I'm still alive, I promise! Kindergarten has not completely broken me. Just drained my energy. But I'm finally on Spring Break and finally had time to write this chapter. It was a bit harder to get it written than I anticipated. The ideas and scenes were there but fleshing them out proved challenging. But, after sleeping nearly half the day away (10 hours!), I woke up ready to get it done. I hope you enjoy it and I hope I live up to your expectations. I'm actually a bit nervous about this one. Please be gentle! *hides*

Summary: Despite Ahsoka's orders not to go to the pub and seek out information on her family, Iyla's curiosity gets the best of her and she sneaks out. She and Serriah meet an interesting character and secrets and revelations are shared that will test Iyla's idea of what family truly is.

Chapter 14: Family Doesn't End with Blood

Ahsoka continued to pull Iyla down the hallway ignoring her questions through their training bond. Serriah hurried along next to them looking anxiously between the two Jedi. Their footsteps against the stony floor were the only sounds as Ahsoka practically stomped her way to the front door.

Once outside and far away from the slimy governor, Ahsoka turned to address Serriah just as Iyla turned to Ahsoka.

"What was that about?" Ahsoka asked Serriah with narrowed eyes.

"Soka! Why won't you answer me?" Iyla asked at the same time.

Master and apprentice turned to look at each other with narrowed eyes. Serriah eyed them both apprehensively.

"I don't know the answer to your questions, Padawan," Ahsoka replied with a bit of an edge to her words. The Togrutan Master turned back to Serriah and looked at her expectantly.

"I am very sorry, Master Tano. I really don't know what that was all about," she replied then averted her eyes.

"You don't?" Ahsoka asked disbelievingly.

Iyla turned her attention to the older girl as well. "Do you know what pub he's talking about? The one where I could find some…roots?" Iyla asked.

"No, we are not going to even worry about that slimy man's taunting words. He's a politician. He'll say anything to get what he wants. Even if it means putting ridiculous ideas into teenagers' heads."

"How do you know it's a ridiculous idea?" Iyla asked putting her hands on her hips.

"The pub is probably meant to be a red herring or something. Or he's playing on your youth and curiosity. It's all part of his game," Ahsoka insisted.

"Well..." Serriah started.

"What?" Iyla asked.

"The pub on Clavin Street. Um…it is owned by an elderly man. I don't know him, or even know who he is, but, if anyone is going to know about your family, it will definitely be him. He's had that place since way before the war apparently."

"You think he might know about my Papa's family?" Iyla asked with wide eyes.

"I'm not sure. Maybe not, but-"

"No," Ahsoka said firmly. "I've already told you, this mission isn't about finding your family. We have a job to do and we don't need any distractions getting in the way. Right now we need to talk strategy and come up with a new approach. We will not be exploring any seedy pubs," she said sternly.

"But, Soka, I just-"

"You will obey me on this, Padawan," Ahsoka said, purposefully emphasizing the last word to show Iyla that she was exerting her authority as her Master and not her 'big sister.'

Iyla took a deep breath and clenched her jaw. "Yes, Master," she said bitterly.

Ahsoka gave her a warning look but let it go. She turned to look at Serriah. "I think you need to tell us everything you know about Governor Finlayson. You seem to be close with him," she said with an eyebrow raise.

"Not really. Well, not anymore."

"He said he put a roof over your head," Iyla said. "What does that mean?"

"Well, uhhh."

"It's time you started being truthful with us, Serriah," Ahsoka replied.

"I have been. Mostly. I mean, I did omit some things but not to be tricky or with ill intentions. Just because it's a bit…delicate and not very relevant," Serriah said fidgeting a bit.

"It just became relevant," Ahsoka said folding her arms.

Serriah nodded and bit her lip. "I will tell you what you need to know. But please. Not here. Back at the academy. It's safer there."

Ahsoka gave a bow of acceptance and allowed Serriah to lead them back toward Krozbi. They walked in silence each one lost in their own thoughts. Iyla was trying her best not to dwell on Governor Finlayson's words but was finding it increasingly difficult. She was itching to go to the pub he mentioned but Ahsoka had specifically told her not to. She didn't want to disobey her Master but, as her Papa always said, she was too curious for her own good. This time she'd prove him wrong though. Or at least she'd try to.

They sat down in the same meeting room that they'd first sat in and an awkward silence settled around them. Iyla was still wrestling with herself and Serriah looked anxious. Ahsoka eyed both girls and sighed to herself. This mission was turning out to be way more emotional and dramatic than she imagined. Though, she really shouldn't have expected any different. It was the Tano/Kenobi team after all.

"Serriah," Ahsoka began, injecting softness and empathy into her voice. She could feel the young woman's fear and hesitancy.

Serriah looked up at her and all hints of her distress disappeared. Ahsoka had to remind herself that she was just a traumatized kid underneath it all. As was her Padawan. Their shared history was dark and tragic, rooted in mistreatment, fear, and suppressed emotions. Ahsoka figured that the cool mask Serriah slipped one was one born of plenty of years of practice, self-preservation, and protection.

Serriah took a deep breath. "The governor did put a roof over my head," she began. "I was five. My parents had been killed in a fire. They owned a fueling station. Where the ships would stop to fill up. It was good money. A fire broke out in the alley behind the station and…well, fire and fuel…" she trailed off.

"I'm sorry," Iyla said sincerely.

"Thanks," Serriah replied with a sad smile. "Anyway, the governor, well, he wasn't the governor at the time, took me in. He was a friend of my father's. They worked together in the steel mill. Dougray was kind and generous. He provided for me and cared for me. He was a good man."

"What happened?" Iyla asked gently. "How did you end up at the Jons Home?"

"He won the election. Politics changed him. He became obsessed with it and his image and power were everything to him. I wasn't good for his image and I didn't fit into his world. I like to think that he was sad to give me up. That he had remorse for giving me to that awful home. But now I'm not so sure. He was enraged when your father came in and dismantled the home. He saw it as a power play and it bruised his ego. That the Jedi and the Republic could so easily take away his authority and shut him down. That's his real reason for hating Jedi. Politics and power. It's all he cares about now."

"But he allowed you in to see him. And you said he listens to you. Maybe some part of him still cares for you. Perhaps there's some remnant of his previous self deep down," Ahsoka said reassuringly but also looking contemplative. "I'm not one to exploit emotions but in this case, it may be the only thing we have."

Serriah looked intrigued. "What do you have in mind?" she asked.

"I sense that Governor Finlayson doesn't see the situation as urgent. He seems overconfident. Perhaps if he felt like there was more on the line. That his reputation could be at stake as well."

