AN: As always, thanks for all your support. Special thanks to Tracyn, FractionalSith, and also now Dragomi125. They certainly help generate new ideas for me, help with research, and fix all my grammatical/spelling errors. One note for this chapter, I use Annie instead of Ani for Anakin's nickname, which is how all the novelizations spell it, compared to the movie subtitles that use Ani.

MaySail199 - Thanks! I'm glad you're still enjoying the dialogue and how I balance canon/legends. The storm is definitely starting. It's nice to know people enjoyed the Hall of Remembrance and Huyang's introduction for this story, and also how I brought the Mantle of the Force nad emerald lightning into this story as well. I think Dex's sliders sound good, haha. I'd give them a try.

Chapter 59 - The Calm Before the Storm

"There's something supremely distasteful about taking advantage of a tragedy," Allara said with a sigh, "but unfortunately tragedy is often the catalyst for change, and we would have been fools not to use it."

"I agree," Kastor said, and all around, the other grandmasters nodded. "Still, we made progress. There's still much to be done, but at least we have full permission from the Senate to grow our navy and create a combat ready Starfighter Corps."

"It's a start, but not enough," T'ra Saa said. "The Republic might be helping us fund a navy, but they aren't giving us any of their ships. Even now, they're working to ensure the old warships from the Stark Hyperspace War are still functional, but the Military Creation Act is still being drafted, so the Republic isn't even refitting the craft they actually possess for greater combat. Even should the act finally pass, a large portion of the Republic Navy will be ships that systems donate or volunteer for the effort. Arquiten Light Cruisers, and Consular Class Cruisers will likely make up a large portion of the Republic navy, with miscellaneous craft acting as ancillary defensive units. To say nothing of those new Venator-class Star Destroyers."

"The problem is the Separatist Navy," Tera Sinube said.

"Yes, but our focus is growing to match the Sith Empire to help keep them at bay," Fay said. "We have no hope of growing large enough to fight both the Separatists and the Sith. Not in the time we likely have. Nor do I feel fighting the Separatists is a job for the Order, not if it is simply a debate over politics and a desire for independence. The Sith invading the Republic is something we must prevent. However, the Sith are currently underdeveloped themselves. If Quinlan and his team are correct, this new Sith Empire has a decently sized army, but they lack artillery and tanks, and their fleet is only perhaps a little more built up than ours. Even their ground forces as they are, could only do so much damage in the Republic before they would be defeated. They don't have the strength to conquer the Republic."

"Not alone," Kastor disagreed. "However, since the Sith Empire seems to be working hard to make ties with the Separatists, and we know Granta Omega heavily influenced this new Empire and has ties to the Separatists, we have to assume that the Sith Empire's initial Navy will largely consist of Trade Federation, Commerce Guild, Banking Clan, and Techno Union ships, like the Separatist Navy does. There is a possibility they could grow a small, but strong navy in a short amount of time. Certainly a stronger navy than ours."

"With our access to multiple major shipyards and the Republic's aid, we should be able to catch up and then outpace them fairly quickly," Oppo said.

"True, but if we factor in the Sith Empire using Trade Federation, Banking Clan, Commerce Guild, and Techno Union ships, we must worry about other factors like their starfighters and bombers," Kastor said. "Having access to the destroyers and frigates that those conglomerates have is bad enough, but if they have waves and waves of Vulture droids, Scarabs, and Federation bombers, then we must be very careful in the type of fleet we build. The new Venator Star Destroyer, which will likely be the backbone of the Republic Navy, is a great ship, and is very versatile, but it doesn't have the armament to stand up against a Commerce Guild Recusant-class Light Destroyer without its fighter and bomber complement. With its complement, it can match damn near everything the Separatists have except for a Lucrehulk, if that Lucrehulk is fully stocked, which is a rare circumstance. Regardless, we would struggle to currently man a full Venator capable of going up against a Recusant, let alone have the pilots for dozens of squadrons of fighters for even one Venator."

"We need to build a fleet that is simple in design and makeup, but versatile with only a few key ships to make up the fleet," Allara said. "Those Venator Star Destroyers are great carriers, but they could use some sort of battleship to complement, support, and protect them, especially if we're short on starfighters at times. The fleet should also have some heavy cruisers to help weather barrages as well as several light cruisers and corvette-class cruisers to help block or destroy fighters and bombers that are attempting to strike at the capital ships, should they make it through our own squadrons. We can't rely on having larger squadrons than the Separatists or the Sith Empire. If they use droids, we will be outnumbered, even if our pilots are more skilled."

"Well, I agree that using the Venator Star Destroyer as our carrier is wise," T'ra Saa said. "I also feel we have our heavy cruiser with the Arquitens Heavy Cruiser that you have already chosen, Kastor. Whether we modify them or just use the standard configuration is something to be decided with a representative from Kuat Drive Yards. I think it's easy enough to add the Arquitens Light Cruiser for our escort craft, like the Republic is using. I've traveled on one and seen it in action. It is a remarkable craft for its purpose."

"Well, we have several options for a designated battleship," Kastor said. "Of course, we can use the old Invincible-class Dreadnoughts, but I fear they won't hold up well against the more modern Separatist fleets with large starfighter squadrons. Another option is to approach Mandal Hypernautics about their Keldabe Battleship. It's much more maneuverable and is capable of carrying a few squadrons of starfighters or bombers as a complement. Another option is staying with Kuat Drives. Rhys approached them for us yesterday and they brought up one of their new designs. It's known as the Legacy-class Star Destroyer. It's similar in design to the Venator, however it is larger, but has a quarter of the hangar space, instead with a majority of the ship dedicated to armor and weapons systems."

