The next afternoon, Obi-Wan stood before the Council. There was an air of informality, which he’d never encountered before when the entire Council was together. As usual, Mace was the first to speak. “This is not an official meeting, Obi-Wan. And thus, it will not be logged.” Mace was glad that they were able to do at least that much for him. “We have met with every master and creche leader in the Temple concerning this, ah, situation.”

Oh, please don’t tell me… “Every single master?” Obi-Wan didn’t think he wanted to hear the rest of this. It could only go downhill from here.

“As I’m sure you’ve noticed,” Mace continued dryly, “your celebrity status has gotten seriously out of hand. The entire Temple has been disrupted.”

That’ll look good on my service record. Obi-Wan found it hard to continue to look Mace in the eye.

“We have emphasized the need for the masters and creche leaders to work one-on-one with their girls. The girls need to learn how to focus and not let a crush determine their actions.”

Yoda noticed Obi-Wan turning his usual shade of pink. “Emphasized we have the need for the boys to be taught the difference between admiration and hero-worship.”

Adi spoke up from behind Obi-Wan. Her voice was laced with compassion. “We’re sure that this will calm the situation down rather quickly.”

Yoda nodded. “Yes, take care of this it should.”

“Is that all, Masters?” Obi-Wan wanted to leave NOW.

Mace shifted in his seat. “Ah, we have one more thing to discuss.”

Obi-Wan was not at all encouraged by Mace’s obvious hesitation. What can possibly be coming next?

Mace shifted again. “The Council is requesting, that is, we are asking...”

Yoda decided he had better step in. “Request we do that you grow a beard.”

Obi-Wan’s mouth hung open for a minute. “I beg your pardon?”

“Heard me right you did.”

Obi-Wan held up his hand as though physically trying to stop this from going any further. “Let me get this straight. I’m being ORDERED by the Jedi Council to grow a BEARD?” Obi-Wan was now a lovely shade of crimson.

“Ordering you, we are not. Requesting it of you, we are.”

Obi-Wan suddenly pointed at Mace. “HE doesn’t have a beard!”

Mace looked at him impassively. “My face also hasn’t caused the entire young female population of the Temple to lose their focus.”

Obi-Wan gritted his teeth. “Is that ALL, Masters?”

Yoda and Mace nodded. Obi-Wan quickly bowed and stalked out of the Council Chamber.

Mace let out a breath and turned to Yoda. “That went well.”

Obi-Wan’s thoughts were in a whirl. As he stalked through the hallways, everyone gave him wide berth. Stories about his escapade in the training room were already well circulated.

Obi-Wan entered his apartment and breathed deeply. I have to get a grip on my emotions! He closed his eyes and worked to center himself. Feeling a bit better, he went into the kitchen to get a glass of muja juice. He drank it down quickly. He set the glass on the counter and stared at it thoughtfully. “I think I can safely say that things can’t get any worse.”

At that moment, Anakin stalked through the front door. He did not look the least bit happy.

“Anakin?”

The boy continued towards his room without even pausing.

“PADAWAN!”

Anakin stopped and turned around. “Yes, Master,” he hissed.

“Anakin, what’s the matter?”

Tears sprung into the boy’s eyes. “All the initiates hate me and it’s all your fault!” With that, he spun around and ran into his room.

Obi-Wan started banging his head against a cabinet door. “Okay, so I was wrong.”

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Obi-Wan was lying on a bench in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. He was trying to sort out the disastrous mess that had become his life. He was also emitting a wave that told anyone nearby to ‘back off and leave him alone.’

Obi-Wan sensed a familiar presence enter the room. He rolled his eyes. The little troll will probably take my warning as a welcome signal. Sure enough, he heard the telltale grunting and clicking heading his way. Obi-Wan reluctantly sat upright and placed his boots on the ground. He prepared to stand up and show proper respect to the lead Council member.

“Don’t get up, Obi-Wan. Sit with you, I will.” Yoda managed to work his way onto the bench. “Pack your bags you must.”

“Pack my bags, for what?”

“Leave in two hours, your transport does.”

“May I ask where I am going?”

“Sending you to Mendar the Council is.”

Obi-Wan couldn’t hide his surprise. “Mendar? But that’s an exclusive resort planet! I heard that you have to reserve a trip a year in advance!”

Yoda smiled. “Normally, true that is. Know a major shareholder Master Gallia does. Owed her a favor he did. Worked it she did so you could go.”

“That’s incredible! But…what about Anakin?”

Yoda placed his clawed hand on Obi-Wan’s arm. “Stay with Anakin, I will.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes grew wide. For the lead Council member to volunteer to stay with his padawan… It was a great honor. “Thank you, Master!”

