Title: It Takes a Village

Author: Siri_Kenobi12

Description: The events, consequences and aftermath of the Phantom Menace as seen through the eyes of Obi-Wan's closest friends. And when they see their friend grieving the loss of his Master, dealing with the fame associated with killing a Sith while also taking on a Padawan (the Chosen One no less) they step in to help because they realize he is in WAY over his head.

Author's Note: I got this idea while thinking about the times I have been an outsider or a source of advice for friends when they go through major life changing events. TPM was a complete upheaval of Obi-Wan's life, this is what I'd imagine his friends would do in response to that upheaval.

This is mostly a good old fluff piece, though I can't help letting a little angst sneak in there.

Enjoy!
~~~~~~

"You're sure he's home?" Bant asked, excitedly.

"Yeah, I just saw him and Master Qui-Gon walking the halls with some blonde kid." Garen Muln stated as the two Padawans walked into the archives. "That'll give us five for tonight's game!"

"If we're even still playing." Bant motioned towards another Padawan who seemed engrossed in her datapad with several others scattered on the desk in front of her.

Garen huffed. "Kriffing over-achievers"

Siri Tachi was lost in study, her long blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun on top of her head and it had three different pencils stuck in it. Her friends giggled to themselves because they knew she always forgot she left the writing instruments in her bun, the more pencils that ended up in her hair the busier she usually was. Garen poked her in the shoulder as they approached.

"Hey Tachi, you wanna stop messing with the grading curve for the rest of us?" He asked, sarcastically.

"Well, some of us have to pick up the slack left over from OTHER Padawans Garen." Siri stated without looking up from her datapad.

Bant shook her head at the exchange and started looking at the datapads on the desk. She knew a lot of pressure to outperform was on Siri, she was chosen as a Padawan at an earlier age than most and by a High Council Member. Expectations were unreasonably high for her and any other apprentice would've probably crumbled under the pressure, but Siri's competitive nature caused her to not only meet expectations but soar above them. It was something that Bant respected and feared about her friend.

Bant picked up one of the datapads. "You're researching slavers?"

"Yeah, my Master needs a detailed report on the various slave trade organizations to present to the Council." Siri finally looked up at her friends. "I don't know why it's urgent, but apparently the Council needs this ASAP."

"Does that mean Sabbac is off?" Bant asked and Garen whined.

Siri sighed. "Do we even have enough for a full game?"

"Yeah, Reeft and Obi-Wan just got back!" Garen excitedly exclaimed. "Come on Tachi, you got to give me a chance to win my money back."

"Okay, okay fine." She smirked at Garen. "I'm always down to take more of your credits Gar."

"We'll go tell Reeft and Obi to meet at your place?" Bant asked.

"Yeah, Master Gallia said she'll be in Council meetings till late tonight. Apparently their scheduled ones got pushed back due to an emergency." Siri looked around to make sure no one was listening and then lowered her voice. "I heard her talking to Master Plo, something about a Sith Lord."

Bant's eyes went wide and Garen's mouth dropped in response.

"No way, you're so full of Bantha crap." Garen tried to hide his shock with snark.

Siri shrugged and took a sip from her now cold cup of Caff. "Hey, she said it, not me."

"I don't think we should be talking about this." Bant's eyes nervously looked around the room.

"Lighten up Bant, it's not like it's forbidden to talk about the Sith." Garen clapped the Mon Calamari on the back.

"No, she's right. I shouldn't be talking to you guys about Council business." Siri sighed and began gathering her datapads. "It's reckless."

Garen sighed. "The one time you actually have something interesting to say and of course you think it's 'reckless'. Remind me again why we keep you around Tachi?"

Siri looked down at the table in front of her, trying to hide her emotions. She knew why they kept her around, why she was friends with them in the first place. If it hadn't been for Obi-Wan's insistence and his uncanny ability to somehow get his way Siri wouldn't have become a member of their tight knit group. It had been a rocky first few years finding her place as one of them, luckily when her relationship with Kenobi became strained after the Fry mission she didn't lose her other friends in the process. She thanked Bant for that, in fact the kind hearted Mon Calamari was the main reason she and Obi-Wan could even stand to be in the same room together.

Siri decided to ignore Garen's comment. "So, my place at say 19:00, and you'll bring the drinks?"