"His reputation?" Serriah asked.

"Yes. His reputation as a leader. You said it hurt his pride and undermined his authority when Master Kenobi came in. What if we use his fear of the Jedi to make the situation seem more urgent?"

"Playing on his fears," Iyla began. "Isn't that a little…dark?"

"No harm will come to him, Padawan. But in diplomacy and politics, games have to be played. They may not be the most honorable but it is for the good of the many that we must play along," Ashoka explained.

"How do we play the game?" Serriah asked looking curious.

"Make him believe that we are angry over the stunt he pulled. Tell him that you overheard us planning to bring in the Republic and take over. Say that you are going to confront us and defend him."

"Confronting two Jedi on my own is both dangerous and stupid," Serriah replied.

"Exactly," Ahsoka answered. "If there is a bit of the man who took you in left in the governor, we will know by his reaction to that."

"But…what if…what if there's nothing of that man left in him?" Serriah asked looking upset at the possibility that the last link she has to her parents could be truly gone.

"Then at the least this will push him to be a bit to be more cooperative. The risk of his powerful position and his reputation as a competent leader being taken out by the Jedi and the Republic should wake him up. If he is truly lost to politics and greed, then there's nothing else you can do for him."

Serriah was silent for a moment, her brows furrowed in thought, twisting her brown hair around her finger anxiously.

"Alright," she replied. "I'll do it," she nodded.

"Great. He told us to come back tomorrow. So you should head over in the morning before we get there. Make it sound urgent, like we're coming soon and we're fighting mad," Ahsoka instructed.

"Yes, Master Tano. I can do that."

"Thank you, Serriah," Ahsoka said giving her a kind smile. "For your sacrifice and commitment to your people. The South Stewjoni will be in your debt."

"I am not a diplomat or a politician. It won't be me who stops a war from coming," she shrugged.

"Every turning point needs a catalyst. You will be the catalyst for peace."

"I hope so," Serriah replied.

"You will be," Iyla spoke up reassuringly. She smiled at the older girl and Serriah returned it.

"Right, well now that we have a plan, I think that Iyla and I need to spend some time coming up with a few strategies to bring about peace. Some meditation would be a good idea too," Ahsoka said side-eyeing the teen who was avoiding her eyes.

"Of course," Serriah said eyes flicking between them once again. "I will walk you back to the hostel."

The walk back from the academy was just as uncomfortable as the walk there. Iyla kept her place a few steps behind Ahsoka as a good and respectful Padawan does. She knew she had upset her Master and needed to be careful not to upset her further.

Serriah walked with Iyla and kept shooting her furtive glances. She could feel the tension bleeding off of the two Jedi and wasn't sure if she should do what she was about to do. She scooted closer to Iyla and leaned in.

"22:00," she whispered.

Iyla looked sideways at her and narrowed her eyes in confusion. "What?" she whispered back.

"22:00. Behind the hostel. I'll bring you some civilian clothes," Serriah replied.

"I don't know what you're-"

"I know you want to go to that pub. I'm sure you've been thinking of ways to get there since the governor told you about it."

Iyla looked away but didn't say anything.

"I'm a local, Iyla. It's better if I come along. You'll be safer and won't draw attention to yourself if I'm there."

"I really shouldn't," Iyla started to say. "But…"

"But you're going to do it anyway," Serriah smirked.

Iyla's mouth twitched up a bit. "Better make it 23:00. I have a feeling Soka is going to give me an extra hour of meditation for earlier."

"If we're found out, you'll be getting a lot more than that."

"If we're found out, meditation will be the least of my worries," Iyla cringed.

"Are you sure you want to do this? Seems pretty risky."

"I have to, Serriah. I feel the Force…it's…I just have to do this. Soka will be furious. Papa too. But I'm following the Force. It's what Jedi do."

"Well, let's hope the Force knows what it's doing," Serriah muttered.

Iyla hmm'd in agreement and they walked in silence once again.

Iyla was right about the extra meditation which was accompanied by a lecture and a command to stay focused, then a stony silence. It was obvious that Ahsoka did not appreciate the cheek and disrespect from her Padawan and wanted to make it very clear that she was disappointed. Iyla contritely sat and did her extra meditation while her Master readied herself for bed.

As much as she tried though, Iyla couldn't sink into the Force. She couldn't get any deeper than a light trance, her mind distracted and racing with thoughts of what she'd find at the pub. Her stomach churned with the feelings of guilt and shame at what she was about to do. Willful disobedience of a Padawan to a Master was a serious offense. Plus the fact that Iyla had disrespected Ahsoka earlier and was already on thin ice. The Force seemed to urge her to go forward with her plan but also warned her of the implications of her defiance. Iyla understood and accepted it. She'd follow the Force and reap the consequences of her actions as bad as they may be. She just knew she needed to follow the will of the Force and visit the pub. Her Grandpa Qui would be proud of her insistence to listen to the Force. Her Papa would be horrified. She pictured his disappointed face in her mind and winced. It never failed to make her feel nearly sick with guilt. But she pushed it aside and opened her eyes.

The chrono on the table read 22:50 so she sat up and quietly slid on her boots. She shed her cloak and pinned up her Padawan braid, hiding it behind her strawberry blonde waves. Iyla's eye flickered over to Ahsoka asleep on the bed across from her and she bit her lip nervously. The churning in her stomach returned as she clipped her lightsaber to her belt and opened the door.

"Sorry, Soka," she whispered then slipped into the hall.

Serriah was waiting as planned dressed in clothing for a night out at a pub. Iyla eyed the outfit warily, hoping she wouldn't be expected to wear something similar. It wasn't indecent, but it wasn't exactly anything she'd be allowed to wear outside the temple. Thankfully, Serriah had brought her most modest outfit, sensing that the young Jedi wouldn't be comfortable in anything too exposed. Iyla was also happy to find that there was enough material to hide her saber and she relaxed knowing that she'd be able to defend herself and Serriah should the need arise.

Serriah led the way to the pub and made small talk as they walked. She knew the younger girl was anxious and needed a distraction. It seemed to have worked as Iyla looked more relaxed and at ease. That is until the pub was in sight. Serriah wasn't Force-sensitive but even she felt the shift in the air.

"Odin's," Iyla read the large sign above the door. "Have you even been here before?" she asked hesitantly.

"No. But I know some people who have. It's a pretty popular place. The owner is a bit grouchy but they don't come for him," Serriah replied with a shrug.

