Perhaps not all of Obi-Wan's friends were completely horrible.

Satine liked Quinlan infinitely more than she'd liked Siri. The kiffar-he'd explained his heritage readily, despite the fact she hadn't asked him-was very easy going, something that seemed like it could be his best and worst trait. Good in the sense that he immediately put people at ease, bad in the sense that it seemed to irritate Obi-Wan to no end.

The Jedi had been there for nearly an hour, but there had been no questioning to speak of. Mainly because Quinlan was too busy trying to tell Obi-Wan's most embarrassing secrets to allow them to do what they'd come for. She wouldn't deny that it was highly entertaining, but it was also only prolonging the time she couldn't be at ease.

During her first pregnancy, she'd been paranoid that she'd accidently run across a Jedi and they'd sense her condition. Thankfully, it had never happened, but this time… She might not be so lucky.

Quinlan drained his third cup of caff, setting it back on the table with a flick of his fingers. "And then there was the time that he convinced us all to go skinny dipping in the temple gardens…"

"I think that's enough stories for today," Obi-Wan interrupted, cheeks flushed a bright pink in embarrassment. "I'm sure her Grace has a busy day planned, and I wouldn't want to keep her from her duties any longer than necessary."

She was about to thank him for his consideration and excuse them when Korkie spoke up. "Please, continue. The only thing we have scheduled is brunch with Senator Amidala, and she'll be coming here." Whether or not he was purposefully ignoring her pointed gaze, she couldn't tell. "I would have thought that the Jedi don't allow such activities."

"You'd be surprised at what all happens in the temple, kid, and how much is actually allowed." Obi-Wan made a warning noise, but Quinlan ignored it, sitting forward confidentially. "When most people think of Jedi, they think of some strict, innocent do-gooder whose life is devoted to helping people and spreading peace."

Obi-Wan raised an amused eyebrow. "We're not?"

The kiffar waved him off. "See, here we have a perfect example. Many would call Obi-Wan the perfect Jedi. Rational, reserved, completely unattached. Knows the code inside and out and could probably recite the entire history of the Jedi. But I'm here to tell you that's all just a facade."

"Quinlan…" There was a warning tone in Obi-Wan's voice, though his face remained completely blank.

"Calm your tits, Kenobi. I'm not going to pick apart your manhood in front of the woman." He grinned, winking at her. "Anyway, I'm sure she's probably already done that herself."

She flushed hotly, catching the not-so-subtle innuendo partially buried in his words. Force, Obi-Wan hadn't been kidding when he said the kiffar said whatever came to his mind.

Quinlan sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Look, it's probably apparent that Obi-Wan and I are polar opposites. He's got a golden tongue that he knows how to hold when the situation calls for it; I say what I mean when I think about it, regardless of the consequences. When we have a mission, he likes to sit down and think about the best way to get the desired result while my only concern is the end, and I'm going to get there no matter what it takes. He sees things as black and white, I see everything as shades of gray." His smile slipped a bit, eyes meeting Obi-Wan's for a moment. "He has horrible taste in people and loves too easily, yet somehow is able to remain wholly unattached; I, on the other hand, rarely love anyone, but somehow manage to kriff up everything when I do.

"The thing is, despite the apparent differences between us, we're still both Jedi at heart. We may not do the same things, or even think the same way, but we both dedicate our existence to following the will of the Force." Obi-Wan snorted derisively, but Quinlan ignore him. "'There is no emotion, there is peace; there is no ignorance, there is knowledge; there is no passion, there is serenity; there is no chaos, there is harmony; there is no death, there is the Force'."

Satine smiled at the familiar words. "The Jedi code."

Quinlan nodded. "Different Jedi view it different ways. Obi-Wan is a part of the category that believes that it's meant to be taken literally. I, much like Qui-Gon and Skywalker, prefer to look upon it as a general guideline that one should be aware of, but not build their life upon. Generally, other's fall somewhere in the middle."

"But which do you believe is right?" There was no questioning Korkie's interest in the discussion, blue eyes riveted to the Jedi with keen interest. "And how does that translate into your personal life?"

This time, Obi-Wan answered. "The code reflects the thoughts of a Jedi at their full potential. The farther away from it a Jedi strays, the weaker they become. Inherently, some Jedi are born stronger than others. Quinlan is more Force-sensitive than most, and as such is able to perform at a level higher than myself and others with less effort."

"What he's trying to say is that I'm lazy and won't work to make myself better because I'm already better than him without even trying." There was no malice or disappointment in Quinlan's voice, and if he was bothered by the fact that Obi-Wan didn't disagree with him, he didn't show it. "As for how this affects our personal lives? It doesn't, really. As long as we're available when they need us and aren't addicted to anything, the Jedi don't really care what we do. It's pretty much up to us to know when and where to draw the line. Does that answer your question?"

