Is This All There Is To Love? or I Love You But ... ( An Obi and Jemmy Story)

up please

 

Sorry this was a double post. It didn't show up last night even though it said it had posted the first time. It showed up right away when I posted the second time. I need to be more patient.

 

Wow, a very complex and rich background here. You must have spent weeks figuring it all out.

 

Whew! I thought I would never get on today. Anyway here is the rest of the post I worked a week on. Jane I didn't intend to have all this back ground on the Constables but it just sort of kept comeing up and I had to keep explaining it. I think it will come in handy later. Can anyone guess where I go the name Rinny from? Careful if you can remember the original TV series it will date you like it does me.

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"I take it you're thinking of training this dog. But Zarquo what if her owners are found? All your work will be for nothing. And your mother and Beit may become very attached to her."

"We are trying to trace her owners by her DNA. All pets must have their DNA registered. One of the good regulations in the r
Republic before the can travel in space. If the owners are found we will have to return her. But they may not want to put her through the trauma of space travel again. Who else do you know on this plane that will take such a large dog? If we must let her go we must. But she is pregnant. Which gives me hope in 2 ways. She isn't very far along so she was not held by the pirates for very long. That means where ever it was they stole her from isn't on the other side of the galaxy. It has to be with in a reasonable distance from us. Either a planet or a ship traveling through our space lanes. If her original owners are found perhaps they will let me keep a couple of the pups.

"How many pups are there usually in a litter?"

"Any where from 6 to 12."

"12 pups at your house in town. I think your neighbors will be complaining to your superiors Constable."

"Oh I wasn't thinking of keeping them in town. My parents property is just out side the city limits. The kennels, runs and training course are still there. They need some work but they are still useable. The pups need to be 6 to 8 months old to begin their training." Zarquo looked over at Bodar. "I know you have probably been thinking of buying Par'wat a house as a wedding present. But I was thinking of letting them use my house in town after they marry."

"I could buy it from you for them. You sound like you don't want to sell though."

"I'll have to think about that. It will be Ternen's anyway when I die."

"That's true. Looks like I will have to find a different gift for my daughter. But Zarquo as a Mediator you travel a good deal. How will you manage to have time to train the animals?"

"If the next part of my plan works out I will be doing it full time for the next 5 years at least." Zarquo walked over to the door and looked around the entry hall before shutting it. He came back over and whispered to Bodar. "Please don't tell anyone this. You know that in 5 years the Constable Service will be celebrating it's 1000th anniversary. The Commissioner wants each precinct to have displays set up showing how the Constables have changed over the years."

"I don't get it." Bodar whispered back. "Why are you being so secretive?"

"I sent in a proposal for also having Horse and Canine Constable demonstrations."

Bodar couldn't help but laugh. "Don't tell me you have an ancestor who was a Horse Constable.

Zarquo laughed softly in return. "We all were Horse Constables at the beginning. That's a good idea to show how the horses and dogs worked together. I wonder if Ternen put that he knows how to work with both on his application? I need to ask him. If he didn't he can send a letter to add it to his resume."

"I didn't mean to give you any more ideas to keep you busy. In my opinion it wouldn't hurt you to settle down with a good woman."

"Tell you what Bodar you find me one who is as wonderful as my first wife and I will. I know it seems silly to be so secretive. But my superiors take a lot of pride in our laws and our 'state of the art' equipment. Equipment that a young woman was able to out smart for several days. I've been doing some fast talking the last couple of months to even get them to consider the idea. The beauty of it is I

 

Yes, what -are- they going to call the Kenobi boy? SIL, for son-in-law? Oooh, I'm excited that Bodar and El'leat are getting closer to the Temple and that they've spoken with Master Jinn. Can't wait for the next post!

Rinny -- Rin Tin Tin? I don't remember a television series, though; I saw the name in a book in the library where I used to work.

