believe that this was the only course. "This is unacceptable. By letting them act out this farce, they will cause even more damage. Obi-Wan is unstable at the moment. He needs a soul healer. He needs Jedi influence. To leave him unaided and unguided could also fuel the fires against us if and when his instability is revealed."

Master Piell found his opening to rekindle his protest. "He has been beyond our influence for five years. If he needed our guidance he would have returned sooner."

"Unless believe he did that help him we would not." The arguing pair halted abruptly at the Master's quiet interjection. Many of the Council turned toward Yoda questioningly. It was Ki-Adi-Mundi that finally voiced their concerns.

"Master Yoda, all of our initiates are taught to respect their Masters and trust them. Why would he believe we would not help him if he had come to us?" Quiet whispers echoed his question.

Yoda regarded them all patiently. "Because in the past we have not helped him. Failed him we have. Before sent to Bandomeer, neglected his testimony we did when told of Bruck's treachery. Two students lost and too arrogant we were to see it until too late it was." Another murmur erupted as the Councilors whispered back and forth.

It was Master Piell who silenced the room again. "Obi-Wan and Bruck's situations were unfortunate but I do not see how we have failed."

The ancient Master stated what he knew to be true. And he knew that they could not deny it once he reminded them of the errors made at that time. "Dismissed prematurely Obi-Wan was. And blind to the darkness in Chun we were." Properly chastised, the room became eerily silent.

Qui-Gon surveyed the Council warily. He assumed that this must have been voiced in one of their sessions shortly after the incidents occurred, but how would this sway their intentions. The suspense was beginning to wear on him and he could wait no longer, "So does this mean you will help him?"

"This means nothing." Piell snapped, obviously not appreciative of the reminder. "Obi-Wan is not under our jurisdiction. Master Yoda is only making a point."

The Knight felt renewed confidence and coolly stated his opinion. "It sounded to me that he is suggesting you reconsider your decision."

"Suggesting I am that dismiss him we should not." Yoda quickly corrected both of them before the argument could escalate further. His face pinched briefly in weary reflection "Mistakes made should not be repeated. However, his position considered carefully should be. So much unknown there is. Obi-Wan must be brought before us, only then can we begin to see the whole picture."

Qui-Gon bristled against the old Master's reproach. His earlier moment of confidence was quickly fading as he realized that even Yoda seemed to be backing down. His voice was deep and cool. "And when will that be Masters? When there is nothing left of Obi-Wan?" Qui grew tired of these political games and his patience was wearing thin.

Piell was in rare form. He had never been one to speak frequently during session, but he apparently had felt it time to voice his opinions. He glared at the Knight who stood defiantly in the center of the room. "Why do you persist on believing that Obi-Wan will be destroyed? The Republic is not comprised of butchers. Perhaps our enemies are correct in thinking that the Jedi think themselves above everyone else."

"You mistake my meaning, Master," Qui quickly defended. The harsh glares that surrounded him proved that he had been too critical of their methods. He was allowing his emotions to get the better of him and he knew it. The unfortunate aspect is that he did not want to reign them in. Still he knew that his condemnation would get him no further right now. He had to change his tactics before it was too late. Taking a deep calming breath, he started anew, "As Jedi, we are subjects of the Republic but we are first subjects of the Force. And that is where our first allegiance should lie."

His gaze swept the room to gauge the reaction of those listening to his speech. They remained unequivocally indifferent. Qui-Gon continued his monologue hoping to incite them with his plea, "When we deny or betray its calling we disrupt the course the Force has designed for us. I know this to be true because in the bottom of my heart I know this was not Obi-Wan's destiny. He was meant to be a Jedi and I ignored its will and set into motion the downward spiral we find ourselves in. And as I stand here before you, I sense there is something on the horizon, dark and looming, and it is there because of Obi-Wan. I believe that if we leave Obi-Wan in the hands of the Republic Justice System, we invite this darkness in."

"Speculation." Ki-Adi-Mundi's quiet tenor pointed out. Others nodded in agreement, "None of the Council has expressed any sense of darkness. Perhaps by acquitting Obi-Wan of his crimes and gaining custody will invite this darkness you speak of into the galaxy. Perhaps it is Obi-Wan that is the source of this darkness."

Tensing, his sharp eyes narrowed. He had been observing Obi-Wan's behaviour the moment that he was discovered, perhaps even earlier during the raid. And despite the rough beginning he felt that Obi-Wan was the focus not the cause. Once again he allowed his emotions to gain control of his tongue and released another clipped remark. "Just because you have not sensed it does not mean it is not there. And if Obi-Wan is left to their whim you will come to realize the mistake you are making."

