Chapter 24 - The Breakdown

Anakin woke up the next morning faintly hearing the noise of chattering voices in their apartment. He got up and remembered what they tried to do last night. 'I wonder if it worked?'

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin called out to his Master, walking out of his bedroom.

There were two Jedi, a human and a Zabrak, sitting at the table playing a board game of some type, and another Veknoid Jedi standing in their kitchenette. Their discussion ended the second Anakin walked in and an awkward silence replaced it.

"Master?" Anakin kept calling and turned to look around the room.

"Obi-Wan's not here, kid," said the Human Jedi. "My name is Master Dyke. This is Master Hok." He pointed to the Zabrak. "And this is Master Zao." He motioned to the Vaknoid in the kitchenette. "We're friends of Master Jinn, and he asked us to sit with you."

"Where is Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked.

Dyke and Hok shared a look with a meaning Anakin couldn't interpret. "Come sit here with us and have something to eat," said the Zabrak.

"Where does your Master keep his hotplate?" Master Zao asked after pouring him a glass of blue milk.

"It's over there." Anakin pointed, but the Master didn't respond.

"You'll have to do more than point. Master Zao is blind." Dyke said.

"Oh," Anakin jumped off his chair and ran over to where he was pointing. "Master wasn't using it, and I had to melt some Plastex for a droid part I'm building." He moved his supplies over and handed the hotplate to the Master.

"Thank you," he said. Master Zao turned back to the conservator. He pulled out things and sniffed them. Several items he dumped into a waste receptacle. "What does he usually make you for breakfast?"

"Uh, we usually just go to the refectory," Anakin answered.

Zao blanched. "I'll make you a proper meal. Just got to go grab a few ingredients." He picked up a basket from on top of the conservator and walked out of their apartment.

Anakin turned back to the others. "So, where is Obi-Wan?" He asked for the third time, giving them a determined stare.

"That's not really my part to tell. There was an incident." Dyke said.

"Not an incident really. More happenings." Hok corrected.

"Yes happenings, and you see…" Dyke looked down. "Look, we're really not sure what happened. All we know is that the council issued orders to 'watch but don't pursue,' for your master. He left some time last night."

"Is Obi-Wan in trouble," Anakin asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, I think he is in a bit of trouble," Dyke nodded.

"Only a little bit. That was a very low level watch," Hok added.

"Yes, and it'll be better for him to come in and face whatever the consequences are. Qui-Gon was here most of the night, but he's gone down to the healers to ask them about his training bond. I think he's been having trouble reaching Obi-Wan," Dyke went on.

Anakin, afraid for Obi-Wan, reached out across their own bond. He was relieved to feel his Master's shields were up, but otherwise intact. Using the Force he knocked against the wall between them.

In a few minutes Obi-Wan lowered his shields and communicated, 'I'm sorry for leaving you Anakin, but there's something I have to figure out.'

'Master, what did you do? They say that you're in trouble and the Council is looking for you.' Anakin could feel intense emotions from the other side. 'And Qui-Gon couldn't… Wait, you're mad at him. Did you two have a fight?'

'Ani. I can't.' Obi-Wan was obviously struggling to contain his emotions. 'I will explain when I can, but right now I have to put my shields back up.'

'Wait!' Anakin rushed to stop him. He knew his Master hated to use their bond under any out of control emotions. For a while he questioned whether the man had any emotions. But there was something he had to know. 'Please just tell me, are you safe?'

Obi-Wan sent what amounted to a smile. 'Yes, we're safe.'

'WE?'

Obi-Wan didn't respond, as his shields went up a moment after that.

Later that morning Anakin marched to the Healer's and demanded to see his Grandmaster. The Padawan at the front desk looked up to his companion, Master Dyke, who was struggling to keep up. Dyke nodded and he was pointed to a room.

Anakin walked into the room and he stopped. Qui-Gon sat on the Healer's table, and Mace stood talking to him. Anakin waited for them to finish, because if anyone could help Obi-Wan, it would be Master Windu.

"Yeah, the Healer's said he didn't completely destroy the bond, but he didn't leave much unscathed either. Unless he comes in, there isn't much else they can do though," Qui-Gon explained.

"We're looking for him now. I'll let you know in an hour if we have made any progress," Mace responded. The man turned to leave, giving Anakin's shoulder a squeeze on the way out.

Anakin walked up and leveled eyes at his Grandmaster. "What did you do?"

Qui-Gon sighed as he looked guiltily at the floor. "Some time ago I found out something about Obi-Wan. Something personal. I didn't tell him about it, and this was lying by omission. It was a mistake and I regret that decision. Based on your confrontation here, I take it you've already talked to your Master."

Anakin thought about it for a second, and then he nodded.

"When you get the chance, can you tell him that I am sorry?"

Anakin squinted at the other man. "Maybe. Why did you lie?"

