Firestorm II - AU of AOTC, Sequel to Firestorm
Chapter 1: Old Friends, New Concerns
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the almighty George (We're not worthy, we're not worthy!!!). Except Cassi, she's all mine!!
Obi Wan Kenobi, having recently returned from his assignment on the planet of Ansion, couldn't believe his ears when Jedi Master Mace Windu informed him of his next assignment. In fact, Obi Wan thought he had misheard him completely.
"I'm sorry, Master," he replied. "Can you repeat that, please."
Mace looked at him, puzzled, and said, "You and your apprentice are to report at once to Senator Amidala at the Senate apartment complex. There was an assassination attempt on her life, her bodyguard and decoy was murdered, and you and Anakin are to safeguard the Senator until further notice."
"Yes sir," Obi Wan breathed. Senator Padme Amidala, he thought. I wonder if her Counselor will accompany her.
He stood in the center of the Jedi Council inside a room in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and all their eyes were upon him. Obi Wan knew that he must control his thoughts and emotions until he was away from them. He fought to keep them under control. Master Yoda seemed to sense his struggle and looked at him quizzically, his ears and forehead raising in question.
"That is all, Obi Wan," Mace finished. "Report to us as needed."
Obi Wan bowed lowly, "Yes Master." He strode from the Council room quickly, already lost in thought. It had been ten years since he had said good bye to Cassiopeia on Naboo. Ten years since he had seen her or heard her lovely voice. Obi Wan had spent the last ten years attempting to bury his feelings for Cassi, trying to keep them from Anakin and especially from the Jedi Council, trying to keep them from affecting his training of Anakin. Even still, not a day had passed in the last ten years when he hadn't thought of her. He thought of her especially at night when he lay alone in his bed. Obi Wan wondered how she was, what she was doing, if she was happy. That's all he wanted, for Cassi to just be happy.
Obi Wan bounded up the stairs of the Jedi Temple to the housing section. He hurried into his assigned quarters, the door sliding closed behind him. Obi Wan breathed heavily, closed his eyes, and leaned his head back against the door. Suddenly, there was a knot in his stomach at the thought that he might see her again, that he might speak with her again. He felt like a teenager headed out for a big date.
Stop it, he chided himself, you're being ridiculous. She probably won't even be there. You're mandate is to protect Senator Amidala, not the Senator's head advisor. Cassi's probably still on Naboo and staying there, especially with the attempt on the Senator's life. Besides, ten years is a long time and she most certainly doesn't have feelings for me anymore.
Obi Wan knew this was true and a part of him was dismayed that he wouldn't have the opportunity to see her. Cassiopeia and Senator Amidala never traveled together for safety purposes and now that the Senator's life was in grave danger, Cassiopeia would most likely remain on Naboo for her own safety. Yet another part of him was also relieved that he wouldn't be seeing her. While he still loved her deeply, nothing else had changed either. He was still a Jedi, she an advisor to the senator and they could not be together. It would be better this way, not seeing her.
Obi Wan breathed easier and regained control of his emotions. He needed to collect Anakin and report to the Senator immediately. He smiled, it would be good to see Padme Amidala again, they had been through a lot together ten years ago. Obi Wan told himself not to be nervous, there was no way Cassiopeia would be there.
Two hours later, Obi Wan paced the interior of Senator Padme Amidala's apartment, chiding himself. He should have prepared himself better for the possibility that he might indeed see Cassiopeia again. But he had been so sure that she wouldn't be here, he had convinced himself that there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about. How wrong he had been.
No sooner had Obi Wan and Anakin met with Senator Amidala when Cassiopeia had walked through the door. Cassiopeia, having just arrived from Naboo, walked into Amidala's apartment. Obi Wan recalled every detail of that moment. Anakin had just finished his awkward spiel to Padme about her having grown more beautiful "for a Senator" and she had laughed. Then the door to Padme's apartment had slid open, and Cassiopeia had hurried through. She had been dressed in a long gown of gold and she wore her usual hairstyle with her generous red curls piled on her head. She rushed into the apartment and embraced the Senator, although the embrace seemed awkward, not typical of old friends like they were.
In that instant, as soon as he saw her, Obi Wan's breath caught in his chest, his emotions welled up inside him and threatened to over-take him. He had coughed to get his breath back and turned away for a moment, trying desperately to mask his emotions. Anakin sensed his Master's discomfort and turned to inquire if he was alright. Before he could ask, Anakin sensed Obi Wan's emotions clearly, he wasn't able to mask them in time and keep them from his apprentice. Anakin looked from Obi Wan to Cassiopeia and back again, realization dawning on his face. In that instant, Anakin Skywalker realized that his Master was in love with this woman. His Master who preached to him incessantly about the Jedi Order, his commitment to them, and the importance of remembering and honoring the Oath, had broken an immensely important rule of the Jedi Code; he had developed a personal attachment. In that moment, Anakin lost a bit of respect for his Master.
