Chapter Text
As Luke flew home in a panic over his family, Obi-Wan calmly headed down to his cellar, thinking. He replayed Leia's desperate plea in his mind and knew the time had come for him to join the Rebellion and be an active-duty Knight again. He felt a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. Since the Clone Wars, he'd forgotten what it felt like to embark on a mission. Sure, he had a different Padawan now, but the motions would be similar. He knew Luke technically wasn't his Padawan yet, but he knew what Luke would find very shortly.
However, Obi-Wan had one last job to do before all his focus went to Luke's training and mission coordination.
He lay a sheet of flimsy on his workbench, got a pen, and began to write.
Darling,
I write this letter in haste. Soon, I leave for Alderaan. I cannot really explain more, but remember I told you I was interested in the movements of the Rebel Alliance? You were adamant that I should not join, that I'd done enough in the Clone Wars. I said there would likely come a day I'd feel compelled to help, and you grumbled about the selflessness of Jedi and me in particular and reminded me that I am a refugee.
I am sorry, but I can no longer sit idle while others fight and die. The Empire must be destroyed, and I've been personally asked for. I feel I am desperately needed and I could never ignore a direct call for help.
This trip seems routine, but I've lived long enough to no better than to expect that. Should something happen to me, please do not give in to anger, to hatred, to the Dark Side.
I regret that I must tell you of my departure in this way and not in person, but for reasons I cannot get into, there is no time to find you. Whatever the outcome of this endeavor, however much you end up regretting us or hating me, always remember I loved you, will always love you. And thank you. For the laughter and care you offered when I needed it most, I will forever be grateful.
Your "Dearest" Obi-Wan
Obi-Wan folded the letter neatly and precisely and weighted it down with a few tools used in lightsaber maintenance. He looked around the cellar one last time, ensuring the Jedi information he'd painstakingly gathered was safe, and went back up to his living area. He looked around, suddenly feeling sad as the notion he might not return truly sank in. With a shake of his head and squaring of his shoulders, he left his home and did not look back. Luke was returning, and a Jedi's work was never done. Luke was the future now, and Obi-Wan would do his best to impart what values and skills he could with the time he had.