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"I think he's hiding something."
"Anakin?" Luminara's sharp tone drew Obi-Wan's gaze upward.
Half expecting to see censure in his friend's face for leveling such a charge at his padawan, Obi-Wan was relieved to note nothing more than open concern. He nodded and returned his attention to the yellow pinja fruit in his hand. He balanced the disc-shaped fruit on a blue plate and poised a knife above it.
Mid-slice, he paused as Luminara said, "What makes you think such a thing?"
Obi-Wan stared at the knife for a few seconds, then lifted his gaze once more. Luminara returned his regard, raising slender eyebrows high over blue eyes so deep that a person could dive into them and never surface. Obi-Wan blinked to prevent himself from doing just that. He sliced the fruit as he talked. "It's nothing I can pinpoint, more just a feeling I have. Sometimes when we're talking, his face ... shuts down, like a droid switching off."
"Do you sense anything through the Force?"
"No." Obi-Wan scowled. "And that's what has me the most puzzled. It's like he's a blank data-disc. I can't read him at all. He's shielding heavily, which is what makes me think he's hiding something. But I don't know what. I hope he hasn't done something foolish. Since Geonosis ... our trust level has diminished for some reason. Or, his has. And when I challenge him on it, he draws more deeply into himself."
"Well, if you're calling him a droid or a blank data-disc, I can certainly see why he might not want to talk."
"What do you mean?"
"He probably wants to be treated like the young man he is, not like some machine."
Obi-Wan's scowl deepened. "I'm not calling him those things to his face. I'm concerned for him and am making every effort to be reasonable. He's the one refusing to talk."
"Have the two of you ever been open with each other, really shared your feelings?"
Obi-Wan released a slow breath. "We don't have the kind of close relationship you had ... with Barriss." He shifted his cross-legged position, uncomfortable with being the first to mention Luminara's dead padawan. She nudged him under the low table, as if to signal that it was okay. His shoulders relaxed and he continued, "We respect each other, like each other. At least, I like him. Most of the time."
"Maybe he's picking up on ... the other times."
"I don't dislike him. But he frustrates me to the outer limits. I don't understand him, Luminara. I just don't -"
A giggle froze Obi-Wan. He narrowed his eyes and peered at his friend. "I should very much like to know what you think is so funny."
"Nothing you've said." Luminara tapped the plate, drawing his gaze to the intricate tattoos decorating her finger joints. "I have never seen pinja served in such tiny pieces."
Obi-Wan observed his handiwork, or rather his slaughter, of the fruit in question. He dropped the knife with a clatter and gave Luminara a wry glance. She burst out laughing. Obi-Wan smiled. Force, but it was good to hear her laugh again.
"Oh, Obi-Wan, thank you for tonight. I needed this so much. A chance to relax and not worry about whether I'm reacting properly or saying the right thing. A chance to get away from the awkward glances and abrupt changes of conversation when I walk into a room. A chance to laugh." She cupped her hand over his, her face suffused with a golden glow.
Sudden longing surfaced; Obi-Wan quashed it. He was not going to let a desire that could never be satisfied ruin this moment, or their friendship. Still, her touch sent sparks of uncomfortable awareness skittering up his arm. Feeling like a clumsy teenager, he jerked his hand free and stumbled to his feet.
He muttered, "You must be thirsty. I'll be right back."
Obi-Wan retreated to the kitchenette. He braced his hands against the counter and inhaled calm. This was the first time he had gotten together with Luminara since he had saved Padmé Naberrie from a terrorist attack and had spent several days squiring her through the streets of Coruscant to safety. Since he had kissed Padmé while thinking of Luminara, wishing ... Obi-Wan set aside the memory. Wishes had nothing to do with reality. And the reality was that he and Luminara were both Jedi, both dedicated to service in the Order. Friendship was all Obi-Wan could ever seek, was likely all Luminara ever wanted. He would not make the mistake his master had made. He straightened and pulled two glasses off a shelf.
"Something else is bothering you." Luminara spoke from the end of the counter.
Startled, Obi-Wan held his reaction to a twitch of his eye. He didn't look at his friend, but busied himself with filling the glasses.
"Obi-Wan, ... what is it?" Luminara crossed her arms, her hands resting over the copper- and bronze-colored metal bands that covered her upper arms.
Pasting a weak smile on his face, Obi-Wan turned and held out her glass. She took it, but didn't move. Obi-Wan shrugged. "I'm tired. Master Yoda has me attending meetings all day, every day. He has decided that I should be the Jedi representative on the Military Council that Bail Organa is heading up."
"And on top of full-day meetings, I hear you're still spending hours in the training rooms, honing your lightsaber skills. That can't be helping your fatigue. But that Military Council is just to mollify the Senate, isn't it?"
"Yes. They're afraid that the new military is wielding too much power and want to make sure that they have their say. I'm not sure who insisted the Jedi have a voice in matters, and I'm completely baffled as to what I did to Master Yoda to get him so upset with me that he would appoint me to the post."