Garen and Bant nodded excitedly and then left to go tell Reeft and Obi-Wan about their plans. It didn't take long for them to locate Obi-Wan Kenobi, they spotted him following his Master onto one of the balconies just outside the Council chambers. Garen pointed them out to Bant and they headed towards the balcony, but stopped short when they overheard the conversation.

"Do not defy the Council Master, not again." Obi-Wan exclaimed, the weariness in his voice was evident.

"I shall do what I must Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon stated calmly.

Bant and Garen exchanged glances. "Not this again." Garen huffed beneath his breath.

"Hopefully Obi will just let it go." Bant whispered and as if right on que she heard her friend's voice.

"If you'd just follow the code you'd be on the Council, they will not go along with you this time." Obi-Wan tried to keep his voice calm, he was tired of having this argument with his mentor.

Garen and Bant simultaneously did a face-palm in response. They knew the inevitable answer from Qui-Gon was coming, one that irritated Obi-Wan to his core because there was no argument against it without sounding arrogant and that was just not something Kenobi would do.

"You still have much to learn, my young apprentice." Qui-Gon clapped his Padawan on the shoulder, shutting down the topic. After a beat Qui-Gon continued. "We can discuss this later, I do believe Padawan Eerin and Muln are eager to see you."

Bant and Garen nervously walked onto the balcony, Qui-Gon offered them a smile, Obi-Wan continued to look out towards the traffic of Coruscant, his back to all three of them.

Bant bowed, followed quickly by Garen. "Hi Master Jinn, it's good to see you. I hope your last mission was productive."

Qui-Gon glanced over his shoulder at his sulking Padawan. "It was Bant, thank you."

The Jedi Master smiled at the three friends, he knew Obi-Wan would feel better after spending time with them, as they all grew older opportunities to see his childhood friends became much more infrequent and therefore more precious.

"I'll leave the three of you to catch up," he turned his attention to Obi-Wan, forcing the younger man to look at him. "Keep you com handy, the Council will want to see us after Anakin's tests."

Obi-Wan, always the dutiful Apprentice nodded. "Yes Master."

Before leaving Qui-Gon placed his hand once again on Obi-Wan's shoulder, this time gently squeezing it. As soon as his Master was out of sight Obi-Wan turned to his friends and offered an exhausted smile. Bant ran up and hugged him, she was one of the few who was allowed to show affection to him in public and she took advantage of that every chance she got.

"Welcome home Obi," she exclaimed as she released him from their hug.

"Thanks Bant,"

Garen and Obi-Wan exchanged a clearly choreographed special handshake. "Hey man, good to see you." Garen stated as they finished the complicated greeting.

"Likewise,"

"So, Sabacc tonight?" Garen asked, getting right to the point.

Obi-Wan was about to protest, all he wanted at the moment was a hot meal, a hot shower and his bed. But, then he realized after almost a week of being stranded in the desert confined to a broken starship with a gaggle of teenage girls and a nervous security team, not to mention the frustration of his Master insisting the mission turned up not only the return of the Sith, but the prophesied Chosen One, he really needed to blow off some steam.

"Sounds great, I honestly could really use a drink." Obi-Wan ran a hand through his spiky hair, he could feel sand clinging to his scalp, he could also feel the sand that had collected in his boots. "But first let me take a shower, I think I brought half of Tattooine back with me."

Bant tilted her head. "I thought you went to Naboo, why were you on Tatooine?"

"Long story," Obi-Wan sighed.

"Another of Qui-Gon's side quests?" Garen asked.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "You have no idea." He then offered another smile to his friends and headed back into the temple. "Where should I meet you later?"

"Tachi's apartment, 19:00." Garen answered.

Obi-Wan inwardly sighed, the last thing he wanted to do after his mission was to have to monitor his mental shields against Siri all evening long. But, he had already committed to going, so he told himself that he would be sure to only have one, maybe two drinks.

"Sounds great, see you then,"
~~~~~~

Siri took a sip of the Ebla beer that she had planned on nursing all night, she refused to drink too much if Obi-Wan was going to be around. She unfortunately had learned the hard way that she got a bit too flirtatious when she drank, so she figured it was better to not put that kind of pressure on hers and Obi-Wan's already complicated friendship. She looked up at the chrono on the wall and sighed.

"He's over an hour late, maybe we should start without him." She motioned to the cards laid out on the table.

"He said he'd be here," Bant exclaimed, disappointment clearly evident in her voice.

"He probably fell asleep again." Reeft looked up from his position on the couch, eating snacks from the bowl on his lap.