"I agree that the Invincible Dreadnought has seen its time. As for the other two, why not consider both?" Tera said. "Mandal Hypernautics is growing, but it still is rather undeveloped in production ability compared to Kuat Drive Yards. However, Kuat will slowly but surely turn many of its shipyards to focus on the Republic Navy, and while if war breaks out, our efforts and the Republic's efforts will become synonymous, right now we don't want to put all of our building efforts towards competing against possible Republic production. If we are using Venators and Arquiten Heavy and Light Cruisers, then we'll be using Kuat Drive Yards for quite a bit. Mandal Hypernautics of course is focusing much of their efforts on the Mandalorian Navy, so we don't want to put all of our eggs into that basket either."

"That's an idea," Kastor agreed thoughtfully. "The Keldabe Battleship is purely a battleship and has little room for transporting companies. The Legacy however still has many of the traits of a Venator, and it is more expensive. Perhaps we make the Legacy the command vessel for each fleet we build and its capital ship complement is two Venator Star Destroyers to act as carriers and two Keldabe Battleships. The Venators and Legacy can also act as transports for our units."

"It sounds to me like we just need a corvette to help counter starfighters," Fay said.

"Perhaps a heavy gunship as well," Kastor said, and Allara frowned before nodding in agreement. "Something like the DP20 Frigate from Corellian Engineering Company. As for a dedicated anti-starfighter corvette, well, we could do as the Republic is doing and refit Consular Cruisers, but I feel this is another area where we turn to the Mandalorians. They have that new Crusader Corvette that is perfectly tailored for this role."

"So, our fleet will mostly rely on Kuat Drive Yards, who can easily support the demand, especially since we still need to recruit people to man these ships," T'ra Saa summed up. "Yet we will also rely pretty heavily on Mandal Motors and our new allies, which seems fitting. A small portion of our remaining fleet will come from Corellian Engineering."

"Perhaps more," Allara said. "We haven't decided on fighters, bombers, and transports."

"I think more research needs to be done for all of those," Oppo said. "For our Jedi Starfighters, we have a new contract through Kuat Drive Yards. Master Gallia and several others are already set to test the prototype in the coming months, but those starfighters are built for Jedi, not for those without the Force, so they will not be of use to those we recruit. However, the Z-95 Headhunter through Incom is still a superior starfighter. The Fangs that Kastor's squadron currently use are adequate, and of course we could try and work a deal with Naboo Hypernautics for N-1s like Rhys Dallows uses. The same is true for bombers. The Naboo bombers are fine vessels, but can the Naboo alone produce the volume that is needed? Perhaps we should be looking towards something like the BTL Y-Wing Bomber through Koensayr Manufacturing."

"I think the Mandalorians are working on a new performance bomber as is," Allara said. "That's what Asuna was telling me."

"I think it might do us good to try and diversify more," Fay said. "Incom and Koensayr would be my vote."

"Research," Oppo said again. "We should do more research."

"Hmmm," Yoda hums. "Well thought out, this is, but look into other possible ships, we should. Help rebuild our fleet, a good start this is, but not enough to counter the Sith Empire."

"You're right, Master," Kastor said. "Our Order outnumbers the enemy Sith and acolytes by over fifteen to one, if reports are to be believed, but I suspect they will start recruiting any and all undeveloped Force users that they can find in their territory and in the Outer Rim. This will be one of the few times they probably won't even care about actual strength in the Force. While I doubt they will be able to reach our numbers, they will start to close that gap, and their standing army of troopers outnumbers our Jedi by fifty to one, if you don't factor in our Mandalorian and Antarian Ranger allies. Unfortunately our Order is also spread out and it would be very easy for them to start taking us out if we don't reinforce our Jedi teams."

"A call to arms, sending out we are," Yoda said. "To our closest allies, we will look. Find warriors in the Republic we will."

"The question is whether we find them fast enough," T'ra Saa said. "Warriors are good, but we also need to think about leadership for our fleets and field commanders. The vast majority of our Order has little to no experience leading fleets or soldiers into battle. They need counterparts to advise them, or even lead them since maybe the Jedi should be the field commanders."

"My father and I were talking," Allara said. "We believe we should pull back those of us who do have experience in war and have us all start instructing other Jedi at the Temple, teaching them the art of war. Master Kota is already on board, unsurprisingly, but there are others beyond myself, my father, and Obi-Wan that we can call on."

"Right you are," Tera said. "Change our focus on instruction, I sadly fear we must do."

"I do think Kastor is also right in that the Sith, whether officially at war with us or not, will try to take advantage of lone Jedi," Oppo said. "While diplomacy might be possible, I believe we need to invoke the Emergency Protocols just to be safe."

"Hmm, perhaps not all of them, yet," Yoda said.

"What are the Emergency Protocols?" Allara asked.

"Initiates and young Padawans will have their combat instruction accelerated," Tera said. "Offensive combat instruction will be required beyond the initial training. Consulars, diplomats, researchers, and all others who have let their lightsaber skills deteriorate in favor of their chosen professions will be required to sharpen their skills. We will pause most, if not all, independent research and focus many of our Service Jedi to the threat. Outposts that aren't shut down will be mostly staffed by droids. Padawans will take the trials earlier, bolstering our Knights. The High Council, with assistance from the other Councils, will more closely manage and restrict our resources. The last protocol is that, unless dictated, no Jedi will travel alone."

"Debating moving along Padawans, the Council is already doing," Yoda said.

"Yes, but it's been talks and discussions," Oppo said. "Now might be the time to finally push for it or put it to bed. Either we conduct the proposed experiment or we table it and continue as we have."

"Well, we have three members of the Council here, so let's hear the proposed experiment so that the rest of us can provide our input for you all to take back to the High Council," Kastor said with a frown. "I'm not completely sold on letting Padawans take the trial early, but I can see the benefits to having more Knights who can have more autonomy, if needed. However, I also see the benefits to having Padawans stay with their masters until they have been deemed ready, since it guarantees those Jedi always have someone paired with them."

