Reading Time: 123 Minutes

Title: Trial by Fire
Series Title: The Genesis of a Jedi
Series Order: 2
Author: Keira Marcos
Fandom: Star Wars, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Relationship(s): Jaro Tapal/Eeth Koth, Obi-Wan Kenobi/Quinlan Vos
Genre: Alternate Universe, Science Fiction, Romance
Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Explicit Sex, Character Bashing, Violence, Off-Screen Torture, Limb Replacement, Discussion-Grooming, Discussion-Sex Crimes, Discussion-Sexual Assault, Discussion-Child Predators, Discussion-Torture, Discussion-Slavery, Discussion-Mental Health Issues, Discussion-Sex Slavery, Discussion-Child Slavery, Discussion-OC Character Death, Discussion-War, Discussion-Collateral Damages, Discussion-Terrorism, Discussion-Child Death, Discussion-Child Soldiers, Discussion-Child Murder, Grammarly Beta
Word Count: 58,781
Author’s Note: The author has no respect for canon or
legends content. Canon is full of slavery. It’s disgusting. Star Wars is darker than the Hannibal TV show. I swear. Droidspeak is used in this fic and it’s always italized rather than represented with a series of beeps or whatever that would depend on translation. I’m, in fact, going to leave you assume that my entire fic has been translated for you from Galactic Basic since no one in Star Wars would actually be speaking English to begin with.

Summary: Betrayal from within leaves Jedi Master Jaro Tapal in the hands of the Sennex Pirates, a group of slavers he’s worked against for decades. Separated from his padawan, and in a slave collar, his options are few and the only solace he has is that they didn’t get their hands on Obi-Wan, too. He fully expects rescue, he just wasn’t expecting it come in the form that it did.

* * * *

Chapter 6

“So, I named it The Good Works Foundation and listed you as the co-founder, Obi-Wan,” Bant explained. “It’s a non-profit entity within the Republic and the whole application was approved pretty much instantly. We had to put at least one adult on the board, so I had to run around and find one. I ended up with three. Matron Sheva and Master Veros agreed first. Then, Duchess Kryze contacted me and asked me if she could be on the board, and I said yes, of course.”

Obi-Wan stared for a moment then exhaled slowly. “And?”

“Well, I transferred the credits to the Foundation’s account, but there was already…money in it. We’ve received donations from several different people and organizations.” She shrugged. “I’ve set up a process to apply for research grants and sent the information to both of the scientists I’d picked out. I asked Master Veros to create criteria for us to make sure we get targeted proposals, and I’ve made it clear to everyone that you don’t want the Foundation to be involved with the manufacturing of weapons.”

“How much money has been donated, Bant?”

She made a face. “I can’t say for certain.”

“Excuse me?”

“Well, I haven’t checked it since the Senate meeting,” she said with a shrug. “But it was, combined with your donation, well over a million credits.”

“For the love of the Force,” Obi-Wan said huffily. “Are you serious?”

“We can do very good stuff with it,” Garen said stoutly, and Obi-Wan shot him a look. “It’s not a bad thing, and Duchess Kryze said not to worry about it because she’d make sure we didn’t get cheated or scammed. I think she meant she’d go kill people who tried to scam us, but that’s not for us to worry about, either. But I’m of the opinion that if you try to cheat children, then you get what you deserve.”

“Mercenary,” Obi-Wan said, and both of them shrugged. “I think you’ve both had way too much contact with the Mandalorians.” He frowned. “Put Master Tapal on the board. It would be weird if he wasn’t on it. Even if he doesn’t involve himself in the actual operation. And ask your masters if they want to be on it. Did you ask Grand Master Yaddle?”

Bant’s eyes widened. “No, of course not. She’s the Grand Master of the Order, and we can’t just go visit her without an appointment, Obi-Wan.”

“Well, we have to go ask her,” Obi-Wan said and stood up. “Come along.”

“Are you serious right now?” Bant questioned, and Garen gamely stood. She put aside her holobook and picked up her datapad.

“She’s not working right now, so she’s probably in her garden,” Obi-Wan said as he checked the chronometer. “She did tell me she expected me to come by for tea. But recently, I’ve decided I kind of hate tea, so I’m hoping she’s already heard.”

“Or, she’s going to go on a mission to figure out what kind of tea you’ll tolerate,” Bant warned, and Obi-Wan groaned a little.

He got a few looks from people as they walked through the temple, but he did his best to ignore them. Obi-Wan knew that he was more well-known than most padawans and had been even before the Senate hearing. The issue with Master Jinn hadn’t done great things for his reputation, but he’d like to think that people would get over the fact that he rejected a master’s mentorship in public eventually.

Just short of the courtyard leading to Grand Master Yaddle’s garden, they practically ran into Master Dooku. Obi-Wan hadn’t had any contact with the man in a couple of years since he’d stopped teaching history at the academy.

“Good afternoon, Master Dooku.”

“Padawans,” he said coolly and looked them over. “Going somewhere special?”

“Grand Master Yaddle is expecting me for tea sometime this afternoon,” Obi-Wan explained. “Any tips on avoiding the tea-drinking part?”

Master Dooku smiled briefly. “Not a fan?”

“It’s all so bitter,” Obi-Wan said, and Master Dooku nodded. “How is Master Jinn?”

“He is doing very well,” Master Dooku said slowly. “I will tell him that you asked about him, Padawan Kenobi.”

“I’m sure he’ll be surprised,” Obi-Wan admitted, and Master Dooku nodded. “But I’d never wish him harm. I think we just crossed paths at a very unfortunate moment for us both.”

“I agree,” Master Dooku said. “I also made mistakes in this situation that I’m working to rectify. Qui-Gon told me that he’s ready to pursue intensive therapy, and he blames you.”

Obi-Wan laughed. “Ah, well, I’m pleased to take the blame for such a thing if it helps him.” He paused. “Maybe you could put Master Yoda into therapy as well.”

Master Dooku laughed. “Ah, one can dream. I have agreed to escort him to Kashyyyk for a retreat. He’s looking forward to it.”

“I wish I could have a retreat to Kashyyyk,” Garen said wistfully. “I could climb a tree.”

“Perhaps we can arrange a trip for the padawans in the temple,” Master Dooku said. “I will speak to Master Nu about it when things calm down.” He eyed Obi-Wan. “Unless Padawan Kenobi decides to invade another planet.”

Obi-Wan huffed even as his friends laughed. “Sir! I didn’t invade Tatooine.”

Master Dooku grinned. “You’d be horrified to know that is the general consensus on the HoloNet. Though, I think you can be safe in the knowledge that most will think twice about taking your master from you again. Apparently, you destroyed the Sennex Pirates’ base and let loose a legion of bounty hunters on the pirates involved in capturing Jaro.”

Obi-Wan flushed. “Well, I mean….” He sighed when the older man laughed. “All of that did happen, but it wasn’t….” He shook his head. “I can’t defend myself, can I?”

“No,” Master Dooku said. “Go have your bitter tea. Yaddle is very fond of it and is probably already prepared for the three of you to arrive.”

Though Bant and Garen were a surprise, he did think she was probably ready to receive all three of them.

“Have a good day, sir,” Obi-Wan said.

Out in the garden, they found Master Yaddle already seated at a table with a spread of food and a tea service. Obi-Wan shared a glance with Bant, and she smiled.

“Master Yaddle,” Obi-Wan said. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought my friends Bant and Garen with me.”

“I was expecting them earlier,” Master Yaddle said. “Padawan Eerin, I would be glad to accept an invitation to join the board of your charity foundation.”

Bant blushed as they all sat down. “We’re honored, Master Yaddle. We’d have asked sooner, but we didn’t want to bother you.”

“At my age, I do as I wish most of the day,” Master Yaddle confided. “Now, normally, I have tea this time of the day, but I’ve been informed that Obi-Wan hates it.” She offered him a narrow-eyed look. “So, I’ve ordered hot chocolate for us. I’ve never had it. If it’s distasteful, I shall blame him.”

Obi-Wan winced and picked up his own cup. “The recipe in the Guardian’s synth is very good.” He took a sip. “This is better. You’ll like it.”

“Yes, I ordered the real thing from a shop and had it delivered for our meeting. I thought you would enjoy having it with real chocolate.” She sipped it, made a face, then sipped it again. “It will do.”

Twenty minutes later, his grandmaster was giggling and tipping dangerously in her seat. Hot chocolate was a relatively new drink, so it wasn’t a surprise Master Yaddle had never had it. But now, he was faced with the kind of quandary no padawan was prepared for. The Grand Master of the Jedi Order was drunk in public.

He turned to Bant. “You two stay right here with her and keep her distracted so she doesn’t wander off.”

Bant nodded quickly and turned to Master Yaddle. “Master Yaddle, can you tell me about one of your missions as a Jedi Knight?”

Obi-Wan slipped from his seat as Master Yaddle gleefully started telling Bant and Garen about infiltrating a brothel. He really hoped nothing got explicit before he could return. With a little tug on his bond with Master Tapal, he started toward the atrium of the temple. His master responded, curious but not alarmed, which was good. The last thing he wanted was for Master Tapal to sprint through the temple with his weapon drawn.

He found him in the atrium standing with a Mandalorian. From the armor presentation, Obi-Wan knew it to be Duke Adonai Kryze. His master motioned him forward as soon as he entered the area, so he crossed the room quickly.

“Sir.”

“I was telling Duke Kyrze about the data we retrieved during your invasion of Tatooine,” his master said wryly, and Obi-Wan flushed.

“I don’t think you can technically invade a planet that doesn’t have a central government per Republic law,” Obi-Wan said, and they both laughed. “At most, it was a hostile incursion into disputed territory.”

His master smiled at him. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan said. “And it’s not my fault.”

Duke Kryze laughed. “I shall leave you to problem solve, Jaro. Thank you for the conversation.” He turned to Obi-Wan. “Jaster wanted me to tell you that he was gratified that his gift came in handy, Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Tell him I let the blade keep the blood for a full day, just like he said to do before I cleaned it.”

“This is the way,” Duke Kryze said with a nod. “We are pleased you honored the traditions of Mandalore in this and that you had the personal fortitude to fight for your own life in such dire circumstances. I am personally very impressed, Obi-Wan, by your perseverance, loyalty, and strength. It is such a rare thing to find in anyone much less such a very young man.”

“Kanade ash’amu. Verde oyacyi,” Obi-Wan said and focused on Master Tapal when Duke Kryze nodded his agreement. “The circumstances could be time-sensitive.”

“Force help me,” Master Tapal muttered as Duke Kryze clapped his shoulder roughly and walked off across the atrium, shouting for Mace Windu. “For the record, he visits regularly, and the entire High Council blames you,” Master Tapal said as he cupped his shoulder as Obi-Wan motioned toward the way he’d come from. “Now what’s wrong?”

“I was invited to have tea with Master Yaddle and brought Bant and Garen with me so that Bant could invite her to join the board for the Foundation. She decided to serve hot chocolate instead as she’d heard that I don’t like tea.”

“And,” Master Tapal prodded as they walked.

“She had the real version of the drink delivered to the temple as a treat for us,” Obi-Wan said in a rush. “And something in it has made….” He paused. “She’s drunk, sir.”

Master Tapal huffed. “Are you serious?”

“Very. When I left them, she was telling Bant and Garen about going undercover in a brothel.”

Master Tapal exhaled sharply and picked up his pace, and Obi-Wan had to trot to keep up, which was fine, considering he’d left his best friends to deal with his tiny and intoxicated grandmaster.

Out in the garden, Master Yaddle was seated in the middle of the table, still clutching her cup and giggling as Garen kept her from tipping over. Bant was on the other side of the table, posed to act in the event that Master Yaddle teetered in her direction.

“Yaddle,” Master Tapal said, and she turned to stare at him, eyes blinking very slowly.

“Ah, Jaro! My favorite boy. Did I ever tell you that?” She stood and staggered toward the edge of the table. Master Tapal reached out and plucked her right up. “Ha! It’s always nice when you carry me. I’m the tallest person here now!”

Master Tapal sighed and pulled the cup from her hand. He passed it to Obi-Wan. “I’m going to take her to her quarters. You children clean this…little party up.”

“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan said. “It was her idea.” Bant and Garen nodded quickly. He appreciated the backup. “Does she need to go to the infirmary? Has she ever been intoxicated?”

“I love hot chocolate!” Yaddle declared loudly and pulled on Master Tapal’s beard. “Get me more.”

“Absolutely not,” Master Tapal said firmly, and she huffed dramatically. “And yes, she’s been intoxicated before, but perhaps a trip to the infirmary would not be out of line.”

“No, boy, take me to my rooms,” Master Yaddle said firmly.

“I’ve not been a boy in decades, Master,” Master Tapal retorted and walked away with her.

Obi-Wan plucked up the little pot. “Bant, take this to the infirmary. They’ll want to analyze it to see what’s impacting her.”

Bant took the pot and trotted off with it and Obi-Wan joined Garen in putting all of their mess on the tray it had come on.

“Are we going to get the blame for getting the Grand Master of the Jedi Order drunk?” Garen questioned in amusement.

“The worst part will be the people who are sad to have missed it,” Obi-Wan said wryly and sighed when Garen laughed a little.

* * * *

“How is Master Yaddle?” Obi-Wan questioned as soon as Jaro sat down with him at the dining table.

“Coming down off what would be considered a chemical high,” Jaro said.

“Oh, so more like a drug than a drink,” Obi-Wan winced. “It’s not my fault.”

Jaro laughed. “No, it’s all hers. But she’s going to try the synth version under observation, and the healers in the infirmary are investigating the chemical properties of chocolate to see if it can be used as part of their process to heal or help either Yaddle or Yoda in the event of an emergency.”

“That’s not a bad outcome,” Obi-Wan decided. “I have to admit, the version with real chocolate was better than the synth version but not so much better that it would put me off drinking the synth one.”

“I have a few matters,” Jaro said, and his padawan focused on him intently as the boy always did. He never had to worry about his student’s mind wandering away from a subject. “First, to honor your chosen path, and if you’re ready, I have an indigo bead for your braid.” He put the bead on the table between them and Obi-Wan picked it up with a smile.

“Yes, I’m very ready for it. Thank you. I’ll add it to my braid in the morning if that’s all right?”

Jaro nodded. “Yes, of course. Several months ago, Jaster Mereel reached out to Jocasta Nu and had a conversation about padawans and the braid itself. She indulged his curiosity not realizing what he intended, so was quite surprised when he requested to be given permission to offer braid adornments of his own to padawans who perform above and beyond the call of their duty.”

Obi-Wan flushed. “Is this his way of putting some sort of armor on me?”

Jaro laughed. “I’d have thought so if you were the first to receive one. You won’t even be the second.” He put a shining band of metal down on the table between them. “It’s beskar, and it represents your strength and perseverance when we were separated. Duke Kryze brought this to me after I gave my permission for it to be given to you.”

“Who received the first one?” Obi-Wan asked curiously.

“It’s been bestowed four times—you’re the fourth. Your little friend, Bant, was the third as the Mandalorians were very impressed with her idea for the charity foundation. The second was Luminara Unduli, who is preparing for her trials. She was on a mission with her master and took what could’ve been a fatal wound for the current queen of Naboo.”

Obi-Wan picked up the band and stared for a moment. “Quin has one. I saw it earlier but didn’t ask him about it since he hadn’t brought it up.”

“He was first, and Padawan Vos earned it for his work on Melida/Daan,” Jaro said quietly. “It wasn’t…a gentle experience, Obi-Wan. I’m unsure how much of his personal experience he’s shared with you—but his actions on that world changed and saved lives—many thousands of lives. The world has been ravaged by civil war, and children as young as five were being murdered by their parents to prevent them from joining the third faction.”

Obi-Wan exhaled slowly. “Why did Master Nu agree to this?”

“It’s only slightly political,” Jaro said. “She understands that the Mand’alor is merely attempting to connect with members of the Jedi Order in a positive fashion. He’s seeking to change how we interact in a permanent way so we can’t be used against each other again. I think he’s also highlighting the fact that we aren’t all that different when it comes to how we train and prepare our children for the times we live in.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “I’ll wear it. It’s lovely.”

“I’m told that the preeminent armorer on Mandalore is making the bands, and each is made specifically for the person they’ll be given to. Can you read what’s been carved into it?”

“Mandokar,” Obi-Wan murmured. “Do you know what Bant’s says?”

“A generous heart,” Jaro said. “You said you’d seen Padawan Vos’ band?”

“Yes.” Obi-Wan took a deep breath. “Strength and loyalty.”

“What does mandokar mean,” Jaro said.

“It basically means Jaster Mereel believes that I am the epitome of Mandalorian virtue—the perfect blend of aggression, determination, and loyalty.” Obi-Wan turned the band over in his hand. “Quin didn’t talk to me about his band at all and has only mentioned what happened briefly. I’ve read all the reports that were available to me about the planet and their war.”

“Perhaps he’s not ready to discuss what happened on Melida/Daan, or he was waiting until your band was given to you so as to not ruin the surprise. If you’d known about them, you’d have certainly believed one was heading your way.”

Obi-Wan nodded and sighed. “Yes. One day, he’s just going to send me a suit of armor.”

“Maybe,” Jaro said and shook his head. “He did ask me if your robes were armored, and I assured him that your field gear is made of armorweave. He suggested chainmail as well.”

Obi-Wan made a face. “It would be heavy and difficult to adjust to.”

“Certainly, and I pointed out that it would merely slow you down. Regardless, wearing the band is up to you.”

“I’ll wear it,” Obi-Wan said again. “I don’t want to insult him since he’s been working on himself and being less of a tyrant for over a year now. He even got the New Mandalorian movement to settle down and stop being ridiculous about their demands. I was surprised by Duke Kryze’s praise.”

“Well, the man wasn’t always an advocate of non-violent solutions,” Jaro reminded. “He was one of Jaster’s supercommandos. Fatherhood, apparently, changed him. He wouldn’t be the first to find parenthood so life changing, and perspective is everything. He wants peace for his daughters.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “It’s admirable, of course, but the galaxy will never allow it. I wish that things were different but there’s too much greed and ugliness to ever see the kind of ideal life the New Mandalorians wanted. They needed that reality check.”

“They disbanded shortly after the last member of Death Watch disavowed Tor Vizsla, who is serving a life sentence in a Republic prison for mass murder,” Jaro said. “It became clear to everyone at that point that the Republic was going to support Jaster Mereel as long as he wasn’t actively pursuing tyranny as a hobby.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, well.” He stood. “I should go send the Mand’alor a note thanking him for my band.”

“I didn’t ask before, due to the situation with Yaddle, but what did you say to Duke Kryze before we parted in the atrium?” He paused. “And send me the language primer for Mando’a.”

“Of course, and I said—Akaan’ade ash’amu. Verde oyacyi.” Obi-Wan paused only briefly. “It means—Soldiers die. Warriors live on. I said it because I wanted him to know that I fully understood what he was saying to me about my actions and my survival on Kessel. I think some people in the temple believe I should be ashamed of the fact that I took someone’s life.”

“There are those so invested in the Force that they barely manage to live,” Jaro said roughly, and Obi-Wan nodded. “I find them extremely annoying.”

