revivalproject | A Jedi Homecoming

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A Jedi Homecoming | Closed

WHO: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Grogu
WHERE: The Jedi Temple on Coruscant
WHAT: Obi-Wan goes to talk to the High Council and takes Grogu with him.
WHEN: Beginning of the event.
WARNINGS: Likely PTSD regarding genocide.

He knew Coruscant like the back of his hand. Even so far in the past, some things were still the same. He had walked and flown across this planet many times. The towering skyscrapers that glittered in the sun, the many lanes of speeders streaking across the sky, flashing signs mostly in aurebesh. It was all very familiar. He felt at home here. Yet it was his true home that he needed to find

Having tucked Grogu under his cloak, the Jedi Master made his way through the crowds. Some casting him glances, and a few even moved aside for him. The robes clearly marked him as a Jedi and they all knew it. It was just as it had been before.

Flagging down a cab speeder, Obi-Wan climbed into it, handing the driver a few credits. ”To the Jedi Temple, please.”

The driver took his pay, and without a word, they lifted into the air. Melding into the traffic, the wind whipping at his hair and clothing. Before long, as they passed through many transparisteel towers, the temple came into sight. The ziggurat with its crown of five spires a very distinctive shape against the flatter cityscape around it.

”Look, little one,” Obi-Wan said softly to his young companion.

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Grogu was still nervous about returning to the Temple. Yes, he knew it was 900 years in the past, but the memories of what happened were still fresh in his mind. Coruscant had once been a wonderous place for him, full of promise and hope. Now it felt like a tomb. He could sense how Master Kenobi felt, he just wished he could feel the same. Hopefully this visit would change things.

He huddled in Master Kenobi's cloak, glad that the Jedi was keeping him hidden within its folds. It might not be strictly necessary, but it made him feel better. When Master Kenobi addressed him, he hesitantly moved the fabric aside so he could peek out. When his eyes fell upon the Temple, they widened. It looked just the same as he remembered, a beautiful building with spires reaching towards the clouds. He made a small noise, unable to tear his gaze away from it.

Grogu wasn’t as alone in his feelings as he thought. Despite his excitement to be back home, there was a dread in the back of his mind. For every good memory, there was a dark one. But he was doing his best to push that aside. For his sake, but mostly for Grogu’s.

So it was encouraging when the tiny child peeked out and looked at the temple with as much awe as he felt. Though there was a clear picture in his mind of the last time he saw it. Still smoldering from the fire that had broken out during the siege. Blaster marks streaking the outer walls. But none of that was there. It looked as pristine as it ever had.

The driver of the speeder brought them to the public landing pad beyond the main entrance. Another couple credits given him as a tip before Obi-Wan stepped out with the baby in tow. Their ride leaving in the next instant.

It was then as he walked across Processional Way that he felt his heart flutter nervously. The Jedi taking a breath as he inclined his gaze to look at the temple towering above them. The stairs rising before them with the statues of two sage masters and two warrior masters standing before the entry.

“I never thought I would be back here,” he admitted to Grogu as they began to ascend the steps.

Edited 2021-03-04 03:46 (UTC)

Grogu had been spared much of the sight of the Temple during the siege. He'd been kept out of sight and peeking would have betrayed him. But he remembered the inside well... the blaster marks on the walls. The lightsaber burns. The bodies. He didn't think he'd ever forget.

He ducked back out of sight as Master Kenobi dealt with the driver and exited the speeder. He was still nervous about being seen by others. But as he felt Master Kenobi moving closer to the entrance, he allowed himself a look out from the folds of his robe. He remembered the first time he saw the Temple. It had taken his breath away, then, and it still did. It was certainly an awe-inspiring building. He made a small noise in agreement. He didn't think he'd ever be back there, either.

That's not something you could forget.

"Stay close, little one," Obi-Wan murmured, covering Grogu with his cloak again and keeping his arm around him. Making sure he was concealed before they came in sight of the temple guards. They glanced at him as he approached the entrance, but seeing as he looked like one of them, he went unchallenged.

Obi-Wan stepped through the grand entrance and made his way into the public reception area. Stepping up to a desk, he was greeted by a young Jedi woman in simple robes. "Can I help you?" Her tone curious as a master wouldn't normally come in this way.

"I need to speak with the Jedi High Council," Obi-Wan told her, which earned a blink of surprise. "The Council? They're in session right now, but you need a summons to-" "I know, but it is a matter of some urgency."