"Oh Counselor," Senator Amidala spoke, "I'm so pleased to see you're safe. I have been worried for you."
"Everything is fine, Senator," Cassiopeia answered her. "We encountered no problems at all." She paused. "I was distraught when we received word that your ship had been destroyed. I feared I'd lost you."
Obi Wan, knowing Cassi well, could tell that her words were forced and wondered why the tension was so intense between the Senator and her head advisor. Anakin looked at Obi Wan with a raised eyebrow. Obviously he sensed it also.
"Corde was killed," Padme's eyes moistened at the thought of holding her bodyguard and decoy as she died. "I feared they would kill you as well."
"No, Padme, they want you. You're the one who's going to be voting on the upcoming bill."
"Either way, we both need to take precautions, Counselor," Padme turned to acknowledge the Jedi who had been watching the exchange curiously. "We have some old acquaintances to protect us." She smiled.
Cassiopeia turned to view the Jedi for the first time. She lost her breath at the sight of Obi Wan Kenobi. She hardly recognized him, he'd changed so much since she'd last seen him. He had grown a full beard that already had some gray hair in it and also at his temples. His face was lined and he looked too thin. Besides his physical changes, Cassi wondered if his feelings for her had changed as well. She moved forward to greet them.
"Master Kenobi," she held her hand out to him. "What a pleasure to see you again."
He took her hand in both of his. Her skin was as soft as he remembered. "M'lady," he said. "We are at your humble service." And he bowed.
Cassiopeia held his gaze for a moment when he raised up. Obi Wan was unable to read her or sense what she was feeling. She turned her gaze to his Padawan, Anakin.
"Oh my goodness," she exclaimed as he bowed before her. "This can't be little Anakin!"
"Counselor," he replied coolly with a sideways glance at Obi Wan. "We are your servants, whatever you desire is our command."
Obi Wan shot Anakin a dangerous look that advised him he would be wise to watch his words. Cassiopeia saw the look Obi Wan gave Anakin and smiled. It seemed that Anakin was attempting to get a rise out of his Master. She decided to turn the tables on him. "My, Anakin, you've become such a smooth-talker," she moved closer to him until her face was mere inches from his. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to control myself around you!" She kissed his nose.
Padme and Cassiopeia laughed and Obi Wan grinned. Anakin blushed completely. He stepped backward and looked as if he wished the ground would swallow him up.
"I apologize for my words, m'lady," Anakin muttered humbly. "They were inappropriate."
"Thank you Anakin," Cassiopeia smiled at him. "It's good to see you again."
"Thank you," Anakin replied. "You too."
They had continued their meeting then and Anakin had been extremely head strong and defiant toward his Master, questioning his authority and judgement in front of everyone. Obi Wan mused on this for awhile. Why had Anakin behaved the way he had tonight? Anakin had always been head strong and unpredictable, but tonight he had seemed more so. Obi Wan shook his head.
He was trying to impress Padme, that's all, he told himself. Then why that odd comment to Cassiopeia? Obi Wan shook his head.
He hoped that his Padawan hadn't sensed his feelings for Cassiopeia for it wouldn't help his training at all for Anakin to lose faith in his Master. He sighed and decided that there was little he could do now if indeed Anakin had sensed his feelings. Obi Wan's thoughts then turned to Cassi. How beautiful she was, just as he remembered her. He could hardly tell that he hadn't seen her for ten years. But she did look strained and tired, he mused. Obi Wan decided that it must be the stress of the last two days that weighed heavily upon her. Obi Wan sighed. She had hardly said anything to him. She had retired to the guestroom the same time that the Senator had retired to her room. She hadn't even looked back at him as she went through the doorway, and Obi Wan had been watching.
Her feelings for me have surely waned after all these years, he thought. But that will make it easier for both of us. I will be able to do my duties without distractions and it will not be as hard on either of us when I have to leave this time.
Obi Wan sensed Anakin coming and he cleared his mind of these thoughts.
"Are you satisfied with Captain Typho's security measures Master?" Anakin questioned.
Obi Wan had just returned from checking the Captain's security. "Yes, Anakin, every precaution seems to be being taken. However, my young Padawan, we need to be mindful of any disturbances in the Force. We must keep these ladies safe," replied Obi Wan.
"I thought our assignment was to protect Padme," Anakin challenged.
Obi Wan threw him a scowl. "Yes, it is. But protecting the Senator includes looking after her staff and keeping them safe as well. Now, I want us to work in shifts, you can go have a rest while I patrol the building and the grounds. In three hours, I'll wake you up and we'll switch."
"But if we are also to protect the entire staff, why did you just mention Padme's advisor?" Anakin wasn't about to let his Master's slip of words go unnoticed.
