Resolve

Epilogue

 "Nervous?"

"Strangely, yes. I feel like I'm a Padawan again approaching my last trial."

"Well, Master Windu says if it makes you a better Jedi it is your trial," Anakin said as he patted Obi-Wan on his shoulder.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan began his tone serious. "We haven't really talked yet about... what you did for me. The things I said... the things you saw... I,"

"Nothing's changed. It's already forgotten," Anakin interrupted, waving off Obi-Wan's concern. Obi-Wan gave a curt nod.

"Thank you," he said then both Jedi turned their attention to the grand doors in front of them. They stepped forward and the doors slid open revealing a full assembly of the Jedi High Council, though some Masters attended via holo-transmission. Anakin remained in the back of the room while Obi-Wan walked to the center of the floor, his Jedi cloak wafting slightly behind. He bowed.

"Masters."

"Good it is to see you, Obi-Wan," Master Yoda opened. Master Windu leaned forward.

"Master Kenobi, do you stand before us seeking re-admittance into the Jedi Order?"

"I do, Master Windu," Obi-Wan said graciously. "With your permission, there is something I would like to say before the Council."

Master Windu leaned back in his seat.

"Of course."

"Masters," Obi-Wan began, "as you know I try to live by the Jedi Code, though it has not always been easy... but I believe that the choices I've made I have always done for the Order." Obi-Wan paused, clearly uncomfortable. "After my experience on Kadavo, I thought I was in control, that it was best to suppress any remnants of my time there. I worked hard to deceive myself," Obi-Wan said, his gaze falling to the floor, "and to deceive you... After the loss of the Duchess... I realized... my mistake. My thoughts became... more than clouded... they were muddied and... dark. I honestly began to believe that it was the Order that caused the suffering I had seen. I felt my only choice was to leave."

"Dangerous it is when self doubt takes over," Master Yoda commented. "Dangerous indeed."

"Yes, and were it not for the faith of this Council and the extraordinary efforts of Masters Plo, Skywalker and Padawan Tano, I fear my errors in judgment would have had more... permanent results."

"I still sense a great deal of conflict in you," said Master Mundi. Obi-Wan nodded.

"Yes, I don't deny it, but with time and patience I believe I will find a resolution."

"I think this experience has made you a wiser man," Master Fisto interjected, "and a stronger Jedi. I see no reason why he should not be returned to our ranks."

"Agreed then we are," said Master Yoda. Master Windu nodded.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, this Council hereby reinstates your status as a Jedi Knight of our Order. You are given back all of the rank and privileges afforded to you by that title. May the Force be with you."

Again, Kenobi bowed and then he and Anakin left the Council chambers.

"Well, that wasn't so bad," Anakin said as the two walked down the corridor. "Of course, some anxiety would only be natural, after all, it's not like you've had to beg to get back in to the Order before."

"Actually..." Obi-Wan said with a half smile. "The situation may have come up before..."

Anakin stopped in his tracks and grabbed Obi-Wan by the arm.

"Wait, are you telling me you've left the Order before?" he asked. Obi-Wan gave a slightly bashful, yet confirming look. Anakin shook his head. "I have got to hear this story," he said as they resumed their walk.

"First of all, I was much younger. I had just begun serving as Master Qui-Gon's Padawan. We had been sent to a planet in the midst of a civil war..."

FIN.