Author's notes: Here it is, the epilogue. I'd appreciate your reviews and feedback, but please keep it civil. I'll see you again soon in Book II of the Kenobi Trilogy!

Epilogue

Another Day

One week later…

"Ah, Padawan Kenobi. It's good to see you're still alive."

"Thank you, Master Windu."

Obi-Wan, sitting in a repulsor chair, hovered into the Council Chamber alongside Qui-Gon. Adi and Siri stood next to Qui-Gon, all three of them eyeing the injured Padawan as he entered the room. As the chair ground to a halt, Master Windu called the debriefing to order.

"Well, then. Are there any objections?"

No answer came from the Masters of the Council.

"Then Masters Jinn, Gallia, and Sifo-Dyas have the floor. This debriefing is now in session."

Sifo-Dyas, seated with the rest of the Council, stood up and addressed the four Jedi.

"While the four of you were on Vodran, I went ahead with the raid on LMC headquarters along with CSF. What we found there was highly disturbing in light of what you told the Council of your experiences on Vodran."

"What did you find?"

"We located a number of hidden safes in Lok'ayy's and Nurkkis' offices, Master Gallia. They were stripped clean of any evidence, though, except some datapads and other items that upon examination had been reformatted. Still, we can only assume that whatever was on them was incriminating. And, upon searching the loading bays, we found several LMC-marked crates containing Sith artifacts hidden among legitimate mineral cargo. As you may have heard, Qui-Gon and myself interviewed Lok'ayy's secretary prior to your departure for Vodran. She's since come forwards with promises to aid us in exchange for amnesty. It seems she has some records that she kept in her possession prior to Lok'ayy's departure for Vodran. We'll have to see how that pans out, but everything looks promising so far."

"What's your reading of her?"

"I can't speak for Master Jinn, but everything I've seen of her says she's innocent. She's in over her head, though, and she knows it. CSF has her in protective custody right now. CSF is also working on getting access to Lok'ayy's bank records. If he paid Vick Reego to murder Master Leet, which the evidence now strongly suggests, that payment will be in there, and we will find it. However, what we found on Lok'ayy isn't the most disturbing part."

"Then what is?"

Sifo-Dyas' expression turned grave at Qui-Gon's question. He paused before delivering his answer.

"We went into Nurkkis' office, and we found a number of things confirming our suspicions about him. We found various memorabilia connected to his mercenary days in the Outer Rim, as well as concealed weapons hidden at points around the office. Vibroblades, blasters, even a small disruptor. However, that's not the worst part."

"Then what is?"

"We found a strange sculpture in the corner of the office. Upon further examination, the sculpture concealed a security switch that could only be operated with the Force. I managed to activate the switch, and it opened a secret door built into the wall. The door itself was very well hidden, totally invisible unless you knew what to look for. The door opened into a short hallway, with a small, dark, windowless room at its end. Myself and several CSF officers entered the room, and discovered Sith paraphernalia all over it."

A chill went through the room at the revelation. Obi-Wan felt hairs on the back of his neck stand up as his encounters with the Miraluka played in a film reel through his mind.

We were right about him.

"You mean artifacts?"

"Yes, Master Jinn. Holocrons, textbooks, Sith alchemy equipment, dark side talismans, ancient Sith weapons, the works. All of it was almost certainly acquired from LMC's various dig sites. And, on a workbench in the center of the room, we found this."

Sifo-Dyas brought his hand up, producing a series of small objects and holding them in the air with the Force. The objects looked like small mechanical and electrical components, and Obi-Wan at first wondered what Sifo-Dyas was holding up.

What is he trying to show us? From what I can see, it looks like the everyday contents of his pockets!

Then, a single, telltale object caught Obi-Wan's eye. Focusing on the objects floating in front of Sifo-Dyas, Obi-Wan saw a small, red crystal among them. The realization dawned on him as Siri beat him to speaking.

"Is…is that a lightsaber, Master?"

Sifo-Dyas put the components back into his utility belt as he answered.