"Anakin," Obi Wan said sharply. "Don't question me over a small detail. Do what I asked."
"Yes Master." Anakin went into another guestroom to try and get some rest. But he knew sleep would be difficult with Padme sleeping in the next room.
Obi Wan sighed, he didn't know what to do with Anakin sometimes. The boy was very strong with the Force, but he was arrogant, defiant and too headstrong. Most of the time Obi Wan felt he was failing in his position as teacher.
Cassiopeia woke with a start. She knew without looking at the clock that it was late. She lay staring at the ceiling for a moment, listening for any movement in the apartment. She couldn't hear any. She wondered where Obi Wan was. Perhaps he had dozed off, although she doubted that, it wasn't like Obi Wan to neglect his duties like that. Cassiopeia needed a drink of water, but she wasn't sure she was ready to encounter Obi Wan alone yet. She wasn't sure she was ready to confront her feelings and emotions. She sighed and got out of bed, pulling her robe tight over her nightgown. Maybe she could slip to the kitchen and back undetected.
In the kitchen, Cassi opened the door to the cooler and removed a bottle of water. She took a long drink and a few drops slipped from her lips and ran down her up-tilted neck. She replaced the cap on the bottle and put the bottle back in the cooler. She closed the door to the cooler and was startled by a dark figure standing in the doorway.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, Counselor," Obi Wan's voice. "I heard a noise and came to check. It's late," he paused. "You still don't sleep well?"
Cassiopeia, still standing beside the cooler, looked at him. Without thinking, she said the first thing that came to her mind. "Not without you beside me, remember?" she replied.
Obi Wan smiled and looked down at the floor.
"I'm sorry," Cassiopeia said instantly. "I shouldn't have said that. It was inappropriate."
"It wasn't," Obi Wan replied and looked back at her. He knew he should turn around and walk out the door right then and there, but to be this close to her, to be able to speak with her again, was too enticing and he went against his better judgment. They stood there for a few moments looking at each other.
"It's good to see you, Ben," Cassi all but whispered.
"You, too," Obi Wan paused. "You look good. But then you always do."
Cassi smiled. "Thank you. You look good too, although, you're too thin, Ben."
He shrugged and she walked to where he stood, hesitated for an instant, then put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Obi Wan hugged her back, closed his eyes, and breathed in the scent of her hair. It was just as he remembered. Suddenly, the memory came to him of them lying in bed and him running his hands through her hair as they talked. It felt good to have her body pressed against his again. Other memories flooded his mind and he let go of her then and stood back.
"How have you been?" he asked her.
"Alright," she replied. "And you? Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble?"
Obi Wan smiled. "Yes."
Cassiopeia reached up and pulled gently on his beard. "What's this?" she grinned.
Obi Wan shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "Don't you like it? Isn't it rugged?" They both laughed. "No, seriously, I don't know. It grew in shortly after I left Naboo. I've just left it. Anakin says it makes me look old."
"It makes you look distinguished. Anakin seems to be quite a handful," Cassiopeia observed. "Is that why your face seems worn and weary?"
"He is a very gifted Jedi, but he is too arrogant," Obi Wan sighed. It was good to talk with her again, she was a good listener and very wise. "I'm afraid I'm failing him as a Master." Obi Wan had never spoken his fear aloud before.
Cassiopeia met his gaze levelly. "Are you failing him or is he failing you? Sometimes there is only so much guidance one can give. If the other doesn't heed that guidance, then it's his own fault."
Obi Wan smiled. "You are good to defend me but I fear that maybe I haven't given Anakin the best training I could have because of my." he paused, searching for the correct word. ".distractions."
Cassiopeia smiled and lowered her gaze for a moment. "Unfortunately, you'll never know I guess."
They looked at each other for a few moments. There was so much unsaid between them. Both were unsure of the other's feelings and what to say.
"Well m'lady," Obi Wan said at last. "Rest assured that my Padawan and I will keep you and the Senator safe. No worries."
"Forever my protector?" Cassiopeia smiled thinly. She turned away from him to hide the tears that suddenly sprang to her eyes.
Obi Wan sensed her tears and reached out to hold her again. She pulled away from him.
"Don't," she said. "I can't."
Cassiopeia put her face in her hands for a moment, then pushed her hair out of her face, sighed and looked into Obi Wan's eyes.
"You need to know I have spent the last ten years trying to forget you because I knew you could never return to me," Cassiopeia said. "I closed my heart and threw myself into my work. The Republic and its people were all that mattered to me for a long time. I have tried to explain away the connection I felt with you and to forget all that we shared." She paused. "I had done a good job of forgetting. That is, until lately. Things are beginning to fall apart for me in the Republic and then when I saw you tonight..." she trailed off. "I know I shouldn't be telling you this, I know things have changed, we have changed," she sighed again. "Everything's changed it seems now. We're older and the responsibilities that pulled us apart in the first place have grown. Responsibilities that we cannot deny or run out on," she paused. "Anyway, I'm sorry. I shouldn't burden you with this Master Jedi."