Iyla was silent next to her staring at the door and the groups of people milling about the entrance. She nervously licked her lips and brought her hand up to twist her braid around her finger only to be met with thin air as it had been tied up into her hair. Serriah watched her awkwardly bring her hand down and frowned. She remembered the panic attack the girl had earlier and didn't want a repeat.

"Hey, we don't have to do this. It's ok if you're having second thoughts," she reassured her.

"No…no I have to do this," Iyla said with conviction. "I'm just…"

"Scared?" Serriah finished for her.

"Apprehensive," Iyla corrected.

"Understandable. I don't have the Force and I don't understand it but if you say it needs to happen then we will do it. But if you decide you don't that's fine too. Anytime you want to leave let me know, ok?"

Iyla nodded stiffly. Her eyes closed briefly and she took a deep steadying breath.

"Ready?" Serriah asked.

"Ready," Iyla answered schooling her features and straightening her shoulders.

Iyla followed Serriah across the street and through the groups of people drinking, smoking, and talking outside. Serriah reached for the door and pulled it open and Iyla was immediately hit with a blast of loud music, drunken laughter, and the smell of alcohol and damp walls. She recoiled a bit then strengthened her shields. She couldn't afford to get overwhelmed.

Serriah weaved her way through the crowd confidently, all the while making sure Iyla was behind her. She sent glares and scathing looks at anyone who leered too much or tried to get too close to them. They made their way up to the bar and pushed through to the counter.

"Two beers please," Serriah said to the man behind the counter.

"What are you doing? I'm not of age," Iyla protested.

"Shhh," Serriah replied looking around. "Might not want to broadcast that. Plus, it's not like anyone cares about serving alcohol to minors. Our government isn't the most honest, after all."

Iyla stayed silent and took the glass of beer that was handed to her.

"You don't have to drink it," Serriah assured her. "It's just for looks. Not buying a drink would draw unnecessary attention to yourself."

Iyla was grateful that she wouldn't be required to actually drink the beer but she did settle for a few sips. She screwed up her face in disgust. She didn't understand what made alcohol so appealing.

"So, who are we looking for?" Iyla asked loudly.

"The old man who owns the place. He has to have some ideas about your family. The governor wouldn't have mentioned it if he didn't."

"But what if it was just a misdirection, as Soka said?"

"It's not. Governor Finlayson wouldn't have told you about it just to be manipulative."

"Ok, so we need to talk to the old man. How?"

Serriah smirked and winked. "Watch," she replied.

She turned back to the bar and leaned in to whisper to the bartender. She giggled and batted her eyes. Iyla watched in fascination as Serriah flirted her way into getting the man to open up. The man winked at her and disappeared into the back of the bar.

"He said he'll go get him," Serriah said turning around.

"That was impressive," Iyla grinned.

Serriah looked embarrassed and shrugged. "It's a skill I had to pick up over the years. It can be very affective when it needs to be."

"I bet," Iyla chuckled.

Both girls turned back to the bar and watched as the bartender came through the back entrance followed by a shorter elderly man with a scowl on his face. The bartender pointed at them and Iyla felt her heart skip a bit when the old man looked at her. She willed herself calm and still as he made his way over to them. Something about the man made her Force signature feel funny. Not bad or worried, just…funny. The feeling increased as the man got closer. He was nearly to them when someone drunkenly shouted out.

"Hey, Kenobi!"

Iyla's head snapped around to the voice and she narrowed her eyes in confusion. Who could possibly be here who knew who she was?

"'Bout time you showed yer face," the drink man yelled with a laugh and a hiccup.

Iyla tilted her head and opened her mouth to reply when a deep voice called out.

"I was avoidin' yer sorry ass, Mac. Still hanging 'round this old place I see. Get yerself a lass, mate."

The drunk man, Mac, roared with laughter and raised his glass. Iyla followed the direction of the raised glass and saw the old man shaking his head and muttering to himself.

"Crazy drunk twat," the man said.

He looked up at them and Iyla had to hold back a gasp. They were older, sadder, and harder, but his eyes were most definitely her Papa's.

"You the girls wantin' ta see me?" he asked in a rough accent.

Iyla simply stared at him slightly open mouthed. Serriah glanced at her warily.

"Yes, Mr…Kenobi?" she asked.

"Aye," he nodded. "Odin Kenobi. What's a fine young one like yerself want with me?"

"We," Serriah paused and put an arm on Iyla to pull her closer. "We have some questions for you. The governor said you might be able to help us."

The old man craned his head to look at Iyla who was still standing frozen and wide-eyed behind Serriah.

"What's wrong with yer friend?"

"Oh, uh, nothing. Just doesn't like crowds," Serriah lied, pinching Iyla's wrist to get her to react.

Iyla jumped and blinked.

Odin raised an eyebrow and Iyla thought she might pass out right there.

"Lass looks kinda pale. Let's go back to my office," he said.

Serriah nodded and grabbed Iyla's arm to get her to move.

"Are you ok?" she whispered as they walked. "You look spooked."

"He…his name…" Iyla stuttered out.

"I know. But pull yourself together. He's going to get suspicious."

Iyla swallowed and nodded. She took a breath and did her best to release her raging emotions into the Force. Serriah was right, she had to calm down.

The "office" was just a small room with a rickety table and a pair of chairs. The old man, Odin, shuffled over to the one behind the table and sat down heavily. He leaned back and folded his wrinkled hands over his chest.

"Take a seat, lass," he said looking to Iyla and pointing to the seat across from him.

Iyla gave him a small smile and nodded then sunk into the hard metal chair. She schooled her features and shook off his questioning look. If she focused too much on that eerily familiar raised eyebrow she might have a panic attack.

"So, you got questions? What's the governor want this time? I don't have anymore of that piss tasting Correllian drink he likes so much. Shipments have been backed up for months."

"Uh, no, he doesn't want any drinks. He told us you might be able to give us some information," Serriah said trying to stall so Iyla could think of something to say. Technically they'd already found what they'd come looking for.

"Information? What kinda information would I be able to give you?"

"Umm, about…about…" Serriah trailed off and glanced at Iyla who still hadn't spoken a word. She nudged the younger girl with her foot and snapped her back to reality.

"About my family," Iyla blurted out.

"Your family?" Odin said sitting up. "How would I know about yer family? Who are you anyway? A bit young to be hangin' round my place, I bet."

"I'm old enough," Iyla said bristling with a false bravado.

Odin's lips twitched into an amused smile. "Well, I suppose you are. But I still can't help you much if I don't know yer name."

"M-My name? Right, uh, my name. My name is…Iyla."

"Got any other names, Miss Iyla?"

"Yes…"

"And…"

"And, uh, what…what do you think of the Jedi?" Iyla asked awkwardly.