 

You got it Jane. Rin Tin Tin was a T V series in the 50's. It was about a boy and dog who live in the old west at a fort. I think there were some movies about Rin Tin Tin being a military dog during WWII. I think it was in the late 80's or early 90's there was a modern cop series on the Family chanel. Of all the books I read as a kid I never read Rin Tin Tin.

 

Tai'hal paced the landing pad. Ever since Master Jinn had told her her parents were coming she had been a ball of energy and raw nerves. Not that any bride to be isn't already a ball of energy and raw nerves.

"You know, Tai'hal," The master observed. "I'm glad I didn't tell you before last night about the extra guest for your wedding. I'm afraid if you knew sooner we would have had to put a tow line on you to keep you from flying away. Although that might have been better than your wearing a trench in the landing pad."

Tai'hal stopped and looked up at the tall master. "I know I must be annoying but I just can't stand still. Master Jinn?" Qui-Gon gave her a firm look. "Qui-Gon. Did my parents really decide to come on their own? You didn't do any Jedi mind trick did you? You know, to get my father here?"

These were the first questions Tai'hal had asked. They still loomed large in her mind. Qui-Gon placed his large hands on Tai'hal's shoulders. "Tai'hal I didn't even speak to your parents. I spoke with your Uncle Danny. If I didn't speak to them how could I have used a Jedi mind trick?"

"I'm sorry I keep asking. It's just it's never been heard of before. Usually parents don't have anymore contact with their banished children."

"Has it ever been heard of for someone from your planet to trained as a Jedi healer?"

"No."

"See there is a first time for everything. Tai'hal, you do remember that I invited them to Obi-Wan's wedding. That allowed them the freedom to come or not. I thought it best to give them away around the strict laws of their planet." The young woman looked at the ground. Qui-Gon put his hand under her chin and rose it so she once more looked him in the eyes. "Tai'hal, remember the message they sent back. The message your father sent personally. He said they would be honored to attend the wedding of my apprentice and the exceptional young woman he was marrying. Would I let the young woman know? If he hadn't wanted to attend he could have sent word through your Uncle Danny. But after talking to your Uncle Danny I think if your parents had decided not to come he and his family would have. He nor I felt it right that you didn't have some of your own family at the ceremony. Are we clear now? Your parents are coming because they want to be with you on your special day."

"Yes we are clear. It's just it's so hard to believe. A month ago I was betrothed to a man who wanted to kill me so he could marry my sister. Today I'm learning to be a healer and engaged to a Jedi apprentice. It all seems so impossible, so dream like. If I'm dreaming I pray never to wake up. But I'm not dreaming am I? It is all happening. It is all real. Isn't it?"

"Yes it's all real. All too real for me. I can't believe Obi-Wan is getting married and will be settling down. I won't have to worry about his carousing with his friends till all hours of the morning anymore. For the first time in several years I can get a good nights uninterrupted sleep."

"Uninterrupted sleep? Or uninterrupted time with Leona?" Tai'hal teased him. Before Qui-Gon could come up with a retort Tai'hal let out a cry of delight. "There it is. There's their ship. Oh I wish Ben could have come with us."

"Our Ben has to attend to his lessons. Master Yoda would not let him put of this trial until after you married."

"Why? I mean it's only a few days more."

"Because he has been postponing this trial for some time."

Tai'hal got a worried look on her face. "This trial is going to be hard on him, isn't it?"

"Yes and I can't help him. He must pass it alone."

"What is this trial?"

"He has to escape a high security cell."

"Why is that so hard for him? I've seen him duel with a blind fold on. That seems to me like it would be harder. Or won't he be able to see?"

"I don't know. I'm not told. I might give him some idea of what to expect. The point of this is that he doesn't know."

"But you and he have escaped prisons before. He's told me about some of your missions where

 

Oh, dear. The zoo.

But hooray, the parents are there and Bodar's been forgiven, and everything sounds like it's going to work out all right. I liked the idea of Obi-Wan having to pass the trial of getting out of a security cell. That should be interesting!

