Chapter 2 - Until We Meet Again

The council chambers were in the highest point of the jedi temple and Obi-Wan smiled when he was younger and afraid of hights. The speeders would fly by the windows and he always tried to see what species was piloting it. Shaking his head to put on his serious demeanor, Obi-Wan walked up to the doors and when they opened with a hissing sound he was surprised to see the whole council in session.

Mace saw Obi-Wan's hesitation and nodded to him to come foreward. Mariska was standing in front of the council, stiff as a board.

"Knight Kenobi, Knight Ogahn, you have been chosen to visit the planet of Detar Six. There you will evaluate the people and sit in on the planet's council once a week. You are to report here at the end of every month. More jedi teams may be sent to assist you during your stay. The rest of the information and the background of the planet will be given to you. Any questions?"

Obi-Wan took a step toward Mace Windu and looked him in the eyes. "How long is this mission going to last master?"

"Roughly a year."

Obi-Wan nodded and stood still. Mace looked at Mariska who said nothing. "Very well, your shuttle leaves in three hours time. May the Force be with you."

The two knights bowed and left the council chambers.

"That was odd don't you think?"

Obi-Wan looked at Mariska. "What are you talking about?"

"Did you notice how Yoda or anyone else didn't say anything? Usually the rest have a comment about how wrinkled your robe is or something."

He smirked and headed for the lift that would take him to his room. "Well they didn't feel the need I guess."

They waited as masters got off the lift before heading in. Obi-Wan hit six and four. "No need Obi-Wan."

The other looked at her, "Why not?"

"I'm already packed, Yoda told me about the mission yesterday."

Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to be confused. "Well earlier today Yoda talked to me about going on a mission and asked if I wanted a partner for it or not. Maybe if I would have said no I would be going on a different mission."

"Or maybe he knew you were going to say yes."

Obi-Wan ran his hand through his hair and over his face. The lift stopped at the sixth floor and the two got off, heading for Obi-Wan's bed chambers.

"Since you have had more time to look over the information about Deltar Six maybe you could tell me what to pack."

Mariska cringed a little and looked at him. "Everything you own Obi-Wan. The climate is strange, it can be snowing one day and one-hundred degrees the next."

"How is that possible? How do they grow food?"

"Well they use weather controlled climates to grow produce but they mostly live off the animals that live there. I guess the people are just so used to the rapid changes they don't mind."

Obi-Wan palmed his door open and walked into the room. "You can have a seat while I pack. I won't take too long."

Mariska nodded and looked around at the different things Obi-Wan had collected over the years. There was rocks, fossils, shells, pictures, and then his braid. She picked up the hair that was still in the fine braid that used to hang from behind his right ear. When the light hit it the hair was a beautiful shade of red.

"Master Windu cut it. I don't know if I should give it to Qui-Gon or not. I think he still has his."

Mariska walked over to him and put the symbol into his hands. "Go see him, tell him your going on a mission and you want him to have this."

Obi-Wan looked in her eyes then down at the braid that now felt heavy in his hands.

"Alright. Do you want to come along?"

"No. I'll be waiting for you down at the docks later."

Obi-Wan nodded and headed out the door for the healers ward. The halls were quiet and deserted, if he passed anyone on his way he didn't notice them. Too soon the entrence to the ward was in front of him and Obi-Wan had to force his legs to move to the big double doors. He hoped Qui-Gon looked better than the last time he saw him.

The images flashed in his mind, even now. The way the sith's lightsaber sliced through Qui-Gon like he was made of paper. The blood that flowed from his master's eyes rather then tears. The blood that came out of his mouth when he tried to speak.

"Obi-Wan."

The knight looked around and saw a young nurse taking hold of his arm. "Are you here to see Qui-Gon?"

All he could do was nod his head yes.

"Okay, follow me."

Obi-Wan did follow her and was lead into the hall where he had been numerous times. A shaky breath was let out and he was happy that his former master had been placed in recovery.

"Right here, please take all the time you need."

Word seemed to get around fast about his year long mission and soon Obi-Wan felt out of place. He knew Anakin was going to be in there, he was Qui-Gon's apprentice now. But he just couldn't leave without saying goodbye first.

When he opened the door the room was quiet. Anakin was asleep on the chair next to Qui-Gon's bed and his master was asleep in the bed next to him. Obi-Wan felt almost relieved that he wouldn't acctualy have to say anything. Placing the braid on the desk next to Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan turned to walk away.

"Obi-Wan."

The young kngiht turned around and saw his master try to open his eyes.

"Yes, it's me Qui-Gon."

The master smiled and focused on his apprentice. "I know. Your presence is soothing to me. Is something the matter?"

"No master. I just wanted to say goodbye."

Qui-Gon's face fell and he looked at the nightstand that held the braid that was once the symbol of Obi-Wan's apprenticeship.

"I wasn't sure if you wanted that or not. I was going to leave it for you. I'll take it back if you don't want it."

Qui-Gon smiled and picked the braid up, holding it in his hands. Tears came to his eyes as he opened his mouth to speak. "When did you grow up?"

Obi-Wan smiled and looked at the floor. "A long time ago master."

The master nodded and looked back into the blue eyes that used to hold so much more happiness. "Where are you going?"

"To Deltar Six on a mission. Master Windu says it will last a year. I just wanted to let you know I was here to see you."

Qui-Gon nodded and sat up. "Be careful my Obi-Wan."

The knight walked over to his master and huged him, not noticing the tears that was running down his face and into his master's tunic.

"I...I will."

Qui-Gon placed a soft kiss in Obi-Wan's hair and the young jedi left, his former master still holding the braid.

TBC

Thanks to all my reviewers!