Serriah held back a groan and brought her hand up to massage her temples.

"Jedi?" Odin asked, his eyes narrowing. "What in the hell does the Jedi have to do with anythin'?"

"Um…" Iyla scrambled looking panicked.

Serriah stepped in before things got any more uncomfortable. "Iyla has a connection with the Jedi and she knows one of them who came here a while back."

Odin sat straighter in his chair and crossed his arms pinning both girls with a cold stare. "There ain't been a Jedi here in a long time. I made sure of that."

Iyla swallowed nervously. What did that mean?

"The Jedi, he, uh, his name is also Kenobi. I was wondering if he's your…son," Iyla said.

Immediately Odin's face hardened and he stiffened. Iyla shrunk back a bit at the intensity in his eyes and his bared teeth.

"I have no son," he growled.

Ahsoka sat at the small desk in the hostel room and ran a hand over her eyes tiredly.

"You're sure she's gone to the pub?" a familiar voice asked over the comm unit.

"Yes, I checked the fresher and the lobby and walked around the perimeter of the hostel. She isn't anywhere around here. And it's been nearly an hour. Surely she'd be back already if she was simply taking a walk," Ahsoka answered.

"That is troubling."

"I'm so sorry, Master Obi-Wan. This is all my fault. I came down hard on her for losing focus and instead of helping her find that focus again I gave her a lecture and extra meditations. I should have known better than to give a Kenobi more time to be inside their head. Who knows what goes on in there?" she smirked turning to look at the hologram before her.

Obi-Wan crossed his arms and gave her a mock glare. "Watch it, little one," he teased.

Ahsoka chuckled but the troubled crease between her eyebrows remained.

"This isn't your fault, Ahsoka. Iyla is capable of making her own choices. While we can't fault her too much for the distraction and loss of focus, she chose to act on it and disobey. That is her bad decision and hers alone."

"But as her Master I should…"

"What? Control her? You'll be hard pressed to find any Master who was successful in controlling their teenage Padawan without it ending up in disaster. Iyla is old enough to decide for herself. And we have to let her. No matter how wrong her decisions may be."

"You sure seem to have a lot of knowledge about disobedient Padawans," Ahsoka grinned.

"Yes, well that's what happens when you raise one," Obi-Wan smirked.

"Or when you were one," Ahsoka teased.

"Qui-Gon's a liar. Don't listen to anything he says," Obi-Wan said with a slight pout as Ahsoka laughed.

"So…do I go after her?" Ahsoka asked uncertainly.

"No. That will make things worse."

"But she could be in danger."

"You'd be able to tell."

"Not if she's shielding."

"You'd still be able to tell. Plus, I'm thinking she's not alone. She'd have needed a guide to help her find the pub and get her in. A local perhaps," Obi-Wan gave Ahsoka a knowing look.

"Serriah," Ahsoka replied. "Of course."

"Stewjon is dirty, rough, and uncivilized but it isn't terribly dangerous. Iyla's smart and would have hidden her Jedi identity and even from only meeting Serriah a few times, I can tell she's street smart and scrappy."

"But there is more than just physical danger, Master," Ahsoka replied thinking back to Iyla's panic attack at the Jons Home. She hadn't planned to break her promise to her Padawan to not tell Obi-Wan but that was before the girl had snuck out and defied her orders.

"Yes, you're right. It's not the physical danger I worry about either," Obi-Wan replied stroking his beard. "You said she went to the pub to look for information about my family. And Serriah mentioned an old man?"

"Yes, she said he owned the pub and would most likely know something."

"Do you know the name of the pub?" Obi-Wan asked with trepidation.

"A man I spoke to in the lobby said it's called 'Odin's.'"

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

"What? You know it don't you? You know the man?" Ahsoka asked curiously.

"The man who owns the pub is named Odin. Odin Kenobi. He's my…father."

Ahsoka stared at him wide-eyed. "Your father?" she asked.

"Yes. My father and Iyla's grandfather."

"Kriffing hell, she really did find her family," Ahsoka breathed out heavily and laughed a bit.

"Ahsoka…" Obi-Wan said wearily.

Ahsoka eyed him nervously. Something about his tone made her uneasy.

"There's something you should know about my father," he said. "He's…he's not a kind man. He's bitter and angry and I fear…"

Ahsoka stayed silent as he gathered his thoughts.

"Iyla is young, naïve, and entirely too trusting. I fear she's going to get hurt," he said gravely.

"You think Odin will hurt her?" Ahsoka asked looking alarmed.

"No, no, not like that. But, well, she's not going to find what she's looking for from him. I'm just worried that she's built up this expectation and romanticized everything and…"

"And she's going to be let down. Hard," Ahsoka nodded sadly. "Maybe I should go find her," she said turning to grab her robe.

"No, Ahsoka. Iyla has to go through this on her own. As much as we wish we could protect her, we can't," Obi-Wan replied.

"Then what can I do? I don't like sitting and feeling useless."

"You can be there for her when she comes back. She'll need her Master."

"Her Master won't be in the mood to comfort. Her Master is still pretty ticked off," Ahsoka said crossing her arms.

Obi-Wan huffed out a laugh. "Then she'll need her Soka. Will she be in the mood to comfort?" he asked.

"Yes, her Soka can do that," she smiled.

"Good," Obi-Wan said returning the smile. "Try to rest a bit, young one. Iyla will need you soon enough."

"Yes, Master," Ahsoka said with a bow then shut off the comm. She sank down on to her bunk and closed her eyes falling into a light meditation and trying to prepare for whatever state her Padawan might return in from meeting her long lost grandfather.

The small room went deathly silent and a chill seemed to settle around the trio. Iyla tried to cover her shock at the anger in the man's tone and recovered quickly.

"But the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi, he is your son, right? I mean, he has to be. How many other Kenobis are there?" Iyla asked.

"That self-righteous Core World-tainted traitor is no son of mine," Odin replied with venom in his voice.

"He is not self-righteous and he is not a traitor. He is a great and honorable man," Iyla said rising up in her seat in indignation.

Odin studied her curiously. Identical sets of narrowed blue eyes stared back at each other stubbornly.

"Why do ya care so much about the Jedi, lass? And what's my son got to do with anythin'?" he asked regarding her with an infuriatingly smug look.

It's one that she'd seen many times on her Papa's face but instead of stirring up fond exasperation, the old man's look only brought unease and trepidation.

"Your son is one of the greatest Jedi in the Order and you should be proud of him," Iyla replied.

