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The hypnotic swirl of hyperspace washed through the Jedi's mind. Still, the unease clung tenaciously. For two days he'd been trying to shut everything out, to reach his center of calm. What was blocking him from reaching the Force? It couldn't be fear. Could it?
A rustling beside him told him Padme had returned. Her small fingers traced a cool path along the back of his hand, then curled around it and squeezed.
"Obi-Wan, you look terrible. You have to sleep." The queen sighed. "Whatever it was that happened to you has passed. We have to get somewhere. Land. Make plans."
Facing forward, Obi-Wan replied in a whisper, "It didn't happen to me. I've told you that. I only felt the, the residue through the Force." He pulled his hand away and massaged his forehead.
"But it's done with. Whatever it was. We have to focus on rescuing Anakin."
The Jedi rounded on Padme, frustration heating his glare. "Don't you think I know the difference between someone who is acting under duress and someone who is committing evil willingly? Do I have to write it out with my own blood? Anakin doesn't want to be rescued, your Highness."
The slap drained his anger. Padme fled the cockpit. Obi-Wan dabbed at his split lip and regarded the blood painting his finger. So this is how it has to be. Force help me. He pushed himself out of the chair and moved slowly to follow Padme, his stiff muscles protesting the long hours of inactivity.
The queen was pacing back and forth across the small cabin with her head down and her arms swinging jerkily. She spun to face the Jedi with her fists clenched at her sides.
Her words were staccato. "You are not the Obi-Wan I once knew. You have no right to fill my head with these lies. I know my husband. I love him. And he loves me." Padme took a short breath. "He will not rest until I am safe within his arms again. He will hunt you down."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "Of that I have no doubt."
"He will cut you down for the fiend you are."
"He will try."
Her body vibrated. "He will succeed."
"And if he does, then what? Do you move to Coruscant and openly support Palpatine's blood-drenched government? Or do you stay on Naboo and continue to hide from the truth? Create a little cocoon of love for the emperor's butcher to retreat to after a hard day's slaughter?"
Padme charged the Jedi, her fists flailing against his chest. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, wishing the outer pain she was trying to inflict could match the anguish he was feeling inside. When the pounding slowed, he wrapped his arms around her and trapped her fists between their bodies.
Padme's head fell against his chest and Obi-Wan could feel her tears soaking through his tunic. Her voice was barely audible. "Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends. The old Obi-Wan would never seek to hurt me this way."
She pulled away and looked up into his face. "Someone sent you. Someone is making you do this."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I volunteered for this mission."
"I, I'm a mission? Killing me from the inside out is a mission? I loved you like a brother. Why did they have to send you? Why did you come?"
"Because you trust me." Obi-Wan squeezed his eyes shut for a second. "Trusted me."
The queen turned away. Obi-Wan's gaze traced the waterfall of dark brown hair, down to Padme's waist and back up. He stared at the back of her head, the desire to hold her warring with the knowledge that she'd only reject him. He leaned against the bulkhead with a sigh.
"So I am a hostage," Padme said.
"We don't want you to be."
"No." Padme sat in the padded chair and pulled her knees up to her chest. "You'll let me go if you succeed in brainwashing me into believing Anakin is evil." Their gazes met. "No matter how you slice it, you are still just using me to hurt Anakin. When did you come to hate him so?"
"I don't hate him, Padme. I ..." Obi-Wan jerked upright. "I have to figure out where we are going. It could take some time. Please don't disturb me unless it's an emergency."
The Jedi stepped into the cockpit, slid the door closed and locked it. He slumped into the pilot's chair. His feelings were clouding his judgment. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Padme, yet every time he opened his mouth, he drove the vibro-blade a little deeper. He knew she had to be made to see the truth. But maybe that task should be left to someone who wasn't quite so close to the situation. Someone who didn't ... love them both. Someone who didn't want so desperately to save them both. But who?
Drawing a deep breath, Obi-Wan sought to clear his mind of distractions. Long hours later, the Jedi slowly began sinking through layers of anxiety and pain and turmoil, toward his innermost being, toward his center of calm. Then the light burst over him, washing everything away. Everything except the Force.
