Chapter 7 Of Rescue and Women

Voices could be heard in the woods; a mixture of basic and the Pellan language they had heard before. Obi-Wan and Siri glanced at each other, concerned. Although the force wasn't necessarily warning them of danger, they were alert and apprehensive of the oncoming rush. They stood defensively with their lightsabers ready, but not ignited. Obi-Wan moved in front of Siri protectively as the tribesmen from the night before suddenly rushed into the clearing where they stood.

Siri was both annoyed and touched, but before she could react the tribesmen had them surrounded.

There were about thirty of them, but instead of attacking, they shouted "They're here! We found them!" They seemed to be waiting for something. Obi-Wan drew Siri close to him and put a hand protectively on her back. He brandished his lightsaber in front of them.

"See how he protects his woman!" exclaimed one of the men.

Siri glanced wide eyed at Obi-Wan, whose expression had changed from wariness to surprise and embarrassment.

At that moment, Qui-Gon and Adi broke through the crowd.

"Master!" both Padawans said at once.

"I've spoken to their Chief," said Qui-Gon, indicating the villagers. "We have an agreement. They won't attack us now."

The Padawans grinned in relief and ran to their masters. Siri reached Adi and threw her arms around her.

"I'm so glad you're all right, Master!" Siri said.

"I am as well. And you?" Adi looked her over with concern. "I know they took you also. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. They started fighting over me, and I escaped. Obi-Wan found me and we ran into the woods to get away from them."

Adi gazed at her intently then glanced at Obi-Wan, then again at Siri. "And...? Anything else you want to tell me?"

Siri blushed. "Can we talk later, Master?"

Adi nodded. "Of course."

Siri whispered, "How...?"

"I sensed intense emotions from you this morning, Padawan."

"Did Master Qui-Gon sense anything from Obi-Wan?"

"If he did, he didn't say."

Siri nodded, then they walked together toward the men.

They approached Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, who had greeted each other with claps on the shoulder. Qui-Gon pulled on Obi-Wan's braid and said something Siri couldn't hear, but she saw Obi-Wan's grin in return. As the women stopped to stand with the men, the Chief approached Qui-Gon and said,

"We have found your young ones. Now you must keep your promise."

"Yeah, take us to our wives!" shouted one of the men in the crowd. Siri and Obi-Wan exchanged puzzled looks.

"Wives?" Obi-Wan said to Qui-Gon. "Master, what are they talking about?"

"We made a deal with the Pellan tribe. They helped us find you, now we must help them find wives!"

If the situation hadn't suddenly become so serious, Siri might have laughed at how ludicrous that sounded.

"Master, how can we find wives for these men?" Siri asked.

"I don't know. Qui-Gon got us into this, I'm interested in seeing how he figures this one out," she replied. Siri sensed Adi had not been in agreement with Master Qui-Gon on this, and she couldn't blame her. She had never heard anything so ridiculous.

"We don't know anything about finding mates for people," Siri protested. "What was he thinking?"

Adi shook her head, but did not speak. She was focused on Qui-Gon, waiting for him to speak. Siri glanced at Obi-Wan, who looked as puzzled as she felt.

Qui-Gon was in a short but intense discussion with Chief Talon, and then the Chief took a step back, his face one of reluctant acquiescence. He spoke to his people.

"We will go back to the village, where Master Jinn will use our communications system. We will convene a meeting after evening meal to discuss this."

The men mumbled and looked suspiciously at Qui-Gon and the Jedi, but they were peaceful as they escorted the Jedi back to the village.

The man who had approached Siri the night before with the food sidled near and reached out to touch her. Obi-Wan saw this and moved in between them, preventing the tribesman's action. Disgruntled he backed away and scowled at Obi-Wan. Undaunted, Obi-Wan put an arm protectively around Siri and gave the man a look that could be understood in any language. The man backed further away and melted into the crowd of men.

Qui-Gon glanced over and saw what Obi-Wan had done. His look was one of curiosity, but he didn't say anything. Siri hoped Obi-Wan wouldn't be in trouble later, but she was glad he had stepped in.

Along the way, Qui-Gon had been talking quietly with Chief Talon. The chief then motioned for the group to turn deeper into the woods, apparently away from their destination. Siri wondered what was going on.

An hour later her curiosity was answered when they came to the clearing where the four Jedi had been camping the night before. Qui-Gon waved Obi-Wan, Adi and Siri forward and the four of them quickly gathered their sleep rolls and travel bags that had been left in the ruckus of the night before. They had been miraculously undisturbed although they had an earthy smell to them.

The travel bags now slung over each shoulder, the Jedi rejoined the waiting tribesmen and their journey to the village continued.