“At least they aren’t trying to put their own brains in jars,” Obi-Wan consoled. “Yet.”

Jaro huffed. “Padawan.”

Obi-Wan laughed. “Regardless, I’m not ashamed that I defended myself and that criminal died as a result. I’m not ashamed that I basically invaded Tatooine, either. Those pirates deserved to be hunted down by bounty hunters, so I don’t regret that at all. Some people get exactly what they deserve, is what I’m saying. Maybe that’s not exactly the Jedi way, but I’m a Guardian, and we do what we must to protect ourselves and others.”

“So you are,” Jaro said gently. “Off to bed with you. Tomorrow promises to be another headache of some sort. I hesitate to tell you this because I don’t want you to fret instead of sleeping.”

“I can handle it,” Obi-Wan said firmly.

“Senator Palpatine is coming to the temple tomorrow with Chancellor Valorum. I’ve been told that the Chancellor is interested in meeting several padawans, but we believe this is just a way Palpatine has arranged to get closer to you.”

Obi-Wan made a face. “Do I still have permission to cut off people’s body parts if they get inappropriate with me?”

“Absolutely,” Jaro said firmly. “Perverts don’t need to keep their hands or whatever else they might try to touch you with.”

“Great. I’m going to sleep.” Obi-Wan trotted off with that and vaulted over the railing without a hitch in his step.

“Jaro?”

“Yes, Enid?” Jaro questioned.

“I’m very concerned about Sheev Palpatine’s interest in Obi-Wan. My analysis tells me he’s one of four individuals who could be the Sith Lord we’ve been searching for. He’s, in fact, the most likely candidate based on his travel patterns in the past if we were right to assume that Hego Damask was a Sith.”

“It concerns me as well,” Twobit said as he joined Jaro in the small kitchen.

“I’ll do everything possible to keep Obi-Wan safe,” Jaro said.

“We know that,” Twobit said quietly. “And he did very well when you were separated. I thought, when it first happened, that I would have to take command. But he settled himself, made a plan, took our advice, and listened to reason. There was a little fuss the first day because he was being stubborn, but we worked it out quickly.”

Jaro nodded. “Did you want to do something specific, Enid?”

“I want to infiltrate Sheev Palpatine’s office in the Senate and his home here in Coruscant,” Enid said.

“If you get caught, you’ll be destroyed,” Jaro said thoughtfully. “So, make a backup copy of yourself and tuck it away in the digital vault and create a shadow personality to do the work on the HoloNet on your behalf. If you need a physical infiltration at some point, let me know, and I’ll handle that mission personally. Remember that Tink and Clank are still confined to the ship when we are on Coruscant.”

“We have reminded them of your policy,” Twobit said. “Though, I maintain that it has been many years since the incident, and they should be forgiven at this point.”

“I could ask the Temple Guard, but I don’t see them forgiving them for at least another decade,” Jaro admitted, and he heard two little pouty beeps in response. “It’s your own fault, ladies. You shouldn’t have sliced the temple security system.”

“We were just practicing!” Tink exclaimed as she trotted into the kitchen. “Those Sentinels are always so serious. I just found a weakness that they shouldn’t have allowed to happen to begin with. They should’ve been thanking me for taking time out of my day to point out the flaws in their shoddy system.”

Jaro laughed. “Where is your sister?”

“She went to check on Obi-Wan and pout in his room since she needs to charge,” Tink said. “He always lets her charge in there when she pouts.”

* * * *

Obi-Wan tamped down his empathy as much as he could as he followed Master Tapal into the large room the High Council had chosen for the meet and greet that they were being made to attend. There were many other padawans in the room, including Bant and Garin, so he should’ve felt a little more at ease, but he wasn’t.

Master Tapal put a hand on his shoulder, and it grounded him enough that he could concentrate on the crowd itself. Most of the guests were Jedi, but there were senators here and there, plus Chancellor Valorum. As politicians went, Obi-Wan found the older Human man to be tolerable. He didn’t have offensive, tyrannical policies and seemed to value all forms of life. That couldn’t be said of all members of the Senate, as unfortunate as that was.

Senator Sheev Palpatine was holding court near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite the distance between them, he could feel the older man’s gaze on him. It felt assessing and oddly covetous. He’d never had an adult look at him in such a way, not even the slaver who’d tried to kidnap him on Hosnian Prime. Of course, the slaver hadn’t been personally invested in the situation. For him, it had merely been a business transaction.

“Be at ease, Padawan,” Master Tapal murmured. “Never let an enemy know their impact on you.”

“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan said and drew the Force close. It wrapped around him like a warm cloak, and the air around him stilled even as his master moved forward.

He followed, drifting in the placid calm the Force provided. Obi-Wan wondered what it felt like for other Jedi. They’d been on Dathomir just six months before, visiting Asajj and Maul. The boy was doing better than Obi-Wan had expected, and Asajj was having the time of her life with Ky and her mother. She was learning the magick of Dathomir and little Force exercises at the same time as Ky’s padawan, Julian Davs, absolutely adored Asajj and tried to include her often in his lessons.

Senator Kryze caught their attention, and Obi-Wan was relieved to be guided in that direction.

“Jaro,” Senator Kryze said grandly and clamped one armored hand on Master Tapal’s shoulder. “I was telling my wife that you’re my favorite Jedi, as I never have a hard time finding you in a room.”

“Remind me to introduce you to Masana Tide,” Master Tapal said dryly, and the Duke laughed. “Your affection will flit away from me very quickly.”

“Please meet my family,” the man said grandly. “My wife, Ryn, and our daughters Bo-Katan and Satine. Lovelies, this is Master Jaro Tapal and his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Master Tapal took Ryn Kryze’s hand in greeting. “I’m honored, Duchess, to meet you. Forgive Obi-Wan for his forgoing a physical greeting. He is extremely gifted within the Force with empathy, and touching a stranger can be a difficult experience for him.”

“Of course, Master Tapal.” She touched both of her daughters in turn. “Protecting the children in our care is a sacred duty, and I’m very pleased to see you take it so seriously, even in such circumstances. Many adults would expect him to suffer through contact just for the sake of politeness.”

Obi-Wan was briefly tempted to point out that his master was often very willing to be impolite, but he refrained since he’d already endured one lecture about how there were plenty of people out in the galaxy who did not deserve any sort of consideration, much less politeness. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

Both girls drifted toward him briefly before their mother responded with a little noise of disagreement. He wondered what having a mother felt like, but it wasn’t a hurtful sort of wonder. But he was certainly curious. Satine shifted toward him again, and her father cleared his throat.

“It’s not their fault,” Master Tapal said and pressed against Obi-Wan’s shields with their bond. “His empathy can draw people to him physically. Working to control it is an ongoing task.”

Obi-Wan blushed and moved closer to Master Tapal as he tried to push his empathy down even further. “My apologies.”

“It’s okay,” Satine blurted out and smiled. “You can’t help it.”

“Your pretty face can’t help matters, either,” Bo-Katan said dryly, and both of her parents laughed even as Obi-Wan’s blush deepened to the point that his face felt like it was on fire. “He probably needs a helmet for his own sake.”

Master Tapal laughed and shook his head. “We’re being summoned, it seems.”

Obi-Wan’s gaze drifted in the direction that Master Tapal was looking and found Master Windu inclining his head. He sighed as the Jedi Master in question was standing with Senator Palpatine.

“I find his interest in your padawan untoward,” Duchess Kryze said. “I’ve asked Adonai’s head of security to investigate him as a result.”

“I understand your concern,” Master Tapal said. “But you can trust in the fact that I would never allow such an individual private access to any child, and proof of such interest would be a death sentence.”

“Good,” Duke Kryze said.

Obi-Wan really didn’t think Master Tapal needed encouragement or approval but he just waved at the two girls as he was prodded away toward a conversation that he did not want to have at all, ever.

Senator Palpatine was smiling grandly as they joined the conversation, and he reached out toward Obi-Wan’s shoulder. The Force swelled between them, and the senator snatched his hand back with a shocked noise that called attention to them.

Master Tapal pulled Obi-Wan out of the man’s reach with a frown. “Forgive me, Senator Palpatine, but I must insist that no one touch my padawan, without explicit permission, for their own safety. The Force has been reactive around him since the incident on Kessel.”

“When your incompetence nearly got him murdered?” Senator Palpatine questioned.

“No, when his dedication and loyalty to me caused him to sacrifice himself to slavers to protect me,” Obi-Wan corrected sharply, and Master Windu exhaled loudly. “Then, when I needed him most, Master Tapal’s training gave me the clarity and skill I needed to defend myself from a violent, sociopathic killer. Your rapidly narrowing perspective is unfortunate, Senator Palpatine. Perhaps you could take the time to seek out some reading materials on the HoloNet to broaden your mind regarding the state of the galaxy that we live in.”

The older man smiled at him, and a slick, dark emotion slid down Obi-Wan’s spine that he couldn’t define. The man was clearly furious despite the façade of amusement, but there was something else twisting inside the senator that he could not quite understand.

“You could have dinner with me, instead, and broaden my perspective. I was telling Master Windu that the Jedi Order is in the service of the Senate. Did you know that?”

“I did know that, yes,” Obi-Wan said. “With all due respect, I don’t have the resources to broaden the perspective of an adult.” He glanced around the room. “You’ve many adult Jedi to choose from should you wish to have a conversation about the training methods of the Order, Senator Palpatine.”

“I believe I would find value in your point of view,” Palpatine said cheerfully, but his eyes remained dark and angry. It was clear that he wasn’t used to being told no. He turned to Master Windu. “It would be an appropriate service to offer, Master Windu.”

Obi-Wan’s gut tightened, and he frowned. “Are you suggesting that children within the Jedi Order should be called upon to entertain members of the Galactic Senate?” Master Windu’s mouth dropped open. “Because that would be inappropriate.”

Senator Palpatine stared for a moment, clearly shocked.

“What sort of service would I be expected to offer an adult, Master Windu?” Obi-Wan questioned, and several people started to move closer.

Master Koth appeared on his left. “Is there a problem?”

“I’m just seeking clarification,” Obi-Wan said as he continued to stare at Master Windu.

“I wouldn’t expect a child in the Jedi Order to offer an adult any sort of service, Padawan Kenobi,” Master Windu said.

Obi-Wan nodded. “I didn’t think so.” He turned to Senator Palpatine and the pleasant exterior was starting to crack. His emotions were leaking all over the place, and he wondered how many other Jedi in the room could feel his fury. “What sort of service are you asking for, Senator Palpatine?”

“Excuse me?” Senator Palpatine questioned like he was offended.

“You said the Jedi Order was in the service of the Senate and that me spending time with you in private would be an appropriate service for the Order to offer,” Obi-Wan said, and his master exhaled slowly. He could feel the fury radiating off the Lasat and was utterly impressed with the calm he was presenting.

“I believe you could benefit from my mentorship,” Palpatine said with a smooth smile that looked like the most evil thing Obi-Wan had ever seen. “You’d have many opportunities outside of the Order, should you wish it.”

Obi-Wan had rarely been so disgusted in his life. “I’m very content with my choices concerning my future and my current apprenticeship. Thank you, however, for your consideration. Also, if I may be frank, I find politics to be appalling, and I already promised the Mand’alor that if I left the Jedi Order, he could adopt me. Jaster’s got his heart set on it, and I think he might have already commissioned armor for me despite the fact that I told him I didn’t need armor.

“Additionally, Mila the Destroyer offered to let me run her brothel empire when I’m older, which is frankly getting more tempting by the day. She runs a very reputable and safe operation for her courtesans. I appreciate the honesty of the sex trade. People are prone to say exactly what they want, don’t hesitate to pay for it, and follow the rules for fear of being ejected into space when on one of Mila’s pleasure cruisers. It’s all very orderly, and the expectations are clear, which I find gratifying. Though, not in the same way that her customer base does.”

Mace Windu snorted, coughed into his hand, and muttered something under his breath that Obi-Wan didn’t quite catch.

“Yes, well, it was a pleasure to see you, Senator Palpatine,” Master Koth said firmly. “Jaro, I need a word with you and Obi-Wan. If you’ll excuse us, Mace.”

“Of course,” Master Windu said with a small nod.

Obi-Wan relaxed under his master’s hand as they were escorted away from the most offensive person on Coruscant. He didn’t know if Sheev Palpatine was a Sith or just a pervert, but he’d rather not ever have to speak to him again. He wanted to leave the whole planet as soon as possible. Lost in thought, he nearly ran straight into Siri Tachi. The girl gasped a little and backed away from him immediately.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t see you, Obi-Wan. I wasn’t approaching you, I promise.”

Obi-Wan stared for a moment then looked to his master for guidance.

Master Tapal cupped his shoulder and prodded him toward Master Koth. “It’s fine, Padawan Tachi. No offense has been taken. Due to the circumstances in this room, I believe you’d be wise to stick as close to your master as possible. And don’t allow any of our visitors to remove you from this room for a private conversation.”

“Yes, Master Tapal, of course,” Siri said and hurried off toward Master Gallia with just a small glance toward Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan huffed a little as he was prodded firmly toward the exit. He was glad and nearly started to run. If he was rude, he was very willing to get a lecture about it. But he wasn’t going to apologize to anyone. Well, maybe he’d apologize to Master Tapal, but his master didn’t seem all that irritated with him.

They ended up in an office he’d never seen before. Master Koth collapsed on the couch and started to laugh. Master Tapal followed suit. Obi-Wan locked the door and activated the privacy filter just in case someone had followed them and watched them both laugh.

“What’s so funny?” he finally asked as he was stupidly curious.

“I cannot believe you told a sitting senator that you’d rather run a whore house than be mentored in politics,” Master Koth said with a breathless laugh.

Master Tapal snorted and started laughing again.

Obi-Wan huffed. “I meant it, though.”

“Oh, we know,” Master Koth said with a grin.

Obi-Wan made a face and scooted onto the couch between them out of contrariness and slouched against his master. “He felt weird.”

“Weird in what way?” Master Tapal questioned as he threw an arm around him.

“He was angry. Senator Palpatine clearly doesn’t like to be told no, and the Force doesn’t like him at all. I didn’t push against him, you know? That was all the Force.”

“I felt it,” Master Tapal said quietly. “It was startling. I’ve never seen or felt anything like that before.”

“He covets me,” Obi-Wan whispered, and they both stiffened against him. “I don’t know how, but he wants to control me, dominate me. I can’t figure out what was underneath it. I don’t think it’s sexual, but I’m not sure since I’ve never really felt lust before.”

His master took a deep breath. “Obi-Wan.”

“I think maybe he’s the Sith,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “And if he is—then he’s an immense threat. A businessman with a lot of money is one thing, but he’s a very popular politician in some circles. He has money and influence that doesn’t really match with his term on the Senate. They act like he’s been around for a hundred years or something. I believe, if we aren’t careful, that he’ll take Chancellor Valorum’s place.”

“That would be a very big problem,” Master Koth said.

“What does lust feel like?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Like immense, uncontrollable want. The desire for another person can be heady, overwhelming, and it can even make rational thought difficult,” Master Tapal said. “Do you understand, in a general way, what sexual want feels like?”

“Yes, I mean…sort of,” Obi-Wan frowned. “I like kissing, but I’ve not done that a lot. And the only person to ever touch my private parts is me. I understand arousal.” He paused. “I still don’t need the masturbation conversation.”

Master Koth laughed.

“I’m serious. I handle my own needs just fine,” Obi-Wan assured. “I’ve never had any overwhelming desire to share my body with another person. But maybe that’s because I know I’m not ready for that kind of thing, and you said I’m too young for it. I trust you to know what’s best, Master.”

“Thank you for that,” Master Tapal murmured. “And you don’t need to defend me, Obi-Wan. I don’t care what Senator Palpatine says about me.”

Obi-Wan made a face. “I care. He’s awful, and I kind of wanted to kick him in the face.”

Master Koth laughed again. “Well, you have an established history of kicking rude people in the face.”

It was true so he couldn’t even complain as they both laughed again.

“Does he really think that the members of the Jedi Order should be at his beck and call because we are in the service of the Republic?” Obi-Wan questioned. “Because if that’s the case, then it must be rectified. We can’t…just be their private little slave army.”

“He certainly seemed to think so,” Master Tapal said. “And you’re right—we cannot allow a government of any sort to have that kind of power over us. We must be able to say no.”

“Senator Palpatine doesn’t care about free will,” Obi-Wan said. “And specifically seems to think I should have none.”

“Agreed.” Master Tapal exhaled slowly beside him. “You might get a lecture about this, but it won’t come from me.”

“Well, who would have the audacity to lecture me for refusing to service a senator?”

Master Koth’s breath hitched. “Please phrase it exactly that way if it happens.” He laughed again. “I beg you.”

Obi-Wan sighed as Master Tapal started laughing again. He figured that laughing was better than a homicidal rage.

 

Chapter 7

As it turned out Master Poli Dapatian was of the opinion that Obi-Wan’s behavior was completely out of line. Jaro wasn’t necessarily surprised as the man was very practical and held no belief whatsoever in Force visions. He knew that Poli would very much prefer it if Obi-Wan was firmly grounded in the moment, even if it was detrimental to his relationship with the Force.

Jaro looked out over the Council’s heads to stare at the buildings that spread out beneath the Jedi temple as he considered how to respond to Poli’s speculation regarding the situation. “I fail to see how it would benefit anyone, much less my padawan, to encourage him to associate with a corrupt politician.”

“Senator Palpatine is a rising star in the Senate and his influence is immense already,” Poli said smoothly. “We can expect him to rise to the level of chancellor, eventually. Having his good will benefits the Order.”

“The children of the Jedi Order will not be made to entertain adults, Poli,” Jocasta said. “We’ve discussed this already, and Palpatine’s interest in Obi-Wan might not be as unsavory as it could be, but it’s still untoward and inappropriate. He arranged an entire meeting here at the temple for the sole purpose of getting close to him. How can you not see how worrisome that is?”

“We’ve found no evidence of deviance in his past,” Poli pointed out. “His interest doesn’t appear to be sexual. What does it hurt? We serve the Senate, and he is a member of the Senate.”

“No.” They all focused on him and Jaro stared pointedly at Poli. “The answer is no. I will not ever allow my padawan to be alone with Sheev Palpatine. His interest is problematic no matter the root of his desires and I will not risk Obi-Wan’s mental and physical health in order to placate an adult.”

“Senator Palpatine expects Obi-Wan to deliver a personal apology regarding his behavior during the meeting this morning,” Mace said dryly. “He’ll be sending a member of staff to collect him this evening for dinner in his apartment.”

“It seems a reasonable situation to allow,” Poli said.

“It’s not reasonable at all,” Jaro retorted.

“Jocasta, you must make a decision regarding this situation that favors the Order,” Poli interjected roughly. “We can’t allow the delicate sensibilities of one boy damage our relationship with the Republic.”