“Need this time you do. Known that right away, I should have.”

“Please don’t blame yourself, Master. I shouldn’t have let all of this get to me the way I did.”

“Much to deal with you have had. And yet, time you were not given to truly sort through it all. That time you now have.”

“How long do I have? A week?”

Yoda smiled again. “A month you have.”

“A month? Master, I can’t be gone a month! I have work to do, a padawan to train…”

“A month you will take.” Yoda’s firm voice brooked no argument.

“Yes, Master.” A thought then dawned on Obi-Wan. “Anakin. He’s not going to understand this, Master. He’s not exactly happy with me right now. He blames me for the initiates in his classes not liking him.”

“Ah. Jealous the initiates are of Anakin.”

“Oh, they must have heard the rumors of him being the Chosen One.”

“No, that is not it. Jealous they are because YOUR apprentice he is.”

Obi-Wan looked disbelieving. “I doubt that’s it.”

Yoda sighed. “Longed for the chance to become your padawan many initiates did. Become a knight soon, they knew you would. But with the incidents on Naboo, dashed their hopes were.”

“Oh, I had no idea.” He did understand what it was like to be an initiate with hopes dashed, however. “They see Anakin as the source of their lost dream.”

“Exactly.”

Obi-Wan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “How long before the transport leaves?”

“One hour, forty-five minutes.”

“I guess I’d better pack. Anakin is in a special lightsaber tutorial right now. I won’t even have the chance to say goodbye.”

“Perhaps that is best. Make sure he sees things clearly, I will.”

Obi-Wan smiled. “Thank you, Master. Please be sure to tell him goodbye for me.”

“I will.” Yoda got off the bench and started down the path towards the exit. He paused and turned around. “While gone you are, Obi-Wan, grow a beard.” Smiling, the small master left.

Rolling his eyes, Obi-Wan got off the bench and headed towards his apartment to pack. He knew that he had also better visit Bant. She’d never forgive him if he left for a month without so much as a goodbye.

Obi-Wan was contemplative as he walked down the hallway. A month! What am I going to do for a whole month? Even as he asked himself that, he knew he needed it. Ever since returning from Naboo, he’d felt like an overloaded circuit about to burst into flame. Maybe, just maybe, he could return to the Temple to find everything back to normal…

A month later, Obi-Wan Kenobi walked away from his transport, bag slung over his shoulder. It felt good to be back, though he’d enjoyed his time away very much. He felt well rested and at peace. He saw Masters Yoda and Windu waiting for him near the entrance to the Temple. He walked up to them and bowed. “Masters.”

Yoda smiled up at him. “Look well you do, Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan smiled. “Thank you, Master. I feel very well.” He looked at Mace with an even larger smile. “I, uh, heeded the request of the Council.” He stroked his newly-grown beard.

Mace smiled back. “So I see. Things have calmed down here. We certainly hope it will remain that way, for your sake and that of the entire Temple.”

Obi-Wan laughed. “Yes, I agree.” He turned to Yoda. “How is Anakin?”

“Well he is. Wanted to be here to greet you, but test he had.” Yoda put a clawed hand on Obi-Wan’s arm. “Discussion we had. Understand now, I think he does.”

Obi-Wan smiled at the warmth in Yoda’s eye. “Thank you, Master.”

The three of them walked together into the Temple. The young ones they encountered did their best to remain calm and not stare at the tanned, bearded, but still very handsome knight. As they walked through the halls, the masters could sense the disappointment from some of the females at Obi-Wan’s “gorgeous face” now being covered with hair. They even heard one girl comment to her friend about it being a “dirty trick.”

Obi-Wan couldn’t help but smile. He finally felt ready for what lay ahead.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sensing that Anakin was coming, Obi-Wan walked out of his room into the living area. A moment later, Anakin came bursting through the door. “Master!” He practically launched himself into Obi-Wan’s arms. “I missed you!”

“Oof. I missed you, too, padawan.”

Suddenly embarrassed, Anakin slithered out of Obi-Wan’s arms. “I’m sorry, Master.”

Obi-Wan knelt down in front of the boy and took his chin in his hand. “Don’t be.” He smiled warmly at him.

Anakin brightened instantly. “How was your trip, Master?”

Obi-Wan stood back up and stretched. “It was wonderful. Very relaxing. But I was ready to come home.”

Anakin’s mouth drew up into a small frown. “A month is long time. And Master Yoda is very…strict.”

“You’re right. A month is a long time. I will try not to be away from you that long again, padawan.”

“Master?” Anakin looked down at his feet. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved the day you left. I shouldn’t have blamed you for the way the initiates treated me.”