He looked at her tenderly but he couldn't stand to hear her call him that. "Don't call me that," Obi Wan beseeched her. "Call me by my name. Call me by the name you know me as."
"Ben," Cassi whispered, met his gaze for an instant and then turned away.
Obi Wan closed his eyes. He knew if he revealed his feelings for her, they would soon head back down the path that they both knew they shouldn't go. He knew the things he should say to her now tell her he was no longer in love with her, that once again his heart belonged completely to the Jedi Order and his commitment to it. Obi Wan sighed. He sensed that Cassi was dealing with so much right now, he didn't want to hurt her but he knew if he told her his true feelings, it would only hurt them both more in the long run.
"Cassi," he whispered. "I loved you once a long time ago and I am grateful for the new world that you opened up to me. But as you said, we've been apart for so long and our duties have grown, not diminished. I know I promised that if I could return to you I would, but I've come back here to you on assignment, not of my own will." He paused. It tore him apart to say these things to her. "I will forever care for you deeply and I will always be your friend."
"Ben," Cassi said, tears now sliding slowly down her face. "I know we cannot be together despite our feelings and I'm sorry for my emotions tonight, I am not usually like this. It isn't just seeing you again and dealing with all of my feelings for you, there is a lot wrong in my life right now, things that you would not understand." Cassi wiped her face and forced herself to return to her professional demeanor. She looked at him. "I'm sorry. And it is good to see you again. It's good to know that the Senator is in capable hands."
Cassiopeia turned to leave. Obi Wan sensed a tremendous amount of turmoil and strife within her and he was desperate to calm her. Without thinking, he moved forward, took her in his arms and held her close. She stood rigid for a moment then melted into him and sobbed in great hitches. Obi Wan felt her tears soak through his tunic. Finally, her crying subsided. Cassi pulled away from him and wiped her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Ben," she whispered. "I don't want to burden you with everything."
Obi Wan took her hand and guided her to the table. She sat down and he sat next to her, holding her hands in his. "You can always tell me anything, you know that. Even if you think I will not understand, it will help you to unburden yourself by talking to me. What's wrong?"
Cassiopeia sighed and put her head in her hands. "I've worked the majority of my life for the Republic. All I ever wanted to do was to make life better for people. You don't know this but Padme and I began our training for governmental service together." She looked up at Obi Wan. "I wanted to be a senator, I wanted to live my life serving the people of Naboo. But when my father was killed everything changed. I fell apart. I saw what his service had done to him and my family. I can't explain my feelings and emotions for the year after his death. I became oblivious to life around me and I shut myself away. I lost my faith in people and in the service of people. By then Padme was an intern and doing so well. She helped me regain alot of my faith and practically by accident I fell into the role of advising her and we've maintained those roles for years," Cassi sighed again. "But it's all changed now. Everything's changed. Everything that I've believed in and had faith in and worked for has become tainted."
Obi Wan took her hands again. "I could sense tension between you and Padme tonight when you came in," he said. "What happened, Counselor?"
"Lately Padme and I fight constantly. We seem to have adopted different ideals and we view the galaxy differently. It all began when Count Dooku suddenly re-emerged and split the Republic in two," she paused and Obi Wan sensed great anguish within her. "I know Dooku fairly well," she looked into his eyes, "from previous contact with him on Naboo and in the senate. I know for a fact that his goal is total domination of the galaxy and that he will take by force those planets that refuse to side with him." At this Obi Wan raised a questioning eyebrow. "The Republic must have an army to protect itself. But Padme and many other senators don't share my view. They feel that negotiations must be maintained and they desire to keep the peace no matter what." Cassi smiled ruefully. "They are fools. They don't know what that man is capable of, what he will do to secure what he wants."
"I know that Count Dooku is extremely suave and is capable of drawing people to him, especially when he uses the Force to that extent, but I'm not sure he would go to extremes and hurt people for his cause," Obi Wan frowned. "What makes you think so?"
Cassiopeia ran a hand through her disheveled curls. She knew Dooku all too well and what he was capable of. But now was not the time to go into it and this was not the person to go into it with. "I don't know, just a hunch I suppose, never mind Ben." Cassi stood up and stretched. "It's late and I should try and get some more sleep."
Obi Wan stood up and hugged her. "It does my heart good to see you, Cassi. And it's good to be able to talk with you again. You always understand me and listen to me without judging."
"And you as well, Ben," she looked up at him. "I feel like I can tell you almost anything."
Obi Wan picked up on her slip of words. "Almost?" he questioned.
Cassiopeia shook her head. "It's late, Ben and I'm tired and you have duties to attend to. I'll see you in the morning. Good night my love."
