Defenders of Light

Chapter 10

Location: Shmi's house

"Well…that went well," said Thrice after a long pause.

Meanwhile, poor Shmi looked like she was about to crumble like a house of cards. She began to tremble and started to cry. "Oh, Cliegg. What am I going to do? I didn't want to hurt Ani. Please, you have to go find him."

Cliegg tried to comfort his beloved and wrapped her into a hug and rubbed her back. "It'll be alright, Shmi. I'll go look for him right away."

Thrice approached the pair and said, "No, let him cool off. I'm sure he'll come back."

Overwhelmed, Shmi said, "But I've never seen Ani this upset before. Are you sure he'll be alright?"

The woman-warrior calmly sat down and replied, "He's a Jedi in training. He can handle himself. I think he just needs time to think things through. We should give him about an hour and if he doesn't show than I'll call him up on my communicator. Though while we wait, you two can tell me how you met."

In response, Cliegg nodded his head and eased Shmi into a chair and together the three sat and began to talk. She learned that Cliegg was a local moister-farmer and that he was a widower with a son from his previous marriage. He had a son about Anakin's age named Owen. He said he met Shmi by chance when he was buying parts and that it was love at first sight. They courted for a while and they eventually agreed to get married when Cliegg saved up enough money. It was a very sweet love story and one that Thrice enjoyed hearing.

Though, after sometime there was a knock on the door and like a shot Shmi got up to answer it thinking it was Ani, but instead it was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Shmi gasped with shock at her unexpected visitor, but firmly the Jedi Master threw open the door and strode in with his hands on his hips in a rage.

"Where's Anakin?"

"What's going on?" asked Cliegg.

The moister-farmer emerged from the kitchen with Thrice not far beyond him. The couple locked onto each other's eyes and swiftly Obi-Wan went to her and held her firmly by her forearms and shouted, "Blasted woman! How could you leave without me?"

He then wrapped his arms around her small form and buried his face into her shoulder and felt overcome with relief. He pressed his face into her neck and whispered tenderly into her ear.

"Oh, my darling. Promise me you'll never do something like that again. Please?"

In reaction, Thrice felt all his worry, anger, fears and dread that she tenderly began to project her love and acceptance to him in calming waves. She never meant to frighten him. She never meant to cause him pain. She began to weep and circled her arms around her husband's waist and kissed his head and cheek.

"Yes, my love. I promise."

Obi-Wan then slowly pulled back and kissed her forehead and scolded, "You terribly minx. I can't believe you'd be so foolish to go off world in your condition. Do know how worried I was about you?"

The raven-beauty closed her eyes and mournfully shook her head. "Yes…"

In an instantly, the Jedi Master realized that she unwillingly did. "Oh Thrice, please don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you too."

"No, it's alright. I understand, Sir Knight."

He carefully wiped her eyes and touched her cheek. "Yes, but I dislike seeing you sad. And I think I know your reasons for being here. You were trying to help Ani. Now, where is he? Why isn't he with you?"

"Oh, he pitched a fit after he had a misunderstanding with Cliegg Lars, Shmi's beau and stormed out because she doesn't want to go back with us to Coruscant. As it turns out she had her own knight in shining armor waiting to set her free. He left about 20 minutes ago, but I told Shmi that he needed time to calm down and that we should wait till he comes back on his own steam."

Obi-Wan processed what Thrice had said and concluded that she maybe right. Anakin did sometimes have a stubborn streak and time did seem like a good remedy. However, he didn't want his wife to wait around too long. He would rather have her back home safe at the Temple.

"I've been meaning to tell you something, Obi-Wan. Something about the Clan."

"What about the Clan?"

"There was an attempt on Lord Blackswan's life recently. It was Count Dooku. He went to the Colony on Arjuma and tried to take him in the gardens, but he was with Lady Nina and the two of them had a duel."

The Jedi Master was puzzled. "Do you think it is a retaliation because of your message to the Clan to hunt him down for the Senate?"

"No, because I didn't tell the Clan to hunt him down. I only told them to investigate, but the reports from my comrades have all lead to dead ends. They haven't been able to find him and to have him suddenly appear on our territory seems strange. Lady Nina reported that he was very skilled and will likely try again."

Obi-Wan thoughtfully stroked his beard and said, "Hmm, so the Separatist are now targeting the Clan. Are they merely attacking them because they are an ally to the Republic or for some other agenda? Tell me, what other information have your comrades found?"

Thrice tilted her head and replied, "Nothing that would interest the Republic, but Intelligence has been keeping tabs on our old home world, Varia."

"Varia, why?"

"It is because the Clan did not leave Varia in peace. Lord Blackswan used to be a member of a Queen Aveaon's count. She's the planetary ruler. Intelligence likes to know what the Queen is up to and they say she is plotting with outsiders from the Core."

