Summary:

Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka and Rex have a meeting with Master Yoda.

The group meets Jinn.

Jinn runs away.

6.

Obi-Wan could not believe what was in Ahsoka and Captain Rex's report. It appeared that the war was far worse than he could have ever imagined. There was so much death. There was so much lose. There was so much betrayal. He wouldn't even know where to begin to fix it. Though, it seemed that the two time-travelers had already anticipated his dilemma and provided him with a chronological list of enemies, their motives and their whereabouts.

They had mapped out nearly three years' worth of information. Obi-Wan rubbed his face with his hands. He dreaded the thought of fighting the war for three long years. He was sure his hair would turn grey by the end of it.

However, he had time to look over the information more closely during their shore leave on Coruscant. Force willing, they might be able to form a plan to end the war a lot sooner than three years.

Obi-Wan tucked the data-pad in his pocket in his robe and contacted his former-apprentice.

"Anakin, meet me on the landing platform. I want you, Rex and Ahsoka to accompany me to the Temple."

"Yes, Master. We'll be there."

Obi-Wan left his quarters and headed to the bridge to speak with his commander. "Cody, I'm authorizing the medics to remove the biochips. No one can leave the barracks until they've had the procedure done."

"Yes, sir."

"Anakin, Ahsoka, Rex and I will be at the Temple, so in the meantime you'll be in charge of the men."

"Yes, General."

"Oh, Cody. Please remind me later to debrief you after my meeting at the Temple."

Cody shook his head and said, "I'm not sure you need to, General. Rex has already brought me up to speed on the situation."

Obi-Wan paused and considered the fact that Cody knew. It was dangerous information to have, but Cody was a good man. If anyone could be trusted, it was him.

"All the same, please remind me."

"Very good, sir."

XXX

Obi-Wan found Anakin and the two time-travelers already waiting for him on the platform. There was a transport waiting for them to drop them off at the Temple. It was a short trip compared to the distance they traveled by hyper-drive, but somehow the journey felt longer. They all sat in tense silence as they flew over the city. It was early morning and the sun had set all the buildings below aglow.

When they finally landed, Master Windu was there to greet them.

"Master Kenobi, Skywalker, Master Yoda is expecting you. Your message sounded urgent."

"It is. I wish to discuss the matter with him in private."

Master Windu couldn't help but eyed Master Kenobi with scrutiny. He paused after they entered the Temple and were alone in the halls.

"Is something wrong, Mace?"

Master Windu narrowed his brow and studied Obi-Wan's features. He noticed there were subtle differences he hadn't picked up before between him and his double. There was also the fact that Obi-Wan wasn't hiding his Force-presence. He was open and brimming with concern.

"It's nothing."

Master Windu continued to lead the group to a private mediation room where Master Yoda was waiting. Once, they had entered, he took his leave. The group saw that the little master was seated on a cushion with a large window behind him. Kenobi, Skywalker and Tano bowed as one before the Grand Master in respect. The action threw Rex off since he wasn't a Jedi. He didn't really know if he should bow as well or not. It didn't seem right, so he stood at attention.

Master Yoda bowed to all of them in return and gestured to the empty cushions around him and said, "Master Kenobi, Knight Skywalker, Padawan Tano and Captain Rex, please sit."

The Jedi had no problem sitting on the low plush seats, but Rex couldn't help feeling out of place. He awkwardly sat down on the cushion nearest to Ahsoka and take off his helmet and placed it in his lap.

Rex was grateful when Master Yoda finally started talking and said, "Urgent your message was."

Obi-Wan said, "Yes, but as I explained, I felt it wouldn't be wise to speak over the comm."

Master Yoda hummed and said, "Does the information you wish to share concern Skywalker's Padawan and his Captain?"

Anakin said, "Yes, you could say they are essential to the new information we obtained. In fact, I feel it would be best if they explained it."

Rex and Ahsoka shared a nervous glance. They both felt intimidated in from of the Jedi Grand Master. However, Rex wanted Ahsoka to know that he had her back and gave her a reassuring nod. She smiled at him and squared her shoulders before facing the Grand Master.

"Master Yoda, Rex and I aren't who we really are. We are time travelers of our older selves from the future. We're from about 18 years into your future. The Republic and the Jedi have fallen. An evil Empire has taken its place. The Sith Lord we've been searching for is really Chancellor Palpatine. He orchestrated the war from the start. He created both the clone army and the droid army to make an atmosphere of fear and doubt. He did it so he could push the Senate into naming him Supreme Chancellor and become Emperor."

Master Yoda sensed the truth in Ahsoka's words. He sensed that both she and the Captain had a difficult past. Though, after hearing the truth, he realized how truly blind the Jedi had become. They had worked alongside the Sith Lord without recognizing his real identity. The Jedi had taken part in his plan without seeing the Darkness that surrounded it.

