Reviewing the Praxeum Shortlist

The common area at Brainy's lab in the living quarter's section, has a rather large table that has been repurposed from whatever it had been doing before. Across it is scattered several paper blueprints, maps, while several small holoprojectors are perched on those blueprints, offering 3D cross-sections of those various buildings, slowly spinning mid-air. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi paces around the table, pausing at each map and corresponding hologram, a rather thoughtful look on his face, as he considers each one. There are six choices present, just like it's some big pool table and he's deciding while hole to sink the 8-ball into.

A bit of a breeze from the force of his passage and one Brainiac 5 swoops in through the door. Always careful about people he none the less is drawn by the holograms and is soon hovering there. “What is all this?” He asks with a bright smile. Clasps his hands behind his back as he settles down to the floor. The little Coluan has something of a Gypsy scarf wrapped around his neck - of bright colors with baubles on it. No, it really doesn't match him at all and in fact he'd forgotten he had it on.

Padme makes her own arrival from the living quarters where she's been staying. She looks at the holoimages hovering there, and walks closer. “Planning an architectural study, Master Kenobi?” she asks, mirroring Brainy in some ways. She smiles to Brainiac, giving him a nod of welcome.

“The shortlist for locations,” Obi-Wan replies absently to Brainiac 5, looking up when Padme speaks… and then catching sight of that extremely odd scarf the Coluan is wearing. It throws him off for a moment, but then he shakes his head and gets back to the topic at hand. “These half-dozen buildings near the spaceport are vacant and each of them have various criteria that match what we need in a new facility,” he explains to them both. “There wasn't a suitably large space available for a completely-new venue, especially not one that could reasonably house a hangar large enough for the Millennium Falcon - who /named/ that ship, anyway? - much less any other vessels.” Pointing to each holo in turn, he adds, “There are pluses and minuses to each of these options, but choosing any one of them will cut down on construction costs considerably versus renovations to an existing structure. Also, it's more likely that we'd be in business, as it were, much more quickly.”

Ah! The short list. Now it's Brainy's turn to move around that table. With a pause to smile back at Padme anyway. “Greetings, lady.” Polite as always, but attention returns to images. “Actually..” He stops and looks at Kenobi through the colored mess between them. “I think the important question would be 'which one feels better?'” Smile widens if anything. Reaching out he touches one image with a finger, tilting it and modifying it with a thought. It segments and expands, becoming more than an empty area - becoming a more proper living place. “Locations can be modified. The money involved is of little concern, but Master Kenobi, where would you be comfortable?” Finger pulls away and the image fades back to the original.

“It's more practical to get something up and functional first, and then worry about the fine details.” Padme offers. “While I'm certain that it might not be the perfect facility you'd want, it would be a usable facility, and that's better than no facility at all.” She looks at the holos herself. “Of course, I can't be certain what you need in such a facility, either.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi tabs another hologram into life in the middle of the table. It's merely a 2D list. “These are the criteria Anakin and I felt were necessary in a new facility, one that was primarily for the instruction of new Jedi, but also welcomed non-Jedi who wished to learn of our philosophy and way of life, much like the Antarian Rangers you'd be familiar with, Padme.” Now that she's been here for awhile, he feels more comfortable referring to her a little bit less formally, being a friend rather than simply a Jedi on a mission of protection to an important Republic senator. Absently, he rubs his chest with a grimace. “I know the financial side of the matter is not a major concern for you, Brainiac 5,” he continues, “But others outside our circle of friends might look in askance to us for how much money is involved in various matters. Which reminds me… Padme… we have an idea to put to you, a role in this new Praxeum that I personally feel would suit your skills admirably, if you'd be willing to consider it.”

Brainiac 5 moves around that table, watching Kenobi and not those images. The chest rub speaks of pain. “Are you well, Master Kenobi?” Coming to a stop near the taller human. “Honest, Kenobi, you seem naive at times. Did you think your Praxeum back home ran on the Force and wishing alone? If you want to do this the money issue isn't going to disappear because you dislike it. Or do you plan to all go hungry and sleep on the floor.” Humans. Shakes his head, looking faintly disapproving. After that however he stops for Kenobi is speaking to Padme.