Puzzled, she looked him over, unsure of what to do with him. "What is your name?" It is there that he paused. "Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," he said, which got a blank look from the woman. She naturally had never heard of him, and turned to look him up on their database. "You won't find me there," he admitted, and she looked even more confused.

"It is... complicated," he tells her. "But believe me, I have something that the masters will want to see." It was then that Obi-Wan would pull back his cloak just enough so that she could see Grogu. After all, Master Yoda wasn't the first of his kind to be a revered Jedi Master.

Edited 2021-03-04 20:52 (UTC)

He didn't need any encouragement to stay close. Grogu had no intention of coming out until he was sure he was surrounded by Jedi he could trust.

Yes, he'd been told they were in the past, but the trauma of his memories were hard to shake.

His ears lowered and he remained silent as he heard Obi-Wan walk up the familiar steps. The voice was unknown to him, but sounded pleasant enough. From this distance he could feel the Force and began to calm. They were in the Temple. The fear from his past collided with the peace he felt in the Temple. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the Force and the numerous Jedi he could feel. The fabric of Obi-Wan's cloak moved and he opened his eyes, blinking. Wait what? Why Obi-Wan? Why are you showing him off like that?

Trust me.

That’s the feeling that Obi-Wan projects when he feels Grogu’s anxiety and being revealed. It was all for a reason, and right now it was to get the attention of the council so they could meet with them. It seemed to work as the young woman’s eyes widened when she saw Grogu.

“A youngling?”

Normally that might not be cause to call the council, but in this case it might be different. The hesitating for a moment. “I can send a message,” she says. To which Obi-Wan smiles and bows. “That’s all I ask, thank you.”

He stills, calming himself. He does trust Master Kenobi, both to protect him and that he knows what he's doing.

Okay, Master Kenobi, we'll play it your way. He waves at the young woman, smiling at her. There's no need to be rude, after all.

Seeing the little one smile and wave, the woman can’t help but smile herself, charmed by the tiny green toddler.

“You will be contacted if the council wishes to see you. Can I have your comlink frequency?”

Oh.

“I seemed to have misplaced my comlink actually. Might I borrow one?” He knew they kept such things for visitors if needed, thus the woman nodded and handed him a standard issue comlink. Which... looked a bit different than he was used to but it looked simple enough to use.

“Thank you, I’ll wait inside.”

“Of course,” the woman said and nodded as Obi-Wan wrapped his cloak around Grogu again and walked inside.

It was a gift. Everyone seemed to either love him or want to kill him. He was glad this woman was part of the former category.

Grogu was relieved to be inside the Temple. It was still so strange to him to be back after what happened. But it still held the familiar sense of calm that it had before that terrible day.

As Obi-Wan strode into the entrance hall, holding the little green bundle that he hoped would give them a chance to see the council, the Jedi slowly came to a stop.

The familiar marble floors extended out before him and the pillars rising on either side. It looked exactly as he remembered. Though the last time he had been in this place a terrible sight had greeted him. Grogu would feel the man tremble slightly as he just stood there in a daze.

Even as a few Jedi calmly strolled past, all he saw were corpses. His mind flashing back to when he and Yoda had broken into the temple. The fallen bodies of Jedi still laying where they had been slain.

“Oh... oh no,” he murmured, a certain agony tinting his voice. His heart hammered in his chest and he suddenly felt weak. The Jedi sinking to his knees as he felt overwhelmed by emotion.

Grogu sensed the change immediately. Concern filled his eyes for Master Kenobi. He knew how difficult this was for him and could only imagine how difficult it must be for the Jedi Master.

Reaching up, he rested one small hand on Master Kenobi's chest. He closed his eyes and tried to ease some of Master Kenobi's panic. He could feel his own heart beginning to pound, but fought through it. Using all of his focus, he tried to exude a sense of calm and peace. He'd seen other Jedi do something similar before, but he'd never tried to do it, himself. He only hoped it would help.

“Not even the younglings survived,” he murmured in a broken voice. His mind reliving the whole event, though his feelings were spiraling out of control. The master having lost himself to the panic attack he was experiencing.

However, as Grogu placed his hand on his chest and focused that feeling of peace and calm, it seemed to work. Obi-Wan breathed in deeply as it penetrated his mind and snapped him out of it. His face was pale and a cold sweat had broken out, but he began to take slow, even breaths. Closing his eyes, he focused on that peace. Realizing what was happening and acknowledging his painful memories. As well as the grief and horror at everything he had seen.

