Disclaimer: All characters, places and things belong to George Lucas, with the exception of Stely Niari, who belongs to me.

This story takes place a month after Revenge of the Sith.

Outlaws and Refugees

Chapter Two: On the Doorstep of Ben Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi sat in his hovel and mulled over his recent history; Anakin was now Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire had risen to rule, Padme had died and the Jedi Order was no more. Now he sat in his home on Tatooine, keeping a quiet guardianship over infant Luke Skywalker, who was now residing with his uncle and aunt at their moisture farm.

He would be lying if he did not feel a bit trapped and bored. His life had been full and busy, being a General, a Jedi Master, being on the Jedi Council. Now, there was barely a soul to speak to.

However, Obi-Wan took heart in what Master Yoda had told him, that he would be able to make contact with his long-departed master, Qui-Gon Jinn. The prospect in and of itself was intriguing and he was looking forward to learning from him again.

Obi-Wan reminded himself that patience was a key virtue. On the other hand, he was not sure that the concept could directly be applied to living life as a recluse on a planet full of sand and sun. He stroked his beard thoughtfully, remembering the decision that he, Bail Organa and Master Yoda had made to separate the twins. Had it been the right one?

Before he had too much time to weigh heavily on the subject, an unexpected knock came from the door. Obi-Wan rose quickly, placing his ear against the door and one hand on the hilt of his light saber.

"What do you want?"

A low female voice replied with patience, "I am looking for a Ben Kenobi, I was told he lived out this way."

"And who shall I tell him has come to call?" Obi-Wan shifted his weight and listened as the person on the opposite side of the door sighed before answering.

"We have met before and I am sure that he would find my face familiar." However, Obi-Wan did not find the mysterious voice familiar until she spoke through her unsaid feelings.

"If you do not answer the door soon, Master Kenobi, I will be accosted by Tusken Raiders. What a mess that would be. It would draw all sorts of attention."

The woman was Force-sensitive. She had done that on purpose.

Obi-Wan eased off of his light saber and commented sternly, "You should be more mindful of your feelings, my lady." The voice on the other end of the door chuckled lightly and replied.

"You and I are remnants of only a fair few. I knew you would say that." Obi-Wan threw back the door without even thinking twice and a figure cloaked in gray stood before him. A wisp of blonde hair flew on the desert wind from beneath the hood and one thought came into his mind.

Siri.

The woman brushed past him and into his house. She lowered the hood of her cloak and Obi-Wan could see the silver of a light saber on her left hip. As the woman turned around, he recognized the dark blonde hair and gray eyes as belonging to a Jedi Knight that had served under him once in battle almost two years ago.

"I am Stely Niari. Do you not remember me?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, he did remember her. She spent much time in the archives, reading and studying. She had taken the trials around the same time Anakin had, though he was not as bookish as she was.

"Yes, the Council had decided to grant you the title of Master." Obi-Wan studied her features carefully, she looked weary.

Stely gave him a wan smile and looked around the room. He could tell that she was apprehensive. He himself was surprised to find another living Jedi, though he had hoped that there were more who survived. Obi-Wan bid her to sit down at his table and he sat across from her.

"How did you find me?" Stely sighed and folded her hands on the table.

"I spent some time convalescing on Bail Organa's blockade runner. I was left unconscious after the attack on the Temple, the Senator found me days later before the troops were called in to clean up. He was hesitant to tell me where you were, but he relented knowing I would try on my own. I came because I need answers and I thought you would understand."

Obi-Wan noticed the fading pink scar beneath her left cheekbone. He could sense her confusion and frustration, and he felt the pull of empathy within him.

"What would you like to know?"

"Everything."

Obi-Wan had figured as much. He gave her an assured smile and replied matter-of-factly, "I think it is wise that we eat first, then I should like to hear of your ordeal as well."

Stely and Obi-Wan sat at the table for hours, recounting their experiences. She told him of her time in disguise at the Senate, acting as an aid to Senator Mon Mothma. Stely was there when Palpatine had made his reveal of his plans for the First Galactic Empire. She also detailed how it felt to wake up after a month to find everything she had believed in and lived for had been destroyed and how she disguised herself as a smuggler to come and find him.

When Obi-Wan began, Stely took notice of how he spoke. He used an articulate, punctuated cadence that calmed her and ultimately put her at ease. He told her how the Clone Troops had turned on him mid-mission. How he and Yoda went back to the Temple. Finally, he told her of the occurrences on Mustafar and how he dealt Anakin Skywalker, now Lord Vader, a crippling blow.

