Authors Note: My grateful thanks to: Jedi Ani Unduli, Xan Fan Jaina Liu, Annabel Willow, TamsynDell, geri k and RankinP for their kind feedback.
My deepest appreciation to all those who have taken the time to read this story. This is the epilogue chapter. -JJ

Yoda arrived carrying a very special premium for Xanatos.

At the entrance of the diminutive master, the noble sported a wicked twinkle in his eye and a mischievous expression that lit up the entire room from tickled pink anticipation.

"Sad to be losing this rare memento, I am. Lifted my spirits countless times in the past, it has," the sage little gnome noted, "But, as per our agreement, earned it diligently, you have. So, gladly present it to you, I do."

After accepting with a respectful bow, the former Jedi carefully removed the coveted article from its packaging and held it to his chest a beat before taking his first actual glimpse.

His initial reaction was to snort out loud in hearty side-splitting laughter. Sneaking a second peek, he howled in derisive delight. Looked at it again, then gleefully chortled some more.

Weak from hilarity, he passed the holopic to Obi-Wan, who took one look and immediately began snickering. Hopelessly, failing miserably at trying to hold back his mirth at his former master's expense, he boisterously burst into a harmony of radiant gaffaws alongside his Telosian friend.

The chorus of merriment continued when Mace took a gander and recollected with a rascally grin, "I remember exactly when that incident occurred."

"When what occurred?" a perturbed Qui-Gon asked.

"Remember as apprentices, when we got caught for upper level skyracing with those twin luxury speeders we were supposed to be vigilantly guarding, but temporarily misappropriated from that haughty overbearing Velabri ambassador."

The peeved Jinn squeezed the bridge of his nose, "Who can forget when we served three tens of Jedi KP for the juvenile infraction."

"If I recall correctly, we had a ridiculous fight...," the councilmember's grin widened in retrospection.

"Misadventures of a rambunctious youth..." Apparently, nostalgia wasn't as amusing to Qui-Gon. "It was more of a messy brawl than an fight," he cited on flashback. "You hit me right smack in the face..."

"...With a juju berry cream pie," Windu regaled at his past prankish feat, as he turned the three dimensional image around, displaying it for all to see." Addressing the sentient little Jedi mystic, "I always knew you had eyes in the back of your head."

"Never underestimate the observational skills of adept alert masters. Like attentive mothers see all, we do."

Handing the prized object back to Xanatos, the Koran master playfully flipped an auxiliary tab that made the high resolution pic play a continuous loop of a young Qui-Gon Jinn getting smashed over and over right in the kisser with a whipped cream pastry confection.

Nearly rolling on the floor, the noble was convulsively doubled over in a laughing fit.

Obligingly, Obi-Wan slapped his friend on the back, as Xan breathlessly admitted, "It was all worth it...Getting repeatedly assaulted by vicious thugs, crossing saber blades with a Sith Lord, nearly being mind-wiped...," he happily exclaimed, "I'd willingly do it all over again. I haven't enjoyed myself so much in eons."

A Jedi page delivered an elegantly wrapped package which Obi-Wan accepted after being reassured that it had been already scanned by security.

"Another select parcel for you, Xan."

The noble wiped the remnants of happy tears from his eyes, "All of a sudden, it feels like I should be blowing out my naming day candles."

Nestled inside the box was an exquisite rare blue black orchid lily with a hand written note.

After perusing its unsigned contents, the exuberant smile slowly receded from his previously cheery face and his demeanor drew soberly serious.

Straightening his posture, he turned to those assembled. "Please excuse me," the noble pardoned. "After all this frivolity, I think I need a breath of fresh air."

A hush fell over the entire room as the mood shifted a hundred and eighty degrees. Obi-Wan picked up and examined the discarded card as the concerned others peered on.

Short and concise, it read:

'Round one to Knight Kenobi and the Jedi.
Nonetheless, you were correct my wayward Prince...
...We've only just begun.'

The Coruscant night atmosphere was brisk and the evening sky glittered with glimmering particles of light as Obi-Wan joined his stargazing companion leaning forward on the balcony balustrade on the outside terrace.

"Masters Yoda and Windu are dead set on conferring an honorary knighthood upon you."

"That's the last thing I would ever expect from the upstanding heads of Jedi Council." Bemused and chuffed, the noble shook his head. "Imagine me, a Jedi knight."

"Why so inconceivable?"

"In my youth, it was my only life's ambition." Sighing, the reclusive man conceded, "Alas, now, I love my freedom far too much to tie myself down. Besides, to be blunt, when it comes to taking orders from a stuffed shirt authoritative council and living the ascetic lifestyle, I'll courteously say 'no thank you.'"

"You could help alot of people," Obi-Wan appealed, "the masters are acutely cognizant you possess an exceedingly talented knack for obtaining pertinent classified data with your legion of diverse affliations and connections."

"Dealings with underworld sources, subversive contacts and shady informants...amongst other interesting types, you mean."

"That also includes casually mingling within the circle of royal aristocracy, upper crust society and the nouveau elite set."

A nonchalant shrug. "As an effective key executive captain of industry, it's in my best interest to know exactly everything I can learn about anyone and everyone I happen to be transacting business with."

"Which is why Council keenly considers you as a great asset. Even if solely on a limited covert basis." As an enticement, the young man added, "We could work together as a team on certain missions when I'm not busy with my diplomatic assignments."

"Actually, that proposition does intrique me," he mulled. "After all, it might be a stimulating break from my mundane busy daily grind." Arching an eyebrow, "trying to broker a slick arrangement are you, Master Negotiator?"

"No pressure, Xan," the knight assuaged, "All I ask is that you keep an open mind to the idea."

"How do you feel knowing Palpatine's still at large?"

"By trade, I'm a successful owner and operating CEO. Hence, there are always at least a dozen ruthless cutthroat competitors in the field wishing to take me down at one time or another. Consequently, consider it business as usual."

"A threatening Sith Lord is a far cry from a challenging corporate rival."

"What can I say, other than Palpatine's dangerous, formidable and at the moment probably not too wildly crazy about either one of us."

"I'm quite aware you're highly capable of watching your own back, Xan. I just want you to know that were you ever to need help for anything. I'll be there for you."

Touched by the heartfelt pledge, the Telosian warmly smiled, imparting, "the feeling's mutual, my friend."

"I can't mention it enough." Though his potent emotions were banked, a demure Obi-Wan's gratitude shined through. "Whether it was by the Force, fortune or chance, fundamentally, you, of all people, Xan, saved my life and I'll be forever thankful."

Deeply moved and straightforward, the noble pointed out, "Don't forget how you came through for me in the end, too. In fact, you helped save me in more ways than one. I know you spoke to our old master on my behalf."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Qui-Gon Jinn, as renown as he is, and rightfully so, as a gifted arbitor and rescuer of lost pathetic creatures, is very hard-headed, short-sighted and flat out oblivious when it comes to certain matters. I'd lay odds you probably gave him a sharp swift kick upside his Jedi code book to clue him in."

"Perhaps I provided a slight nudge in your direction," the young man came clean. "Speaking of our master, Qui-Gon introduced me to someone who owns a diner," he pitched, "How do you feel about an old fashioned piece of pie right about now."

"If only to partake and not to wear," Xanatos joshed. "Lead on, Obi-Wan."