"A benefit there is, as you say, for masters and apprentices to stay together," Yoda said. "However, you discount where pupil and teacher differ in skills and path. Look at young Siri and Ferus, you should."

Kastor nodded in understanding. Siri would certainly be a very capable commander, especially with her tutelage under Revan, but at the same time she could be a very valuable undercover operative, something Ferus would never be. Ferus might not be ready for a command, but Kastor suspected he could be a good second or field commander, but he could do that under any Jedi, not just Siri.

"The plan would be to pick certain select Padawans among certain age ranges and let them go through the trials," Allara said, a slight frown on her face, and Kastor could feel her unease through their bond.

Kastor frowned, and he looked at Fay and T'ra Saa who seemed to be thinking along the same lines.

"Won't that possibly cause a major divide in the Padawans, especially among those not chosen?" Kastor asked.

"Whether we like it or not, there is a sense of competition among Padawans for who is the first to be Knighted. It is one of the few unfortunate holdovers from the competition to be chosen as a Padawan," T'ra Saa agreed.

"What age ranges are you thinking?" Fay asked. "The oldest Padawans, those between their ninth and twelfth year as a Padawan, I would certainly deem ready. Some are likely on the cusp of being deemed ready by their Masters as is." Fay chuckled slightly, and looked at Yoda. "As we all know, many Padawans stay Padawans a year or two or even three beyond when they likely could be Knighted simply because the Master hasn't let go, or hopes to teach one last thing . . . something that experience alone truly teaches."

All the other grandmasters chuckled in agreement.

"Those between seven and nine years as a Padawan, I could also understand accelerating, though I think this would be an area where it would be wise to invoke the Emergency Protocols so that these young Knights still have some oversight from a more senior Knight or Master, even if that oversight isn't continuous. Younger than that though? Perhaps some, but I do agree that we will likely cause some jealousy and ire to rise among the Padawan ranks if we only offer it to a few."

"The lowest age range was those between four and seven years," Allara said.

"Anakin and Ferus's year," Kastor murmured, "and the group below them."

"Think some of them are ready, we do," Yoda said. "All ready, they are not. Considering only accelerating one, we were."

"Ferus," Kastor said, and Allara nodded.

"Leap immediately to him, you do," Yoda observed, and Kastor frowned thoughtfully.

"I still think that the Chosen One should be our lead option," Oppo said.

"Respectfully, Masters, I don't place much stock in those prophecies, but I can't deny that Anakin has the skills of a Knight," Allara said. "However, I've only observed him for a short time. He's grown even in that small amount of time, but I'm not positive he's ready to be a Knight."

"Anakin even six months ago? I'd agree," Kastor said finally. "That Anakin would not have followed Obi-Wan's orders a few days ago like he did though. He has grown. Considering all of these accelerated Padawans will likely not quite be ready like most other older Padawans, I think Anakin fits the mold."

"Kastor makes a good point," Tera said. "Most young Knights are two or three years older than when they should have been made Knights." He gave a light chuckle. "They are long past ready, and have the maturity and experience to show it. Often their masters were letting them take the lead, making the decisions, and merely backing their decisions, letting them act as Knights with a safety net. These accelerated groups will be either right at the time when they are likely ready, but haven't yet had those few extra years to really mature and grow . . . or they're a year or even two short of that, and will have to have the self-discipline to grow and mature without the guidance of a Master. Young Skywalker is growing, and no Jedi will be alone, so he will still have some oversight should he start to falter."

"Hmm," Yoda hums again, looking thoughtful. "Perhaps, those in the oldest years, we allow all to take the trials, except in cases where adamant the Master is that their pupil is not yet ready. For those ages in our two youngest options, perhaps a quarter of the Padawans in both year groups, take the trials we allow them to. Observe we will. If adapt they do, the rest will soon follow. Test the year groups following in this manner, we will not have to."

"Roughly 140 Padawans in each two-year group," Kastor mused. "Around 35-40 Padawans for each group to take the trials. I think that is a better idea. A decent portion of the Padawans will likely be relieved they weren't chosen, since that age group is usually the biggest mix of those who feel ready and those who do not. There will likely still be some ire and jealousy, especially in the six and seven year Padawans, but much less, especially if we put out that the results will eventually flow down to their own Knighthood approaching sooner."

"Yes, an excellent idea," Oppo said with a nod. "Of course, we'll need to discuss with all of the Padawans masters to select our candidates, but I do believe this is a good way forward."

"Just in time," Allara said wryly. "We get to bring our advice and ideas to the High Council and debate this exact topic."

Yoda chuckled.

"Something more pressing you have today, Master Shan?" he queried with a teasing smile. "Somewhere more important to be?"

Allara smirked at the diminutive Jedi Master. "Of course. Be warned, Master Yoda. I will walk right out of the Council meeting, mid-debate. There is no way I am missing my sister's wedding."

Yoda, Fay, Kastor, T'ra Saa, Yoda, and Tera all laughed or chuckled.

Unamused, Oppo grunted. "I still think we need to debate whether we should even allow this marriage," he said.

Kastor rolled his eyes. "Oh, Master Rancisis, please, we already have marriages in the Order. We have ones like Ki-Adi's who were exempt, but which have now turned into proper marriages. We also have those that secretly married and have now revealed themselves, like Master Solusar and Master Storm. Karabast, Morvet Storm has a grown child, he's been married so long!"

"And I still think there should be a debate on whether they should face some sort of punishment for blatantly disregarding the Code," Oppo responded with a frown.