“What sort of role would that be?” Padme asks, looking over to consider the Jedi. “I certainly have the time free these days, it seems.” She looks to Brainiac. “The Jedi were more engaged in matters philosophical. It was the Senate that maintained the practical matters of most things.”

“I was stabbed by a child in a dream last night, whilst helping our turtle friends,” Kenobi answers seriously. “Some echo of the injury remains in the waking world and wasn't helped by one of the younglings under the care of the turtles elbowing me twice in the exact same spot while we watched their curious 2d entertainment afterwards. It is nothing to worry about.” He looks toward Brainiac 5 patiently. “I knew, vaguely, that there were financial details to the Jedi Order, but as an active Jedi Knight, it was not something I was concerned with. As Padme says, others handled all of that, so now I needs must learn more of the day-to-day logistics of the matter.” And then his eyes shift to the still-alive Senator. “My lady, your skill with politics and administration and diplomacy will be invaluable in liaising with the local political entities and government. Leia would also be a suitable candidate for the role, but she has another primary calling here… and it would give /you/ something important to do, a purpose beyond simply waiting around and seeing if we can get you back home.”

No matter he thinks the Jedi foolish over money matters, the little Coluan looks worried just the same. “For my own state of mind may I check? It will take but a moment.” Brainy doesn't even have to go anywhere. Lifts a hand to show what he means, and will only touch Kenobi's chest if allowed. For now, he waits for permission. “I expected a large financial drain for the creation of you Praxeum, Master Kenobi. Let me be concerned of that, and you focus on what you need to get your temple truly working in regards to the people.” Which Padme is one! He smiles at her as the Jedi asks.

The Senator considers. “I'm not very certain as to what the local political entities would happen to be. But I'm certainly willing to give it my best efforts. I think Leia might appreciate being asked to assist as well, but I don't want to intrude overly on that front.”

Obi-Wan nods his assent to Brainiac's touch, and it might puzzle the Coluan to realize that the only 'damage' there are the bruises caused by the squirming kid's elbow. There's positively no other injury. Yet it aches something fierce. “We wouldn't wish to be a burden to you, as cheerful and jovial and generous as you've been about the whole thing, my friend,” he says fondly to Brainiac 5. “And by lessening our footprint on your finances, that frees you up to help others. To be honest, much of what we had back home was donated at no charge, or given in thanks for our protection of the Republic.” He looks over to Padme again. “I'm not well-versed on the local political environment either, but I thought that of all of us, you'd have the best chance of learning the landscape and advising us of the best means to ensure we do not run afoul of the local authorities. I do not wish to have the new Order tied too intimately with local government, considering what happened back home.” Once bitten, twice shy. “But I also don't want us to be on the run and considered outlaws or vigilantes.” Been there, done that. “But if you'd also like to teach, we would be honored if you did. It's really up to you, Padme. There is no pressure to accept if you would rather do something else. You are simply welcome to join us on whatever basis you prefer.”

The touch is light and lingers only briefly. Bruises. Knowing something of psychosomatics, the Coluan nods and lets his hand fall. “Thank you.” He knows Kenobi will be fine now, if in a few days and after memory begins to fade. “You aren't.” Brainiac 5 assures of them being a burden. “I don't think you realize just how easy money matters are for me. It's more that I have priorities, and you are near the top of the list. I won't sacrifice your temple for the Andromeda.” There's an easy shrug and with that he notices that scarf. Um, oops. Slowly pulls it from around his neck and places the softly jangling thing on the table. “Building onto a smaller structure isn't going to hurt me. Build as you will, so long as you are comfortable there.” He has to agree with Kenobi about the government issue. “They could really use your help, Padme. I can't do what they need in that regard.”

“I'll see what I can do.” Padme offers. “It will take some time, and research. But it's a worthwhile goal, and very few things worth the doing are easy. I'll be happy to handle things in that regard. As for teaching, if you need a political theory class, I suppose I can handle that as well.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi has commandeered the main table in the common area, the four corners and two long sides dominated by holograms and blueprints of the short-listed existing locations that could best be converted into a new Jedi training facility, laid out exactly like a pool table. The Jedi Master frowns for a moment at the mention of Andromeda. “Is there some problem with Rommie that I'm unaware of?” he asks with concern in his voice, brows furrowing. Distracted by Padme's question, he replies, “Political theory, ethics, whatever you would like to contribute would be welcome, however you feel would work best for you.”