"Good night Counselor."
Chapter 1: Old Friends, New Concerns
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the almighty George (We're not worthy, we're not worthy!!!). Except Cassi, she's all mine!!
Obi Wan Kenobi, having recently returned from his assignment on the planet of Ansion, couldn't believe his ears when Jedi Master Mace Windu informed him of his next assignment. In fact, Obi Wan thought he had misheard him completely.
"I'm sorry, Master," he replied. "Can you repeat that, please."
Mace looked at him, puzzled, and said, "You and your apprentice are to report at once to Senator Amidala at the Senate apartment complex. There was an assassination attempt on her life, her bodyguard and decoy was murdered, and you and Anakin are to safeguard the Senator until further notice."
"Yes sir," Obi Wan breathed. Senator Padme Amidala, he thought. I wonder if her Counselor will accompany her.
He stood in the center of the Jedi Council inside a room in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and all their eyes were upon him. Obi Wan knew that he must control his thoughts and emotions until he was away from them. He fought to keep them under control. Master Yoda seemed to sense his struggle and looked at him quizzically, his ears and forehead raising in question.
"That is all, Obi Wan," Mace finished. "Report to us as needed."
Obi Wan bowed lowly, "Yes Master." He strode from the Council room quickly, already lost in thought. It had been ten years since he had said good bye to Cassiopeia on Naboo. Ten years since he had seen her or heard her lovely voice. Obi Wan had spent the last ten years attempting to bury his feelings for Cassi, trying to keep them from Anakin and especially from the Jedi Council, trying to keep them from affecting his training of Anakin. Even still, not a day had passed in the last ten years when he hadn't thought of her. He thought of her especially at night when he lay alone in his bed. Obi Wan wondered how she was, what she was doing, if she was happy. That's all he wanted, for Cassi to just be happy.
Obi Wan bounded up the stairs of the Jedi Temple to the housing section. He hurried into his assigned quarters, the door sliding closed behind him. Obi Wan breathed heavily, closed his eyes, and leaned his head back against the door. Suddenly, there was a knot in his stomach at the thought that he might see her again, that he might speak with her again. He felt like a teenager headed out for a big date.
Stop it, he chided himself, you're being ridiculous. She probably won't even be there. You're mandate is to protect Senator Amidala, not the Senator's head advisor. Cassi's probably still on Naboo and staying there, especially with the attempt on the Senator's life. Besides, ten years is a long time and she most certainly doesn't have feelings for me anymore.
Obi Wan knew this was true and a part of him was dismayed that he wouldn't have the opportunity to see her. Cassiopeia and Senator Amidala never traveled together for safety purposes and now that the Senator's life was in grave danger, Cassiopeia would most likely remain on Naboo for her own safety. Yet another part of him was also relieved that he wouldn't be seeing her. While he still loved her deeply, nothing else had changed either. He was still a Jedi, she an advisor to the senator and they could not be together. It would be better this way, not seeing her.
Obi Wan breathed easier and regained control of his emotions. He needed to collect Anakin and report to the Senator immediately. He smiled, it would be good to see Padme Amidala again, they had been through a lot together ten years ago. Obi Wan told himself not to be nervous, there was no way Cassiopeia would be there.
Two hours later, Obi Wan paced the interior of Senator Padme Amidala's apartment, chiding himself. He should have prepared himself better for the possibility that he might indeed see Cassiopeia again. But he had been so sure that she wouldn't be here, he had convinced himself that there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about. How wrong he had been.
No sooner had Obi Wan and Anakin met with Senator Amidala when Cassiopeia had walked through the door. Cassiopeia, having just arrived from Naboo, walked into Amidala's apartment. Obi Wan recalled every detail of that moment. Anakin had just finished his awkward spiel to Padme about her having grown more beautiful "for a Senator" and she had laughed. Then the door to Padme's apartment had slid open, and Cassiopeia had hurried through. She had been dressed in a long gown of gold and she wore her usual hairstyle with her generous red curls piled on her head. She rushed into the apartment and embraced the Senator, although the embrace seemed awkward, not typical of old friends like they were.
In that instant, as soon as he saw her, Obi Wan's breath caught in his chest, his emotions welled up inside him and threatened to over-take him. He had coughed to get his breath back and turned away for a moment, trying desperately to mask his emotions. Anakin sensed his Master's discomfort and turned to inquire if he was alright. Before he could ask, Anakin sensed Obi Wan's emotions clearly, he wasn't able to mask them in time and keep them from his apprentice. Anakin looked from Obi Wan to Cassiopeia and back again, realization dawning on his face. In that instant, Anakin Skywalker realized that his Master was in love with this woman. His Master who preached to him incessantly about the Jedi Order, his commitment to them, and the importance of remembering and honoring the Oath, had broken an immensely important rule of the Jedi Code; he had developed a personal attachment. In that moment, Anakin lost a bit of respect for his Master.