Several hours later they arrived at the village. Siri saw rows of small houses dotted in a rough square. One long house stood at one end, which she took to be for meals and meetings. At the other end was another house slightly shorter than the long house.

In the center was a pit for fire, a well, and other tools used in the village, but what was missing were women. She noticed a few children standing shyly in the shadows of one of the larger houses. Suddenly two fearful women darted out and pulled them in. They glanced worriedly at the Jedi, then shut the door.

"Who are they?" Siri whispered to Adi, who had noticed them also. "I thought there were no women here."

"They have captured a few women who stay together in a house. Perhaps that is where they are staying," Adi responded.

They stopped at one of the houses at the end of the square. Chief Talon stood in front of it and said,"This house is unoccupied. You may stay here while you are in our village. Meet in the long house in three hours. We will have a meal, then we will talk."

Qui-Gon bowed and said thank you and the Jedi stepped inside. Siri immediately noticed the dimly lit house was only one room sparsely furnished with one bed, a chair and a small table.

"Where is the fresher?" she asked. All she had been able to think about as they neared the village was a hot bath.

"There is no fresher here. There is a community house at the other end of the village for taking care of bodily needs," said Gomar, who had stepped in after the Jedi. "You may use it at any time you wish, Miss, as long as no men occupy it. The old women and little ones who were not taken often use it in the afternoon before cooking the evening meal."

Siri glanced uncomfortably at Adi who patted her shoulder reassuringly.

"I'll go with you, Siri. Don't worry." Then she turned to Gomar and bowed. "Thank you."

He nodded to her slightly, then turned to Qui-Gon. "If you will follow me, Master Jinn, I will show you to our communications center."

Obi-Wan asked, "Shall I come with you, Master?"

"No, Obi-Wan, go with the women to the fresher house."

"Master?" Obi-Wan exclaimed in alarm, his face turning a bright shade of pink.

Amused, Qui-Gon smirked at Obi-Wan.

"To wait outside for them. To watch and make sure no one disturbs them."

Qui-Gon then turned to Adi's indignant stare. "And yes, Adi, I know you and Siri are perfectly able to take care of yourselves, but we are in a strange village with...er...desperate men. They promised they would not attack again, but we don't want to take any chances, do we?"

After a moment Adi nodded, her face softening. "I guess you're right. And I guess I would feel better knowing Obi-Wan is standing guard for us."

Siri nodded agreement, then glanced at Obi-Wan. The strange flutter she had felt that morning suddenly rose up in her again. She pushed it down and focused on her Master.

Qui-Gon and Gomar headed for a small hut standing behind the Chief's house.

Obi-Wan, Siri and Adi headed for the fresher house, the other long house Siri had seen when they entered the village.

When they reached the fresher house, none of them could sense anyone inside, but to make sure Obi-Wan called inside to announce their arrival. Hearing no response, he gingerly opened the door and peeked inside. He hesitated a moment, then slipped inside. Siri and Adi waited silently.

After a moment, Obi-Wan's head popped back out of the door and announced. "Looks like it's all clear. It also looks like someone has already laid out a bath of hot water for you." He glanced inside almost enviously, then stepped out and stood with the door open for Adi and Siri.

"Enjoy!" he said, breaking into his most charming grin. Siri grinned back at him and they entered.

The room was empty except for a stall for changing, another stall for relieving oneself, a shelf and a large bath tub in the center. The water was still steaming and there was a small fire in an earthen stove off to the side with another cauldron of water sitting on it. Siri wondered who had prepared the water for them, but was grateful for it.

Siri was just entering the hot bath when the door creaked. Someone was entering!

"So much for Obi-Wan's protection," Siri hissed as she ducked into the bath.

"Hush. I don't sense danger." Adi said, turning toward the opening door.

An elderly women hobbled into the room followed by a young girl. The girl carried a bucket of water which she added to the cauldron. She looked at Siri and smiled.

Siri returned the girls smile. "Hello! My name is Siri."

The girl nodded and pointed to herself. She spoke in their strange language and Siri wished she could understand. The girl looked to be about 11 years old, her dark hair was long and tangled and she wore only a simple tunic which wrapped around her thin body.

The old woman grinned toothlessly at the surprised Jedi, who relaxed.

She could not speak Basic, but she spoke to the girl in their language who ran to grab soap and other bathing supplies from the shelf in the corner. Siri and Adi then understood that the girl and old woman were there to help.

Adi said to Siri, "It's too bad we can't communicate. This could have been an opportunity to ask them about the other women."

Siri nodded, then relaxed into the tub, enjoying the hot water.

The four Jedi approached the meal house at the appointed time.

