Chapter 30: Bare all Truths

"I'm too far from home, it takes far too much energy.
I cannot afford to, no one will ever see me.

These excuses, how they're so familiar
They've kept me blocked, they've kept me small
They've kept me safe inside my shell.

Bringing these into the light shakes their foundation
and clears my sight
And now my imagination is the only thing that limits the bar
and it's rise to the heights." Excuses (Alanis Morrisette – So Called Chaos)

A guard came to stand next to him and motioned for him to rise. Glancing over at Guillaume, who nodded, Obi-Wan got to his feet. Still bound he was lead over to the witness chair. The tension in the Courtroom rose tenfold in the silence. Looking directly at the youth, Sauro's booming voice shattered the quiet but in the same moment fueled the tension. "You have heard what the others have said. And there have been some variations of what happened on both the Koska and the Zenah. Now I want to know, are you a 'Jedi' who tells the truth? Or are you going to deny it all like a common criminal?"

Obi-Wan sighed and cast his gaze down. "Why deny something that has already been confessed?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I already told Mister Griven, Padawan Bant, Master Jinn and Master Gallia, as well as Official Martorana and Mister Tavis that I killed Kiiv Griven." Obi-Wan glanced at each in turn as he spoke. "It was an accident but that still doesn't change the fact that a man is dead because of me." When he spoke his tone was somber and abnormally calm.

Sauro turned away disgusted for a moment before spinning back around to glare at the boy. "I can't believe you can sit here so calmly and talk about death. A death that you caused. Are you going to tell me next how remorseful you feel about it?" The man crossed his arms as he waited for the answer.

"I could, but you would not believe me."

"And what makes you think so?"

"You already hold a grudge against me because of my Jedi background. Even if I were innocent, you would not believe me."

Sauro took a threatening step forward. "Are you accusing me of neglecting my position as a Barrister because of a personal vendetta?"

"No," Obi-Wan met the man's gaze squarely, "but it is your vendetta that brought you here to make sure that I suffer." Then in an even softer voice, he added, "Not that I mind."

The pair battled wills. Sauro was furious that he was blatantly accused by the rogue before him of his private war. Even though many already knew of his dislike, the fact is, that he had never been accused outright in the middle of a trial before. Never in his career had one person riled him up so much. Inwardly, he agreed with the boy on one point. He wanted him to suffer, especially now after this humiliation. He was about to voice the contrary in order to keep face, but he was abruptly cut off.

"Arbitrator, I object to this tangent." Guillaume had been watching very closely and when the discussion began taking a turn for the worse, he hoped he could find a way to intervene. With Obi-Wan's current state of mind, he worried that the boy may try to dig his own grave. And this direction could very well give him the opportunity to do so. So, Gi cut it off before it could get too far. "We are here for specific reasons not to hear about Sauro's grudge. And this conversation could escalate into something that could be detrimental to my client's case."

"Agreed." Osei-Tutu nodded her head. "Could you please focus on the trial, Sauro?"

The heated man took a calming breath before answering. "Of course, Arbitrator." Sauro turned away to collect his thoughts. He needed to refocus the court back on to the pirate, yet still manage to make his point. When he came up with a new agenda, he looked back at Obi-Wan. With a dark grin, he began, "Let's start from the beginning. When were you accepted into the Jedi Order?"

A little taken aback by the new line of questioning, Obi answered with a hint of hesitation. "I was an infant at the time, but I believe that I was just under a year."

"Did you enjoy being a Jedi?"

"It was my life," his voice cracked, he couldn't help it. Swallowing, he continued, "I knew no other. I thought it would be my future…" Obi's gaze dropped down to his hands, where he saw the binders. His heart skipped a beat, and in that instant he couldn't believe what was happening to him. Could it truly be that his fate would be decided in this place? The answer was denied when Sauro's harsh voice cut through his thoughts snapping his head back up.

"So you are bitter at being rejected?"

"Wouldn't you be? We are led to believe our entire childhood that we will become Jedi Knights. And to find out that that dream was all just a lie, I can't even tell you how much that hurt. Becoming a Jedi Knight was the only thing I ever wanted."