That was the last straw for Piell. "Master Jinn, you are pressing our patience. Do not force us to suspend you from service."

"Suspend me?" Shocked at even the prospect, Qui-Gon voiced his protest. "For what, may I ask? Since Obi-Wan has been revealed to be alive, you have consistently asked me to give you my insight on the matter. I have been honest and told you what I believe to be true, yet you still hide behind bureaucracy instead of doing what you know is right. And for this I am to be suspended?"

"Your insolence would be the grounds for suspension. You have rebuffed our explanations as to why we are allowing the Republic System to carry out the trial. And in your need to countermand our decision, you have suggested that we are incapable of doing our duty."

For one full minute, the pair stood in silent battle. Neither side willing to back down. At last, an extraordinarily calm baritone muttered, "Perhaps you are."

"Qui-Gon!" Mace had been content to let them duke out their views and frustrations up to this point. But he could not allow this comment to go unheeded. The harsh authority in the dark Councilor's voice was enough to snap the group back to attention.

Immediately, crystal eyes were downcast. Qui-Gon didn't know exactly what had come over him to challenge the Council so, but he did regret his insubordination. Clearing his throat, he apologized, "Forgive me Masters. I never meant to offend." Glancing around, felt the need to reiterate his feelings about their neutrality. "But I cannot abide by this decision to submit to their legalities. In the past, Jedi have always been tried by Jedi. And now we are ignoring the agreements we had previously simply to keep face with those that question us. Obi-Wan is just a boy and we are leaving him in the hands of ignorant fools."

Mace leaned forward, his hands steepling in front of him imploringly. "Qui-Gon, listen to me. I am not your enemy. I am your friend. But you must see that times have changed and so we must change as well. We permit them to hold their trial and then we may have ours. Once he is here and we have had sufficient time to explore this situation more carefully can we consider your request. It is not that we want to condemn Obi-Wan but if he has committed these crimes we cannot simply welcome him back with open arms. There are penalties that must be paid and he will pay for them if necessary. If he is found innocent then his chances are even greater for being readmitted. But we will not be able to make that determination until after the Republic has finished their trial."

Closing his eyes, Qui-Gon muttered softly, "Once again you cast aside a gem because it is encased in stone." The talk with Bant resurfaced in his mind. In their talk they had referred to Obi-Wan's life being disturbed when a stone was castaway. The ripple effect from the displacement had skewed Obi-Wan's course to where he was currently. By the end of their analogy, Obi-Wan had become that stone. And now he assumed a new theory regarding the rogue. That he was a diamond in the rough. That he was a rare stone that had been tossed among the rubble. And his time in the dirt may have tarnished the surface, the beauty inside remained unflawed.

Taking another deep breath, his steady gaze returned to take in the two senior members. "I have learned my lesson. I see that you have not learned yours. Forgive me Masters, I see now that my efforts here are wasted. I have things I must do and I will not keep you from your duties any longer. May the Force be with you." Curtly he bowed and abruptly left, leaving a quiet Council behind.

After the doors slid closed behind the man, Yoda closed his eyes and placed his chin on top of his hands and gimmer stick. In a tone so soft that only the dark master next to him could hear, he mumbled, "Mistakes we have made. And mistakes continue to make we do."

*

Disgusted with the results with the Council, Qui-Gon was hastily making his way through the halls of the Temple to head out in to the megalopolis beyond. The meeting had not gone nearly as well as he hoped, but he should have expected it. After he had informed them of Obi-Wan's appearance, there was already a sense of uncertainty that could be fel from the ruling body. So opposition to his request could only be anticipated. He just didn't think that it would be virtually shot down all together. Deciding to worry about this frustration later, Qui-Gon found himself on the main level. Almost out, he heard a voice call out to him, "Master Jinn. Master Jinn, a word please."

In truth he didn't want to be bothered right now. But he could not ignore the person either. So he stopped and turned to found a woman not in the robes and attire of a Jedi but in the crisp uniform of the Coruscant Security Force. He recognized her immediately, "Yes, Official Martorana."

Fama Martorana had just finished interviewing a few of the children. She was about to call in the next child when she spotted the elusive Knight walking down the hall. In her haste, she snagged his attention. She strode up to the tall man and spoke plainly. "I was wondering if you would spare a moment of your time for me."

"Of course," he bowed slightly before adding, "but we will have to be quick. I have an appointment I must get to." On his way down from the Council Tower he stopped briefly at a public comm terminal to contact an old acquaintance. He left a short message with the receptionist who told him that he could be squeezed in but time was scarce. He didn't want to delay his meeting longer than necessary.

