Jedi Go Home

Part 15

Obi-Wan was released the next morning after receiving the sixth dose. He couldn�t help bouncing out of the room and turning a cartwheel down the corridor.

"Padawan!�said Qui-Gon sharply behind him.

"I would say something, master, but--�he grinned, not repentent at all--�You told me to stop apologising.�

Qui-Gon gave him a hard look, but did not dispute the matter.

"He does that every time he gets out of here,�An-Paj remarked to Dr. Ra-sek-mun, who nodded and said,�I�ve had a few patients who would like to do that, too.�

When they got into the lift, Obi-Wan pressed the button and saw Qui-Gon raise an eyebrow at his choice of floors.

"Where are you headed, Padawan?�

"The training rooms. I thought we could pick up where we left off. I�m sure I remember all the katas now, even with a wooden bokken.�

When Qui-Gon hesitated, Obi-Wan added,�Comfortable and happy, remember, master?�

"I remember.�

"I haven�t had any hallucinations for over a day now. I�m not going to drop dead at your feet.�

Qui-Gon smiled.�I know.�

"Trust your instincts, master,�he couldn�t help teasing.

"My instincts tell me to take you home and lock you in your room so that nothing ever happens to you again,�Qui-Gon teased back.

"In that case, trust my instincts, master.�

"Do I want to?�

"Of course, master! They�re telling me to give you a wooden bokken and let you spar with me.�

"Oh, they are, are they?�Smiling, they both exited the lift and found an empty training room. After an extended warm-up period, Obi-Wan was allowed to take the bokken and run through the first kata.

"My timing is off,�he said at the end of it.

"You�ll soon get it back,�Qui-Gon assured him.

"And there�s something missing.�

"What?�

Obi-Wan reached for what would have been dangling behind his right ear, then lowered his hand and managed a brave smile.�I�m just used to having it flap around.�

"It will grow back,�Qui-Gon said.

"If I asked Master An-Paj nicely, do you think he�d teach me some of the techniques for cell regeneration that the Healers use?�

"Don�t worry, Obi-Wan. No matter when you take your Trials, you�ll have something there to cut off.�

"Thank you, master,�Obi-Wan said quite solemnly. Then, changing the subject, he took up the bokken again.�Shall I do the second kata now or would you rather spar first?�

"Second kata, Padawan.�

When they returned to their quarters before lunch, Obi-Wan looked around. He could feel a smile starting, one that grew and grew until he was grinning broadly.�Master, I remember now. These are our quarters. This is where we live. I�m home!�

"Welcome home, Obi-Wan,�Qui-Gon said, smiling as well.

Obi-Wan moved around the living room, his eyes lighting on every piece of furniture, the plants on the windowsill, even the carpet.�It�s good to be home again. I�m glad I remember this. I was afraid I wouldn�t, because I was remembering everything else, but whenever we came back here, it still always seemed so strange to me. And Dr. Ra-sek-mun said I might not regain everything I�d lost, maybe only eighty percent.�

"It�s good to have you back, Obi-Wan, no matter how much you remember.�

"I remember this.�Obi-Wan indicated the translucent blue cup on the shelf above the holo unit.�Tahl gave it to you. She presented it to you when we got back from one of our early missions, and she said she�d broken it deliberately and sent it to Aurea to be repaired. I remember that you said you understood--but I didn�t. I still don�t know why she would give you such a thing, but I know you treasure it. I�ve never dared touch it.�

"It�s stronger than it looks, Obi-Wan,�said Qui-Gon.�Tahl taught me a lesson about trust with that cup, after you�d come back from Melida/Daan and been put on probation here at the Temple. It was to remind me that I could not make again what I�d once had. A shattered cup, my shattered trust in you. But something new could be made of it, something that was stronger and more valuable than it had been before.�

"Oh,�said Obi-Wan in a very small voice.

Qui-Gon picked up the cup.�My trust in you has been renewed and has only grown since that day. I let it waver once, because I was tired and careless--�

He dropped the cup, then stopped its fall with the Force right before it would have hit the floor.�But I caught myself before any damage was done.�

The cup leaped back into his hands and he extended it to Obi-Wan, who took it reverently.

"I shall not be careless again, Padawan.�

Obi-Wan smiled, then replaced the cup on the shelf.�Thank you, master.�

They regarded each other in comfortable, understanding silence, but Obi-Wan�s thoughts were racing ahead, and a moment later, he suddenly began to laugh. Giving him a strange look, Qui-Gon asked,�What is it, Padawan?�

"I remember Mace Windu!�he managed to gasp.

"Yes?�

"Bant said that being a Jedi was a matter of commitment and not a matter of hair, and you said--�He couldn�t stop laughing long enough to get the name out again.

