Padme became increasingly nervous the closer their ship came to Naboo. She and Sabe had switched roles again, and had been discussing for hours the possibilities they may face when they arrived on the planet. At one point, they also discussed their blind Jedi protector.
"I don't understand why the Jedi Council didn't provide us with another team." Sabe confided.
"Why?" Padme asked incredulously, "He's not given us any reason to doubt his abilities. I don't believe the Jedi Council would have sent him on this mission in the first place if they didn't think him capable."
"They began this mission as ambassadors," Sabe reminded her. "He may be a skilled negotiator, but how will he protect us in a battle?"
"He fought well enough when they rescued us from the droids. And he did free the pilots before we escaped." Padme pointed out. "I doubt we need to worry about him."
"I suppose not," Sabe conceded, though her tone expressed lingering hesitation.
Once their private discussion was over, Padme became restless, as often happened when in closed spaces. To relieve this feeling, she went for a walk around the craft. Her handmaiden disguise allowed her a bit more freedom in maneuvering and even interacting with others.
Padme noticed Master Jinn was giving Anakin some kind of lesson. It looked like a breathing exercise of sorts. The two were quite engrossed in the lesson, so she thought it best not to disturb them.
Moving on, she chanced upon Padawan Kenobi. He was alone, and practicing some kind of martial arts form. His lightsaber was clipped to his belt, unused at the moment while he went through a series of complex unarmed maneuvers.
Padme had been trained in self defense herself, so she watched the young Jedi's technique with curious, evaluating eyes. His movements were graceful and fluid and it was evident that he was quite fit and acrobatic. Watching him like this removed any residual doubt she may have harbored about his skill.
Somehow, he was aware of her presence, though his back was toward her. Then again, it obviously didn't matter which direction he was facing, Padme reflected, since he doesn't employ his eyes in whatever method he uses to locate people and objects.
"Can I help you with something, Miss Padme?" he asked, wondering why she lingered in the entryway as she did.
"I didn't mean to disturb you," Padme quickly apologized. "I was only curious about your style of combat."
"Ah, but these are only katas," Obi Wan explained, turning his face so that his sightless eyes met Padme's. "They're mostly used for conditioning, to enhance coordination, balance, and endurance. If you wish to see my style of combat, I'd need to train with a partner."
Padme wasn't sure, but she thought that she sensed just a hint of wistfulness in the Jedi's manner. It suddenly occurred to her that she had not seen the two Jedi interact this entire trip. Master Jinn spent the majority of his time with Anakin, and Obi Wan was seldom around. One of her handmaidens told her the padawan was frequently hiding away to meditate.
"Are you and Master Jinn fighting?" the young woman asked in her usual blunt manner.
The Jedi seemed taken aback by the question. "N-no. We do not fight." Padme's silence must have properly conveyed her incredulity, for he elaborated. "Of late, we have had differences of opinions, but I assure you, it will not hinder our ability to carry out our duty to your queen."
"Then why have you been avoiding one another?"
"We've done no such thing." Obi Wan assured. "Master Qui Gon has just been occupied with the boy. If he needs me, he will find me. I'm respectfully giving him the space he needs, that is all."
Padme frowned thoughtfully at the mention of their youngest companion. "I don't understand why Master Jinn is bringing Anakin with us to Naboo. The idea of putting Ani in danger…"
"My master will ensure his safety." Obi Wan defended. In all honesty, he agreed with Padme. But an apprentice always honors his master. To disagree with him openly in front of near-strangers would be disrespectful.
"Master Jinn is rather reckless." Padme noted.
"But he's been right all this time, hasn't he?" Obi Wan pointed out quietly, in the manner of one who was talking more to himself than anyone else. "Besides, he took me on more dangerous missions than this when I was as young as thirteen."
"But Ani isn't a trained Jedi."
"No, he's not. But if my master has his way, the boy will be."
The two were silent for a moment. "Does Master Jinn plan to train Ani himself?"
Obi Wan turned his face away. "Yes."
Padme knew she was getting closer to the source of the two Jedi's "differences of opinions." She pressed on, "But you don't think he should?"
