Home Leave

"Master," Obi-Wan began, unsure of himself. "You know how you said you found the rock you gave me on your home planet?"

"Hmm," Qui-Gon looked up from the data pad. "What? Oh, right. The rock. Yes, I found it in the River Of Light on my home planet when I was about your age."

"Do you go back a lot?"

"Back? To the river? Or to my home planet?"

"The planet."

"Yes, I do. I try to go back at least once a year. My mother is still living and I have a brother and a sister who each have families there now."

"Oh." Obi-Wan fell silent for a few minutes. Qui-Gon regarded his young Padawan curiously. The boy had only been his Apprentice for a few months, and he had never asked Qui-Gon about his family before now. The Jedi Master wondered vaguely if Obi-Wan was just curious, or if he had a motive to his questioning. Obi-Wan continued to stare at his boots. Qui-Gon pretended to go back to studying the data pad, saying casually, "Why did you want to know?"

"No reason," Obi-Wan said, a little too quickly.

/He's hiding something/ Qui-Gon thought to himself. /But what?/

"Obi-Wan, my family is very important to me. There is a mid-winter festival on my home planet and I try to visit each year at this time. If I am away on an important mission, I try to visit as soon afterwards as I can. Does this answer your question sufficiently?"

Obi-Wan squirmed. "No, not really."

"Oh, well, in that case, maybe you'd best tell me what you want to know. I can't answer a question you haven't yet asked."

"I was just wondering something. It's not important."

"Padawan, something is bothering you. Out with it."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath. Qui-Gon had this effect on him sometimes. The thirteen year old boy didn't know how to phrase anything and when he tried, he often came out of the conversation feeling worse than when he went in.

Throwing caution to the wind, he blurted, "What'll you do with me when you're gone?"

/So that's what's been bothering him!/ Qui-Gon thought triumphantly.

Aloud he said, "My absence will allow you to visit with your own family, should you choose it. That's what," he paused briefly, closing his eyes to block out the pain. "That's what Xanatos always did when I went home."

"Oh, okay." Obi-Wan sounded slightly disappointed, Qui-Gon noticed.

"I would have thought you'd be happy to have a chance to visit your family," Qui-Gon stated.

"Oh, I'd like to see them and all, but…" He broke off. Qui-Gon nodded for him to continue.

Obi-Wan took another deep breath. "I wanted them to meet you."

For once, the Jedi Master was caught off guard. His Padawan stood before him, eyes focused firmly on his boots, blushing furiously. Qui-Gon was touched. This was something Xanatos would never even have suggested. True, Qui-Gon had met Crion when Xanatos was just a baby - in fact, it had been Qui-Gon who brought the child to the Jedi Temple for training. But, the Master reflected, even if he had not met Crion, the only reason Xanatos would have suggested a meeting was to show off his heritage. Obi-Wan did not want Qui-Gon to meet his parents - he wanted his parents to meet Qui-Gon.

"I would enjoy meeting your family, Obi-Wan." He paused, considering something. "I hope you would do me the similar honor of meeting mine."

He watched with amusement as Obi-Wan's eyes got very wide. "You mean it? Really?"

Qui-Gon grinned. "Yes, really. Next time I meet with Master Yoda, I'll be sure to put in a request for some Home Leave - for both of us."

Chapter Two

Qui-Gon sighed. Being a Jedi meant he'd given up the chance to have a family of his own. He was free to leave at any time, all Jedi were, but he knew he would not. He would continue to risk his life for strangers, bringing peace to worlds that were in turmoil. It was a hard life, but not without its pleasures. He had wondered during a mission to Gala about his legacy. Queen Veda of Gala had told him that his legacy was the peace he left behind. It didn't matter if in ten years the people of Gala remembered that a Jedi and his Padawan had come to the planet. They would remember the peace and that was enough.

Although he had neither wife nor children, Qui-Gon did have an extended family. His mother was still living and his brother and sister each had families of their own. Every year when Qui-Gon visited for Alban Arthan, the mid-winter festival, he seemed to have a new niece or nephew. His oldest niece had just married the year before and was expecting her first child soon.