"It should only take a moment," she assured. Together the pair moved into one of the small meeting rooms on the lower levels. Once inside, she addressed him, "Master Jinn, I would first like to say how displeased I am with your methods at the Center. We have restrictions placed for a reason and to break those boundaries is uncalled for."

"In most cases, I agree with you Official. But I feared I had very little time to waste. Taking the extra time to contact the proper authorities in order to obtain the Clearance Code would have taken too long. Obi-Wan needed me and I could not delay any longer, no matter the reason. Rest assured that it will not happen again." Qui-Gon spoke with as much sincerity as he could. He never intentionally went to the Center to bypass their procedures, he was merely frustrated with the fact that he was denied the chance to be with Obi-Wan and they were still preventing him when he arrived. Otherwise, he doubt there would have been an issue.

Intently peering up at the Knight, Fama could see that he was regretting his actions so she let him off lightly, "Be sure that it doesn't. Now, you are the last person I need a statement from."

"I must apologize, but I do not have time to give you a full report right now. However, I would be happy to do so tomorrow morning. Perhaps we could meet at the Center, as I would very much like to be with Obi-Wan as much as possible. And it will still be a few hours before he is removed from the tank. That should give us ample time to talk." Qui-Gon hoped she would accept this gesture of compromise.

He was relieved at her nod. "I think that would be possible." Fama smiled at him recognizing the fact that he was doing his best to accommodate her. A sparkle lit his sky blue eyes for a moment and she realized this was the first time she had seen any other emotion in him other than stern haste.

A small mirk played at the edge of his lips as he pointed out, "Of course, I would need the Clearance Code then."

Her grin broadened at the hint of mild humour. Fama provided, "Capa Gamma 715."

"Thank you." He was about to leave when he remembered something that still weighed heavily on his heart. The thoughts of Obi-Wan in the Center and on the journey back to Coruscant flared in his memory causing the frown to return. He began softly, "Miss Martorana I do have one more favour to ask of you before I leave," he looked her in the eye, "the collar."

She sighed, anticipating this question. "Yes, Master Jinn, I know you have been vying for its removal. And I'll tell you now, it won't be possible. It's protocol." Fama Martorana had been with the RSC for 25 years and a Commanding Official for 11 of those years. She knew all the procedures and regulations like the back of her hand. There was no way she could accommodate his request.

Qui-Gon attempted to appeal to her sense of compassion, "When Obi-Wan is removed from the Bacta tank, his injuries will be mostly healed, but he will not be completely restored to health. With a full suppression collar on, it will not be possible to administer Jedi Healing techniques to care for the remaining infirmities. If nothing else, permit him to be free of it for some time so that his treatment may continue."

Fama considered his words carefully. Her superiors would not approve of the prisoner's freedom for any length of time. They would not want the rogue to escape before the trial or use his powers against them. But one thing he said did offer some insight. It was a loophole that she could exploit and felt it might help with some of the friction between the groups. "I do not have the authority to allow him time free from the collar. However, I do have one offer. You can either take it or leave it."

"And what would that be?"

"Instead of a full Suppression Collar, I am authorized to switch it for a restraint Suppression Collar. He would not be able to use his skills but you or another Jedi would be able to assist him. I know I probably shouldn't be offering you this option considering your stance on the subject. But I know your name. I have heard enough about you to know you will not abuse this privilege. So I feel safe enough to give you this option. I only offer it once though. Make a decision here and now and it will be done." She waited patiently for his answer. She didn't have to wait long.

"I have been in the field long enough to recognize even the tiniest of victories. I accept the offer and would like the collar switched as soon as Obi-Wan emerges." Qui-Gon bowed slightly in acquiescence. It was not exactly what he was hoping for but it was better than the alternative.

"We have an accord, Master Jinn. I will meet you in the Center tomorrow." She nodded.

"Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me." Qui-Gon walked over to the doorway and motioned her out. She complied and went back to finish her interviews with the children. Qui-Gon's pace quickened as he left the confines of the Temple.

*

The sun was setting on the Cityplanet. So many of its inhabitants were too busy to enjoy the beauty of nature. Not that there was much left to behold. The world had shifted into an industrialized jungle over the course of progress and held a different type of beauty now. Although, one man stood staring out the picturesque window of his office to look out at the colourful glory of night's descent. There he waited, wondering what the future would bring. A light tone alerted him to the arrival of a guest. He could hear the soft hiss of the door as it opened to admit the man. Without turning, he greeted, "It's been a long time friend."

