Thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter! I was quite nervous how it would go down but I am thrilled it worked!

This chapter: for those that have been asking me about Padmé, she makes her appearance here, as do six-month old Luke and Leia, and Shmi gives Obi-Wan advice.


A Jedi's Love

Chapter 10

Count Dooku was livid.

Not only had he relied on Senator Merrik to deliver the Duchess, he had also sent Ventress to ensure the Senator was not thwarted by the Jedi who were likely to be on-board the Duchess' ship during transit to Coruscant.

Even Ventress had failed.

She'd had more failures than successes in her long servitude to the Count. She was becoming expendable. He would have to punish her for her latest transgression… but not yet.

"Now Governor, this is not the end of our partnership. We still have a chance to capture or kill the Duchess. Even if the Republic vote to give the people the choice we will still have time to act against her," explained Dooku, folding his metal hands behind his back. "The sooner she is removed the better. We will soon have a large supply of droids at our disposal."

"I've waited too long for the Republic to interfere with my plans now," cursed Vizsla, his face red with anger. "Her ties to pacifism make her weak!"

"The Duchess Satine has another weakness, my Lord," drawled Ventress, who was standing to the side, her head bowed in servitude to the Count. "I saw this myself."

"What is it?" queried Dooku. "This information may make up for your failure on the Coronet."

Ventress smiled. "Kenobi."

Vizsla's eyes blazed with fire at the mention of the Jedi's name. "What of him?" he spat.

"They kissed, on the Coronet. Before I intervened," added Ventress with jubilation echoing in her voice. "And what's more…" She held up a small device from her pocket. "I recorded it."

"Well, well…" Dooku looked pleased. "This might be information we can use to further our cause…" He took the cube-shaped device from Ventress' offered hand. He activated the play button and holographic image appeared of the Duchess and Kenobi. As Ventress had revealed, they were kissing. "It is a shame that the Jedi Order have sanctioned attachments. This would have been powerful evidence to ensure Kenobi's and the Duchess' fall from grace. However… the Jedi are perceived as warriors due to their actions during the Clone Wars…" He turned to Vizsla. "Would the Mandalorian people like their pacifist leader consorting with a warrior?"

Vizsla shook his head. "They wouldn't care. The Jedi are peacekeepers. The people have always wanted the Duchess to marry. The prospect of that happening would give them cause for celebration."

"That is unfortunate," mused Dooku, "but this footage could also be useful to control the Duchess if she escapes our assassin. If she loves Kenobi and they develop a relationship, then he will be her weakness and to put him in danger and at risk of death… The Duchess may acquiesce to our demands, just to save his life. Love can do terrible things to people's principles. However, we should not have to act upon this footage. Your assassin will not fail, will he?" Dooku fixed Vizsla with a piercing glare.

"No, he won't," replied Vizsla.

"Good," replied Dooku, "tell your assassin to prepare for departure. He leaves for Coruscant immediately." He motioned to Ventress, who stepped forward and bowed, prostrating herself at his feet. "Ventress, you will accompany the Death Watch assassin. You will ensure he is successful in his mission."

Ventress swallowed, but glad that she had been given another chance to complete her mission. "Yes, Master."

"If you fail," warned Dooku coldly, his eyes manifesting yellow, "there will be severe consequences. Do not think that any failure you have will remain unpunished."

"Yes, Master."


"Are you okay?" Shmi Skywalker had arrived home from work to find Obi-Wan Kenobi sitting on her couch, head in his hands. She walked over to him and sat down beside him. "Something is bothering you."

"You know me too well," replied Obi-Wan, looking at her. "I need advice and Anakin isn't being helpful."

"Has something happened?" Shmi asked. "The last I heard, Anakin and Ahsoka were joining you on Mandalore."

"Well… We had to escort the Duchess here. We found a link that connects Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress to a terrorist group there. And…" he hesitated.

Shmi patted him on the arm. "You know you can trust me. You told me ages ago that you liked Satine."

"I know," he sighed, his shoulders shaking. "Things happened…"

"And?" she encouraged. He needed prompting. She had an uncanny feeling that she knew what he was going to say. And he was worried about it. His posture and how he sounded nervous to her said it all as to how he felt.

Obi-Wan glanced at her. "Satine and I kissed."

"And you want advice on what to do next?" guessed Shmi, understanding flowing through her.