Qui-Gon let him giggle for a few moments, then finally asked,�Padawan?�

"Y-Yes, master?�

"I�m glad you remembered him now, and not in front of the Council.�

*****

"Master?�Obi-Wan asked. It was late evening and Qui-Gon had been drowsily considering going to bed. Now he looked up at his Padawan and smiled.�Yes, Obi-Wan?�

"Master--if I did something stupid, something I knew you wouldn�t approve of, and, uh, I had to take the consequences, and they were really bad, and you didn�t find out about what I�d done until much later, and I�d already really suffered, uh--?�

"What, Obi-Wan?�he encouraged calmly, still half thinking of sleep.

"Would you punish me?�

"If I thought that you had learned your lesson, probably not. Why?�

"Well--I remember how I lost my memory.�

Qui-Gon sat up, fully awake.�How?�

"You know I wasn�t very happy about being left behind when you and Mayor Ech-to-tha went out for that �entertaining evening�,�Obi-Wan began.

"Believe me, Obi-Wan, you didn�t miss anything.�

"Well, I would have liked to have been invited, anyway. It could only have been worse if he�d left one of his bodyguards home with me as a baby-sitter.�

"I know. Go on.�

"When I was getting ready for bed that night, I was sort of looking out the window and hoping you�d come home already and I was hoping you were miserable, too, and I saw people climbing up onto the wall. At first I thought it was an attack, so I grabbed my light saber and ran out. Then I realised they were just standing there, shouting at the house. They were shouting �we wanna see Jedi� or �we want the Jedi� or something like that. But they were kids, master, probably younger than I was. I didn�t think they were a threat, even though they had slingshots, and I was feeling sort of--well--�

"Defiant? Rebellious?�Qui-Gon suggested, identifying the feeling through the bond.

Obi-Wan nodded guiltily.�Yes. Rebellious. And--I wanted to show off a little, too, I guess. I put up my shields because I didn�t want you to know what I was doing. I knew you wouldn�t approve, but I just felt like doing it anyway. I remember sneaking up on them, and jumping up onto the wall, and lighting my light saber as I came up. And they all screamed and started to jump off the wall, and I was really gloating because I�d scared them. It made me feel good, in a--hmm--Sithly sort of way. So I tightened my shields even more so you wouldn�t find out.�

"And then?�

"They all had slingshots and they had been catapulting stones against the house before I came, just for fun, or maybe trying to break the windows, I don�t know. I think one of them must have hit me in the head.�

There was a silence, and then Obi-Wan said,�I remember...sort of...I was on the ground and I didn�t know where I was or what was happening. I only knew that my head hurt. I could hear somebody yelling �run run run� and something like �patrol� and then I started running, but I didn�t know where I was going. There were other people there, too, running. The kids, I think. They were ahead of me once, and then later I heard somebody behind me, so I ran even faster, and I was turning corners, thinking I was being chased and trying to get away, and--�

"And?�

"Uncle--I mean, Dr. Maethum said I ran in front of his car, but I don�t remember that.�Obi-Wan shrugged.�I�m really sorry, master. I shouldn�t have acted that way. It was childish and not befitting a Jedi.�

"Yes, it was,�Qui-Gon nodded.�It was very childish, and not the way to convince me that you should be treated as an adult, like you wanted to be treated that evening. I expect better of you, no matter what the circumstances.� "Yes, master.�Obi-Wan waited expectantly.

"I think that the natural consequences of your actions are more than enough punishment, Padawan.� Much, much more, he thought to himself.

"Thank you, master.�Although Obi-Wan�s face remained serious, Qui-Gon caught a slight burst of triumph through their bond.

"You thought I�d see things your way, didn�t you, Padawan?�Qui-Gon teased.

Obi-Wan grinned guiltily, and Qui-Gon had to say it again.�Welcome home, Obi-Wan.�

*****

"There, do you see the difference? There�s so much more activity in the memory centers here,�said Dr. Ra-sek-mun, pointing to the two images on the computer screen. It was the eighth day. Obi-Wan had received the last dose of the drug the day before and Dr. Ra-sek-mun had done one last brain scan for his records. Now he was comparing the results of the one he�d done before starting the treatment to the one he�d just finished a few minutes ago.

"Excellent,�Dr. Ra-sek-mun breathed into the silence that followed as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan leaned forward and squinted at the screen, comparing the images and identifying the differences that he was pointing out.�Subjectively, Master Jinn, how much memory do you think Obi-Wan has recovered?�

"Oh, about ninety five percent,�Qui-Gon replied. They had spent a lot of time in the last few days simply talking and reminiscing about experiences they�d had together. Although Obi-Wan had often reacted with a blank look whenever he mentioned something at first, a few words had usually sufficed to make his face light up with recognition.

