Title: Theed's Like Seattle

Fandom: Star Wars

Pairing: Obidala

Rating: G/PG

Notes: This was written for 15 minute ficlets at LiveJournal. No editors but myself so if there are any errors, please feel free to tell me. It won't hurt my feelings. Star Wars and characters belong to Lucas.

Futility. It's the one word that keeps repeating in my head every time I watch those floating bodies in their delicate, life-giving cradles. The thousands of test tube fetuses representing one more soldier for the Republic's growing Army. This marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a powerful empire. One capable of overtaking even the strongest of alliances.

"The seasons here are unique. The weather's remarkably mild – ideal for farmers and their families."

I still remember her explaining the details of the autumn harvest. Her voice was the only clear remedy to my dilemma; my only escape from doubt.

"I can't believe you're actually listening to all this. Usually people get bored by the time I get to Mid-Autumn's Eve."

"I'm finding all this be quite fascinating. I never knew your planet could be so versatile."

She smiled then. Inside she knew I couldn't care less about the farmers or fertilizers. She had no skills with the Force, but she could read my mind better than I could. It worried me some times … knowing how aware she was of my thoughts.

"I love my world. I couldn't leave it for anything – not even if it meant saving my own life." When she turned to look out the window, everything slowed down. It was like she was freezing time just for that moment, "If only you could've been from Naboo. Then you'd understand."

A silence passed between us as she began admiring the miracles of her planet, and I began admiring the miracles of her being. Quietly I began, "I'm grateful for all your help, Senator. The council thanks you for your cooperation …" I hesitated, not wanting to upset her anymore than she was. She didn't deserve to be sad. Or angry. Or desperate. I only wanted to see her happy.

Catching onto my hesitation, she inquired, "But …?" Her brown eyes turned to focus on my unmoving form. I felt my heart skip a beat.

Unfazed, I went on, "But you cannot remain in Theed for the remainder of this conflict. It is unsafe, and too far from the protection of the Senate."

"The protection of the Senate, Master Kenobi? Politics will not save me from this war. Not this time." Moving away from the window, she approached my station at the door, "Nothing can save me now."

Why I had stayed in that room in the first place was beyond my comprehension, but I did. And I don't think I can regret it. I could never regret spending another second with this woman.

Blinking away the fog, I found the field of clones coming back into focus as I continued down the cold, sterile hallway of the cloning facility. This place was nothing like Naboo, and I preferred to keep in that way. It possessed none of the familiar warmth and vitality of a world built on its own resources. All it had were its ominous storms and heartless inhabitants.

Another day on Kamino, and my duties would be complete. I'd report to the council of recent updates, and that would be the end of it until they see it fit for me to being another mission. I hope until then that I can convince her that there was something to live for.

That she had to fight for herself. And for me.