*
Powering down all systems, the Jedi paused to look out the viewscreen at the eight armed guards double-timing across the ferrocrete. Doubt niggled at the back of his mind and he quickly brushed it aside. He headed into the cabin, making sure to seal the cockpit from Padme's access. He hated to do it, but he couldn't risk her trying anything foolish at this stage.
The queen lifted her head from the bunk when he entered, the dark shadows under her eyes matching his own.
Her voice was flat. "Have we finally arrived at your rebel base?"
"Do you really think I'd risk taking you there?" the Jedi asked.
Her head fell back down. "No, I don't suppose you would."
Obi-Wan slipped into his Jedi cloak and tucked his hands into opposing sleeves. "You'll have to stay here by yourself for a little while, I'm afraid. Hopefully, the negotiations will be short."
"So now I'm a piece of merchandise to be bartered?"
Obi-Wan reached out to brush a lock of hair away from the queen's forehead. "Padme ..."
She batted his hand away. "Don't call me that."
Sliding his hand back into its nest, the Jedi regarded the queen for a minute. Silently, he wheeled and strode past the rear storage compartments to the landing ramp.
On the ground, Obi-Wan stood, hood back and face lifted to the warm sun, while the ramp rose behind him and sealed with a quiet thunk. Six guards surrounded him and the group moved forward.
As they marched, the Jedi soaked in the details beyond the small landing pad surrounded by trees with purple-tinted leaves. To the right, the ground fell away, revealing a ribbon of silver twisting through a lush valley. Ahead and through the trees, a tall wall marked the edge of the estate.
Swinging left, the group started up a sharply inclined path toward a large edifice on the hill above. The flowing lines of the white building reminded Obi-Wan of the Alderaan University. He caught a glimpse of a dark figure framed in a large window that overlooked the landing pad and valley before the guards led him under an overhang.
Inside the cool atrium, surrounded by tropical plants and manmade stream beds, the Jedi breathed in the moist air. So like the Room of a Thousand Fountains back at the Temple. The serene atmosphere soothed his nerves. A throat cleared and he inclined his head to acknowledge the presence of the servant.
The guards opened their cordon, allowing the Jedi to follow the small Rodian up a curving flight of stairs that seemed to have melted from the wall. He was led down a wide corridor lined with pedestals displaying rare glasswork and pottery. Stopping before a set of ebony doors boldly embossed with the Republic seal overlaying a stylized sun, the Rodian stepped aside and waved his hand forward. The doors slid soundlessly into the walls.
The Jedi hesitated on the threshold.
"Come in, Obi-Wan," a mellow voice sounded from across the room.
Obi-Wan took a single step forward into a room of blended greens and blues, and the doors closed with a whisper. Weariness settled on the Jedi's shoulders as he skimmed around a conversation circle of plump inviting furniture, letting his fingers trace the creamy leather of the nearest chair. He halted in front of a marble desk patterned with swirling sand and blue veins, and let his eyes travel beyond to the large window where his host stood facing the view.
He hadn't changed. A proud figure standing erect, draped in royal blue. Shock white hair a little thinner perhaps. Not so very different. His host turned. The face was older. Sadder.
Obi-Wan bowed low. "Chancellor Valorum. It is a pleasure to see you looking so well."
"I am an old man, Obi-Wan. I have no patience for pleasantries." The ex-chancellor paused as the Jedi straightened. "And from your communiqué, I gathered you have no time for them. I appreciate the respect you intend, but would appreciate it more if you simply told me why I am graced with your presence."
Skirting around the large desk, the Jedi glided over to the window and looked down the hill to where sunlight glinted off his ship. He searched through his mind for a way to begin.
As if he sensed the Jedi's struggle, Valorum spoke. "I am rather surprised to see you wearing your colors so boldly. But then, Qui-Gon always did bemoan your stubborn streak." He paused. "Not that he didn't have one himself."
Obi-Wan glanced askance at the older man. "My master counted you a friend, Sir."
"And you are trading on that friendship, seeking a favor."
"No. I'm appealing to your honor and your integrity. You were a good leader, no matter what Palpatine claimed."
"Not good enough, apparently. I can't help asking myself what I could have done differently. How I could have stopped this reality from transpiring."
The Jedi closed his eyes. "I ask myself the same thing every day."