Satisfied with the honest response, he stated, "You were disappointed with the decision to cast you aside."

"No," Obi-Wan shook his head slowly, "I wasn't disappointed." The odd tone used was a mixture of too many emotions to name. But it was this strange mix that caused both Qui-Gon and Guillaume to stiffen in their seats. Something told them, Obi-Wan wasn't finished and feared what he would say next. "Disappointment, would imply that I knew that there was a chance I wouldn't be a Knight. But that wasn't really the case. I believed with ever fiber of my being that my destiny was Knighthood. And when that didn't happen… no, I wasn't disappointed, I was hurt and angry. I felt betrayed and alone. But I soon discovered that that was only the beginning of my troubles."

Sauro ignored where that last comment could lead. He had other points he wanted to make. "You say you wanted to be a Jedi Knight. Tell me, what does a Jedi Knight do, in your own words."

Sea-kissed eyes drifted toward the audience, lovingly looking at familiar faces; Adi Gallia, Qui-Gon Jinn, Tahl, Bant, Tola, Siri Tachi, Uulia Uvontra as well as a number of others. "They are Guardians of the Peace. They protect the Republic from those that would destroy it. But more importantly, they help others no matter what the cost. They risk themselves for the sake of the greater good. They serve justice and bring those who oppose it to face the penalties…."

"Stop." Sauro's hand flew up. Slowly, he made his way back in front of the youth. "Do you hear yourself? Do you hear what it is you are saying?"

The murky depths moved to regard the barrister. "Yes. That is why I handed myself over to them. I tried to hide away and escape the punishment I deserved because I was afraid. But I knew the instant I realized Jedi were on that ship that I couldn't run away any longer. It was time to face my fears and return to the Republic."

Letting out a sardonic laugh, the prosecutor asked incredulously, "And you think by doing this you can go back and be that Knight you always wanted to be?"

"No." Something in the way it was said caused the man to look at Obi-Wan directly, something darker in the young man's tone. "That dream is dead to me now. If I'm lucky I'll be allowed to live. And if that happens I will gladly settle down somewhere and be a perfect subject of the Republic. If not, I won't have to worry any more about my future."

The dark undertone bled through the room. Sauro allowed a wicked grin to grace his features as he stepped ever closer to the youth. Resting his hands on the banister, he said, "That's even if you get that far. You still have to deal with the punishment issued here. Do you know what the sentence is for your various crimes?" Obi-Wan shook his head no. "The theft and assault alone could put you away for up to a year. Murder is up to 3 years. And if by the end of that time you are not reformed you are terminated."

Obi-Wan's grim expression never changed. In truth, he would have much preferred them to forego the reformation period and get straight to the termination. But he knew that would never happen. The end wouldn't come so easily for him.

Sauro seemed content with the lack of retort for the moment and moved on, "So how long have you been with the Pirates?"

Sighing, Obi replied, "Almost immediately after I was dismissed from the Order." Afraid that they were going to drag his captivity into the light, he steeled himself for the coming storm. Only it didn't come, well not in the way he expected anyway.

"Did you begin helping them on their raids right away? Or did you at least wait a while before joining in?"

Obi-Wan turned hurt eyes up. He had assumed that everyone knew of what happened when he was first stolen away. But the way these questions were asked implied that he had immediately decided to turn to piracy. Confused, his voice sounded a bit constrained now. "No. I was their prisoner first."

"Prisoner?" Sauro sounded surprised as if this was the first he had heard about it. "What happened that changed that?"

"The original Captain died in the midst of a raid. The First Mate assumed command and freed me. He never agreed with the previous Captain's methods and was quick to change things."

Slamming his hands down on the banister of the witness chair, his gaze bore into the rogue, "Then why didn't he stop pirating? Or better yet, why didn't you make him stop?"

Obi-Wan flinched involuntarily at the sudden moves. Still off balance from the previous questions, he fumbled for his excuses. "It was the only thing they knew how to do. How could I change their minds? At least, over time we were able to stop the killing. Mister Griven's death was the first in years."