"Both have been excellent Jedi and have done nothing to suggest that their attachments are harmful to their duties," T'ra Saa said. "Morvet and Ranik only revealed themselves because we asked for Order members who were already breaking the Code to come forward and they willingly revealed themselves. We can't go back on our word and punish them for their past actions that are no longer against the Code."

"You're right, of course," Oppo said with a sigh, "but I still worry about opening these floodgates at such a crucial time of upheaval in the galaxy."

"Trust in the Force, my friend," Kastor said with a light smile, standing up, and offering his hand to Fay, who took it to stand. "It will never lead you astray. Now, I've got a stubborn couple to deal with before their ceremony."

Allara smirked.

"Still not happy with the size of the wedding?"

Kastor snorted. "Of course not. Neither of them believe us when we tell them how many people wish to attend the ceremony . . . and seeing that nearly all of them are Jedi, Antarian Rangers or Mandalorians, neither would refuse any of them. The few outside of the Order and our allies coming are those Siri and Obi-Wan are close to and directly invited."

"And the few you managed to rush out here for the ceremony at the last minute," Fay said with a light grin.

"Eh, I didn't really have to rush many of them," Kastor said with a chuckle. "As soon as Obi-Wan talked to me, I knew he'd ask her soon after. I also knew Siri would want the ceremony to be almost immediately so I just put out a general notice to a few people that I knew either one or both of them would enjoy seeing."

"It doesn't help them that this will be the first open Jedi ceremony in a thousand years," T'ra Saa said with a light smile. "Many in our Order are eager to observe this change in our Code and to celebrate with two of our own."

"I just wish we could give them a proper honeymoon," Kastor said with a sigh, "but a Jedi's life is sacrifice."

"And they'd never forgive you if you pulled them out of the hunt for Omega to rest," Allara said with a smirk.

"Probably not," Kastor agreed with a snort. "Enjoy the Council meeting. May the Force be with you all."

*The Will of the Force*

Obi-Wan had told Siri that he wanted to tell everyone that he belonged to her and she to him, and he'd meant it, but he hadn't imagined those words would be so literal.

In a way, the timing was a blessing. Partially because of the attack on the Senate and also just some coincidence and luck or more likely the will of the Force, most of Obi-Wan and Siri's closest friends, agemates, and those they considered family were at the Temple.

A great many Jedi, including Reeft and Bant, had been recalled from various Temples or outposts or had been rushed to finish missions so that they could return to the Order and prepare for orders. Omega had been made the Jedi Order's top priority by the Senate and they had all the resources of both the Republic and the Order focused on the man. This meant that many of the Jedi who had returned from other missions had been halted from being deployed, including old friends like Luminara and Finn Ertay, and then there were the other examples that made Obi-Wan almost believe in luck. Quinlan and Taria, for instance, had both traded out of their assignment with two other Shadows, since they were part of a team investigating the Separatist Council, so they were back for some refit and new instructions, and to get out of Separatist and possibly Sith eyes for a short bit.

"So, you nervous, Kenobi?" a voice said teasingly, and Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at the ever impetuous Rael Averross.

A student of Dooku's, like Qui-Gon. For those who put a lot of faith in lineages of master to apprentice and considered those lines to be almost like your family, Rael would be akin to Obi-Wan's uncle. Like Qui-Gon, Rael had a controversial image in the Order, and even Qui-Gon had considered him reckless, but they'd been good friends, and Obi-Wan enjoyed the man's presence whenever their paths crossed. He was even someone that Obi-Wan took time to catch up with every now and then, often enjoying trading some stories about Qui-Gon. He'd even introduced Anakin to the man, and Anakin had lapped up all the stories about Qui-Gon that Rael had.

Kastor opening the door for Jedi to form those more attached bonds had done wonders for the Order in many ways. While those that Obi-Wan had always considered among his best friends certainly still filled those spots, there were many others that he'd always been fond of or friendly with and enjoyed the rare times that he'd seen them that he was now much closer to. Rael was one such example. Others included Feemor, Qui-Gon's first apprentice, another whom Obi-Wan had met with off and on for some time now, Bultar Swan and K'Kruhk, both Padawans around the same time as him and within similar age groups, and agemates from other clans like Minas Velti, Jaizen Suel, and Erin Leska.

"The Sith-slayer? Nervous?!" Garen announced in mock disgust. "How dare you, Averross! The gall! Obi-Wan Kenobi isn't nervous. He's marrying Siri Tachi! The poor gundark clearly lost his mind and is incapable of such feelings!"

Obi-wan snorted along with several of the others who had been tasked with keeping him occupied so that he couldn't see the training ground, where the ceremony was going to take place . . . it being one of the few places large enough to hold everyone.

"I don't have those traditional nerves," Obi-Wan said dryly. "If Siri was going to leave me, she'd have done it long ago."

"Ha!" Rael said. "That is a fair point, lad."

"Maybe he's more worried about the wedding night," Quinlan said suggestively with a smirk.

"Clearly you've never been in a room next to them," Reeft said blandly, and there were snorts and gasps of laughter as Obi-Wan went red.

"Ah, Obi-Wan just has to keep being Qui-Gon's greatest apprentice," Feemor said in a lofty, fake-sad voice. "The first Jedi to best a Sith in a thousand years, and now the first Jedi to openly marry, in the Jedi Temple no less, in over a millenia."

"Says the one who was so successful that Qui-Gon later doubted how much he influenced you when faced with his perceived failures in Xanatos," Obi-Wan blithely remarked. And what an utterly stupefying discovery that had been back then. "He literally judged you to have made it Knighthood on your own merits, without his guidance."

"Yes, but he was in a bad place when he was thinking that," Feemor pointed out, a true testament to how they managed to sort through their feelings surrounding that they could joke and make light about it as they were.

"True," Obi-Wan agreed, before he grinned, "but he flat out blamed me for aging him."