He still remembered the smell of the planet and the way Anakin's skin sounded as it burned on the ashen banks of the lava. They both sat quietly for awhile, trapped in their recent memories.

Stely looked up from the table and at the Jedi Master, his auburn hair fell across his forehead and he thoughtfully stroked his beard.

"Tell me, Master Kenobi, what are you planning? What shall we do?"

Obi-Wan met her eyes, he wanted to remind her of her patience, but could not bring himself to do so. He sat up a little straighter and answered her honestly.

"Wait."

"Wait? Wait for what?"

"For the right time to act. This is not the moment, Stely." She looked rather bemused by his answer and chuckled.

"You're telling me to be patient, aren't you?" He nodded and she sighed fitfully.

"So you plan on sitting out here in the desert for 'the right time?' You may be waiting for twenty years or more, Master Kenobi." Obi-Wan nodded, that much was true.

"I think we can doff the formalities, Stely. I give you permission to call me Obi-Wan." Stely smiled in a teasing way and responded.

"Perhaps Ben is more appropriate, I mean, that is your alias on this planet." Once again, she was right.

"Ben will do." Stely nodded in agreement, but felt compelled to finish her interrogation.

"While you're waiting for 'the right time,' what exactly are you going to do to bide your time? Do you leave the house?" Obi-Wan shook his head–she was inquisitive, but it was understandable given the state of things and what she, and he, had been through.

And even with her onslaught of questions, it was nice to have someone to talk to.

Stely sighed and realized that she must have been going a million miles a minute. However, Master Kenobi seemed to humor her and she took that as a good sign. She watched as he cleared the table and noticed that he was still wearing his Jedi robes. Suddenly, she felt her face fall with sorrow. It had been almost a year since she donned her own garb, thanks to her work in the Senate.

As Obi-Wan turned around, he saw more than just weariness painted on her countenance. He saw extreme sadness and confusion. He had been there, in fact, he was just emerging from it. Obi-Wan sat across from her once more.

"You should probably rest, you have come far and you are still recovering. I have a spare sleep couch that you are welcome to use."

Stely sighed and studied the Jedi Master. She had seen him in battle, in the Council when she had appeared before them and in the archives at the temple. Stely found it hard to believe that he was going to dwell on this planet and wait. Even to a powerful master, patience would be hard to maintain in such a situation. However, Stely respected his decision.

"Thank you, Ben. However, I do not wish to impose on you. I should probably leave in the morning."

Obi-Wan gave her a wry smile and shook his head, "Nonsense. You may stay as long as you like. I think it would be wise to figure out a plan for yourself much like the ones that Master Yoda and I have decided on."

"I do not think much of hiding, though. I will weigh my options accordingly and carefully. I pledged my aid to Senator Organa, so if he should need me, I will honor that. I owe him my life."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. He would do the same for the Senator, if the call ever came. Though Stely did not seem keen on the idea of hiding, she did not seem one to do something rash.

However, he had been wrong about Anakin, but she was not as powerful as had been as a Jedi. Though, Obi-Wan had the distinct feeling that she would surprise him with her mettle if the opportunity ever came to pass.

Later that evening, Obi-Wan found it curiously hard to sleep. The arrival of Stely Niari on his doorstep had given him some hope that there were other Jedi alive in the galaxy. He turned his gaze to the sleeping form on his hovel floor; she was still weak from her injuries at the temple, but she would soon have her strength back.

Obi-Wan took her cloak that was hanging on the chair she had sat in at the table and draped it over her. Stely stirred and mumbled fitfully, a worried expression washed across her face. He laid his hand to her forehead and watched as her face eased and she was back into a dreamless sleep and she pulled her cloak around her more tightly.

Before turning in for the night himself, Obi-Wan Kenobi realized that there was still much to discuss with the young Jedi if she were to stay.

A/N: Next chapter will include meditation and the growing friendship between Stely and Obi-Wan, while he tells her about the main ingredient in Anakin's fall. Please read and review.

To Angel of Harlem: Thanks for the review! Don't worry, hon. I don't know everything there is to know about the Star Wars universe, but I am a big fan and I am determined to try my hand at it. Let me know what you think! Oh, and Ewan McGregor–sigh.

To KyraLyra: Here is the next chappie for you! Thanks for the review!