Quandary
Obi-wan Kenobi walked through the darkening desert, knowing well the danger of daring its regions at night, let alone with a child in his arms. But Luke must be returned to his family before the Empire began its inquisition here and he could not risk keeping him in Mos Eisley for the night. Compared to the Empire, he reflected wryly, a krayt dragon would be a welcome diversion.
Tatooine had many dangers – he knew that well from his few admittedly brief encounters with its mostly questionable inhabitants. But for now, the Jedi child would be safer here than anywhere else.
He sensed a presence off to his right and whirled. A cloaked figure, face covered by cloth and goggles, stared back at him. A Tusken Raider.
Obi-wan automatically drew Luke closer as his mind habitually ran through what he knew about the current threat. Locally known as Sand People, usually traveled in groups, lethal to anyone who had the misfortune to cross their path – he couldn't have gotten into more trouble if he tried. He carefully moved his robe away from his lightsaber, prepared to fight for their lives if necessary.
Little did he know that the Person was in a quandary of his own. He had lost his family years ago, and the sight of the weapon this stranger carried sent shivers through him. A single cry would bring his companions down on this man's head. But as he looked at the man, all he could see was the protective way he held the child, the grim way in which he stood, prepared to defend him with his life.
This one was not like the other.
Obi-wan stood straight, trepidation flooding through him. Every moment he delayed meant the Raider's companions could be getting closer.
Then, to his shock, the Raider stepped aside.
Obi-wan looked warily at him, cautious. But he could sense no threat from this one, no indication he wished him harm.
Cautiously, he edged past the Raider with his precious cargo and continued on his way.
Behind him, the Person watched him go, unsure what had prompted his actions from a moment before. His people were the sworn enemies of this man's – especially this man's. But somehow, he knew what he had done was right. He turned toward where he had left his companions.
He would not rob this man, innocent of the crimes against his people, of his family.
(The spelling of "Obi-wan" in this fic is completely intentional. In A New Hope in the original credits this was the correct spelling; the other spelling of "Obi-Wan" didn't appear until the books started coming out.)