Obi-Wan put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Apology accepted. We’ve both had quite a bit to deal with recently.”

“Thank you, Master.”

The door chime rang out and immediately Obi-Wan sensed who it was. He quickly went over and opened the door. “Garen! Reeft!”

“Whoa, Obi-Wan. I almost didn’t recognize you!” Garen laughed and grabbed his friend in a bear hug. Reeft followed right behind him.

“Are you going to come in or just stand in the doorway?” Obi-Wan motioned for them to come in. “Oh, guys, I’d like you to meet my padawan, Anakin Skywalker.”

“Hey, Anakin.” Garen shook his little hand. “What did you do to get stuck with him, huh?” He gestured his head towards Obi-Wan.

Anakin didn’t know quite how to react to Obi-Wan’s friends. Reeft came over to greet him warmly. Reeft then turned to Obi-Wan. “It’s about dinner time, are you going to feed us or what?”

Obi-Wan laughed. “That WOULD be the first thing you think of, Reeft! Yes, I’ll get dinner going. Is Bant still in the Temple?”

Garen walked back over to Obi-Wan. “Yeah. She should be here anytime. Can you believe it? The Fearsome Foursome all at the Temple at the same time?”

Obi-Wan shook his head. “That hasn’t happened in a long, long time. Too long.”

Reeft came over and joined them. “My master and I ship back out tomorrow morning.”

“Yep, I’m out of here tomorrow afternoon.” Garen popped a grape in his mouth. “So, we gotta make the most of tonight.”

The door chimed again. Obi-Wan went to open it for Bant. When she saw him, she did a double take. “Wow, Obi. You look so different! You look older.”

Obi-Wan smiled sardonically. “Is that good or bad?”

Bant smacked him on the shoulder. “Come on, it would be impossible for you to look bad!” She came in and shared hugs with Reeft and Garen. “So, what’s for dinner?”

Reeft piped up, “That’s what I’d like to know!”

“Alright, alright. I’ll get dinner going.” Obi-Wan headed for the kitchen. He perused his cabinets, quickly deciding on what to make. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed Anakin hovering off to the side looking dejected.

Obi-Wan walked over to Anakin and guided him into his room. They sat down on Anakin’s sleep couch. Obi-Wan spoke softly. “You wanted to spend time alone with me tonight, didn’t you?”

Anakin nodded his head. Obi-Wan turned to face him. “These are my dearest friends. I hardly ever get to see them anymore. This is the only night we’ll have. How about we make tomorrow night our night? We’ll cut out early. I’ll take you to my favorite part of Coruscant. I know exactly where we can eat.”

Anakin’s eyes grew wide. “Really? The whole night together outside the Temple?”

“Yep. By the way, have you ever had a banana split?”

Anakin looked confused. “No. What is it?”

“Just about the best dessert ever invented. Is it a deal?” Obi-Wan held out his hand.

“Deal!” Anakin shook his hand enthusiastically.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Everyone was now congregated in the living area, snacking on cookies and cake. Garen popped a cookie in his mouth. “Do you remember that time when Bruck dumped that whole bucket of sap on you, Obi?”

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. “Like I could forget. It took me forever to get that stuff off. I was sticky for a week!”

Anakin questioned quietly, “Bruck?”

Reef spoke up. “He was enemy number one of the Fearsome Foursome, especially your master.”

Garen shook his head. “He really had it in for Obi-Wan. The sap was actually one of his milder pranks. He was usually more…”

Bant folded her arms. “He was Sith spawn!”

Obi-Wan looked shocked. “Bant!”

“Well, he was about the meanest so-called Jedi I’ve ever known.”

Garen laughed and smacked Obi-Wan in the shoulder. “But you got him back, didn’t you? Boy, did he get Bruck back!”

Anakin leaned forward eagerly. “What did he do?”

“It was nothing short of brilliant, kid. Tell him, Obi.”

Obi-Wan couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. “He and I were in the same lightsaber class. Before class began, I snuck into the locker room. I cut the drawstring on his leggings. Not completely. I wanted him to be able to tie up his pants like nothing was wrong. The drawstring was hanging by just a few threads. I knew that one false move and it would snap.”

Garen, Reeft and Bant howled with laughter. Bant spoke up this time. “This was no ordinary class, mind you. The sparring in this particular class was being used to determine who would participate in the sparring tournament. So, there were a lot of spectators!”

Reeft continued the tale. “Bruck’s turn came up. The drawstring actually held up for quite a while. But then he did a twist in the air. When he landed on the ground, so did his leggings! He was mortified! Oh, it was beautiful!”