Korkie nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he rose. "If you'll excuse me."

Satine met his gaze briefly before he left the room, trying to figure out what had triggered the sudden change in attitude. The small, consolatory smile he offered her did nothing to ease the concern building.

She had half started up to follow him when a flash of light from outside told her that Padmé had arrived. She smothered a sigh as she excused herself from the Jedi, wishing not for the first time that she actually had all the time in the world to take with her son.

But, like so many other things that should be important in her life, he would have to wait.

Obi-Wan had a bad feeling about this.

He stood in the center of the council chambers, a place he hadn't been in since he'd been elected onto the council. Even now, his chair sat empty, seeming to call to him.

Mace steepled his fingers, avoiding his gaze for the first time ever. "Master Tachi came to us this morning in your absence."

Bloody hell. He stiffened. "I don't…"

"She believes that you are allowing personal matters to cloud your judgement when it comes to this mission." Shaak Ti's gaze was somewhere above his shoulder, something that was odd for the Togrutan master. "Hence, your choice to take Master Vos this morning in her stead."

"Siri and the Duchess don't get along well." Someone snorted, though who, he couldn't tell. "As it is, the girl speaks Durese, which Quinlan is fluent in."

Mace raised an eyebrow. "The Duchess made known to you her discomfort?"

Blast. "No, but…"

"Siri Tachi was chosen due to her previous meeting with the Duchess. It seems to be her opinion that Duchess Kryze enjoys her company, and that it was your feelings on the subject that called for her removal." Shaak sighed. "Look, Obi-Wan, your regard for the Duchess has hardly been a secret. Until now, it hasn't been a problem, but…"

"It isn't…"

"If it wasn't, then we wouldn't be having this conversation." Mace frowned. "We haven't pulled you from the case because of your relation to the Duchess. However, that will change if you allow your feelings to cloud your judgement."

He clenched his jaw. "And Siri isn't?"

Kit sat forward in his chair, interest sparking in his eyes. "Are you saying you have reason to believe that her motives are not unadulterated?"

He hesitated. Despite her flaws, she was his friend. "I do. I had occasion to speak to the Duchess during her previous visit here, and she revealed that Siri had said… things… to her, in regards to our previous involvement." He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I hadn't confronted her in hopes that she would let it be. After seeing that her attitude was unchanged yesterday, Quinlan agreed to go with me today in an effort to avoid any more unpleasantness."

"And when did this talk with the Duchess occur?" Kit's eyes sparkled, as if he knew something.

Blast. "Senator Amidala told me that she'd attended my funeral, and I felt that it was only right that I tell her the truth. I went to her the evening I returned to Coruscant."

"Is it safe to assume that a little more than talking occured?" Mace asked drily. "I find it hard to believe that Her Grace simply told you that Siri told her of your previous sex life and nothing happened."

He was not discussing his sex life in front of the council. "Is that a problem?"

"Perhaps you should answer that yourself."

Korkie yawned quietly, palming shut the door to his room. Amadi was sound asleep in his bed, meaning that he was going to have to endure another night on his aunt's-mother's-couch. It wasn't a horrible couch, as many of her pieces were made for comfort as much as they were for elegance and style. But it was still no bed.

Thank goodness he was relatively short.

Gathering the blankets from the linen closet, he was about to make up his makeshift bed when he saw there was a light on in the kitchen.

Was the Duchess still awake?

Not ready to give into his self-imposed exile just yet, he made a quick detour to the lit room. Sure enough, his aunt-mother-was there, fast asleep at the counter. She had a cup of tea at one elbow that, upon closer inspection, was still warm, signalling that she'd only fallen asleep recently. The fact was solidified by the datapad still powered on in front of her.

Absently, he picked it up, looking over what she had been reading.

Upon entering the second trimester, some symptoms begin to decline, such as morning sickness, cramping, breast tenderness, etc. At this time, abdominal growth, false contractions, and mild moving sensations may also become noticeable…

It took him too long to process what he was reading. When he did, however, he dropped the datapad as if it was on fire. It clattered onto the countertop loudly, immediately rousing the Duchess from her rest.

Blonde wisps of hair stuck up in all directions as she squinted up at him, eyes bleary from sleep. "Korkie? Where am… Did I fall asleep?"

He gaped back at her, at a loss of what to say. His brain felt fried, the words he'd read looping endlessly through his vision.

"What…" Her fair skin paled as her gaze landed on the datapad, and she exhaled slowly. "Oh. I had planned to tell you."