“Hardly.” Brainy assures of Rommie, motioning an easy gesture with a hand. “I meant that initial round of supplies as an example.” Him having chosen his friends over a being he didn't know. And since he doesn't think that all that important he looks between the two. “How many teachers are you going to consider?” Sure he's throwing money at it, but the robot is letting the Jedi call the shots about most things. Clasping hands behind his back, he bounces on his toes ever so slightly.

“It sounds like I'm missing important conversations again.” Anakin Skywalker's voice calls out from the entrance of the room. He steps in, clad in his simple dark-hued Jedi garb, and carrying a small sack. He moves over towards the table, studying the holos and such, “I'm not intruding, am I?” It's strange to ask that question where Obi-Wan and Padme are concerned, but he still manages to remind himself that they are not quite the same Obi-Wan and Padme he knew. Still, he manages to banish -most- of the awkwardness Padme's presence causes, replacing it with a perfectly polite smile.

“I've heard much about this person, I'll have to meet her at some point. I–” And then there's Anakin's voice. Padme turns to face him, and there's a smile, but people who know her well can tell it's a little forced. Not a lot. But a little.

“As many as nec-” begins Kenobi, but the answer is cut off by Anakin's arrival a few instants before the other Jedi actually appears. “Master Skywalker,” he greets, pointedly making the joke to lighten the mood a little. “I've narrowed down the long-list of sites near the spaceport to these six and was just about to contact you to join us and offer your opinion on the matter. Your timing, as always, is impeccable.” His eyes shift over to Padme for a moment. “We were also discussing what the Senator here would be willing to help us with, a liaison role with the local authorities and government as well as possibly teaching.”

“Master Skywalker.” Brainiac 5 offers pleasantly, probably the same time as Obi-Wan. He doesn't say more to the Jedi though and smiles at Padme. “Master Kenobi is the one to ask for that. He's spending a great deal of time with her. Enough to perhaps tease the man a great deal for.” A grin spreads briefly, but he only glances sidelong to Kenobi himself.

“From what I've gathered here, the government, or what passes for it, is…by necessity a somewhat haphazard affair.” Anakin comments, moving towards the table and studying the various layouts and whatnot, and reaching into the sack he brought with him to extract a piece of fruit, lightly lobbing one towards Obi-Wan and commenting, “Try it, they're delicious. The seller called them “Nectarines.”” Of course one is offered to Brainiac and Padme, as well, before it's back to business, “Which site offers the best opportunity for expansion? Obviously there are just a few of us now, but there's no telling how many might show up…or even are already here that we haven't come across…”

The Senator takes the proffered fruit, looking over to it curiously. “Strange fruit.” She squeezes it once, pokes at it, before raising it up to take a bite. “And it isn't a question of willing. I'll help however I can, of course.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi catches the nectarine out of the air with aid of nothing more than whatever connection there is between himself and this alternate Anakin. He doesn't even look. “What?” he asks of Brainiac. “Rommie needs many repairs, and I've been trying to help her locate her missing crew,” he adds, just a hint of defensiveness in his tone of voice. “She has other visitors now, a young lady named Kaylee and another named Inara, who are looking for /their/ missing ship and fellow crewmembers, apparently.” As he samples the nectarine, he reminds him of the orange the living starship had given him once. Went well with tea. And thus, the Jedi Master goes to fetch himself some tea, bringing the whole service over to the table so everyone else can get their own mugs too if they want. Obi-Wan focuses on Padme's answer to the question of her fate and gratefully seizes upon it. “Thank you for your offer. Better you than I dealing with the politicians. You're much more adept at that.”