"Can't be that great of a Jedi if he went and got some lass knocked up," Odin snorted. "Aren't they supposed to not fall in love and have kids?"

Iyla's eyes widened in shock. "H-How did you…? He told you…?"

Odin chuckled and crossed his arms. "He didn't tell me nothin'. It's written all over yer face. I may not be as refined and well-off as my son, but I'm not stupid, child."

"So you know that I'm-"

"My granddaughter? Aye. Knew it as soon as you started asking about the Jedi. And you look like him. He had that same fire in his eyes when he spoke about his precious Order too."

Iyla sat stunned for a moment. She felt Serriah shifting uncomfortably behind her.

"So, you knew she was your granddaughter and you still sat there and said horrible things about her father?" Serriah asked angrily.

"Not gonna sugar coat things for ya. My son is a traitor to his people and his family and it's time you learned about it too. He's not the hero you think he is, darlin'," Odin sneered.

"Don't call me that," Iyla growled. "And you're wrong. My Papa is a hero. He's done more for the galaxy than you've ever done."

"Your Papa?" Odin laughed. "You sound like yer barely off the tit, lass. A nearly grown girl like yerself has no business still callin' him Papa."

Iyla's face colored at his crudeness. "I know that," she said defensively. "It's kind of our thing. No one else seems to care and Papa doesn't mind."

"Course he doesn't the pansy," Odin muttered.

"Look, I think we've heard quite enough of you, old man," Serriah spoke up.

"You're the ones comin' into my pub askin' questions about my pretentious son and getting' all upset when I tell you the truth," Odin replied looking annoyed.

"The truth?" Iyla scoffed. "Nothing you've said about my Papa has been even close to the truth."

"Oh, really?" he asked with a raised eyebrow that grated on her nerves. "You think you know all about your precious Papa? Think he has no secrets? I'm sure he tells you everything, doesn't he? That's why we're just now meetin' each other, eh?"

"I don't expect him to tell me everything. But I think I know him better than you. Or better than you think you do. Because everything you've said about him is wrong."

"You know nothing, child."

"Try me," Iyla shot back with a raised eyebrow of her own. "Why do you hate your son so much? Why do you hate the Jedi?"

Odin scoffed. "Because those pious pricks sit in their ivory tower and claim to be humanitarians and servants of the galaxy when they couldn't give a rat's ass about us Outer-Rimmers. They parade around from world to world insertin' themselves in our affairs in the name of peace without regard for those of us who have ta live with their decisions. Decisions they claim to make fer our good. But ain't no one ever asked to have their child taken, their lover's heart broken, and to be tossed aside like yesterday's rubbish and left to fend fer themselves. Ain't no one ever asked to watch their wife waste away in grief for her lost son with nay a whisper or word from the ones who took 'im away in the first place! No contact, no compassion, no help for those of us left behind after they find their precious Force babies an' skip out of town."

Iyla could feel Odin's emotions swirling around him like a storm ready to rage, his accent growing thicker with every bitter word. He might have thought he was speaking in general but his reasons sounded oddly specific and personal.

"The Jedi don't take children. They always need parental consent before they bring a Force-sensitive child to the temple," Iyla replied.

"Oh, they had consent alright. Winnie was thrilled. She wanted the best for her son and sendin' him off to live in a temple where he'd get educated and learn to use his powers sounded like a dream come true. She only ever wanted the best for her little Obi. And givin' him to the Jedi promised a better life than he'd ever get here. But she was a dreamer, my Winnie. She held out hope that her son would come back and she'd see him again someday. That he was only goin' for a while, not forever."

"She misunderstood," Iyla stated sadly. "Didn't the Jedi explain it to her?"

"Aye. And I did as well. But she refused ta believe us. She continued to live under the false hope that he'd return," he replied with a clenched fist. "And the Jedi still took the boy. Knowing she didn't really understand. They got their Force-kid and that's all they cared about."

"I don't think they would have still taken Papa if they didn't think your wife had truly given her consent and understood," Iyla replied.

"I just told ya they had her consent. That's all they needed. Guess they figured it was our problem to fix when she finally realized he wasn't comin' back."

"And did she? Finally realize it?" Serriah asked.

"Aye. After his 18th lifeday. She thought him being an adult would mean he'd get to come home. For 15 years she waited patiently despite being heart broken and missing him every day. But there was always that hope to keep her goin'. After he came of age and we heard nothin', well, there was nothin' else to hope for. She started wastin' away when she realized he was truly lost to her," Odin answered with a pained look in his eyes. He took a deep breath and clenched his jaw. "I contacted them, you know. The Jedi. Winnie was sick with grief and there was nothin' I could do and well, the boy was a man now, educated and in control of his abilities. Well-off too. Surely he could have helped. But they refused to let him come. Refused to even tell him about it. Said it was against the rules. No contact allowed. That's what they said. Didn't wanna distract him from his studies," he spat bitterly. "As if lettin' the boy see his mother was gonna ruin his progress."

"Attachments," Iyla said. "The Code forbids them. Or, well, it used to. Jedi were taken from their birth families and made to see the Jedi Order as their families instead. To help them better commune with the Force and ensure they stayed on the right path."

"Family," Odin scoffed. "What do those cushy twats know about family?"

"A lot actually. I have a wonderful Jedi family back home," Iyla replied.

"Well, I find it funny that as much as they talk about the Jedi as a family, they sure love to ignore blood family. Family only matters when it suits their needs."

"Jedi aren't allowed to have contact with their blood relatives. Well, not usually. They see it as attachment which is a distraction from the Force and could lead to darkness. Attachments are…were…forbidden back when Papa was growing up."

Odin rolled his eyes. "So not only does he not know how to be loyal to his home world but he can't even stay loyal to his oaths. Probably broke them the moment he saw a pretty girl. Foolish boy."

"My Mama was not just a fling and he didn't take it lightly. And he's still a great Jedi even though he broke the rules. In fact, he changed things. Family and attachments are allowed now."

"Oh, so when he breaks rules he just changes them to fit his needs. Sounds about right. And now family matters to him. He wasn't allowed to see his dying mother but he could knock up some girl and make a family of his own. Just another perk of being a Core Worlder. He has the luxury of living in familial bliss without the pain of having to watch his love waste away."

Iyla lowered her eyes and bit her lip. "My Mama is dead," she said quietly.

"Oh," Odin looked away awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I am sorry to hear that lass. Truly."

Iyla nodded and took a shaky breath. "Papa's life wasn't as cushy as you think. He's had hard times too. You really don't know anything about him."

"Perhaps not," Odin inclined his head in acceptance. "Doesn't mean he isn't still a traitor to his planet."