"You're…" The words stuck in his throat, and he swallowed. "How?"

She sighed, avoiding his gaze. "Does it matter?"

"Does it…" he trailed off in disbelief. "Of course it matters! Do you even hear yourself? You can't raise a child alone.."

"I've done it before. Granted, it was a task that I did not complete gracefully, but does it even matter?" He could hear the frustration in her voice as she stood, taking her mug of tea and setting it in the warmer. "I made an ill-fated decision, and now I must face the consequences. Circumstances dictate that I must face them alone, just as I did eighteen years ago."

"Eighteen years ago was a mistake."

She turned on him then, eyes snapping angrily. "You were not a mistake. If you think that I ever regretted anything about the circumstances surrounding your conception, then you are mistaken. The only thing I ever regretted was not being able to provide you with a whole family, or even a home. You were a treasure that I was fortunate to receive, a reminder of the love that I lost. How could I regret that?"

If she could be stubborn, then so could he. "You sent me away."

"You were in danger, damn it!" She let out a string of Mandalorian expletives under her breath. "I didn't think I had a choice. I was young, naive, and terrified that they would find out who you were and take you away from me."

"They?"

She flinched, cursing again. "I'm sure you must have already guessed who your father was."

"Kenobi?"

"I never told him that I was pregnant with you." She swallowed. "I knew he would have wanted to do the right thing, to leave the order, but I couldn't… he'd made his decision, and I thought I was completely capable of raising you on my own. By the time I realized that you were Force-sensitive, I believed it was too late."

Force-sensitive. He'd heard the Jedi say that, and knew it had something to do with how they worked. "You taught me how to control it."

"As best I knew how." Taking her tea out of the warmer, she took a sip of it. "I'd learned enough from Obi-Wan and Master Jinn to teach you the basics. I contemplated sending you to the Jedi, but couldn't bear the thought of parting with you at such a young age."

"They found out?" Though it was the logical answer, it didn't ring true in his mind. "Is that why you sent me away?"

She shook her head. "No, they never knew. At least, if they did, they never confronted me of it. I wouldn't have been surprised if Qui-Gon found out at some time, or even Master Yoda." She sat down again, taking his hand. "No, it wasn't the Jedi I was afraid of. I'm sure you've heard of the Sith in your studies?"

Of course he had. Every true Mandalorian had to know their history, a history much intertwined with the Jedi and their enemies, the Sith, though their presence had been eradicated over a millennia ago. "I've read a bit about them."

"Do you remember, the day before I sent you away, we were watching a news program about the Trade Federation's occupation of Naboo?"

"Yes." The day was forever engraved in his mind.

"The Zabrak who killed Master Jinn, and was in turn killed by Obi-Wan-Padawan Kenobi, at the time-" She paused, swallowing. "I later found out from your father that the Jedi suspected him to be one of them, a Sith."

Korkie inhaled sharply. "I thought they were extinct."

"So did the Jedi." She smoothed back a loose strand of hair off of his forehead, eyes softening. "I knew that they would be looking for someone to take advantage of, someone open and receptive to views other than the Jedi. My story was never strong-I honestly have no idea how no one questioned it for so long-and I was afraid that someone with an interest might notice that you were different, gifted. By sending you away from me, and thus putting you out of the public eye, I believed that you would be better protected."

"What changed?"

She looked away from him, blue eyes clouding over with shame. "I needed you," she admitted softly. "When I found out… I don't want to make the same mistakes I made with you. I never should have sent you away…"

"You were afraid." He couldn't blame her for that, even if it had hurt him. "You made an ill-advised decision, and we both suffered because of it. But that's in the past. You chose to change something-a choice that you see as selfish, a choice that I see as redeeming. You are my mother, and it's not wrong for you to want to change your life for the better." He sat back, running a hand through his hair tiredly. "Now that we've gotten that cleared up, let's move on to the matter at hand. Was it my father?"

She exhaled slowly, nodding. "The day he came back to Coruscant, after the whole thing with him faking his death, the council sent Master Tachi here to make sure my apartment was secure."

So that was how they'd known each other. "Master Kenobi came with her?"

"He came by himself, not knowing that she was here. I expect that he'd come to explain his faked death, but he could hardly do that with a fellow Jedi present."

Korkie frowned, trying to process the information. "But… you're… they're… she said…" he made a vague motion to her stomach, feeling his cheeks redden. "If they are… er… together… how did you and he..."

She smiled, seemingly amused at his discomfort. "Have sex? Again?" Flushing hotly, he nodded, prompting her to chuckle. "Since he had been unable to speak to me with Siri present, he came back that night. I asked him to stay."