"But terrorizing people, destruction and property theft are still acceptable?" Sauro's voice raised a notch.

"Of course not." Obi-Wan feebly tried to defend. "But I can't make them stop just because I said so, no matter how much I wanted to. Togorians are a wary people to begin with. I had to convince many of the others that I was not a threat before they would accept me as one of their own."

But Sano wasn't convinced, he was determined to drive the point home. "So that made the mayhem acceptable?"

"No!"

"You willingly caused others harm. You willingly robbed and harassed innocent victims. That doesn't sound very Jedi-like."

"No, it wasn't like that. I usually didn't get in the middle of the raids. I only guided them through the ships and watched out for any threats."

Cynically, Sauro demanded, "And that makes your involvement any less guilty?"

"No." Finally, the boy conceded in a timid voice. He realized that there was no denying the fact that as long as he assisted the pirates in their raids, he was still guilty of the crimes they committed.

"So you admit that you did in fact willingly participate and cause people harm."

"In a way," automatically his mind spoke trying to convince himself that he wasn't totally at fault here. He flinched at the animosity of the voice that followed.

"Yes or no!"

"Yes." Obi-Wan stared down at his hands again.

Now that he got what he wanted, Sauro straightened. Turning away he looked at the Panel. "You said before that you were not able to stop them from raiding, correct?" He didn't wait for an answer but kept going. "So instead, you join them. Now I have to wonder, as I am sure others must as well, why did you not run away from them after you were freed? Or possibly, if you had assisted them to save your own neck, maybe try escaping on one of the ships and bringing these criminals to Justice as a Jedi should?" From a distance, Sauro's piercing glare bore into the youth. These were valid questions and everyone awaited the boy's response.

Obi-Wan sat there for a while trying to formulate his answer. In all honesty, he didn't fully have one that made sense to everyone else. Heck, in many ways, it still didn't make sense to him. He just knew he couldn't come back. At last, he managed to say, "I wanted to stop them. And I did think about coming back, but I couldn't."

"Why not?"

"I told you already. There was nothing to come back to." The young man gave him the easiest explanation. It was definitely the primary reason, but not the only reason. Even still, he was starting to get frustrated, mostly at himself for not being able to define his reasons but also at the barrister who was hell-bent on his destruction.

"You're so sure? I thought the Jedi were a forgiving lot. I guess that assumption is wrong. So you join a murderous crew of pirates and grant them your loyalty instead."

"That's not true. The Jedi do forgive. I will always be thankful for the Jedi and their teachings but the Togorians were the ones to save me. And they may have been murderous in the beginning but they have given that up because they wanted to change. Keeping them safe is the least I can do for them."

"So, you are protecting them even now." Another foul smirk curled his lips. Sano egged the youth on, "You know, if you helped us bring the Pirates in for prosecution we'll go easier on you. Even give you over to the Jedi."

Obi-Wan shook his head, a look of steely determination on his face. "Never. I will not betray them."

"But you betrayed the Jedi when you attacked their ship. How do you live with yourself and your twisted hypocrisy? I thought you wanted to be a Jedi, but you ignore your training so that you can help Pirates! Criminals have gained your devotion and you dare sit here and pretend that that is perfectly acceptable. Well, boy, it's not. You will pay for your crimes. And in time, so will they." Abruptly he turned away from the youth not even giving Obi-Wan the opportunity to counter. "I'm finished for now Arbitrator. He's your witness, Tavis."

Guillaume was agitated to say the least. As expected, Sauro neglected many aspects that should have been considered. But fortunately, he was prepared and ready to bring everything to light. "Thank you, Sauro." The politeness of his tone belied the disgust beneath it. Rising, he walked over to where Obi-Wan sat. He leaned in close so that only Obi-Wan would hear. "I'll try not to keep you up here for too much longer. And I beg forgiveness for anything I am about to do."