Gentle baritone answered sounding a bit distanced, "Too long." A sigh followed. "And I wish that my visit were under better circumstances, but I need your help, old friend."

"I figured as much when I got your message." Guillaume se Tavis turned to regard the Jedi. He smiled as he motioned for his companion to sit. He moved behind his desk to slip into a cushioned chair. Don't worry about it, Qui. I went ahead and took the liberty of getting as much information as I could and already started to review the case." He picked up a datapad on his desk to emphasize his point.

"I knew I could count on you, Gi. You are one of the best barristers in the Republic." Qui-Gon had yet to take a seat, still quite anxious to find out what they could do for Obi-Wan.

The man chuckled at the compliment, shaking his head. "I wouldn't go that far. I'm good but I'm not a miracle worker. This case is not going to be easy," he said as he leaned forward. "There's already a lot of evidence here to convict him for life, if not death. I think we may have a few angles we could exploit but there really isn't much hope."

This was not the news he was expecting. Actually, quite the opposite. Qui-Gon had come here with the idea that Guillaume would be able to find all the loopholes and get Obi-Wan back into Jedi custody by the time the trial was over. Now it seemed as if that might not happen. He realized that much of the information regarding the Pirate's activity may be skewed. In an instant he went on the defensive. "He is not a brutal murderer. It was an act of defense. You must make them see this. He needs to be released to the Jedi. Only we can deal with him appropriately."

"I will do everything in my power, Qui, I promise. But I can't say that he'll be absolved of all penalties. I've already heard some rumors. From what I was able to confirm, it looks like Sano Sauro will be heading up the prosecution." When he saw no reaction in his friend's face he continued, "Sauro is rather vocal in his disapproval of the Jedi. He has taken every case that involves one of you for the mere fact that he is trying to discredit the Order. Right now, everything I've been handed feeds his case. If we're not careful, it's quite possible Obi-Wan will be made an example of." Qui-Gon slid into the seat as Gi spoke.

He was a little dumbstruck. This is what the Council had been trying to tell him. He knew that now. They had been trying to prepare him for the worst and he condemned them for it. He felt his actions were still justified to a point, but he was not aware that the situation was far beyond what he believed. And Obi-Wan was caught in the middle. "But we cannot allow that to happen," he said hastily.

"I know," Gi sympathized, "but we have to consider that he may have to serve some sort of punishment. If we work it right, he won't face capital punishment, but he may be locked up for a number of years." He knew that this possibility would not sit well with his friend, but he knew the man needed to hear the truth. And from where Gi sat, this was a very real outcome they had to consider.

Qui-Gon leaned back and covered his face with his hand. He had believed that somehow the Force would have provided them some means to avoid this and he was shocked to find it come up short. A hushed voice full of tumbling emotions made it past the covered face. "We do not have that kind of time. His last chance to return to the Jedi is now. If he is incarcerated he will never become the Knight he was meant to be."

Compassionately, he watched his friend's inner turmoil. He felt helpless to ease the troubled mind, lack of anything else to do he shrugged, beseeching, "I don't know what else to tell you. I will do everything I can for him, but you must accept this possibility."

For long moments, neither moved. Finally, Qui's hand slid down and he propped his chin against a loose fist. His gaze stared off into nothing as he searched for an answer. Finding none, over and over again, he finally relented, suddenly feeling extremely exhausted. "I am sorry. I know you will do what you can. And I would not want you to compromise your position. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you." Guillaume was actually next in line for an arbitrator's position and many of his cases were in-depth and very high profile. Qui-Gon knew he didn't need to take this case, but was doing so for their friendship. He was already putting much of his career on the line for Obi-Wan's sake. And if it ever came to a point where it was obvious that they were trying to manipulate the system both the Jedi and Guillaume could find a heap of trouble.

Yet his friend tried to give him some kind of hope that it could somehow work out. "You know I will. The trial has already been set to start in two days. They feel he should be recovered enough by then. All I can tell you right now is to let me work this out while you go back and rest. You look like you're dead on your feet. Obi-Wan will need your support through this. And you'll need your strength as well." Qui-Gon nodded, heart and soul numbed. Virtually everything he had hoped for had been shot down systematically. The Council denied their aide, the collar was not going to be removed – although his small accomplishment there brought some solace – and now it looked as if Obi-Wan would pay for the mistakes of the entire Order as well as the Pirates. Slowly, he rose from his seat.