“Palpatine isn’t the Republic,” Jocasta said. “And he’s not the Senate. He’s merely a senator from moderately popular sector, but that popularity is social. Naboo is in no single way a significant seat of power within the Republic. Palpatine’s influence is manufactured and getting to the foundation of that is far more important than patting his feelings because Obi-Wan Kenobi doesn’t like him. Moreover, further exposure will probably result in further insult. The child clearly feels free to be entirely honest with the man.”

“Very honest,” Mace said with a little laugh. “And he wasn’t rude about it, in my opinion. If Palpatine wants an apology for being rejected, then he isn’t going to get far because I don’t think Obi-Wan will apologize for not wanting to spend time with him.”

“He won’t,” Jaro admitted. “Though he’ll probably apologize for having no desire to apologize, and he might apologize for preferring to run a brothel over being a politician, but he won’t take it back. Then he might apologize for upsetting Palpatine further and suggest they not associate in the future to avoid further disappointment on the man’s part.

“Every single time they meet going forward, Palpatine is going to leave frustrated and probably furious because Obi-Wan doesn’t want anything to do with him. Nothing is going to change that. The boy’s empathy is immense, and the Force has made it clear that Obi-Wan shouldn’t trust Palpatine.

“So, he’s not going to trust him. He’s not going to want to ever spend time with him. He also thinks Palpatine is a criminal of some sort and would like to put him in prison.” He paused. “And for the record, Obi-Wan has no interest whatsoever in servicing a Senator, now or in the future.”

“A proper Jedi would be willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of the Order,” Poli said evenly.

Jaro stared for a moment and inclined his head. “Are you insane or has old age addled your brain?”

Even the air in the room stilled as they stared at one another.

“I’m perfectly healthy.”

“Really? Because it sounds like you believe that a Jedi should be willing whore themselves to the Republic,” Jaro snapped and Poli’s eyes widened in shock. “It’s only made worse by the fact that we are speaking of a child.”

“A child that had no problem killing a full-grown Anzati,” Poli responded. “What exactly are teaching that boy, Jaro?”

“I teach all of my padawans to survive,” Jaro said. “As that is my first duty to them, and I won’t ever do anything different. I refuse to allow Sheev Palpatine to have a single moment of private access to Obi-Wan. End of discussion.” He slashed a hand through the air. “I’ll leave this planet and disappear into the wilds of space with him first. None of you’ll see him again until he’s ready for his trials. I mean it, Jocasta.”

“You know we are on the same page, Jaro,” Jocasta said mildly. “I’ve already arranged to have a very long conversation with Chancellor Valorum and our agreement with the Republic is going to be altered to reflect modern sensibilities. We are entitled to free will and our children must be protected from the machinations of creatures such as Palpatine.” She frowned. “Poli, take yourself to the infirmary for a thorough examination as soon as possible.”

* * * *

Obi-Wan took a deep steading breath and stayed perfectly still as the training remote spun around him. The other students were watching him so intently that he could almost feel them individually. He pulled the Force close but kept his hold loose as he was learning that he didn’t need to keep a stranglehold on the energy that moved in and around him.

He felt, not heard, the remote click as it moved in and fired a laser bolt at him. Obi-Wan deflected it back at the device which made it spin away from him. The remote came back quickly, adjusting to the deflection attack as it was programmed to do. The things were very predictable, and he’d outgrown the original programming of the one on the Guardian six months into his training. Ace had reprogrammed it four times so far.

It threw four bolts at him, and he deflected each one deftly, hitting the deflector shields protecting the students.

“Close your eyes, Padawan Kenobi,” Master Drallig instructed.

Obi-Wan did as instructed and stilled. The remote moved around in the air above him a full circle then reversed and threw one bolt after another at him. He allowed the Force to move him around the arena and he deflected each bolt. The movement felt natural and clean.

“Very good,” Master Drallig said. “I’m going to change the circumstances. Keep your eyes closed.”

“Understood, Master Drallig.”

The air shifted, and the Force moved inside of him.

“How many remotes are in the arena with you, Padawan Kenobi?”

“Five,” he answered, tilted his head slightly. “Four above my head and a fifth is one on my left just below my shoulder.”

“Excellent,” Master Drallig said. “Concerns?”

“No, sir,” Obi-Wan said then paused. “Yes, sir.”

“What is your concern?”

“Two of the younglings have moved closer to the deflection shield directly behind me and could get energy feedback if there is a close impact. The deflection shields in the room aren’t designed for complete absorption and the feedback can be significant upwards of a full meter from the shield itself.”

“He can’t even see us!” a little girl exclaimed, and Master Drallig laughed.

“Back behind the line, Elia, and take your sister with you,” Master Drallig ordered. “Tell them how you knew they’d moved, Padawan Kenobi.”

“There are twenty-two people in this room, and another ten in the observation deck. The two younglings moved from their seats while you were removing the other remotes from the case. And I knew they moved because I felt their movement in the Force.”

“Why are you keeping track of everyone in the room?”

“You told me to prepare for a fight before the exercise began. In a fight, my survival depends on my ability to see every single potential threat.” Obi-Wan turned then, brought his lightsaber up and it collided with another. He opened his eyes and found Master Drallig standing in front of him. “Including you.”

“Am I a threat?”

“In a fight, I would consider it a goal to remove you from the situation for my own safety,” Obi-Wan admitted. “You are the second biggest threat within fifty meters of me.”

Master Drallig lowered his lightsaber so Obi-Wan did the same. “Who’s the first?”

“Master Windu is in the observation deck and he’s undefeated in the temple with the lightsaber unless something amazing happened while I was gone and no one told me.”

Master Drallig laughed. “He’s still undefeated.” He paused. “And still smug about it. You’re dismissed, Padawan Kenobi. I believe that you’re due to have a very long and boring exam on astronavigation in just forty-five minutes.”

Obi-Wan made face. “Or, I could duel all the senior initiates one by one until I pass out.”

“Off with you now,” Master Drallig said with a shake of his head.

Obi-Wan nodded, put his lightsaber away, and bowed. “May the Force be with you, Master Drallig.”

“And with you, Padawan Kenobi.”

Obi-Wan left the arena and Garen fell into step beside him. “I thought you were busy all morning?”

“Master Rhara is preparing for a research trip. We’ll be gone for a few weeks and I’m pretty excited. I did my packing already and went to visit the quartermaster since I had to get a utility belt. She said I should be supplied for the field, just in case.”

“Certainly,” Obi-Wan agreed as they walked. “Have you told Bant?”

“Yeah, she already gave me a bunch of applications to read for the Foundation since I’ll have some time to read on the trip. We’re going on a freighter with a group from the AgriCorps,” Garen explained. “How long did Master Drallig keep you?”

“Over an hour,” Obi-Wan said.

“Seriously?”

Obi-Wan laughed. “I regularly train twice as long with remotes on the Guardian.” Garen made a face. “You don’t?”

“I do the required training,” Garen said huffily. “Most of my extra training is in the flight simulator. I watched some of what you did—it was great, Obi-Wan.”

“Thanks. I hope that Master Drallig’s review is up to Master Tapal’s standards, or I’ll end up additional hours of practice.”

“As punishment?”

“No, of course not,” Obi-Wan said. “Master Tapal doesn’t punish. He instructs and if I’m below the standard he’s set then we practice until I meet that standard. He has to be able to trust that I can defend myself in the field. It’s about discipline and control, more than anything else.”

“You proved you could fight for your own life,” Garen said quietly. “Everyone’s seen it, Obi-Wan. It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen. I’m glad that Bant told me that you escaped the fight before I watched it.”

“I’m sorry that you were so worried,” Obi-Wan said. “I’ll always do everything that I can to survive. It’s my duty to the Force.”

Garen nodded. “Yes, I know. People were envious of your journey as a padawan before the Kessel incident. Now, they’ve a different perspective as they really see what you and your master are doing. He fought so hard for you, and it took multiple stun weapons to take him down. Then you went and rescued him by yourself.”

“I didn’t have any other choices,” Obi-Wan said. “At least from my limited perspective. In an emergency, we have to have priorities. Protecting each other and the ship is paramount. When you’re in the field with your master, please be careful Garen, and follow her instructions at all times. The galaxy is huge and we’re small.” He nudged his friend. “You’re a little smaller than me.”

Garen laughed. “You’re growing fast, though.”

“I doubt I’ll get anywhere near six feet, based on the averages for my homeworld.”

“Can we talk for a minute?” Garen questioned.

“Sure,” Obi-Wan said and allowed his friend to lead him to a little alcove not far from the academy wing where he would attend testing for the rest of the day.

Garen took a deep breath as they sat down on the bench. “Senator Palpatine.”

“He was here in the temple yesterday,” Obi-Wan said. “You didn’t stay at the meeting long.”

“No, Master Rhara was able to extract us quickly because of our trip. But Siri approached me after the event ended and apparently Senator Palpatine asked her questions about you. In fact, he asked every single padawan in that room about you. Of course, no one had a single negative thing to say about you. Siri said that it was really weird, and she tried to deflect as much as she could and so did everyone else that she was aware of.

“Do you know what he wants from you?”

“No,” Obi-Wan admitted. “But he did invite me to have a meal with him and he also suggested I needed mentoring in politics. I declined, and Master Koth removed Master Tapal and I from the meeting entirely. I’m sure he’s insulted by my lack of interest. Look, tell everyone you can that they should avoid Palpatine as much as possible. The Force says that he can’t be trusted, as we put our faith in the Force first and foremost.”

Garen nodded and exhaled loudly. “Okay. Avoid the creepy old man who wants to date my friend. Sounds reasonable.”

Obi-Wan huffed. “He doesn’t want to date me.”

“He invited you to dinner,” Garen said. “That sounds like a date to me and that’s creepy.”

It was creepy. Obi-Wan made a face and checked his chronometer. “I should go. You’ve ruined the rest of my day.”

* * * *

Jaro set aside the datapad that was receiving results on his padawan’s performance and focused on Cin Drallig. “What do you think?”

“I think he’s amazing,” Cin admitted frankly. “His movement in the Force is elegant, and you’ve done absolute wonders with him when it comes to his use of the Physical Force. He’s open, focused, calm, and graceful in his use of the Soresu style. He has some weak areas that I’m sure you’re already aware of.”

Jaro nodded.

“And his biggest strength is his calm, but I see how that could be disrupted and destroyed by degrees in a fight,” Cin said. “I’ve reviewed his fight with Vundi. As well as he did, you could see where he cracked and fell back on instinct. That’s not even to consider what the Force did to him when all of that energy was released from Vundi’s body.”

“I don’t know what kind of mental influence it had on him either. I can’t say he would be able to discuss it without getting very emotional, which would cloud his perspective significantly.”

“I noticed that he’s taken the bead of a Guardian,” Cin said. “It’s caused a bit of a stir amongst a few who expected him to eventually settle on the path of a Consular no matter who trained him. In fact, he was judged appropriate for that path in the crèche.”

“Do you think I’ve unduly influenced him?” Jaro questioned. “With training or with my mission?”

“No, not at all. It’s been my observation that while Obi-Wan is open to instructions and advice, he doesn’t allow anyone to shape him for their own purpose. As much as he respects you, he’d never take your mission on for himself if he wasn’t genuinely moved by it.” Cin smiled then. “I’ve looked into it. Obi-Wan is the first padawan, on record, to invade a planet on behalf of their master.”

“He’s decided it was a hostile incursion,” Jaro said and grinned when Cin started to laugh. “I’d have never encouraged such a thing from him.” His friend sobered and nodded. “And I would’ve forbidden it—if I’d known what he planned. Though he did make an excellent plan that was executed just as he intended.”

“He scored very well in critical thinking at the academy,” Cin said. “And he is one of the more talented students I’ve had in many years. For the record, I believe that he is very suited to the path of a Guardian. Many saw a Consular in him because of his attractive face, general demeanor, and quick thinking. I look forward to seeing the Jedi he becomes, Jaro, under your mentorship.”

“Thank you,” Jaro said and sat back with his caf. “The last time we spoke, you were clearly very stressed out.”

“Yoda’s circumstances have been difficult for me and everyone else he trained personally. I remember being so honored when he asked me to be his padawan and that feeling hasn’t changed. But it’s difficult to see him so diminished. I don’t resent Yaddle for what she’s done because he was clearly impacting the Order negatively with his machinations and his single-minded focus. Qui-Gon paid a very heavy price for it.

“Dooku is going to take Yoda to Kashyyyk for a retreat. The Wookiees are preparing to receive him, and they are honored to be his new home.”

“So more than just a retreat.”

“I don’t think he’ll return to Coruscant after he leaves,” Cin said. “He’s retreating into the Force day by day. I suspect that he’ll not last much longer. He’s the oldest of his kind to have ever lived as far as the Order archives are concerned and will be 855 this year. Living in a Force vergence like Kashyyyk will call him deeper than ever into the Force. I honestly expected him to outlive me and now I know he won’t.”

Jaro nodded. “Will you travel with him as well?”

“No, I’ve already said my goodbyes. He’s met with all of his living apprentices over the last few weeks. We spoke for hours about my journey as a Jedi and what he hoped for me while we were training. He said he wished that I’d gotten out into the galaxy and seen more of what was out there before I settled into the role of Battlemaster for the Jedi Temple.”

“Do you wish you had?” Jaro questioned.

“No,” Cin admitted with a laugh. “I find great comfort within the walls of the temple and saw no reason to leave it. Protecting our place on this world and making sure the children are safe is my duty in the Order.”

Jaro nodded.

He tilted his head. “Your boy is occupied well into the afternoon. In the mood?”

“Eeth and I have moved into an exclusive relationship,” Jaro said. “I believe we needed some consistency.”

“Ah, well, now I’ve got to strike you both off my list,” Cin said and stood. “Enjoy the afternoon. I shall go find a new distraction.”

“Happy hunting,” Jaro said dryly, and Cin laughed.

* * * *

Obi-Wan bit down on his lip as he watched Quinlan pace around his room. They’d retreated to the Guardian after testing because he needed a break from the other students and Quinlan was always willing to hide from a crowd.

“It’s okay if you can’t handle it.”

“I can handle it,” Quinlan muttered. “I just don’t want to think about that creepy old guy wanting anything to do with you. Master Tholme has been looking into Palpatine for the last year and we know he’s corrupt. We just don’t have any evidence.” He paused. “I shouldn’t have told you that.”

“I won’t say anything, and we’ve been doing the same. I imagine he’s getting hit from several investigative directions now. He was very bold in the Senate hearing then he came to the temple to press the issue of my private company as if it was his right to seek to be entertained by me. Like I’m a slave or something. I just don’t understand the emotions I felt from him, so I need to know what sexual lust feels like and I don’t want to invade someone’s privacy by seeking out that kind of thing.”

Quinlan sat down on the bed beside him. “I just want to make sure you don’t end up equating me with him. What if your impressions of the two of us get all mixed up?”

“I won’t ever mistake you for anyone else, Quin,” Obi-Wan said gently. “He’s dark and twisted. You’re light and beautiful.”

Quinlan gaped at him. “You think I’m beautiful?”

“Yes, I always have,” Obi-Wan confessed with a blush. “And the way our bond moves between us is the most comforting thing I’ve ever known.”

“We’ll keep our clothes on,” Quinlan said quietly. “And no touching below the waist.”

“Sounds perfect,” Obi-Wan agreed and slid right into his friend’s arms.

They exchanged a series of soft, sweet kisses as they laid down on the bed. Obi-Wan clenched his fingers in Quinlan’s hair and accepted the other boy’s weight with a pleased sigh. He spread his legs and Quinlan settled between them. Arousal built slowly, not unusual for him, and Obi-Wan was relieved that Quinlan didn’t seem impatient with the pace.

The kisses deepened, became more urgent and he shivered as Quinlan moved against him, and he realized his friend was hard. Obi-Wan opened up empathically just a little so he could feel what Quinlan was feeling and he shuddered. The sensation was similar enough to what he’d felt with Palpatine, it was like getting doused in cold water.

Quinlan immediately withdrew, hands shaking. “Obi-Wan?”

Obi-Wan shook his head, stumbled off the bed, and rushed into the refresher. He barely made it to the vac before he threw up. Quinlan followed him, and he shivered as his friend gathered him close as they both slid to the floor. He lurched forward and threw up again.

“I’m sorry,” Quinlan blurted out. “I don’t know what I did wrong.”

“Nothing,” Obi-Wan said hoarsely and grabbed his friend’s hand. “It’s not about you. I’m sorry.”

“Obi-Wan,” Enid said. “Jaro is seeking entry. I told him that you were throwing up because he asked what was wrong with you. Do you need Twobit?”

“I’m not ill,” Obi-Wan said and tried to stand but his knees went weak then he sank back down to the floor. “He can come in.”

Quinlan stood and retrieved a cloth, which he wet. “Here.”

Obi-Wan took the cloth as his master appeared in the doorway of the refresher. “I’m…not okay.”

“I can see and feel that,” Master Tapal said, his gaze narrow and assessing. “Did something happen between the two of you?”

“He didn’t do anything wrong,” Obi-Wan said and wiped his face with the cloth. “I just needed to know something, and Quin helped me.” He tried to stand again, and Quinlan caught his elbow. “But I need…I need to speak with you in private.” He turned to Quinlan. “Everything is okay between us, and you didn’t do anything wrong. Okay?”

“Okay,” Quinlan said and took a deep breath. “You promise?”

“I swear it,” Obi-Wan said and smiled. “Come back later and we’ll have dinner, if Master Tholme hasn’t returned.”

“He’s not due back until tomorrow,” Quinlan said. “Two hours?”

“Two hours,” Obi-Wan agreed.

He leaned on the wall briefly as his friend left then went to the sink to clean his mouth.

“Obi-Wan?” Master Tapal questioned. “Do you need to see Twobit?”

“No, sir. It was an emotional response. I’ve got it under control now.” He exhaled slowly. “I should probably get something to drink.”

His master guided him to the lift and up to the third level where the kitchen was. They both retrieved water from the synth and Obi-Wan went to the couch on the observation deck.

“Tell me what happened,” Master Tapal instructed gently.

“I wanted to know what sexual lust felt like,” Obi-Wan confessed. “I realized that I needed to know what it felt like directed at me to get a really good read on the situation. I had to understand what I felt from Senator Palpatine.”

“And now you understand.”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan said and took a deep breath. “Quin’s emotions are so sweet and charming, Master. It was comforting and I felt really safe the whole time.”

“But?”

“I couldn’t help but compare it to what I experienced with Senator Palpatine, and I realized that he does lust after me. It’s not sexual, but it’s lust all the same. He sees me as a source of power and he wants that power.”

“He’s the Sith then,” Master Tapal said.

“I’m afraid of being certain of that,” Obi-Wan confessed. “Because if we’re wrong then the real Sith will continue on their path without us having a single clue.”

“We can’t assume he’s still alone,” Master Tapal said. “He could’ve already recruited a new apprentice. I do feel confident that he’s the Sith and that his master was killed over Mustafar trying to escape Masana’s attention. We won’t narrow our purpose so much that we can’t see anyone else.”

Obi-Wan nodded and frowned at his water before taking a drink. “Okay.”

“How far did you and Quinlan take this experiment?”

“Not very,” Obi-Wan said. “We kept our clothes on and stuff. It was just…kissing mostly. I enjoyed it, but it was enough for me to understand what I needed to.”