"Anakin keeps telling me to tell her I love her. After that kiss and the way she responded, I know we both have feelings for one another. Do I tell her? Is it the right time since she is fighting for the right to decide whether the Republic interferes on Mandalore or not? I just…" his shoulders sagged, "…just don't know how to go about this… I know nothing about love or relationships."

Shmi smiled gently. "We are all like this when we start out. You have to allow yourself to make mistakes."

Obi-Wan wrung his hands in his lap. "Can we really be together? Our roles are so different, so far apart. I'm based here and Satine on Mandalore."

"It sounds like you wish for an uncomplicated relationship," noted Shmi. She knew that was impossible. "Relationships are hard enough with the people you're having them with, let alone trying to make them simple."

Obi-Wan sighed. "I made it sound like I'd want an uncomplicated one, didn't I?"

"You did," smiled Shmi. "Obi-Wan, you need to follow your heart. Jedi are no longer restrained by the old Jedi Code. But you need to talk to her, find out where each of you stands on this matter. Relationships can always work as long as the people involved put the effort into them. You trusted me with Satine's name two years ago and now you have a chance to be with her. Don't miss the opportunity to have what was once denied you."

Obi-Wan was silent for a few minutes however Shmi understood that he needed to consider what she had said. When he did speak his voice was soft. "I liked kissing her, being close to her… Closer than I have ever been with a woman before. I didn't want to stop… If we had been anywhere else… I know we could have gone further…"

"You've waited so long to be with her it is only natural. Both of you have feelings that run deeper then you believe them to," she explained. By talking to her, Obi-Wan was trusting her implicitly. "Anakin and Padmé rushed into an engagement but that worked for them. And you want to act on your feelings for Satine. How do you know it is not the will of the Force? You don't just like Satine, you love her and you always have. I haven't met her but I believe if I did, I'd see that she wants you just as much as you want her. But… you need to talk… Especially before you do anything else."

"The last thing I want to do is get engaged. That is too fast…but it was perfect for Anakin and Padmé. They were meant to be… The Force pushed them together for a reason… But for me, I want a relationship first," Obi-Wan explained.

"Everyone does," smiled Shmi. "Someone has to make the first move. Since you kissed her, it should be you."

"Really?" The whole concept of making the first move was alien to Obi-Wan. He wasn't Anakin.

"It may be petrifying and a whole new experience for you, but you have to do this. You'll regret it if you do not try," advised Shmi.

Obi-Wan sighed. "Telling her I love her could backfire on me."

"Do you really believe that?" asked Shmi wisely. "Or is it just fear of the unknown?" She knew this man too well to not know what he could be afraid of. She knew what he was scared of. He had spoken many times over the years to her about his feelings for Satine but now that it came to it, to the chance to act, he was scared and worried, unsure if he was taking the right path.

He let out a shaky laugh.

Shmi knew she had hit the correct spot.

"Fear of the unknown," he answered, a slight smile pulling at his lips. "I'm scared of her saying no."

Shmi chuckled. "I was the same with Darec. He was my first and only relationship I've had. I had no idea what to do or how to act. I thought he wasn't interested and when it came to discussing it both of us were scared but we made it work. We got through that awkward conversation and progressed. That is what you need to achieve, Obi-Wan." She cocked her head at him. "I never thought you'd be scared of talking to women," she teased lightly. "After all you've been through admitting your feelings to a woman should be a breeze."

"I'd rather face another Sith Lord," he muttered under his breath.

"Now you are being silly," replied Shmi. "Trust me. Talk to her. If she truly has feelings for you she'll admit it to."

Letting out a sigh of air, Obi-Wan leaned back on the sofa. The rationale part of his brain acknowledged Shmi was right. The other part wanted him to flee in terror to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. "Ok. I'll tell her." In the end he had to. Especially after their kiss.

"Good," smiled Shmi encouragingly.

"If this goes wrong, I'll be assigning you to the worst jobs the Temple has to offer," he teased. "For a year."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," Shmi finished.

Deep down he knew Shmi was correct, yet he was still petrified. He didn't know how he would survive telling Satine that he loved her. Only time would tell if they would move forward or remain just friends.

And he wanted them to be more then friends, no matter how scared he felt at the prospect of a relationship. If he could face Sith down and survive, what was love and relationships compared to that?