"Fear and doubt have clouded our sight more than I feared."

Ahsoka said, "That's why we came here to speak with you today. We want to change the future. We want to end the war and stop Darth Sidious' plan. The truth Master is that the Jedi should not have taken part to begin with. The Jedi were meant to serve the Force and protect the people. This war-it's only hurt people."

Obi-Wan said, "Ahsoka is right, Master. I believe it was the will of the Force that brought them here."

Anakin narrowed his brow and turned to his Padawan and said, "Actually, how did you get here?"

Rex said, "Ahsoka and I were investigating an unknow Jedi Temple on Teeboo. We met a man there who said he was a traveler. He said he built the temple in order to find a way home. There was an earthquake and we both fell into the nexis."

Anakin said, "Who was this man?"

Rex shrugged and said, "Don't know. He said his name was Jinn. He looked a lot like General Kenobi. He said he was Jedi-trained. He had a lightsaber and carried a sword."

Master Yoda's ears twitched as he hummed before he said, "Your description similar to my guest is."

Ahsoka said, "He maybe the same man we met on Teeboo. If you don't mind, Master I'd like to meet him."

Master Yoda nodded his head and activated his comm.

"Master Windu, please ask our guest to join us."

"Is that wise, Master?"

"Yes, something we wish to ask him."

"Yes, Master."

Master Yoda then looked up and said, "Now, change our destiny we must. Plan, we will."

Obi-Wan said, "Ahsoka and Rex have already made a report detailing what they could remember during the war. We can use that to plan our next move. However, I haven't finished reviewing all the data yet."

"Hm, a good start, it is."

The door chimed and Master Yoda said, "Enter, you may."

Jinn walked into the room. He didn't expect the little green master to be entertaining guests. He cautiously scanned the room. He didn't recognize the young Togruta, the clone trooper or dark dressed Jedi at first but paused when he saw Obi-Wan sitting next to him.

Obi-Wan froze when he locked eyes with Jinn. He got up from his seat and circled Jinn to get a better look at him. He put his hands on his hips as he took in Jinn's dark attire and weapons. He had to admit that the resemblance was uncanny.

Anakin got up too. He was dumbfounded. He stared at him and then back at his former master and said, "Captain, you weren't kidding. He does look like Obi-Wan."

In response, Jinn anxiously placed his hand over the hilt of his sword and was keenly aware of Obi-Wan's movements. This was a meeting Jinn dreaded. He knew that if he stood next to Obi-Wan that there would be no denying their resemblance. He knew it would only raise questions and interrogations would begin.

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "Well, I admit there are similarities, but there is no accounting for taste."

Anakin scuffed and said, "No way. I like the black. I approve."

Jinn ignored the banter and said, "This is some kind of mistake."

Anakin smiled and said, "He even sounds like you. Is he your brother?"

Obi-Wan sighed in exasperation and said, "No, Anakin. I don't have a brother."

Anakin's brow suddenly raised, and he excitedly said, "No, I get it. He's a time traveler, right? He is you from an alternate reality."

Obi-Wan placed his hand to his forehead in annoyance and said, "Anakin, I highly doubt-well, I suppose it is a possibility."

The two men paused to stare at Jinn. He took a step back. Jinn did not want to reveal his identity. He knew it would only complicate matters farther. It would only make things worse. Without another word, he immediately turned around and exited the room. Anakin turned to Obi-Wan after the door shut behind him.

"Did he just run away?"

Obi-Wan said, "Yes, I believe he did."

Everyone in the room was stunned. Anakin narrowed his brow and followed after him. He was seriously having his doubts about this time traveler. Once he was out in the hall, he saw he was already down the hall and trying to make his escape.

"Hey! Wait!"

Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and Rex soon joined Anakin in the hall. He turned to his friends and said, "Ahsoka, Rex go around and cut him off. Obi-Wan and I will go after him."

Ahsoka said, "You got it, Skyguy."

The four splits up, Anakin and Obi-Wan ran after Jinn. It wasn't long before they caught up to him. He was about to enter a lift when Ahsoka and Rex cut him off. He backed away from them and closer towards the windows.

Anakin shouted, "Stop! Look, we just want to talk."

Jinn bowed to him and said, "Sorry, but I seem to have overstayed my welcome."

He then turned around and drew his sword and lightsaber from his belt and used the sword to break the glass on the window behind him. Jinn was glad he was able to convince Master Yoda to get his weapons back from Master Windu or he would really be in trouble. As the glass shattered, he jumped down a slope roof and into a garden.

Obi-Wan turned to Rex and said, "Captain, notify the Temple guards."

"Yes, General."

"Ahsoka, you're with us."

The three followed Jinn out the window and into the garden below. There were large boulders erected everywhere throughout the garden. It was a place for mediation and practice. Several trees shaded the area and leaves rustled in the wind.