Brainy turns down that fruit with a smile and the shake of his head. “Thank you.” But no. Mostly because he doesn't need to eat. (And the friends he visited before coming here love to try and feed him.) “They are a fruit from Earth.” The little Coluan explains of the things, if briefly. “The government does seem as such.” Agreeing with Anakin. “I have purposely avoided doing much research on it however, but I can't say I am much surprised. The City doesn't lend itself to easy policing in any regard.” Not with all these people flitting in and out. Kenobi's protest is met with an arching of eyebrows. Oh really? His smile is totally teasing of the Jedi, but he doesn't attempt to shift the topic at hand. No, back to the temple. Lifting a hand he touches one. “This one will be the most adaptable. It has several empty sublevels beneath it. Which of course will mean a necessary increase in security below, but also a possible escape route in case of trouble.” The image shifts to show what he means.

“Escape routes are good. We'll likely want some vertical space, too, since I'd imagine we'd like our starship hangars to be off the ground. Not that it's impossible to navigate the spaceport's ground-level hangars, it's just more difficult than we might want to put with if we're having to train beginning flyers.” Anakin notes, munching on a nectarine himself and procuring himself a small mug of tea to go with it. “Which in theory leaves us a lot of “in between” space that we can expand into as we need.” Is he ignoring Padme? Well, no, not precisely, but he's definitely sticking to “all business” at the moment.

Obi-Wan Kenobi doesn't remark upon Padme's departure, other than a brief glance as she does so. Which causes him to catch that grin on Brainiac's face. And groan internally. A sour expression crosses his features for a few moments, but instead, he pointedly focuses back on the subject at hand, the new temple. “That one also has my preferred layout for living quarters,” he says, pointing at the second and third floors with the various single-person, dorm-style rooms and suites. “There's enough flexibility to handle… our changing demographic, shall we say?” His nectarine is munched on slice by slice, and he's far too polite to speak when he's actually eating one. “There's no denying that a singular one-Jedi-per-room arrangement, like we had on Coruscant, isn't going to work here. Leia will murder me if any of us even hint at the notion of her trying to maintain a traditional Jedi's solitary life.”

Anakin does watch Padme leave, and Obi-Wan most certainly would note a pang of intermixed relief and regret at that departure, but he's back to business easily enough, “Yes, this layout looks as though it has enough space for multiple sorts of living arrangements.” He smiles a touch, “And yes, I somehow think you're right. Though murder might be a bit extreme. Likely just some maiming involved…”

There's a firm nod of agreement from Brainy to Anakin. “One of the primary specifications was allowances for your ships. It's why the Spacedock instead of other sectors.” After that he lets Obi-Wan talk, looking very amused at the traditional lifestyle comment. Not his place to attempt to make policy here. “You may consider a separation just the same, Master Kenobi. If only for those who may be guests, teaching briefly, or that kind of thing.” Totally grins at Anakin for the maiming. “Now now.. she's not that feisty.”

“You didn't see her draw her blaster on me after she'd spoken to that Rahol character at the Phoenix Guard,” Obi-Wan says. “Or that one time she made a /very/ inappropriate comment that made me extremely glad that Captain Solo turned up the next day.” Insert uncomfortable Jedi Master here. He rubs the side of his face wearily. “I think her holo is next to the entry for 'feisty' in the dictionary,” Kenobi remarks with a sigh. “This area seems best for having a training room here,” he says, pointing to the space large enough for a sports arena's floor. “A hangar here, perhaps with having technical classes taught over here by the wall. I'd rather those classes be more hands-on than sitting in a room somewhere with a diagram and books. And there's already plumbing in place to handle a fountain right here in the middle of the promenade. The skylights might be a security concern, but some open views can help remind us that we're not enclosed and apart from others.”

“I'd imagine we can come up with some transparisteel or a similar enough material somewhere in the City.” Anakin notes, “Assuming Master Brainiac doesn't already have the means to create a similar polymer.” He adds, “A bi-level hangar is probably the way to go. One for fightercraft and the other for light freighters, yachts, couriers, and shuttles.” Anakin considers, “We may have to look into seeing if there's a permanent portal to some manner of open space we can use for training purposes. Teaching people to fly around the city is all well and good, but from my understanding, if you go high enough you just end up hitting something folks call “the mists” which could deposit you…virtually anywhere.”