Iyla whipped her head up in anger at the audacity of the old man to continue to drag his son through the mud. "What is your problem with him? What did he ever do to you?" she asked.

"It's what he didn't do," Odin said testily.

"Oh for Force sake! I already told you he was forbidden to have contact with you. It was the rules," Iyla said in exasperation.

"I don't mean that. I mean that he didn't give a rat's ass about me and my situation. Just came waltzing in with his high and mighty Jedi ideals and turned everythin' upside down. The governor hates him too. That home was good for our economy. Lots of those kids served all over and we didn't have ta pay them like we did normal workers. It was cost effective. But then your precious Papa comes in and takes them all away. I had three of them workin' here. Cost me a lotta credits when I had to hire new staff."

Iyla's blood ran cold and a sick feeling settled in her stomach. Her grandfather bought kids from the Jons Home? And he didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it. In fact he was mad that her Papa shut the home down.

"Oh, yes. Stars forbid you actually had to have adults work for you and pay them honestly," Serriah growled.

"Those kids were lucky to have work, bunch of rejects that they were," Odin replied.

"They're much better off now, I can assure you," Serriah scowled at him. "Master Kenobi saved us from scum like you."

"Us?" Odin asked with a raised eyebrow and an interested smirk. "You're one of them?"

"Was," Serriah emphasized.

"Hmm," was all the old man said before turning to look at Iyla.

"You a Huber kid too, lass? S'that why my self-righteous son saw fit to come raging in here like a crazed krayt dragon?" Odin chuckled and gave her a mocking smirk. "Seems mediocrity runs in the family. Mediocre disloyal Jedi father rescues mediocre reject daughter. You two make quite the pair."

"Stop it," Iyla ground out seething with rage. "Just because you're unhappy with your life doesn't mean you need to project your unhappiness on us. You're free to be a bitter and lonely old man but don't drag us down with you."

Odin's lip curled up and his eyes narrowed. "If I was your father, you'd be smacked for your cheek, girl."

"Good thing my Papa's a better man than you," Iyla countered.

"You got a mouth on you. Maybe you would have made it here after all," Odin replied.

Iyla's lip curled in disgust. "Now I know why Papa never talked about you."

"Well, so sorry to disappoint you, your highness. You gonna use your fancy lightstick on me for makin' you mad?"

"Jedi do not seek revenge," Iyla replied automatically.

"Course they don't," Odin sneered. "Now, you gonna leave my pub or am I gonna have to call the governor in to get you?"

"Governor Finlayson sent us here. He already knows Iyla's a Jedi," Serriah said.

Odin cursed colorfully and smacked his hand on the rickety table. "That bastard. Sent you here on purpose. He knows how I feel about Jedi. Still blames me for my traitorous son's actions. Can't admit his own weakness in rulin' is what got us here in the first place."

Serriah cocked her head. "What do you mean?"

"My son might've come here and shook up our economy but that little man who calls himself governor sure didn't put up much of a fight. He cowered and caved pretty quickly. Part'a me thinks he wanted to see the home shut down too. Prob'ly had to do with that kid he had hangin' around him in the beginning."

"W-What?" Serriah asked wide-eyed.

"Yeah, he took a lotta heat for sendin' the girl to that home. Made him look weak and disloyal. Stewjon might'a been better off economically with that place but most people here frown upon puttin' kids in that shady home."

"Not all of them, obviously," Iyla countered shooting him a cold look.

"Like I said, lass. Those kids were better off with me than on the streets. Cuz that's what that crazy Huber lady was doin' wasn't she? Chuckin' them out. I did them a favor."

Iyla bit back her retort and thought this over. In some warped and twisted way, the man had a point. It still didn't redeem him in her eyes but it was nice to know that her grandfather wasn't a completely heartless bastard.

"So…you think he regretted it? Sending the girl away?" Serriah asked cautiously.

"Aye. I think he was lookin' for an excuse to take down Huber but was too lazy and weak to do it himself. He couldn't have the economy collapse by his hand. It was easier to blame the Jedi. But yes, I think he regretted it."

"Probably only because it tainted his reputation," Serriah muttered.

Odin gave her a knowing look. "No way to know unless you ask him, lass."

Serriah straightened up and looked at him sharply. "I don't know what you mean," she lied.

The old man raised a gray eyebrow and smirked. "You helpin' the Jedi negotiate with the Northerners? Bet the governor is proving challenging. He has to channel all his fake rage and hurt pride somewhere. Prob'ly playin' mind games too."

Iyla sat taller and leaned forward in interest. "You're thinking of something," she said. "I recognize that look. It's the one Papa gets when he's got a plan."

"You tell the governor old man Odin knows and if he don't let my granddaughter and her Jedi fix the problem then I'm comin' out with it. I'll expose him for the weak man he is. The South Stewjoni may not have liked the home but at least they're honest folk who own up to their flaws. They'll be mighty mad that he lied to save his own skin while he sat and pretended to be a leader. And you also tell him I said to grow a pair and talk with his kid. He don't need to reconcile or nothin' but man up and face her."

"Is that what you did with Papa? Grew a pair?" Iyla asked giving him a Kenobi eyebrow raise of her own.

"I may not like my son or agree with him but I never sent him away. I let him say his piece and gave him the time of day. Then I told him never to come back. But at least I faced him like a man, 'stead of hidin' behind politics and shiny walls."

"How noble of you," Iyla scoffed.

"I try," he snarked back.

This earned a slight smile from Iyla but she kept her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed.

"So you think if I tell him what you said, that he'll cooperate?" Serriah spoke up.

"Guarantee it, lass. Teach him to blame me for his shortcomings. He'll cave and talk negotiations with ya, I know it."

"It can't be that easy," Serriah said skeptically.

"He's a coward. He'll cave. And if not to me, then to the hoard of angry South Stewjoni when they learn the truth."

Serriah eyed Iyla uncertainly. The young Jedi shrugged. "Might as well try. Maybe some pressure is what he needs."

Serriah nodded. "We should inform Master Tano," she said.

Iyla cringed at the thought of facing her Master after such blatant disregard for her orders. But she was a Jedi Padawan and she didn't cower in the face of fear and consequences. She'd 'man up and grow a pair' as her grandfather had so eloquently put it.

"S'gettin' late. You kids better be getting' back to wherever you came from. You got a slimy governor to face tomorrow after all."

Iyla nodded and stood up but instead of turning to leave she started to wring her hands nervously.

"Got more to say?" Odin asked.