Ahsoka softly said, "I'll circle around."

Anakin silently nodded his head. Together, he and Obi-Wan ventured into the garden. Anakin tried to sense Jinn's presence but felt nothing. It was like the man wasn't even there. It didn't help that the boulders made perfect hiding places. They could be ambushed at any moment.

"Calm yourself, Anakin. He's outnumbered."

"Yeah, but why did he run away? What do you think he's hiding?"

"I don't know. We'll have to ask him once we find him."

Anakin shook his head at Obi-Wan's response and said, "Let's split up. I'll go this way. Maybe we can flush him out."

"Agreed."

Anakin moved through the rock garden slowly. He couldn't hear anything. There was no sign of him anywhere. Anakin decided he needed a different prospective and jumped onto of one of the boulders. To his shock, he saw that Jinn was also standing onto of a boulder. When Jinn spotted him, he began to run along the top of the boulders. Anakin frowned as he followed in pursuit. Anakin used the Force to leap in front of him and blocked his path.

"Stop or you leave me no choice."

Jinn raised his hand to Force-push Anakin off the top of the boulder. Anakin swayed dangerous but managed to keep his balance. Anakin was annoyed. He leapt forward to grab Jinn's arm and ignited his lightsaber in the other.

"Stop running away, you coward."

Jinn lowered his captured arm in order to take hold of Anakin's wrist instead and pulled him forward. Anakin had enough and tried to slash at Jinn's legs. It was a sure way to stop him from running away. In response, Jinn ignited his lightsaber and blocked Anakin's attack.

Anakin smirked and said, "Come on. Let's see what you've got."

Jinn said, "Don't tempt me."

Anakin said, "You look like Obi-Wan. I want to know if you fight like him too."

Jinn sighed and wondered where he had gone wrong. Was it when he excepted Master Yoda's hospitality? Or was it when he thought he could sneak into the Temple undetected? Perhaps it was earlier when he took a ride with that strange beauty?

Though, whatever he thought, it didn't matter because Anakin began to attack. Jinn had no other option, but to parry his blows. At first, he decided to only to use Obi-Wan's style of lightsaber fighting. He posed with his lightsaber pulled back near his head while he extended his other arm to engage.

Anakin smirked at the familiar pose. He quickly outmaneuvered him and said, "You'll have to do better than that. I'll admit, you're good, but not as good as Obi-Wan. Face it. You're just a copy-cat."

Jinn frowned and drew his sword. He was angry. He was tired of being pushed. He was tired of pretending. A flash of fire built up inside him. He was suddenly afraid. He tried to suppress it, but he had his Force-shields up for too long. His control was slipping. He felt it hanging on by a thread.

"I'm not Obi-Wan. I like fighting. Leave before I start to enjoy it."

Anakin smiled and said, "What a coincidence. I like to fight too."

The Jedi Knight charged forward and thrust his lightsaber. He wasn't concerned that Jinn had two weapons. The sword looked ordinary. There was no way it could withstand a lightsaber. He moved to cut the sword in half, but Jinn raised it to meet his attack head on. Sparks flew as steel met light. Jinn's control snapped and his Force-shields disappeared in a visceral wave of emotion. Anakin was sure that every Jedi in the Temple could feel it.

Dark emotions welled up inside him. Loneliness stole his breath and guilt strangled his heart. Dread pushed him down like the gravity of two suns. Anakin staggered back and slipped off the boulder to the garden below. His face was wet with tears.

In a flashed, he ducked just in time to dodge Jinn's attack. His sword nearly took his head. Anakin fought but Jinn began driving him back. He couldn't get through his defenses. Anakin tried putting some distance between them with the boulders, but Jinn cut through them cleanly with his sword and saber.

Unexpectedly, Jinn then turned away from Anakin and anticipated Obi-Wan's attack. In a scissor move, he blocked Obi-Wan's lightsaber and used the Force to knock him down. Anakin tried to Force-push Jinn away from them, but to his surprise, he raised his hand to nullify his power.

Jinn stared at Anakin and said, "What's the matter? I thought you liked fighting."

Anakin narrowed his brow and used two boulders to block Jinn's path. He then moved more boulders in Jinn's way as he ran to Obi-Wan's side. He kneeled beside him and helped him up.

"Obi-Wan, are you alright?"

The Jedi Master shook his head and said, "Yes. It appears that our friend is a very power Force-user. His emotions are overwhelming. It's hard to focus."

Anakin sheepishly said, "Yeah, I kind of provoked him."

Obi-Wan brushed himself off and said, "Why would you do that?"

He shrugged and said, "I wanted to know how good he was."

Annoyed, the Jedi Master said, "Well, you've got your answer."

Obi-Wan then pushed Anakin out of the away as all the boulders in the garden were pushed over. They were knocked over in a pattern that showed that the power had originated from Jinn. Obi-Wan and Anakin readied themselves for an attack, but Ahsoka stood between them.