Qui-Gon looked down again. "I'd like to tell you that I did what I thought was best, but really I was afraid. Afraid he'd leave and I'd never see him again."

"But he did leave." Anakin pointed out.

"Yes, and we were just going to tell him about it all. And what's more Yoda's new plan means he wouldn't have to choose anymore. But before we could, he found out."

"It was my dream. He did recognize the girl, and now he's sad, like she was."

"No Anakin, this isn't your fault. It's my fault. And he only saw what the Force wanted him to see."

Anakin pouted, but nodded for Qui-Gon's sake. When he got the chance, he'd reach out through the bond again to tell Obi-Wan this. He only hoped it would make him feel better.

"He's coming. He'll be here," Anakin insisted.

Mace and Yoda eyed each other with doubt.

Anakin, however, had no doubt. Obi-Wan said he'd come back, and Obi-Wan always sticks to his word.

Mace waved to the Temple Guard, indicating that they were to leave the Hangar.

Anakin could feel Qui-Gon's nerves from where he waited up in a room overlooking the Hangar. He could also feel Adi Gallia and another woman up there too.

Mace turned to Anakin and said, "If you feel uncomfortable about any of this, you give the signal and I'll send the guard in to get you."

Anakin nodded. He gave the signal so the adults would know he remembered it. It was a safety measure he never thought he'd need with Obi-Wan, but it did make the Masters feel better about this whole plan.

Mace and Yoda made their way out of the Hanger and up to the box with the others, leaving Anakin alone in the empty hangar. A few minutes later a lone speeder flew in and circled around slowly. Anakin confirmed through their bond that the parameters were met, and the speeder landed.

The door opened and Obi-Wan began to step out. Then he turned to grab something from inside the speeder.

"Master!" Anakin ran up to him and threw his arms around him even though he hadn't turned around yet. He felt Obi-Wan chuckle underneath his arms.

"Anakin, I want to introduce you to someone." Obi-Wan finished pulling the item from the speeder and held a baby in his arms. "This is Abigail, and she's my daughter."

"Wha! How did that happen?" Anakin could feel humor from the viewing box above.

"Uh… I'll tell you when you're older." Obi-Wan's face became a few shades paler.

"No. I don't want to hear about that! It's just usually a man doesn't go away from the temple for a day, and then suddenly come back a father. It usually involves a woman of some sort."

Obi-Wan laughed. "Do you remember the woman from your dream?"

"The fat one?" Anakin asked, and he could feel the woman up above, with Adi and Qui-Gon, react.

Obi-Wan leaned forward. "She was pregnant." Then he lowered his voice to a whisper. "I think she's pretty. You know, we used to hold hands under the dinner table."

"Is that how it happened? Holding hands," Anakin exaggerated.

"Huh! No," Obi-Wan's face contorted with confusion.

Anakin laughed. "Then I hate to tell you, but I think your secret's out."

Obi-Wan blushed and looked up to see Yoda and Mace walking through the door. They kept their distance as they'd agreed to. Obi-Wan had come here to listen, not to surrender.

"Masters," Obi-Wan greeted, still eying them without trust.

"A proposition, I have for you." Yoda started. "Try to reintegrate some attachments into Jedi life, I would like to. Propose we experiment with you, I do."

"You will be allowed to keep contact with your daughter, and to form a bond with her, but she will continue to live in the creche and receive training as a Jedi. There will be rules, but you will be involved in her training as much as the council feels is beneficial. This is highly experimental, and we may change the parameters as time progresses," Mace added.

"What are these rules?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Today she will be returned to the expert care of Master Don. He will train you in infant care and Creche procedures. Before you finish this training you will be allowed daytime visits to the Creche, but no nighttime visits. Once you have finished his training you will be allowed to remove her from the Creche for periods of time not exceeding fifty percent of her day. Any outings outside of the Temple must have prior approval of the Council, however. You will be expected to uphold Jedi values and teachings in your time with her," Mace explained.

Obi-Wan nodded. He was feeling a calm acceptance of everything he heard. Anakin felt confident they'd be able to work out a solution.

"The council will hold periodic meetings to discuss this experiment and her development. You will be required to attend these, along with her instructors. Neither you, nor her mother will be allowed to take her as a Padawan," Mace went on.

"Wait. Her mother?" Obi-Wan asked in shock.

Mace and Yoda eyed each other. "We thought you knew. Anakin described his visions."

"The spider and his shadows," Anakin reminded him. He didn't know why, but those were the lines the others reacted to.

The door opened and another Jedi walked in. Anakin looked up and recognized her instantly. He turned to pull at Obi-Wan's sleeve, and pointed. "Look. It's your girlfriend. You're right, she is pretty."

Obi-Wan stuttered, and then he turned to see her walking towards him. It seemed to take his breath away.