Luminara chuckled. "Before you know it, they'll be making you a general."
"Force forbid. So far, my mandate is restricted to voicing my opinion on strategies and not committing the Jedi to the fight. Ever since Geonosis, Master Yoda has been striving to keep us from being drawn deeper into the conflict, despite heavy Senate pressure to the contrary. We need to regain an air of neutrality if we're ever to be effective as negotiators in the conflict."
"It might be too late for that." Sadness shadowed Luminara's eyes.
That she was still mourning the loss of her padawan was plain to see. Obi-Wan stepped beside her and leaned against the counter. He gave her a gentle bump with his shoulder, earning himself a watery smile. He wished he could take her pain away - a wish as pointless as any other he had made recently.
Luminara sniffed. "So tell me about this committee."
"That one word about sums it up. It's a committee. Endless talk. Although I do admire the deft way Bail handles the various members, including the military personnel. He has a fine mind." Obi-Wan paused. "Despite his taste in clothing."
"Obi-Wan! That's terrible. Why would you say such a thing?"
He smiled at Luminara's reaction. "It's hard to take a person seriously when he's decked out in so much ... frippery."
"So much ...?" Luminara peered up at Obi-Wan, eyes now clear and dancing. "And just what frippery is he guilty of wearing?"
"Oh, you know. The frills at the collar and cuffs." Obi-Wan pointed at his own neck and wrists. "The braid and excessive ornamentation on his tunics."
Luminara swung around to stand before him. "One could say the same thing about you, dear Jedi. Look at you. Undertunic, tunic, stolla, sash, belt, lightsaber, and a cloak when you go out. Isn't that ... excessive?"
"That's different."
"Is it?" She tapped her tattooed chin and quirked her eyebrows. "And what about me, Obi-Wan? Do I wear ... frippery?"
"Well ..." Obi-Wan ran an assessing gaze over her, a grin crinkling his eyes. "Now that you mention it, that head covering comes dangerously close. I've always wanted to ask you why you wear it. Surely it would be more comfortable to simply go without."
"Like my tattoos, my head covering is traditional to my home world, though I'm sure you know that. A woman leaves her hair unbound but covered. So it satisfies tradition, but also serves to keep my hair out of my eyes so I can see to fight when necessary."
"You must keep it short under there, though, or it would be uncomfortably hot."
Luminara smiled. She set down her glass and slid her hands to the back of her neck, then pulled off the covering. Obi-Wan blinked. Her hair hung thick and straight, almost ten centimeters below her collar. A black waterfall. He itched to feel the shimmering folds flow through his fingers.
In a conspiratorial whisper, Luminara said, "You must pretend I never did this, for on Mirial, only a woman's lifemate is supposed to see her hair."
Lifemate. Obi-Wan squeezed his eyes shut and drained his glass. He set it down with a thump and moved to step past Luminara. She stopped him with a hand on his chest. "What is it? What's wrong, Obi-Wan?"
"I'm -"
"Tired. Yes, I know. And you're also being evasive."
"Thank you for that observation. You, my friend, are being nosy."
"Obnoxious."
Obi-Wan opened his mouth and snapped it shut. Padmé had called him that. He eyed his friend warily. "Very well, I agree. Obnoxious is a better word for your behavior."
A clear laugh burst from the smaller Jedi. "You know I was referring to you, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
With a look of mock indignation, Obi-Wan started to protest, but found himself beguiled by her amazing blue eyes and the way they were sparkling with laughter. His expression softened. He shook himself and laughed. "You are absolutely right. I am completely obnoxious. Just ask my padawan."
"Ask me what, Master?" Anakin's voice came from the entry.
The two Jedi exchanged amused glances. Obi-Wan grinned as he realized that Luminara hadn't heard Anakin enter the apartment either. The padawan popped his head around the corner. Surprise flickered over his features, then disappeared.
Tilting his head, uncertainty in his voice, Anakin said, "You're in a good mood."
"Yes, as it happens," Obi-Wan replied. He crossed his arms. "And you're back a little early. I thought the shuttle from Obroa-Skai didn't arrive until closer to midnight."
"A good pilot, I guess." Anakin nodded at Luminara, his gaze lingering on her unbound hair for a few seconds. Obi-Wan could almost see the snide comment forming on his padawan's lips, though Anakin merely said, "Master Unduli. It's good to see you smiling again." He sent Obi-Wan a dubious glance, as if he could not quite believe his master capable of making anyone smile. Obi-Wan arched one brow.
"Thank you, Anakin. And you are looking well, too," Luminara replied. "Though I must say that the leather trimmings you sport come, well, dangerously close to frippery. Wouldn't you agree, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan snorted and swallowed his rising laughter, a task made more difficult by the puzzled look Anakin wore. The padawan hesitated, then said, "Master? I spoke with Padmé via comlink on my way to the Temple, and I promised her I'd give her a hand with a project she has on the go." He paused. "If that's okay with you, I mean."
"You want to go over tonight?"
"Right away, if you don't have anything pressing for me to do."