 

Qui-Gon understood why the Council had made sure he was busy the rest of the day. The longer Obi-Wan was involved in the trial the harder it was for Qui-Gon not to worry. Instructing 2 dozen padawans who were very skilled with their lightsabers kept him physically on his toes and mentally occupied. He definitely had to concentrate on the here and now. By the time he was though with the students they were exhausted. He couldn't claim much better for himself. It was only in the shower did he begin to wonder about Obi-Wan.

It was a strange sensation not to feel Obi-Wan's presence in the Force. The Council had told him this trial Obi-Wan must pass on his own. They told him he would not be able to feel his bond with Obi-Wan. The empty feeling was as much a trial for Qu-Gon as what ever Obi-Wan was going through. Yes it would be like them to test the master as well as the student. Qui-Gon hated to admit the number of times he had tried to close the bond between him and Obi-Wan. But it never did completely close or break. The bond that had so surprised him when Obi-Wan was 12 was as stubborn as the 2 people who shared it.

The boy, young man, still wasn't home when he got our of the shower. In another hour or so they would have to meet Tai'hal and her parents. The council had called Obi-Wan to appear before them late last night. How many hours had Obi-Wan been awake now. Qui-Gon calculated the time in his head. It distracted him for a few minutes. It really didn't solve the problem though. It just gave him something else to release his worry to the Force over. Unless they let him sleep, something Qui-Gon doubted, Obi-Wan had been awake at least 38 hours. Qui-Gon was dressed and about to leave to pick up Leona when Obi-Wan came in.



He was filthy. His clothes were tattered. Qui-Gon noticed some cuts and burns that would need attention. Dead on his feet was an apt description of his padawan.

"Well?" Qui-Gon started helping Obi-Wan off with his things. The young man was too tired to even take off his robe or undo his utility belt.

Dull eyes met Qui-Gon's. "Master?"

"Obi-Wan did you pass?" Qui-Gon directed Obi-Wan to his room.

"Pass?"

"The trial. Did you pass?"

Obi-Wan winced as Qui-Gon helped him off with his tunics. "I don't know."

"You don't know?".

"They didn't tell me." Obi-Wan seemed to be talking and moving in his sleep. Qui-Gon sat Obi-Wan down in his desk chair and began to pull his boots off. It was only then Obi-Wan seemed to wake up. "Don't! Don't take my boots! I need them."

Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan's hands. Sending him comfort through the Force. "Obi-Wan it's me Qui-Gon."

Obi-Wan seemed to focus again. "Master?" Looking around he added. "They sent me home. Told me to get some sleep. They didn't say if I passed or not. I guess I failed since they didn't say." Obi-Wan shivered. "I tried so hard Master. But I couldn't keep the images from coming into my mind. I tried. I couldn't do. So I guess I did not. I ? I tried so hard."

"Shhh Obi-Wan. You'll have other chances."

That made Obi-Wan begin to shake. "I ? I don?t know if I want to. I don't know if I can. I?" Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around his chest and began to rock slightly.

What did they do to Obi-Wan that had him this shook up? Yoda was certainly going to hear from him about this. In fact if Obi-Wan didn't need him so much Qui-Gon knew he would be beating on the doors of the Council room at this very moment. Qui-Gon pushed his anger at the Council aside.

"Come on let's get you into a warm shower and then to bed with you."

Qui-Gon made sure the water wasn't too hot. "In with you. Now I don't want you to touch the temperature or the pressure. Call me if you want it warmer or colder. Understand?"

"Yes, Master."

"I need to call Leona. She is waiting on me."

"Master?"

"Could ? could you leave the door open? Please?"

"Sure." Qui-Gon was entering Leona's number when the door call rang. He knew it was her. "Come in." He said as he

 

Oh, my! I hope Obi-Wan will be alright. That was a great post, June!