"Excellent,�the doctor said again.�My theory worked. Familiar surroundings. Unless, of course, you were using some of those Jedi healing techniques to help things along, Obi-Wan?�

Obi-Wan shook his head.�No. To tell the truth, it never occurred to me, not even when I was in a healing trance for my chest.�

"Good,�Dr. Ra-sek-mun nodded.�For my other patients, I mean. Imagine their disappointment if I told them they�d have to be a Jedi to get all their memory back. Right. Well. Patient healed, case closed. I�ll say good-bye now. I don�t suppose I�ll be seeing you again. I�ll probably be flying back to Sceotan before the day is over. My secretary must be missing me already, even if she is visiting her family.�

There was a round of hand-shaking, thank yous, and good-byes, and then Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon out of the infirmary. He was just raising his arms above his head for a cartwheel when Qui-Gon said firmly, without even looking around,�Don�t do it, Padawan.�

But it was too late. Obi-Wan�s feet were already in the air. A moment later, he�d barely missed colliding with Leona as she came around the corner. She moved nimbly out of the way and teased,�Let me guess. Obi-Wan�s on his way out.�

He lowered his arms, feeling distinctly sheepish, then moved quickly to catch up with Qui-Gon.

"When do you think the Council will give us another assignment, master?�he asked when they were out of the infirmary and approaching their apartment.

"Not for a while, I�m afraid, Padawan,�Qui-Gon tempered the news with a little smile.

"Am I going to be on probation again?�

"No, of course not. Why do you ask?�

"I, uh, wasn�t very happy about coming back here at first. I criticised the Jedi in front of a lot of people, master, because I didn�t remember, and I was scared. And I did cut my own braid off. The Council might question my commitment, my dedication. They might be wondering if I really remember enough to be a Jedi again,�Obi-Wan said in a rush, giving words to feelings that had been slowly growing in him in the last few days.

"You won�t be on probation, Obi-Wan, but they might want to test you, yes,�Qui-Gon agreed.

"Oh.�

"I won�t let them summon you for at least another week. We both need a little time, I think.�Qui-Gon�s comlink beeped, and he flicked it on.�Qui-Gon Jinn.�

"Yes?�came the question from the other end, too quickly for Obi-Wan to recognise the voice.

"Yes.�He switched off, and returned the comlink to his belt.

"What was that?�Obi-Wan asked.

"A question and an answer,�Qui-Gon replied cryptically.

Obi-Wan was curious, but knew that if Qui-Gon had wanted to answer him completely, he would have.

"Come,�said Qui-Gon.�It�s been too long since we meditated together. It�s one of the things I missed while you were--away.�

"I didn�t miss it at the time,�Obi-Wan said,�but now that you mention it.�

"First things first, though. You need a haircut. You look like a Wookiee in the wild.�

*****

It was lunchtime when they came out of meditation. Letting his eyes remain closed, Obi-Wan took a moment to delight in the sensations surrounding him. He felt refreshed, cleansed somehow, and filled with a sense of light and well-being. His master had been right. It had been too long since they had knelt down together to let the Force flow through them, and it had done them both good. He opened his eyes.

Qui-Gon had unfastened the tie of his ponytail so that his long hair fell forward to frame his face, and he had also separated a single lock from the rest of it. As Obi-Wan watched, his nimble fingers divided it quickly and easily into three parts and he began to braid them together, a skill he�d obviously not forgotten.

"Master?�Obi-Wan asked.�What are you doing?�

"You�ve given me so many grey hairs since we met. I thought it was time to return the favour.�Holding the end of the braid with one hand, Qui-Gon reached for the tie with the other and fastened it, then removed a small knife from one of his belt pouches and severed the braid close to his scalp. Then he leaned forward and held the freshly cut end of it to Obi-Wan�s head, behind his right ear. Obi-Wan felt a concentrated burst of the Force joining the braid to his own hair, and as Qui-Gon removed his hand, he reached up and touched it reverently.

"Master,�he said formally,�I am honoured.�

"It is my pleasure,�said Qui-Gon, equally formally. Then he grinned and gave the braid a playful tug.�Now you look like your old self.�

"I feel like my old self again.�Then he frowned.�No. That�s not true. I feel different. Older.�

"Those first grey hairs make everybody feel old,�Qui-Gon teased, and then he sobered as well.�You�ve been through a lot, Obi-Wan. You�re a little bit older, and a lot more mature. I felt it while we were meditating.�

"It was a good learning experience for me,�Obi-Wan agreed.�Even if I�m not quite sure yet what I was supposed to learn from it.�

"It will take time to recognise and apply the lesson,�Qui-Gon nodded.�I wonder, however, if it was not meant for me.�

"For you?�

Qui-Gon smiled.�I have already learned something myself. However, I�m sure that you will also benefit from it.�

"I hope I do, considering that it was my experience,�Obi-Wan joked.

