Chapter 11
Obi-Wan followed Callista and quickly caught up with her in the transport's main corridor.
"You have an interesting sense of humor, Callista," he said trying not to sound as perturbed as he was.
"Who says I was trying to be funny?" she said narrowing her eyes. She kept walking and tried to hide her smile in the safety of her hooded features.
"Because I know you wouldn't do something so foolish as to attempt this mission alone." As soon as it came out he realized he needed to try another approach, and so he added, "And besides you're too far along in your training to willingly disobey your Master. You're too good a Jedi."
She stopped walking and turned to him. He was in the typical Jedi stance, folded hands within the sleeves of his robes and hood up. She took the same posture as she faced him.
Their eyes met, both shaded in the shadow of their respective hoods. "You think I'm a good Jedi?" she asked in a quiet, surprised tone.
Obi-Wan stretched out his hand and said, "Truce?"
She clasped it and said, "For now." He smiled at her words as she smiled in return.
Senator Aks Moe approached them in the hall. "We only have six hours of transport and there is much I need to go over with you. Please follow me to the conference room so we can get started."
"But we were only supposed to observe, Senator Moe," said Callista.
Obi-Wan frowned slightly and removed his hood in respect to the Senator's position. Callista followed his lead, still searching the Senator with her eyes for an answer.
"Observing, yes, but that's not all. I need you two to understand the intricate nuances of these negotiations and the interests of the powers that will be present." Senator Moe looked at Obi-wan and added, "It's the only way you can truly be ready for the threats and dangers that face this delicate situation."
His tone was matter-of-fact, as if these Apprentices were as confident of their abilities as Senator Moe apparently was. He walked ahead of them without another word. As they followed, Callista looked at Obi-Wan and raised her brows above her large eyes.
The Senator's words had sent a thrill of dreadful excitement through him as well, but his reason cleared his mind. Obi-Wan leaned toward her and whispered;" Masters Qui-Gon and Akari would not have sent us on a mission we couldn't handle." She still looked a bit unsure so he added, "And I'm sure the assignments were chosen by lots as well. Master Yoda would never have approved a mission that would be beyond the abilities of the youngest possible pairing of Jedi.Plus, we are among the oldest."
"If you think I'm afraid, you're wrong," she snapped. "Do not think to patronize me."
He sighed. "That was not my intention." Apparently their 'truce' would only stay intact if he chose to walk on eggshells. This girl had no respect for him and it irked him.
They walked into the conference room and were directed to their seats by one of the Senator's aides. When they sat down, he felt her hand fall on his knee. Startled, he looked at her. Callista mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." She then leaned closer to him and he met her half way. "I know you meant well," she whispered. "I will try not to be so defensive."
He didn't give her much, just nodded. Then he turned toward the Senator and watched him pull up a catalogue of information. Somehow he knew this was going to be one of those long drawn out diplomatic speeches rather than a straight to the point meeting.
Politicians, it seemed, preferred ceremony to expediency.