Siri felt so much better after bathing and putting on fresh Jedi clothes. She had hand washed her other clothes and they were now hanging outside their temporary home to dry. Adi had bathed also, and then Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon went to the fresher house while Siri and Adi shook out the bed rolls and hung them to air out. Then they rested.

Qui-Gon had told them of his plan for the village men. Adi seemed a little dubious, but all hoped the men would agree with this as it seemed a logical, if perhaps a bit unconventional, solution for their problem.

As the four approached the door to the meal house, they were stopped by a guard who brandished a spear. He gestured at the two women, shouting wildly. Adi and Siri backed up and looked questioningly at Qui-Gon.

Chief Talon came to the door and backed away his guard. He turned to Qui-Gon.

"Women are not allowed in the eating place until the men have departed. Then they and the children may eat."

Adi opened her mouth indignantly but Qui-Gon shushed her. Her mouth snapped shut as she glared at Qui-Gon.

"We understand, Chief. We do not wish to offend your people."

He turned to Adi apologetically. "I'm sorry Adi, but we're getting ready to throw so many changes at them. Would you and Siri mind waiting?"

Irritated, Adi sighed. She crossed her arms and glanced at Siri, who shrugged and nodded to her. Adi glared again at Qui-Gon, then finally nodded. "Of course, Qui-Gon," she finally said. "Come Siri, we'll meditate while the men have their meal and meeting." She turned and walked away, Siri following. She glanced back at Obi-Wan, who stood looking at her regretfully. He nodded to her with a slight smile then turned with his master and entered the house.

As they walked back to their house, Adi sighed again. "I'm sorry, Siri. I'm not usually so easily rattled. This village has really tried my patience with their attitude about women."

"I understand Master," Siri replied. "I've never seen this kind of treatment of women before, have you?"

"Oh, I've heard it still exists in remote areas of the galaxy, but I never thought I'd encounter it myself."

Siri glanced at her master teasingly. "I do understand how you feel, Master, but I must say I've seen a side of you I don't think I've ever seen before. I didn't think anything could get to you!"

"Well, now you know my hidden secret. I'm not perfect." Adi laughed lightly. Then she looked at Siri curiously.

"For now, let's meditate awhile and then we'll talk."

Siri nodded. The way her master had said "talk" told her what the subject would be.

As if in confirmation, the fluttering inside began again as her thoughts briefly turned to Obi-Wan. She threw her head back and shook herself, than crooked her arm with her Master as they approached the house. After retrieving the bedding and Siri's clothes, they went inside.

A door that had been slightly ajar as the women passed slowly closed.


It was late when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan returned to the house. They brought with them some of the same kind of meat Siri had eaten the night before along with some roasted root vegetables and water. While they ate, Qui-Gon told them how the meeting went.

"It started out peacefully enough," Qui-Gon said, "But it got a little heated when I told them my plan."

"I'll say!" Siri interjected. "We could hear the yelling clear down here!"

"Yes, they did get a little upset.."

"A little upset!" Obi-Wan said, "I thought I was going to have to fight them all off to protect you, Master!"

Qui-Gon grinned. "Well, it wasn't quite that bad, but it did take a while to calm them down so I could talk to them."

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Siri smiled. She could see Obi-Wan wanted to say more, but obviously thought better of it.

Qui-Gon's plan was to bring the city leaders in along with the leaders of the five closest tribal villages to negotiate about the situation with the Pellan tribe. He wanted to set the captured women free and let them decide if they would return to their homes or stay if any one of them fancied one of the men. He also suggested that they negotiate with the other tribes to allow a series of meetings between the Pellan men and their neighboring tribal women and let the women and men make their own decisions about marriage.

The Pellans were nearly up in arms over the idea of allowing women a choice in the matter. It took a bit of diplomatic persuasion to make them see the logic and benefits of this. Chief Talon and his men finally agreed to wait and talk with the city leaders and the other tribal leaders to see what they would say about it.

Siri watched her master's face. She could see that Adi was not happy about the situation. She finally said to Qui-Gon, "I don't like this. The women are still being treated little better than chattel."

"I know Adi, and I agree, but we can't expect these men to change overnight. However you have to agree that this is a step in the right direction, can't you?."

Adi nodded. "I suppose so. I guess this is better than nothing. But remember the other tribes still need to agree to this."

Siri watched her Master and Qui-Gon continue to discuss the situation. Then she glanced at Obi-Wan whose focus was on his Master. She thought about the conversation she had had with Adi shortly before the men returned to the house.

She had told Adi everything that had happened that morning, and the strong connection she and Obi-Wan now shared. She also had told her of their decision not to act on their feelings, but to set them aside and continue their training as Jedi, knowing that that is what they were meant to be.