The woman stopped in line with Mace and looked them both up and down. "I think I'm going to like this kid."

Obi-Wan looked down at Yoda. "The shadow agent! You said I'd know her when I saw her. You were wrong." His eyes moved back up to Siri. "I don't know this person at all."

'Huh,' Anakin was scratching his head.

"Obi," Siri chastised.

"No! You left without a word and then gave away our child! Why? Could someone please tell me why! Why couldn't one of you just tell me I have a daughter," Obi-Wan's voice cracked as he broke down.

Anakin stepped back as he considered giving the signal.

"Obi-Wan," Siri was near tears. "I didn't want to separate you from the life you were meant to live. The life you love."

"You're the one I love," Obi-Wan gushed.

Siri smiled. She stepped closer to him, and looked down into his arms. "My sweet Gail. Do you know why I gave her that name?" She looked up to ask.

"Abigail, no. I don't know."

Siri pulled a rock out of her pocket. "Do you recognize this?"

Obi-Wan smiled, and asked the obvious. "Yeah, you still have that?" He turned to Anakin and explained, "It was a gift from a planet we had a mission on, the planet Gale." He smiled as the connection was made in his head.

"As a Shadow we are encouraged to bring a token to remind us of our real identity. This reminded me of the both of you." Siri reached out and touched the baby gently.

Obi-Wan leaned over quickly and he kissed Siri on the lips.

Anakin looked away and gagged at the display. He saw both Jedi masters standing there watching. Their only sign of discomfort was a slight twitch to Mace's eyes.

When the couple pulled apart, Obi-Wan flushed from embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

Yoda spoke first. "Apologize for keeping this from you, we do. Recognize it was a mistake, the Council does."

"Thank you, Grandmaster." Obi-Wan bowed.

"Yes, well it should be obvious now. Siri has been working for us as a Shadow in Nar Shaddaa since Initiate Tachi was born," Mace explained.

"Kenobi," Siri corrected. "Initiate Kenobi."

Obi-Wan looked down and smiled proudly at the still sleeping infant in his arms.

"Very well." Mace accepted the name change. "Where was I? Neither of you will be allowed to select her for a Padawan. We believe that by then, your influence will be too strong, and we would like for her to have the opportunity to learn from another knight. As time progresses, these rules will be moldable, and we expect you to have complete disclosure with the council as to how they are working, and your time with her. The same goes for your relationship, should you choose to continue it."

Obi-Wan's eyes went wide and he looked back to Siri in shock. Siri nodded, then answered for him, "Yes, of course. We agree to these conditions."

"We agree." Obi-Wan parroted.

"Good," Mace nodded. "I shall let you become reacquainted. When you are finished, Adi here will return Initiate Kenobi to the Creche."

Siri turned to look at the baby in Obi-Wan's arms. Anakin even turned to get a better view too.

When the time came to hand Abigail back to Master Gallia, Obi-Wan almost didn't do it. Anakin could see it in his eyes, the doubt and fear, so he sent him determination over their bond.

"She'll be alright. We'll see her soon," Siri said.

Obi-Wan nodded and he handed her to Adi.

"Siri, the Council intends to knight you tomorrow, but the papers are already through, if you want to start getting your room set up today. And your things are still in our quarters. I can help you move them once I get this one settled."

"Thank you, Master," Siri said. "I better go down to the housing office now. It's bound to be a long wait while they process everything."

Anakin saw Obi-Wan take a step forward, and he knew the man was about to offer to go wait with her. 'Sitting in a waiting room for hours on end. Must be the adult idea of fun times.' Instead he reached out and grabbed his Master. "There's somewhere else you have to be."

Before Obi-Wan could ask, Anakin had his Master following him up a stair in the Temple, then down a hallway. Anakin saw Qui-Gon step out of the observation room as they approached. Obi-Wan stopped. His face and Force Presence crackled with anger.

"Remember, brothers forgive each other for being weak and afraid." Anakin said. Obi-Wan looked down in surprise as he heard his own words. "Hear him out. I believe him, but it's up to you." Anakin put his hand on his Master's back to get him to step forward. Then he turned away. He figured their conversation was a private talk.

Hello,

My instincts told me to write this chapter in Anakin's POV, and I think I like how it turned out. Let me know what you think.

Two of my oc characters from chapter ten appeared again in this chapter. Master Dyke and Hok, our Zabrak friend who gets a name now, yay! I figured Qui-Gon continued to talk to them in the Grandmaster's lounge and a friendship started. And Master Zao is a real Jedi character from Legends that was in that chapter too. And he really is blind.

I gave Obi-Wan a meltdown in that last scene because I felt the situation warranted it, though in the back of my head is a little Anakin saying "What! Obi-Wan lost control. The world's about to end!" Hey, even Jedi Masters can have a moment. And the line from the last paragraph about brothers forgiving each other was from chapter 16.