The boy was being very deferential, not his usual arrogant self at all. His eagerness to see Padmé was showing. Obi-Wan found it hard to object to his padawan's friendship with the senator when he drew so much strength from his own relationship with Luminara. Still, he let Anakin chafe under a harsh gaze for a moment. When Anakin's face started to fall, he said, "Don't focus on the negative, young padawan. Your thoughts betray you. And whatever you do, ... don't overstay your welcome."
A smile broke across Anakin's face. "Of course not, Master." He spun and disappeared. The door whispered closed seconds later.
Obi-Wan stared at the spot where his padawan had stood. He was relieved to have Anakin gone. The boy was very astute. The last thing Obi-Wan wanted was to have him notice what Luminara had so far failed to see - that she inspired feelings in him beyond friendship.
Luminara dropped her head covering, jerking Obi-Wan from his reverie. She bent over and picked it up, her hair falling across her shoulders and into her face. When she straightened, Obi-Wan smiled and reached over to brush a strand of hair out of her eyes. His fingers lingered on her temple. Their eyes met.
The sapphire pools drew him into their depths before he realized what was happening. He couldn't look away, not even when he saw understanding dawning in them.
Luminara blinked and looked away, breaking the spell. "Oh, Obi-Wan." Her brow puckered. Her hand fluttered between them, then dropped. "I ... I should leave." She wheeled away and darted toward the foyer.
Obi-Wan caught up to her beside the sofa and grasped her arm. "Please, Luminara, don't go. I refuse to let my ... foolishness ... get in the way of our friendship."
Slowly, she turned around and peered into his face.
"Please stay." Panic edged his thoughts. "I can't lose your friendship. You are the only one I can talk to the way we do." He gave her a hopeful smile. "Laugh with me, Luminara. Laugh at my stupidity."
"It's ... not funny, Obi-Wan. It's heart-wrenching. It's touching. It ... hurts."
Obi-Wan touched his finger to her lips. "I can assure you, that was never my intent, my friend." He flung his arms out. "Hit me."
"What?"
"I had the audacity to hurt you. So hit me. Your hardest swing. I won't even defend against it."
Luminara covered her mouth, muffling a laugh. "Stop it."
"I mean it. Knock me out cold."
This time the laugh broke free. "Okay, I'll stay. You are so pathetic."
Obi-Wan grinned. "A truly pathetic, and apparently obnoxious, lifeform. And I'm forever grateful that you have more compassion than I when it comes to such things."
Seriousness cloaked her features. She cupped her hand along his jaw. "I value our friendship, too, Obi-Wan, more than I can say. You know as well as I that it can never be more than that. So tell me what I can do to help you. To help us."
Gripping Luminara's elbow, Obi-Wan steered her toward the table and the now soggy pinja fruit. "To begin with, you can put that head covering back on."
"What? Don such needless frippery?"
Obi-Wan groaned. "Have mercy, friend."
An hour later, the two Jedi were still laughing with easy camaraderie. They exchanged tales of missions gone awry, each enduring the other's good-natured teasing. Luminara relaxed on the sofa, while Obi-Wan stretched out on the floor, propped on his elbow. He tossed bits of fresh pinja at her, which she easily caught, alternating between popping the fruit in her mouth and throwing pieces back at him.
Obi-Wan said, "Do you remember our joint mission on Ansion?"
Luminara snorted softly. "I remember you riding those great beasts like you had been born to it, while the rest of us were jostled about and bumped and bruised and almost tossed to the ground."
"I remember you throwing handfuls of sand into the air and our hosts getting most disgruntled with your ... lack of talent. Until the sand started molding into pictures before our eyes. It was one of the most incredible displays of Force control I've even been witness to. When you rose in the air, the sand spiraling around you, the silence was so profound ... I do believe you even impressed my padawan."
"High praise indeed."
It was Obi-Wan's turn to snort. "You have no idea how difficult he is to impress. His abilities have made him arrogant."
"Well, he is supposed to be the Chosen One."
"Chosen to drive me to an early funeral pyre."
"Obi-Wan -"
"I know, I know. Add irreverence to my list of crimes, along with obnoxious and Force knows what else. You'll have to ask Anakin for a complete listing. He can catalogue my faults much more efficiently than I."
"You have so many. It must be difficult to keep track."
Obi-Wan leveled an annoyed look at his friend. She smiled broadly. He flipped another piece of pinja at her, which she threw right back.
"No more. I'm going to burst soon."
Dropping the fruit back on the plate, Obi-Wan flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling, content to share the silence with Luminara. Her presence glimmered in the Force, a soothing balm. His relief at their getting past the awkwardness of his revealed feelings was enormous. He knew, with Luminara's help, he'd overcome this unexpected, unwelcome love and return to the simpler devotion of friendship. They would be able to share a lifetime of evenings like this one. A smile played over his lips.
"What are you -"
Luminara's question was cut short by the door chime sounding. Obi-Wan rolled over and pushed to his feet. "Enter." At his command, the door slid into the wall.
