Nearly three months after Obi-Wan had said goodbye to Amira and watched Yoda's ship leave Macaven, he returned to Coruscant. Although the Macavens were well on their way to peace there had been many sticky details to attend to.
He had received several messages regardingher condition. The last had been three weeks earlier and had said the Healers had completed their task and Amira was going to make a complete recovery.
As he docked his ship he could hardly contain his excitement at seeing her again. First he had to present his final report to the Jedi Council and then he would look for Amira.
He strode into the council chambers and into the center of the floor. Master Yoda spoke, "Welcome home Obi-Wan, good to see you it is." Master Windu asked, "How are the Macavens faring?"
Obi-Wan replied, "Very well Master, the Senate representative arrived a week ago and the Macavens are very eager to discuss trade. I think the future is bright for Macaven. My report has been filed in the central computer."
Yoda's brow crinkled, "Eager you are to leave Obi-Wan. Some where you have to go?" He apologized, "Forgive me MasterI am anxious to see how Jedi Organa is doing."
Master Windu spoke, "She is not here. She has left Coruscant." Confused, Obi-Wan asked, "Left Coruscant? Why?" Yoda replied, "Left you a message she did, left for Alderaan she has to complete her recovery."
Clearly disappointed he nodded, "I understand." Yoda and Windu exchanged glances and Master Windu spoke, "This last mission was very difficult. Your encounter with the Sith and the weeks of negotiations has left you tired." Obi-Wan nodded, "Yes Master I am more tired than I care to admit." A small smile spread across Yoda's green face, "A vacation you need."
The lights came on automatically as he entered his quarters. He tossed his travel pack on the bed and went straight to his communications console. He forwarded through various messages before he got to the one he wanted.
Amira's voice came over the speaker filling his room, "Welcome back Obi-Wan. I hope the remaining negotiations with the Macavens went well. I don't remember much of the last several weeks, but Master Yoda filled me in on everything. I still can't wait to hear it from you though. That was something, Dumaas and the others showing up to help. I really will have to get back to Macaven someday and thank them. Master Sirom and the other healers have been amazing. It has been a long hard road and I missed you terribly. (Pause) Well as you know I have left for Alderaan. The council felt that I should spend some time recuperating on my home world and with my family. My parents were very worried about me and thrilled that I was going to come home. I can't say that I am unhappy about it. It's been a long time since I have seen them. I am sorry though; I wanted to be there when you got back. I don't know how long I will stay; there are some family issues that need to be dealt with. I feel pretty good, just not as strong as I would like to be but I am told that will return in time. I will miss you and can't wait to get back to Coruscant to see you. Welcome home Ben."
He switched off the console and sat down in a chair. He had been granted leave to go to Alderaan. As strange at it seemed they were not discouraging him and Amira from being together.
He should have been thrilled but instead he felt troubled. The last Sith had been sent to assassinate him. Now both he and Amira were responsible for destroying him. Was there another that would be sent to assassinate them both? How would they deal with this threat? Now more than ever the future seemed clouded not just for he and Amira, but for all the Jedi.
He sighed heavily and leaned back in the chair. He closed his eyes and concentrated on thinking of nothing for a few moments. His door chimed. He willed his door to open without standing up.
Yoda stood in the open doorway. He rose from the chair, welcoming Yoda in. The little Jedi Master entered, "Hope disturbing you I am not." He shook his head, "No not at all, please come in."
Yodahobbledin on his gimmer stick and took a seat and motioned for Obi-Wan to do the same. He did and asked, "What can I do for you Master?" Yoda rested his gimmer stick against the side of the chair and said, "Much confusion I sense in you; not healthy for a Jedi this is."
He leaned back into the chair, "Yes Master, I am having trouble deciding the best course of action for Amira and I." Yoda wrinkled his brow and asked, "Discussed this with her you have?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, "No, I haven't. I am debating whether or not to go to Alderaan to talk to her." Yoda replied, "Hmmm, problem you have. Solve it alone you cannot."
He nodded, "Yes, I know, but how can we be sure the Sith will continue to seek revenge." Yoda replied, "Difficult to see the future is. Dismiss the possibility we cannot."
He looked at Yoda and asked, "What do you think I should do?" Yoda shook his head, "Find your own way you must. Influence you I cannot. Together decide what you must do." He nodded, "Thank you Master". Yoda turned to leave then stopped, "Know this I do, linked your destinies are." And he left.
Obi-Wan watched him leave and stood in silence contemplating Yoda's words. His heart ached. Somehow he felt that Yoda was right, but there would be terrible sacrifices. He showered and climbed wearily into bed. He would leave for Alderaan in the morning.
Before departing for Alderaan Obi-Wan had asked Anakin to come and see him. They sat in his quarters and he marveled at how much the now fifteen-year-old Anakin had grown in just three months.
He said, "I am sorry I missed your birthday Anakin I never intended for my mission to run as long as it did." Anakin smiled and said, "That's ok Master birthdays aren't that important anymore."
Obi-Wan nodded and replied, "None the less I did bring you a present." He stood and walked over to his hutch and pulled out a box. He walked back to Anakin and handed it to him.
Anakin's eyes lit up with excitement as he took the gift from Obi-Wan. In the six years since Anakin had become his apprentice he had seen to it that he always gave the boy a gift on his birthday.
Anakin opened the box and lifted out a very intricately carved dagger. He exclaimed, "Master this is beautiful, where is it from?" Obi-Wan smiled and said, "It is Macaven."
He continued, "It is rare because the Macavens have very little hard wood on their planet. The leader of his people wears it ornamentally on the leg. This one was created to commemorate the reunification of the Macaven provinces. You can see the five different provinces represented in the carving."
Anakin stared at it in wonder, "Master this should be yours; you were instrumental in bringing about the treaty and the reunification." He shook his head, "No I want you to have it, keep it well." Anakin smiled and said, "Thank you I will treasure it."
Obi-Wan checked the time and said, "I have to be going soon but I wanted to make sure I gave you this first." Anakin asked, "You are going to Alderaan to see Jedi Organa?" He replied, "Yes."
Anakin asked, "Have you spoken with her? Is she alright?" He shook his head slowly and said, "I don't really know, she suffered much on Macaven. According to the healers she is recovered, but it is hard to know what lasting affects her ordeal will have."
Anakin nodded, "I visited her everyday after she arrived at the temple infirmary. She was very ill. She asked for you Master, many times." He replied, "I am sure she was glad of your company."
Anakin moved to stand by Obi-Wan and he asked, "Are you ok Master? You seem…sad." He looked at his apprentice unsure of whether to praise the boy's perception or scold him for prying.
He avoided the question and said, "Be mindful of Master Yoda and your other instructors while I am gone." Anakin nodded, "Of course Master." Obi-Wan picked up his travel pack and moved towards the door.
Anakin followed him and they both exited out into the hall. Anakin said, "Please tell Jedi Organa hello for me and I look forward to her returning." He nodded, "I will, she will like that. Take care Anakin may the Force be with you." Anakin replied, "And also with you Master." Obi-Wan turned and strode down the hall.