Chapter Text
Obi-wan had gotten used to spending his morning in the little room off of the healer’s ward. As far as rooms went, it wasn’t a bad one. It had windows that looked out over Coruscant so he could see the passing air cars. Despite his hopes, his nausea had not abated in the last month, and he had continued to lose weight. So on top of the two supplemental drinks he had daily, every third day he would get an IV with the nutrients his body was not getting.He sat curled up on the bed, scrolling through a data reader, reading Master Seva’s Philosophies.Things had been slow at the temple, Garen and Reeft were off world on missions with their masters, and Siri-Tachi had been busy studying for Master Rava’s diplomacy exam. There was a case of Corellian fever going around the temple, so Bant was even busier than normal, which left Obi-Wan with a lot of time to himself.
He set down the reader as the hiss of the door opening surprised him. His face transformed into a beaming smile as he saw that it was his fellow Padawan Garen Muln coming into the room. “Garen!” Obi-Wan exclaimed joyfully as Garen made his way over to the bed and pulled Obi-Wan into an embrace. “When did you get back?” Obi-Wan asked as Garen pulled back and sat next to him on the bed.
“Just now. I figured the first thing I should do when I got back was to check up on you.” Garen said. “It looks like you aren’t doing much better.” He said, his voice heavy with concern.
Obi-Wan sighed, ever since he had told Garen about his condition, his friend had been following Obi-Wan around everywhere and trying to be there with everything he could possibly need. This was nice in theory, but in practice, it was a little much. He knew Garen was doing it because he was worried, but having him gone this past week had been a little bit of a relief. He had just gotten Qui-Gon to stop with the mother hen act, so having Garen replace him was a little frustrating. “I’m doing as well as I can be. How was your mission?” Obi-Wan asked, trying his best to change the topic of conversation quickly.
“Oh, it was another boring diplomatic mission.” Garen waved the question away.
“You’re just saying that because you didn’t get to fly anything fancy.” Obi-Wan replied, not trying to hide his amused expression.
“Au contraire, I got to fly the temple’s newest shuttle out!’ Garen gushed, his eyes shining with admiration for fine craftsmanship. “You should have been there to try it Obi-Wan, It flew like a dream!” Garen said throwing his arm around Obi-Wan's shoulder.
“No thanks, I think I will leave the aerial acrobatics up to you.” Obi-Wan said with distaste, shirking out from under Garen’s arm.
“Oh well, your loss Obi.” He paused for a moment, then his face lit up. “I almost forgot! I brought back something for you!” He said brightly, then pulled a small box from his pack. He held it out for Obi-Wan to take.
The box was made of plain wood, that looked like it was carved with care. It had been polished to show off the natural, almost reddish glow of the wood. “It’s beautiful Garen.” Obi-Wan breathed, running his hand over it.
“Well, are you going to open it?” Garen asked impatiently.
Obi-Wan lifted the lid and the sharp smell of mint assaulted his senses.The box held a good portion of loose leaf tea. “You, brought me tea?” Obi-Wan asked confused. Garen knew his caff intake was severely limited so it was an odd gift.
“It’s herbal,” Garen explained “So it has no caff. It’s a blend that is supposed to help with morning sickness. The woman we got it from swears by it, so I thought it might help.”
“Thank you, Garen, I really appreciate it.” Obi-Wan said sincerely.
The next morning, Obi-Wan woke up to the familiar feeling of being nauseous. He crawled out of bed and made his way to the kitchen to take his morning supplemental drink. As he was preparing it, his eyes landed on the tea Garen had gotten him. He had tried almost everything for his morning sickness, but it wouldn't hurt to try something new. He grabbed a cup from the cupboard and set the kettle on the stove to boil. As he waited for the water to heat he measured out the right amount of tea leaves for one cup. The kettle whistled and Obi-Wan poured the steaming water into the old worn cup. He watched the leaves unfurl in the sudden heat. As they blossomed a strong minty scent assaulted his senses. He closed his eyes and just inhaled it for a minute as the tea finished steeping.
Obi-Wan picked up the cup, letting the heat radiating from it warm his chilled hands. He brought it to his lips and cautiously drank. He really hoped this would work, because mint was not pleasant coming back up. He waited for the liquid to settle in his stomach before taking another cautious sip. To his surprise, it was staying down, and miraculously, his stomach felt more stable than it had in months. After he finished the tea he downed his supplemental drink and grimaced at the taste. He sat down on the couch waiting to see if everything would come up or not. He read an analysis of the civil war on Aoria. He got to the end of the paper to find that everything was staying down and miracle upon miracles, he was still hungry.