The Jedi Master frowned. "The Core? Who?"

"Intelligence doesn't exactly know who, but their group is called the Sith."

"The Sith! Force, the Clan is in more trouble than it knows. Well, never mind that for now. We need to find Ani."

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Obi-Wan told his wife to stay with Shmi while he went to find Anakin, but she refused and suggested that they call him on his communicator. Obi-Wan knew he could find his Padawan easily through the Force, but figured he would want to bid his mother goodbye and called him up to meet at the hanger bay. Anakin said he would be there and together the whole group left.

The skies were growing dimmer during the hours approaching dust and Anakin paused as he saw his mother standing beside her boyfriend, Cliegg Lars. He realized while he was away that he had been acting like a jerk. He couldn't blame Lars for falling for his mother. She was the best person in the world to him. He only wanted her to live a good life and do something to show he never forgot about her and that he cared.

"Mom, I'm sorry for walking out like that."

Shmi caressed her son's cheek and said, "It's alright, Ani. I understand. I know how much you wanted to save me, but I don't need saving. I want you to start thinking about yourself."

"But I only thought you could live a better life with me on Coruscant. I wanted to make you happy."

"I am happy, Ani. I'm happy because I know you're doing fine. And you don't have to worry about me. I won't be alone this time."

"I know but—"

"It's alright, Anakin," said Cliegg. "I promise I'll look after your mother. You have my word."

Anakin glanced at Cliegg and then swallowed a breath to turn to his mother for what felt like the last time. "Mom, is this really what you want?"

"Yes, Ani." She then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his head. "Oh Anakin, my son. I know you'll do great things. I just know you will."

Afterwards Shmi let her son go and stepped away. She strode up to Thrice and Obi-Wan and gave them both a sad smile. "Thank you for looking after Anakin. Thank you Thrice for what you did for me. I'll never forget your kindness."

In reaction, Thrice faltered and said, "I—I'm not used to such gratitude, Shmi. Please, be well."

Obi-Wan grinned at his lady's hesitation and took her hand before giving Ms. Skywalker and Cliegg Lars a bow. "We wish you all the best, Shmi. May the Force with you."

Then, slowly the three headed to the hanger and off they flew back to Coruscant. Obi-Wan wanted to return as soon as possible to relay Thrice's reports about the Sith. He felt that something terrible was about to happen and the High Council needed to be made aware.

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Location: Jedi Temple

When the three returned to the Senate, they saw that Master Windu was waiting for them in the transport platform by the Temple stairs. He didn't look happy. He appeared more serious than usual and placed his hands onto his hips.

"Well, what is the meaning of this Obi-Wan? Why did you just take off without leaving a word or destination?"

Anakin quickly replied, "Master Obi-Wan was looking for me Master Windu."

The dark complexion Master lifted a brow and said, "Oh, and why is that Padawan?"

Thrice answered, "Because Anakin was with me on a private mission. I can go where I please, Master Jedi and I can take whom I wish."

Obi-Wan smiled and said, "Well, my friend there you have it. Though, I apologize for leaving so abruptly. However, I do have some important information I must inform the High Council of. It is a matter that concerns the Clan and our dealing with the Sith."

"The Sith?"

Obi-Wan nodded his head and then faced Anakin and said, "Padawan, I want you to escort Milady to her quarters and see to it that she gets her rest. I will be with the Council and will return in the evening."

Anakin bow. "Yes, Master."

Thrice was irked by her husband's dismissal even though she understood he had to make his report to the Council Members. She resented being treated like she was made of glass just because she was having a baby. She also disliked having their relationship always being kept hidden because of their public image as well. She knew Lord Blackswan must have learned about her pregnancy by now and these overly dedicated Jedi suddenly made her feel stifled in her own skin. Damn, why did she have to be so emotional? She felt so needy.

Then, in a surprising flat tone the raven-warrior turned and said, "Come, Anakin. It is a shame when one cannot be useful."

Though as she and Anakin began to walk away, Obi-Wan suddenly felt uneasy by her words. He didn't want her to feel useless, but for now there wasn't anything he could do. Master Windu noticed the pause in his friend's step and asked him what was wrong.

"Is something the matter, Obi-Wan?"

The Jedi Master breathed in deeply and said, "No, but I'm worried about Milady."

"Why? She seems alright."

"Well, I think her pregnancy is wearing on her control. Also I think she wants to express herself more."

Master Windu gave Obi-Wan a look of disbelief. "Really? She seems to express herself just fine to me and you can hardly tell she's with child. As a matter of fact nobody outside of the Council even knows about how intimate your relationship is."