"Did you know, then? About them?"

"I asked him, yes. He confessed that they had been involved some time back, but their dedication to the Order had caused them to drift apart. From what I gathered, he had been unaware that she hadn't realized that he'd moved on." Sighing, she rubbed her stomach slowly. "I had thought that to be the end of it, as I had no intention of seeing him again, but a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. Then, of course, you asked to come here, and somehow managed to entangle yourself with the very people I was trying to avoid within a week."

He winced at the sarcastic exasperation in her voice. "I'm sorry."

Her expression softened, a slight sheen glossing over her eyes. "You did nothing wrong. It was my fault, for trying to keep everything such a secret. You only made me admit the truth."

Kriff. The last thing he needed was for her to get emotional on him. He searched his mind frantically for a change of subject. "So… I'm going to be a big brother?"

She laughed softly, wiping away the fledgling tears. "Yes, in about six or seven months."

Six or seven months. He would already be a few months into his position as regent. Even though the position held no real power, except for whatever the ruling Duke or Duchess bestowed upon them, it was an important part of a ruler's training, and a Mandalorian tradition. "Do you plan to tell him?"

"No." The word was low but emphatic, her eyes turning flinty. "I know that I should, but I can't. I made him a promise, that I wouldn't try to influence him to leave as long as he was needed elsewhere. If he were to find out…"

She didn't have to finish the sentence. He'd heard the sincerity in the Jedi's voice, the dedication in his eyes as he'd spoken about his work. It had never occured to him, before, that the way of the Jedi could be a choice rather than a mandated rule. It wasn't a job, but a way of life.

A way of life that could-would-be ruined if he ever found out that his actions had resulted in something so irreversable, so permanent.

For a moment, Korkie considered what his life might have been if his father had known about him. He may have grown up with both of his parents, but at what cost. Would he have admired his father if he'd never known him as Master Kenobi, The Negotiator? Would he have appreciated his mother, or would he have taken her love for granted because he'd never known what it was to be without it?

What was the use of even thinking about it? He would never know, and even if he did, what would it profit him now?

"So what will they be recognized as? I doubt Aunt Bo would allow you to pass off any child as hers, so another neice or nephew is out." He sat back, rubbing his chin contemplatively. "Adoption would be too suspicious, and I'll already be in place to ascend the throne."

She looked down at her mug, her shoulders sagging. "I've already thought it through My only options are to either raise it in secret-something that will be difficult now that so many of my alliances have fallen through-or give it up."

He shook his head. "Hiding won't work, especially now that you're in the focus of the media." He didn't want to even think about the other option, as horrible as it was. Hell, he would never want that to happen. He would do anything to stop that from happening, even if it meant… "That's it."

"What?"

"Well, a niece or nephew wouldn't work, but how about a grand-niece or nephew?"

Hahahahaha, long time no see, huh? Sorry, no long author's note today. I honestly have nothing to say except that the schedule has been temporarily paused until my life has been restored to some amount of certainty. I will still be updating as often as I can, just maybe not on the every other week basis.

Thank you, for all the support I've received during this difficult time! You guys are a real inspiration to me, and I swear I'm trying my hardest to put these chapters out as often as I can. I hope this will be a temporary appeasemen!

sc4589 (FF): Thank you so much for reviewing! To be honest, the confession wasn't expected by me anymore than you. O_o

ry1765 (Ao3): You're so welcome! You guys truly mean the world to me! (And now, it's two secrets…)

AlexaHiwatari98 (Ao3): Once again, Padmé didn't make it into this chapter, but she's coming soon, I promise! Both her and Anakin will be making an appearance soon, and we'll definitely get some insight on what their thoughts are on the whole scenario.

.L (FF): Well, was the second secret just as surprising?

DogsAreTheBest312 (Ao3): She did it! Now, just to wait and see how this whole situation plays out…

Darth Cody (FF): Sorry it took me so long to reply to your question! Because I didn't have the space to explicitly put Obitine or Obi-Wan/Satine in the summary of the story, it doesn't show up in search results fo either of those. Knowing that some people only actually browse in either one of the two categories, I decided to go the extra mile and post it in both. :)

allthepesy (Tumblr): As always, your review made me laugh! Yes, you got your wish, two actually. Don't worry, this is far from the last we've seen of Quinlan. No doubt he's going to show up a few more times before this whole dramafest is over.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the love and support, and until next time!

(No sneek peak of the next chapter, because I honestly have no idea what's going to happen yet)

P.S. WHO ELSE IS KRIFFING EXCITING FOR THE CLONE WARS COMING BACK? THE SIEGE OF MANDALORE, EVERYONE! I'M SCREAMING!