The most difficult thing I have ever had to contemplate in doing, that's what, he thought. Get a grip, Kenobi. You can do this. If he didn't believe that, then any potential relationship would go nowhere.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow he would tell Satine he loved her.

Tomorrow…


Their six month old twins were sleeping when Anakin returned to their apartment in the Senate district in which he lived in with his wife and two children. Though he was required to spend some nights in the Temple as part of his role as Master, he did it usually on the nights Padmé would be working late. However as she was still on maternity leave, an arrangement had been made – so Padmé could still keep up to date with the going ons within the Senate – which allowed her to spend a day working in the Senate every two weeks. The idea was at the end of her maternity leave, Padmé would run for Chancellorship, but with joint responsibility with Bail Organa so that he could spend more time on Alderaan with his wife.

Padmé was still awake when he arrived at the apartment, the Coronet having docked just an hour before. Obi-Wan had remained with the Duchess, purely for protection reasons, though he suspected his friend would – hopefully – talk to her about their feelings for one another. If not he had already made a recommendation to his fellow Master's on the Council to assign Obi-Wan to be the Duchess' protector. It was likely there would be more assassination attempts. Better to have a Jedi watching over her then not at all. Obi-Wan would accuse Anakin of meddling but he preferred to think of it as pushing them along quicker…

"Anakin!" Padmé flung her arms around her husband, pulling him into a kiss. "I thought you might be back. I heard the Duchess had arrived."

"I decided to come and see my lovely wife," smiled Anakin, leaning in for another kiss. "How are Luke and Leia?" He'd only been gone a few days, yet he still missed his lovely children. They were just at the stage where they were taking in the world around them.

"They're fine. Luke keeps levitating his toys. I worry he may do that to his sister," said Padmé. "I spoke to Master Yoda; he said it was normal for very Force-sensitive children to unknowingly use their powers from around now. He said they are very strong in the Force. Leia has yet to show any affinity for it though."

Anakin chuckled. "Leia will take after you. She'll be in to politics with you. Luke will be the Jedi."

"But both will be trained," added Padmé.

They had already agreed that the twins needed to learn how to control their powers. It was inevitable that Leia would soon start imitating her brother, despite their very different temperaments. They would spend the first seven years of their life receiving instruction from Anakin and Obi-Wan before joining the Temple's classes. The training of young Jedi was changing. No longer were children taken to the Temple for training as young as possible. They would remain with their family up to the age of seven where they would then be registered with the Temple for training. There were weeks throughout the new term-times where Force-sensitive children would be allowed to return home or their families could visit them. When they became Padawans, they would only be allowed one visit a year before they would be Knighted, however communication via electronic communication was allowed. Parents who had given their children to the Order before the changes had been invited to contact them if they wished to. Some had made contact, others had left well alone however more and more parents were seeking contact with the children they had once thought lost. So far, the new policy for training was working well, though results would not be known for years until the first Jedi trained under the new rules would be Knighted.

"Will you be on Coruscant for a while?" Padmé always liked to know estimates. That way they could organise days out as a family.

"I think so," said Anakin. "We may need to escort the Duchess back but that won't happen for a few days. If Jedi presence is needed on Mandalore, I expect I will be going. We know for sure that Dooku and Ventress are involved there. They'll need to send several Masters to bring them both in." He led Padmé to the sofa. "I'd rather we caught them quicker then left them to run amok."

"That's what makes Satine's case so difficult. The Senate will not grant Satine the request she wants," replied Padmé sadly.

"That will throw Mandalore into war," noted Anakin, "and the rest of the galaxy. We need to find out where Dooku got those droids from. It could be despite our assurances; people have been working to undermine our reformed government. They may not wish to be regulated by us. I know we have allowed freedom but the goal was to change things enough that those systems would want to return to the Republic."

"Politics has always been difficult," Padmé mused. "The Republic is stronger together then it is apart. We just need to convince them of that. If two governments are formed, war could be unleashed again. We need to be careful, Ani, and the Republic too… especially if Mandalore's power is lost. I hope Satine gets what she would like… but Dooku and Ventress being involved makes things very difficult. They intend to create war again…"

"They are going the right way about it," finished Anakin. The last thing he wanted was another war. "I really hope the Senate will make the right decision."

"So do I, Ani, so do I."