Guillaume mirrored him. "Try not to worry. You never know how things will turn out." It wasn't much of a comfort but he couldn't let his friend go without anything to hold on to. They bid their farewells and Qui-Gon headed back to the Center with much on his mind.

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Sorry for the delay, I had a hard time filling out the chap. But some pestering on TF.N finally made me sit down and finish it today. ;) Thanks guys. :D as always, this post would not be nearly as good if not for my beautiful Betas!! :D You rock girls!!!!!

Anyway, your feedback is always welcome and appreciated!! And as always thanks for reading!! You're continued support has helped me work through the roughest spots and shine. :D Thanks.

K-Rock – LOL, I'm always afraid to write. Some parts are just scarier than others! And you think this is Obi-Torture?? Wow, I was thinking this is much more on the lines of Angst. Although there are references to Obi-Torture. Aww, who am I kidding, any Obi-Suffering is great for me!! ;) I like the little twist in RH. I hope to see more soon. Sorry I haven't really gotten back to you on it. Been kinda busy. :8} I'm hoping once this portion of the FnB saga is done, I can rest for a bit and take care of a few other things I'm working on. :D Catch ya later!!

Fudge – Well, I am so happy to hear you liked it. I thought in his childlike need Obi would seek out a strong and steady guide to ease his suffering. We will have to see if it helps them rebuild a foundation when the time comes, or only causes more trouble for our favourite pair. ;) Thanks!!!

Nat – Of course I knew. I'm one with the Force. :p LOL. Well, maybe on a subconscious level. ;) Anyway, Yeah, Obi-Angst totally rocks! I love it. I need it. I can't live without it! And I'm not kidding!! Hehe. I hope you liked this chap. Not as exciting but definitely poignant. Thanks for sticking with me. :D

Delphine Pryde – I know, I know. I think I'm gonna make a bumper sticker that says 'Poor Obi' on it. Because I think we all use it at least once a week. ;) LOL.

YLJedi – Yeah, Ja has really come along since I first introduced him. Sometimes I find it amazing which characters end up becoming more prominent as the story progresses. Quite often it is not who I expected. Thanks for the vote of confidence and the e-mail. I appreciate them both. I'm sure you might say I didn't need to worry about anything, but I still feel the scene was lacking. Well, no use crying over it now. It didn't scare me away, but it sure gave me a run for my money. ;) All I ever hope for is that who ever reads my work and likes it lets me know. That way I feel that all the work I put into it is worthwhile. I have tons of stories in my head. I can go over them all the time. But there's little joy when I'm the only one who gets to 'read' them. That's why I share. A story is meant to be read, and not just by the person who managed to convince the muse to let them jot it down. ;) And don't worry about the end. Hmmm, ok worry about the end of this fic but it's no where near the end of the WHOLE story. ;) Just keep those eyes peeled. :D Thanks again!!

Amazed – Thanks. :D I've barely looked at slash. Not that I've never read any just that it's not really my choice of ff. I'm more of an Obi-Torture person. But then I wandered into the realm of Angst and stayed there ever since! *snicker* I love toying with emotions (if you couldn't tell, hehe) afterall, humans are definitely a curious lot. Our emotions rule our rational mind and sway our beliefs and impassion us into action. If we are to believe that the character we play around with in SW are even close to what we consider reality, they need to express the same emotional flaws as us or we just don't buy it. That's what makes writing them so much fun. I get to look into their minds and figure out how they would react to the situation. It teaches you a lot and gives you wonderful perspectives. As for what you might have stumbled upon, you can always e-mail me questions. I have no problem discussing things privately. ;) Thanks. I have always felt we there is always room for improvement. But I am very flattered that you couldn't find anything constructive to say. It makes me feel like I am satisfying my readers needs as much as my own. ;) Thanks!

LOTRFaith – Yeah, I sometimes forget to mention the Fave thing. I know I'm bad and don't really put a lot on it. So I know I am guilty of neglecting it too. :8} Thanks for all the lovely comments!! It can be hard on people sometimes when things hit too close to home. I know it's happened to me on occasion, so I completely understand. Ahh there's that phrase again, 'Poor Obi.' I hear it so often. Wonder why?? hehe. I hope to get back to Obi and start getting back into his thoughts and such soon. But it's very difficult to try revealing everyone's thoughts at the same time. I think it overwhelmed me for a bit and threw off my writing. But now that I'm trying to take things one step at a time again, it's really helped my muse. We'll just have to see how things turn out for our fav Master-Padawan team. Thanks again for reading and everything!!

Review, review! Or tell me you liked it or hated it, whatever. I'm always open to your thoughts and suggestions!! Thanks for reading!! :D