Obi-Wan still feels disconected, or is it just plain lost?
The burnt and tattered links to all those who had passed into the Force almost mocked him. The loss of Grandmaster Yoda alone was an ache that echoed through his bones as he was escorted away from the private dinner.
More than a squad accompanied him, perhaps another backhanded complement from the new Emperor. He was not sure if he was assured that the closest were Cody and Rex, though the orders he heard referred only to their identity codes.
The greater surprise came when he was transported through almost empty skylanes back toward the Temple. Though it seemed still the same day, the structure looked different, duller, with huge six sided cogs hiding the grace and base and striving of the spires.
To the canny eye, this facade change spoke of long planning,
He shied away from that thought, unable to distance himself from it yet. Not without deep meditation.
The Temple, as he approached it, was no longer a haven of peace. The Darkness that had loomed weeks ago was palpable and surging up like a geyser against seeping loss.
He reinforced his shields, hoping the little strength he had now would be enough.
Entering, he saw workers and droids were tearing down and ripping out inspirations and reminders of the last thousand years. His eyes prickled, but he kept reminding himself that he should not be attached to mere objects.
The next shock came when he was escorted upwards, instead of down to the detention cells.
"Where are you taking me?"
Cody spoke gruffly, as if Kenobi was again grounded by Che and fighting it. "To your quarters, General. Until the healers clear you after that shock."
Rex's quick eye-rolling became a tiny ray of hope, but the Captain didn't try to speak.
Reaching his quarters was not truly a relief, the loss ripped raw again from traces and signs of his losses even here. The rooms were clear of threats and all but two clones exited back to the hallway.
They weren't clear of dozens of tangible reminders of the last Padawans to live here, lost in different ways.
Nearly he sank back into habit and tidy each area: fresher, to kitchen, to neglected window garden. He wasn't sure that he was balanced enough to make any decisions without anger. Instead he sank to a mat near the window to seek peace and calm.
The Jedi Master found steadfast calm and a bright vine of the light hidden among the dark thorns and brambles in the Force. Those who sought darkness were their own enemies, the Jedi would get another roll. Now was not the time for that, his duty was preservation.
When he returned to the surface, he found it easier to breathe despite the haze. He had felt it in himself before, and been touched by those steeped in its beliefs, but he need not breathe it in.
He examined the bracelets, they weren't exactly the same cuffs the Jedi used, but they drained or short-circuited Force abilities as well. Mind tricks simply could not gather enough strength, though he could monitor the clones' feelings. These bracelets had no lock or hinge and did not react to the trickle of Force he had now.
That the bracelets were also ornamental was alarming in its own way.
The clones were still on watch through his lengthy meditation, and he hoped his bedroom would be more private. With deeper calm he gazed at all the mementos of battle and brotherhood, and decided to leave them where they were, to remember his brothers and his Master.
It was attachment, but he did not want room for the new order.
"General? The nursery is petitioning for assistance." Cody seemed puzzled.
He hurried with his guards and found no toddlers left, only empty rooms. The only two present were unhappy newborns.
Hope rekindled.
"Hello there, younglings." He sent out calm and peace, "Have they been fed?"
The medical droid seemed offended. "Of course they have, Master Jedi. I have been loaded with the current state of the art in childcare every year and worked within the Senate administration for seventeen years. But this is the first time that a parent has not been available at need."
Obi-Wan deflated. "Their mother, the Senator from Naboo, died unexpectedly. They might be reacting to that loss."
"This is atypical for infants this young. This is not the usual hunger, gas, elimination, pain, or constriction issues. You are the only authorized human caregiver in my records."
"I see. May I hold them?"
"Go ahead, Sir. They need social contact."
He stepped over, attempting to judge which needed contact more. The boy's eyes got big as soon as he stepped closer, his ire smoothing. The girl remained upset. Touching both, he sent warm affection to them. "Now, now. It's an awfully big world to fill with your unhappiness. You are warm and safe here."
He looked at them, uncertain. "How would I pick Leia up safely?… And what is your designation?"
"This way..." After the infants were correctly settled and quiet in his arms, the droid added, "I am medical droid 11-11-1111."
"I am afraid my friend, my duties did not prepare me for younglings as young as this. Could you explain the nursery for us? Recommend a reference?"