"Oh Counselor," Senator Amidala spoke, "I'm so pleased to see you're safe. I have been worried for you."
"Everything is fine, Senator," Cassiopeia answered her. "We encountered no problems at all." She paused. "I was distraught when we received word that your ship had been destroyed. I feared I'd lost you."
Obi Wan, knowing Cassi well, could tell that her words were forced and wondered why the tension was so intense between the Senator and her head advisor. Anakin looked at Obi Wan with a raised eyebrow. Obviously he sensed it also.
"Corde was killed," Padme's eyes moistened at the thought of holding her bodyguard and decoy as she died. "I feared they would kill you as well."
"No, Padme, they want you. You're the one who's going to be voting on the upcoming bill."
"Either way, we both need to take precautions, Counselor," Padme turned to acknowledge the Jedi who had been watching the exchange curiously. "We have some old acquaintances to protect us." She smiled.
Cassiopeia turned to view the Jedi for the first time. She lost her breath at the sight of Obi Wan Kenobi. She hardly recognized him, he'd changed so much since she'd last seen him. He had grown a full beard that already had some gray hair in it and also at his temples. His face was lined and he looked too thin. Besides his physical changes, Cassi wondered if his feelings for her had changed as well. She moved forward to greet them.
"Master Kenobi," she held her hand out to him. "What a pleasure to see you again."
He took her hand in both of his. Her skin was as soft as he remembered. "M'lady," he said. "We are at your humble service." And he bowed.
Cassiopeia held his gaze for a moment when he raised up. Obi Wan was unable to read her or sense what she was feeling. She turned her gaze to his Padawan, Anakin.
"Oh my goodness," she exclaimed as he bowed before her. "This can't be little Anakin!"
"Counselor," he replied coolly with a sideways glance at Obi Wan. "We are your servants, whatever you desire is our command."
Obi Wan shot Anakin a dangerous look that advised him he would be wise to watch his words. Cassiopeia saw the look Obi Wan gave Anakin and smiled. It seemed that Anakin was attempting to get a rise out of his Master. She decided to turn the tables on him. "My, Anakin, you've become such a smooth-talker," she moved closer to him until her face was mere inches from his. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to control myself around you!" She kissed his nose.
Padme and Cassiopeia laughed and Obi Wan grinned. Anakin blushed completely. He stepped backward and looked as if he wished the ground would swallow him up.
"I apologize for my words, m'lady," Anakin muttered humbly. "They were inappropriate."
"Thank you Anakin," Cassiopeia smiled at him. "It's good to see you again."
"Thank you," Anakin replied. "You too."
They had continued their meeting then and Anakin had been extremely head strong and defiant toward his Master, questioning his authority and judgement in front of everyone. Obi Wan mused on this for awhile. Why had Anakin behaved the way he had tonight? Anakin had always been head strong and unpredictable, but tonight he had seemed more so. Obi Wan shook his head.
He was trying to impress Padme, that's all, he told himself. Then why that odd comment to Cassiopeia? Obi Wan shook his head.
He hoped that his Padawan hadn't sensed his feelings for Cassiopeia for it wouldn't help his training at all for Anakin to lose faith in his Master. He sighed and decided that there was little he could do now if indeed Anakin had sensed his feelings. Obi Wan's thoughts then turned to Cassi. How beautiful she was, just as he remembered her. He could hardly tell that he hadn't seen her for ten years. But she did look strained and tired, he mused. Obi Wan decided that it must be the stress of the last two days that weighed heavily upon her. Obi Wan sighed. She had hardly said anything to him. She had retired to the guestroom the same time that the Senator had retired to her room. She hadn't even looked back at him as she went through the doorway, and Obi Wan had been watching.
Her feelings for me have surely waned after all these years, he thought. But that will make it easier for both of us. I will be able to do my duties without distractions and it will not be as hard on either of us when I have to leave this time.
Obi Wan sensed Anakin coming and he cleared his mind of these thoughts.
"Are you satisfied with Captain Typho's security measures Master?" Anakin questioned.
Obi Wan had just returned from checking the Captain's security. "Yes, Anakin, every precaution seems to be being taken. However, my young Padawan, we need to be mindful of any disturbances in the Force. We must keep these ladies safe," replied Obi Wan.
"I thought our assignment was to protect Padme," Anakin challenged.
Obi Wan threw him a scowl. "Yes, it is. But protecting the Senator includes looking after her staff and keeping them safe as well. Now, I want us to work in shifts, you can go have a rest while I patrol the building and the grounds. In three hours, I'll wake you up and we'll switch."
"But if we are also to protect the entire staff, why did you just mention Padme's advisor?" Anakin wasn't about to let his Master's slip of words go unnoticed.
"Anakin," Obi Wan said sharply. "Don't question me over a small detail. Do what I asked."