"It is, Padawan Tachi. We also found a lightsaber construction manual on the workbench next to these components, and upon further study this design conforms to one of the designs illustrated in the manual."

Sifo-Dyas paused for effect as the Council simply sat in stunned silence at what had been going on under their noses all this time.

Master Qui-Gon and I got sent out to a murder investigation, and we brought in black market antiquities dealing, Hutt spice trafficking, corporate corruption, and a self-made Sith! Even the Council is shocked at how far this ultimately went!

"That's right. Given the state this weapon was in, I'd say it was no more than a week from completion. A few days longer before we acted, and the Padawans here would have been in for a nasty surprise when they finally confronted Nurkkis on Vodran. A few years longer, and we would have had a homegrown Sith on our hands. We're lucky we caught Nurkkis when we did."

"What about LMC itself?"

"It's on shaky ground right now, Master Gallia. We have most of the personnel under arrest, and some of them were probably involved in LMC's illegal dealings. In all likelihood, at least some of them will do time. And with Lok'ayy gone and all this criminality due to be aired in public, I've already heard reports of the various businesses LMC absorbed unethically preparing to sue in court for damages, possibly even regain their autonomy using antitrust legislation. That fight will be a long and hard one, and it will likely be years before any of that is sorted out. However, that's a matter for the courts to decide. Our role in this is over. For all intents and purposes, the case of Master Leet's murder is closed."

After a moment's silence, Master Windu addressed Master Sifo-Dyas.

"Is there anything else you would like to add, Master Sifo-Dyas?"

"Yes, Master Windu. About the Padawans. I would like to officially congratulate them on their efforts during this case, as well as their conduct on Oovo IV during the riot they encountered there. They performed excellently in the face of extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. In particular, Padawan Kenobi's actions while in the captivity of Lok'ayy and Nurkkis with Padawan Tachi are to be commended."

Sifo-Dyas turned from Mace to Obi-Wan.

"You did well, Padawan. You made the best of an extremely dangerous situation, using the dark side against one who embraced it. Your actions that day saved both your own life and that of your fellow Padawan, and the two of you through your tenacity and courage ensured that two extremely dangerous criminals will never be a threat to society again."

Humbled at such an honor by a member of the Council, Obi-Wan could only nod and stammer out his thanks.

"Thank…thank you, Master Sifo-Dyas."

Mace broke up the congratulatory exchange.

"Is that all, Master Sifo-Dyas?"

"Yes, Master Windu."

"Then this debriefing is over. Investigators, you are dismissed."

Obi-Wan followed his Master's signature through the Room of a Thousand Fountains, moving as quickly as his repulsor chair would allow him. He finally saw Qui-Gon sitting on a bench in a small garden, looking out over the flora.

"Master?"

"Ah, Obi-Wan. What brings you here?"

"Just visiting, Master. What is this place?"

Qui-Gon hesitated for a moment, a flash of pain going over his features, and then answered.

"This was one of Figaro's favorite meditation spots."

"Master Leet?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan."

Qui-Gon leaned in close, speaking to his apprentice in a quiet, sad voice.

"He was a close friend, Obi-Wan. We were agemates, along with Master Gallia and a few others, some of whom are also now members of the Council. We used to gather here, either to talk or to swim in the nearby pond. Sometimes, we'd even play cards. Figaro was a surprisingly good card player, but Adi never liked it. Still, we used her as a lookout, in case any Masters came too close to the scene."

Obi-Wan laughed as he pictured the scene in his mind's eye.

"Illicit card games? With Master Gallia aiding you?"

"We were different then, Obi-Wan. When you get to be a Master one day, you'll understand."

"He meditated here as well?"

"Frequently. This place was a much-needed escape for him, given the work he did and the way the Council often shunned him. Some of the stories he told me about his anti-gang work in the inner city were nothing short of horrifying. It's tragic how cruel some beings can be, and how some are cut out to deal with such cruelty their whole lives. I could never have the stomach for it, but Figaro was somehow able to cope. This place, though, was a great part of that. Maybe it was the environs; maybe the fond memories he had of it. Possibly a bit of both."

