Obi Wan stood outside the council chambers, impatiently waiting to see his Master for information. Walking steadily down the hall, a small feminine figure, cloaked in silvery grey. She removed her hood and smiled at him serenely.

'Good Morning Obi Wan' she bowed. Her robe and tunic were like nothing he had seen before. Fine, light material of woven grey, that looked to ripple around her like water even as she was motionless. It was a moment before he remembered he had questions for her

'A Grey Jedi?' half statement, half question. 'You left behind your friends and the Order, for a life with no morals or code?'

'Don't speak to me this way, Obi Wan' she warned, though the expression on her face remained calm 'If you would like to discuss anything, then the time is after my meeting, not now'

He felt his lip curl in distaste, but nodded.

She hesitated at the door as it opened 'Do not hate me, for following what is in my heart'

Did he hate her? Not at all, hate was the gateway to the dark side. Was he disappointed, yes. Their lives had taken such different paths, and though not unexpected, it was surprising to him that he felt this way in reaction.

'Masters, I thank you for seeing me on short notice' she bowed to the room of assembled and holographic Jedi. A few Jedi bowed in response, most simply watched her with distrust. 'I do not expect your joy at my return, nor do I expect your trust. However I hope you will listen to me without prejudice, and with open minds and hearts'

She paused, taking a deep breath and ensuring her own calmness, waiting for Master Yoda to give the nod to go ahead.

'Listen we will, take what we can from this we must' Yoda said clearly, his aura open to her information.

Tucking her hands into her sleeves with arms crossed, she took a steadying breath and began to explain what her Kage had sent her here for. It took many hours, with many questions cutting her off, even a short break for refreshments. Her patience was wearing thin and she began to remember what drove her from the inner Order in the first place.

'Thank you for your information, Master Namocco' Qui Gon said with a respectful bow. No other Jedi showed her the same respect, despite the fact that she was now far advanced of them in her training. As a Grey Master she need only show deference to the Kage of the order. However, regardless of her position she showed respect to all who had earned it.

'We appreciate the time you have taken, and send our respect to your Kage' Mace Windu said slowly 'Time will only tell if your information proves correct'

'May the force be with you, Masters' she said with a bow, and exited the room without waiting for their response.

She knew her message would not be well received, and they would pay no mind, blindly blundering on as they had done for centuries. But she had done as instructed and could now make the long journey home.

'Master Namocco' Qui Gon had followed her out, leaving the council to discuss what she had brought to them

'Master Jinn' she turned to him, mentally preparing herself for questions

'You would leave without saying goodbye?' he held his arms open, smiling at her

'I could not' she hugged him, the warmth emanating from him soothing 'I have missed you, Father' she whispered to him.

He cupped her chin and looked her straight in the eyes, appraising her 'I have missed you' his thumb stroked her cheek 'I am proud of you. As your mother would be'

They stepped apart at the sound of footsteps echoing from around the corner. She appreciated his pride, it made her happy to know that he was not disappointed by her. The last thing she had wanted to do was hurt him, but when she had felt the call of the Grey, she had known where her intentions lay.

'Master!' Obi Wan appeared around the corner 'What took so long?'

'There was much to discuss, my young padawan' he said calmly, noting the distrust in his stare when he looked to Arec

'Will you tell me?' he asked, blatantly curious

'I cannot discuss matter of a private council, without permission' Qui Gon shook his head.

'Master Jinn, May I have some time with Obi Wan? I can return him to you in the morning' her voice was calm, but a shot of fear rang through Obi Wan. How could he know what she would try to do to him.

'I am not sure the council would allow it' Qui Gon raised his eyebrows at her, utterly confused at her question 'You are, after all, an exiled Jedi'

'I chose my path' she smiled 'I only wish to spend time with an old friend. Not as a Jedi, and much less an exiled one' He considered her, his now grown daughter- mature in her manner and strong in her use of the force, though she did not bother to attempt to manipulate him. 'I swear on my life, I will allow no harm to come to your apprentice'

'And what if I don't want to spend any more time near someone who turned her back on me and the entire Order?' Obi Wan crossed his arms, eyeing her defiantly

'Then I will of course, leave you. I wish to cause no one pain' though it looked as though a whisper of sadness crossed her features at his rebuke. She turned to Qui Gon 'I thank you for your kindness and am grateful for your respect to my presence. I take my leave now'

'May the force be with you, Arec' his hands clasped hers, feeling he would not likely see his child again.

'And with you' she hugged him tightly, disregarding Obi Wan's stare. The Jedi may not have attachment, and he would be exiled if the truth of her as his daughter was revealed, but that did not mean she could not show him affection. She loved her father. And this would be the last time she would see him, she knew that much. 'I love you' she whispered to him before releasing him from her embrace. She held her tears at bay. She had been doing so well in keeping her emotions within.

'Goodbye, my dear' he said quietly, the first and only time her had ever used any form of endearment with her. He watched as she raised her hood, turned on her heel and walked swiftly down the empty corridor, towards hangar G.