"Umm, yeah, uh…thank you," she said awkwardly. "For helping us. You…you didn't have to. If, um, if it ends up working out I can put in a good word for you at the temple. I'm sure they'd want to compensate you for your assistance. Maybe help get you some more staff so you can-"

Odin held up a hand to stop her. "I don't need no compensation from your Order, child. The only compensation I want is to be left well enough alone and never hear from the Jedi again."

"But Papa will be grateful that you helped me. I'm sure he would gladly repay you somehow."

"If my son wants to repay me, he can do so by letting his bitter and lonely father live out the rest of his days being bitter and lonely to his heart's content."

Iyla ducked her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things about you."

"Don't be sorry for tellin' the truth, lass. You weren't wrong and I ain't denyin' it. I've lived my life and caused my sorry circumstances myself. I won't blame others for my own bitterness. That'd make me no better than our governor. Your Papa, in all his high and mighty morals helped me realize that. Course he said it as he was spittin' mad and ragin' at me, but it stuck. He's not the man I would have wished him to be but at least he's no coward."

"But I thought you said he was a pansy," Serriah pointed out.

"He's soft. And he'd've never made it here. So I guess it's just as well he got whisked away to that ivory tower. Plus, this planet's only got room for one Kenobi and I was here first," he smiled. A genuine smile that almost reached his eyes.

Iyla chuckled and shook her head. "You're something else, Odin Kenobi," she said. "Meeting you has been confusing, frustrating, maddening, and enlightening all at once. Pretty on par for a Kenobi."

Odin laughed and stood from his chair. "And you're a snarky little one, so same to you, kid. Good to know there's still some Kenobi spirit in the family. Guess not all is lost after all."

Iyla smirked and winked.

"Tell your Papa his daddy is still an angry old bastard who wants nothin' to do with him. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that."

"I will. Goodbye, Odin Kenobi," she nodded and bowed.

"Goodbye, Iyla Kenobi," he replied. "Go save the galaxy or whatever it is you Jedi claim to do."

"Yes, sir," Iyla said walking to the door.

Odin saw them out of the pub and watched as they crossed the street. Iyla turned back and took in the short hunched form of the man who could have been family framing the doorway with a permanent scowl on his face. What a confusing and exasperating man. Perhaps he could have been saved at some point. Perhaps he could have been her grandfather in another life. But it was no use dwelling on the 'what ifs'. It was time to leave Odin Kenobi and his complexities behind. She had a planet to save.

As Odin predicted, Governor Finlayson caved pretty quickly in the face of political pressure and possible reputation ruin. Ahsoka worked her diplomatic magic and a peace treaty was being drafted and signed the very next day. Serriah asked the governor if they could talk and he said he'd consider it. It wasn't what she had hoped for but at least he didn't refuse right away. Ahsoka, despite being angry as heck at her Padawan, allowed the two girls to have one last day together before they left. Iyla and Serriah exchanged comm numbers and agreed to have a long call between the two of them every month. Their shared past might have been dark and traumatizing but the bond they created was strong and thriving.

Now, back on the ship and confined to her quarters, Iyla had no other choice but to reflect on the strange mission. What they thought was going to be difficult diplomatically turned out to be very simple and quick when it came down to it. The danger was superficial and exaggerated and the Stewjoni were far more cooperative than first impressions let on. Mission wise, it was a breeze.

However, emotionally and personally it was the most trying she'd ever been through. Never had she had to be more focused and disciplined in the Force and with her emotions than on Stewjon. Resurfacing memories combined with disappointing and confusing relatives left her in quite a state when everything was said and done. She'd held it together when her Master came down hard on her. She'd accepted her Soka's comfort after the lectures and scolding and lied when asked if she felt better. Ahsoka had seen through her words but hadn't called her on it. Instead she told her to go start meditating and she'd join her later. Iyla hadn't heard from her Papa and she was grateful for it. She wasn't ready to face him yet. There was still so much to work through and she was determined to do it without his help. She was nearly grown after all. She couldn't just run to her Papa when things got tough.

A knock at her door startled her out of her thoughts. "Come in," she replied still sitting in the meditation position.

Ahsoka peeked her head in and gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry to interrupt kiddo, but we're going to have to reschedule our joint meditation session," she said.

Iyla cocked her head in question.

"We're about 30 minutes out from the temple and Master Obi-Wan is requesting us once we get there," Ahsoka said with a wince.

Iyla closed her eyes and sighed heavily. So much for not facing her Papa.

"I would tell him we can't but I kind of agreed to include him in certain things when it comes to your training."

"No, it's fine. If you told him no then he'd just insist on doing it another time. Might as well do it now and get it over with."

"Thanks, kiddo. We'll be there in a bit," she said before leaving the room.

Thirty minutes came too quickly for Iyla's liking and soon they were sitting in the Kenobi quarters looking at each other uncomfortably.

"I assume Ahsoka has given an appropriate consequence for your disobedience," Obi-Wan asked with a raised eyebrow.

Iyla's heart skipped a bit at the gesture as the grumpy and hardened face of her grandfather rose up in her mind. She barely managed to hold back a flinch.

Obi-Wan frowned and softened his features. "You made a mistake, Iyla, but that doesn't mean you won't be forgiven. There is a valuable lesson to be learned here, darling. You won't be in trouble forever."

"I know, Papa. It's not that. It's just…you look so much like him and…" she looked away awkwardly.

The room went silent and still and Obi-Wan and Ahsoka seemed to have a conversation over the anxious teenager's head.

"We can discuss consequences later, Padawan," Ahsoka spoke up. "Perhaps you'd like to speak with Master Obi-Wan alone for a bit."

Iyla snapped her head up and scowled. "I can handle myself just fine, thank you. I'm not a child."

"It's not childish to need help, Iyla," Ahsoka assured her.

"No, but needing your Papa to make things better when you're 17 is pretty childish."

"Iyla, love, there are some things we do need to talk about. I'm not saying you need me to come rescue you or that you're incapable of working it out on your own but this situation concerns me as well. It is important that I'm included in the discussion," Obi-Wan reasoned.

Iyla folded her arms across her chest and looked away.

"It is important to get things cleared up, Padawan," Ahsoka encouraged.

"Alright," Iyla agreed reluctantly.

"Thank you, darling," Obi-Wan smiled.

"I'll meet you back at our quarters," Ahsoka said before getting up and leaving the room.

"So, what do you want to talk about," Iyla said looking disinterestedly at her nails.

Obi-Wan eyed her carefully. "How are you doing?" he asked.

"Fine," she shrugged.

"Iyla," Obi-Wan said.

Iyla bit her lip and sighed. "I'm a bit…confused," she admitted.