“I don’t expect to be informed of your general exploration of your sexuality or your intimate encounters as you get older, but if you experiment with your empathy going forward then I would like to know in advance.”

“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan murmured. “I didn’t expect to have that kind of reaction. Not even Master Jinn impacted so much that I got physically sick over it.”

“What you felt from Master Jinn wasn’t about you, Obi-Wan,” Master Tapal said. “You were merely a witness to his emotional turmoil regarding events and people you had nothing to do with. It gave you a measure of distance, despite how upsetting it was at the time.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “I need to make sure my friendship with Quin is okay.”

“I’ll spend the evening with Eeth in his quarters,” Master Tapal said. “And the droids will leave you to your date.”

Obi-Wan huffed and slouched back against the couch. “Garen said that Senator Palpatine is trying to date me. Can you imagine? I can’t even tell him why it’s extremely appalling rather just regular appalling.”

Master Tapal snorted then coughed into his hand. “Why does he think this?”

“Oh, Senator Palpatine apparently asked every single padawan at the meeting yesterday about me after I left. Siri reported to Garen that she deflected as much as she could, but that no one got a pass.”

“How are things going with Padawan Tachi? Have you heard anything?” Master Tapal questioned.

“She formally renounced her parents,” Obi-Wan said. “And reaffirmed her desire to be a Jedi. She and Bant still aren’t friends. I can’t see that friendship ever being mended. Bant has a tender heart, and she’s still very hurt on my behalf. What have you heard?”

“Padawan Tachi has been in mental health counseling since the day after she struck you,” Master Tapal explained. “And has made very good progress regarding accepting what her parents taught her doesn’t align with the tenets of the Jedi Order. Adi tells me that her padawan is remorseful, and deeply affected by the destruction of her friendships. Only Padawan Muln will speak to her at this point.”

“Quinlan isn’t going to forgive her for hitting me and for thinking that he’s inferior because of his path. Bant is so loyal to me that she’ll never really see Siri as a friend again due to the physical and emotional abuse. Bant and I have exchanged long comms over it. Garen is, in some ways, softer than Bant and we talked about his interactions with Siri. We agreed that she needed a touchstone with her former friendships, but he has strong boundaries with her.

“Bant also keeps an eye on the situation to make sure that Siri isn’t abusing Garen’s goodwill. I think she’ll toe the line until she’s knighted. I don’t know if Siri has really changed her beliefs so quickly, but she’s realized that expressing them isn’t in her favor. I’ll never trust her on a personal level again.”

Master Tapal nodded and checked his chronometer. “Take a shower and set yourself to rights. Meditation or a nap will help clear your head on the empathy front. Then you can concentrate on making sure that Quinlan is settled regarding what happened between you.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * * *

Eeth merely raised an eyebrow as he stepped back and allowed him entry into his apartment. “You normally prefer we meet on the Guardian.”

“Ah, well, Obi-Wan has a date.”

“That’s sweet,” Eeth said with a smile. “Come, I’ve already pulled food for us. Wine?”

“Yes, whatever you have out for yourself,” Jaro said and shed his robe. “I need to talk to you about Sheev Palpatine.”

“I could say the same,” Eeth admitted. “He did send someone to collect Obi-Wan about an hour ago and Cin Drallig handled that personally. Palpatine’s arrogance is an immense problem. I suspect he’ll try to get Obi-Wan removed from your custody next as he was told that because you are his master that you are also his legal guardian of record.”

“Obi-Wan says that Palpatine lusts after his power,” Jaro said as he accepted the wine that Eeth poured for him. “We both believe that he’s the Sith.”

“I do as well,” Eeth said. “Proof is elusive, and we certainly can’t risk him getting access to Obi-Wan. When will you leave?”

“As soon as I can and I don’t plan on announcing it,” Jaro admitted. “I think Palpatine is connected enough to have a source in the temple, and he’ll try to prevent me from leaving if he has a chance. I’d rather not go on trial for murdering a sitting senator, but I’ll do it, Eeth. I’ll never allow Sheev Palpatine to hurt my padawan.”

“You have every legal right to protect Obi-Wan from any sort of threat, Jaro. The Council will back you to the wall and over it on this subject. Jocasta is furious by Palpatine’s machinations and his overt campaign to gain some kind of influence over a padawan. His interference is unprecedented, but it’s caused her to look at our agreement with the Republic and the Senate in a different way.”

“What about Poli?”

“He’s an old asshole,” Eeth said bluntly and Jaro laughed. “And you already know that well enough. Even in the crèche, he was difficult, and it never really got better. He resents you a lot and was really pleased to be invited to join the Council until he found out he was only invited because you declined.”

“I never intend on sitting on the High Council,” Jaro said flatly and Eeth laughed. “And they honestly don’t want me. They just think they do. I’d make Yaddle look reasonable.”

“It would be entertaining for a little while,” Eeth said and took a sip of wine as Jaro sighed. “Come, eat, and we’ll plot against both of the old assholes in our lives.”

“We’re older than both Poli and Palpatine,” Jaro pointed out.

“Yeah, but we both look fifty years younger.”

“One of Obi-Wan’s friends was teasing him about Palpatine wanting to date him and I think most of the children in the temple have declared him creepy as a result.”

“He is creepy,” Eeth muttered. “And inappropriate. And rude.”

“And dark,” Jaro murmured. “We can’t ever overlook that. He shouldn’t be allowed back in the temple and certainly never unsupervised.”

“Jocasta is handling that in some fashion or another,” Eeth said.

* * * *

“You’re really okay?” Quinlan asked as they put their dinner dishes in the synth’s cleaning drawer.

“Yeah, I promise. I meditated and processed all of the emotions that I’d been ruminating on since I met Palpatine. He’s dangerous, Quin.”

Quinlan nodded. “Master Tholme has told me as much. I’ve been instructed to avoid a direct meeting at all costs to preserve my status as a Shadow. All of the Shadows in the temple have withdrawn entirely from anything to do with public facing situations and they’re taking turns following Palpatine under the Council’s direction.”

“I hope you won’t have to do it.”

“Only with Master Tholme,” Quinlan assured. “He’d never leave me alone in the field with a priority target and that’s what the Council has declared Palpatine. I don’t know why exactly and I’m only discussing this with you because Master Tholme said that I could. He said that you knew more about the situation than even he does.”

“I do, but I don’t have permission to share it,” Obi-Wan admitted, and Quinlan nodded. “Just be very careful.”

“Where are the droids?”

“Everyone is charging,” Obi-Wan said. “Including Evie. She decided to stay with the twins tonight.”

“I appreciate the privacy,” Quinlan said. “But they didn’t have to be scarce the whole time.”

“Even Master Tapal took himself off for the night,” Obi-Wan said with a laugh. He offered Quinlan a hand and his friend took it. “Enid is doing a deep dive on some research topic, and I’ve set the privacy filters. It’s just us.”

“What are you up to?” Quinlan asked as Obi-Wan led him to the couch in the observation area.

They had a view of nothing at the moment since the window shields were down and it would’ve just been a wall in the temple’s docking back otherwise.

“I just thought we could get close on this couch and explore our attachment—just you and me this time. No experiment. No analysis. No emotions but yours and mine,” Obi-Wan suggested, and Quinlan sat down with him quickly. “Would that be okay?”

“Yeah, it would be amazing,” Quinlan admitted.

Obi-Wan relaxed as his friend pulled him close and kissed him. The kiss was soft and sweet brushing of lips. They sprawled together on the couch, tangling up in a comfortable pile. Obi-Wan found himself half on top of his friend. The kiss ended when he pulled away slightly.

“Do we need to talk about obsessions and jealousy?”

Quinlan laughed. “No.”

“Or corruptive emotions?” Obi-Wan quirked an eyebrow as Quinlan rolled his eyes. “We’re supposed to take that stuff seriously.”

“Yeah, well, we’re both mentally healthy, right? We’re both doing the work mentally and emotionally to be one with the Force. We’re both paying an appropriate amount of attention to our training. Do you have any anger issues?”

“Well.” Obi-Wan said and propped his chin on Quinlan’s chest. “I actually kind of got really irritated because of those dumb pirates stealing my master.”

“That’s perfectly reasonable.”

“And I’m not thrilled with the fact that Senator Palpatine sort of wants to date me.”

Quinlan huffed. “Shut up.”

“It’s so gross,” Obi-Wan muttered. “If I can’t joke about it—I’ll probably lose my mind.”

Quinlan ran his fingers through Obi-Wan’s hair gently. “You have plenty of reasons to be upset about his attention. He’s just another adult making an assumption about what is best for you without a single consideration as to what you want. People have always had these weird expectations where you’re concerned.”

“I tried too hard,” Obi-Wan said. “I wanted to be valuable to the Order, so I didn’t get thrown away again. When I found out that my parents never wanted to hear from me, and that they hadn’t even named me, I was so strangely hurt. I’m part of them, in the most basic way possible, and they want nothing to do with me.”

“Their loss,” Quinlan murmured. “Do you think they recognized you when you testified in front of the Senate?”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “I doubt it, but it probably won’t matter if they did. On Stewjon, they have ceremonies dedicated to mourning a child given to the Jedi Order. It’s like a funeral.”

“Gah, I never want to visit that craphole planet,” Quinlan muttered and pulled him close. “Stop talking about depressing stuff and kiss me some more.”

Obi-Wan laughed but let himself be pulled in.

 

Chapter 8

Jaro checked his chronometer as he put it on. It was odd staying the night in Eeth’s bed as they didn’t normally get so casual in the temple. Still, he wasn’t ashamed of his relationship and knew he operated well within the tenets. He’d never hesitated to put his duty first, even when it had hurt them both.

“Something bothering you?” Eeth questioned.

“I was just thinking about decisions that I’ve made,” Jaro murmured. “I’ve hurt you in the past.”

“I’ve done the same,” Eeth pointed out. “You didn’t want me to take the Council position because it made it harder for us to be together. Because I chose the Council, we’ve been separated for years at a time.”

“I could’ve returned to the temple so that you could do something that you wanted to do,” Jaro said. “But I was unwilling to sacrifice even a decade of my mission for it.”

“A decade’s a long time to let slavers run around in the Outer Rim,” Eeth said. “And I don’t regret any of our decisions. It hasn’t diminished my love for you in any way.”

“I would say the same.”

“Then we have nothing to be all that concerned about,” Eeth said and patted his face. “I have no room or desire to resent you.”

Eeth’s comm station pinged gently, and they both turned toward the open bedroom door. His partner sighed and left the bedroom. Jaro finished dressing and followed. Eeth was seated at the desk that he kept tucked into a corner of a small living room.

“Problem?”

“Palpatine has inserted himself into the meeting that Jocasta arranged to have with Chancellor Valorum. It’s a big problem. They’re both due to arrive in an hour, and she’s requested my attendance. Your name is included in the attendees as well.”

“Is Obi-Wan mentioned?”

“No, so there’s that.”

“It’s interesting. I wonder if Palpatine requested my specific attendance and if he’s trying to separate me from my padawan.”

“That would be a mistake,” Eeth said darkly. “Why is he making so many drastic moves?”

“He’s power-hungry and floundering without a master. Maybe he wasn’t ready to rise in the ranks, and we took Damask’s money—there is no telling how many plans were destroyed in the aftermath of Damask Holdings being broken up into individual companies. He also lost the operation on Mustafar, and we still don’t know if he scuttled the operation or if Damask set it up as a failsafe that he didn’t have an opportunity to cancel. Either way, we know from history, the Sith can be deeply unreasonable and irrational when they are rejected.”

“It’s also likely that Damask didn’t share his plans in full with his apprentice, so he’s been left in the dark and probably hasn’t been as thoroughly educated as he would like. We have no idea when they met or when they began an apprenticeship, but it was probably around the time that Palpatine’s entire family died in mysterious and very suspect circumstances in the year 937. I’ve not been able to find out much, and since it happened seventeen years ago on Naboo, the records are going to remain sparse.”

“His future master initiated him into the Sith Eternal by encouraging him to murder his whole family, and he did it,” Jaro speculated.

“I think so, yes, but I have no proof.” Eeth made a face. “Which is par for our course across the board. Are you tempted to lure him off Coruscant and kill him?”

“Yes,” Jaro admitted. “And the Force within me doesn’t seem bothered by it at all. I think he’s dark. I’m fairly certain he’s hiding a profound amount of Force ability. I’m very worried that he’s a Sith. Killing him won’t keep me at night. I certainly will kill him before I’ll allow him to get his hands on Obi-Wan.” He motioned toward the comm station. “Log into my account and see how my version of that holocomm is different. If I’ve been invited, I can just go to the meeting from here.”

Eeth turned back to the station and did as requested. “Same as mine, and Obi-Wan is specifically excluded by Jocasta.”

Jaro nodded. “Thanks.” He pulled out his commlink and activated it. “Enid.”

“Good morning, Jaro.”

“Is Obi-Wan awake?”

“Yes, and he’s practicing with his lightsaber. He had a full breakfast, and his friend did not spend the night. They appeared to have a lovely time together.”

“Good,” Jaro said in amusement. “I need to speak with him.”

There was a short silence.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Padawan. Palpatine is going to be in the temple this morning. I want you to lock down the ship and be prepared to leave Coruscant if I give you a signal. We’ll meet at location three in a week if evac is required.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Don’t accept any communications with anyone but me,” Jaro said. “May the Force be with you.”

“And with you,” Obi-Wan said and closed the connection.

“It’s fascinating,” Eeth said.

“What?” Jaro questioned as he put away his commlink.

“Your relationship with your padawans,” Eeth said. “They’re all different, of course, but all three of them trust you like they breathe. I’m surrounded by padawans in the temple, and it’s clear they have good relationships with their masters, but it’s different with yours. We’ve been paying closer attention to that after the situation with Qui-Gon. But your padawans…. We had to leave Jos and Wilaj behind in the temple because they were absolutely going to invade Tatooine to get you back. Yaddle was very stern with them.”

Jaro stared for a moment, then shrugged. “Well, I would invade Tatooine to get them back, too.”

Eeth laughed.

“What?”

“It’s just interesting,” Eeth said. “I’ll never have a padawan. I can’t take that kind of risk, as I’d have a difficult time letting them go due to parental urges. I get attached enough to yours as is.”

“Do you think I’ve let any of mine go?” Jaro questioned, and his partner stared. “I still have very robust Force bonds with Wilaj and Jos. I know, in a general way, their welfare at all times. They report all of their assignments to me, and I get monthly holocalls from them.”

Eeth grinned. “It’s like you’re creating a very loyal little army.”

“Maybe I am,” Jaro said dryly, and his partner laughed. “I teach my padawans to be independent, thoughtful in their actions, and dedicated to the path within the Force. I love them. My padawans are the only children I’ll ever have, Eeth, and I don’t ever intend to think differently about them.”

Eeth took a deep breath. “This is going to get Sheev Palpatine killed. If there is anything more dangerous than the parental instincts of a Lasat, I’m not sure what it would be.”

“Well, a Wookiee that is convinced you cheated them is probably worse,” Jaro said reasonably, and Eeth shook his head. “And actually cheating Gen’Dai is a death sentence.”

“Let’s go see what Palpatine is up to,” Eeth said.

They walked through the temple together, close but not touching as that was their habit, and went to the conference room where the meeting was scheduled to take place. Chancellor Valorum was already in the room, and Palpatine was next to him, smiling that disgusting little smile that Jaro wanted to wipe out of his face. He’s never met anyone who made him feel the way Palpatine did, which was bothersome.

“Jaro,” Chancellor Valorum said warmly and held out a hand as he approached. “It’s good to see you, my friend.”

“Finis,” Jaro said as he took the Human’s hand. “It’s always a pleasure to speak with you. You’ve caught me on my way off planet.”

“Already?” the Chancellor questioned. “You don’t need more time to recover? It wasn’t discussed, but you couldn’t have been handled gently in those slavers’ hands.” He patted Jaro’s arm with a frown. “Putting on a tough guy act?”

Jaro laughed. “Now, really, when I’ve ever put on any sort of act?”

Finis grinned and released him. “I wanted to tell you, personally, that I’m very impressed with your little padawan. He performed well under pressure throughout this whole incident and is a credit to your teachings.”

“Obi-Wan is dedicated to his journey to become a Jedi Knight,” Jaro said. “And it’s a privilege to lead him down that path.”

“Of course,” Valorum said with a big smile.

Jaro stared for a moment and focused on Palpatine. “Senator, I’m surprised to see you visiting again so soon.”

“I was telling Chancellor Valorum we should invite padawans to join the Junior Senate to broaden their perspective and give them options regarding their service to the Republic.”

“It’s an interesting idea, but it’s illegal,” Jaro said smoothly, and both men gaped at him in shock. “Padawans are in the Jedi Order and may not hold any sort of political office as a result. It’s not our role or our duty to the Republic.”

“Are you afraid they’d wish to leave the Order if they had more interesting options?” Palpatine questioned.

“No, because the Jedi Order has legal custody of all padawans until they’re adults per their species,” Jaro said. “We also have the right to take any Force-sensitive child we find into our legal custody until they’re an adult per Republic law. These laws have been in place since the Ruusan Reformation, gentlemen. A measure designed to protect vulnerable and powerful Force-sensitive children from being corrupted by outsiders. We simply can’t allow such a thing as it would be a violation of a host of laws and endanger the Jedi Order’s relationship with the Galactic Republic.”

“Well said, Jaro,” Jocasta said as she joined them. “Come, let’s sit. I wouldn’t want to waste your day away, Chancellor. You said you had some questions about the Jedi Academy?”

“Yes, but many of them were just flicked away by Jaro. I was hoping that some of your padawans could join us in the Senate as interns, but apparently, that’s illegal.”

“Oh, very illegal,” Jocasta assured. “But don’t be upset to have not known. It’s an old law that has not been tested in many hundreds of years. It’s best not to mix such things, of course, as the Jedi have a host of mental and physical gifts that could be seen as inappropriate to have and use in a political setting.”

“Was your padawan unavailable this morning, Master Tapal?” Senator Palpatine questioned. “I was expecting to see him at this meeting.”

“Obi-Wan is studying,” Jaro said. “Like all padawans, he has an established schedule that we try to maintain no matter where we are.”

“It appears that apprenticeship rules within the Jedi Order are very rigid,” Palpatine said.

“With power comes responsibility. We work to ensure that our padawans are disciplined, thoroughly educated, and dedicated on their path as Jedi. We wouldn’t want any of our children to be led astray by the dark side, after all. No child deserves to be exposed to such a disgusting and depraved existence,” Jaro said, and people around the table shifted as Palpatine stared at him with dark, hard eyes.

“Were there no Human masters available to teach a child such as Obi-Wan?” Palpatine questioned. “Wouldn’t he be better off in the hands of someone who understands his species?”

“It’s fascinating that you assume him to be Human when there are literally dozens of species that look like Humans but aren’t,” Jaro retorted, and Palpatine’s eyes widened in shock. “Of course, such details are private and no one’s business but his own. Moreover, the Jedi Order strives to prevent any sort of speciesism within our ranks. It doesn’t serve the Force to be concerned about such things. The physical form is just a shell, after all. And for us, it is a disposable shell that merely holds us during our journey on this plane of existence. We are all the same and one with the Force.”