A tilt of his mussed blond head and the little robot's expression to Obi-Wan is dubious. No, can't picture Leia like that. Brainiac 5 has never seen it. “I am quite sure you are exaggerating, Master Kenobi.” If only to tease the master just a little be, and he keeps a pleasant smile on his face the whole time. Mean little robot. As for Anakin he looks bemused. “I create things like that in my sleep. I can get you the formula.” Polymers. Heh. “The portals, well, that I have little experience in, and the navigation of them even less so. I'm sure we can hire someone temporarily to teach you if you desire, Master Anakin.”

“I've already been to open space, Anakin,” Obi-Wan points out. “That's how I found the Andromeda Ascendant.” It seems wise to him to stop mentioning the avatar around Brainiac, considering how often the Coluan gets this alarmingly teasing smile on his face whenever she's mentioned. “I suppose it meant I passed through some portal into open space where she was drifting, but it /seemed/ like a regular flight. Arfour didn't mention any anomalies.”

“Oh? Well, perhaps my information was in error, then.” Anakin concedes, rubbing at his chin, and then glancing towards Brainiac 5, “Speaking of starships, I would love to consult with you on some designs if and when we get the chance, Master Brainiac. It would be best if we had at least a couple standard models for both training and missions.” And he doesn't speak it, but he's also wanting to have something ready in case say, an Imperial Star Destroyer suddenly starts to rain fire down on the City.

Gosh, there's that smile again. Oops? It's brief though. Anakin has him nicely distracted in starships. “Of course. I'd love to. It's a hobby of mine.” Having created, and built, many different kinds and styles during his short life. “When you have time meet me in my laboratory. I can show you what I have, or we can take your list of desires and flesh something out.” Not knowing the Jedi wants something that big, well, that will be interesting. “And please, I'm hardly master of anything. Brainy, or Brainiac 5.” There's that warm smile again, but it has a melancholy flavor. “Unfortunately the use of Brainiac alone carries many negative connotations for me. I ask it not be used, please.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi saw what Brainiac did there. And he can sense where his former apprentice-in-another-timeline's thoughts are heading. “Rommie has offered the services of her vessel for protection, should it become necessary,” he says, not too pleased to keep having to mention the warship, but he's also not going to ignore a potential source of defense. “She also seemed amenable to helping teach martial arts, tactics, and other military skills, since it's unlikely we'll get to simply be peacemakers and diplomats.” He once more absently rubs the ache on his chest, not really aware of the gesture. In an effort to once more redirect attention away from the living starship, he adds, “I'll bet you, Anakin, that Brainiac 5 already has twenty designs on tap for a complete rebuild of my Delta-7. And no, you can't fly it,” he adds, his eyes twinkling.

“My apologies, Brainy. I'll be sure to keep your preference in mind from now on.” Anakin notes, then looks towards Obi-Wan, bemused, “You never saw the Incom T-65 X-Wing fighter.” Anakin replies, grinning, “You can keep your Delta-7. I'm sure I'll survive. Besides, I always preferred tinkering with my own fighters. You know that.” Which was how he ended up with his “hot rod” Delta-7…not that it lasted long, and after that he mostly stuck to the “standard issue” Jedi starfighters. Possibly because there simply wasn't enough time to tinker during the Clone Wars. “But it's good to know Rommie is an option for both space defense and teaching.” He adds, “I really do need to meet her one of these days, don't I?”

“Thank you, Master Skywalker.” The smile the little Coluan puts on is warm. Considering he is alive, his emotions are there for the sensing too. He appreciates it. Fingers flexing behind his back, Brainy is very aware of that gesture, but he makes no comment on it. His focus appears to be completely on ships and other things. “Master Kenobi has been spending a great deal of time with Rommie.” Notes as an aside to Anakin. “I, however, have maintained my distance thanks to her reactions. In as much as I helped with some repairs she was highly uncomfortable with my presence.” Hmm. “Twitchy might be the best way to describe.” Lips thin, but he moves on from that. “She would be an excellent addition to help provide military support.” Considering he's the pacifist here. Mostly.

