Day 22, Waiting Room 1, Evening Shift

[lustful_thing]

Lust had believed herself spared from the entire visitors event. But no sooner than the announcement had been made, her nurse was at her side and gibbering excitedly about the chance to see a loved one

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[braidless]

"Quite frankly, I wish they'd be more clear on why they're keeping me here," Obi-Wan told him. That was true in so many ways, too. The doctors here had been rather vague on their "official" reasons for keeping the Jedi here, but he also knew there was a lot more under the surface of this clever facade. It made him wish someone could spell it out straight for him, but he doubted very few people besides Martin Landel were even aware of what was happening here.

"Right now, the best thing to do is be patient," he added, though it was more for himself than anything. "I doubt I'll be here forever."

Obi-Wan had never heard of a Mr. Henderson before, though he wasn't surprised when Anakin spoke as if he was more advanced than the others in his class. He imagined that, if Anakin been discovered as a baby by the Jedi, he would have surpassed his peers at an unusual rate.

Many people called it being gifted, though Obi-Wan also knew it was also a breeding ground for arrogance and pride.

"If you keep up your studies and continue to take your school work seriously, I'm sure Mr. Henderson can't dislike you for long," Obi-Wan told him. "Teachers like it when their students are engaged in what they're supposed to be learning."

It was difficult to keep this careful charade up. A part of Obi-Wan wanted to practically shake the boy and ask if him if if his memory had been tampered with, and where he was currently staying. Anakin had been his responsibility, and it genuinely pained Obi-Wan to know that he honestly had no idea about the boy's condition. He didn't even want to think about whether this "Andrew" was truly Anakin or not. He certainly looked like him, but it was impossible to get a proper feel for his Force signature. That fact frustrated Obi-Wan a good deal.

But he still managed to take in a soft, calming breath, fixing the boy with a steady, intelligent gaze. "How's your family?" he asked him. "Your...mother? Is she well?"

[damned_visitors]

Andrew frowned and climbed up so he was kneeling in the chair. he leaned forward so he could whisper directly into the grown-up's ear.

"I don't like this place," he said, his voice a touch more serious than a normal young boy expressing a distaste for a hospital. But then he sat back and got to answering the questions.

"Mom's okay. She's tired a lot from working so much, but she's okay. She's always on me about studying. I got a new toolset, though! I'm fixing up an old computer I found in the trash - I bet I can get it running as good as new!" He beamed with pride, obviously pleased with himself and seeking praise.

[braidless]

The blunt statement had been a little unexpected, and Obi-Wan's eyebrows furrowed when he turned to face Anakin. "You don't?" he asked, his voice very quiet so they wouldn't be overheard. "What is it that bothers you, exactly?"

The Jedi nodded when "Andrew" spoke about his mother. "I'm glad she's doing all right," he said, thinking of Shmi Skywalker. Obi-Wan had never met the woman personally, but he knew Anakin cared about her very much.

When he spoke about finding the computer in the trash, Obi-Wan faintly smiled, though he felt more hollow inside as the conversation continued. "I don't doubt it," Obi-Wan said. "From what I understand, you've always had a bit of a knack for things like that."

[damned_visitors]

"It just... I don't like it," Andrew said, looking down at the floor. he shuffled his feet together, clearly uncomfortable. But he wouldn't say any more on it.

"Of course I'm good at it! You know that." Andrew rolled his eyes. But he was glad for the change in conversation. He didn't want to talk about this place.

"Mom says I spend too much time in the garage. But I like working with machines and stuff. I can fix a carborator. I know teenagers that don't know how to do that."

[braidless]

"I don't like it here, either," Obi-Wan said simply. "But, like I said earlier, they won't be keeping me here forever. I'll be out eventually."

He managed a small smile at the boy's comments. "Maybe you should build something to help your mother around the house," he suggested. "I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

Still, there was something Obi-Wan was curious to know. "Andrew," he said carefully. "It's not often people come to visit me, so I'm glad you came." He briefly paused, giving the boy a concerned gaze. "I was wondering if there was any particular reason for your coming here. There isn't...any trouble at home or in your studies or anything, right?"

[damned_visitors]

"I hope they let you out soon." And that, as far as Andrew was concerned, was the end of it.

"I wanted to visit you before, but Mom said they have special days for visiting and I'd have to wait. And today was the day so she said I could come visit. She stayed in town - she says it's like a little vacation. We're going to go sight seeing tomorrow. I think it's kind of boring. Why would there be any trouble?"