The clones had not moved as the droid gave a well written and flavorless speech. Still after a round of food, changing, and being held, the younglings slept. He was tired and he could see that Cody and Rex were flagging for the length of their day.
He wasn't sure if they were assigned here because of firm loyalties to the Sith, or suspected loyalties to him.
Once the infants were settled he had more questions for the droid. "Are they healthy? Is there any medical reason for them to remain here?"
Elevens paused. "They are very healthy, but the mother had been under great stress and that would have passed to them. Certain enzymes and hormones are not balanced properly. Barring issues of bed shortage, the infants remaining here under observation for a few days would be considered wise."
Obi-Wan laughed quietly with only a hint of bitterness. "No shortages here. But the Healing halls are not the permanent place for younglings."
"All the studies agree, Master Jedi. A loving and involved family is best. Responsible is not a question with a Jedi caretaker."
That statement would change as the Order became a history of traitors.
"Boss." A hand gripped his shoulder briefly, Cody trying to comfort. "You are a hero, General. The best of a group that fell. We're glad to consider you our brother."
He nodded thanks for that honest belief, painful for all the lies that hedged it in.
The infants needed him and he must protect them. "Elevens, can I request maintenance to make changes? The creche halls are too large a scale for only two."
A cough from Cody. "Repairs and upgrades will include most of the Imperial Palace complex. Priority will depend on scheduling."
The Jedi Master considered the best way to present his requirements.
"I will prepare a list of furnishings and equipment by tomorrow for my quarters. Infant needs will cede way as they grow. They will need to visit gardens too."
Yet another regret that he could not learn Padmé's preferences. He felt old and tired beyond measure.
"Master Jedi, there should be more color as well." Elevens added, "I would send recommendations to you but the comm seems to be non-functional. That must be repaired in case of emergency."
He shook his head, the air starting to echo.
"Troopers. Medical override, get him to bed."
The last Master was in a haze as he was nearly carried back to his own bed.
When he woke, he meditated briefly. So started the days of research and rearrangement, fit in with many hours in the Healing hall with the infants. The second bedroom was rearranged and equipped for Leia and Luke, bright colors on the walls and soft toys to interact with.
He found some amusement in how quickly childcare items arrived and how much space was needed. The wonder of tiny hands and yawns were comforts to the scars.
The previous lodger's possessions were packed away deep, with only an old ivory comb from a shelf and brown cloak left hanging in a closet to speak for the loving parents of months ago. By this time the escort had dropped down to two outside his rooms, unless he wandered levels much higher or lower.
The wailing encouraged his guards to guard from the hall, to his continued amusement.
The day the twin's room was ready, Elevens arrived, with Leia and Luke packed into a low wagon, uninterested.
He wanted to be careful, but he was still mapping out which parts of the Temple remained little changed. "Elevens, I believe they need some sunshine and fresh air, would you assist?"
"Of course, Master Jedi. I have been permanently detailed to assist with them."
He sighed. "Call me Obi-Wan. I am a Master of no Jedi."
"Noted, Master Obi-Wan."
Gardens were hit or miss as they explored, the thousand fountains were rubble, though the trickles in their broken banks found new paths to smaller basins. He decided to test a visit to the great old tree on the roof. The infants would calm in the greater benevolent, presence than he could now give them.
A cynical part was surprised that he was not blocked from a potential escape route. If alone, it would have been a good choice to leap down to street level.
A more burning cynicism came from the mockery of finding the earth and masonry pit that once embraced the living tree. Ripping the tree out was petty, and in that moment he could not decide which of the Sith would enjoy that more.
Nothing remained of the great tree: a few knots of root, a few fan-like leaves, a few twigs. All that remained was the rubble.
A whisper suggested that he collect a few twigs, and he used his trickle of Living Force to encourage them among the wilted remains of an old and pathetic window nursery.
The short excursion tired Leia and Luke and he flopped back on the couch to gather the energy to get more done from his list. But he dozed.
He was falling into a roll even as the pain woke him. He fell into a crouch, reaching for a blade he could no longer feel.
Vader towered over him, his black garb no longer flowing but packed. "I said I'd deal with you later, when nothing would interfere."
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