Obi-Wan Kenobi folds his arms, doing the thoughtful-beardy pose that Anakin had seen soooo many times over the years. “You should indeed meet her, Anakin. I was hoping perhaps your expertise with repairs would help expedite the process. The young lady Kaylee whom I met, searching for someone called 'Jayne' or 'Mal' and seeking their ship Serenity is currently keeping her company.” And then he gives Brainy a troubled look. “She hasn't mentioned such matters to me, I'm afraid, but perhaps I can ask her about it the next time I speak to her. It's actually been awhile since I've checked in on her. This business with the turtles took longer than I thought it would, and quite frankly, /I'm/ concerned as to what might happen if she's left to her own devices. It's very strange for someone to have created a living AI and then done so with a programmed psychological need to have people around. She seemed happier when myself, Kaylee, and Inara were around.”

“Kaylee and Inara? More people I've yet to meet, it seems. I think I've been too focused on trying to learn the geography and general knowledge of the city that I've been neglecting individual interactions beyond our little family here.” Anakin chuckles a touch, “But yes, I'd be glad to help Rommie however I can.”

“Why would she?” Asked back at Obi-Wan. Brainiac 5 merely smiles and shrugs. Yes, it brothers him far more than he is willing to show, but nor does he blame her. Really, he's afraid of himself sometimes too. “Perhaps we can develop a trust over time.” As he can't read the future he does what he can. That and he has been busy with other things. “How did that go by the way? Beyond your echo of an injury.” Knowing little, he has to ask. As for Anakin there's a knowing look. “This place is a lot to take in.”

“Two young women approximately our Padme's age,” Obi-Wan answers Anakin's questions about the two crew from Serenity. “I gather there was something of another of their crew, a man named 'Jayne', who may have pilfered the vessel they all traveled on. Rommie has been seeing to their needs, although I did offer to show them around the City so they can learn where most everything is and which areas to avoid if they prefer to stay out of trouble. I sense Rommie and Kaylee will get on very well, an engineer sort. You'd probably like her as well, Anakin,” he adds sardonically. Not implying anything, but just commenting. He nods to Brainiac's remarks about Rommie and shrugs a bit. “Hopefully,” he murmurs fervently. He doesn't like his friends not to be in concord, but… Seizing upon the larger question, the Jedi nods to himself. “It went well, actually. I monitored Leonardo and Raphael until the creature attacked, then allowed myself to be taken into the dreamscape.” He looks into the holograms rather than at either person in the room. “It was… unsettling… to say the least. My dreamscape of 'dream come true and then convert to a nightmare… involved Leia having been corrupted to the dark side by Vader.”

Anakin blinks several times at that, glancing towards Obi-Wan, “Well, now I definitely feel like I missed something significant. Someone or something attacked you through your dreams?” He blinks, “You had mentioned these turtles before, but I didn't realize you were on a mission with them…”

Someone stole their ship? He looks troubled over this, but says nothing. Brainy would love to jump out and help everyone, but he knows that's beyond his ability. After all, the little robot is not Superman. “If they need anywhere to stay, they are welcome here, Master Kenobi.” Even if Rommie is taking care of them. He knows she would do well by others. As for the dream that's.. disturbing. “I am sorry you were exposed to such things. They did work out well, however?” Well, except for the loss of the girl. There's a glance to Anakin, but little more. He had heard mention of the turtles, and has even met one, but wasn't really aware there was a mission either.

“Our friend Leonardo, one of the quartet of turtle-like brethren, had come to me, asking for help with a situation they've been dealing with. A creature that somewhat resembled a rather evil Ewok had been manipulating their dreams and terrorizing the families under their care,” Obi-Wan explains for Anakin's benefit. “The entity was using a little girl's latent abilities within the Force to influence their dreams and to twist them.” The sorrow of the situation weighs down upon him greatly, as much as he tries to put on a game face for it… but this is Anakin and Brainy. They know him well enough to know that it's just a game face. “The Leia in my dream resembled descriptions of Darth Vader that I have seen since my arrival here. She was so full of anger and fear and hate. But since I knew it was but a dream, I was able to seize control of it enough for Leonardo to pull me out of it and into Raphael's dream, where we found a children's toy in the shape of a bear and the little girl it was using to control everything. While Leonardo bought me time, I dealt with the creature. The child herself, that brave little girl, fought back at the last instant and drove a knife through the bear… which I was holding at the time. The psychic trauma had killed her earlier in the day. But she held on to save us. Such a remarkable youngling. I wish I could have been able to save her. She would have done well if she were properly trained.” As he surfaces from his thoughts, Obi-Wan realizes he's unconsciously rubbing the sore spot where the dream knife had got him.