 

Oh, dear. I have the feeling this trial went horrendously wrong somehow. Can't wait to see what Yoda has to say. Poor Obi-Wan! He looks like he's going to need lots of help and comfort.

 

Yoda's tone left no question that Qui-Gon was to come with him. They sat on a bench where Leona could find them easily.

"Master Qui-Gon, something to say have you."

"I take it we are out here because you know if we were some place private I would be demanding answers loudly."

"Fresh air I wanted. But out here of your emotions you must remain in control."

"OK," Qui-Gon said controlling his voice. "What did you do to Obi-Wan?"

"Exact circumstances of first part of trial, not told was I. Not until over."

"You weren't?"

"Of his summoning I was told not. At morning Council meeting informed I was. In dark was I kept."

"Why?"

Yoda leaned his chin on his stick. "Son of first padawan Obi-Wan is. Padawan of last padawan he is. See me as grandfather do they." Yoda rose his head and looked Qui-Gon straight in the eyes. "Know they agree to this trial I would not." Yoda stamped his stick on the ground for emphasis.

Qui-Gon found himself stumped for words. "I thought you wanted Obi-Wan to take this test before he married."

"Facing fears was necessary. Put off longer it could not be. Like choice of circumstances I did not."

"What did Mace think?"

"Not pleased. Out voted he was."

Qui-Gon had to admit he felt a little better knowing the 2 people he was closest to on the Council had not approved of the way the trial was done. Yoda still hadn't said exactly what the circumstances of the trial were. Quieting his mind for a couple of minutes Qui-Gon began to sense what Obi-Wan had been put through. "They made him think he was back in that cell again. Didn't they."

"Yes. Component of the ordeal that was."

"A component? Don't tell me they actually took him back there."

"Impossible that was. Too far to travel."

"But they did take him off planet. I think distance played a part in my not being able to sense him."

"Great insight have you Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon looked incredulously at Yoda. "They put him in a cave like cell with a dirt floor. I take it he managed to get out of it?"

"Yes, our Obi-Wan did well." The pride in Yoda's voice could not be missed.

Qui-Gon frowned. "This would go a lot faster if you would just tell me everything. Instead of making me guess."

"Time we have."

Qui-Gon sighed. Yoda was going to make him figure it out on his own. Partly from what Yoda didn't want to say. "I feel like I am playing 20 questions. Obi-Wan's fears should not be made a game of Master Yoda."

"No game I make. How much else can see you?"

So the master was still being tested. Once more Qui-Gon closed his eyes, calmed his mind and reached out into the flow of the Force. He reached into the recent past and focused on Obi-Wan. "After Obi-Wan got out of the cell they blindfolded him and took him to? No." Qui-Gon's eyes flew open. "They took him there to that house. To that very room. To the bed where I found him. How could they? They know that monster recently attacked him. They know how he threatened Obi-Wan and everyone he loves."

"Yes. That is why the decision to do the test this way was made. What else see you?"

"Obi-Wan fought well and hard. The testing droids got through his defenses many times but he did not give up. That's why he has so many burns, cuts and bruises. Just how many of those things did you send at him?"

"As many and more than were needed."

"Master Yoda, Obi-Wan did not fail the test. He passed!"

"Yes he passed."

"But he thinks he failed. He thinks he failed because the flashbacks kept coming into his mind."

"Yes. But the whole time he knew flashbacks they were. Knew he they were not real. It was the droids firing at him that was real. He kept his mind focused on the present to defend himself. Fought well in spite of images did he. Passed first part he has."

"First part? I take it then there is more."

"Yes. Observation droid how night goes will record. In morning Obi-Wan must before the Council come. Give report on his performance. That is second part of trial. If sat

 

Great post, June!



I hope Obi-Wan's able to pass the final part.

 

Hoo, boy. I can see why the rest of the Council didn't want Yoda in on it. Obi-Wan passed the first part? That's encouraging. And they sent a droid to monitor him overnight? I guess this is not a good time for Tai'hal to come over and give him aid and comfort. Well, let's hope he passes this next part, whatever it is.