"Yes Master." Anakin went into another guestroom to try and get some rest. But he knew sleep would be difficult with Padme sleeping in the next room.
Obi Wan sighed, he didn't know what to do with Anakin sometimes. The boy was very strong with the Force, but he was arrogant, defiant and too headstrong. Most of the time Obi Wan felt he was failing in his position as teacher.
Cassiopeia woke with a start. She knew without looking at the clock that it was late. She lay staring at the ceiling for a moment, listening for any movement in the apartment. She couldn't hear any. She wondered where Obi Wan was. Perhaps he had dozed off, although she doubted that, it wasn't like Obi Wan to neglect his duties like that. Cassiopeia needed a drink of water, but she wasn't sure she was ready to encounter Obi Wan alone yet. She wasn't sure she was ready to confront her feelings and emotions. She sighed and got out of bed, pulling her robe tight over her nightgown. Maybe she could slip to the kitchen and back undetected.
In the kitchen, Cassi opened the door to the cooler and removed a bottle of water. She took a long drink and a few drops slipped from her lips and ran down her up-tilted neck. She replaced the cap on the bottle and put the bottle back in the cooler. She closed the door to the cooler and was startled by a dark figure standing in the doorway.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, Counselor," Obi Wan's voice. "I heard a noise and came to check. It's late," he paused. "You still don't sleep well?"
Cassiopeia, still standing beside the cooler, looked at him. Without thinking, she said the first thing that came to her mind. "Not without you beside me, remember?" she replied.
Obi Wan smiled and looked down at the floor.
"I'm sorry," Cassiopeia said instantly. "I shouldn't have said that. It was inappropriate."
"It wasn't," Obi Wan replied and looked back at her. He knew he should turn around and walk out the door right then and there, but to be this close to her, to be able to speak with her again, was too enticing and he went against his better judgment. They stood there for a few moments looking at each other.
"It's good to see you, Ben," Cassi all but whispered.
"You, too," Obi Wan paused. "You look good. But then you always do."
Cassi smiled. "Thank you. You look good too, although, you're too thin, Ben."
He shrugged and she walked to where he stood, hesitated for an instant, then put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Obi Wan hugged her back, closed his eyes, and breathed in the scent of her hair. It was just as he remembered. Suddenly, the memory came to him of them lying in bed and him running his hands through her hair as they talked. It felt good to have her body pressed against his again. Other memories flooded his mind and he let go of her then and stood back.
"How have you been?" he asked her.
"Alright," she replied. "And you? Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble?"
Obi Wan smiled. "Yes."
Cassiopeia reached up and pulled gently on his beard. "What's this?" she grinned.
Obi Wan shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "Don't you like it? Isn't it rugged?" They both laughed. "No, seriously, I don't know. It grew in shortly after I left Naboo. I've just left it. Anakin says it makes me look old."
"It makes you look distinguished. Anakin seems to be quite a handful," Cassiopeia observed. "Is that why your face seems worn and weary?"
"He is a very gifted Jedi, but he is too arrogant," Obi Wan sighed. It was good to talk with her again, she was a good listener and very wise. "I'm afraid I'm failing him as a Master." Obi Wan had never spoken his fear aloud before.
Cassiopeia met his gaze levelly. "Are you failing him or is he failing you? Sometimes there is only so much guidance one can give. If the other doesn't heed that guidance, then it's his own fault."
Obi Wan smiled. "You are good to defend me but I fear that maybe I haven't given Anakin the best training I could have because of my." he paused, searching for the correct word. ".distractions."
Cassiopeia smiled and lowered her gaze for a moment. "Unfortunately, you'll never know I guess."
They looked at each other for a few moments. There was so much unsaid between them. Both were unsure of the other's feelings and what to say.
"Well m'lady," Obi Wan said at last. "Rest assured that my Padawan and I will keep you and the Senator safe. No worries."
"Forever my protector?" Cassiopeia smiled thinly. She turned away from him to hide the tears that suddenly sprang to her eyes.
Obi Wan sensed her tears and reached out to hold her again. She pulled away from him.
"Don't," she said. "I can't."
Cassiopeia put her face in her hands for a moment, then pushed her hair out of her face, sighed and looked into Obi Wan's eyes.
"You need to know I have spent the last ten years trying to forget you because I knew you could never return to me," Cassiopeia said. "I closed my heart and threw myself into my work. The Republic and its people were all that mattered to me for a long time. I have tried to explain away the connection I felt with you and to forget all that we shared." She paused. "I had done a good job of forgetting. That is, until lately. Things are beginning to fall apart for me in the Republic and then when I saw you tonight..." she trailed off. "I know I shouldn't be telling you this, I know things have changed, we have changed," she sighed again. "Everything's changed it seems now. We're older and the responsibilities that pulled us apart in the first place have grown. Responsibilities that we cannot deny or run out on," she paused. "Anyway, I'm sorry. I shouldn't burden you with this Master Jedi."