"Because you did," Garen, Quinlan, and Rael all said, and Feemor and Obi-Wan chuckled.

Maybe waiting wasn't going to be so bad.

*The Will of the Force*

Kastor looked about the courtyard. Jedi, Rangers, and Mandalorians alike had come together to help gather chairs, and to decorate the Temple somewhat. Not much, but twinkling lights had been placed all around. Right now, they weren't very visible, but when the ceremony was going on, they'd twinkle nicely, and during the reception, they'd be mostly responsible for lighting the area.

An altar had been placed near the Great Tree, and was positioned perfectly so that guests would be able to see, whether they were seated or standing in the courtyard or whether they were on the walls or raised areas surrounding the courtyard.

Kastor smiled as he looked out seeing various groups arriving, circulating to speak with old friends and comrades, or looking for where they would likely sit for the ceremony. Most of those he saw were who Obi-Wan and Siri would expect. Fellow Jedi and Mandalorians and Antarian Rangers, both those that were sem-permanently at the Temple, and those a part of Kastor's group, however, Kastor knew a few of the guests would be very pleasant surprises.

First was Satine, who had come with her sister, Bo-Katan. Siri and Bo-Katan had managed to get along quite well when Bo-Katan had returned and reunited with her sister during their mission to Mandalore, and of course Satine was a dear friend to both Obi-Wan and Siri. Fay, Asuna, and Rhys were all wrapped up in some sort of debate with the two sisters. Not too far away, sitting with a content smile, and enjoying light conversation with Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee, was Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe. Bant Eerin, bless her heart, was keeping Jar Jar out of trouble, but Kastor had seen them strike up a somewhat odd friendship all those years ago now when he'd introduced them, so he doubted she really minded. Bail Organa and his wife, Breha, along with Mon Mothma, were talking to Aayla Secura and Plo Koon, with smiles on their faces. Dexter Jettster was in a spirited conversation with Toriq and Didi Oddo, likely discussing cooking and spices, if he knew them.

"Alright, Master Shan," Garen said teasingly, walking up to him with Anakin in tow. "Your last two escorts are reporting for duty!"

"How's Obi-Wan?" Kastor asked, with a grin.

"Probably wishing that Rael Averross and Quinlan Vos weren't in the same room with him at the same time," Garen responded with a chuckle.

Anakin snorted, looking around with interest, and also looking a bit nervous.

"Well, come with me, you two," Kastor said. "We'll go find your charges."

He led them first over to where he saw Astri and Lune, both looking about with a smile on their faces. Astri's smile widened as she saw him, Garen, and Anakin approaching.

"Astri, my dear!" Garen said, moving forward, and giving a flourish and courtly bow, which got a chuckle from her and a laugh from Lune. "And this must be the mighty Lune."

Astri nodded, and Lune looked a little bashful, but waved. "It's good to see you, Garen. It's been a while."

"Too long," Garen agreed, looking at Lune. "Well, you two are with me for the ceremony. We'll be seated up at the front with the rest of my impetuous agemates."

"Wait, we're being sat up there?" Astri said in shock.

"Of course," Kastor said with a wink. "You're family."

He smiled kindly as tears pooled in Astri's eyes, and he glanced over to see that Garen was patiently listening to Lune talk about the ship he had traveled on, a smile on his face, and two visions struck Kastor at the moment. He saw an older, weathered, and sorrowful Garen Muln, similar to the visions he'd seen of Obi-Wan, patiently training a young boy in lightsaber forms, with Astri nearby. The vision shifted to show a similar scene, but with a far less broken Garen Muln, laughing at some crack the boy made, and the boy had a traditional Padawan braid.

Kastor's eyes widened and Astri and Anakin both noticed.

"What is it, Kastor?" Astri asked.

"You saw something, didn't you?" Anakin said, and Kastor nodded at Anakin.

"I just saw two futures, and in both, Lune Oddo (he refused to think of him or Astri as Lune or Astri Divinian) seemed to be Garen's Padawan." Astri and Anakin both gasped, and Kastor chuckled lightly. "Garen has always been pretty against taking a Padawan, so something – or someone – must finally wear him down."

"He – he can be a Jedi?" Astri said in shock, "but I – I don't know if I can give him up."

"That is and always will be your choice," Kastor said. "You know that. However, I also saw you in both visions, watching right along. The Order is changing . . . perhaps Lune might be one of the first to not only know his family, but have them in his life. I guess we'll see what time brings."

Astri gazed at her son in wonder, and Kastor gestured for Anakin to follow him, as he left Garen to entertain the duo . . . and perhaps lay the seeds for more.

"Relax, Anakin," Kastor said, amused, looking at the nervous young man walking with him. "She's just an old friend."

"I haven't seen her in almost ten years, Master," Anakin responded.

"So, be excited and happy, not nervous," Kastor responded as they made their way over to the Great Tree, where Padmé Amidala was admiring the tree, and enjoying light conversation with Finn Ertay and Shaak Ti.

Anakin froze for a moment, and Kastor gently put his hand on Anakin's arm and put some pressure to guide him towards the young, beautiful woman that the Padawan was staring at. Anakin didn't fight at all and moved forward, as the two other Jedi made their farewells and Padmé turned to the two of them with a smile.

"Kastor, this is beautiful!" Padmé said brightly, glancing briefly at Anakin, but not recognizing him, before focusing on Kastor. "I can say I never thought I would one day be at a wedding at the Jedi Temple."

Kastor laughed. "I'm pretty sure everyone else here had the same thought. This is the first one after all."

Padmé nodded, and then she focused on Anakin, and Kastor heard Anakin take a deep breath. She took a step to the side, directly in front of Anakin, and eyed him, and Kastor hid a smile.

"Annie?" she asked, her expression purely incredulous.