The rogue glanced up at the man, the confusion evident. But he said nothing and only gave a slight nod. Gi half smiled and stood up straight. "Honoured jury, I'm sure you have noticed that Mister Sauro's prosecution is rather one sided. I think there are a few things you need to know before passing any judgement." He looked over at the quiet youth. "Obi-Wan, may I ask why you will not turn your fellow pirates in?"

Tentatively, Obi answered, "They are not just comrades but my family now."

"Oh?" Gi pondered aloud, his tone sounding more curious than questioning. "But you are obviously human. How could they be your family?"

Remembering what the man advised him before this whole mess began, Obi-Wan told the truth. "When I was freed, I was - not well - and they took care of me. Eventually I was regarded as one of the clan. And as one of the clan we become family." The gentler tones of his barrister calmed him enough to speak softly again.

"So Pirates can be compassionate and care about such trivial things like family." Guillaume regarded the Panel thoughtfully, emphasizing a point. Apparently, Obi-Wan thought he was confirming with him because he answered.

"They are people first. Piracy is a means of income, obviously not the wisest choice, but it is not who they are. They love and care for their clan and kin just like any other species. I wouldn't even be here if not for them."

"And why is that?"

"Like I said, I wasn't - well - when I was freed."

"You were on the verge of death, weren't you?" Obi's gaze dropped and he nodded. He knew now that that horrible time was about to be revealed to some extent. Hoping to get past this quickly, Obi-Wan sat quietly, unwilling to look anyone in the eye. Guillaume continued, "You mentioned being a prisoner. I can bet that that wasn't a pleasant experience. Am I right?" Another nod. "Did they beat you while you were a prisoner?" Obi-Wan stiffened at this. He wasn't exactly sure where this was all leading but he was starting to get a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. His heart raced and beat harshly against his ribs.

"Was it only one person who abused you?" Gi tried to be as gentle as he could. He knew that this topic was something his client was not so eager to discuss. Still, he had a plan, he just hoped it would pay off in the end.

Somehow finding his voice he answered, "Mostly…."

"How do you mean mostly? It should just be a yes or no answer." There was no hint of reproach in the question, just a need for clarification.

"Captain Drrov generally punished me, but there were circumstances that allowed others to - discipline - me too."

"Certain circumstances? Punishment? Discipline? It sounds to me that not all the violence was random. Is it possible they made you do things you didn't want to do?" Obi-nodded slowly. "Can you tell me what they did?"

It took several minutes for him to steady his voice enough to speak. "I was forced to fight." flash struggles, pain. The smell of sweat, blood and death. flash

"Fight? You mean for sport, right?" Obi-Wan nodded unable to trust his voice. "I've heard of some of the black market fights that are arranged. Usually there are no rules, very vicious and very bloody. Some of the combatants come out without limbs or are left with nasty looking scars. But most often, one of the fighters doesn't make it out at all. Isn't that true?"

Blue-green orbs sparkled with unshed tears. Still incapable of facing the countless eyes that watched him, Obi-Wan nodded once more. Guillaume went on to say, "Now from my knowledge of Jedi beliefs, it is often stated that killing should be avoided at all costs. If I understand correctly, it would be safe to assume that you were forced to kill during these fights. And as a former Jedi that outcome would have weighed heavily on your soul, is that not also true?" Ginger lashes fell to conceal turbulent seas. The barest hint of a nod answered his question.

"We've all heard the countless testimonies today regarding young Kenobi's character." Guillaume turned to look at the audience giving the youth time to collect himself again. "It seemed to me that still strongly influenced by his Jedi background and his compassion for others, that Obi-Wan must have refused to fight these battles when first commanded. And what happens to disobedient slaves?" Gi asked of no one in particular and promptly answered, "They are punished."

Turning back to look at the silent young man, Gi asked, "Is that part of what you meant by 'punished' and 'disciplined?'"

"yes." The word was spoken so softly that not everyone heard it. Obi-Wan was surprised to hear anything make it past his lips at all.

"But that's not all. I bet that when you finally gave in and fought, you refused to kill your opponent, am I right?"

"yes."