"Wait, we don't have to fight."

Suddenly, the garden was filled with Temple guards. They had their double lightsabers drawn and blocked the exits. Rex joined Ahsoka in the middle of the trampled rock garden. He scanned the mess from under his helmet with his hand on his blaster.

"Commander, what's going on?"

Ahsoka gestured for Rex to hang back and slowly approached Jinn and said, "It's OK. You can stop."

Anakin was worried and said, "Snips, what are you doing?"

Ahsoka ignored him and continued talking to Jinn and said, "We've met before, remember?"

Jinn deactivated his lightsaber. He put his sword and saber away. He covered his face with his hand. His emotions were open and easy to read with his Force-shields gone. Ahsoka sensed his embarrassed for losing his temper. Meanwhile, Jinn realized who Ahsoka really was. She wasn't the child she appeared to be. She was the young woman he met originally in the other world. He also recognized the Captain. His strong affection for her glittered warm and bright.

"Yes, I remember you, Miss Tano. For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I never meant to drag you into this."

"I know you didn't. Can we talk? Inside?"

Jinn removed his hand from his face but closed his eyes. He shook his head and said, "I can't. I've had my shields up for too long. Yoda was right. I should have lowered them sooner. I need time. I need to let myself feel."

Ahsoka nodded her head. She could feel that Jinn was an emotional mess. She joined Obi-Wan, Anakin and Rex who were waiting for her at the edge of the garden. She saw that the Temple guards had already been dismissed by Obi-Wan.

Anakin said, "So, is he going to try and run away again?"

Ahsoka sighed and said, "I don't think so. He's had his shields up for a while. He'll need time to rebuild them."

Obi-Wan said, "I take it that he's the Jinn you met in your timeline?"

Ahsoka said, "Yes."

Obi-Wan said, "Can you tell us anything else you know about him?"

She narrowed her brow and said, "I know that he's a talented Force healer. He said he was 60 years old and half human. He said he'd been trying to find his way home or nearly 30 years."

Anakin said, "Well, that explains why he's so skilled. When we were fighting, I could tell he was holding back. I don't know many Jedi who are as skilled as him. I'd say he could give Count Dooku a run for his money."

Anakin heard a sound from the garden. He turned around and saw that Jinn had moved all the fallen boulders back to their original positions in the garden with the Force. He then lifted all the boulder fragments and broken glass together in one place and out of the way. Once he was done, he sat down on the grass and stared out into the distance.

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "He's a lot more considerate about cleaning up after himself than you are Anakin."

The former student huffed but decided to go talk to Jinn. Since his Force-shields were down, he thought he could finally have a conversation. He sat down beside him on the grass.

He awkwardly said, "So, uh-can I ask you a question?"

"By all means."

"Why did you run?"

"To avoid questions."

Anakin shook his head at Jinn's reply but said, "Yeah, but why?"

Jinn kept his gaze out into the garden and said, "It may not seem obvious to you but I'm trying to kind."

"Really? Because from my perspective you ran away like a coward."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're rather annoying?"

"Obi-Wan tells me that all the time. Now, answer the question."

Jinn glanced at Obi-Wan. He wondered if he should tell Anakin his secret. A part of him wanted to tell him. A part of him wanted to tell at least one person who he really was. He was tired of hiding, but from his perspective, he was in the past. He knew from experience that future knowledge could be a curse or a blessing or even irrelevant.

He wanted to tell them his name. He was Jinn Kenobi. His was the son of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. His father had wed to his mother in an arranged political marriage in order to gain an alliance with her people in order to fight the Separatists. His mother's people were Force-users from beyond the galaxy. Their union was purely political. Attachments weren't involved, but after the Jedi fell, everything changed.

His mother and father raised him and his adopted brother Luke on Tatooine. A far back as he could remember, his family had always been part of the Rebellion. He helped his brother face his biological father. He helped take down the Empire. He was a member of the New Order. He had a little sister. He had an apprentice.

Now, he had nothing.

The only thing he had left from his previous life was his memory. He missed his family. He had been gone for such a long time. He worried that there would be no one left of them when he returned. He worried that he would be displaced forever. He worried that he would live his entire life alone.

Anakin sensed his turmoil and said, "Jinn, are you alright?"

"Not really. Though, I'm not going to tell you who I am. It isn't going to change our situation. If anything, it will trouble your former master and I don't want to trouble him. It's the reason why I ran, but if you want my help, you have it."

XXX

TBC

XXX

Note:

1. Hello readers. If you are interested in reading Jinn's backstory, I recommend reading "Match Maker." My other Star Wars fanfictions are part of my collection of stand-alone AU. However, you don't need to read them in order to read "No Going Back." Thank you.

2. More Rex X Ahsoka next chapter.