A hand came to rest on the Jedi's shoulder. "What more can I give the Republic, Obi-Wan? Your rebellion has my sons -- and my daughters, for that matter. It now looks to drag on and claim my grandchildren. But I welcome their decisions to fight for what is right." The hand dropped away. "I am an old man, Obi-Wan. And tired. What is it you wish?"
The Jedi's gaze searched the face before him. "I ... need a place to hide something of great value. For a short time. Until other arrangements can be made."
The old politician's expression turned wily. "Something? Or someone?"
The Jedi clenched his jaw as Valorum continued, "While I admit to having a fondness for priceless artifacts, I won't commit to this blindly. Let me see this ... object."
They assessed each other for a long moment. Obi-Wan nodded. He pulled out his comlink and keyed in the ship's access code while Valorum contacted the two sentries that had remained at the ferrocrete pad. They both watched the guards disappear up the landing ramp. A few moments later they reappeared with a small figure between them.
"Who?" the politician asked.
Obi-Wan let his breath out slowly. "Queen Amidala."
A hand clutched the Jedi's arm in a surprisingly strong grip and pulled him around to face the ex-chancellor. Fear, anger, amazement, crossed the old man's features before he schooled them into a neutral mask. "Do you have any idea what you are asking me?"
"I'm asking you to take a great risk, Chancellor. One that could render your wealth, your lands, even your life, forfeit, if your involvement in this is discovered."
"My life is nothing." The old man turned away, shaking his head. "But I wouldn't put it past Palpatine to punish my whole family, even my whole planet, if I am caught."
"These are dark times," Obi-Wan whispered.
Rigidity carved its lines into the old man's posture. "And if I refuse?"
"Another solution will present itself. And we will leave without her ever learning where we stopped."
"Somehow, I think you haven't told me all that I need to know."
A sad smile flitted across the Jedi's lips. "I can see how you would've been a formidable opponent in the political arena."
The old man turned a speculative gaze to the Jedi. "Once, perhaps." He arched an eyebrow as he waited for Obi-Wan to continue.
The Jedi's fingers traced his bearded jaw. "Amidala and I don't quite see eye to eye on her need to escape her present situation. I thought I had her convinced, but ..."
Incredulity laced Valorum's tone. "You kidnapped her?"
The Jedi was indignant. "I did not kidnap the Queen of Naboo." He hesitated. "She came willingly. More or less."
"You lied to her."
"No. No. I just ..."
"Omitted certain truths. Now where have I heard that before? This is exactly the sort of thing that Palpatine loves to use against the Jedi."
Obi-Wan's reply was quiet. "I had to get her out of there, Sir. And the Force's timing ..."
"Was impeccable, I'm sure."
Two blue gazes locked -- one framed by deep wrinkles, one by fine lines. The old man sidestepped to his desk and toggled a switch. "Bring her in."
"Thank you, Sir."
"I will accept your thanks if we are able to help the queen see the errors of her thinking."
Obi-Wan regarded his host quizzically.
Valorum inclined his head. "Am I incorrect in assuming you want my help in that regard?"
The Jedi smiled. "No, Sir. Not at all."
The doors retracted into the wall and the two men turned to face the Queen of Naboo. She marched into the room and halted, hands on hips.
"You've found me a pretty prison. I'll hand you that, Obi-Wan." A quick intake of breath halted the tirade Obi-Wan sensed was forthcoming. Padme stuttered, "Ch-Chancellor Valorum. This, this is a surprise."
The politician moved swiftly around the desk and took Padme's hand, leading her to a chair. "For both of us, my dear. Please. Sit down."
A puzzled expression settled on the queen's face as she sank into the offered seat. Valorum skirted a low table and sat across from her. Padme blurted, "You can't be involved with this, this scoundrel."
Valorum glanced at Obi-Wan with great amusement. The Jedi narrowed his eyes. The politician ignored the look and returned his attention to Padme, holding up a finger. "I think we should clarify something from the outset, your Highness. I would do anything for my beloved Republic. Is that clear?"
"And admirable," replied Padme.
The ex-chancellor nodded. "The same applies to my friend, Obi-Wan."
Stony silence greeted the comment. Padme popped to her feet and began pacing around the conversation circle. Obi-Wan leaned on the desk and crossed his arms while his eyes followed her restless path. The old man simply sat, waiting.