"Yes, Milady and I thought it would be best to keep things quiet. But don't fall for her harden façade Mace she is really quite warm. Now, where is Master Yoda? I think he should hear my report as well."

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Location: Thrice's quarters

It wasn't until late in the evening that Obi-Wan returned from his business with the High Council and checked in with Anakin. He learned that Thrice had decided to play Master again and gave his Padawan a challenging assignment in figuring out some tactics on a simulator program. Inwardly, he was thoroughly impressed, but wondered if his lady was in a good mood. He was concerned about her down spirits and entered her apartment across the hall.

He found his beloved trying to re-focus her center in mediation on the floor. He smiled and quietly moved to join her and took her hand in his own and felt that she was restless and filled with unease.

"Thrice, come. You ought to get some rest, my darling."

The woman-warrior opened her eyes and looked at her husband in dread. "But I can't seem to relax. I can't seem to calm down. I can't sleep Obi-Wan."

"Then, I'll help you. Now, get freshened up and I'll join you in the bedroom."

"Alright," she sighed and gradually she made her way to the bathroom and prepared herself for bed. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan removed his cloak, boots and robes until he was down to his underwear. He then found put on one of Thrice's sleep robes for his modesty and found that she had taken the time to make him something to eat in her kitchen. Obi-Wan discovered he liked his lady's domestic ways and quickly gobbled down her cooking. He felt lucky to have such a multitalented wife and it wasn't before long that he finished his plate that Thrice emerged from her shower refreshed. He then placed his dishes into the sink and let her droid take care of the mess when he took his turn to clean up.

When Obi-Wan was done he saw that Thrice was siting at her vanity and was unbraiding her raven hair. Swiftly, he took her comb from her hand and began to untangle her locks for her. The beauty gave her Knight a smile in the mirror and watched him work.

"My, how talented you are, darling. I wish I had your assistance every night."

Obi-Wan grinned and said, "Oh? Do you think I missed my true calling as a hairdresser?"

Thrice giggled and replied, "No, maybe as a handmaiden."

"Handmaiden! Now you're just being silly."

Obi-Wan finished combing out his lady's hair and watched as she quickly twisted it and brushed it over her shoulder at one side. Her actions bared her neck beautifully and he could not resist giving her pulse a kiss and wrapping his arms around her waist. Playfully, she let out another giggled and turned around to give him a kiss on the lips. Obi-Wan picked up his wife and carried her over to the bed and sat her down over the sheets.

"Now my sweet, we shall have no more of your nonsense. As your husband, hairdresser and handmaiden I insist that you get some rest. It has been a very long day."

The raven-beauty smiled and together she and Obi-Wan pulled down the covers and crawled into bed. Beaming, she snuggled into his side and peppered light kisses onto his face. Her ruby-eyes glowed like twin suns as he switched off the light.

"I love you, Obi-Wan."

The Jedi Master ran his hand over her cheek in the darkness and threaded his fingers through her black hair and smiled. "And I love you, Thrice. That was a very kind thing you did for Anakin today. Why did you decide to go?"

"Anakin and I were talking and he told me I'd make a great mother. And I asked him about his, but after he told me I just got so mad. I had to do something. I had to set it right. I named him my kinsmen, Sir Knight. I made a vow to protect all of my Clan."

"It goes against the Code. Jedi are not meant to form attachments."

In response, the beauty grinned and said, "So says the hypocrite."

"Yes—well, regardless, my dear what you do think Lord Blackswan will do about Count Dooku?"

"Simple, he'll send warriors to hunt him down and end him, but it isn't the Count I'm worried about. It's Queen Aveaon. She's dangerous and if she is plotting with the Sith than her using the Count as her assassin doesn't make sense. She has many of soldiers at her disposal. She has no reason to seek his help."

"But, Milady it isn't yet confirmed that Count Dooku is apart of the Sith's plot. There has been no link made between the Sith and the Separatist. It is all speculation based on your comrades' investigation. Though, it is suspicious that the Separatist would make an enemy out of the Clan. Perhaps they are trying to eliminate the Republic's allies?"

"No, I believe my comrades. I just don't know what sort of deal was made."

Obi-Wan sighed and moved to pull Thrice to his side and waited until she shifted onto her side before he pressed himself close to back and held her tight. Gently, he caressed her stomach where their child grew and lovingly kissed her nape.

"It will be revealed in time, my darling but in the meantime the Council has agreed to investigate Count Dooku as well. They know him better than the Clan and I am sure we will be able to find him, though you really ought to rest, my love. Our baby needs you and so do I."

The Jedi Master then felt her aura shine with affection and contentment under his arms that eventually she found the peace she needed to find sleep. Obi-Wan was glad he could comfort her for he feared that darkness was soon approaching and they both needed all the strength they could get.

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TBC

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