Her smile and the flash in her eyes showed that she needed no answer. Kastor could feel her spirit leap, and her joy flooded her emotions.

"Annie," Padmé said again. "Can it be? My goodness how you've grown!" She looked down and then followed the line of his lean body, tilting her head back to emphasize his height.

Kastor could feel Anakin's confidence grow, though the poor boy still seemed a bit breathless, and Padmé smiled wide, a clear sign she was happy to see him.

"So have you," Anakin finally responded awkwardly. "Grown more beautiful, I mean." He cleared his throat and stood taller. "And much shorter," he teased, trying unsuccessfully to sound in control. "For a Senator, I mean."

Kastor barely managed to cover his snort of amusement as a cough as Padmé laughed all the tension away, and shook her head.

"Oh, Annie, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine," she said, and Kastor didn't even bother hiding his wince at that, feeling Anakin's confidence wane immediately.

"Well, thankfully he's not still that little boy," Kastor said, intervening. "That kid was hell bent on tearing my ship apart."

Padmé laughed, and Anakin couldn't stop from grinning ruefully at that, and that was followed by a grateful smile at Kastor.

"Padmé, Anakin will be at your beck and call all night," Kastor said, with a grin. "If you need anything, just ask."

Padmé's smile showed just how much she enjoyed being basically guaranteed an evening to catch up with a dear old friend, and she nodded.

"I appreciate that, but I'm sure Anakin has more important things to do than wait on my beck and call. I will certainly make do with what time he can spare me."

"I don't mind at all," Anakin rushed out. "I'm happy to help you in any way I can, Padmé."

Padmé smiled wide at him. "Well, then I'm sure I'll see you often throughout the evening. Now, I see Breha beckoning me over, so I should go greet my friend."

"Of course," Kastor said, and she walked off with a smile.

Kastor looked at the now deflated man beside him.

"She didn't even recognize me," Anakin said, staring after Padmé. He shook his head despondently and turned to Kastor. "I've thought about her every day since we parted, and she's forgotten me completely."

"Anakin, you're focusing on the negative," Kastor responded. "She was very pleased to see you, something you would have realized if you had taken more after Obi-Wan and less after Qui-Gon in charm."

Anakin gaped at that and Kastor laughed.

"First, you can't blame her for not recognizing you," Kastor said. "You were nine and are now almost nineteen. You look completely different, where she has not changed quite as much, and yet after only focusing on you for a short time, she did recognize you. A little lesson for you, people don't recognize others after that much change and that length of time if they weren't looking forward to seeing them again. If you had read her cues, you'd notice she also is hoping greatly that you spend time with her this evening."

"She is?" Anakin said, his confidence rising again.

Kastor snorted. "Teenagers," he said with a shake of his head. "She was happy to hear that you were at her beck and call, and mentioned how she was looking forward to seeing you throughout the evening. She also certainly has not asked me about you and Obi-Wan at all over the years," Kastor continued wryly. "Get out of your head, and go be the more charming self you usually are. Perhaps, if you can finagle some wit, you might even convince her that you're not nine years old anymore."

Kastor chuckled as he left a more hopeful, but glaring Anakin Skywalker.

"Are you causing trouble?" a voice interrupted Kastor's amusement, and he turned to see his daughter, who was with one of his oldest friends.

"Not at all," he said. "How's Siri?"

"Ready for this to happen already," Adi said with a snort.

"I think that's the general consensus about Kenobi as well," Kastor said. "Well, it is about that time. Allara, love, if you would start getting people to their seats, Adi and I can go and grab the bride and groom."

"Sure, I got it dad," Allara said with a nod.

*The Will of the Force*

"Are you ready?"

Siri turned and smiled at her old master.

"I'm ready, mom," she responded teasingly.

Adi smiled at her warmly. "You know, 20 years ago when I decided to take on a gifted, but headstrong young girl as my apprentice, I never dreamed that I would find myself here."

Siri chuckled. "Especially when you consider how Obi-Wan and I were around each other for our early Padawan years."

"I can safely say that I am so proud of you," Adi said softly. "You have become an incredible young woman and an incredible Jedi. I wouldn't trade those years together for anything, except the guarantee for you to have the long and happy life you deserve. I look forward to seeing or hearing about all the trouble and joy you two get into as you embark on a new journey."

Siri rubbed some tears away. "You're not supposed to make me teary, Master!" Siri said with a watery chuckle. "Besides, it's not like much is changing. Obi-Wan and I have been together for years."

"It's a change, and you know it," Adi said with a smile. "Otherwise you wouldn't have agreed to marry him because you would have thought it pointless. Obi-Wan would have never asked if he suspected you saw it that way."

Siri chuckled. "You know us too well."

"That I do," Adi said with a firm nod. "Now, let's get you married. We've put this off long enough."

Siri smiled brightly. "Yes, let's."

*The Will of the Force*

"You're hiding your nerves well," Kastor whispered from where he stood at the altar.

Obi-Wan snorted and Kastor chuckled lightly. They, along with Anakin and Ferus, stood at the altar, in front of the Great Tree, with Kastor in the center, Obi-Wan and Anakin on his left, and Ferus on his right. Anakin and Ferus both held ornamental boxes in their hands, standing behind their master in Anakin's case, and behind where Siri would stand for Ferus. All wore traditional Jedi robes and tunic. Kastor had been honored when they'd asked him to officiate their wedding, and had agreed immediately. All around, everyone patiently waited, but then a hush fell over the crowd as Kastor and Obi-Wan both turned to where Siri and Adi were making their way out into the grounds. Siri too wore traditional Jedi robes and tunic.

