Rubbing
his forehead slightly, Obi-Wan glanced at the darkened window of the
council chamber, inwardly sighing tiredly as he noted how dark it had
become.

Where
had all the hours gone?

‘Into
discussing Mr Augustine’s
actions, exploring the laws and what we can do,
sending subpoenas and evidence around to Senate, the reporters boss
and the judicial so
we can get the ball rolling,
that’s where. Least
it’s wrapping up now, Anakin has called twice to hear where I was
and checking that we had food and drink up here.’
He thought tiredly as he glanced further up to the dark skyline,
staring at the blackness where no star shone.

He
longed for the stars and he could spot along his nose the glow of his
own freckle stars shining in response to his wish.

Wasn’t
quite the same as watching a black sky full of stars, like a dark
carpet dotted with the most beautiful of gems in the entire galaxy.

“Obi-Wan”
The voice broke through his reverie and he turned his head, looking
towards Adi instead as his fellow master smiled softly at him.

Smiling
wryly in return, ignoring how her eyes flickered over the path of
stars in his face, Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair to rest his elbow
on the arm lean and his head on hand. “Yes Adi, can I help you with
something?” He murmured, his voice offering some amusement.

The
lack of an honorific meant this was not official but personal and at
least that meant that she too agreed the tedious discussion was over.

Her
smile turned sadder. “The Stewjon government finally granted access
to their medcenter’s DNA files, due to… well you know.” She
shifted a bit.

Obi-Wan’s
breath caught in his throat at the implication.

For
years now the Stewjon had been denying them access, denying them the
occasion to compare Obi-Wan’s blood sample to their population in
an effort to find Obi-Wan’s family, if he had any.

A
Jedi searching for answers wasn’t enough for them to open up their
servers they said, to violate their citizens rights…

So
Obi-Wan had been denied answers for all those decades.

But
now…

He
had so many questions, so many things he wished to know.

Had
he really been sold, was he abandoned, did his parents value monetary
value over their own flesh and blood or had he truly been stolen from
a family that loved him?

Were
the questions finally within reach of being answered?

Was…
had
he once been loved simply for existing?

“Oh?”
He whispered, his voice sounding strange even to himself.

The
council chamber was so oddly silent. Were
his words echoing?

Adi’s
smile turned sadder, the tholothians expression all Obi-Wan needed as
his heart grew cold and heavy.

“I’m
sorry Obi-Wan,” She murmured. “They were dead. Your parents died
about two weeks after you turned one. The report of their death said
it was a skirmish and your parents were well armed, no one knows if…”
Adi trailed off, watching him closely.

Obi-Wan
closed his eyes then slowly shifted forward until he could drop his
elbows on his knees and his head into his hands.

There
were no answers for him.

If
his parents sold him there was no evidence, a deal could go wrong
after all, maybe they changed their minds or maybe they were
attacked… but how had the pirates found out Obi-Wan could cry
kyber?

‘Maybe
they saw me… or maybe my parents told them… maybe my parents
wanted me or maybe they sold me… there is no one left to answer
that question, that died with them.’ Obi-Wan swallowed thickly.

He
jerked a bit in shock when he felt a touch to his knee, not having
heard anything and when he raised his head, he meet Yoda’s dark
eyes.

The
old troll looked contemplative but also sad. “Life a happy
beginning you did not have, but survived you did,” He croaked out,
one gnarled hand resting on Obi-Wan’s knee and the other on his
cane. “Survive to come to us you did. Joy you bring Obi-Wan,
happiness you deserve. A family here you have.” Yoda patted at his
knee lightly.

Opening
his mouth, uncertain what to say, Obi-Wan was saved from answering
when another pair of hands found his shoulders and he turned his head
to see Plo standing at his side, the two oldest members of the
council coming to their youngest in his time of need.

“Your
life started in a cage,” Plo murmured, his hands resting on
Obi-Wan’s shoulders and therefore he felt the flinch Obi-Wan tried
to contain.“But that does not define you Obi-Wan, your life of
darkness has
become
a life of light and love.” He squeezed gently.

Tearing
up, Obi-Wan felt something thick in his throat and this time, when a
warm, caramel colored hand rested on his cheek, he wasn’t surprised
as he turned his head to meet Depa’s gentle gaze. “Your life has
changed Obi-Wan and though there are no answers for your past, there
are still days in the sun for you future, for your family here in the
Order at your side, revered equal and loving friend.” She stated
softly.

Two
large drops started to roll down his glowing face and Obi-Wan’s
hands moved automatically to catch them as Plo spoke once more, each
council members Force aura pressing against Obi-Wan’s with warmth,
affection and care as they affirmed without words that they agreed.
“And we are proud
to call you our friend Obi-Wan. You, who walked out of the darkness
of a cage and into the light of peace and love, you who has seen the
worst of the galaxy and yet still remain unbent and unbroken.” Plo
paused and then leaned down, whispering. “Qui-Gon would have been
proud
of you.”

Hiccuping,
Obi-Wan felt something in his chest settle, something tight and hot
loosening up as he stared at those he called fellow council members
and Jedi, the words sounding in his mind like a mantra.

And
in his
palms, two soft pink kyber tears rested, resonating with love,
devotion and warmth as
they twinkled with their own unique light.