A Mon Calamari initiate stepped into the apartment and bowed. "Masters." He straightened and faced Obi-Wan. "Master Yoda requests your presence, Master Kenobi. He asks that you meet him right away, in the Star Room."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan replied. "I'll do so."
The young learner bowed again and hurried into the corridor as the door hissed closed. Obi-Wan gave Luminara an apologetic look.
She held up her hand. "It can't be helped." A twinkle entered her eyes. "Perhaps you've been put on active duty, General Kenobi."
Obi-Wan curled his lip. "A commission I will only accept if you are made my second-in-command."
"No, thank you. I will stick to negotiating."
"Well, my padawan often calls battle aggressive negotiations, something you are quite adept at when the situation calls for it. You'd be a natural."
"All the same, I will remain a simple Jedi. You will have to bask alone in the glory of battles won." She rose and smiled up at Obi-Wan. "I'm hopeful your ego won't puff up too much."
"You never can tell. What with my endless list of faults, egomania is certain to be included somewhere."
Luminara smiled. "True enough." She slipped her arms around his waist. "Please tell me I can still do this."
Obi-Wan returned the hug. "Always. Even if I ever have the misfortune to become an egotistical general." He pressed his cheek against the top of her head and inhaled her sweet herbal scent.
"Would you really consider such a post?"
"If the Council required it, though I'm certain it will never come to that." Another of his faults, according to Anakin - his desire to do the will of the Council. Why a simple concept like unquestioned obedience was so difficult for Anakin to grasp, was beyond Obi-Wan's understanding. The boy had to have a reason for everything.
Luminara stepped back. "We'll talk tomorrow. Maybe we can connect at lunch. I'm on Coruscant for the next few days, at least."
Obi-Wan nodded. "The Force be with you."
"And with you, dear friend."
Luminara left Obi-Wan standing in the middle of the room. After the door closed, he sighed and looked around, then tidied up, rinsing dishes and stacking them in the sterilizer. He wiped his hands on his stolla, pausing to finger the soft material, a smile tugging at his mouth. Frippery. He set aside his mirth, grabbed his cloak, and headed for the Star Room.
Master Yoda was waiting, a scowl marring his forehead. In deference to the master's size, Obi-Wan sank to his knees and sat back on his heels. He inclined his head in greeting.
Yoda huffed and began to pace, his gimer stick tapping the stone floor. It brought forth the memory of Yoda fighting Dooku, the stick and old age forgotten in the cocooning power of the Force. Yoda was a many-layered mystery, even to those who knew him well. Obi-Wan watched and waited. It was several moments before Yoda spoke.
"Transpired, an unsettling development has."
"In the Clone War?"
"Mmm." Yoda halted and narrowed his eyes. "Spoken to Senator Amidala recently, have you?"
"Not since the terrorist incident at the Bothan Embassy. Why?"
Yoda didn't reply. He waved his hand and activated the star map, turning the room into a miniature galaxy, then studied the stars for several moments. Finally, he used his gimer stick to point at a grouping of lights.
"The Hapes Cluster," Obi-Wan said, wondering at the change in subject. He knew he need only be patient and Yoda would reveal the reason.
Nodding, the ancient master said, "Returned from Hapes today, aboard a public transport, Jedi Shemdireh did. Wandering the lower levels of the ship, he was, when he heard a disturbance and rushed to it, frightening off an attacker. He stayed to help the victim, but too late, it was. Handed him a pouch, the victim did, and with his dying breath said it must reach Senator Amidala."
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. "A diplomatic courier?"
Yoda's ears flattened. "A personal courier."
"Really." Obi-Wan paused. "You opened the pouch."
"I did."
Yoda clamped both his hands on his stick and lifted his chin. Obi-Wan recognized that look. Far be it from him to question the motives or actions of the wisest of all Jedi masters. He schooled his features to blandness and waited for Yoda to continue.
The Jedi master frowned at Obi-Wan for a moment, then said, "Has her own network of spies, the senator does. Discovered the whereabouts of Count Dooku, they may have."
Shocked, Obi-Wan stared at Yoda, unable to summon words as his thoughts skipped in all directions. That Yoda was expecting a response was evident in his expression. Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Well, that certainly explains why her courier would be a target for murder."
The furrows in Yoda's forehead deepened. "Know nothing of this, you do?"
"Of course not, Master. I would never condone -"
"Yes, yes. Suspect you, I did not. I merely sought to confirm my belief." Yoda resumed pacing. "Concerned, I am, that the senator is acting alone. Without Senate knowledge. Without our knowledge. Why?" He jabbed the air with his stick. "Know this, we must. The senator still does not realize how dangerous Dooku is. Only the Jedi know, that darkness, he has embraced. Stopped, she must be, from continuing her hunt. And then ... find Dooku, we must. On this, much depends."
"Yes, Master."
"Go to the senator, you will."
"Tonight?"
"Yes. If the murderer was sent by Dooku, then alerted he might already be. Act quickly, we must, before he disappears again."