The Mandalorians all started cheering, clapping, and hollering, and Kastor chuckled as Obi-Wan smiled at the rather shocked looks reflected on many Jedi faces and their other invited guests. Siri beamed. Standard weddings generally had music for the bride, the more religious worlds tended to have silence, and that was likely what most had expected, but Mandalorians enjoyed celebration and revelry . . . and that extended to weddings. Siri and Obi-Wan of course had no real preferences, so when Asuna had mentioned what Mandalorians did, the two had decided to adapt their allies and friends' traditions into their own ceremony.

As they made it near the end of the aisle, Adi broke off and took her seat in the front row, leaving Siri to move the rest of the way, where she took Obi-Wan's offered hands, and the hollering, cheering, and applause died away.

"Welcome, brothers, sisters, friends, and comrades," Kastor said. "We gather on this day to observe the bonding of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Siri Tachi. Today they publicly affirm the strength of their bond before us and make a commitment to always support and love each other until they pass into the Force."

Obi-Wan and Siri smiled.

"Obi-Wan and Siri bring out the best in each other, though many of their oldest friends will remember when that wasn't always the case," Kastor said with a sly grin, and chuckles echoed around the courtyard from many of the Jedi observing. "Their love is a wonder to behold, their trust and belief in each other, something most beings could only wish for. In the time I have known them, I've watched them lean on each other when things were hard, comfort each other in their darkest moments, help pull each other back from anger, fight depression and sorrow with teasing and affection, and they have been each other's saviors when they couldn't save themselves. Love is a gift . . . one that they understand all too well that can be taken away, and yet even when everything was against them, they never could completely erase the other from their hearts."

Kastor smiled softly.

"At this time, I must ask if there is anyone who feels a reason why these two should not wed. Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Siri glared around, and Obi-Wan chuckled along with nearly the whole crowd.

"That's a relief," Kastor said with a laugh. "Asuna warned me that if anyone dared object, they would face an honor duel."

That got a laugh from most of the crowd, and Siri and Obi-Wan both shot smiles over at their Mandalorian friend who nodded primly. They turned back to Kastor.

"Obi-Wan got first introduction, so Siri gets to go first," Kastor said with a grin, and Siri shook her head in exasperation, but she was smiling. "Siri Tachi, do you promise to love Obi-Wan with all your heart, to be his faithful companion, to care for him, no matter how far apart? Do you promise to be there for him in sickness and in health, to fight by his side, to bring humor to him when he's being a 'stick in the mud' and to be the voice of reason when he gets fixated on a problem."

Siri chuckled along with those who knew Obi-Wan best before she said, "I do."

Obi-Wan smiled wide.

"Obi-Wan, do you promise to love Siri with all your heart, to be her faithful companion, to care for her, no matter how far apart? Do you promise to be there for her in sickness and in health, to fight by her side, to deal with her impatience when things can't be rushed, and to survive her temper when she's perceived some minor slight?"

It was Obi-Wan's turn to laugh lightly with those who knew Siri best before he said, "I do."

Siri beamed.

Kastor looked at the two Padawans who came forward and opened up the ornamental boxes they were carrying, revealing a lightsaber and a ring in each box.

"Your lightsaber is your life and a sign of your duty to the Force and to the people of this galaxy as a Jedi. This is a duty and commitment you share as Jedi, and to represent your shared commitment to each other, the Jedi Order, and the Force, your names have been carved into the hilt's of each other's lightsaber. Now, Obi-Wan, Siri, please return your partner's lightsaber."

Obi-Wan and Siri each took the lightsabers from their Padawans and exchanged the blades before clipping them back on their waists where they normally resided.

"These rings are a visible sign of the vows and intentions you've exchanged here today, and will serve as a reminder of your enduring love and commitment to each other. Siri, please take Obi-Wan's ring, place it on his finger, and repeat after me: I, Siri, do ask you to become my husband, from this day until we become one with the Force."

Siri slid the ring onto Obi-Wan's finger and repeated the words.

"Obi-Wan, please take Siri's ring, place it on her finger, and repeat after me: I, Obi-Wan, do ask you to become my wife, from this day until we become one with the Force."

Obi-Wan slid the ring on Siri's finger and repeated the words solemnly. Kastor used the Force to pull an ornate ribbon from in his robes, and he bound Obi-Wan's right wrist to Siri's left, tying them together literally as well as figuratively.

"With that, you are now bound to each other in front of all of us who had the honor to act as your witnesses. It is my joyful duty to declare you husband and wife. You may seal your bond with a kiss."

Obi-Wan and Siri both surged forward embracing passionately to cheers, whistles, or applause from everybody, including every Jedi in attendance.

"It is my distinct honor to introduce Obi-Wan and Siri Kenobi!" Kastor called out, and the cheers and applause grew louder as the two Jedi walked hands locked down the aisle.

*The Will of the Force*

Anakin watched his master and Siri making their way around the courtyard, greeting people as they went, their wrists still tied together, and large smiles on their faces. Anakin wasn't sure if he'd ever seen either of them so happy.

He watched them move on from Baze and Chirrut, who had both hugged the two, before convincing them to do a shot of some drink with them in celebration. He could see Duchess Satine, Senator Organa, his wife, and Senator Mon Mothma making their way over to replace Taria, Aayla, and Vana Sage, who had waylaid the couple as soon as they left Baze and Chirrut.

"I obviously only knew him for a short bit, when we first met," a voice said softly, "but I never would have expected him to be a man of passion and one who rebelled against what little I knew of the Jedi Code. Not like I've seen tonight."

Anakin chuckled and nodded at Padmé.

"Me neither," Anakin agreed. "I mean, technically they had permission from the Council, but seeing them now, and seeing how they've been, I've been forced to revise my opinion. I think they would have defied the Council and continued to be in a relationship if the Council had forced them to stop . . . or stop again, that is."

"They were made to stop once before?" Padmé asked in shock.