After a few moments he came to terms and released those emotions into the Force. Freeing himself of the episode that had so suddenly taken hold. “Thank you, little one,” he said softly. Knowing full well it had been Grogu who had pulled him back.

Oh good, it worked. Grogu's hand slid down back to his side when he felt Master Kenobi's emotions calm. He yawned, blinking tiredly. Oof, that had taken a lot out of him. If they were left waiting for too much longer he might take a little nap. You're welcome Master Kenobi

With his heartbeat slowing and his breath evening out, Obi-Wan felt he had more control of himself. Though he was a little unsettled. He had never had a reaction quite like that before.

Feeling Grogu’s exhaustion though he cradled the baby in his arm, letting him rest. Stamina is something they would have to work on, obviously.

“Master, is everything all right?” A young purple Twi’lek Jedi walked up to him showing some concern. She had felt and seen his distress, and it was only natural to make sure.

“Yes... yes I’m fine,” Obi-Wan replied while pushing himself to his feet. The girl looked at him a bit uncertainty for a moment but just smiled and nodded before going on her way.

Letting out a breath, Obi-Wan leaned against a pillar as he waited. Encouraging Grogu to rest while he could. It would be about half an hour until the borrowed comlink finally beeped.

”Master... Kenobi? The council has agreed to see you. Please proceed to the council chamber.”

Taking the small device he responded. “Thank you, I will be there shortly.”

He wasted no time, and knew exactly where to go. Taking the lift that went up the high council tower and to the waiting room outside the chamber.

He was out of practice. Using the Force wasn't easy for someone so small... Especially when trying something new.

It didn't completely wipe him out, thankfully, so the half an hour was plenty of time for the youngling's batteries to recharge. He roused when he heard the comlink. It was finally time to see what Obi-Wan was going to tell the council... And what was in store for him.

It was time indeed, and Obi-Wan waited patiently outside of the council chambers until he was permitted in. The Jedi walking into the room with windows overlooking Galactic City. A dozen masters sitting around the circular room, all looking at him.

It was a surreal experience as he came to stand in the center. Each of them quietly judging him. He used to be in the position they are in. It had been a few years since he had been among the council in such a manner.

Carefully Obi-Wan bent down and placed Grogu on the floor. It was respectful for them both to stand before the masters and not hide. All of the Council members looking on in awe as they saw the youngling.

“Well, Master Kenobi, is it? Would you care to introduce us to this youngling you have brought before us?”

The one who spoke was an elderly Jenet woman. One that Obi-Wan recognized from old recordings. He bowed to her respectfully and then looked down at the little one who wasn’t even as tall as his boot yet.

“Yes, this is Grogu. He is... my Padawan Learner.”

Grogu had expected to be introduced to the Council, so he wasn't surprised when Master Kenobi set him on his feet. He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar faces staring at him. They may have been strangers, but he knew exactly who they were without being introduced. They were the Jedi Council and, as such, he took extra care to be respectful and try to be mindful of his feelings.

That was, until Master Kenobi introduced him as his Padawan. It was the first time he'd been referred to as such and he couldn't help the spike in pride at that. Before the collapse of the Temple, he'd been too young to be a Padawan. In truth, he was still too young, but they were doing things their own way.

He stood with his head held high, knowing he was exactly where he needed to be in that moment.

The masters have varying reactions to that. Some of them looking amused at the way Grogu seemed to stand just a little taller as he swelled with pride. Others looking on with contemplative yet curious looks. While others still were more concerned. The Jenet woman kept her own feelings carefully in check.

“So, a Master and his apprentice. Neither of which we have found any record of. As far as everything is concerned, you don’t exist.”

Obi-Wan kept standing still and quiet as they all watched them carefully. He could practically feel their gentle mental probing. Gauging both of their feelings as the proceedings went on. This was to be expected.

“And yet, you are both clearly Jedi.”

There was no way to fake being a Jedi. Not to any actual Jedi. They all knew this. They looked the part and checked out in the Force. They were both clearly strong in it. One of them disciplined and the other still learning. So far they sensed no lie, no deception.

“I’m assuming you have an explanation for this, Master Kenobi?”

He knew this question was coming, and Obi-Wan had been carefully considering what he would say since they arrived on the planet. Fortunately, he’d had a little help from Ezra. His mention of a world between worlds eventually stirring up a recollection of something he had read in his studies as a Padawan himself.