The session of the Galactic Senate was now over. Obi-Wan had observed from the pod entrance designated for Mandalore's Senator. Satine had navigated the pod to the centre, addressing the Senate of what she proposed if they wanted to capture Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress. She claimed they could still keep Mandalore stable if the people were given the choice and it would prevent further conflict. She had emphasised what could happen to her government if they did have a Republic presence without the people's blessing.

Chancellor Organa had believed her, had supported her petition however it was up to the Senators to vote and decide her fate.

Obi-Wan met Satine as her pod returned to the station. "You put forth your case well. It's a bonus Bail is supporting your freedom to choose."

Satine adjusted her headdress. "Tomorrow I will know," she sighed. "The vote is scheduled for midday tomorrow. All it is now is a matter of waiting."

"It is," Obi-Wan agreed.

Satine looked at him quizzically. "Why are you here? I thought you were in charge of questioning Merrik at the Temple?"

"I was reassigned by the Council to protect you during your stay in the capital. Anakin feels that you may be in danger considering the attempts on Mandalore and on the Coronet. He convinced our fellow Masters to assign me to you, that is… if you agree to Jedi protection. Two of my associates have taken over questioning Merrik. He will be returned to you soon," explained Obi-Wan politely.

"Good. Merrik will be tried as a traitor to the establishment," said Satine. "Two people who I thought loyal to me have turned against me. Who else is there? Do my people not want peace?"

A sad expression crossed his face. "Of course they want peace but there will always be people who want to be active in the old way." He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let it get you down."

"It isn't," she replied. "Does Anakin have an ulterior motive for why you were specifically assigned to me?"

The change of conversation shocked Obi-Wan who startled at the abrupt question. He grimaced as he considered the question. "Of course he does."

"He wants us to talk, doesn't he?" Satine was shrewd.

"Yes, he does." He glanced at Satine suspiciously. "You're not suggesting now?" He felt positively alarmed. We have to talk at some point. There is no reason to delay it if we both have time, he reasoned.

A gentle smile crossed her pale face. "Of course. I cannot do anything until the Senate has voted. Better now than wait longer."

Obi-Wan swallowed. "I guess so."

"Why? Don't you want to?" Satine looked positively afraid.

Obi-Wan was mortified at the insinuation he had given her. "No. Don't misread me! I want to. I think we need to." He felt his face going warm. "I'm afraid…"

"So am I," Satine replied taking his hands in her own. They were still in the safety of the pod docking area. "If we do not face it now, we may never do so."

He knew she was right. "Where can we go?" They needed to talk somewhere they wouldn't be disturbed.

"My quarters." Satine had been given a rented apartment to stay in during the few days she would be resident on Coruscant. It was close to the Senate and mainly used by guests of the Supreme Chancellor. "I will instruct my guards to not let anyone disturb us." She started to walk away from him. "Meet me there in an hour."

"Right," he answered, still feeling slightly numb they would be talking to one another about their feelings.

Satine fixed her gaze at him as she looked over her shoulder. "Don't be late."

"Oh, I won't be, Duchess," he replied.

"Good." She smiled warmly at him, her eyes twinkling.

Obi-Wan's tummy flipped. Don't be silly, Kenobi. It is just talking to her. You can do that. Can't I? He had the feeling the coming conversation would be the most difficult one of his life.


Leia was gurgling. Her small hands moved in the air as Anakin levitated the ball in front of her. It sparkled and made musical sounds as he manipulated the buttons on the ball with the Force.

His daughter tracked the ball's movements with chocolate brown eyes, her small pudgy hands reaching upwards for it. She clutched for her father's small left finger on his hand as it moved into her field of vision, grasping it tightly and pulling it back towards her mouth, gurgling away in her joy at catching something.

"No, no… daddy's finger is not food!"

Leia seemed to disagree, making her objections known as the little finger was pulled from her tender grasp. "Aaah!"

Anakin dived in and picked up his little girl, twirling her around.

Laughter echoed in his ears as his daughter made her joy apparent. If she could talk, Anakin knew she'd be asking for more. He smiled at her then pulled a face, tongue poking out. Leia laughed again.

"You are my favourite princess," he said to her, kissing Leia on the head, small tufts of brown hair waving upwards as he pulled away from her.

Anakin!

His mental connection to Obi-Wan flared to life.

Typical Obi-Wan. He always had the best timing when it came to contacting him. Leia grabbed his hair and pulled. She wanted her father's attention. "I'm sorry, Leia, your annoying uncle has contacted me and demands my attention."