He looked at her tenderly but he couldn't stand to hear her call him that. "Don't call me that," Obi Wan beseeched her. "Call me by my name. Call me by the name you know me as."
"Ben," Cassi whispered, met his gaze for an instant and then turned away.
Obi Wan closed his eyes. He knew if he revealed his feelings for her, they would soon head back down the path that they both knew they shouldn't go. He knew the things he should say to her now tell her he was no longer in love with her, that once again his heart belonged completely to the Jedi Order and his commitment to it. Obi Wan sighed. He sensed that Cassi was dealing with so much right now, he didn't want to hurt her but he knew if he told her his true feelings, it would only hurt them both more in the long run.
"Cassi," he whispered. "I loved you once a long time ago and I am grateful for the new world that you opened up to me. But as you said, we've been apart for so long and our duties have grown, not diminished. I know I promised that if I could return to you I would, but I've come back here to you on assignment, not of my own will." He paused. It tore him apart to say these things to her. "I will forever care for you deeply and I will always be your friend."
"Ben," Cassi said, tears now sliding slowly down her face. "I know we cannot be together despite our feelings and I'm sorry for my emotions tonight, I am not usually like this. It isn't just seeing you again and dealing with all of my feelings for you, there is a lot wrong in my life right now, things that you would not understand." Cassi wiped her face and forced herself to return to her professional demeanor. She looked at him. "I'm sorry. And it is good to see you again. It's good to know that the Senator is in capable hands."
Cassiopeia turned to leave. Obi Wan sensed a tremendous amount of turmoil and strife within her and he was desperate to calm her. Without thinking, he moved forward, took her in his arms and held her close. She stood rigid for a moment then melted into him and sobbed in great hitches. Obi Wan felt her tears soak through his tunic. Finally, her crying subsided. Cassi pulled away from him and wiped her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Ben," she whispered. "I don't want to burden you with everything."
Obi Wan took her hand and guided her to the table. She sat down and he sat next to her, holding her hands in his. "You can always tell me anything, you know that. Even if you think I will not understand, it will help you to unburden yourself by talking to me. What's wrong?"
Cassiopeia sighed and put her head in her hands. "I've worked the majority of my life for the Republic. All I ever wanted to do was to make life better for people. You don't know this but Padme and I began our training for governmental service together." She looked up at Obi Wan. "I wanted to be a senator, I wanted to live my life serving the people of Naboo. But when my father was killed everything changed. I fell apart. I saw what his service had done to him and my family. I can't explain my feelings and emotions for the year after his death. I became oblivious to life around me and I shut myself away. I lost my faith in people and in the service of people. By then Padme was an intern and doing so well. She helped me regain alot of my faith and practically by accident I fell into the role of advising her and we've maintained those roles for years," Cassi sighed again. "But it's all changed now. Everything's changed. Everything that I've believed in and had faith in and worked for has become tainted."
Obi Wan took her hands again. "I could sense tension between you and Padme tonight when you came in," he said. "What happened, Counselor?"
"Lately Padme and I fight constantly. We seem to have adopted different ideals and we view the galaxy differently. It all began when Count Dooku suddenly re-emerged and split the Republic in two," she paused and Obi Wan sensed great anguish within her. "I know Dooku fairly well," she looked into his eyes, "from previous contact with him on Naboo and in the senate. I know for a fact that his goal is total domination of the galaxy and that he will take by force those planets that refuse to side with him." At this Obi Wan raised a questioning eyebrow. "The Republic must have an army to protect itself. But Padme and many other senators don't share my view. They feel that negotiations must be maintained and they desire to keep the peace no matter what." Cassi smiled ruefully. "They are fools. They don't know what that man is capable of, what he will do to secure what he wants."
"I know that Count Dooku is extremely suave and is capable of drawing people to him, especially when he uses the Force to that extent, but I'm not sure he would go to extremes and hurt people for his cause," Obi Wan frowned. "What makes you think so?"
Cassiopeia ran a hand through her disheveled curls. She knew Dooku all too well and what he was capable of. But now was not the time to go into it and this was not the person to go into it with. "I don't know, just a hunch I suppose, never mind Ben." Cassi stood up and stretched. "It's late and I should try and get some more sleep."
Obi Wan stood up and hugged her. "It does my heart good to see you, Cassi. And it's good to be able to talk with you again. You always understand me and listen to me without judging."
"And you as well, Ben," she looked up at him. "I feel like I can tell you almost anything."
Obi Wan picked up on her slip of words. "Almost?" he questioned.
Cassiopeia shook her head. "It's late, Ben and I'm tired and you have duties to attend to. I'll see you in the morning. Good night my love."
"Good night Counselor."