Garen put the finishing touches on the story. “The best thing about the trick was that Bruck had no idea that it wasn’t an accident! He had no idea that it was Obi-Wan!” He held his sides while he continued to laugh. “Oh, man. That was sheer genius, Obi.”

Obi-Wan continued to laugh. “Thanks, Gare.”

Garen tried to school his features. “So, Obi, I’ve heard that you’ve become quite the Temple heartthrob.” Despite his best efforts, he broke into laughter. Bant smacked him on the arm.

Obi-Wan groaned. “I knew you weren’t going to let that be.”

Reeft piped in. “I heard the entire female population of the Temple turned out to watch you swim.” His snickers quickly turned into howls of laughter.

Bant felt sorry for her bright red best friend. “Come on, guys. It was terribly embarrassing for him.”

Garen put his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “You’ve always been too modest, my friend. But then again, if you were an arrogant gas bag, it wouldn’t be any fun teasing you!”

Reeft shook his head. “Leave it to you, Obi, to disrupt the entire Temple by your mere presence!”

“Are you almost done?” Obi-Wan tapped his fingers impatiently on his knee.

The air suddenly got serious. Garen spoke quietly, “We’re sorry about Qui-Gon, man.”

“Thanks.”

Reeft studied his friend. “Is it really true. Are the Sith back?”

Obi-Wan leaned back into the cushion with a sigh. “Yes.”

Garen couldn’t help but be curious. “What was it like, fighting a Sith?”

Obi-Wan’s eyes grew troubled. “They’re highly skilled. Filled with the power of the Dark Side. The sheer power of the evil, the hate was astonishing.”

Anakin listened in rapt attention. He’d never heard Obi-Wan talk about his fight with the Sith.

Obi-Wan continued. “A Sith is more powerful than a Jedi. We can’t underestimate them.”

Bant looked a bit scared. “Then how can we defeat them?”

Determination shone in Obi-Wan’s eyes. “We have to trust that the Light will overcome the Dark. We have to trust that the will of the Force is for the ultimate good.” He looked at all of his friends. “We HAVE to hold on to the Light.”

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Obi-Wan, Bant, Garen and Reeft talked well into the morning. Anakin had fallen asleep hours before. Reeft looked at the chrono on the mantle. “Oh, man! I better get going. I’m heading back out in five hours. I should probably try to get a little sleep.” He got up and stretched, yawning.

Garen got up as well. “Yeah. We better call it a night. Come on, Bant.”

Everyone headed for the door. Garen spotted an envelope on the floor, just inside the door. “What’s this?” He handed it to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan pulled a folded durasheet out and started to read. He promptly folded it back up and stuffed it in his pocket.

Garen raised an eyebrow. “Obi-Wan, what was that?” He noticed that his friend was turning a very familiar shade of pink.

“Nothing.”

Garen broke out into a huge smile. “It’s a love letter, isn’t it?” He cracked up as his friend turned a deeper shade of pink.

Reeft joined in the laughter. “What did she say, Obi? ‘Oh, your eyes are so dreamy!’”

Bant smacked Reeft on the shoulder. “Alright. Let’s go, guys.” Bant started pushing her friends to the door.

Obi-Wan shot her a grateful look. “Reeft, will I get to see you again before you go?”

“Probably not, Obi. We better say goodbye now.” Reeft came and picked Obi-Wan up in a bear hug. “I’ll miss you, H.T.”

Bant looked confused. “H.T.?”

Reeft couldn’t suppress his smile. “Heartthrob!”

Obi-Wan disengaged himself from Reeft. “Yes, well, look at the time!”

Garen smirked at Obi-Wan. “Alright, we get it. We’re going.”

Reeft turned back to Obi-Wan, suddenly serious. “You take care of yourself, Friend.”

“Hey, I’m not the one going right back out on a mission. I’m stuck here at the Temple for a good while. I’m sure I’ll be quite safe.”

Garen had a look of utter seriousness on his face. “Unless you’re attacked by a pack a wild teenage girls.”

Reeft and Garen left the apartment, yet again howling in laughter. Bant stayed long enough to give Obi-Wan a sympathetic look.

Obi-Wan made sure the door was locked and Anakin was still asleep before opening the letter again. He felt his cheeks burning again as he read through the effusive praise. He paused as he read the postscript: By the way, I have a copy of your picture. I LOVE it!

“Picture?” Obi-Wan unwittingly spoke out loud. He glanced over at Anakin again to make sure the boy hadn’t heard. He was still sound asleep. Obi-Wan’s eyes widened as a thought – a really disturbing and horrible thought – came into his mind. The Room of a Thousand Fountains! What if one of those insane girls had a holocam? He had so desperately hoped that the worst of his celebrity status was behind him. Now he wondered if the worst was yet to come.