"And if Padmé refuses to stop looking for Dooku?"
Yoda narrowed his eyes. "Allow that, I will not. A Jedi matter, this is. Hold you responsible for her actions, I will, and for her safety."
Obi-Wan held his tongue. He wondered if Yoda realized how stubborn a young woman Padmé was. If she had set her mind to the task, stopping her might be akin to stopping a stampeding herd of nerf. His thoughts crashed to a halt. Anakin. Did he know what Padmé was doing? Is that what he was hiding?
"Master Kenobi?"
"Hm?" Obi-Wan blinked rapidly.
"Hear me, you did not." Disapproval stamped Yoda's features.
"I'm sorry, Master. What did you say?"
Yoda pointed at the chair in the center of the room, and the packet on its seat. "I said, take the pouch and return it to the senator."
"But surely you don't want her to know where -"
"Her pouch, it is. Keep it from her, I will not. Use reason, you must, to achieve your goal."
Obi-Wan started to speak, then stopped. He had the feeling that Yoda had just doomed him to failure. Giving Padmé that pouch would be like releasing a heat-seeking missile when the target was in sight. He stood and picked up the packet. "Are you certain this is what you want, Master?"
Yoda rapped his stick on the floor. "Question me, you will not."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan took a quick breath and spoke before he could think better of it. "It's just that Padmé sometimes thinks with her heart, not her head."
"Then, do her thinking for her, you will."
"But she -"
"Dismissed, you are, Obi-Wan."
Clamping his mouth shut, Obi-Wan gave a short bow, then strode from the room. His boots slapped against the marble floor. Master Yoda had to know that Padmé would try to chase after Dooku once she knew where he was. Why did Yoda want that?
Scowling, Obi-Wan rounded a corner, scattering a group of older initiates. Their surprised mutterings followed him down the corridor. He continued, unheeding, his pace eating up the distance to the nearest landing bay.
He wasn't looking forward to the coming argument with Padmé. And he already knew whose side Anakin would take.
Captain Typho greeted Obi-Wan in the foyer of Senator Amidala's multi-storied apartment. "Master Kenobi, it's a pleasure to see you again."
Obi-Wan bowed. He genuinely liked the head of Padmé's security. He was a stern fellow who took his duties very seriously. Obi-Wan had never asked, but assumed Typho had lost his left eye in the line of duty. The eye patch lent an even grimmer aspect to the man. "How are you this evening, Captain?"
"I was fine until you walked through the door." Obi-Wan gave Typho a curious look and the man continued, "You only seem to show up when trouble is on the radar screen."
Pulling his cloak close about him, Obi-Wan said, "Surely you misjudge ..."
Slightly taller than Obi-Wan, Typho straightened to his full height and skewered the Jedi with a keen eye. "Are you here only for a visit, then?"
Obi-Wan inclined his head. "I confess, I'm here on business."
A quiet snort escaped from Typho. "I thought as much. Senator Amidala is in the main lounge, with Anakin if I'm not mistaken. Shall I announce you?"
"That won't be necessary. I'll find my own way." Obi-Wan bowed again and swept past the diligent captain. He doubted Typho ever mistook anything.
Obi-Wan strolled along the outer corridor, eyeing the blurred lights of Coruscant traffic by night. He paused and straightened his cloak. He was stalling, he knew. He didn't want to argue with Padmé. Though he'd known her for over ten years, their friendship was still quite new and precarious, especially given Anakin's sometimes defensive attitude toward him and Padmé's obvious loyalty to Anakin.
Everything always came back to Anakin. The boy had defined his life since the day they had first met. I lost my master twice, first to Anakin, then to the Sith's blade. Refusing to let the old resentment take root, Obi-Wan closed his eyes, admitting that he sometimes wondered (feared?) if Anakin would be central to the rest of his life. Likely all masters had similar thoughts. When Anakin achieved knighthood, Obi-Wan would begin to walk a solitary path. An odd thought, that. He had always been either padawan or master. It would be strange to have to account for only himself. Strange, but ... not unwelcome. The stress of keeping Anakin in line was fatiguing.
The lanes of traffic came into focus, and Obi-Wan realized he had been standing before this window for several moments. He sighed. He had an assignment and pointless musing would not see it done. Hands clasped before him, he strode toward the archway at the end of the hall and into the lounge.
Obi-Wan jerked to a halt, eyes wide.
On the other side of the room, oblivious to everything, Anakin and Padmé were embracing.
Obi-Wan gaped.
And kissing. Passionately.
The Jedi master tried to clear his throat around the lump clogging it. The sound barely registered. Heedless, Anakin continued to ... to plunder Padmé's lips. Obi-Wan worked his jaw, but no words emerged. What were they doing?
As he watched, Anakin swept Padmé into his arms, still kissing her, and started for the hall leading to the senator's bedroom. Alarm thrummed through Obi-Wan's veins. The bedroom. He found his voice.
"Anakin!"