Qui-Gon's Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, had brought up the question of some Home Leave the week before. The young Apprentice had asked Qui-Gon to come home with him to meet his family. Qui-Gon had been so touched by his offer that he invited Obi-Wan to accompany him on his annual mid-winter visit. Now he was trying to think of a way to tell his family that not only would he be bringing Obi-Wan along, he'd only be staying for half the normal duration in order to spend some time with Obi-Wan's family. He sighed again, running his fingers through his hair. He sat in front of the communications terminal, staring at the words he'd already typed.

"Dear Mother,

This year when I visit for Alban Arthan, I'll be bringing my new Padawan, Obi-Wan. He is thirteen, so he'll have plenty of company with all my nieces and nephews.

I'm also going to spend some time with Obi-Wan's family, so we will be about five days late."

Qui-Gon groaned. For all his Jedi training, he couldn't master the eloquence necessary to write his mother a letter - especially a letter that held the bad news that he would be several days later than usual, and bringing another guest along to boot. He rubbed at his temples briefly before closing the file he was typing. He'd work on it later. Obi-Wan was due back from his astro-navigational simulation any minute now.

*_*_*

Obi-Wan sat in his quarters with a data pad in his hand. He was trying to figure out a way to break the news gently to his parents that he'd invited his Master home with him. He wasn't sure what their reactions would be.

"Dear Mum, Dad, and Owen,

I get to come home for a visit! Isn't that the greatest? Oh, and guess what! You get to meet my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. He said we can get some time off this year and we can visit you. I'm really excited. I hope you like him.

Your son,
Obi-Wan"

Obi-Wan debated adding the line "I hope your not upset that I invited him" - but he thought better of it. It was best that he not mention his insecurities in a letter.

_*_*_ Several Weeks Later

"Padawan, are you sure you've packed everything?" Qui-Gon asked sarcastically. Obi-Wan blushed. He _had_ packed a lot, he considered. But he had gifts for his family in the bag - gifts he'd collected on the various worlds they'd visited over the past 7 or 8 months.

"Yes, Master. I believe I have everything."

/everything but the kitchen sink/ Qui-Gon thought to himself with a faint smile.

Qui-Gon shouldered his own pack, which was similarly bulging with trinkets for his family. "Alright, then, let's be off. We don't want to miss the transport."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied, shouldering his bag with some effort. He had to jog to keep up with Qui-Gon's longer legs. He couldn't wait till he grew some more, but it seemed terribly far in the future.

Once they settled into their cabins on the transport ship, the two Jedi met in the ship's lounge to eat and talk. Obi-Wan was elated. Not only was this his first chance to see his family in several years, but he had been told that the holiday extended to his academic lessons as well. No studying for 14 whole days! The physical drills and meditations would continue, but the trials of taking upper division astro-nav classes were suspended. It was only the presence of his Master that kept him from leaping with joy.

"So, Padawan," Qui-Gon began, taking a sip from some blue juice, "tell me about your family."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Um, okay, well, I have a Mum and a Dad."

"Yes, Padawan, that much I'm aware of. What are their names?"

"My mother's name is Yana and my father's name is Rallen. I have a little brother named Owen. He's nine."

"What do your parents do for a living?"

"My Dad works in an office, I'm not sure what he does. My Mum works at a clinic - at the front desk. They live in a big yellow house with four bedrooms. My grandmother used to live in one of the bedrooms, but she died a long time ago. Just after I came to the Temple, I think." Obi-Wan broke off. "What more do you want to know, Master?"

"How long has it been since your last visit?"

Obi-Wan considered this. He ticked off years on his fingers before looking up. "Four years, I think."

Qui-Gon's eyes widened slightly. Four years? That was a long time, especially with Obi-Wan's recent rapid growth. He wondered vaguely if Obi-Wan had sent his parents holos of himself so that they would recognize him.

_*_*_

Obi-Wan's parents did indeed recognize him, although whether this was due to some inherent parental sense or not Qui-Gon didn't know.

Rallen was a man of considerable strength, Qui-Gon noted with pleasure. He had high hopes for Obi-Wan's future development and a healthy genetic background was a bonus. Yana, Obi-Wan's mother, was a tall, willowy woman with red-gold hair and a brilliant smile. There were tears in her eyes as she held her oldest son close to her chest.

Obi-Wan was slightly embarrassed by the affection lavished upon him. As soon as he stepped off the transport he was enveloped in a swarm of hugs and kisses. He wondered if his mother would ever let go of him.