“I'm…sorry to hear that, my friend.” Anakin frowns deeply, shaking his head, “Perhaps I need to spend less time on these walking tours and focus more closely on such matters. I know we had mentioned undertaking the business of Jedi while we were here, but it seems I've been vacationing while you were doing the real work.” There's a flicker of regret and embarrassment at the admission, to boot.

As the description continues, Brainy's features shift to concern. Oh yeah, he knows that game face. The dream was bad enough, but the loss of the girl? Reaching out he seeks to touch Kenobi's hand. The one rubbing at chest. Trying to bring attention to it. Stop that. A light, brief touch only. It certainly explains why the Jedi has been constantly rubbing his chest. “I am sorry, Master Kenobi.” Believing the other may feel as though he failed to a degree. Couldn't save the one who really needed saving. “Is there anything I might do to help?”

Obi-Wan Kenobi seems mildly annoyed with himself for the psychosomatic response to the dream, but it resonated /so/ deeply. Dropping his hand to another mug of tea, that will help him not do that anymore, he shrugs. “You'll have a better insight into the lay of the land, Anakin, and we'll need that insight as well as what I'm picking up by following the Force in my own way.” He musters a slight smile for Brainiac's offer of help. “For now, the situation seems to be resolved. The creature was killed, everyone else is fine… they merely need time to come to grips with what's happened and then move on.”

“I'd feel less guilty about it if I didn't know part of the reason was to try to avoid awkward meetings with Padme.” Anakin admits quite frankly, smirking a touch ruefully at himself, and seeing that Obi-Wan has retrieved another mug of tea, rolling another nectarine his way. He knows the Jedi Master probably hasn't been eating enough. They both have to be careful about that when they get fully embroiled in matters. You can only subsist for so long on the Force alone…at least short of going into a hibernation trance.

Silly humans. Sigh. “Unfortunately that is almost never easy.” Brainy looks pointedly at Anakin with that, and with pity. That is so not a situation he would want to be in. Never mind he has his own issues in the love interest department, and is a situation he also doesn't want to be in. Since Obi-Wan is seeking solace in tea, the Coluan turns to the table and places his hands on the edge. “You are always welcome to seek shelter here, Master Skywalker, if there is such a need.” Like hiding from Padme and what not. “Is this the one you are considering then?” Touching that one everyone spoke of. Subject change! “Shall I arrange for you to see the location?” Before making a decision.

Obi-Wan Kenobi frowns slightly at the awkwardness involving Padme, taking up the second nectarine gratefully. It's better than those bugs on… whatever planet he got rained on interminably. “Are you going to be all right dealing with her as one of the leaders of the Council, Anakin?” he asks with concern, nodding to Brainiac's question but delaying the subject-change just yet. This has to be dealt with on some level. “She knows my version of events during the Clone Wars, but it's possible she might be from a reality closer to yours. You should talk to her at some point,” he counsels gently. “Clear the air, find whatever center you need to find. Leia needs to do so as well. I know it must be difficult for you, my friend… no more difficult than it was for me to overcome my memories of Vader to treat you properly and for being your own person.”

“Dealing with her professionally will not be a problem in any case, but yes, I should speak with her. I just…have no idea what to say.” Anakin notes, “She is her own person, and I have no claim on her. Yet at the same time…the feeling simply does not go away. She feels like my wife, though I know she is not…not precisely.” He shakes his head, “At least I take some small comfort that I'm rational enough to recognize that our relationship as-it-was is…not necessarily destined to repeat itself, but yes…it would be best to determine how she feels about all this if nothing else.”