"What happened when you refused to kill?"

"We were beaten." Struggling to keep the memories from surfacing and getting the words past his tightened vocal cords, Obi-Wan answered. "Both myself and the other fighter. But they killed him after. I was kept alive - because of my victory."

Guillaume nodded, sad but knowing of the atrocities that had occurred. Ironically, he had been working on a number of committees that had been established by the Republic to gather as much information about the Black Markets that existed - including the illegal fighting matches. This case, taken on as a favour, ended up providing him with first hand knowledge to confirm all the speculation about such horrors. And it disgusted him to know that all the rumours were true. Taking in a deep breath, Gi brought his attention back to the trial at hand. "How long were you subjected to the cruelties done while in captivity?"

"I'm not entirely sure but I think about 8 months."

"Eight months? Eight months of surviving unspeakable pain and humiliation? Sounds like a very hard life, son." Here he paused. The seasoned barrister glanced around the room. So many subdued expressions were visible in the audience now. It was time. He prayed to any deity that would listen that this would work and that Obi-Wan would forgive him. From the center of the room, Gi moved to look at his client squarely, his face carefully made devoid of emotion. "Obi-Wan, I want you to stand up." Reluctantly, the boy complied, now looking so much younger than before. Next the barrister looked over at the closest guard. "Please remove his binders."

Startled the guard looked from Guillaume to the Arbitrator. There was a sudden murmur from the people in the audience. Gi ignored them and also looked at the Arbitrator expectantly. Osei-Tutu asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"He will not run or cause any trouble. Remember he is here of his own choice. Now please have them remove the binders." The Arbitrator thought for a moment before giving approval. Obi-Wan raised his hands so the guard could release him. Instinctively, he rubbed his wrists. Locking gazes with the man who was meant to save him, Obi-Wan knew he stood on a precipice. Unable to go back but unwilling to go forward. He could see the silent pleading, asking for understanding, in clear brown eyes while the rest of the lawyer revealed nothing. It took an extra heartbeat for his mind to wrap around Gi's command. "Now Obi-Wan, I want you to remove your shirt." The wide-eyed shock on the young man's face would have been comical if not for the seriousness of the situation.

Obi-Wan was so stunned by the order he almost fell back in the seat. Emotions flittered across his face too fast to name. And it seemed like an eternity before he slowly lifted his hands to remove his tunic, it was as if his body was moving of its own volition. His conscious mind had receded deep within himself, an automatic reaction to deal with what was happening. The sudden whispering that filled his ears as the material fell away was deafening. He closed his eyes and tilted his head away from them. It took a full minute for him to realize Guillaume had spoken again. "Come here Obi-Wan. I want the Panel to see."

His movements were sluggish and jerky but eventually, Obi-Wan made his way over to stand directly in front of the eight beings who would decide his fate. He couldn't look at them though and kept his face down and eyes closed. It wasn't that he was embarrassed by his partial exposure. He learned long ago not to worry himself over something so trivial. It was the pity in their eyes that he hated. He could hear the soft gasps and the hushed mutterings of sympathy. The scars that were plainly visible told his pain for him. If his mind didn't deceive him, he thought he heard the deep voice of Mortius Griven whisper to his gods.

Feeling suddenly even more vulnerable, one arm came up crossing his chest to grab his elbow. His head still turned away. Only a few of the Jedi could tell he was trembling slightly under the weight of so many eyes. Gi laid a hand on the boy's back, which made him flinch involuntarily. "You have suffered so much. It's remarkable that you are still alive and sane. But I do have one more question for you. There are so many scars, but none seem to have made it to your face. Is there a reason?" A very slow single nod. "What would that be then?"

His voice was so small that even the Panel had to strain to hear him. "Drrov, he said I would…..said that I could fetch a higher price if I was unmarked." Gi nodded sadly then asked the question that was on everyone's lips.

"Fetch a higher price for what?"

A shuddering breath escaped the thin form. "For a pleasure slave."

Delicately, Gi asked, "Were your… services ever procured?"