Qui-Gon stood back momentarily, letting Obi-Wan be the focus of his family's attention. It was Rallen who first noticed the Jedi Master. He approached him rather tentatively.

"Greetings, revered Jedi, and welcome to our home."

Qui-Gon bowed. "My thanks. Please, this is not to be a formal visit. Call me Qui-Gon."

Rallen grinned and Qui-Gon saw with a sudden flash of insight where Obi-Wan's mischievous smile came from. He had a feeling he would like Rallen.

_*_*_

That evening at supper, Obi-Wan saw a side of his Master he'd not seen before. Qui-Gon had a wealth of amusing stories, and he kept Obi-Wan's family laughing throughout the meal. It was with some regret that Obi-Wan made his way to his bedroom at the end of the meal. He wanted to stay and listen some more, but his mother scooted him and his younger brother Owen off to bed as soon as the washing up was completed. Obi-Wan decided his parents wanted to talk privately with Qui-Gon. He debated the merits of eavesdropping on their conversation, but decided that his Master would know if he did.

Obi-Wan yawned. It had been a long day. It was hard to believe that earlier that morning he'd been on Coruscant. He wondered vaguely what they would do during their holiday. He yawned again. Maybe he really was tired, despite his protestations earlier.

_*_*_

The days at Obi-Wan's home passed quickly and without much incident. Obi-Wan showed his Master the sights and Qui-Gon was introduced to many of his Padawan's extended family members. However, most of the time was spent relaxing. Obi-Wan caught up on his sleep, burrowed under his covers like a small rodent.

It was on the afternoon of the third day that the tranquility of the visit was shattered.

"It's *mine*!"

"Is not. It's mine!"

Qui-Gon was startled out of the half-doze he'd fallen into. He blinked, looking around him. The room was empty. The childish shrieks were coming from the next room. He rose and hurried across the hall.

"It is too mine! It was in my room. You just took it 'cause I don't live here anymore." Obi-Wan nearly shouted with frustration.

"Is not! It's mine. I've had it for a couple years now," Owen countered.

"It was mine first," Obi-Wan snarled.

Qui-Gon coughed, getting their attention almost immediately. Obi-Wan reddened considerably. He stared at his feet.

"Uh, hi, Master. Did we disturb you?"

"You did, Padawan. I find this entire display quite disturbing. What is it that can be of such value that you must fight with your own brother?"

"It's nothing," he said. "Just some stuff that I had when I was a baby."

"Yeah," put in Owen. "But since he doesn't need it anymore…"

"It's still mine."

"Enough!" Qui-Gon said, a little more sharply than he'd meant too. Obi-Wan blushed an even deeper shade, while Owen's lower lip trembled.

"Boys, sit down," he began. The Jedi Master seated himself cross-legged on the floor, motioning the two boys to join him. He turned first to his Apprentice. "Obi-Wan, the Jedi have no need for material possessions."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan hung his head. He was dreadfully embarrassed.

"However," Qui-Gon continued, looking at Owen. "Stealing is wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Did you take the things from Obi-Wan without his permission?"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir." Owen bit his lip. The Jedi was a very large man and this frightened Owen something fierce.

"Padawan, do you want to take these items back to the Temple when we go?"

The thought of his friends seeing his baby-things made Obi-Wan's eyes widen. "No, Master."

"Very well," said Qui-Gon. "In that case, Obi-Wan, I suggest you arrive at a decision regarding what shall be done with these items."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan thought for a long moment before speaking. "Owen can have them. I don't have any use for them."

Qui-Gon nodded, pleased with the decision.

_*_*_

The next day passed in relative peacefulness, the boys' squabble from the day before already forgotten. One the morning of the fifth day, the day the Jedi were to depart, Obi-Wan stood in his old room, looking about somewhat sadly. It had been a long time since he'd seen his family the last time and would undoubtedly be a long time before he saw them again. He swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that had formed in his throat. He wished he could talk about his feelings with Qui-Gon, but his Master always seemed so stern. He felt a sudden pang of longing for his best friend Bant. The Temple was his home too, the only real home he'd ever had. Obi-Wan felt as he was leading a split existence. He didn't know what to call 'home' anymore.




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