The shout almost caused Anakin to drop Padmé. He jerked his head up, eyes round, cheeks flushed deep red. He set Padmé down and she brushed at her gown, studiously avoiding Obi-Wan's gaze.
"What do you think you are doing?" Each word was punctuated by a cracking step forward.
"I -" Anakin's nostrils flared and he pushed Padmé behind him.
"This is completely unacceptable." Obi-Wan fought to control his rising anger.
"But -"
"No buts." Anakin's lips pressed together. Distress and something darker flickered over his features. Obi-Wan halted before the padawan and crossed his arms. "You are behaving in a manner unbecoming a Jedi. One does not take advantage of friendship in such a reprehensible way. Seduction, Anakin? What are you thinking? Are you even thinking? Come to your senses here."
Through clenched teeth, Anakin said, "You don't understand."
"Nor do I want to. This time you have gone too far, young one. You will learn your place and will start behaving according to the Code -"
"Blast the Code!"
Obi-Wan's breath caught. He scowled, carving deep lines between his brows. His voice was deadly quiet. "What ... did you say?"
"You heard me."
Anakin started to turn away, but Obi-Wan yanked him back. "You had better have a reasonable explanation for your outburst, my young padawan learner."
"Stop calling me that!"
Obi-Wan's grip tightened. "Explain your actions now, or we'll return to the Temple and you can explain them to Master Yoda."
Anakin shook himself free. His face distorted as he fought an inner battle, the intensity of which surprised Obi-Wan. Finally, Anakin blurted, "We're married."
For a long moment, Obi-Wan forgot to breathe. His heart failed to beat. With a roar, his blood resumed rushing through his veins. A merciless pounding began behind his eyes. Anger erupted. "How dare you lie to me! What in blazes do you think to gain by -"
"It's true, Obi-Wan." Padmé's voice struck the Jedi momentarily dumb.
Groping behind him, Obi-Wan felt for the sofa and sank onto it. He stared blankly at the pair before him, rubbing his chilled and clammy fingers, noting his icy toes, deciding he was going into shock. That was ridiculous. One did not slip into a state of shock from simply hearing that ...
"It's true?" he whispered. "True?" He leaned his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. Without looking up he asked, "Was it true when we were fleeing through the streets of Coruscant, Padmé?"
"Yes."
Obi-Wan snapped his head up. "You sought my friendship, yet you said nothing."
"I couldn't. It was Anakin's ... It wasn't ..." Her brow wrinkled as she battled dismay.
Anakin said, "Padmé told me to tell you, Master. Remember? That night in your room, right after you had rescued her? But ... I couldn't. I knew you wouldn't understand."
"I wouldn't understand." Obi-Wan laughed, a short bark. "What's to understand? You're an aspiring Jedi Knight, forbidden from forming such attachments - and for a good reason, I might add - and you just up and, and ..." Another bark. "You're dead right I don't understand." He stood and began to pace. "How long?"
When no answer was forthcoming, Obi-Wan halted before Anakin. "I said, how long?"
Anakin avoided his gaze. "Right after Geonosis. When I escorted Padmé back to Naboo."
"When you ..." Obi-Wan scowled, something niggling on the edge of his awareness. He narrowed his eyes. "Where?"
"I told you, Master. On Naboo."
"No. Where on Naboo?"
"Up in the lake country where we first hid from the assassin. There's a villa -"
"Blast!" Obi-Wan spun and strode to the window. Hands folded tightly across his chest, he saw nothing, his sight turned inward, to a vision he'd had the night Anakin had tried to tell him. Anakin and Padmé kissing, a shimmering lake behind them. He spoke quietly, to himself. "The Force showed me, but I refused to see. It tried to warn me, but I ignored it. Am I so Force-blind then? So insensitive to its leading?" Silently, he cried, Master, help me. But there was no reply, only rising despair. I knew they liked each other, but still I agreed to let him escort her home. If I hadn't ... This is my fault. I've failed. Again. Oh, Force. He slumped into a chair beside the window and closed his eyes.
Summon quiet. There is no emotion; there is peace. Set
aside worry.
Absorb the truth. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
Accept it and learn.
Breathe in calm. There is no passion; there is serenity.
Breathe out anger.
Seek the Light. There is no death; there is the Force.
Resist the urge to strangle Anakin.
Questing inward, Obi-Wan reached for his center of calm. It proved as elusive as catching the wind.
"Obi-Wan?" Small hands clasped his. "Obi-Wan, are you all right?" He blinked his eyes open and stared at Padmé, crouched before him, concern wreathing her features. She was incredibly beautiful. He could see why Anakin was attracted to her. She said, "I've never seen you like this, Obi-Wan. Please don't be angry. It will be all right. I promise."
The promise of a politician. Obi-Wan winced inwardly at his judgmental attitude. He pulled his hands from her grasp and stood. He studied Anakin as he weighed their options. Padmé moved to stand beside Anakin and took his hand, facing Obi-Wan as if waiting for sentencing. Obi-Wan crossed his arms, holding his cloak close and warding off the chill he felt. After several minutes, he said, "We can fix this."