"No but………." flash hands searching, assessing flash Flinching, the rogue clenched his eyes closed to banish the memory. "….but he had prospects."

"Thank you Obi-Wan. I think that answers my questions for the moment." Effectively closing the subject, the exact details unnecessary for his propose, Gi guided his client back to his seat. "Please take your place on the stand again." Obi-Wan thankfully scurried back to reclaim his tunic and slip back into it's meager protection. Silence filled the room for long moments. Guillaume looked around to gauge the various reactions. He noted that even the great and mighty Sano Sauro looked a hint whiter. Now that Obi-Wan was situated again he went back to the proceedings. "Obi-Wan, how old are you now?"

"I will be eighteen in 4 weeks."

"And how old were you when you were dismissed?"

"I was two months away from my thirteenth birthday."

"So the bulk of the abuse happened while you were only thirteen years old. That is remarkable. Before you were captured, during your time with the Jedi, you went through many courses about their history and how they deal with Rogue Jedi, correct?"

"Yes, we cover many of the instances in the past when Jedi had turned."

"From some of my research I have been able to find some cases similar to yours in their history. For those that have fallen and been re-captured, they have been severely punished. Some mercifully destroyed. While others are stripped of their Force powers and put into exile. The latter is a very strong possibility for you is it not?"

Obi-Wan nodded reluctantly. The thought of the Force being torn from their existence is a frightening thought for all Jedi. It's one of the reasons they despise the collars so. And this probable outcome had been plaguing Obi-Wan over the past few hours.

Guillaume addressed the Arbitrator one more time. "I have one more favour to ask before I let Obi-Wan go. I ask, for the purpose of a demonstration, that his collar be removed and then replaced a minute later."

"No!" A strained and panicked voice cut through the courtroom. All eyes turned to the suddenly distraught boy, a vivid desperation in sea-change eyes.

With a calm gained from experience, Guillaume managed not to react to the despair. "Why not?"

"I can't….." Throat suddenly dry, Obi-Wan forced himself to swallow. The ex-Jedi was powerless to stop the fear that gripped his heart and squeezed his chest. "I-I can't go through that again. Please." His whole body trembled at the thought of having the Force tauntingly returned to him only to lose it again.

Gi closed his eyes and knew how much this was going to torture the youth but there was a purpose behind it. "I am so sorry Obi-Wan, but it needs to be done. For the rest of the galaxy, the concept of the Force is virtually speculation. We don't understand how it effects those who are joined with it. They need to see what happens to a Force-sensitive person when the Force is taken from them."

Sea-washed eyes glistened brightly with quickly forming tears. Obi-Wan's voice sounded tiny again, "please. I beg of you. Don't do it. Please." A tear broke free to trace the rogue's cheek.

Guillaume tried to steel himself against the wretchedness in his client's voice and he found it to be the hardest thing he ever had to do. He looked at the arbitrator. "The collar, please?"

Osei-Tutu locked gazes with Gi. No one moved or spoke in the heartbeats that followed. At last, the green judge looked over at the silently crying young man, and nodded her consent. Automatically, Obi-Wan whipped his head around searching for someone to save him from this nightmare. His gaze finally stopped on the visage of Qui-Gon Jinn. The man had his eyes closed and looked almost as dejected as Obi-Wan. He must have sensed the youth's desperate gape because he looked up.

While they continued to stare at each other, an Official came up behind Obi-Wan and released the collar.

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:o OMG is that a cliffie?? shrug I guess so. I hope you all took my warning in the previous chap seriously. I thought this was rather intense with the subject matter at the end. If you didn't think so, I'm glad but I wanted to play it cautious for those it might have upset. Anyway, I would really like to hear from you all, so please leave a review. I wrote a really emotional and long chap for you in the hopes of getting lots of reviews. So please, please, please, please, please, leave a review. It can even be a one word review. Or a face. Or anything for that matter! Just review please! I love reviews, I get so excited when I see those botfanfictions in my mail box!! They totally make my day and make me eager to write so that I may continue to please my readers. Can you tell I'm not below begging? See I'm on my knees!!! [facecry] Please Review!!!!!! Thank you. :D