“Yes, Master Coven. You see, Grogu and I, we were abducted by a race called the Atroma. Brought to an unknown planet from different points in time, which is your very distant future. Using what I believe must be a vergence in the Force. Another race, the Agrii, then brought us here, to your current time, in what I think must be the same manner.”

Grogu could also feel the probing of the Council members. He tried to keep a level mind as they did so, focusing on keeping his memories of the last time he was in the Temple tucked far away out of their reach.

As Master Kenobi talked, Grogu looked up at him, his ears raising. He hadn't known what he was going to tell them. He was simply following Master Kenobi's lead as best as he could. It was an interesting tactic, though. Once his explanation was done, Grogu looked back at the Jenet woman, waiting for her response.

Grogu was doing very well, and Obi-Wan would be certain to praise him later. For now though, he was doing much the same. Keeping his own terrible memories locked behind mental shields. Which wouldn’t appear unusual to the council as they were allowed their privacy to a certain extent. There was no need to barge in on their private thoughts.

However, to say that the council was surprised at Obi-Wan’s claim was an understatement. Even Master Fae couldn’t entirely hold back her shock. There was some muttering between the members for a few moments until the Grand Master spoke again.

“You refer to the Chain Worlds Theorem,” she said with a measure of awe and uncertainty at the same time. “That has remained only a theory at best.” And it was more regarded as a myth. He knew that. Yet Obi-Wan had stumbled on it once in some ancient texts when Qui-Gon had tasked him with long hours of study for his own projects. Something that had irritated Obi-Wan when he was young, but continued to prove useful even now.

“I know, master,” Obi-Wan admits, knowing how strange it seemed. “Yet I have no other way to explain it. There are several of us here, actually. Not all Jedi, but many from different worlds that lie beyond the galaxy.”

Edited 2021-03-10 02:11 (UTC)

He might not be able to talk, but he understands things. And he definitely understands that this situation calls for him to be on his absolute best behavior. One does not mess with the Jedi Council... especially when one is still a youngling.

He listens, his ears raising curiously as they talk. He had never heard of this Chain Worlds Theorum but it sounded important. At Master Kenobi's comment about there being others, he nodded in agreement.

Again they sensed no deceit from the Jedi they had never met. For all intents and purposes he seemed to be telling the truth, or at least believed it. The confirmation from Grogu only added to it. For what purer mind was there than that of a child? And being as untrained as he was, surely he would have given his master away were he lying.

“That is quite the story, Master Kenobi,” Master Fae says as she continues to ponder all of this. “And for what purpose were you brought here?”

“To learn,” he answers back readily. “That is what the Agrii have tasked us with.” This got thoughtful hums from the council members as Obi-Wan went on. “It was my hope that you could help us in this matter. With all of the collective wisdom that the Order has, I can see no better way for us to complete our objective.”

He’s laying it on a little thick, but there is certainly no harm in that in this instance. Especially as they really could use the Jedi’s assistance in this matter. Being on the best of terms with the council as possible will only benefit them.

Yup. That's right. Believe the kidlet.

He smiles a little at Master Fae. See? He's only there to support Master Kenobi as he asks for help! Master Kenobi was right, though. Without the support of the Jedi it would be a little more difficult for everyone to do what they needed to do... especially everyone else from their galaxy.

Glances were exchanged with members of the council. All of them looking varying degrees of thoughtful. This was a strange matter that had been put before them and Obi-Wan knew they were not likely to make a decision right away.

Just as he suspected, Master Fae did indeed feel that way. “We will need time to deliberate on this. For now, we will arrange a room for you and your apprentice. You may also use the temple facilities during your stay.”

Letting out a breath, Obi-Wan nodded. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Master Fae gave him an amused smile. “Do not thank us quite yet, Master Kenobi. Besides, this is also your home is it not?”

She had a point. Master Fae seemed no less than what he had heard. He thinks he will like her and hopes to get to know her a bit.

“We will send for you in the morning. You both are dismissed.”

It’s with that, Obi-Wan bows deeply in the respectful manner of the Jedi. After which he stoops down to pick up Grogu. He then sees himself and his charge out of the chamber.

That seemed to go about as well as could be expected. At least they seemed to believe them, that was a good sign.

Grogu bows as well, though it's not nearly as deep a bow as Maser Kenobi's. He makes a small noise as he's picked up, again. Well, that's that. He resists the urge to wave as they leave. It doesn't seem appropriate to wave to the Jedi Council, somehow. Instead, he turns so he can watch where he and Master Kenobi are heading.

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