"In the meantime, Padawan, I have something else for you.�

He stood up gracefully and went into his bedroom, then returned with a long, silver cylinder in his hand.�I found this just outside the wall of Mayor Ech-to-tha�s estate the morning after you disappeared. You must have dropped it when you fell.�

Obi-Wan received the light saber with a grateful grin and clipped it to his belt.�Thank you, master. Now I really feel like a Jedi again.�

"I�m glad to have you back, Padawan.�

"Can we spar this afternoon?�

"Yes, Obi-Wan, I should think it�s safe now.�

"Right now?�Obi-Wan stood up eagerly.

"How about after lunch?�

"Well, if you think you can�t beat me without the extra energy, Master...�

"Believe it or not, Obi-Wan, I also missed your impudence,�Qui-Gon laughed.

They walked in comfortable silence to the cafeteria, and to Obi-Wan�s surprise, Qui-Gon opened the door and motioned for him to enter first. He did, and stopped in amazement. There were balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling, along with a banner proclaiming �Welcome home Obi-Wan Kenobi.� Suddenly, he was surrounded by friends and acquaintances; Bant, Garen, T�Kar, Tahl and many others. In the back of the crowd, he even recognised An-Paj, his wives, and Dr. Ra-sek-mun.

"Reeft!�he called out happily, spotting someone he hadn�t seen recently.�When did you get back?�

"This morning,�the Dresselian replied.�Hey, you remember me. They told me you had amnesia.�

"Had. It�s over now. I�ve got my memory back again. And T�kar! Yes! I remember you now, too!�

"Good!�the older Padawan grinned.

"Look, I�m really sorry about hitting you--�

"You can apologise before we spar together next time. Then maybe I�ll take it easy on you.�

"Take it easy on me?�Obi-Wan bristled, his tone indicating that usually it was the other way around.

"Come on and sit down,�Bant said, taking his wrist gently in one claw.�Come on.�

They made him sit down at a table where there was a place set for one, and T�kar whipped the cover off the plate in front of him.�Here�s an extra big portion of baby meat, Obi-Wan.�

"Oh, yum. My favourite.�

"And here�s what you were looking for the other day.�Garen thrust a stuffed Wookiee at him.

Obi-Wan took it curiously.�I was?�

"Oh, yes. First you pushed me down and accused me of hiding it, and then you stuck your thumb in your mouth. I�ve never seen anything so funny!�

"I never!�

But everybody around the table was nodding in agreement, even Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan felt himself blushing.

"I don�t mean to sound greedy,�said Reeft at his elbow,�but are you going to eat that roast nerf?�

"Give me a chance!�Obi-Wan protested, reaching for knife and fork.

"Wait, don�t eat yet,�said Bant, giving Reeft a little pinch.�Three cheers for Obi-Wan Kenobi!�

"A stinking filthy Jedi!�everybody shouted. The next repetition was even louder.�A stinking filthy Jedi! A stinking filthy JEDI!�

Having expected to hear �hip, hip, hooray�, Obi-Wan was startled at first, but then he covered his face with his hands and slid down in his seat, too embarrassed to look up.�Oh, Force.�

He was never going to hear the end of this! As the chanting gave way to cheers and clapping, he slipped under the table to hide his utter mortification and wondered briefly if there was a Force technique that could render a person invisible. He didn�t have long to think, however. Almost instantly, the chairs on his side were pushed aside and three separate hands grabbed him by the ankles. Trying to shake or scrape them off, Obi-Wan snagged the nearest table leg and held on tightly as his friends began to pull. There was a tussle, but a moment later, Qui-Gon, grinning broadly, knelt down at that corner of the table and began to prise his fingers loose.

"Master, don�t!�Obi-Wan protested, trying to keep his grip.�You didn�t rescue me just to have me drop dead of embarrassment at your feet, did you? Master, please!�

"There is no such thing as dying of embarrassment, Obi-Wan,�Qui-Gon corrected him, still grinning and working on his fingers.�We only wish there were.�

"I know what will get him!�Bant called out, kneeling down as well and scooting towards him.�He�s awfully ticklish right--here!�

"No!�Obi-Wan shrieked, involuntarily letting go. Almost instantly, he was dragged out from his hiding place and pulled to his feet, and, led by T�kar, the crowd began to chant,�Speech, speech, speech!�

Still blushing furiously, especially as he realised what they wanted to hear, Obi-Wan waved his hands for silence.�All right, all right, I admit it. I�m a stinking filthy Jedi and--�

He paused for effect, then added,�--I�m proud of it!�

Much, much later, when the cheering had died down, and Obi-Wan had a chance to apply himself to his meal, Qui-Gon made his way through the crowd with his own tray and sat down across from him.

"Master,�Obi-Wan said. Qui-Gon looked up, and he continued.�Thanks for getting me out of prison and putting up with me and helping me even when I didn�t want it and--well--thanks for bringing me home.�

The End

written April-November 2000

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