The outburst wasn't long in coming. "Did he tell you what he did? He abducted me. With trickery. And he's been filling my mind with lies ever since. It is awful what Palpatine has done. Incredible. Unbelievable. But, my husband is not involved in that. He is being deceived by Palpatine, just as I was deceived by Obi-Wan." The Jedi straightened, ire rising, but Valorum's finger waggled and the Jedi forced himself to relax. Padme continued unseeing. "I know Anakin better than anyone. He is not a henchman, or, or a butcher. I love him. He loves me. Obi-Wan had no right. No right to take me away ..."
The Jedi stepped into her path. "From your loving husband. Yes, Amidala, I know what I did seems ..."
The queen jabbed Obi-Wan in the chest. "Not just my husband. My best friend." She looked away. "And the father of my child."
Obi-Wan staggered back as if struck. He groped for a chair, falling into it, his eyes glued to the foot-tapping queen. "You're ... you're ..."
"Pregnant. The word is pregnant, Obi-Wan," Padme snapped.
Searching Valorum's stunned features, the Jedi said, "That's what Master Yoda saw in his vision. He, he wouldn't say. All I knew is that the Living Force was urging me to follow his direction." Hurt and disappointment filled his words. "Why wouldn't he tell me? Didn't he trust me?"
The politicians reply was gentle. "Of course he trusts you Obi-Wan. More than anyone. He entrusted the queen to your care."
Padme interrupted. "Master Yoda sent you after me? Because ... because I'm pregnant?"
Obi-Wan stood and grasped her hand, pulling her into the chair he'd just vacated. He knelt beside the chair. "Does Anakin know?"
Padme's gaze dropped to stare at tightly clenched hands. "I ... I was going to tell him the next time he came home." She hesitated. "No. He doesn't know."
"And he must never know, my dear," Valorum said.
Her head popped up. "How can you say that?"
Obi-Wan softly said, "Any child of Anakin's will be strong in the Force."
Padme scowled. "Of course. And he should be able to train his child."
"He would turn the child to the Dark Side, Padme. You must see that, " the Jedi said, his voice pleading.
"Don't start with that, again. Don't you dare ..."
"Quiet!" Both heads turned to stare at Valorum as he continued, "I believe I can settle this argument, if you will stop long enough to listen."
"Please do," clipped Padme. Obi-Wan nodded his agreement.
Valorum leaned forward and tapped commands into a keypad that was set into the table while he spoke. "Perhaps I should say that Anakin can settle the argument. I would imagine you were enroute from Naboo the day that Palpatine declared himself emperor. The next day, young Skywalker addressed a gathering of Jedi. Of course, the emperor saw fit to get footage to all the newsvid channels. Propaganda is one of his specialties."
The former chancellor relaxed into the chair's back with a grim expression as a holo-projector base lifted a few centimeters above the table. Obi-Wan stood, his senses humming as tension gripped his limbs. Padme leaned forward, desire haunting her face. Obi-Wan grimaced and turned from her eager look to focus on the figure forming out of blue light.
At first the view included a few figures sitting behind Anakin. Obi-Wan scanned the faces. Pacifists. Anakin had addressed the pacifist faction of Jedi. In one of the Temple amphitheaters, by the look of it. As Anakin started to speak, the view narrowed to only include the man standing behind a podium. The holovid couldn't hide his magnetism, his good looks, nor his sharp eyes.
His voice was crisp and clear. "By now, word has reached you that my master has ascended the throne. Emperor Palpatine was forced into this by you. By the Jedi. Perhaps not the Jedi sitting in this room. But the Jedi who are inciting rebellion, who are thwarting our every attempt to re-establish order and justice in the galaxy. These criminals hide their deeds in darkness, sowing death and destruction where we would sow peace." The holo of Anakin paused and looked straight at the recorder. His eyes seemed to bore into Obi-Wan's. "And I am grieved to inform you that my former master, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, is chief amongst these instigators. I would challenge him, here and now, but I know he is not present. He hides from the light of day like the coward he is." Anakin paused dramatically as a murmur swept through his audience.