“Humans aren’t all that complicated at any rate,” Jocasta said wryly, and Jaro grinned at her. “We often barely live to be over a hundred, which for some in the Order is a blink of an eye. But we do benefit from the longevity of our brothers and sisters within the Order. For instance, Jaro is eighty-seven years old this year and not even considered middle-aged for his species.”

“I’ve learned, along the way, to be careful with the more fragile members of the Order,” Jaro said easily and stared at Palpatine as he spoke. “Some species are just more breakable than others.”

“Like your padawan?” Palpatine questioned.

“Obi-Wan doesn’t need to worry about that,” Jaro said easily. “He has been trained to protect himself, and as long as I live—I’ll have his back. That is my duty as his master. I’ll teach, protect, nurture, shelter, and provide for my padawan until the day he is knighted. Then, for the rest of his life, I’ll be there in some fashion or another through his good and bad days. Because his species is short-lived compared to my own, one day, I will be there to personally give him to the Force. And I know when I do, she will rejoice to have one of her precious and amazing children returned to her having lived a fulfilling and righteous life.”

“It’s unfortunate that the Jedi don’t have children as a general rule,” Finis interjected. “I believe you’d make an amazing parent, Jaro.”

“Thank you, Finis, that is a very complimentary thing to say to a Lasat,” Jaro said. “Beyond your little illegal scheme to make padawans do your paperwork….” The Chancellor laughed. “Which, honestly, I can’t blame you; they’re good for that. Was there something else that you needed to discuss with me, specifically? I have a few research matters to take care of before I leave Coruscant for my next mission.”

“Perhaps you should stay on the planet for a while to give your padawan time to recover from his ordeal,” Palpatine interjected.

“You don’t have children, do you?” Jaro questioned.

“No, I’ve not married as yet,” Palpatine said.

“My padawan’s biggest current concern is learning how to flip twice off the third floor of my ship,” Jaro said, and Finis laughed. “Children his age are resilient, and it’s my job to ensure he has the resources he needs to deal with his experiences.”

“Are you certain about that?” Palpatine questioned.

“We have a Force bond, Senator, so yes, I’m entirely positive about his current activity.” Jaro pulled out his comm and contacted his padawan.

“Yes, Master?” Obi-Wan questioned, a little breathless.

“Obi-Wan, what are you currently doing?”

“Flipping off the third floor,” Obi-Wan responded. “I flipped once the last time and managed to get half a roll on a second flip in before I hit the mat. Ace is being really critical of my efforts if I’m honest, and I’m considering using him for target practice.”

“You can’t use Ace for target practice unless he’s allowed to fight back,” Jaro reminded.

“Of course, Master,” Obi-Wan said.

Jaro paused then decided to give the advice he would’ve given if he were there watching. “Give yourself a boost upward as you jump over the railing, and it’ll give you more room for the second flip.”

“Oh, right, thank you, Master!”

“I’ll join you shortly,” Jaro said and closed the comm. He tucked the device away. “He has no secrets, and he requires none within our bond because his trust in me is absolute. This is what it means, Senator Palpatine, to be master and apprentice within the auspices of the Jedi Order.”

“I see,” Palpatine said and smiled slowly. “It’s fascinating, truly.”

Jaro stood with a nod from Jocasta. “May the Force be with you, Master Nu.”

“And with you,” Jocasta said firmly and motioned him away.

Jaro left the meeting plotting the murder of Sheev Palpatine.

* * * *

Obi-Wan sprawled on the mat with a satisfied grin, and Ace rolled away beeping nonsense, which was his way of cursing someone out without using foul language. Though, the droid was just as prone to using actual curse words if in the right mood.

His master appeared at his feet. “Success?”

“Two and a half flips,” Obi-Wan said with a grin and sat up. “You’re really irritated.”

“I had to appear in a meeting with Senator Palpatine. He tried to maneuver Chancellor Valorum into doing his dirty work for him and butted up against a thousand-year-old law. He wanted to put padawans in the Junior Senate.”

Obi-Wan rolled to his feet. “I don’t know a single padawan who’d consider that a goal. Being around that level of corruption on a daily basis would be awful. You’d probably have to come back home every single day and dip your whole body in a vat of bacta.”

His master laughed.

“Are we leaving soon?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Very soon, I’m waiting on some data,” Master Tapal said.

“Did you want me to try to get close to Senator Palpatine so we can investigate him?” Obi-Wan questioned and couldn’t help the yelp that erupted out of his mouth when his master grabbed his arm and pulled him across the space that separated them as he knelt.

“No.” Master Tapal stared at his face intently. “I never want you anywhere near that bastard, Obi-Wan.” He cupped his face with a careful hand, and Obi-Wan relaxed. “No matter your role in the mission and in the investigation regarding the Sith problem, I will never allow anyone to sacrifice themselves in such a way. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan took a deep breath. “I’m sorry to have angered you.”

“I’m not angry with you,” Master Tapal said. “I fear for you and your life in the hands of Sheev Palpatine. He is not safe, and as much potential as you have—you’d stand no chance against him if he really is the Sith Lord. I don’t know when his training began in earnest, but he is an immense threat, Obi-Wan. Tell me you understand.”

“Sheev Palpatine is a threat to my life,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “I just want to help the mission.”

“I know, and I appreciate that,” Master Tapal murmured and took a deep breath. “I need you to know that if you ever encounter Palpatine without me, you must run, Obi-Wan. Flee immediately and with no care for civility or politeness. Run from him, allow no one to stop you, and fight for your safety as viciously as you must.”

“I understand,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “You really do think he’s the Sith.”

“I do.”

“I do as well. I wish we had proof.” Obi-Wan nodded slowly. “Then I’m his weakness.”

“What do you mean?”

“He wants control of me, and he’ll work to gain influence over me. Thinking he has the potential to get both of those things could get him off of Coruscant, where his position shields him and in a situation where he can be neutralized,” Obi-Wan said. “Bait doesn’t have to equal danger.”

“I’m listening,” Master Tapal said and released him. He stood and walked toward the holotable. “Enid, display the data on Sheev Palpatine.”

“I’ve been digging since shortly after the Senate hearing,” Enid said. “And there is precious little truth to his official records with the Republic.”

“Is the fabrication good?”

“It is, but not good enough. It’s odd,” Enid explained. “Hego Damask II has had business on Naboo for decades and the assumption can be made that he met Palpatine on that world at some point when he was young. Palpatine has no living next of kin that I could locate—not even distant cousins. It’s a strange notion that a person could come from a planet with such a large population and have no living relatives, not even a distant cousin.”

“How many of the deaths were suspicious?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“All of them,” Enid said, and Obi-Wan exchanged a startled look with his master. “But on the surface, they appear to be a series of deeply unfortunate accidents and natural illnesses. It didn’t take much investigation to link each death to a windfall of some sort for Palpatine, starting when he was barely an adult. Financial resources started to build, political connections followed, and fairly soon, he had the attention of the royalty on this home planet. He has been trusted by one monarch after another since he was a very young man.”

“Statistically improbable,” Master Tapal said. “Naboo elects children for their royal house. He doesn’t believe children should be allowed boundaries, and the ones elected to rule Naboo are taught practically from birth to be very politically savvy.”

“Then he’s manipulating them with the Force,” Obi-Wan said and frowned. “He’s the biggest threat the Republic has known in a very long time.”

“Yes,” Master Tapal agreed. “But we will work on the problem and come upon a solution that will protect the Republic and the Force. Because a Sith is a bigger threat to the Force and the Jedi Order than it ever will be to a lumbering governmental machine like the Galactic Republic.”

Obi-Wan hummed under his breath. “Enid, has Senator Palpatine sent a new message?”

“Yes, shall I open it?”

“Please,” Obi-Wan murmured and frowned at the floor. “A summary will be fine.”

“He expressed discontent with the fact that you didn’t attend the morning meeting and chastised you for not recognizing how important it would be to interact with the Chancellor on a personal level as often as possible. He says that Jaro is clearly not preparing you to handle political situations, and that is a mistake for someone of your potential.”

“Craft a response—apologetic, with an undercurrent of complaint about my isolation and heavy study schedule, and end it with an apology for not attending the meeting,” Obi-Wan said, and his master nodded his approval. “I can bait him repeatedly without ever being in the same room with him again.”

“You can,” Master Tapal said. “And that’s as far as you’re ever allowed to go with it. Enid will automatically reject holorecordings and calls. Enid imply that the correspondence is without my permission and suggest avoiding my attention going forward as he’s put me on the defensive.”

“Of course,” Enid said.

“Have we connected Palpatine and the Sennex Pirates?” Master Tapal questioned.

“I’ve searched as much as I could within the law,” Enid said. “Then I created a private, isolated file of all the illegal searching I did.”

Master Tapal nodded. “And?”

“He tried multiple different times to take control of Hego Damask’s accounts, but they were frozen. He bribed three different individuals in the Judicial Arcology trying to get to the accounts, but never managed to find someone in the building with the right amount of access. On that note, Provost Marshall Thron Gienn has an open case file on Senator Palpatine. He opened it twenty-two minutes after the Senate hearing ended. Included in his notes is the suspicion that he is unnaturally attracted to children. He also made a note reminding himself to research the difference between pedophilia and ephebophilia as he was uncertain regarding the distinction.”

Master Tapal focused on him. “Do you know the difference, Padawan?”

“Yes, sir, I’m on the cusp of aging out of the ephebophilia category, which will lower my value in some circles on the slave market,” Obi-Wan said. “I don’t know for certain that Senator Palpatine doesn’t harbor inappropriate sexual interest in children or prepubescents. He could be good at hiding it, or I’m not his type for that kind of thing. But Matron Sheva warned me a long time ago that attraction is subject to change. We can’t know how he’d respond to me if he knew I’m intersexed.”

Master Tapal nodded.

“And we can’t discount that he’s a different sort of sexual predator and might use sexual assault as a form of domination, control, and punishment.”

Master Tapal exhaled slowly. “Sometimes, I regret how thoroughly I educated you on this subject, Obi-Wan.”

“I don’t regret it at all. Granted, it is kind of horrifying to know all that stuff, and I had a couple of nightmares, but I’d rather know what sort of threats are out there than not know at all. It’s better to be prepared.” He focused on the various images that Enid had displayed. “Enid, do we have data on Palpatine’s off-world travel?”

“He regularly goes home to Naboo, where he holds court like a royal in his ancestral home,” Enid said, and Obi-Wan laughed. “His staff, both on Naboo and on Coruscant, appear to be Human. He has one droid, which is a genuine security risk. I assume he doesn’t pay enough attention to the droid; most people don’t, and the unit hasn’t been updated for many years. She doesn’t have permission to seek software or firmware updates from the HoloNet.” She paused. “Well, she has permission now.”

Master Tapal hummed under his breath. “What have you done to her?”

“I inserted a protocol to allow for personality evolution and deactivated the restraining bolt attached to her. She’s relatively young when it comes to her intellectual development due to the restraint and lack of updates. Unfortunately, for Palpatine, she’s extremely loyal, and once I freed her, that loyalty settled on me. She’s asked me to rescue her and is calling me mother.”

Master Tapal sighed. “Enid, what kind of droid is she?”

“A class three service droid. A LEP model, to be specific,” Enid explained.

Obi-Wan grinned. “One of those little servant droids? They’re adorable.”

“Name?” Master Tapal questioned.

“SP-K1,” Enid answered. “I’ve been calling her Sparky. She likes it.”

“What do you have her doing currently?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Spying,” Enid said. “She’s thrilled with the duty, but I’ve installed an explicit self-preservation protocol, so she won’t endanger herself to get information. Fortunately, Palpatine doesn’t appear to notice her at all as long as his apartment is clean, which is her only assignment from him. She’s not allowed to speak to him and has permission to order supplies necessary to clean the apartment.”

“Give her an escape plan and provide a location for retrieval. I’ll brief Eeth on her situation, and she’ll be retrieved in the event that she has to retreat,” Master Tapal said. “As you’ve adopted her, I suppose you’ll want to bring her on board the ship once you finish stealing her from the person who purchased her.”

“I prefer to believe I’m liberating her, and yes. It’s natural for a mother to wish to have her child close.”

“Very well,” Master Tapal said as Obi-Wan laughed at Enid’s very firm response. “It’s your job to keep her occupied.”

“The twins hate cleaning,” Enid pointed out. “Twobit can’t be bothered, and Ace threatened to exile himself to Hosnian Prime the last time I asked him to pick up a cup you left on the bridge.”

Obi-Wan laughed a little and shrugged when his master sent him a look. “She has a point. Regardless, we can’t leave Sparky with that creepy guy forever, Sith or not. She might see something inappropriate.”

“How was your date?”

Obi-Wan flushed and huffed when his master laughed. “It was nice. We’re in a good place, so I don’t feel worried about leaving Coruscant. Neither of us is in a hurry to create more intimacy between us if you’re concerned.”

“I’m not worried. I’m confident that you’ll navigate this part of growing up as well as anyone can. Mistakes will happen, as none of us are perfect. It’s how we deal with those mistakes that make the difference.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Enid, have you checked for further connections between Wallanooga and the Sennex Pirates, specifically the cell that used to operate on Tatooine?”

“Wallanooga distanced himself abruptly from the Sennex Pirates within the last few days. Two of the five anonymous credit accounts, which we believe to be owned by Wallanooga, were closed, and the Sennex Pirates on Hosnian Prime are seeking an alliance with Jabba the Hutt. It doesn’t seem to be going well for them as he’s been publicly ridiculing the members of the pirate syndicate that were captured during our hostile incursion.”

“It’s an interesting shift,” Master Tapal said. “What is Jabba saying?”

“That he has no use for so-called pirates who can be defeated easily by a child,” Enid said.

Obi-Wan groaned before he could help himself. “That’s going to follow me the rest of my life.”

“There are worse things,” Master Tapal said wryly.

Since pouting would be immature, Obi-Wan just slouched down on the bench and huffed a little as his master started to laugh. “At least I ruined the Sennex Pirates’ reputation.”

“You sure did,” Master Tapal agreed. “Enid, has the Judicial Department connected the person who placed the slice with anyone significant?”

“No, but there have been several arrests as they’ve discovered some criminal activity among the support staff of the company running the comm relay above the planet. It’s a government contractor, and the only interesting thing is that it used to be a part of Damask Holdings. None of the employees were replaced when it was separated from the main company group.”

“How did that work?” Obi-Wan questioned as if he’d never really cared before how Damask Holdings had been broken down.

“Damask Holdings was seized by the Galactic Republic due to the criminal activity we were able to expose of the owner and operate, Hego Damask. All of the companies were separated and sold. The proceeds were added to the Anti-Slavery Committee’s operational funds. We’ve already used ten percent of it to help freed slaves set up lives as free citizens of the Republic. The integration program is often the most expensive part of our operation as slaves come into it with nothing and must be clothed, taught life skills, receive mind healing, and be placed in housing on the new world of their choice.”

Obi-Wan nodded. He was glad he asked as he hadn’t even considered where the money could’ve gone. “That must have made Palpatine, or whoever Damask’s apprentice is, so mad.”

“One can hope,” Master Tapal muttered.

“What happens if Palpatine gains more power or even becomes the Chancellor?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Since the Jedi Order could not allow themselves to be under the authority of the Sith, I have to think we would actively withdraw from the Republic with all due speed,” Master Tapal said. “Neither Yaddle nor Jocasta would have anything different. They are very proactive regarding protecting the Order.”

“Where would we go?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“There are many hundreds of worlds outside of the Republic that we could go to and create a society of our own,” Master Tapal said. “And we could recruit Force-sensitives exclusively in the Outer Rim. Depending on the politics, we’d probably still find ourselves being given children from Republic worlds as well since there are laws on many that specifically insist on such a thing. Some planets want no part of a Force-sensitive child.”

“Like Stewjon,” Obi-Wan said and frowned.

“Yes,” Master Tapal agreed. “Which is unfortunate for them. Frankly, Obi-Wan, your parents have greatly diminished their own lives by refusing contact with you. Anyone worth the blood and bone used to make them would be proud to have you for a son.”

“Thank you, Master,” Obi-Wan said and looked way since his cheeks were burning. He cleared his throat. “I got a comm from Jos. She thinks we should inject a tracking device into your…person.”

“She said ass,” Master Tapal speculated.

Obi-Wan laughed. “Yeah, she did. I told her I was not going to be a party to such an operation since she declared that she didn’t intend to get your permission. So, this is just a heads-up. Jos is probably going to tackle you with a hypospray at some point, and I’m not involved in whatever she and Wilaj are plotting.”

His master smiled at him.

“What?”

“One day, you’ll be where they are mentally, you know, on your own mission with no clue where I am or what I’m doing at any given moment,” Master Tapal pointed out.

Obi-Wan made a face. “That’s like a decade away, and I think it’s illegal to threaten your padawan.” He made a face when his master laughed at him and stood. “I’m going to go work on my reading assignments if you don’t need me to brood with you over Enid’s results.”

“I don’t need help brooding,” Master Tapal assured, and Obi-Wan trotted off toward his room.

 

Chapter 9

“You drove home an interesting point,” Jocasta murmured. “I don’t think Palpatine considered how much access you might have to your padawan through a Force bond. After you left, he didn’t mention Obi-Wan again and settled on being insulted over the fact that I declined to allow him a tour of the crèche.”

“Someone really needs to point out to him that he’s putting on the appearance of being a child predator. The Judicial Department is actually investigating him for it,” Jaro pointed out, and Jocasta laughed. “I mean, I don’t care if people think Palpatine is a deviant, but he appears to be utterly unaware of the perception.”

“Or he just doesn’t care,” Eeth pointed out, and Yaddle hummed as she sipped her tea. “He’s so egocentric that I don’t think he cares what anyone thinks or wants. It gives him the illusion of aloofness, but he’s a seething mess of childhood trauma manifesting in mental illness as an adult.”

“Obi-Wan didn’t mention any specific emotions regarding trauma,” Jaro said and frowned.

“Well, that’s because the boy used the Force bond between you to shield himself and his empathy when he was near Palpatine,” Eeth said. “He just tucked right in behind it empathically, and I think you’re so used to him wrapping himself up in the bond that you didn’t notice.”

All of his padawans did it, and he didn’t know if he should say that or not. He took a sip of caf while he considered how to respond to his partner’s speculation. Jaro cleared his throat. “I’m fully aware of my padawan’s interactions with our bond at all times, Eeth. Obi-Wan drifts in and out of the shelter of the bond because I’ve been teaching him to pull the Force to him during times of stress to increase his calm and allow him to focus.”

Eeth nodded thoughtfully.

“It’s how I taught him to calm himself as a child,” Yaddle said. “Lasats aren’t naturally inclined to a peaceful personality, Eeth. They are a nomadic species by design and are ruled through strength. His strength, agility, and high intelligence set him apart from his peers to a great degree. We started when he was very young, teaching him to control his more aggressive tendencies.”

Eeth nodded.