Anakin's expression turned quizzical. "Fix?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes. What kind of a ceremony were you married in? Civil?"
Padmé said, "A local holy man performed the rites."
"Good. That's easier. We'll travel to Naboo and get the marriage annulled."
Anger contorted Anakin's face. "We'll do no such thing."
Obi-Wan stepped forward. "Be mindful of your feelings, Padawan. Do not let them control you. This is the only reasonable -"
"Space reason!" Anakin's limbs quivered. "I will not pretend the last few months never happened! Padmé is my wife. I love her and she's going to remain my wife."
"Patience, Anakin. Think this through. You have to realize -"
"Realize what, Obi-Wan? That you are totally incapable of understanding me? I already know that. Do you even know what love is? Have you ever once felt love for anyone? If you had the slightest clue what it feels like, you'd know I can't turn my back on our love. Tell me, Master, do you have a heart or a central processing unit?"
Obi-Wan strove to tamp his surging frustration. "Not only is that a highly unfair accusation, it has no bearing on this situation. I'm concerned for you and I'm trying to help."
"By making the situation disappear? It's not going away, Obi-Wan. We are married - and we're staying that way."
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Don't you realize what you've done?" Eyes pleading, he met his padawan's steely gaze. "All your life you've wanted to be a Jedi. I can't begin to recall how many times you told me that. And now, on the verge of success, you would throw it all away?"
"I'm not throwing anything away."
Obi-Wan gaped for a heartbeat. "That's ... Think, Anakin. For once, take a moment and think it through. If we don't deal with this, you will be expelled from the Jedi Order!"
"Now who's the one dwelling on negative thoughts?"
"Expelled! And all our hard work will be for nothing."
"Be careful, Master. Your thoughts betray you. Our hard work? It seems all you're really concerned about here is how this will affect your standing as a Jedi master."
Obi-Wan jabbed his finger at Anakin. "Don't twist my teachings and throw them back in my face." He dropped onto the sofa, forearms on thighs, and stared at his hands, willing his anger to subside. His breath huffed out in short bursts. As he focused on the Force, his breathing began to even out, his muscles started to relax.
Padmé sat beside him and spoke softly. "It was wrong of us not to tell you sooner, Obi-Wan, but you have to try to understand how we feel. Put yourself in our position. If it were you and Luminara -"
"Master Unduli?" Anakin cried.
"Hush, Anakin. Please, Obi-Wan. If you had a reasonable chance at making a life with the one you love, wouldn't you take it?"
Puzzlement lacing his tone, Anakin said, "Obi-Wan and Master Unduli?"
"Anakin!" Padmé said. "Stop being so rude. Obi-Wan, please talk to me." He lifted his head and she continued, "You trusted me with the secret of your heart. I won't betray that. Neither of us will." She shot a pointed look at Anakin. "But tell me the truth, wouldn't you marry her if you could?"
"No." Obi-Wan held Padmé's brown gaze. "No. We are Jedi. Nothing can change that fact. We are both committed to the Jedi Order. There is a reason for the proscription about loving. It's not to be cruel, it's not because the Order wants to control every aspect of our lives, it's not because Jedi lack hearts. It splinters our focus, gives our enemies a target. Anakin is a Jedi. You are now his point of weakness. Anyone wishing to attack him, need only target you. Luminara and I will remain mere friends because it's the right thing to do, because as friends we support and strengthen each other without demands, without ... draining expectations."
"There is strength in love," Padmé whispered.
"And there is madness. I've seen both, Padmé. I was younger than Anakin when my master found love - with another Jedi. She was ripped from his life, kidnapped, then killed. It drove him to the brink of madness, to the shadowlands bordering the Dark Side." Obi-Wan rested his hand on Padmé's shoulder. "I loved Qui-Gon as a father. He was my master and I was helpless in the face of his despair and grief. I almost lost him then, but I fought to save him with every gram of strength the boy I was possessed." He shifted his regard to Anakin. He needed to speak as he never had before - maybe all this had happened because he was too reserved with his feelings. "I know we sometimes disagree, but you are my padawan. I care deeply for you and ... I don't want to lose you, Anakin. I'm fighting for you, here, now. Please help me."
Anakin gave him a pained look. "I love her, Master."
"You are a Jedi, Padawan."
"I love her too much to leave her."
"Are you willing to pay the price your love will demand? Are you willing to give up your dream?"
"She is my dream. She is my life."
Oh, Force. I failed you, Master. Forgive me. Obi-Wan closed his eyes. Help me to forgive myself.
The silence stretched into awkwardness. Finally, Padmé said, "Obi-Wan? I know this is a bad time to ask, but ... why did you come here? Was it to get Anakin? Are you being sent on a mission?"
The assignment. He'd forgotten all about it. Setting aside his worries for the moment, Obi-Wan stood and folded his arms, his training as a Jedi re-asserting itself. He sent Anakin a glance warning him their discussion wasn't over, then faced Padmé. "A courier of yours was returning to Coruscant from the Hapes Cluster. He was murdered aboard the transport."