“Garen, you are officially the best friend ever.” Obi-Wan muttered as he made his way back to the kitchen to fix up something more substantial to eat. As he was sitting down to eat a sandwich Qui-Gon walked into the room. He did a double take, surprised to see Obi-Wan eating a meal so large. “Are you feeling better? You usually don’t eat this much in the morning.” He asked.
Obi-Wan took a minute to speak as he had just taken a large bite of his sandwich. He swallowed and answered “Thank Garen.” then took another big bite.
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow “And what has Padawan Muln done to help restore your appetite?”
“He brought a tea that is supposed to remedy morning sickness home from his last mission. It seems to be working.” Obi-Wan announced.
“You have come so far my Padawan. To think you used to deride folk remedies, and now you are using one.” Qui-Gon teased while he started making his own cup of tea. His Master's had plenty of caff in it Obi-Wan noticed.
“My views on the world have recently been widened if you must know.” Obi-Wan confided in jest. After the words came out of his mouth he paused. When had he become comfortable enough with his situation that he was able to joke about it? He wasn’t sure, but he was immensely glad he had gotten to that point.
Qui-Gon looked surprised as well and maybe … content? Where had he gotten that from? Qui-gon had a neutral expression at the moment. Obi-Wan searched for the source of the feeling and was surprised to find it coming from the bond he had with his master. This was the first time he had felt something noticeable through it. He had to admit he hadn’t tried to actively use the bond in the past, in fact, he hadn’t paid it much mind until now. He examined the bond more closely and found that if he focused, he could feel the steady hum of Qui-Gon’s emotions, as well as the energy that was flowing from his Master into him. “Master, we need to discuss this bond.” Obi-Wan said, abruptly changing the topic. “We never really had a chance to discuss it after I found out about it.”
Qui-Gon took his tea and sat down across from Obi-Wan. He took a long sip, observing Obi-Wan over the brim with a raised eyebrow. The Padawan waited patiently, taking a cue from the feelings of serenity that were passing through the bond. Finally, the master rested his cup on his saucer and leaned back, placing his hands on the table.
“What would you like to know?”
“The energy transfer is it…”
“Dangerous? No.” Qui-Gon paused for a moment, thinking back to his grand master’s words. “At least, according to Yoda, it will only be dangerous in the event one of us is severely injured. In which case the injury will likely take precedence anyway.”
“I see.” Obi-Wan tapped his fingers on the wood of the table. “But where does it come from? Why is it happening?”
“That, Yoda knew not. Only that it was not uncommon in…” Qui-Gon trailed off, swallowing. Obi-Wan frowned focusing again on the odd bond between them. The serenity had vanished, replaced by anxiety that left Obi-Wan jittery and wanting to pace. His Master appeared to be staring at the table, deep in thought and unsure of what to say.
“Master?” The question brought the nervous brown gaze back to Obi-Wan’s, but no words came forth. “Qui-Gon?”
The use of his first name startled Qui-Gon enough to break him from his reverie, and he took a deep breath. “It is a life bond, Obi-Wan.”
Obi-Wan blinked and then blinked again. There was an odd rushing sound in his ears, and he laughed, only slightly hysterical. “But that’s...those are just old fairy tales we tell younglings in the creche.” Was he breathing correctly? Something didn’t seem quite right.
“Apparently not,” replied Qui-Gon as he rose, moving around the table in concern. “Deep breaths, Padawan. In for four, out for four. I must confess, I barely remembered those tales until Tahl mentioned the word.”
Obi-Wan struggled to follow Qui-Gon’s instructions, but the counting helped and slowly the tightness in his chest eased. Qui-gon’s hand rested on his back, soothing and warm. It was a long time before he spoke again.
“Master, how did this happen?” Obi-Wan was floundering. Why was this his life?
“I have theories. When we rescued you, on Ryloth...when we removed the force inhibitor you were so overwhelmed, you tried to move through the bond to my mind.” Qui-Gon admitted. He was quick to continue, perhaps due he horrified look Obi-Wan could feel growing on his face. “It was then that the bond changed. I don’t blame you, Padawan, you were hurting and afraid, and seeking the warmth of one you trusted. It is in fact, incredibly humbling to have experienced such a thing.”