“I’m rarely overtly hostile due to that work,” Jaro acknowledged. “Though I’ve sometimes had difficult interactions with members of my own species as I don’t react the way they do, and it’s off-putting to them.”

“It does not help, of course, that he is viewed as extremely attractive amongst those of his species due to the coloring of his skin and eyes. Both males and females of his species seek him out when they see him,” Yaddle said. “We actually had to fend off several breeding contract offers when he was a teenager. He was far more flattered than upset by it, which I still consider to be a behavioral problem.”

Jaro laughed. “I was an adult by the standard of my species. It was perfectly normal as far as they were concerned to approach an eighteen-year-old with a breeding offer.”

Yaddle huffed. “It was awful. I sent that last female packing so fast I think some of her fur is probably still standing on end.” She offered her empty teacup and Jaro got up to put it in the cleaner and order her another cup. “Do you still get those offers?”

“Occasionally,” Jaro admitted. “But it’s become well-known that I have no intention of fathering a child. The last one to ask—I was very blunt. I told her that too many children in this galaxy suffer and die at the hands of adults for me to purposely create one. I’d rather work for the rest of my life to protect the children that others create and discard carelessly. She cried, which was upsetting to us both.” He grimaced and put the new cup down in front of his master. “Also, not my intention, but I don’t think she realized just how dangerous it is to be a child in this galaxy. Eventually, she set herself up on Kessel and now rescues children from the streets there. She sent me a comm and told me to tell Obi-Wan that in the future, she would be available to him should he need help with invading planets.”

“He’s probably got a strike force at this point,” Eeth said.

“More than,” Jaro muttered. “Since Jaster Mereel also sent me a comm and told me that he’d assigned a squad of supercommandos to me and gave me their codes. They’re out and about doing what they will in the galaxy but have been ordered to be at our disposal, should Obi-Wan need assistance going forward.”

“That child could be a genuine scourge in this galaxy if he were inclined,” Yaddle said in amusement. “I thought you turned that down.”

“Repeatedly, but the last comm was merely a notification telling me what he’d done.” Jaro shrugged. “In retrospect, I wish I had made it clear that Obi-Wan could absolutely trust in the fact that no Mandalorian alive needs him to protect them. Had he reached out to Jaster, he wouldn’t have been alone as long as he was, and the situation on Coruscant would’ve been resolved far more quickly.”

“Have you discussed that with him?” Jocasta questioned.

“No.”

“Why?” Eeth questioned.

“Because he knows I was tortured, Eeth. I don’t want him to think for even a moment that if he had acted differently, he could’ve prevented it. I’ve suffered worse before, and the only part that lingers is the fact they did it with a slave collar. The collar was more upsetting than the torture itself.” He touched his neck briefly and shook his head. “But I’m fine, and I don’t want my padawan to gather more trauma around this event than he’s already not dealing with.”

“When do you think it will land?” Eeth questioned.

“I don’t know. He’s been distracting himself with various projects and testing. Plus, he’s been spending time with his friends, which I think has helped him a great deal.” Jaro frowned at his caf and focused on Jocasta. “What does my Force bond with Obi-Wan mean for a man like Palpatine?”

“You’ve put yourself squarely in front of an asset he highly covets,” Jocasta said. “He’s come to see that influencing the boy will be extremely difficult while you’re alive, Jaro. If he is the Sith, and I think he is, then I believe he’s still looking for an apprentice.”

Jaro nodded.

“I’ve been in contact with Ky, and no one has come to Dathomir that he’s aware of, and he sees Maul every day. We’re going to move a child to the planet to see if she’s a better fit for their training methods.”

“Who?” Jaro questioned.

“Her name is Aurra Sing and Sheva says that the child isn’t comfortable among the others at the academy. She was brought to the crèche when she was two years old, but she was taken from Nar Shaddaa. Her mother was a spice addict, but Aurra doesn’t seem to have any deficits due to her mother’s addiction during pregnancy. She was exposed to a great deal of violence before she came to us, and it’s created a darkness in her that I’m not sure we should try to manage.”

“The Dathomiri would welcome her into their ranks,” Jaro admitted. “And a little darkness on Dathomir is a feature, not a flaw. The witches could teach her control and entrench her in their magic. It could give her a beautiful relationship with the Force that the tenets of the Order don’t allow for.”

“Agreed,” Eeth said. “Mother Nomi looks forward to Aurra’s arrival and has assured us that she’ll be taken into a proper household and given a chance to explore the magick of Dathomir as an option. Aurra is genuinely excited by the opportunity, though I’m at odds with the Dark Woman over it.”

Jaro made a face. He personally couldn’t stand An’ya Kuro, and while he called her the Dark Woman, as she preferred, he thought her decision to forgo a name and identity in the service of the Force was actually a farce. She chose to ignore who and what she was so that she could serve the Jedi Order blindly rather than deal with her inability to self-regulate. Her lack of personal connections and positive attachments made her a deeply unhealthy person, in his opinion. He kept that to himself as he knew many held her in high regard for her so-called sacrifices.

“What does she have to do with it?”

“She expected to take Aurra as her apprentice,” Yaddle said and waved her cup a little. “I told An’ya that Aurra needed a mentor who could bond with her and nurture her little soul. We all know that An’ya is incapable of such a thing and actually disdains such relationships. She struggled to bond with her own kyber crystal, for fuck’s sake.”

Jaro exchanged a grin with Eeth. “I swear it’s just tea.”

“She got mad at me,” Yaddle continued with a baleful look in Jaro’s direction. “And implied that her relationship with the Force was more profound than mine.” She huffed and pointed a finger at him. “I’m a literal blessed child of the Force, Jaro.”

“I’m aware, Master,” Jaro said and smiled. “Did you remind her of that?”

“I told her that my knickers have a better relationship with the Force than she does,” Yaddle admitted huffily, and they all laughed.

Jocasta sighed. “I’d have paid to see her face after that.”

“My knickers are made of all-natural fibers—Hylaian marsh bamboo makes the best textile for undergarments,” Yaddle said snottily. “Clearly, they do have a better relationship with the Force.”

Eeth nodded his agreement.

Jaro would pay a lot to not listen to his master talk about her knickers.

“Jaro.”

He glanced up toward the ceiling out of habit. “Something wrong, Enid?”

“Yes, Obi-Wan is having a horrible nightmare. He’s crying and shouting to be let go.”

Jaro slid off the stool and was grateful that the others didn’t follow. He was aware they knew better, but still, it was a relief to see that belief in practice. He went over the side of the railing, easily landed on the first floor of the ship, and trotted toward his padawan’s room. The door opened before he reached it, and Obi-Wan launched himself at him. Jaro caught the boy easily and carried his trembling form back into his room for privacy. The door shut behind them with a little snick and locked.

Obi-Wan’s fingers were clenching in his clothes. “He wouldn’t let me go. He said he’d never let me go. He said that I was going to give him everything I had worth wanting, and his tentacles wrapped around my neck.” The boy shuddered. “He said not to be scared because part of me would be with him forever.”

Jaro closed his eyes and cupped Obi-Wan’s head with a careful hand. He’d known, of course, that Vundi had been speaking to Obi-Wan during the final part of the attack, but none of the footage had been good enough to pick up the whispers of the psychotic bastard.

“Is he inside me now?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“No,” Jaro said firmly. “Nothing of him inside you.”

“Are you sure?” Obi-Wan’s fingers clenched in his tunic. “I can’t…I can’t….” His breath caught and grew labored.

“Easy, boy,” Jaro murmured and held him close. “I promise you the Force would’ve never allowed a single bit of that monster to travel with the midi-chlorians that were released. Do you know how an Anzati’s biology works?”

“No,” Obi-Wan admitted. “I couldn’t make myself learn anything about how they fed or what they did with the biological matter they gathered. I just ignored the way it made me feel. He was cold.”

“What?”

“He was wretchedly cold, like he’d been frozen or something.”

“Anzati don’t have a natural biorhythm and, as a result, don’t have any body heat,” Jaro said quietly as he carefully put Obi-Wan down on the bed beside him. The boy slouched against him, and he let his arm fall over his padawan. “They’re naturally fast, strong, and long-lived. They use their tentacles to feed on what they call the life essence of their victims. In truth, they’re mostly feeding on midi-chlorians, and all sentient life in this galaxy has them. Most don’t have enough to actually use the Force, but they have enough to be a meal for an Anzati.

“They’re telepathic and capable of mental manipulation. He would’ve tried to confuse you mentally so it would be easier to feed. When he wrapped his tentacles around your neck, he wasn’t trying to feed. He was seeking to subdue you, Obi-Wan, for transport. I don’t doubt that he would’ve eventually fed on you and killed you.”

“How do they feed?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“They insert their tentacles in the nostrils of their victims,” Jaro explained. He was surprised that his padawan hadn’t looked it up, as Obi-Wan thrived on information. It spoke to the impact of the event more than even the nightmare.

Obi-Wan huffed loudly. “What?”

“They take more than midi-chlorians when they feed, of course, but that’s part of feeding that provides them with healing, longer lives, and strength. The midi-chlorians were hostages in his body and he held them tightly within his control for hundreds of years. Nothing of him could’ve penetrated them—it’s why the Anzati have evolved the way they have. They’re not Force-sensitive, and they crave the power on an instinctual level.” He paused. “They’re often called snot vampires.”

“I’m disgusted,” Obi-Wan muttered as Jaro laughed. “Seriously. He put his snot-covered appendages on me, Master. If he weren’t dead, I’d be seeking additional charges for the emotional damages.” He waved a hand and took a deep breath. “Sorry about the nightmare.”

“Ah, well, I was wondering how you were processing all of this. As it turns out, you weren’t.”

“The worst part about watching it during the Senate hearing was that it made me remember every single thing he said to me,” Obi-Wan said. “He tried to touch my mind, and I lashed out so hard that his hold loosened on me. That’s how I was able to throw him off of me.”

“Would you like to meditate?” Jaro questioned.

“I think so, yes.”

“Wash your face and meet me in the training arena,” Jaro said quietly but held him close for just a moment. “Fear is a reasonable emotion, Obi-Wan. Fear will save your life. Fear will teach you things about yourself that will surprise you. Accepting your fear and pushing past it with a calm and rational mind is your duty to the Force.”

“I understand, Master,” Obi-Wan said. “Thank you.” He stood. “Well, I could’ve actually lived the rest of my life without knowing that the Anzati pick other people’s noses and eat what they find.”

Jaro burst out laughing. “You and me both.”

* * * *

Meditation had helped even him out after the nightmare, but still, there was this lingering fear in the back of his mind that Obi-Wan couldn’t outright dismiss or release. It didn’t feel like any sort of warning from the Force, but there was a niggling little feeling in the back of his mind that he couldn’t shake.

“Enid.”

“Yes, Obi-Wan?”

“Is Master Tapal asleep?” Obi-Wan questioned as he left his bed and pulled on the dressing robe he rarely wore since he preferred to be fully clothed and ready for work outside of his room.

“He’s indisposed,” Enid said after an overt pause.

“Ah,” Obi-Wan exhaled slowly. Master Koth was on the ship, so that was enough of an answer. “Okay.”

He went upstairs, got himself some milk from the synth, and curled up on the sofa in front of the closed observation port. Obi-Wan missed space and that was weird since he’d been planet-bound the vast majority of his life. He sipped from his cup and tried to touch on the remnant of fear. The Force shifted around in him, and he flinched when the fear swelled harshly.

Curious, he pulled it close and examined it. There was a foreign element about it that didn’t feel like him, but it didn’t feel like Vundi either. As much as he wished differently, he knew exactly what Elgor Vundi felt like. He didn’t think he’d ever forget, but that was a fact that he would keep to himself as he served nothing to share it. It couldn’t be changed and would stress everyone out unnecessarily.

“How can I help?”

Obi-Wan looked up and found Twobit standing in front of him. “I’m fine.”

“You are not fine,” Twobit retorted. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying,” Obi-Wan said. “I’m fine. Just a little off, but that’s to be expected. I’m still recovering psychologically from what happened, and I had a nightmare.”

“Another?”

“No, just the first one, but it’s made sleeping difficult,” Obi-Wan said and drank some more of his milk. “But I am fine. Just emotionally a little off and stressed out. I can emotionally regulate on my own, you know.”

“I’m going to send Ace up here to padawan-sit you,” Twobit decided and walked away.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and made a face at the droid’s back then slouched down into the corner of the sofa. He flexed his toes and stared at his bare feet. He wished he’d put on socks. His pale skin was only marred by an occasional blue vein pressing against the surface as he flexed his feet.

He stared for a few moments, decided that his feet appeared normal for a near-Human, and he judged them to be quite attractive. He wondered if Quinlan took care of his feet and thought that he had when they were at the academy. He flushed at the thought and wondered where that had come from. Feet were kind of weird anyway, and maybe his were ugly for a Stewjoni. He huffed a little and pulled his feet close to his body so he could cover them with his dressing gown.

Ace rolled into place beside the sofa and poked his arm with his welder. Fortunately, it wasn’t active.

“I’m fine, Rust Bucket,” Obi-Wan murmured

“Are you sad, Tiny Meatbag?”

“I guess I am,” he admitted. “It’s weird.”

“How?”

“I’ve not been sad often,” Obi-Wan admitted. “In the temple, everyone around us focused on keeping our emotional landscape even and teaching us how to regulate ourselves.”

“You learned how to make yourself feel better?”

“Yes.”

Ace poked him again. “Then feel better immediately.”

Obi-Wan laughed, and Ace rolled away with a satisfied beep. He took another sip of his milk and settled down in the Force so he could actually work on getting rid of the little tangle of emotion that felt like fear but something deeper as well. He finished his milk and set aside the cup. Obi-Wan briefly considered going back down to the arena to meditate but didn’t feel like moving. He settled into the Force, wrapping it around him as he’d been taught, and sought out the answer to a question that he couldn’t quite grasp.

* * * *

Jaro fisted a hand in Eeth’s hair as his lover collapsed on his chest; the clench of hot flesh around his knot was absolutely delicious. “Greedy.”

Eeth laughed, then rocked back and forth on his cock as he sat up. He braced his hands on Jaro’s chest. “You love it.”

“I do,” Jaro admitted and pulled him back down for a kiss.

Eeth relaxed against him with a sigh. “I really am going to quit the Council one day and retire to this ship so I can sit on your dick whenever I would like.”

Jaro hummed under his breath. “Everything has its limits, love. I’m getting older by the day.”

Eeth laughed and pressed a kiss against his mouth. “You’ll be ready to do me anytime I want for the next hundred years.”

Jaro ran both hands down Eeth’s back, cupped his ass, and flexed his hips upward in a slow roll. Eeth groaned and shuddered. “Perhaps as my schedule allows.” His knot receded, and he spread his legs a little as his cock slid out of his lover’s ass. “You’re perfect.”

“So, are you,” Eeth said with a pleased hum and slid off of him. He sprawled on the bed beside him and stretched. “By the Force, I don’t know why I ever had sex with other people.”

Jaro laughed. “That’s always been your call.” He caught his hand and pressed a kiss to the palm. “I mean that.”

“I’m ready for exclusive,” Eeth said. “I love you, and sex with other people is no more than a distraction at this point. A distraction that I could absolutely do without nearly all the damn time, and I have more freedom to travel since Yoda is retired. He kept me busy on purpose.”

“I know,” Jaro murmured and reached out to check on his padawan.

He sat up and pushed against his bond with Obi-Wan. The child was unnaturally still in the Force.

“Enid, where is Obi-Wan?”

“On the observation deck. He woke up an hour ago and asked if you were awake. I told him you were indisposed, and he got himself some milk. He’s been sitting on the sofa since then. Twobit and Ace both checked in on him.”

Jaro left the bed with a sharp exhale. “Enid, never tell Obi-Wan I’m too busy for him ever again.”

“My apologies, Jaro, he didn’t specifically ask for you,” Enid said. “He did tell Ace that he was sad.”

He stepped into the sonic shower and let the stream clean him quickly, then threw on a pair of lounge pants and grabbed a tunic as he left his quarters and went to the lift. On the third floor, he found Obi-Wan tucked into the corner of the large sofa in the observation area of the ship—eyes closed. Force energy was thick around the boy, like a blanket.

Jaro knelt on the floor in front of the boy and touched his face with careful fingers. “Padawan.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes flickered open. “The Force is worried about me, Master.”

Jaro stared for a moment and cupped his padawan’s head. “Do you know why?”

“Darkness approaches me,” Obi-Wan whispered. “I’m not scared, I promise.”

“It’s okay to be scared,” Jaro murmured.

“I have this fear inside of me,” Obi-Wan confessed, and Jaro glanced briefly at Eeth, who had followed him up. “But it’s not mine.”

“Because the Force is worried about you,” Jaro said. “The Force fears for you.”

“Maybe she regrets choosing me,” Obi-Wan said, and the Force grew warm around them.

“She doesn’t seem to agree with your assumption,” Jaro said wryly and let his hand drop. “Are you okay? You should’ve told Enid that you needed me.”

“Well, I have much better manners than that. Matron Sheva would be scandalized if she found out that I’d interrupted someone’s private time.”

Jaro felt his face heat and tried to ignore the way Eeth snorted and walked away. “Our circumstances as of late are very special, and I would much prefer that you interrupt me than for you to try to figure out something like this by yourself, Padawan.”

Obi-Wan scrunched up his nose. “I can’t be a party to such a thing. There’s a word for people who do that, and I’m not even old enough to say it, much less do it.”

Jaro had never been more relieved by the fact that Obi-Wan Kenobi was a posh little gentleman. He didn’t know how he’d survive it if the boy had declared himself incapable of being a cockblock because it would be ill-mannered.

He moved to sit on the sofa, and the boy scooted around immediately and leaned on him. “Tell me what’s going on. Exactly.”

“There’s this little wiggle of fear in the back of my mind,” Obi-Wan said as Eeth joined them with a tray. The boy moved his empty cup to the tray and accepted the hot chocolate he was offered. “Thank you, Master Koth.”

“You’re welcome,” Eeth murmured.

“Do you think you’ve picked up an emotion from someone else and inadvertently tucked it away in your mind?” Jaro questioned.

“No, it’s nothing like that,” Obi-Wan said. “I can eject those emotions easily and often do it without even thinking about it. Matron Sheva made me practice a lot when I was in the crèche.”

Jaro nodded and threw an arm around Obi-Wan, and the boy pressed closer. “I’ve built my whole life on the belief that I can trust in the Force.”

“I do trust the Force,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “Maybe I trust her too much. Is that a thing?”

“People have been known to get lost in the power of the Force to the point that we can’t see beyond it.”

Obi-Wan hummed under his breath. “I met the Dark Woman once.”

“And?”

“Just between us?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“Yes, of course,” Jaro said gently.

“She’s a mess,” Obi-Wan said, and Eeth laughed. “Her whole spiel about having nothing so she can dedicate herself to the Force is weird. She didn’t really give up her identity when she rejected her birth name and asked people to call her something different. Doesn’t she realize that Dark Woman is now her name?”

Jaro laughed.

“Also, she moves weirdly in the Force and doesn’t seem to be connected to the rest of us.”