Obi-Wan was prodding at the bond, continuously informing his brother that he should stop what he was doing and talk to him.

Anakin walked over to the play pen where blonde-haired Luke was rolling around amongst a bunch of fluffy animal toys that had come from his little sister's stuffed teddy collection. He placed Leia next to her brother and she immediately turned her attention to the pink Bantha toy, grabbing it and putting it straight in her mouth. Anakin chuckled. The bantha toy was Leia's favourite even though it was not a correct representation of the animal itself.

Anakin returned his attention to his brother. What do you want?

I need your help.

About what? Anakin had already figured out what his brother was irritated about.

You very well know what. You are the one that got me into this mess.

Anakin grinned. Yeah. I did, didn't I? You two were not going to talk if you were not forced together. I know you, Obi-Wan. You are not good at articulating your feelings. "Isn't Uncle Obi-Wan being silly?" he said aloud to his uninterested children. I had to push it along. Besides, you kissed her. That needs discussing sooner rather than later.

We were going to talk, his old Master responded. Are you going to be helpful or unhelpful?

Helpful.

Then tell me what to say!

He could sense Obi-Wan's increasing agitation across the bond. The truth.

But how?

I cannot tell you how to say it. It has to come from you. Your own words. Your own heart. Then and there. That was the truth. You kissed Satine because you love her and you nearly lost her. You were relieved that she was safe. Just tell her how you feel.

Obi-Wan's frustration mingled into Anakin. He didn't know if he was saying the right thing but his friend was clearly worried about how to go about this pivotal conversation.

Just don't do anything stupid, added Anakin.

Like what?

Sleeping with her.

I'm not stupid, Anakin. That won't be happening, retorted Obi-Wan.

Yet, smirked Anakin.

Stop it! Obi-Wan's voice was getting louder in his head.

Sorry, apologised Anakin. Look, just take it slow, don't do anything rash and discuss every positive and negative what could come with any relationship. She loves you and you love her. You can make it work. You just have to fight for it,

Obi-Wan sighed. Thanks anyway. Just don't spy on the bond before I tell you the outcome.

Despite how difficult it was to ignore one another, Anakin could simply build a small shield that could hold against Obi-Wan's presence, allowing him the privacy he needed. However, they had learnt that they couldn't shield against one another continuously. If they attempted to, each would get a blinding head-ache resulting in them needed to take down the shields in their minds preventing them being deeply linked. They were far too entwined to allow a simple shield to be used. This was probably the method Obi-Wan had employed whenever Anakin was engaging in amorous activity with his wife. They could keep a shield erected for a few hours at most. Before Anakin had brought Obi-Wan back from netherworld of the Force, their bond had been different: they still had an incredibly strong bond, but now it was more intensified then before.

I won't spy, reassured Anakin. You will be fine.

Obi-Wan sent a jolt back before his voice and his presence faded, though Anakin could still feel a hint of anxiety through the bond. Obi-Wan clearly did not believe that he would be fine.

Anakin shook his head, leaned over the play-pen and picked up Luke. Now was not the time to think about Obi-Wan. His children were the most important people he wanted to focus on right now.


They had set up camp in a neighbouring apartment block close to the rented accommodation the Duchess of staying in.

They sat and watched with their long range binoculars trained on the balcony, with a sniper rifle set up beside them. The Death Watch assassin kept a vigilant eye upon the balcony.

"Remember, if you fail, you will pay with your life," Ventress reminded him, She wore a dark cloak which obscured her face.

"I will not fail," the assassin answered. "I have never missed a target."

"There is always a first time," muttered Ventress darkly.

The assassin ignored her, instead settling upon their own balcony at floor level with the sniper rifle pointing directly at the Duchess' balcony and window.

When Duchess Satine moved into the right position, she would die.

Ventress would be rewarded when she reported back with the Duchess' death.

A satisfied smile crossed her face.

Not even Kenobi would foil them this time.

To be continued…

Please let me know what you think!

Yeah… Anakin will be teasing Obi-Wan a lot, surreptitiously trying to push him and Satine together, become more involved. Anakin is going to have lots of fun with this…

Next chapter: Obi-Wan and Satine have a much needed talk.

This next chapter is quite short but I feel it needs to be posted on its own. This chapter will be posted next week on Tuesday 29th April.

Until next time,

the-writer1988