 

This is a note to let everyone know I don't know if I will get a post up till sometime next week or not. We have the kids this weekend and I have alot of family gatherings over the next few weekends. I have a post on one of the stories but I don't like it and think I'm going to have to start it all over. Anyway have a good holiday weekend.

 

All in all the evening went very well. Yoda explained to Bodar and E'leat that Obi-Wan had just finished part of a very physically demanding test. In the morning he would finish up the test.

"Free until afternoon he will not be."

Tai'hal shot Leona and Qui-Gon a puzzled look. Leona shook her head slightly to let her know to ask no questions at the moment.

"Sorry I am to keep him from you." Yoda continued. "Know man your daughter is to wed, important is."

"We understand." Bodar assured Yoda. "True we don't know much about him. Yet we do know what kind of man young Kenobi is. He took our daughter's punishment. We ? I am forever in his debt."

"After morning, no more duties Obi-Wan will have. Until after honeymoon."

The rest of the evening they spent in pleasant conversation. Each learning of the other. Perhaps it was just as well Obi-Wan wasn't there to hear the stories of his childhood Yoda felt free to tell. Including that as a 2 year old Obi-Wan decided it was his mission in life to tackle Master Yoda.

At the Temple Yoda spoke to Tai'hal. "Your parents pleased to have met I am. From good family come you too."

"Thank you Master Yoda." Then Tai'hal cocked an eyebrow and asked. "You know Ben's family?"

"Jedi are Obi-Wan's family." Yoda answered. He turned to Qui-Gon. "In my rooms you will spend the night."

Qui-Gon started to object. But the look Yoda gave him made Qui-Gon feel like a first year padawan. So he nodded and followed his old master.

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Bright and early the observation droid woke Obi-Wan. It informed him he needed to report to the Jedi Council room in an hour. Obi-Wan hurt all over. He gently pulled the bacta patches off and stretched his sore muscles. Most of his burns were completely healed. He was grateful for Leona's attention. After another warm shower and some food he could almost forget yesterday happened. But he couldn't keep his heart from beating a little faster as he neared the Council chamber. Obi-Wan was glad to see Qui-Gon waiting for him.

Qui-Gon nodded and turned to face the door. Qui-Gon's face held a neutral expression. The doors opened as Obi-Wan stepped to his accustomed place next to Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan had no idea what awaited them ? him inside. Qui-Gon stopped at the edge of the circle of chairs.

"Padawan Kenobi come forward." Master Windu ordered.

Obi-Wan found his place in the center of the room. Then the questions began. About what he did. Why he did it. What he felt. What he was trying to do. Did he stop to think about his actions. On and on the questions went. Obi-Wan felt light headed and dizzy. He was used to being "read" by 2 or 3 masters at a time. But to be on the spot in front all 12 council members was nerve wracking to say the least. That was the point Obi-Wan supposed. This was different from any interview with them he had ever had. They too wore neutral mask. Obi-Wan couldn't tell if he had answered their questions satisfactorily or not.

The Council stood up. "With us come." Master Yoda ordered Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan followed the Council from the room. Qui-Gon fell into step beside him. Nothing was said. It didn't take Obi-Wan long to realize where they were going. The Sanctuary of 12 Pillars. There were many places of worship in the Jedi Temple. This place was the most special of them all. This is where official knighting ceremonies were held. If 2 Jedi chose to marry this is where they married. A special ceremony was held here for children when they left the nursery and became Initiates. In other words it was the most revered place in the Temple. No outsider was ever brought here. Obi-Wan felt a small stab of pain in his heart. Tai'hal and he could not marry in this room. She was not raised a Jedi. It some how didn't seem fair. But that was the rule. ~ "But she will see it someday." Obi-Wan vowed to himself. "When I am knighted she will be able to come." ~ The only exception to the rule. Family could attend a knighting c

 

up because your not showing up on the first page.