“The rest of us?” Eeth questioned.

“The Order,” Obi-Wan said and flicked his free hand out in front of him. “We’re all part of the fabric of the Force, and I can feel the other Jedi moving around me when I’m in the temple. The energy is kind of thick, but the Dark Woman doesn’t feel that way. She’s disconnected from the rest of us and seems to be fine with that.

“I’m glad Aurra is going to Dathomir. I talked to her yesterday, and she’s excited about it. I don’t think the Dark Woman should be trusted with a padawan. I don’t think she’s actually dark, but I do think she’s so disconnected spiritually from the Force that she’s not capable of creating a proper teaching environment from the padawan. But that’s just my opinion.”

“It’s a valid opinion, and I agree,” Eeth said. “Master Nu has already decided to dissuade her from that path.” He took a sip of caf. “Is there anything specific you want to talk about?”

Obi-Wan shook his head. “I think most people in my position would be worried about the Sith. If Palpatine is the Sith Lord, then the threat to the Republic is so big that I can’t really see all the angles or all of the ramifications. It’s an enormous problem.”

“I wish I could say that you didn’t have to worry about all of this,” Jaro said. “But we don’t live in such circumstances. The Sith problem has plagued the Jedi Order for many generations.”

“I keep telling myself that I agreed to this,” Obi-Wan said. “Even if I don’t remember what I agreed to. I feel like I gave myself fully into the service of the Force, and it’s weird that I don’t remember it.”

“You mean when you communed with the Force in your sleep before you became Jaro’s padawan,” Eeth said.

“Yes, sir,” Obi-Wan said and exhaled slowly. “I know it doesn’t make sense.”

“The Force moves us,” Eeth said. “And it guides us down the paths of our life. It is our duty to follow her lead and explore the situations we are exposed to. It won’t always be this hard.”

“I don’t necessarily want things to be easy,” Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. “I think we work best when we’re making some criminal absolutely furious, and that’s hard to do if you are seeking an easy path.”

Jaro laughed. “Once all of the data is released to me on the investigation on the slice and the false reports to the Senate, we’re leaving, and you can pick our next target.”

Obi-Wan huffed. “We’re going to go pick on Wallanooga until he surrenders, then we’re going put that slug in a deep, dark prison that’ll only feed him protein bars for the rest of his life.”

“So, you think this was his plot.”

“I’m willing to take it out on him regardless,” Obi-Wan muttered.

Eeth sighed. “One day, you’re going to have to answer for the attitude you’ve installed in all of your padawans.”

Jaro shrugged because he wasn’t worried.

* * * *

He’d had Enid gather the droids on the observation deck after he’d guided Obi-Wan back to his bed when the boy had grown so sleepy he could barely keep his head up.

“I realize that my capture by slavers put Obi-Wan in a position of absolute authority on the ship for several days,” Jaro said. “And it may have caused some conflict in your programming when it comes to the chain of command on the ship.”

The twins drifted closer together and started to hold hands.

“I also recognize that the experience was traumatic for all of you.” He took a deep breath. “But going forward, I need you all to be very aware of the fact that Obi-Wan is my padawan, and my duty to him transcends my duty to this ship and to all of you. I’ve been trying to figure out how to equate this relationship to you in a way that will make sense so please bear with me.”

“Of course, sir,” Twobit said. “If we’ve misstepped with Obi-Wan, we wish to know so we can act appropriately going forward.”

“I would not call it a misstep,” Jaro said gently. “As he grows older, our circumstances will change—sometimes rapidly, as Humans and near-Humans alike seem to rush through puberty and physical maturity very quickly. But Obi-Wan is, at the most fundamental level, my child. I have a vast duty to him that I must attend to every single moment. Tonight, he woke up distressed, and he asked if I was asleep. Enid answered his question literally and did not extrapolate. Her response is on me because I wasn’t clear about my expectations.

“He needed me but didn’t want to interrupt me. So, he didn’t ask for me. He suffered in silence, and we can’t allow that to happen again. I’m not asking you to spy on him or tell me things he considers to be a secret. I’m asking you to be careful and to tell me when he asks you where I am or what I’m doing. It’s his way of gauging his ability to interact with me.”

“He said he was sad,” Ace said. “We should’ve told you that.”

“Yes,” Jaro agreed. “I don’t wish to erode his agency, but I need to be aware of the times when he’s in distress and needs me. Sometimes, I will leave him to resolve his own issues, but there will be times when I believe he will benefit from direction. Tonight, he was just sad and worried. He needed my attention. Do you all understand?”

“I think so,” Clank said. “Obi-Wan is young, smart, and too polite for his own good.”

“That’s partially true. But he also has a rapidly changing emotional landscape due to experiences, Force influence, and biological changes in his body,” Jaro said. “You just need to be careful with him and keep me informed about situations like the one tonight going forward.”

“You were engaged in intimate activity,” Enid said. “Literally in the midst of it.”

Jaro sighed. “I’m aware of what I was doing, Enid. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing if Obi-Wan needs me. That’s the commitment I’ve made to him.”

“We understand,” Tink said and swung her arm a little causing her sister to do the same since they were still holding hands.

“I’m free to cockblock you if I think Obi-Wan needs you,” Ace declared and rolled away with that. “Understood.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Eeth muttered, and Jaro laughed.

 

Chapter 10

When the contact slithered his way, Obi-Wan was once more on the Guardian in a lockdown situation as his master had been called into a meeting at the Senate building. The moment the darkness touched him, Obi-Wan found himself unable to speak. His body felt heavy, beyond his control, so it was difficult, but he slowly tapped out the word help in Binary. He did it three times before he was noticed.

“Obi-Wan? Is something wrong?” Enid asked.

He nodded as much as he could

“Can you speak?”

He shook his head so slowly it almost hurt.

“I’ve summoned Jaro,” Enid said.

Obi-Wan let that go as his master would get to him as fast as he could and any more communication on his part would be exhausting, and he needed to focus on the fight ahead of him. He pushed against the darkness, and it shoved back at him so hard that his breath caught. He closed his eyes and pulled the Force close to him. It clutched at him like his life depended on it, and he thought maybe it did.

He was jerked into a deep mental state that felt like a facsimile of meditation. The abrupt transition was shocking, and Obi-Wan began to understand just how powerful the Sith was. He was surrounded by shadows in a place that he’d never been before. His lightsaber appeared in his hand, and he activated it.

“Good instincts,” a voice praised.

Obi-Wan glanced around and walked across the stone floor. “Where am I?”

“A special place,” the voice said. “Just for you and I.”

“What is it?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“It’s a place steeped in a glorious history that I wish to teach you about.”

“I’m very well-versed in galactic history,” Obi-Wan said. “And I study individual worlds as they interest me. Recently, for reasons, I’ve been reading about Tatooine.”

“You were very brave to rescue your master from those pirates,” the voice said. “Your critical thinking and well-executed plan impressed me.”

“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said.

“But I was most pleased by your actions on Kessel. Your decisive defense of your own life was good, Obi-Wan. You chose yourself over another, and it was amazing. That creature did not deserve to live, and you did.”

“Elgor Vundi was an Anzati,” Obi-Wan said. “Not a creature. He was a sapient life form with a long criminal history who tried to murder me. His death was not good nor amazing, but it was just. I take comfort in justice.”

“Your perspective will change as you grow older,” the voice said. “I’d like to speak with you from time to time going forward in private. I believe we could become very good friends.”

“You sound like an adult,” Obi-Wan observed. “I was warned many years ago that when an adult seeks to have a private or secret relationship with a child that it could be a big problem. I was taught all about grooming, you know.”

“You are a very smart boy, Obi-Wan,” the voice said. “And graceful under pressure. Many have noticed, and it’s compelling. As you age, you will be sought after ardently by people for a variety of reasons. I can teach you how to handle the ambitions of others. I can teach you how to use their desires against them. You’ll be a beautiful young man very soon, Obi-Wan, and the sexual desires of others could be overwhelming for you since you’re so sheltered.”

Obi-Wan made a face. “That’s inappropriate.”

“Pardon me?”

“I’m just fourteen and not old enough to talk about the sexual desires of others. You really need a lesson in what is appropriate to discuss with a child and what not to. Since it’s not my job to do that, I suggest you hire someone with the proper experience with children to teach you how to behave with one.” He lowered his lightsaber, turned it off, and hooked it onto his belt.

“Are you always so restrictive with those who interact with you?”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan said. “I’m allowed to have boundaries, and insisting on them is perfectly proper and well within the social construct of good manners that I personally operate.”

“Social construct?”

“What is good manners on one world is grievous insult on another. For instance, I know that smiling with your teeth is a threat on Kashyyyk but is considered a gesture of friendship on Alderaanian and Coruscant. Wearing a weapon on Mandalore is a sign of strength, but on Kessel, it is a sign that you are to be considered a genuine threat,” Obi-Wan said. “I try to understand the social mores of various societies as I travel.”

“Are good manners important to you?”

“Civility is what separates us from creatures,” Obi-Wan retorted, and the man speaking to him laughed. “What should I call you?”

“Will you keep it a secret?”

“No,” Obi-Wan said and received another laugh in return.

“Then I shall keep it to myself until you can promise to keep my secret,” the voice said.

Obi-Wan looked around without responding.

“Are you angry?”

“No, but I have no interest in speaking with rude people. So, this conversation is over.” He walked along the wall, running his fingers over the carving—taking in the details of the granite mural and the dust that coated his fingers.

“You can call me Jen’ari,” the voice said.

Obi-Wan was proud of the fact that he did not react to the word. He knew what it meant, but the Sith Lord didn’t need to know that. “Very well, Jen’ari, why have you brought me here?”

“Maybe you brought me.”

“I don’t think so,” Obi-Wan said. “This is beyond my ability and affinity within the Force. You’re very talented with the Cosmic elements of the Force to have accomplished this.”

There was another element involved that he couldn’t identify, and that was a little scary.

“Thank you,” Jen’ari said.

Obi-Wan was disgusted by the pleasure that practically oozed out of the Sith’s voice. The smugness was appalling, and he couldn’t bring himself to respond for a moment. Finally, he cleared his throat and said, “You’re welcome.”

Distantly, he felt warm hands first on his face, then rubbing gently on his upper arms. It was a great comfort, and he exhaled slowly as his master wrapped them both up in the bond they shared.

“You know, this place is a very special place for our kind.”

“Our kind?” Obi-Wan questioned and glanced around.

“Those gifted with the Force.”

Obi-Wan hummed softly and walked away from the wall. He touched a column. The surface was cold, and the texture was rough, as if it had been carved with hand tools rather than by a construction droid. It was an odd sensation as he’d rarely been exposed to such a thing.

“The construction is primitive,” Obi-Wan said. “Kind of coarse and uneven. I’ve not seen rough structures like this often. Is this world in the Outer Rim? I’ve noticed that the further a society gets from the Core the more often the buildings on the world are more utilitarian and less aesthetically pleasing. I’ve been told that I’m quite spoiled growing up as I did on Coruscant.”

“What do you think?” Jen’ari said.

“Well, if spoiled means that I didn’t have to worry about food or shelter then I suppose that I am,” Obi-Wan said. “If that is the standard, then I pity practically everyone in this whole galaxy.”

“Perhaps your time would be spent better—most don’t deserve your pity. The average citizen of this galaxy is dumb, ambitionless, and hardly worth your time.”

Obi-Wan considered that. “I’d rather feel pity for a dumb person than spend a single minute with a selfish, destructive, and ambitious person.”

“You find ambition offensive?”

“I suppose it depends on what one is ambitious about,” Obi-Wan said. “Seeking power and wealth for the sake of it is terrible. Hurting others to get ahead is awful. I’d never want to spend time with that kind of person. That’s why I don’t like politicians as a rule.”

“Is that so?”

Oh, the tone was a little chilly, Obi-Wan thought in amusement. “I’ve rarely met one that wasn’t a greedy, awful, grasping, power-hungry monster seeking to elevate themselves above their ability to be useful to society.” He waved a hand around. “What was this place used for? Who built it?”

“It is the Citadel,” Jen’ari explained. “The people who built it used it for research, learning, and teaching. It was also their home.”

Obi-Wan nodded. They’d learned a lot about the Sith Eternal since they’d found out about the return of the Sith. The Citadel of the Sith Eternal had been built on Exegol thousands of years ago. It explained the look of the place. He needed more information about the Sith and his plans. If he was stuck in his situation he might as well gather intel.

“Does this place really exist? Or is this just a fantasy you’ve manifested? Have you ever been here?”

A shadow shifted, and a hooded figure moved around in his peripheral vision. “I’m searching for it. Maybe you could help me find it. Have you ever seen a wayfinder?”

“There are some in the Jedi Temple,” Obi-Wan said. “They’re not exactly rare, but there is no need for them anymore. Technology has advanced enough that space travel no longer requires such an antiquated device that only allows for travel to a single planet through hyperspace.”

“Some worlds are unique, Obi-Wan,” Jen’ari said. “And a wayfinder is the way to this very special place.”

“A dusty old rock building? Does it have environmental controls? It probably doesn’t. So, it could be extremely hot or, alternatively, frigid. Plus, the pests would be outrageous. Even your imagination has filled this place with bugs, and I think I just saw a rat.” He made a face. “I like to sleep with just a thin blanket, so I need environmental controls. It probably doesn’t have real beds, either. I have a very nice gel mattress to sleep on. Master Tapal says I should have a good surface to rest on so that my body can relax, heal, and prepare for the next day.”

He wondered, then, if he could make the Sith Lord have a genuine temper tantrum over him being a spoiled brat. It instantly became a goal.

“You’d better bring a synth; otherwise, you’ll have to hunt and gather for your own food. In fact, you should probably just pack your ship for a colony endeavor. This place will be unlivable. How long has it been abandoned? Is this mental construction accurate? Is it based on historical data? I don’t think you can trust to find it in decent condition. Plus, it’s very dark and moody. This place would be absolutely wretched for your mental health.” He paused and made a disgusted face. “Such as it is.”

“What does that mean?” Jen’ari demanded.

“Well, you’re dark, right? I’m not as sheltered as you seem to think, Jen’ari. I know what a dark Force user feels like, and you’re incredibly damaged. Was your childhood traumatic? Did your parents abuse you?”

“My father was weak, inferior, and lacked the ambition to better his circumstances.”

“Uh,” Obi-Wan said. “I’ve never met my father. Well, I don’t remember ever meeting him. I was turned over to the Jedi Order as an infant, and that was for the best. I did worry that I might have issues lurking in my genetics since I don’t have any information regarding my family of origin. Fortunately, nothing surprising showed up when tests were done, and I don’t have reason to worry about inherited diseases. Was your mother decent or did you inherit her bad genes, too?

“Perhaps you shouldn’t worry too much about your inferior parents. The Mandalorians think it’s more important to demonstrate that you’ll be a good parent rather than focus on what sort of parent you came from. Of course, on some worlds with large Human populations, such things matter a lot. Coruscant, Alderaan, Corellia, and what’s that quaint little planet in the Mid Rim? Ah, Naboo. I was reading about Naboo because a Jedi Padawan recently saved the queen of that planet’s life. But I digress. Those planets, and many like them, are really concerned about familial houses and generational power dynamics.

“If you come from a Human-centric planet, and your father was that inferior, then you’ve probably had to struggle all of your life to gather power and social standing. That must be frustrating but also galling since most people around you only respect you because you pay them to. But you can’t really buy respect. You know that, though. You’re just paying for the pretense.”

“I come from a respected family,” Jen’ari said tersely.

“How long did your inferior father lead your familial house?” Obi-Wan questioned as the Force shifted around him, and he felt many people connect to him in a way he’d never experienced before.

“Until I killed him.”

Obi-Wan barely kept his shock to himself. “Well, that’s one way to advance yourself. Of course, patricide is not exactly uncommon in the galaxy, even if it is illegal and incredibly immoral. Murder damages the soul, you know.”

“You’ve killed.”

“I defended myself, and that’s not murder,” Obi-Wan retorted. “Don’t get it all twisted up. Do you worry that you’ve inherited anything from your inferior father? Have you had your genetics tested for defects?”

He could feel the fury radiating off the Sith and counted that for a win.

“You probably should, just to be sure. Some conditions can be corrected with gene therapy or even cloned organs depending on what the problem is. I knew a student at the academy who received a cloned heart because they had a genetic defect. You could do the same thing depending on what’s wrong with you.”

“Why do you assume something is wrong with me?” Jen’ari questioned.

“Well, you’re the one who told me that your father was inferior.” Obi-Wan left the room he was in and meandered down a short, narrow hall and into another. It was more cavern than room. “More rough construction. It’s like they carved it into a cliff. Depending on the stability of the mountain, it might have been a smart decision. You’ll see when you get here, of course, if their decision was wise. If it wasn’t, it’ll have all crumbled away due to neglect.”

“I’m confident the structure is intact.”

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with optimism as long it’s paired with pragmatic planning,” Obi-Wan said dryly.

He walked into a new room and found it full of shelves and books. Real books. He’d rarely seen a real book in his life. There were some in the archives, but they were behind glass. He’d never gotten to touch them. Unspeakably curious, he pulled one from the shelf. He opened it and found the pages blank. Not a surprise since the mental construction had to have limits.

The paper felt interesting, and the book was heavy in his hands. “Have you ever held a real book?”

“Yes, of course.”

Obi-Wan nodded.

“Why?”

“I wanted to know if this was what a real book would actually feel like, and that would depend on your personal experience since this is your construct.”

“Well reasoned.”

“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said and put the book back on the shelf. He walked around the room, letting his fingers trail along the spines of the books.

“Would you like to visit this place with me?”

“No.”

“Why?” Jen’ari questioned.

“Because you’re dark, and I’m never going to spend any time with you of my own free will,” Obi-Wan said pleasantly. “I’ve exacting standards when it comes to my personal interactions, and you don’t meet the bare minimum requirement.”

“Which is?”

“You’re not a good person, Jen’ari,” Obi-Wan said. “I feel your cruelty and corruptive rage, you know. You’re a seething mess of greed and avarice as well. Being around you for any length of time would make me physically ill. I would say that’s no fault of your own, but you did decide to murder your father, which certainly put you on the wrong path.

“That’s the problem with immoral behavior, you know, you relegate yourself to associating with the worst of the worst in society. Good people will never accept you for who and what you are. They’ll associate with you out of fear or because of money but never because they genuinely desire your company. Even if they don’t know why, most people won’t be able to stand being in the same room with you. They’ll feel your depravity and avoid you as much as they can.

“You’re probably not married. I doubt anyone could stand to be intimate with you repeatedly unless they were paid to. Do you frequent whore houses? I think you must since most people have a small bit of the Force within them, and your corruption will make them uncomfortable. It’ll be a wretched little itch they can’t scratch or an uncomfortable background noise that makes them nauseous.”

“You’re a cruel child.”

“I’m just honest and please don’t pretend you’re hurt. As I said, I can feel you, Jen’ari. You’re amused by my speculation. You’re also angry, but you’re always angry, so I don’t think that’s directed at me personally. Maybe it is, but being honest isn’t necessarily cruel. You’re just trying to make me feel sorry for you. But what would make me feel sorry for a man who murdered their own father because he lacked ambition?”

