Title: The Penpal Paradox

Author: Ticklesivory

Rating: T, probably

Genre: Obidala (what else is there?) Drama, Romance

Timeline: This story is going to jump around all over the place, so keep your hands inside the vehicle. If we happen to lose somebody, be sure to let me know, and we'll turn around and go pick them back up.

Summary: A young Padawan Kenobi meets Senator Amidala under rather unusual circumstances.

Warnings: There may be some innerdimensional/interdimensional/parallel reality/quantum environment/paradoxical/time travel confusion ahead. Just hang on – we'll figure it out.

Jedi Temple:Galactic City, Coruscant/JediCouncil/YodaWindu

440521/15:36/001

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Effective immediately, Jedi Padawans of the Coruscant Temple assigned to active duty within the central systems, will be required to sign up for the Galactic Youth Correspondence Initiative (GYCI). As outlined by the Galactic Youth Organization (GYO), all qualifying padawans will choose from a list of youth volunteers from across the galaxy and begin exchanging letters of friendship. It is the High Council's belief this program will promote self-esteem, alleviate a need for peer interaction, as well as secure future relations amongst a variety of planetary cultures. Attached is a file, which includes guidelines, recommendations, as well as the list of participants. Along with a name is a short bio, as well as an image. Please submit your own padawan's as soon as possible. Participation is mandatory.

Signed: Masters Yoda and Windu

Qui-Gon Jinn finished reciting the new edict to his young apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, grumbled in aggravation and closed the communiqué. With a flick of his finger, he chose to dispose of the data.

His thirteen-year-old student stuttered a rebuttal. "Bu…but I thought the council said this was mandatory."

The Master who was known amongst the council members, as well as the general population of Jedi as somewhat of a rebel, turned his head to regard Obi-Wan rather sagely. "The Jedi Council does not make my decisions for me, Padawan, especially where you are concerned. This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. If you need to talk to someone, then you come to me."

Obi-Wan had quickly learned when his Master put an end to a conversation. There was no point in arguing.

Qui-Gon stood up from the pilot's seat of their rather small shuttle and stepped by him. "Auto-pilot is on. We're still several hours out from the Cadavine sector. I suggest you get some rest."

"Yes, Master," the apprentice answered dutifully before watching the rather tall man disappear down the narrow hallway and then duck into his sleep quarters.

Obi-Wan had no intention of doing what his master had said. Not just yet. His interest lay elsewhere. He activated the comm and retrieved the council's edict from the trash bin.

The young man was grateful Qui-Gon had taken him as his padawan learner, but this wasn't the first time he had disagreed with the man. He imagined it wouldn't be the last. What harm would corresponding with someone his own age do? He understood the rules. No exchange of sensitive information or mission details was allowed. He wouldn't dare risk sabotaging a mission. He was too excited to be on one in the first place. However, after several months of being transferred from planet to planet without much of a chance to get to know anyone, he discovered he missed his crechmates – the friends he had made back at the temple. It would be nice to talk to them, but they were all on missions on their own. What he needed to do was make a new friend; and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.

The High Jedi Council was led by the oldest and wisest of the Jedi. Surely, they knew what they were doing when they decided to issue this edict. Their decision was good enough for Obi-Wan. He was excited about participating.

He just hoped his Master didn't find out about it.

Quickly, the young man grabbed his personal datareader and transferred the data from the ship's comm. He then secured the bridge and crept to his own sleep quarters. From there, he would choose his new friend and would begin writing them immediately.