"Nah, knowing Master Qui-Gon he's probably still stuck in the Council meeting," Garen huffed and then looked at Siri. "Have you heard anything?"

Siri shook her head and Garen gave her a look of disbelief. "I haven't even seen my Master since this morning, how would I know anything?"

"You never listen in through the training bond?" Garen asked, taking a swig of his ale.

"No!" Siri became defensive. "And even if I were to try she blocks it during Council meetings."

"Oh-ho, so you've tried before." Garen teased.

Siri felt her cheeks grow hot. "I...I...no. Shut up Garen."

She was saved from having to explain herself more by the door chime, followed by Obi-Wan Kenobi uncharacteristically storming in without an invitation. He seemed to be muttering under his breath and began pacing the common room, Reeft had to lift his legs onto the couch to make way for Obi-Wan's path. Kenobi then walked into the kitchenette, grabbed a beer, opened it with the Force and proceeded to drink the entire bottle in one long drink.

His friends watched him and looked at one another in concern.

"So, I'm guessing the Council meeting went well." Garen attempted to break the tension.

Obi-Wan placed the empty bottle on the counter with a little more force than necessary. He then picked up another and again opened it with the Force. He looked at Garen and leaned against the counter.

"Oh it went spectacularly, Qui-Gon nominated me for the trials." He took an angry sip of his beer.

His friends collectively rose to their feet and seemed to ask the same question in unison. "Wait, what?"

"You had no idea he was going to nominate you?" Bant asked.

"Nope, in fact not even an hour before the meeting he told me that I still have much to learn...so, surprise was on me." Obi-Wan took another drink. "And you guys will never believe the glowing recommendation he gave me to the Council, I think his exact words were 'headstrong, much to learn about the Living Force but capable'...you hear that guys, my Master thinks my best quality is that I'm CAPABLE." He took another long drink.

"I'm guessing it did not go over well with the Council." Reeft said sadly.

"No my friend it did not, in fact I believe Master Yoda made it perfectly clear I am not ready for the trials in his eyes, calling me out in front of the entire Council...so, there's that." Obi-Wan placed the bottle on the counter and clapped his hands. "Now, I probably only have time for one round before I have to head back so who's dealing?"

"Obi-Wan..." Bant's voice was sympathetic.

Obi-Wan grabbed his drink and sat down at the table. "Bant, wipe that look off your face and let's play cards."

"Why would Qui-Gon nominate you out of the blue like that?" Garen asked, taking a seat across from Obi-Wan.

"Oh, he wants to train the Chosen One and I guess it slipped his mind that he already has a Padawan." Obi-Wan answered nonchalantly, shuffling the deck of Sabacc cards. "So, what's wild?"

His friends exchanged worried glances again.

"Did I miss something while I was on my mission?" Reeft asked, taking another bite of the salty snack.

"I think we all did," Garen shrugged.

Siri sat down on the chair next to Obi-Wan and reached out to hold his wrist, to stop him from shuffling the cards. "Obi-Wan,"

He sighed, refusing to meet her gaze. "Qui-Gon came across a boy on Tatooine, he is incredibly strong in the Force. He has the highest concentration of Midi-chlorians of any Jedi in history… my Master believes him to be the prophecy that will bring balance to the Force."

"Since when does Master Qui-Gon care about visions and prophecies?" Siri asked. "I thought he always focused on the Living Force?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "Master Dooku apparently was really dedicated to studying the various ancient texts and prophecies. He had Qui-Gon study them as well outside of his regular classwork." He chuckled to himself. "But, I thought it was something Qui-Gon hated, guess when you find a prophecy in the flesh it changes your perspective."

"And the Council is refusing to let the boy train to be a Jedi?" Bant deduced.

"He's nine years old with a very healthy attachment to his mother, has a dark past because he was raised as a slave, and if I may be so bold to say he has a bit of a temper." Obi-Wan explained.

"They think he's dangerous." Siri answered and Obi-Wan placed a finger on his nose indicating she had guessed correctly. "But, Qui-Gon can override the Council's decision by taking the boy on as his apprentice."

Bant looked shocked at Siri's conclusion. "But, what does that mean for you Obi-Wan, since the Council doesn't think you're ready for the trials?"

Obi-Wan took another long swig from his beer before answering her. "I suppose Qui-Gon will officially renounce me as his Padawan. After that all I can hope for is that someone else will take over my training, though given my age and the fact that my previous Master was a very unorthodox Jedi so there's a possibility I could struggle to adjust to a different training style, and then there's the whole Melia/Daan thing." He sighed. "I don't expect other Masters will be clamoring to take on that obligation."