"About?"

"I'm having a hard time reconciling the man that I met with you, Papa. He's so angry and bitter and sad but when I looked at him all I saw was your eyes and your mannerisms and it was…unsettling."

Obi-Wan smiled sadly and pulled up a chair to sit across from her. "I'm sorry you had to have the unpleasant experience of meeting him. I never intended for you two to cross paths."

"It's not your fault, Papa. I chose to sneak out and go to the pub. I wasn't focused and I was being selfish. It's just…I was so curious and I felt the Force. It was telling me that I had to do it. That this was something that needed to happen."

"Perhaps it was. The Force is mysterious sometimes in its ways of revealing things to us and teaching us. It doesn't make sense and it can be very frustrating."

"Sounds like someone else I know," Iyla muttered.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Odin is quite the character. I admit that I lost my patience with him many times. Our meeting didn't go well at all. It was disheartening to see the man my father is. It took a lot of meditation and re-evaluating to help me come to terms with it all. I never wanted the same to happen to you, dear."

"It's ok. It was upsetting and disappointing but I've had time to think about it since we left. I do wonder though…" Iyla trailed off.

"Yes, love?"

"I really do wonder how you came from such a grumpy and disagreeable man."

Obi-Wan smirked. "Is it really so hard to see? I seem to remember being called similar things over the years by you and Anakin as well."

Iyla huffed out a laugh. "You can be plenty grumpy and annoying but nothing like him, Papa. He was so bitter and angry and unhappy and he isn't a good man. He's not a bad man, but he's not a good man. Nothing like you."

Obi-Wan smiled and took her hand. "Thank you, darling. I had a hard time with that as well when I first met him. And it scared me."

Iyla's eyes widened a bit at his confession.

"Oh, yes. I was afraid. Not of him. I was afraid because I saw the potential in myself to become that man," Obi-Wan admitted.

"You could never be like him, Papa," Iyla said emphatically.

"I appreciate the confidence, little one, but it is true. With everything that has happened to me in my life, it would be easy to end up just like Odin. I was scared because I saw that possibility in myself to become bitter and hardened. My father watched his love waste away just as I watched your mother pass on as well. The reality is, dear, that my father and I are not as different as we both want to believe. That is what scared me. That I'm only one tragedy away from living my life as a resentful and discontent old man scowling at the world and loathing my very existence."

"But you never will be, Papa," Iyla said squeezing his hand. "Because you have me. And Uncle Anakin and Auntie Padme, Luke, and Leia. And Soka and Grandpa Qui and the vode and so many other people who love you and care about you and won't let you face anything alone. Because you have something Odin never had. A family."

Obi-Wan smiled but lowered his eyes. "Part of me thinks he could have been saved. If I had gone when he asked. If I had met him earlier and saved my mother. What would he have turned out like then?"

"Papa, you can't blame yourself. The Order never told you about you mother and it was forbidden anyway. It's not your fault."

"Odin didn't see it that way. He made it very clear that everything wrong in his life was my fault. And part of me thinks he might be right," Obi-Wan said.

"He doesn't think that anymore. He told me so. He said you made him change his mind and start taking responsibility for himself. Even if you did rage at him like a…what did he call you again? Oh, a 'crazed krayt dragon'," Iyla giggled.

"Hmm, maybe I should go on crazy rants more often. They seem to have a positive affect on people," Obi-Wan teased.

Iyla laughed then looked contemplative.

"Something else on your mind, love?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Odin had Jons kids working in his pub. He supported Mrs. Huber's business, Papa. He claimed he didn't agree with her but he still bought them. He said he was doing them a favor but I couldn't…I was disgusted, Papa. It made me…"

"Angry?"

Iyla nodded and bit her lip.

"It's understandable, dear. I was angry as well. And ashamed that someone in my family would support such a horrible thing as child servanthood. But you know what helped me come to terms with it?"

Iyla looked up at him and shook her head. "No, Papa. What?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "Aliit ori'shya tal'din," he replied.

"Family is more than blood," Iyla translated.

"Do you know what that means, darling?"

"That people who aren't your blood can still be your family," Iyla replied.

"And, people aren't family just because they are your blood. Family is more than genes, love. It's more than a shared name and shared traits. Family is about love, loyalty, support, and standing by each other no matter what. Just because Odin's blood runs through your veins does not make him your grandfather, Iyla. That's for you to decide, not your DNA."

Iyla cocked her head and furrowed her brow in thought. It was an action that never failed to both warm and clench Obi-Wan's heart. How she looked like her mother in those moments.

"I understand, Papa. I'm still not sure how I feel about Odin, but, you're right. He's not my grandpa. Not really. I already have a grandpa. And he's a million times the man Odin will ever be."

"Yes, he is, darling. Though maybe no less frustrating," he winked.

"Must run in the family, then," Iyla sassed.

Obi-Wan scowled and cuffed her on the head. "You're a brat," he teased.

"I try," she replied with a smirk and an eyebrow raise.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and stood up to go put the kettle on but not before running a hand over her hair affectionately. Iyla allowed it this once but she definitely did not lean into the touch. That would have been childish.

"Come have some tea, love. Tell me about the rest of your mission. I heard it was…interesting," he smiled.

"You have no idea," Iyla laughed as she stood and walked to his side.

Obi-Wan slung an arm around her shoulders and tugged her close to his side as she started to babble on and on enthusiastically. He let her bright presence fill him up and sent yet another thank you to the Force for his little light. His precious saving grace that would ensure he would never become his father.

I hope you all enjoyed Odin in all of his colorful a**hole glory, lol. He was really fun to write! Like an alternate Obi-Wan, lol. Also, sorry the mission was wrapped up all nicely and easily. I am not an expert on politics or negotiations (though teaching 5-year-olds has helped improve that a bit) so I found myself not really able to make it diplomatically interesting. Plus that wasn't the focus of the chapter anyways.

Ok, so life update: here's the dealio: I was supposed to be done with subbing last week but it's been extended for two more weeks and I was asked to do a week of kindergarten at our satellite campus as well, so really I have 3 more weeks to go. But it's been going well and the principal seems happy with my work so far. Hopefully it leads to full time in the future *fingers crossed*! I tell you this because it means my hiatus will be extended a bit longer. But I'm hoping to at least get started on the next chapter this week before my break is up and get some writing done on the weekends too. In May I will finally be free of the kiddos and will have more time to write. So just hold on a bit more! I promise I'll be back soon!

Next chapter will be called Crystal Caverns which fills a request from a reader about Iyla's trip to Ilum. Expect heavy stuff my friends. I can't wait!