Obi-Wan distinctly received the impression that there was something else to be said, but his master was nowhere near ready to say it.
“But Master, I…”
“None of that, Padawan,” Qui-Gon ordered, kneeling next to Obi-Wan’s chair. “You didn’t force this bond to happen, nor did you force yourself on me. Yoda assures me they cannot happen if both parties are not accepting. And I am absolutely certain you would have allowed the same were our roles reversed.”
It only took Obi-Wan a moment of thought to recognize that there was little he would deny Qui-Gon Jinn, and especially not something like that. He leaned forward to embrace his master, allowing himself to be pulled off the chair and settled on the floor. Warm in his Master’s arms, Obi-wan found himself more relaxed and content than he had been in weeks, at ease with the bond, anxiety fading to trust and care. He could feel Qui-Gon smiling against his shoulder, and he couldn’t help but do so as well, even as he drifted off, thoughts that he could get used to this lingering between them.
“The Rishi are considering breaking their peace treaty with their moon. We want you to go and act the diplomat.” Qui-Gon didn’t comprehend Mace’s words for a minute, and when he did he was shocked.
“Surely there is someone else who can go in my place.” He reasoned. He stood calmly with his hands folded into his robes, his face showed none of the tumultuous emotions he was experiencing.
“For you, they specifically asked. With someone they don’t know, do business they will not.” Yoda said gravely. Qui-Gon could see he was not happy with the situation either but saw no way around it.
“We are doing everything we can to make this happen as quickly as possible. We know right now is not an ideal time for you to leave, but a Jedi is bound by his duties.” Micah said.
Qui-Gon’s brow furrowed. He didn’t like the idea of leaving Obi-Wan by himself at the temple, but he knew the matter at hand was urgent. Before he could even ask Adi-Gallia spoke. “I would be happy to watch over Obi-Wan. I’m sure Siri would enjoy spending time with him.”
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "I will do as you wish." He hated to go, but as Jedi Knight he had to put his duties first.
Obi-Wan could feel his master’s disquiet through the bond before he even entered the room. He didn’t know what had caused the sudden shift in Qui-Gon’s emotions, but he would bet _____ that it had something to do with the summons the council had sent. Obi-Wan got up and started a pot of Sapir tea to soothe his master’s ruffled feathers. Just as the kettle wailed, signaling that it was ready for the tea, Qui-Gon strode into the room, his posture so stiff it looked like it must hurt.
“Master, why don’t you take a seat. I’ve made some tea for you.”
Qui-Gon looked like he was going to argue, but Obi-Wan sent a pleading look his Master’s way. Qui-Gon was usually quiet resistant to Obi-Wan’s looks, but he had found that in his current condition, he could get away with quite literally anything. His master made his way over to the sofa and sat down. If it was possible he looked like he was holding himself even stiffer than when he was standing. Obi-Wan frowned and poured a cup of Sapir for Qui-Gon and a cup of the tea Garen had brought home for himself. He carefully balanced the two cups as he brought them over to the table and set his Master’s cup in front of him. He sat next to him and took a sip of his own tea before setting it down. He looked over at his master and all his muscles were taught. He sighed and attempted to send calming waves through the bond.
Qui-Gon noticed the attempt and smiled tiredly at his Padawan. “I’m sorry Obi-Wan, I didn’t mean to push my worries on you, the Council has just made a decision I disagree with.” He held the cup between his hands, letting the warmth ease some of the tightness from his body.
Obi-Wan let out a huff of amusement. “And this is different from usual how?” He asked fixing his master with a mischievous look.
Qui-Gon set his cup down deliberately on the table. The sound of the ceramic hitting the wood rang through the room as he tried to find the words to tell Obi-Wan what was going on. “The Council is sending me on a mission to Rishi.” He said haltingly.
Obi-Wan felt his stomach sink a little, but quickly sent a smile Qui-Gon’s way hoping he wouldn't notice. “Without me, I would assume.”
Qui-Gon inclined his head in acknowledgment. “The Rishi asked for me specifically. The Council is doing everything they can to make this mission as short as possible.” Qui-Gon turned towards his Padawan and laid his hand over Obi-Wan’s. ” But we are Jedi Obi-Wan and we are bound to our duties.”