Siri squeezed his wrist in support, he finally looked at her with a look in his eyes that made her desperately want to hold him. Bant suddenly came up from behind him and wrapped her arms around him, clearly she saw the same look in his eyes. Siri released his wrist and he reached up and held Bant's arms in affection.

"It's okay Bant, I just...I have to trust in the Force." Obi-Wan did his best to compose himself, unable to handle his friend's sympathetic eyes. "Maybe I just ended up taking the long way around to get to the Agri-Corps." He chuckled. "It's sort've funny when you think about it."

"Obi-Wan, don't say that." Bant argued.

He suddenly realized he probably shouldn't have consumed the beer so fast, he could feel his throat constricting, wanting to cry. He suddenly felt like he was twelve years old and watching his dreams of being a Jedi Knight slip from his grasp. Painful memories and feelings of self-doubt and rejection began to resurface to the front of his mind. He shook that feeling off, deciding that no matter what was happening, he would focus on the here and now (see Qui-Gon I do listen) and in this moment he was still a Senior Padawan, still a Jedi, and he would behave like one.

He freed himself from Bant and moved towards the door.

"Guys, seriously I'm fine." He smiled an unconvincing smile at them. "I'll talk to you when I get back from Naboo."

"Naboo, they're sending you back to Naboo?" Garen asked.

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yeah, the Queen is worried about her people, she decided to go back and stand up to the Trade Federation, it's honestly really brave of her, stupid, but brave." He sighed. "I swear, it feels like this kriffing mission just won't end."

As he turned to leave he heard Siri's voice call out to him. "Obi-Wan, may the Force be with you."

Just outside the door he closed his eyes tightly, willing himself not to cry. He had proved himself worthy of being a Padawan before, he could do it again. In his heart he knew that Qui-Gon loved him like a son, and that deep down he probably really did believe Obi-Wan was ready for the trials, but that still didn't stop old wounds from opening. Obi-Wan knew that the Maverick Jedi Master always did what the Force willed, sometimes so brashly that he didn't stop to consider all the consequences. In that moment Obi-Wan decided that was one lesson he could take away from all of this, from this moment forward he would try to be mindful of all consequences whenever possible.