Adi had commended Siri on their decision, and cautioned her not to worry about what had happened, but to know that the force would guide them.

Siri had agreed, knowing that the force had been with them that morning. She decided to store what had happened away with her visions and to content herself with knowing that some day at the right time things would be made plain to her.

"And so, it appears we will be here for quite awhile at least," Qui-Gon was saying as Siri's thoughts returned to the group.

Siri suddenly noticed the single bed in the room. It was big enough for two. Two of them would have to sleep on the floor.

Obi-Wan, seeing her glance, stood up. "Master, what are we going to do about sleeping arrangements?"

"Well, I suppose Master Adi and Siri can take the bed..."

"And why is that?" Adi's hands were on her hips as she faced Qui-Gon.

"It just seems the right thing to do," Qui-Gon answered.

"Why don't we draw lots?" Siri suggested.

Obi-Wan's eyebrows shot up. "Draw lots? Master..?" he looked to Qui-Gon as Siri, annoyed, just stared at him.

"Well why not?" Adi said, nodding toward Siri. "Siri and I are just as capable of sleeping on the floor as you men. We've done it many times."

Siri nodded agreement. "Yes, and it's only fair."

Qui-Gon thought a moment, then nodded. "You're right. Obi-Wan, go outside and pick three long sticks and one short stick. Whichever one of us picks the short stick is the team who will take the floor."

With the agreement made Obi-Wan was soon back inside, hiding four stick in his hand, only showing the four ends evenly displayed. They were quickly chosen and Siri held the short stick.

She and Adi pulled their bed rolls out and laid them out on the floor. They were soon lying down, ready to sleep. Obi-Wan looked unhappy and extremely uncomfortable as he laid down on the bed, while Qui-Gon seemed to take it all in stride.

Goodnights were said and the lights went out. Siri laid awake, feeling the hardness of the floor beneath her.

She heard Obi-Wan moving on the bed restlessly. She listened for a moment longer and heard him turn restlessly again with a slight grunt. When he finally became still, her thoughts returned to the night before when she had lain with Obi-Wan on a cold hard ground. She felt again the warmth of his body next to hers, and in a half sleep was feeling once again the soft, passionate touch of his lips on hers. The fluttering stirred inside her again, and she turned onto her side.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Obi-Wan, who seemed to be muttering to himself. She heard the rustle of the blanket as he turned again on the bed and groaned softly.

She stifled a giggle when she heard Master Qui-Gon's exasperated growl, "Obi-Wan, will you please lie still and go to sleep?"

"I'm sorry Master, but I can't stand this!" Obi-Wan said a little too loudly.

Adi stirred next to Siri and mumbled. "What's going on?"

"Obi-Wan is restless, Master," Siri whispered to her as Obi-Wan sat up and relit the lamp on the table.

"I'm sorry Master," he said again as Siri and Adi sat up, blinking at the sudden light. "I just can't sleep knowing that Master Adi and Siri have to sleep on the floor. I know they are fellow Jedi and that I shouldn't feel this way, but it just doesn't feel right."

He turned to Adi who was looking at Obi-Wan with arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

"Please Master Adi, couldn't Master Qui-Gon and I take the floor and let you two sleep here?" Obi-Wan was so earnest that Adi's stern look softened into amusement.

"Oh, by all means!" she said with a flourish, tossing her bedroll covering aside. "Be it far from us to cause Obi-Wan to lose sleep because he can't let go of his chivalrous tendencies."

Siri laughed as Obi-Wan ducked his head with a grin. She and Adi stood up and moved their bed rolls to allow the men to place theirs down.

Qui-Gon lowered himself to the floor with a light growl, and shook his head at Obi-Wan as he turned to find a comfortable position.

Obi-Wan turned to his master worriedly. "You're not mad at me are you, Master?"

"No, Obi-Wan, I'm not mad," Qui-Gon said, tugging playfully on Obi-Wan's braid. "I was wondering how long you would be able to put up with that arrangement, knowing you as I do." He laughed quietly.

Obi-Wan grinned. Qui-Gon then lay down and Obi-Wan followed suit, turning on his side facing the bed.

Adi and Siri had climbed into the bed, which Siri decided was actually not that much better than where she had been. She laid on her side facing Obi-Wan on the floor. Adi had already fallen to sleep, and as Siri reached up to douse the lamp again, her eyes fell on Obi-Wan. He was lying quietly, not really smiling but gazing at her with eyes tender and full of love. She returned his soft gaze for a moment then sighed. She turned the light out and tried to push thoughts of Obi-Wan to the place where she kept her long ago visions, back into a deep corner of her mind to wait patiently for their appointed time.

TBC