thefinaljedi | 18th Transmission: May the Force Be With You, Always. [Action/Video]

[Luke knew immediately what had happened, the moment the Force Bond between he and his old friend was severed. Not dulled, but just cut completely, as it had when someone died. Despite that, he hurried home and called out to the man. No answer came save Artoo's concerned whistle, and the Jedi sighed heavily, though he wasn't sure if it was in relief that Obi-Wan Kenobi was gone, or sadness that he was now alone. Obi-Wan, Mordin, Shepard, and Lupin all gone now. He was once again the last Jedi.

Entering the man's bedroom he shook his head at the neat pile of letters and...a doorknob resting on the bed. His old mentor had such a strange sense of humor, enough to at least bring a weak smile to his face. Luke picked up the letter addressed to him and read, his real hand remaining unsteady, the implant the only part of him completely steady. It echoed so much of what he'd heard from Ben the last time they'd parted. You are among the the finest Jedi I've ever met, the last of the old order, and the first of the new. The hope for the future and a reminder of the past. You were my finest pupil, and I wish I could have had the chance to stand with you now. May the Force be with you, my friend. The memory, five years past now, leaped to the forefront of his mind. Only this time there was no Threepio to spoil the moment, only Artoo sitting stoically and waiting, a sad little chirp the only sound.]

That's right Artoo, Obi-Wan's gone home. Back to Tatooine. [Though, Luke's voice is hollow. He knows what's waiting, and what Ben's leaving behind. The Dark Times, when his father, Obi-Wan's apprentice, Darth Vader had methodically hunted down and killed all but four or five Jedi. Isolation and guilt, followed by a chance encounter with two droids and a young farmboy. Nothing he'd wish on anyone, least of all his truest friend.]

I guess we should deliver the messages, right Artoo?

[Bweep doot deet doot. The droid seemed pretty agreeable, even rolling over to Luke and extending his little claw comfortingly.]

I'm alright, yea. Let's...get this over with.

Video

[After he collects his emotions, a very quiet, stoic Luke Skywalker appears on the journals with Artoo beside him for support. In his hand he has a small leaflet of papers, and his other hand rests on the droid's dome. When he speaks, his voice is firm, but there's a quavering feeling to his words. He's obviously forcing himself to do this.]

Luceti, I regret to inform you that Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has returned to his home on Tatooine. He left behind a few letters, to Adele Leblanc, Ami Mizuno, Loki Laufeyson, Saori, Beast, Steve Rogers, and Spock. Also, he left a gift for Clint Barton. I will keep them here at House 46 until you are able to pick them up.

And I'm sorry, but I won't be able to cover my shifts at the clinic for a day or two. Please forgive me.

And May the Force be with you, all of you, always.

[Luke shuts down the feed with that. If anyone needs to find him he'll be at home for the next few days, or at Good Spirits having a drink, likely hot chocolate.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

They probably felt it would be easier that way. If you didn't feel for them, if you weren't attached to your friends, it wouldn't hurt to be separated.

But I can't think that way, either.

It's different, for Jedi. We aren't supposed to form bonds or know love. The old order believed more that this life is...transient.

I can't accept that either.

It's because life is transient that we should experience it while we can. [As if she's gone a bit too far in saying so, she adds:] That's what I think.

That's how I feel too. Some of the Jedi agree with me. I know Master Sunrider did. But, Obi-Wan was not one.

It sounds as though we, you and I, both think the same about this. [She's glad for that, really. Another obstacle between them, or guilt in Luke if he felt this was against his Jedi philosophy, would be difficult.]

We do. When I refounded the order, I did away with that part of the code. It's impractical and the Jedi setting themselves apart from the rest of the Galaxy is foolish. That's how Palpatine was able to gain control in the first place.

[No guilt, no worries. And certainly no regrets about her]

[The words strike a chord. Distance creates mystery, which creates suspicion, which creates- all manner of trouble.]

I think your decision was the right one, about that.

I do too. And Obi-Wan...he was starting to agree. And then...

[He sighs]

Luke, would you like to do something to remember Obi-Wan here? [It's a double edged thought, but she enjoys the memory gardens and shrine, and other projects to honor people who've left Luceti.]

I would. But I...am a bit of at a loss for what to do. I've never really done things to remember people here.

It should be something that would be meaningful to him. What would he like?

[For all the talk about detachment, surely anyone would be touched to know they were remembered.]

Honestly, he never was much of one for flowers or prayers and the like. But perhaps he'd appreciate us watching those films again with some friends, to commemorate him. A party, and then we move on.

[He shrugs, not really sure.]

I think it's a good idea. It will be like seeing him again, just for a little while.

Right. Maybe in a few weeks, then.

I'll look forward to it. Maybe some of your friends can join us, too.

I hope so.

[He sits up and embraces her again]

Thank you. For coming. It means...a lot, having you here.

Of course I came, Luke. I wasn't sure if you'd want someone to come or want to be alone for a little while, but... [Well, she did what she'd want someone to do for her. She'd never want to be alone, herself.]

I...honestly don't want to be alone.

[And it's an effort to say that. He knows he's being a burden.]

[She doesn't see it that way at all. She's more than happy to stay with him - that's why she came in the first place. Of course it isn't a burden, not in the least.]

Then I'll stay for as long as you like. [And she means that, too.]

I know. And I can't thank you enough. I can't promise to be great company though.

It's alright; I already understand. [Guess who's totally willing to just make tea and sit there quietly?]

18th Transmission: May the Force Be With You, Always. [Action/Video]

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