Obi-Wan bowed his head for a moment and mustered all the cheer he could. Hen he lifted his head his face he was smiling. “Of course Master, I understand.”
“Thank you, Obi-Wan. Master Gallia offered to keep an eye on you for me. She and Siri Tachi will see to your needs and accompany you to the healers as necessary.”
Obi-Wan frowned but nodded. He didn’t know master Gallia very well, but Siri had been surprisingly supportive since his confession to her. Siri regularly escorted him to the Healers in the morning or accompanied him to the commissary for midday meal. They didn’t always talk, but for Obi-Wan, it was a nice change from the oft confrontational rival Siri once was.
“If I must, master, I will stay with Siri and Master Gallia.” Obi-Wan finally replied, when he noticed Qui-Gon frowning in concern.
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad, my Padawan.”
“Perhaps not, but I’d still rather spend that time with you.” Obi-Wan admitted, ducking his head to hide the blush spreading across his cheeks.
“Me too,” Qui-Gon agreed as he pulled Obi-Wan into a hug. “Me too.”
Obi-Wan had been a bundle of nerves all day leading up to the meditation class he was going to teach in the Dragon clan, but it turned out his worry was for nothing. He was half way through the lesson and everything was going smoothly. The younglings sat in rows, their legs folded into the lotus position, their breath whooshing in and out in time with the training music. Obi-Wan had not felt this relaxed since this whole debacle had begun. And for the first time since the suppression collar was removed, he really felt the force, not exactly with ease, but without the help of a Master there to guide him. He opened his eyes and let his gaze take in the students. Their bodies were relaxed, immersed in the music and force as they were. A small huff of frustration rang through the room and drew his eyes towards it. The source of it was Morrine, the young lightsaber prodigy, her face was contorted in obvious frustration, her body tense. Obi-Wan smiled in amusement, it seemed she wasn’t a natural at everything. He made his way over to her and crouched down. Morrine opened her eyes at the noise.“Having some trouble Morrine?” Obi-Wan asked quietly.
She flushed with embarrassment as she softly responded “Yes. I Can’t seem to grasp the force.” Her hands clenched in her tunic.
Obi-Wan looked around the room making sure everyone was still immersed in meditation, then sat down next to Morrine. “Everyone has trouble connecting with the Force sometimes Morrine.”
Morrine’s eyes widened at that. “Really? I thought only babies couldn't connect with the force.”
“When you are agitated, or in heightened emotional states it can be much harder to connect to the force to let those emotions go.” Obi-Wan told him, repeating something that had been told to him by his Creche Master when he was a youngling. “Did anything happen to upset you today?” He asked.
Morrine’s face turned sour. “No.” she stubbornly replied.
“If you talk about what happened, it will help you process it and in turn help you let go of those feelings.” And Oh, both Qui-Gon and Healer Bailaiea would be overjoyed to hear him say that, knowing that their lessons had gotten through his thick skull. Morrine’s expression melted from stubborn defiance to reluctant.
“I couldn’t perform the Flowing waters Kata correctly in saber practice today.” She admitted hesitantly. As she spoke her hand pressed against her ankle, drawing Obi-Wan’s attention to it. The area was bulky, almost as if it were bandaged.
“Did you do something to your ankle?” Obi-Wan asked.
“The Saber practice before last I sprained it.” She admitted.
“It stands to reason that you could not perform up to your usual standards if you are injured doesn't it?” Obi-Wan said calmly.
“It should be better by now.” Morrine said, her cheeks reddening with her frustration.
“You can’t force healing Morrine, it happens at its own pace, and if you push yourself too hard you will just end up setting yourself back.” Morrine still looked conflicted so Obi-Wan added: “It’s okay to take your time to get better.” And it hit Obi-Wan like duracrete. This was what Healer Bailaiea and Healer Lyonova had been trying to get him to understand. His Master would be highly amused to know that it took him telling someone else this for him to finally accept it. He watched Morrine for a few moments and when her body relaxed a bit he spoke again. “Now try meditating and releasing your emotions to the force.”
She closed her eyes and after a few moments, her whole posture relaxed like a puppet with its strings cut. Obi-Wan smiled at her accomplishment, It seems that this endeavor was a success on multiple levels.