Considering this is something he doesn't feel he should get involved in, Brainy sinks down and sits.. well, on nothing. Yet he sits, hands on knees, and patiently waits things out. No, he really doesn't mind. This is something that needs addressing.

Obi-Wan Kenobi nods to himself and actually can't help but smile slightly at this older-Anakin's wisdom. “See, I'm still thinking of you in terms of the Anakin I knew… I always said you'd become a much wiser Jedi than I.” The humor is sardonic as he turns back to Brainiac. “That site did seem to be the best one, in my opinion. At least, it should probably be the one we should check out first. I'd like somewhere that not only meets our criteria here,” he adds, gesturing to the flat list hovering in hologram form in the middle of the six other holograms. “But one that feels right in the Force… and that's something only a Jedi could tell for sure.”

“Good point. Wouldn't want to build it on some site occupied by dark side spirits, after all. Not that I've come across any here. All told the city feels like the Light and Dark are in balance…there is plenty of Dark, but not overwhelming compared to the light.” Which is a good sign, at least in the sense that it likely means there isn't a Sith Lord running everything behind the scenes. “So when shall we go for this little tour? Tomorrow evening, barring anything else?”

Brainiac 5 nods about that the site must feel right. “That is exactly why I said I would arrange for you to view the site. You must approve all aspects of it, especially your senses.” He doesn't have to be able to sense it so know that it's important. “If this is the one I'll get things in motion.” The team will contact Kenobi about when he wants to go poke around as the Coluan is calling them right now. It's what you can do when you are a Brainiac. “Tomorrow should be fine. The site is currently empty.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi nods to Anakin's words. “So far, I haven't found anything adverse one way or the other in my explorations of the city, although granted, I've been getting caught up with the business of helping people. It's almost been shockingly quiet, something of a holiday. I'm waiting for the other boot to drop.” Paranoid Kenobi is paranoid. “I'm free tomorrow evening,” he then offers to the suggested time for the site-visit. “I should check on Rommie tonight, since it's been a few days.”

“And meanwhile I'll see if I can find Padme for a necessary chat.” Anakin notes, hoping his mind could be free of distraction when they examine the site. He does rise from his feet, bowing slightly, “Brainy, Master Kenobi.” And with that, Skywalker's off yet again.

“Good night, Master Skywalker.” The robot says easily, rising to his feet. With Anakin gone, Brainy looks to you. “I find it ironic that you speak of nightmare inducing bears then tell me it's too quiet. I'm not sure I like your idea of busy, Master Kenobi.” But he's smiling and he takes up that scarf. Shakes his head over it and certainly doesn't put it back on. “Please tell Rommie hello for me? I do hope she's well.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi half-bows to Anakin as the other Jedi makes his departure, then eyes the scarf oddly as Brainiac takes it up again. “Compared to spending the last few years at war and on the run and fighting for my life, it's positively peaceful around here. As far as I know, no one's actively trying to kill me. I'll take the downtime anyway I can… even if it involves a murderous bear. That wasn't a targeted attack against me personally.” He nods to the request to pass the message to the other AI. “I hope so too, my friend.”

There's a bright smile and he holds up that scarf. “Would either of Rommie's guests like this? I accepted it to simply keep people from trying to give me more, but I have absolutely no need for it. Perhaps one of them might?” Brainy explains of it, if in part. As for trouble? The little Coluan actually looks rueful. “I pray things remain quiet, Master Kenobi. We have enough troubles as it stands. Good night, sir, and take care.” Touches his own chest where that ache in Kenobi's is. “Don't let it fester.”

“Nor yours, my friend,” Obi-Wan says as he takes the scarf off the Coluan's hands with a nod. “I'm sure one of the two ladies under her protection will like it, or at least they can find a use for it.” Then as he finishes his tea, he offers, “May the Force be with you, Brainy.” The first time he's actually used the informal nickname. Gathering up all the holoprojectors and shutting them off, he returns them to their case and heads out to take care of his other business

Glad someone might have a use, Brainy nods in pleasure. However, using the nick name has him blossoming into a radiant smile. Doesn't say anything and takes his leave. Down to the workshop for some chores!