A calming hand gripped the Jedi's trembling wrist. Obi-Wan looked down into the sad eyes of Chancellor Valorum and grimaced. It got worse. He could see it in the old man's face. He returned his attention to the holovid and braced himself.
"I was once proud to wear these robes." Skywalker fingered his Jedi cloak. "But no more." He stripped off the garment and threw it behind him. He stood silent for a moment, giving Obi-Wan a chance to scan his black, lightly armored, outfit. A smile curled one side of the man's mouth, as if he knew his former master would see the holovid, as if he could sense Obi-Wan's growing horror. Anakin continued, unclipping a lightsaber from his belt and laying it on the podium. "The Jedi have turned their backs on the people of our galaxy, seeking power where they should only seek to serve. I hereby renounce you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And I renounce any claims to the title of Jedi Knight." The blue figure tossed the lightsaber into the air and stepped back, drawing a second lightsaber and slicing through the cartwheeling weapon in one smooth arch.
Obi-Wan dropped to his knees, unable to tear his gaze away from the shimmering purplish blade. Hoarsely, he muttered, "Red. He takes a red blade."
As the figure proceeded to tumble the podium by first cutting it in two, Valorum whispered, "What is the significance of a red lightsaber?"
"Red is wielded only by a warrior promising death."
The holo-figure stood tall, the blade held high. "From this moment forward, Anakin Skywalker does not exist. Be warned, Jedi. Your rebellion will be crushed. When you deal with me, you deal with Darth Vader."
"No!" Obi-Wan lunged at the holovid, passing through it to tumble onto the floor.
The Jedi scrambled to his feet, and looked around wildly as he backed up. The darkness closed in from all sides, taunting him, hunting him. He spun, knocking over a pedestal and sending a crystal vase crashing against the wall. He followed it, slamming against the stone, pounding his fist against the unyielding surface. Sliding to the floor, the Jedi twisted and beat upon the the shard-covered floor. His tears pooled with his blood.
Then hands were pulling him back from the pain, back from the abyss that threatened to engulf his soul. From far away, he heard Padme's voice pleading for him to stop, begging him to explain. The Force glimmered in her tearful words, slowly coaxing the Jedi into a state of calm. He found himself leaning against one of the soft chairs, Padme clutching his drawn-up knees, Valorum hovering behind her. Distress filled both faces.
Wiping his hand over his face and beard filled his nostrils with a coppery smell. He looked blankly at the cuts criss-crossing his palm. Padme reached out and wiped at his cheeks and mouth and chin with the sleeve of her blue tunic. It came away stained with darkness. Valorum pressed a cloth into his hand, and Obi-Wan closed his fist around it.
"Oh, Obi-Wan." Padme's voice broke. She took his hurting hand in both of hers "That was not the man I love. I've never seen him like that; you must believe me. Please tell me. I - I don't want to hear it, but you must tell me what upset you so much. I've never seen you so distraught, not even when Qui-Gon was killed."
The Jedi blinked back fresh moisture and drew a shaky breath. "He was my Padawan learner, Padme. And now ... now he has taken the title of a Sith. There are only ever two, and, and Anakin is one of them."
"Which means Palpatine is the other," Valorum said.
"We were never sure if he was Sith, or just a puppet." Obi-Wan closed his eyes. "I guess now we know."
"Sith?" Padme asked. "Wasn't it a Sith that killed Qui-Gon? Does that mean that Palpatine was one, even then?" Obi-Wan nodded. "But how could he mask his true identity so well? No one ever, ever suspected such a thing."
The Jedi stared into her dark eyes. "The same way Anakin hid his identity from you, Padme. The Dark Side can be very difficult to detect. Obviously, Sith can wrap themselves in light when it is convenient."
Padme withdrew, curling into a chair, sobbing softly into her hands. Obi-Wan moved to follow, but was stopped by Valorum's hand on his shoulder. The older man motioned for the Jedi to join him at the window.
Obi-Wan blinked in the bright sunlight, surprised to find that it was still day. How could that be when he felt so cold and dark inside? Goosebumps skittered down his arms and he rubbed them, stopping suddenly to glare at his aching hand.
The two men stood, shoulder to shoulder, staring out over the sun-dappled valley. Valorum's voice was low. "Now I know why you didn't comment on my remark about your wearing your colors so boldly. You had no idea. I had thought you might find it an uncouth, rather odd thing to say."