Adi Gallia awoke to the sound of coughing from the main room of her quarters. A quick mental check told her it was not her own Padawan, and when she rose and cracked open her bedroom door, she found Siri peering out from her own room, frowning. Adi stepped from her room and was quietly followed to the couch where Obi-Wan Kenobi laid, covers in disarray and sleep obviously disturbed. Odd, for someone whom until this point had been a perfect house guest.
“He was sneezing all afternoon,” Siri whispered. “Insisted it was just allergies.”
“He is extremely congested for allergies,” Adi observed. “Bring pillows while I rouse him.”
Obi-Wan was groggy when awoken, voice harsh and breath loud as he inhaled and exhaled via his mouth, nose too clogged for use. “Is something the matter, Master?”
“You, Obi-Wan. You don’t sound well.” Adi informed him as Siri returned with pillows from their small linen closet, turning on the lights as she approached. “I’m afraid you may have caught the virus that’s been going through the creche recently.”
“It didn’t feel like a virus earlier.” Obi-Wan defended before he lifted his arm to cough into it. His shoulders slumped when the hacking subsided, and Adi couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the clearly miserable Padawan. His luck had been awful recently.
“Lean forward, Siri’s brought some pillows to prop you up.” She instructed and together she and Siri rearranged Obi-Wan’s pillows until he was reasonably comfortable.
“I won’t make you go to the wards, but I am going to ask Healer Lyonova to stop by in the morning. If he says you need to go, you will.”Adi informed the ailing Padawan, all while mentally cursing the council for agreeing to send Qui-Gon to Rishi, aware Lyonova would say the stress was likely not helping Obi-Wan’s immune system.
“Try to get some sleep.” Adi instructed, deactivating the lights with a wave.
“Good night, Obi-Nobi.” whispered Siri’s voice, echoed by the soft click of her door.
Obi-Wan did not sleep well if he slept at all. He couldn’t breathe through his nose, his throat was sore and cough hacking, and his entire body ached and alternated wildly between too hot and chilled to the core. He could no longer deny he was sick, and the frown on Lyonova’s face confirmed it.
“I’d say Master Gallia is right, it certainly seems like the virus in the creche.” He lifted his hand from Obi-Wan’s forehead and the Padawan sighed in relief, his body currently cold enough without Lyonova’s cold hands touching. Why were healer’s hands always freezing anyway?
“Unfortunately this will mean no meditation class today.” Lyonova continued. “I’d like you to spend the day resting, and if there’s no improvement by your regular appointment tomorrow morning, we’ll see about interfering. Normally we’d let your immune system fight it off, but yours is so stressed from your current condition I don’t want to wait long if it appears it’s not fighting correctly.”
“Yes, master.” Obi-Wan agreed, subdued. His condition - just something that continued to grow in complications. He hoped Qui-Gon would return quickly, the baby had seemed much more simple with him there.
Adi Gallia frowned as she entered her quarters to dimmed lights and the sounds of a bad holonovella coming from Siri’s holovid player. The Padawan in question peaked over the back of the couch to the master, finger held to her lips in a request for silence. Adi sighed but nodded, knowing it meant the Padawan Kenobi was likely finally asleep, his respiratory infection taking a toll after a night kept awake coughing. And then Adi promptly flinched as her booted foot crunched a piece of popped quinto.
Siri had the sensibility to wince, mouthing “sorry!” over the couch back.
‘Clean later, Padawan.’ the master sent via their training bond, and knew Siri heard when she nodded furiously before turning back to the holonovella. Adi moved to the kitchenette, and began searching the cupboards for ingredients for soup. From this vantage point she had a clear view of the couch; poor Kenobi asleep with his head on Siri’s lap and her Padawan’s cloak thrown over his still form. Even in the dim lighting he looked pale and feverish. Adi suspected if there was no improvement before Obi-Wan’s morning appointment, he wouldn’t be leaving the healers until there was. Sighing, she returned her attention to the cupboards and soup that would soothe Obi-Wan’s cough.
The holonovella finished at roughly the same time Adi’s soup finished heating on the stove, and Siri gently shook Obi-Wan awake at her Master’s gesture. The poor padawan in question blinked blearily in confusion at the unfamiliar quarters before Adi saw awareness trickle into his eyes. It was not a good sign. She helped the boy sit up, freeing Siri, and together they escorted him to the small dining table in the kitchenette.
