As strange as the idea seemed, the Jedi social gathering appeared to be going wonderfully. At least, that's what Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, thought. Well, Obi-Wan would have to admit that Anakin's opinion was just a guess--he'd lost track of him a few moments before. But that was okay, the dining hall was completely safe, filled with Jedi. Hopefully, the galaxy would be safe with the few Jedi on patrol now.

Speaking of patrol, Obi-Wan was glad to be back with the Jedi after his absence--time spent on the planet Mirnka, training Anakin. Anakin was doing well for the most part. But it was very different from Obi-Wan's training not too many years ago.

Growing tired of thinking instead of socializing, Obi-Wan looked around for some of his peers. The first person he noticed was ten meters away, engaged in what appeared to be muted conversation with Depa Billiba, a member of the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan didn't recognize the woman, but felt compelled to meet her. He tapped the closest person on the shoulder.

The person turned around with a confused, but friendly smile. "Hi," he greeted Obi-Wan warmly.

"Hello. Do you think you could help me a little?"

"Sure. What do you need?"

"Do you know who that woman is?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing.

"Yeah--that's Master Andriya Delvee."

"Master? Jedi Master?"

"Yep--she was just appointed to the Jedi Council."

"Thank you. By the way, I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi. What's your name?"

"I'm Myndex Delvee."

"Delvee? Any relation?"

Myndex nodded proudly. "She's my older sister."

"Really? Could you tell me more about her?"

Myndex hesitated slightly, recalling the recent attack on his sister's quarters. Even though he hadn't fully developed his skills in reading people with the Force, Myndex decided that the other Jedi in the hall must have. "Well, she's twenty-two and we were both born on Coruscant. She was just appointed to the Council a few days ago, to replace Ki-Adi-Mundi." Myndex lowered his voice. "We suspect he was killed by Sith."

Obi-Wan nodded grimly, recalling his encounter with Sith Lord several years ago.

"She's in charge of giving advice on security and tending the 'Jedi Nursery.'" Myndex abruptly changed the subject. "Are you hungry? I'm starved. Do you want anything to eat? I'm about to get some food."

"No, thank you. But thanks for the information."

"Any time." Myndex turned away and disappeared into the press. Obi-Wan looked around, but it seemed that Myndex's older sister had done the same.

The following day, Obi-Wan nervously paced the corridor outside the Jedi Council Chamber. After a few minutes, the doors opened and someone stepped out. To his disappointment and relief, it was not Master Andriya Delvee but Master Mace Windu.

"Yes?"

"I'd like to offer my assistance to the 'Jedi Nursery'," Obi-Wan said, still unsure as to what the nursery was. He'd never been in anything called a Nursery per se . . . that he could recall, at least.

"That would be excellent," Master Mace said evenly. "They're planning an excursion to Alderaan later tonight, and Master Andriya would appreciate help. I'll let her know. Obi-Wan Kenobi, isn't it?"

Obi-Wan nodded.

"Don't you have a Padawan?"

Obi-Wan nodded again.

"I suppose he could go with you. . . . Or he could train for a little while here. Master Yoda is about to start a new class, and the excursion will only last for five or six days."

"I think Anakin would benefit greatly from time spent with Master Yoda."

"Excellent." As Master Mace returned to the meeting room, Obi-Wan realized that he'd never once asked why Obi-Wan was suddenly interested in the 'Nursery.' It was a good thing, too, because Obi-Wan was pretty sure he wouldn't condone Obi-Wan's going if he knew Obi-Wan wanted to get to know Master Andriya better. It seemed a very un-Jedi thing to do. Then again, Master Mace was a Jedi . . . he--or even the whole Jedi Council--might already know.

"What?!" Anakin exclaimed, a hurt look in his eyes.

"It's only a few days."

"But we'll lose time!"

"Anakin, calm down. You won't lose any time--Master Yoda is an excellent teacher. And what about Amidala? If you have any free time, you can try to catch up with her." Obi-Wan reluctantly mentioned Anakin's sweetheart, desperately trying to appease his Padawan.

Anakin was not satisfied. "I still can't believe you're abandoning me for some girl."

"She's not--I'm not abandoning you."

"I knew it! Whoever she is, she's much too young for you."

"She is not and it's none of your business."

Anakin narrowed his eyes, glaring at him. Finally, he turned on his heel and marched out of Obi-Wan's room.

"What's gotten into him?" Obi-Wan asked himself, turning back to his packing.