Obi Wan blinked. This handmaiden was a bold one indeed. "That is a matter between the Jedi High Council and my master."
"You should be a politician, Padawan Kenobi, with the way you answer questions without actually answering them."
Obi Wan frowned at that, "Look, Miss Padme, this is a Jedi issue. You need not concern yourself over it."
"Well, you're rather touchy for a Jedi." Padme observed.
"And you're rather impetuous for a handmaiden."
The statement would have earned him a sound rebuke had he not been half-smiling in a way that told her it was a joke, at least mostly. "There's nothing wrong with a handmaiden being assertive," she defended in spite of herself.
"No, I suppose not," Obi Wan conceded genially, "At least, so long as your queen doesn't mind it."
Jar Jar Binks was currently on his way to the Gungan city, in an attempt to recruit his people for help in the Queen's plan. The Jedi and the Naboo waited in the murky swamp for his return.
During this moment of respite, Qui Gon turned his thoughts back to his current apprentice. The last time he and Obi Wan had spoken was before they were to board the cruiser back to Naboo, and that was only to tell the young man to stay close to Queen Amidala while he went to fetch Anakin. Obi Wan had ignored this imperative. Instead of joining the queen, he went to stand by the handmaiden, Sabe. This surprised Qui Gon, as he thought his apprentice to be past such childish passive-rebellion, but he chose not to comment on the matter.
As it was clear that the padawan needed time to work through and release his emotions, Qui Gon had given him his space onboard the starship. He had spent his time with Anakin while waiting for Obi Wan to approach him, as he knew the youth would do when he was ready. The young Jedi spent almost the whole of the journey in meditation, rarely joining the others even for meals. Thus, the elder was surprised again when they landed on Naboo with the tension still unresolved.
The Jedi Master could guess what was troubling his apprentice. Obi Wan had been intimating for almost a year that he would like a chance at the Jedi Trials. Each time the subject came up, Qui Gon flatly told him he was not ready. He really had been planning to recommend Obi Wan to the Trials once this mission was completed, but he had not said as much to the padawan. His declaration at the Council chambers could be construed as an attempt to cast off his apprentice, rather than a genuine belief in his ability. Furthermore, Obi Wan felt uneasy about the prospect of Anakin's training and it must frustrate him that his master refused to consider his opinion on the matter.
Yet, Qui Gon was doing what he felt was right and, most importantly, what the Force was leading him to do. He was also confident Obi Wan would come to understand his decision. The apprentice had always demonstrated an uncanny perception in the Force, and Qui Gon hoped their bond was not so weak as to be undermined by a few misunderstandings.
"Jar Jar's on his way to the Gungan City, Master."
Ah, there was his apprentice now. And when he states obvious facts that Qui Gon is already aware of, it only means he is trying to find a neutral way to begin a conversation about which he is nervous. An apology was coming soon.
Obi Wan approached, treading carefully as he tested the ground with his boots. The two Jedi had a brief exchange speculating about the coming event. Then silence reigned between them for a few moments. Finally, Obi Wan settled his sightless gaze on his master's eyes.
"I'm sorry for my behavior, Master. It's not my place to disagree with you about the boy." Obi Wan hesitated and Qui Gon allowed himself a smile when he considered that he still knew his padawan so well. "And I am grateful that you think I'm ready for the Trials."
Though it was only three sentences, the Jedi were at a point in their bond where even those few words could repair the breach that had been plaguing them since Tattooine. Well, almost. Qui Gon still needed to respond.
"You have been a good apprentice," the elder said, placing a hand on Obi Wan's shoulder. "And you're a much wiser man than I am. I foresee that you will become a great Jedi."
The praise was unexpected, but well appreciated, if the young man's embarrased grin was any indication. Qui Gon was normally very reserved in his commendations. Even in front of the High Council, he had not been so generous: calling the boy stubborn and saying he had much to learn (and what being alive did not?) before declaring him "competent." They both knew he would never praise Obi Wan so highly unless he truly meant it.
As easily as that, the rift between them was closed.