“Thank you, Master Gallia.” Obi-Wan rasped as he was served a bowl of the soup. He drank carefully, but Adi was relieved to see his shoulders lose some of their tension as the warm broth soothed his sore throat. Siri looked as though she approved as well, and together they drank their own bowls.
Dinner was a quiet affair, disturbed only by Obi-Wan’s sporadic coughing. By the time they were done, he looked about ready to fall asleep at the table, cheeks still flushed with fever. Leaving Siri to clear the table and wash the dishes, as well as pick up the popped quinto from earlier, Adi headed to the fresher to run a hot shower, making sure the room was steam filled before going to get Obi-Wan.
“Come Padawan, into a shower and then you can go to bed.” Adi negotiated, carefully prying him out of his blanket cocoon on the couch where he had settled after eating.
“Do I have to?” Obi-Wan groused, blinking owlishly at her, even as he unfolded from his place and teetered to his feet.
“Hopefully, the steam will help clear your sinuses a bit so you sleep better. I’m told simply being freshly washed can help as well.”
“Okay.” Obi-Wan acquiesced, Adi followed the unsteady Padawan to the fresher door.
“There are fresh pajamas and a towel on the counter.” If I hear any loud bangs or you aren’t out in 15 minutes I’ll send Siri in with a rescue team.
Obi-Wan paused as he turned to close the fresher door, offering her a bashful smile. “Please don’t.”
By the time Obi-Wan emerged fourteen minutes later, looking somewhat refreshed and breathing noticeably better, Adi had remade the couch bed and prepared the stack of pillows to keep Obi-Wan semi-upright. He climbed under the blanket and allowed Adi to tuck him in.
“Feeling any better?”
“A little bit.” Obi-Wan admitted. “Thanks.”
“Good.” Adi said, stepping aside to let Siri set up a portable table next to the couch bed and moving off to stand in the door to her own bedroom, watching her Padawan interact with the sick one.
“There’s water here and tissues if you need them, and crackers in case your stomach gets unsettled.” Siri was explaining, gesturing to the various items on the small table.
“Thanks, Siri.”
“Just sleep better, okay?” She replied, and then leaned down to kiss her friend on the forehead. Adi smiled at the pair as Siri waved the lights off, and a moment later each slipped into their own bedrooms, hoping tomorrow would bring better health.
IIs something the matter Knight Jinn?” Asked diplomat Katar, as Qui-Gon checked his comm for the umpteenth time that night.
“Everything is fine, I am just awaiting an update from the council.” Qui-Gon assured her. The Knight silently cursed himself for not having his mind on the mission. But it was hard to give his full attention to it when he knew Obi-Wan was sick. He had received the message a day previous, and neither Healer Lyonova or Master Galia had sent him an update since. He closed his eyes for a moment and released his feelings to the force. The negotiations were almost concluded, all that was left was for them to sign the new treaty. But he knew from experience that situations like these could turn sour at a moment's notice. He needed his full attention on the here and now. He slid his comlink into his pouch and turned his attention to the Woman Beside him.
“It is fortunate that you were here to help us in this matter. I am sure we would not have agreed to terms so quickly if not for your presence.” Tej Katar said, while calmly cutting away at her meat.
Qui-Gon inclined his head in gratitude. “You flatter me, Diplomat Rath and yourself handled most of the terms, I just helped smooth things along.”
The rest of dinner passed uneventfully. The conversations focusing on trivialities, everyone tired of the serious discussions they had had to hammer out the treaty in the previous days. After what seemed like an eternity the final course was finished and the sound of chairs scraping as people stood up signaled that the delegation was finally ready to move on to the final event, the signing of the treaty. Qui-Gon felt his comlink buzz in his pouch, but ignored it in favor of finishing this force damned mission. He followed the delegation down the hall in a procession that seemed to move at a snail’s pace. They stopped in front of humongous oak doors decorated with detailed carvings of different moments from Rishi’s history. The doors swung open soundlessly, to reveal a large ornate room. They all gathered around a large desk, and one by one they signed the document. Qui-Gon left as soon as was diplomatically acceptable, waiting till he was alone in his quarters to look at the message on his comm. He felt his heart drop to his stomach at what he saw. The screen read “Obi-Wan is in the Healer’s ward with a high fever. Call A.S.A.P.”