A frown puckered Padmé's brow. Her eyes darkened to near black.
Her silence was telling; she knew what that courier had been searching for. Obi-Wan felt the pouch beneath his fingers, tucked under his sash. If he didn't give it to her, she wouldn't know about Dooku. One less argument. One less worry. Master Yoda's admonition rang through his thoughts. Obi-Wan sighed. Much as it would make things easier, he couldn't disobey Yoda. It went against a lifetime of learning and trust. Slowly, he pulled the pouch from its hiding spot and held it out to Padmé. "He gave this to a Jedi before he died, with instructions it be delivered to you."
She took the packet and turned it over. "It's been opened."
Obi-Wan nodded. "By Master Yoda. I read the contents, as well, on my way over here. I don't know what kind of game you're playing or why you're searching for Count Dooku, but apparently, you've found him." He arched his brow. "It's your move, Senator."
"I hate the way he suddenly began calling you Senator. He says it with such ... contempt, it makes me want to -"
"Shh." Padmé touched Anakin's lips and snuggled closer. She glanced at the bedroom door, acutely aware of Obi-Wan's presence on the other side. She knew he wouldn't stoop to eavesdropping, but he might be monitoring Anakin's feelings through their master-padawan bond. "He sees my searching for Dooku as a plot hatched by a scheming politician. My duplicity only proves his low opinion of my kind. Don't you see, Ani? Our silence about being married has shattered any trust that may have existed between him and I. His faith in us is ... shaken. I can't say I blame him."
"Well, you never told me about him and Master Unduli, and I'm not holding that against you." Anakin paused and stroked Padme's hair. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"For the same reason I didn't tell him about us. It wasn't my secret to tell. Though his secret was much less harmful." She sighed. "He shouldn't have had to find out this way. I never thought to see Obi-Wan Kenobi so ... so ..."
"Upset."
Padmé heard the satisfaction in Anakin's tone and was tempted to hit him. She sat up and frowned at him. "That's right. Upset. He's always in control, always calm."
"The perfect Jedi." Anakin sneered.
"Perhaps. Is being in control so bad, Ani? I have to be in control when I'm in a meeting or at a negotiating table, and I often wish I had his exceptional discipline. Did you notice that every time his control started slipping, he withdrew and regained it? It cost him terribly to stay calm in the face of our revelation. He has feelings as much as you do; he just chooses to keep them in check."
"Why are you defending him?"
"Why are you being so callous? He's your master. And because of us, he's deeply disappointed. More than that, Ani, he's hurting. I didn't need Force abilities to see that. Doesn't it bother you?"
Anakin shrugged and looked away. Padmé pursed her lips. He was sulking. He couldn't be reasoned with when he was like this. She slipped off the bed and crossed to the window. Lifting one of the blind's slats, she peered outside. She hated having to stand as a buffer between the two men. A little more reasonableness on both their parts would go a long way to healing their rift. Instead, it seemed to be growing.
Warm fingers clasped Padmé's shoulder. She closed her eyes and dropped her hand. The blind clattered. Anakin's voice sounded right beside her ear. "We could sneak away. Chase Dooku without our self-appointed shadow." He planted a kiss below Padmé's ear.
"No, Anakin. Running is no better than hiding."
"But you heard him. The Jedi want us to back off. Well, I'm not going to. I have a score to settle with Dooku."
The count needed to be stopped, but why had she ever let Anakin talk her into this search? Maybe because she had never expected it to yield any results. Padmé caught a glimpse of Anakin's outstretched golden arm, flexing, forming a fist. She shuddered.
"Are you cold? Let's go back to bed." He gently turned Padmé around and kissed her, a deep probing kiss that left no question as to his intent.
Drawing back, Padmé shook her head. "I ... I'm tired, Ani. I don't want to ... Not with Obi-Wan in the next room. It's like having your father here."
Anakin threw a resentful glance at the door. "Why did you let him stay?"
"He didn't give me a choice. He's not going away, Anakin, not until this business with Dooku is finished. You heard him: Yoda charged him with keeping me safe. You've told me yourself how stubborn he is when it comes to completing an assignment."
"To the letter, exactly as the Council directs." Anakin frowned. "So what are we going to do about it?"
"We aren't going to do anything. He didn't say he was going to force us to comply. So we are going to calmly continue on. If he wants to come with us, then let him. The extra lightsaber will come in handy if we actually catch up to Dooku."
Anakin snorted. "Dooku won't defeat me a second time. I still think it would be easier to knock out a window and -"
Padmé clamped her hand over Anakin's mouth. "Not another word, unless you want to be first out that window - without a safety cable."
Lowering her hand, Anakin chuckled. "I've done worse."
An image imprinted itself on Padmé's mind: Anakin free-falling through the canyons of Coruscant. What was frightening was that he had done just that - and likely enjoyed it. Another shudder raked her spine. Could hunting Dooku prove to be more dangerous yet?
She had a bad feeling about this.