Obi-Wan simply sat and listened as his Master poured out his memories of his fallen friend. Qui-Gon, suddenly realizing how much he had shared, quickly turned to his apprentice.

"Sorry, I…I shouldn't have troubled you with my past, Padawan."

"If it helps, Master."

"Truth be told, it does," said Qui-Gon with a sigh. "Still, Figaro was a tormented soul, given all he had to endure. Now, he is one with the Force, finally knowing the peace that eluded him in life. He certainly deserved that much."

The two paused for a moment, taking in the peacefulness of their surroundings.

I can see why Master Leet liked this place.

"Master?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan?"

"I'm leaving now. Bant told me something about some sort of gathering, and I'm to meet her shortly."

"Go ahead, Obi-Wan. Just stay out of trouble."

Maneuvering his repulsor chair through the Temple hallways, Obi-Wan homed in on the gaggle of familiar Force presences he knew were waiting for him. Rounding one last corner, he saw who he was looking for. His usual friends at the Temple were all gathered before him, waiting for his arrival. Bant, Garen, Siri, and the others turned to face Obi-Wan as he hovered up to them. Quickly locking eyes with Siri, Obi-Wan noticed she gave him the slightest hint of a smile. They quickly broke their brief, intimate moment, and Obi-Wan continued towards the group, turning to look at Bant.

"Alright, Bant. Why did you call me out here?"

"Well, you just started walking again today, so I thought a celebration was in order."

"Celebration?"

"We're all heading to Dex's for lunch. You're the guest of honor."

"Guest of honor…"

"Figured after that mission, you'd need some good food. That, and some time with the old crew. Besides, you're still my patient, technically. How could I let you out of my sight?"

She'll never change. At least she's letting me move around freely, what with the Council needing me for the debriefing. Still, if it was up to her I probably wouldn't be leaving the Halls of Healing for the next month.

"Sounds like a good idea. Count Siri in as a guest of honor, too. I couldn't have survived this mission without her."

Siri blushed ever so slightly even as she maintained her sarcastic outward demeanor.

"I'm flattered, Kenobi. You're lucky I can't spar with you in your current condition."

"We'll worry about that later, Siri. But as soon as my leg heals up, I'm gonna…"

Bant stepped between the two of them.

"You're not doing anything anytime soon, Obi-Wan. Especially not sparring. Tonight is a truce night. Let's go out and enjoy ourselves without resorting to violence and challenges for once, all right?"

"Okay, okay…you win this one, Bant."

"Come on then, let's get going."

As he followed his old friends down the hallway, Obi-Wan contemplated everything he had experienced since that night in the undercity, staring at Master Leet's corpse. He had prevailed over a ruthless enemy, and helped deliver justice for a friend of his Master. He had gone into the bowels of the galaxy's worst prison and come back out alive, having helped contain a riot and save countless lives. He had eliminated a dangerous menace to galactic society, one who would have brought back the evil of the Sith had he succeeded. But, somehow more prominent than all this, was his reuniting with Siri. For five years, the two had remained apart, having promised each other never to speak of their love. With all that had transpired, this old, shortsighted promise would no longer hold up. As much as they tried to put it aside, the Force itself seemed to draw the two together despite their best efforts to resist. One way or another, though, their connection would have to be put aside for the sake of the Jedi. Maybe this was a test from the Force itself to see if the two were ready to ready to assume the responsibilities of Knighthood: maybe this was just an unfortunate instance of the will of the Force colliding with the Jedi Code. Either way, they would have to meet this issue head-on. No longer could they bury it and pretend it did not exist, but the right way forward was still unclear. Dealing with this issue would be part of their lives from now on, and Obi-Wan sensed that the issue would continue to grow in intensity, its solution becoming as much a part of the path to Knighthood for he and Siri as the Jedi Trials themselves. However, just for the moment, the two could focus on a good night out with friends: dealing with their complicated relationship with each other and the Jedi Code could wait. They could worry about their troubles another day.

Reclining back in his chair, Obi-Wan released his anxiety into the Force, and smiled.

OBI-WAN KENOBI WILL RETURN