"Politicians are always saying things I find odd."
Valorum cleared his throat. "Yes, well. There is more. You must know. But the queen is in no shape to deal with more distressing news."
Foreboding shrouded the Jedi.
"Anakin -- I mean, Vader -- did not just walk away from that assembly, Obi-Wan."
The Jedi clenched his fists and his jaw to stop from shaking.
"He ordered that everyone in that auditorium be executed. On the spot."
The Jedi's knees gave way. The old man grabbed him and guided him backwards to sit in the desk chair. Obi-Wan fought to control his breathing. But he couldn't stop the tears. He looked to Valorum, his voice ragged. "I felt it. We were on Indu San. The pain was ... excruciating ... drove me to the ground. It went on and on." The old man grunted as he knelt before the Jedi. Abhorrence filled Obi-Wan's voice. "Force help them, Chancellor. They were innocent. The pacifists. The ones who thought it would all work out. Those of us who openly opposed Palpatine were already gone from the Temple. Seeking other means to stop the madness. How could he?"
Valorum's reply was grim. "He could because he is evil. Because he wanted to paralyze the other Jedi with fear and horror. To make it easier to hunt them down." He paused and glanced over Obi-Wan's shoulder to where Padme still sat crying. "It is a felony to harbor a Jedi, now. Punishable by death. The bounty on you will be considerable, my friend. Because of the queen, he will personally hunt you down. And take great pleasure in killing you." He paused again. "I will keep Amidala safe, but ... I will get you some garments. You can't be seen like this."
Obi-Wan jerked to his feet and helped the old man rise. "I won't be seen at all. I must get to the rendezvous point."
"You had a contingency plan for such an event?"
"For every event. I just never dreamed the worst-case scenario would be the one we'd be acting upon. Force help us all."
Obi-Wan moved in a sleepwalker's state to stand before Padme. He crouched and took her hands in his, exposing her blotchy face and red-rimmed eyes. Pain shot out from them, piercing the Jedi's soul.
"Padme. Dear Padme. I would give anything not to have been the one to bring you such hurt," Obi-Wan whispered.
"But you volunteered," Padme replied, her voice thick.
"Because it was absolutely necessary, and I trusted no one else to keep you safe." He swept a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. "And now ... will you ever trust me again? Can you ever forgive me?"
She shook her head slowly. "How can I?"
Cupping her jaw in his stinging palm, he replied, "Perhaps, someday, far in the future, you will look inside and find that you can ... forgive ... maybe even trust. You are a courageous woman, Padme. And trust is an act of bravery."
The Jedi rose to his feet and stepped back. Padme stood and looked up at him, fear dulling her eyes. "How can I have this baby alone, Obi-Wan? I can't go on alone."
Pulling her into his embrace, he spoke into her hair. "I'll be there if at all possible, Padme. If not, someone will be there. I promise." He felt her arms creep around his waist. He closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of her.
Padme spoke into his tunic. "What will happen to us, Obi-Wan?"
"I will fight." He squeezed gently, pressing her body against his. "And you will raise this baby somewhere safe, if the Force allows. Master Yoda has a place in mind. He's working out the details. Until then, Chancellor Valorum has opened his home to you."
"How long?"
"A couple of months. Six at the most. You'll be safe here, until then."
Padme pulled away. "No. How long until it's all over, Obi-Wan? This nightmare?"
"I wish I knew, Padme."
The Jedi stared into the queen's eyes, allowing his deepest emotions to fill his own gaze for one brief instant. He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers, whisper soft. He sensed the forever in that parting gesture and inwardly sighed.
The desire to stay clogged in his throat and misted his eyes. Obi-Wan imprinted her final expression in his mind and strode toward the doors, his cloak swirling around his boots.
"Obi-Wan." Valorum's voice halted him, and the Jedi pivoted to see the former chancellor standing with his arm protectively around the queen's shoulders. And Padme ... Padme looking so brave in her cloak of overwhelming sadness, that he almost ran back to sweep her into his arms. He met Valorum's gaze as the old man said, "The Force be with you."
Obi-Wan nodded and wheeled away. He had one final lesson to teach to his Padawan.