"When they were Padawans," Anakin said with a nod. "I guess they used to be rivals . . . which is humorous because Siri's Padawan is definitely my rival . . . but eventually they got over that and became good friends. They were on a mission and were about to die, and I guess they realized they were more than just friends."

"Very romantic," Padmé said with a sigh, and Anakin nodded halfheartedly.

"Well, it didn't last," Anakin said. "Qui-Gon and Master Adi learned about them almost as soon as that mission ended, and with Master Yoda, forced them to choose between the Order and each other. They chose the Order, and their friendship basically died that day. They rarely interacted with each other and generally avoided each other for almost five years."

"How horrible," Padmé said, before she frowned. "How did they go from something like that to where they are now?"

"Kastor," Anakin said simply. "They, along with Qui-Gon and Master Adi were the ones to find him. I guess he saw some vision about them, or at least saw how much they were hurting, still having feelings for each other, but denying them. If the story is to be believed, Kastor hadn't even been awake for more than a couple hours after coming out of a coma and was in his first introduction to the entire Council when he basically verbally fought the Council on their behalf and somehow managed to get them to agree to letting Siri and Obi-Wan be the test case for attachments in the Order. I don't even think they'd been properly introduced to him yet."

"Wow," Padmé said, before she laughed. "No wonder those three are so close."

"That's not even half of it, but it was the start," Anakin admitted. "I always knew that Siri and my master were close. She had to go undercover not long after Naboo, and we all thought she'd betrayed the Order and left, and it broke my master's heart. He never stopped looking for her. When she returned, it was like she'd never left. He was always better when she was around. I thought they loved each other, but I never knew about this," he gestured at them. "It was kept from us for years, and I really didn't think they were capable of this. Honestly, I think it's only been about two years that I've known they were actually a couple, and have really observed their bond . . . their love."

"That must have been hard," Padmé observed.

"It was at first," Anakin admitted. "I felt like he didn't trust me. It was one of the most important things in his life, and I knew nothing of it. Kastor helped me see why though. They were working so hard, following all the rules, which included not telling me, so that we could get to this." Anakin once again gestured to everything around them, and Padme smiled seeing T'ra Saa with her head resting on Tholme's shoulder, his arm around her waist. "If not for my master and Siri, this wouldn't be happening. Other Jedi couples wouldn't be out in the open. Besides, they didn't want to risk it for themselves. He wasn't going to lose being with Siri, just to be honest with me, and I can respect that. If I had that, I would fight for it too. Once I realized all that . . . I couldn't be angry with him."

"That's very mature of you, Annie," Padmé said.

"Please don't call me that," Anakin said, a bit more sternly than he intended, and Padmé frowned.

"What?"

"Annie. Please don't call me Annie."

"I've always called you that. It is your name, isn't it?"

"My name is Anakin," Anakin said calmly, his jaw firm, his eyes strong. "When you say Annie, it's like I'm still a little boy. And I'm not."

Padmé paused and looked him over, head to toe, nodding as she took the sight of him in completely. He could see sincerity on her face as she nodded her agreement, and her tone, too, became one of more respect. "I'm sorry, Anakin. It's impossible to deny you've . . . that you've grown up."

There was something in the way she said that, some suggestion, some recognition from Padmé that he was indeed a man now, and perhaps a handsome one at that. That, combined with the little smile she flashed him, had him a bit flushed and put him back up on his heels.

"So, now that attachments are open," Padme said innocently, looking around, "do you ever think you'd be interested in something like this?"

Anakin's eyes widened, thinking of Kastor's words beforehand. Cues. This had to be one, right?

"For the right woman," Anakin said, turning and gazing into her eyes intensely.

Padme nodded slowly, a small smile gracing her lips. She turned away. "Well, I should go fight my way to the happy couple and deliver my congratulations. I don't even know Siri that well, but I hope to change that."

"Tease Master Obi-Wan, and you'll fit right in with her. She likes to try and be aloof with a lot of people, but she's a lot of fun once you get her to relax," Anakin advised, and Padme chuckled and nodded before heading off, looking back once to see Anakin's eyes still locked onto her form.

*The Will of the Force*

"Joy like this, absent from the Temple it has been for some time," Yoda said, his eyes closed, basking in the Living Force that was flowing through the celebration.

"Find ways to keep this atmosphere, we must work to do," Kastor agreed, using Yoda's speech pattern, and getting a chuckle from his fellow Grandmaster.

"Unfortunately, by tomorrow, their focus will have to be on the mission," Mace said grimly. "I was just notified. We received some intelligence that suggests Omega is on Korriban. We're trying to confirm now, but Obi-Wan and Siri will want to head out as soon as they can."

"Let them have tonight," Kastor said softly. "If it looks like they might be going too far, I'll intervene, but there is much we can do to get preparations ready for them. We'll let them enjoy tonight, and as much of tomorrow morning as we can. Then, they can depart.

"Besides, Korriban will require some real preparations," Allara said, still resting her head on her father's shoulder and leaning into his side. "The Sith Empire hasn't reclaimed it yet, but all intelligence suggests they will do so soon. Jedi teams cannot simply go there like they would have in the past."

Mace and Yoda both nodded in agreement.

"You know, I still wonder if we're making the right call, these changes," Mace said, but a rare smile graced the Korun master's face, "but looking out on our Order, seeing the happiness in Kenobi and Tachi – both Kenobi's faces, I see why you fought so hard for them, Kastor. It's near impossible to not approve of this. Feeling this joy, and seeing the comradery out there between Jedi, Mandalorian, Ranger, and allies, feeling the Force dance with the celebration . . . this is something worth fighting for."

Kastor grinned. "I knew there was a softie under that tough exterior, and I knew I'd get you to my line of thinking eventually."

"Don't push it, Shan."