 

trying again

 

I'm not sure if this ever showed up on the first page so up you go

 

up

 

Oh no! They got sick!


That was wonderful June. I'm glad you found the time to update in all your stories.

 

I hadn't realized how long it had been since I posted on this story. My live is just to busy anymore.

_____________________________________________Obi-Wan spent the rest of the day with Tai'hal's parents. While he had been before the Jedi Council taking the trial Bodar and El'leat had taken their daughter shopping. Bodar knew El'leat and Tai'hal would shop every bargain store on Coruscant if he let them go on their own. That wouldn't be good for El'leat. As much as he knew she would enjoy finding bargains she would be too tired to enjoy the rest of their vacation. So he had chosen this exclusive clothing store. The women were in a private room. Sales people brought items for them to chose from. El'leat could sit and rest when she felt tired.

Of course that left Bodar on his own until the women were done. Which was another reason he chose this store. One of the hotel managers mentioned that it was know for a fine line of lingerie. Kenobi was young and in love. Bodar remembered how it felt. Still it didn't hurt for a woman to have a few "Unmentionables" to stir a man up. It was difficult to think of his daughters as grown women with men who desired them the way he did their mother. What ever looked good on El'leat 24 years ago would probably look good on Tai'hal. El'leat was still a very striking woman. She still turned heads. Especially her husband's. He just wished she wasn't so pale and tired. Thinking of El'leat, Bodar got a very husbandry idea. ~ "Maybe an old married couple's lounge wear could use a little renewal and spicing up." ~ The owner understood and was very helpful. When he was finished he directed Bodar to a sports bar one level up where he could catch up on the latest games and wait for his wife and daughter.

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"Mother, please make Father understand." Tai'hal said slipping the silky black dress over her head. "In the Temple I will wear a healer's uniform. I don't need a lot of clothes."

"Tai'hal your father wants me to convince you to accept everything he wants to buy you."

"But Mother-"

"My sweet child, listen to me. I have been married to your father for over 24 years. I know my him very well. He feels badly he can not give you a proper dowry. I'm asking you to let him do this for you. I have been in charge of running the House of Krat'an for a long time now. No mater where a woman lives there are certain clothing items she needs." At Tai'hal's dubious look her mother rephrased the statement. "Well, that are nice to have. One is a black dress for formal occasions. Then either a white or pastel of formal design. I like this rosy pink on you. It gives you extra color and looks beautiful with your new hair color. This and the black are made of a light weight but durable material. You will be able to wear them in the hottest climates. If it is cold you can wear warm under garments. I saw a beautiful hooded cloak that will match the black and be striking with the pink. If you don't want a separate wedding dress you can wear the pink to be married in."

"Madam?" A sales girl over heard the conversation. "We have that cloak in black with a rose lining that matches this dress."

"Really? That's wonderful bring it to us." El'leat looked at Tai'hal in the mirror. "Sweetheart, I will make a deal with you. Accept the clothes and I will dissuade your father from buying what you don't need."

"But Mother, I don't NEED any of this. I'll be living in Ben and Master Jinn's apartment. We don't have a lot of space."

"Very well, need is not the correct word. I will talk your father out of getting you things you can't use. We'll color coordinate everything. We won't have to buy that many pieces for you can have numerous outfits. You will have a wardrobe that will fit any occasion. Yet, it will take up as little space as possible. We will chose clothes that are classic and durable. That way you will be able to wear them several years.

The higher quality will be a little more expensive. That will please y

 

up you go

 

You're busy, I'm busy, if we had more time, we could form a Busy Club, but actually, we're too busy.

It's so nice that Tai'hal gets the chance to talk to her parents about everything under the sun!

 

Jane, I know your boys school year is probably on a different schedule than ours but you sound like you are getting a little slap happy from having to entertain to very active ... are they 7 or 8 now ... angles.