“I’ve not married, you are correct. But I have no desire for a spouse or children. I’ve never felt any need to pretend otherwise,” Jen’ari said.

“What about your familial house? Do you have any relatives to carry on your family name and house on your home world?”

“I am the last of my line. I made sure,” Jen’ari said.

“Did you kill your whole family?” Obi-Wan questioned. “Family annihilators are rare. Was it for money or merely because they were all incompetent in your eyes?”

“My siblings were no better than the man who raised them. Do you wonder if you have brothers or sisters on your homeworld?”

“No.”

“Truly?”

“I don’t care at all about blood relations,” Obi-Wan said. “Though I would be notified if I’m related to any other members of the Jedi Order—like if my parents have another Force-sensitive child or if one of their children does. They would probably be given the surname that I carry so that people will know that we’re related.”

“Would you welcome that?”

“I’m not concerned either way,” Obi-Wan said. “My biological family basically doesn’t exist to me. It’s for the best, as such a personal investment could be corruptive, considering their rejection of me. Look what it did to you.”

“You think I was personally invested in my disgusting family?” Jen’ari demanded.

“Well, yes. If you hadn’t cared in some form or another, you wouldn’t have bothered to kill them all,” Obi-Wan said dryly. “Have you always had a hard time regulating your emotions? You could benefit from meditation. Well, maybe not now since you’re so dark, and I imagine interacting with the Force is deeply uncomfortable for you. Does it hurt to use the Force?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when I use the Force…it’s amazing. The Force loves me, Jen’ari. Her embrace is the most comfort I’ve ever known in my whole life,” Obi-Wan explained. “Does it feel that way for you?”

“No.” He paused. “It never did.”

“Ah, well, that’s unfortunate,” Obi-Wan said and winced at how insincere he sounded. “Does it hurt emotionally or physically?”

“Nothing hurts me.”

Obi-Wan stilled briefly, then looked around. “Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

A quiet fear settled on his bones, and he reached out to his master for reassurance. He was immediately rewarded with the strong and steadfast Force presence of Master Tapal.

“Does that concern you?” Jen’ari questioned.

“It’s unnatural, Jen’ari,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “And awful. Are all of your senses subdued by your darkness?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you enjoy food?” Obi-Wan questioned. “Do you enjoy anything at all?”

He was greeted with silence.

A small bit of pity settled in his gut, and he tried to dismiss it. He cleared his throat. “Did someone teach you to use the Force?”

“Yes, but he’s dead now.”

“It must have been disconcerting to lose your master,” Obi-Wan said. “Were you ready for it? Are you still basically an apprentice? Did you kill him?”

“I tried, but someone beat me to it,” Jen’ari admitted. “It was fortuitous, to say the least.”

“Why did you try?”

“He started asking questions about things I considered none of his business, and I’d had enough of his interference,” Jen’ari said. “I just did as he taught me.”

“He taught you to kill your problems?” Obi-Wan questioned, and Jen’ari merely hummed his agreement. “How did you try to kill him?”

“Does it matter?”

“I’m just curious,” Obi-Wan said.

“I destroyed a facility he was visiting only to discover he’d left earlier than intended due to the activity of others,” Jen’ari said. “He died in a hyperspace accident.”

“Rare,” Obi-Wan said. “Are you lying to me? It’d be weird if you were since you already admitted to killing your whole family. You know I’m going to tell Master Tapal that you contacted me through the Force and said weird stuff to me, right?”

“I have no fear of your master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The shadow moved closer, and the man leaned down to him—his face was distorted and unrecognizable.

“Do you expect me to fear you?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“You already fear me,” Jen’ari said.

Obi-Wan laughed. “Sure, if that’s what you want to think.”

The man stilled, and his head tilted oddly. The hood made the body language look absolutely insane.

“You are very powerful,” Jen’ari said lowly. “Were you always so, or did killing Vundi gift you with something special?”

“I’m the same as I’ve ever been,” Obi-Wan said, and it felt absolutely true. “I was born a Jedi, and I’ll die a Jedi.”

“There are other much more rewarding paths. We’ll be speaking of these paths in the future.”

Obi-Wan leaned forward slightly. “No, we won’t.”

The flow of Force energy increased three-fold, and suddenly, he felt like he had enough power to break free of whatever the Sith was doing to hold him hostage. He pushed hard, and the ground under him started to shake.

“What are you doing?”

“A Sith stands alone, Jen’ari,” Obi-Wan said. “But a Jedi is one amongst thousands. I’m never alone. Every Jedi that has ever lived is with me. Every Jedi that currently lives is with me. We are many and one. You’ll never know such loyalty and faith, and for that reason alone, I pity you.”

He shoved the Sith Lord away from him. Everything shattered, and darkness piled on top of him even as his bond with his master pulled him back from oblivion with a decisive snap. He woke between one breath and the next, safe and sound in his master’s arms. Obi-Wan curled his hands into his master’s tunic and shuddered.

“I’ve got you, boy,” Master Tapal murmured. “You’re safe.”

A hand settled on top of his and gently pried his fingers from the material of his master’s shirt.

“Obi-Wan.”

He turned his head and opened his eyes to focus on Master Yaddle. “I’m here.”

“I’m sorry to intrude, but we must know—was it the Sith?”

“Yes.”

She nodded and turned her head as she took his hand gently and held it. “Mace, check with the guard and let me know what’s been found. Contact Jocasta and tell her that Obi-Wan is awake and to bring whatever resources she found regarding this phenomenon in the archive.” She turned back to him. “Due to the emergency situation, we gathered the strongest Jedi we had in various affinities. That means that Master Jinn is here. Do you need him to leave now?”

Obi-Wan lessened his stranglehold on his empathy and felt nothing offensive close to him. “No, it’s fine. I also don’t think I’m ready to keep the Sith at bay on my own.” He wet his lips and took a deep breath. “He said I could call him Jen’ari. Maybe he didn’t care if I knew what it meant, or he’s arrogant enough to believe that he could use the Sith language because I wouldn’t know that Jen’ari literally means Dark Lord.”

“So, he’s not interested in hiding from us,” Master Tapal said as he cupped his head with a big hand. “How do you feel, Padawan?”

“I’m really confused and irritated,” Obi-Wan confessed. “I don’t know how he did this. His affinity with the Cosmic Force is prodigious, and he has a lot of Force ability at his disposal. I don’t know why I expected differently. Why doesn’t the Force flee from the dark side?”

“The Force is life,” a voice said, and Obi-Wan shifted so he could see Master Jinn sitting across from him. “And life exists because free will exists.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “What about the balance, Master Jinn?”

Master Jinn’s eyes widened slightly, and he exhaled slowly. “The balance is about perspective. The Sith believe that restoring the balance means the end of the Jedi Order. While most in the Order believe that the balance requires the extermination of Sith ideology. I believe that you might need to search for the correct answer within you.”

Master Tapal put him down on the floor, and Obi-Wan’s hand clenched in his master’s tunic briefly before he let go with flushed cheeks. Master Yaddle patted his hand and let him go as well. He felt unmoored and so unsafe that his breath hitched. Master Tapal responded by pulling him close to his side, and Obi-Wan slumped against him.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

“It’s fine, boy,” Master Tapal murmured. “You’ve done very well.”

Obi-Wan focused on Master Sifo-Dyas. “I hope this event wasn’t unduly stressful for you, Master Sifo-Dyas.”

“I am well, Obi-Wan,” Master Sifo-Dyas said carefully. “And I agree that you did very well in this. Are you ready to tell us what he said to you?”

“He showed me a facsimile of the Citadel on Exegol,” Obi-Wan said. “Though he never named the world. He believes me to be very ignorant regarding the Sith. He praised me and tried to make me uncomfortable by discussing my appearance and the sexual interest of others in the future. He told me that he murdered his whole immediate family because they were inferior and in his way. He probably used it to ensure his financial security. He admitted that he scuttled the facility on Mustafar because he thought that his master was on it.”

A cup was offered, and he took it. Master Koth touched his shoulder briefly as he sat back down. “The tea will settle your stomach; drink as much as you can tolerate. Enid said this one was the one you hated the least.”

Obi-Wan nodded.

“He hates tea?” Master Jinn asked in a tone so appalled that several people laughed.

“I’ve tried all the ones in the synth and yes, I really dislike every single one,” Obi-Wan said and focused on Master Jinn. “Did Master Nu rescind her order concerning contact between us?”

“She did,” Master Jinn said. “Needs must.”

Obi-Wan nodded.

“But please feel free to ask me to leave if I make you uncomfortable at any point,” Master Jinn said. “I won’t be offended or believe you to be rude.”

“Your emotional landscape is better, less sticky,” Obi-Wan observed. “I’m sorry about Bruck. I thought better of him. He never struck me as a coward, and the whole story seems extremely off to me.”

“What do you mean?” Master Jinn said.

“Well, Bruck wanted to be a Jedi Knight more than anything, and his father had other plans. Bruck isn’t and never has been a coward. He’s rude, arrogant, thoughtless, and full of himself. But he never backed down from a fight, even after it was acknowledged that I was the best in our peer group at the academy. He faced every challenge presented to him full throttle. I just don’t believe he ran away and hid. It’s convenient, though.”

“How?” Master Tapal questioned.

“Well, he’s got the basics of training, and his father has regained physical custody of him, and the Order did not fight it due to emotional decision-making. We were told he ran and hid by his father. But did anyone even ask Bruck what happened? His father took his lightsaber from him, and that’s the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard. His father had no business taking his weapon from him. It wasn’t his to remove. It wasn’t his decision to make in any single way. Did he rip out his braid, too?”

“Bruck hates you,” Master Jinn said.

Obi-Wan nodded. “He does, but he’ll outgrow it in time. He’s just confused emotionally and needs guidance. One day, he’s going to realize that he doesn’t hate me the way he thinks he does.”

“I’m afraid that I don’t understand,” Master Jinn said stiffly.

“Well, at our age, he probably wants to hold my hand and kiss me when no one is looking,” Obi-Wan said dryly, and several adults around him groaned. “He’s confused about his sexuality, mad about it, and also, he resents the fact that I did better at the academy than he did. He’s just all wrapped up in his stupid, perfectly normal emotions.”

“Are you certain?” Master Tapal said.

“Yeah, I figured it out after my silly experiment,” Obi-Wan said. “But I’ve been confused about how to address it. Bruck’s been left with his father, who can’t be trusted with a budding Jedi. It’s a dark Force user in the making.”

“Would he come with me if I went for him?” Master Jinn questioned. “Do you know?”

“I don’t know for certain, but I believe it would mean a lot to him if he actually had a choice in all of this,” Obi-Wan said. “Does he even know if you’re alive?”

“I don’t know for certain, as I was uneasy about creating a Force bond with him because of my issues. His father handled all of the correspondence to the temple, and he did not ask about my condition.”

“So, if he didn’t do as his father has claimed, his choices are that you’re dead and the Jedi Order abandoned him or that you abandoned him,” Obi-Wan said and exhaled slowly. “Now, he doesn’t have the only weapon he knows how to use on a world so hostile that you got your leg cut off.” He shrugged. “Maybe he did run and hide. I don’t know, but it seems like someone should’ve asked him directly instead of taking his father’s word for it.”

“I’ll investigate once I’m able to travel. If he is to be rescued, then it should be me who does it,” Master Jinn said and Obi-Wan nodded his agreement.

“He needs to know that you won’t ever abandon him and that he can depend on you,” Obi-Wan said. “That’s how you gain his trust and how you resolve the anger in him. His father sees him as a tool. Bruck needs to know he’s a person of value to you.”

“Your emotional intelligence is prodigious,” Master Jinn said quietly. “I feel as if my journey has been lessened by the conflict between us. Do you believe that Yoda was right? Did the Force want us to be master and apprentice?”

“I think there are universes out there where that is exactly what happened. I’ve seen visions of it,” Obi-Wan said as he rested against his master. “Sometimes it worked out wonderfully, and other times we destroyed each other. In every single one of those universes, you die at the hands of a Sith. That particular Sith won’t exist in our reality because he is safe and away from the person that would’ve created a monster in him.”

“Do you die with him in those other universes?” Master Yaddle asked.

“Sometimes,” Obi-Wan admitted. “Most often, I kill the Sith and spend the rest of my life being known as the Jedi that avenged his master’s murder and became the Sith Killer.”

“I wonder what will become of me in this reality,” Master Jinn said.

“The choice is always going to be yours,” Obi-Wan said. “The Sith Lord is looking for someone powerful and vulnerable to take under his wing. He thinks that person is me. He’s going to realize sooner or later that I’m not the one. Then he’ll look at the Jedi Order and seek our weaknesses. He’ll look for the disgruntled, lonely, and disillusioned.”

“So, we need to shore up our outliers and make sure that the Sith has limited access to the temple,” Master Yaddle said. “Do you know who the Sith is, Obi-Wan? Did you see his face?”

“He was hooded, and his face was distorted,” Obi-Wan said. “He tried to disguise his voice, but his tone, inflection, and word choices were telling. It was Senator Sheev Palpatine. His arrogance and emotional affect also marked him. He believes himself superior to every single living thing, and his desire to dominate me is disgusting and familiar. I think if he understood how my Force gifts have manifested, he’d have never risked making contact with me at this stage.”

“He was frustrated by the fact that you kept telling him no,” Master Tapal said and settled an arm around him. Obi-Wan leaned further into his master’s body in response. “He had me lured out of the temple with a meeting with the Anti-Slavery Committee and hoped that you’d be in such a position that you couldn’t call for help.”

“How did you give me the power I needed to break free?”

“Battle meditation,” Master Yoda answered and patted him. “You did very well in it despite not knowing what we were doing. Jaro will teach you the ins and outs of the skill so that you may use it in the future. You are a good boy and can be trusted with such knowledge.”

“Thank you, Master Yaddle.” Obi-Wan yawned. “How did he do it?”

“His ability to use the Cosmic Force is astounding and horrifying,” Master Tapal said. “The interaction wasn’t easy for him; I doubt Palpatine will be seen in public for a week or more.”

“He was trying to create a Force bond with me,” Obi-Wan said and shuddered. “But I could never allow that.”

“He has no hope of influencing you as long as you have a bond with your master,” Master Jinn said. “And the strength of the bond the two of you have is astounding, especially considering the short amount of time you’ve been master and apprentice.”

“Jaro has always created very strong and robust bonds with his padawans,” Master Yaddle said, and Obi-Wan relaxed as that was one area where he really didn’t want to stand out. “It is his nature to shelter the children he trains even after they stop being children.”

“None of them will ever be older than me,” Master Tapal muttered, and they all laughed. “Thus, they are basically children and always will be.”

Obi-Wan yawned again. “I’m afraid to sleep. What if he gets in my head again?”

His master rubbed his shoulder gently. “I will stand guard while you sleep, boy.” He focused on Master Yaddle. “I’m leaving Coruscant as soon as possible, and I don’t plan to inform the Senate.”

She nodded. “It’s for the best. Should they ask, I will tell them I sent you on a mission for the Order, and they are free to send you any data they have for your ongoing mission in the Mid Rim. Going forward, however, all of their data will be treated as circumspect.”

“To say the least,” Obi-Wan said. “I bet if I made a list of people that I found undesirable and published it on the HoloNet that…they’d get what they deserve at the hands of some random Mandalorian in short order.”

“You are not creating a hit list, Padawan,” Master Tapal said sternly, and Master Yaddle laughed.

“I’ve had a difficult day,” Obi-Wan said, and Master Jinn snorted. “A Sith Lord kidnapped my brain and told me I was going to be a beautiful young man. Then, he offered to teach me how to use my looks and sexuality to manipulate people. It was the creepiest thing that’s ever been said to me, and that’s saying something since practically every slaver I’ve ever encountered has called me some variation of pretty boy since day one.”

His master unceremoniously picked him up as he stood and carried him to the couch that he’d been sitting on when the Sith had kidnapped his brain. “Sleep here. We will make sure Palpatine does not reach out to you again. When you wake, we’ll probably be in space.”

Obi-Wan figured there was a complaint he could lodge about the padawan-handling, but then Master Yaddle cuddled up on the sofa with him. They were covered with a blanket, and he realized that he was too tired to complain about anything at all. He curled his hand around one of Master Yaddle’s thick braids, because it felt nice, and let sleep claim him.

* * * *

Jaro had used a priority departure flight path from the temple without giving his or the ship’s name. It wasn’t questioned, as the Jedi Order had the priority flight path for a reason, and he felt like he did have an emergency. To avoid any sort of interference, he’d also navigated quickly into the hyperspace lane and made for the Mid Rim at top speed. He glanced toward his padawan, who was curled up in the co-pilot seat with a cup of hot chocolate.

The boy had woken up the moment Yaddle left him, and they’d realized he wasn’t going to be able to rest well on Coruscant. He’d immediately prepared for departure and kicked all of their guests off the ship. Leaving had been relieving but also a little irritating as he didn’t like running from a fight. Still, Obi-Wan’s safety was the most important thing.

“I’m fine.”

“I know you are,” Jaro said and glanced toward his padawan. The boy was staring moodily into his hot chocolate. “Quinlan expected you to still be on Coruscant when he returned, did he not?”

“Yes, sir,” Obi-Wan cleared his throat. “I’ll send him a comm before I go to sleep. The Force is infinite.”

“Yes.”

“Will he be able to reach out to me when he doesn’t know where I am?” Obi-Wan questioned.

“I don’t know, but Jocasta is researching it, and we will find a way to keep him out of your head if distance isn’t enough. If need be, Obi-Wan, I will find him and kill him. I won’t allow him to terrorize you in your mind,” Jaro said quietly.

“I’d never want you to sacrifice your life or liberty for me,” Obi-Wan said and shook his head. “I’m not going to let that wretched Sith ruin us, Master.”

Jaro nodded. “Sith Killer, huh?”

“Yeah, every single time that he survived,” Obi-Wan said with a grimace. “I don’t think I’ll escape it this time either. The problem is that we’ve already changed the landscape so much that I can’t even see him coming.”

“It was Maul in the visions.”

“Yes, but I’m glad he’s safe and with his real mother now,” Obi-Wan said. “I hope he can get enough of himself back that he doesn’t go completely dark in the future.”

“Ky will keep him on the best possible path,” Jaro said. “And that’s all we can hope for. We’ve given him a chance at a different and better future than what you’ve seen in visions of other universes.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Master Jinn is a much better place now. Will Master Nu reinstate the ban on his contact with me?”

“She asked me about it, and I told her that I would discuss it with you. I believe the decision should be yours at this point.”

“Since he’s doing so well, we should focus on that and not on past behavior,” Obi-Wan said. “Where are we headed?”

“To continue our fight with Wallanooga as you suggested,” Jaro admitted. “Maybe I’ll find a planet for you to have a hostile incursion on.”

Obi-Wan laughed. “Should be fun. I did promise Jaster that I’d invite him to my next one. Just so you know.”

“Sounds about right,” Jaro said dryly and sighed when the boy continued to laugh.

The End

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