He quickly lifted his head and headed for the Temple gate, knowing Qui-Gon was already waiting for him at the Senate landing pad.

~~~~~

Later that night Siri Tachi woke up with a start, she wasn't sure what was happening but the air around her felt sickeningly heavy and felt as if it was going to suffocate her. As she probed within the Force she felt as if there was a violent storm on the horizon, everything was dark and heavy. She felt her stomach churn, she quickly ran to the freshner to expel the contents of her last meal.

When she finally felt she was stable enough to release her clutches on the side of the toilet she stumbled into the common room, deciding that a soothing cup of tea would help calm her down. She noticed that the Force still seemed thick, but that it wasn't as angry as it had felt when she first woke up. As she reached the kitchen she noticed that the tea pot was already on the stove, she turned and looked at the table and saw Adi Gallia's silhouette sitting in the dark, sipping tea.

"Master, are you okay?" She asked, taking a step towards her mentor.

"Do you feel it, Siri?" Adi asked, her voice soft.

Siri sat in one of the chairs, wishing her eyes would adjust to the darkness so she could see her Master's face. "The disturbance in the Force? Yes, it's awful."

"Something has happened." She stated, her voice attempting to remain calm.

Siri felt herself swallow back her nerves. "Do you think it is because of the Sith?"

Despite the dark room Siri could feel her Master's eyes snap in her direction. "Who told you about the Sith?"

"Master, I heard you say something to Master Plo." Siri confessed. "Is it true, have the Sith returned?"

Adi reached out and took Siri's hand. "We don't know Padawan. A mysterious creature trained in the Jedi arts attacked Master Jinn on Tatooine." Siri could sense her Master take a deep breath to calm her nerves which did not help Siri feel any better. "It would stand to reason that this dark Force-user would follow the Queen back to Naboo. It is likely the cause of the disturbance."

Siri's heart lurched. 'Obi-Wan,'

As if able to read her Padawan's thoughts Adi squeezed her hand. "Be mindful of your feelings Siri, we do not yet know what has happened therefore worrying about hypotheticals do nothing but cloud our judgment."

"Yes Master."

A small red light began to flash from the comlink on the coffee table. Adi took one final sip of her tea and rose to her feet. "That will be a Council summons." She reached out and gently untangled the Padawan braid out of Siri's fingers (a nervous habit Siri had developed as a child was wrapping the pleated bit of hair between her fingers). "I want you to try and go back to sleep, young one. I promise I will contact you if I hear anything about him."

Siri was about to protest, but her concern for Obi-Wan in that moment outweighed her need to be viewed as the perfect Jedi. "Thank you Master."

She decided there was no use in worrying so she'd try to take her Master's advice, but Siri knew she wouldn't be able to sleep so she decided to try and meditate. As she headed into her room she wasn't surprised to see her com flashing. She picked it up to see a text from Bant.

/Are you awake?/

/Yes, I feel it too./ Siri replied.

/I'm worried about Obi-Wan./

/I know, me too.../ Siri then deleted that text and instead wrote. /The Council is meeting now, I'll let you know if I hear anything./

/Thanks Siri./

/No worries Bant. See you tomorrow./

Siri took the Lotus position and attempted to clear her mind and send her anxieties into the Force. The suffocating feeling within the Force seemed to have dissipated, however she could sense intense grief. It was so strong that she found herself struggling to breath, she quickly brought herself out of her meditation.

She stretched and looked at the chrono next to her bed, despite the disturbances she felt within the Force she had meditated for over an hour. The sun was just beginning to break over the horizon in the early morning sky. She suddenly heard a knock at her bedroom door, she rose to her feet to answer it and saw the exhausted and terribly sad face of her Master staring back.

Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. "Master, what is it?"

"The dark force-user was on Naboo, Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi engaged it in combat in order to save the Queen…" Adi began, and Siri could sense the sorrow through their bond. "The creature struck down Master Qui-Gon, he is now one with the Force."

Siri's eyes went wide, Qui-Gon Jinn was a renowned Jedi Master, an imposing figure who no one could imagine being bested in a lightsaber duel. Her thoughts immediately went to his apprentice, if the Master had been slain then there was little hope her friend made it out. She closed her eyes, preparing herself for the news.

"Padawan Kenobi was able to defeat the creature, he survived." Adi placed a finger beneath Siri's chin and caused her to look up. "He's okay Siri."

Without thinking the blonde Padawan threw her arms around her Master, relief flooding her heart. But, then she realized that there was still a loss of life, and more to the point someone who was very important to both her Master and to her friend Obi-Wan.

"Master, I'm so sorry...I know Master Qui-Gon was your friend." She hugged her master tighter.

Adi returned the hug, doing her best to release her grief into the Force. "Yes, he was Siri. I will mourn his loss, but will not miss him because he is in the loving embrace of the Force."

Siri bit her tongue, she didn't want to point out that her Master's tone didn't sound very convinced. She instead released Adi from her hug and nodded. "Of course Master."

Adi offered her apprentice a sad smile. "I must go with the Council to Naboo. Master Jinn's funeral will be held there, and the Council is also to investigate the dark-Force user." She felt a shudder run up her spine as she spoke of him. "I will be back in a few days."

"Master, could I come?" Siri blurted out without thinking. She quickly chastised herself.

"Siri, I'm not sure that would be appropriate, this is Council business." Adi explained.

"Of course, it's just...I'd like to be there for Obi-Wan, as his friend." Siri fidgeted with her sleep tunic.

Adi folded her arms across her chest. "As a friend?"

"Yes. As a friend." Siri punctuated, but felt her cheeks flush.

"I will permit it, but I need you to be mindful Siri, should you hear anything you disagree with please keep your objections to yourself until we have had a chance to discuss them." Adi stated in her most serious tone, clearly this was something Siri struggled with.

Siri did her best not to huff in response. "Yes Master."

The corners of Adi Gallia's lips curled in a slight smile. "Get changed then Padawan, we leave in one hour."

Siri nodded and then turned back into her room to grab a fresh tunic and robe. She quickly grabbed her com and sent Bant a text, knowing full well that the Mon Calamari was still awake.

/Obi-Wan is okay!/

/What happened?/

Siri hesitated. /Can't say much, but heading to Naboo with my Master and the Council./

/...Siri?/

/Master Jinn is one with the Force./

Bant's response came after a few minutes.

/Give him a hug for me?/

/I will./

~~~~~~~

TBC