The Jedi Do Not Mourn
Author: LVB
Summary: Obi-Wan gets a little frustrated with the Jedi Code. Post TPM.
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to LucasFilm Ltd.
"Master Obi-Wan?"
I turn around to see my ten-year-old padawan at my door.
"It is late, Padawan. What is keeping you up at this hour?"
I can sense something is wrong with the boy. Not only that, but I can see the tears he's trying to hide in his eyes.
"Master, I can't sleep. I just remembered that tomorrow is the anniversary of Master Qui-Gon's death."
My heart is beating hard, because now I too remember. I had let it slip my mind.
"Yes Anakin. Tomorrow is the anniversary."
He walks over and sits down next to me on my bed. He looks up with tear-filled eyes.
"Why doesn't anybody care?"
Sighing, I know exactly what he means. The Jedi code forbids attachments of any kind. Mourning and grief do not exist.
"I am sorry, Padawan. I know how much you miss him. But in the temple, we do not heed such things. You must be strong, Anakin. You're a Jedi learner now!"
He moves off the bed silently and as he walks back to his own quarters, I can hear him softly crying.
My heart is full and I pick up my copy of the Jedi Code.
Many times I have practiced and preached this code. I have respected it. I have followed it.
But now I'm not so sure about it.
Why is there no resting place for the Jedi?
Why don't we deserve the chance to say goodbye?
I know tomorrow will be another ordinary day.
The Jedi do not mourn the dead.
And for the first time, I throw the Code across the room.