Fudge – Wow, thank you so very much. I was actually very worried that I might confuse my readers. Of course it didn't help with the crappy formatting that I failed to notice at first. Anyway, yes Obi's lack of interest is a direct of result realizing everything in his life was for nothing. Now he's just thinking it would be easier if he could just die and get it over with. To live is just so much more painful now. But you are right, the Council session will probably be just as traumatic. I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading and stuff!! ;D

Kynstar – Yeah, thanks!! Yup, Yoda is not perfect, ultimate shocker right? Well, I like to think he is still capable of making mistakes. And I'm glad others can see that too. ;) Yeah Griven kinda showed a bit of his true colours, but you must try to remember 'Fear leads to hate. Hate leads to Anger. Anger leads to suffering.' But you are right, they are going to over look his lapse of judgement as it is not his trial but Obi-Wan's. Hope you enjoyed this installment!! :D

K-rock – That's ok. But I sure am glad you reviewed again. :D LOL, I love it. Edumacated! I haven't heard that one in a while. Hmmm, I guess I should try getting back into patience exercises too. Not like they'll do me any good, it's one of my faults. I guess I'll go back to working on FnB for me so I can get more RH. ];D

Amazed – hehe, I still get a kick out of the –san bit. :D Yeah, I liked setting the stage for Obi's turn. ]:D Thanks, I did actually do a bit of research about law stuff. But I'm far from an expert. That stuff usually bores me a lot. Oh well. We'll see if I can squeeze in a scene for you with yoda/qui, but we'll see. Thanks again!! :D

YLJedi – Obi-Wan said it best, "What I told you is true, from a certain point of view." But also, they way we see things can so often be attributed to how our emotions effect our memories. If we are sad we see things one way which would be completely different than if we are happy. And I'm glad the trial went over well, because I was afraid I would confuse people. Happy I didn't. :D I hope the Obi-angst in this chap made up for last. :p And as much as Forsaken and Begotten may end, it will still be far from over. So don't worry too much. :D Thanks!!

Jedi71 – Yeah, Obi's time on the stand was definitely not a good thing. I just hope it was a bit surprising as to how that came to be. And I'm glad you said it, because it definitely fits here. ;) Thanks again for reading! :D

LOTRFaith – Even if they did notice Obi's state of mind. I think many of them would just attribute it to the trial in general. Um, I think you got some of your answers here though. Let me know if you have any more questions and I'll see what I can do to accommodate them. ];) LOL, not many stories I'm afraid. A few, my favourite being our wedding. But you can check out my website for that. Although I have to redo that thing too. sigh Yet another thing to add to my ever growing list of things I have to finish. And another one of my passions. I enjoy so much and just wish I had more time. And when I do get time, it's a matter of motivation or deciding on which aspect to focus on. By the time I get close to deciding my time's up. You answer your other question, yes, I'm a mommy too. My angel will be three two weeks after my b-day next month. I probably should really go back to church, my pastor usually somehow knows exactly what's on my mind and speaks about it. Of course I know the real mastermind behind the coincidence but it really does amaze me either way. But that was a really good point he made. I'll try to keep it in mind and see if I'll ever achieve the second moment. Yes, at least we are both still alive. Of course, over the past few months life has tested us on that regard as well. We've lost a couple family members which has also made us stop and re-think life. So we're going back to that point again where we question life and what we want out of it. Writing has become a very important part of my life. It's a release for me. But I also enjoy it quite a bit. It would be awesome if I could live off of it, but don't see that happening any time soon. Still, we'll se if any of my hobbies come to fruition. Good luck to you as well, and it does make it easier to bear when your not alone. Thanks again for reading!! :D

Snow-Glory – Ack! You snuck in there right at the end. I hope this update was fast enough for you! :p Thanks for reading! :D

Alrighty folks, hopefully I'll be able to get the next chap up quicker. Just keep hoping we get our internet problems squared away soon. And don't forget to REVIEW!!!! :D