A/N: An eventful journey. In this final chapter of Book One, Obi-Wan is reunited with Anakin. The young Jedi joins his former master and his passenger, Lyri, escorting and guarding them on their journey to Coruscant, with a few adventures...or mishaps... along the way. Obi-Wan finds he cares deeply for Lyri and knows he will have to try to come to terms with his feelings in light of his calling as a Jedi.
Disclaimer: All characters, arcs, and locations belong to George Lucas and Disney, with the exception of my originals. No money is being made. Just careening through the galaxy.
Feral Moon: Discovery
Chapter 25
Checking the nav computer again, Obi-Wan made a few slight course adjustments and then opened the ship's comm to catch the chatter in the area. Apparently Separatist fighters were still hovering around Baltimn Major, but were patrolling the larger area as well. "Blast!" he said under his breath. A moment later, he heard a very familiar voice in the mix amongst the reports and changing orders.
"This is Commander Skywalker, come in? I'm just coming into the area of Baltimn Minor and her four moons. Any Seps in my backyard? Over."
"From the most recent reports, they're still sticking pretty close to Baltimn Major, Commander. We'll let you know as soon as we have any movement, over."
"Please do. Meanwhile, I'll be continuing my search here near Baltimn Minor and the surrounding area. Appreciate your eyes on the Seps. Over and out."
"Oh Blast, he's right behind us!" said Obi-Wan, the urgency evident in his voice. "Hmmm...I think a course correction out to the very edge of Wild Space, run a course along that edge, then veer back in on the far side of Baltimn Major. That's when we're going to need you, my friend." He glanced out the port and then started making more adjustments for the course change.
Tapping the main fuel gage with one finger and glancing at the auxiliary, he looked at Lyri. "We should have just enough fuel for this maneuver and, perhaps, a couple of evasive maneuvers, if needed."
"Who...who is behind us, Obi-Wan? Why we need help?" ventured Lyri, her eyes large and round.
He thought it was best to tell her the truth. "Anakin is close behind us, Lyri. He is searching for me, but we cannot let him know about the moon. He is very smart, so I need to throw him off our trail."
"But you say we need help. How he help us?"
"We are going to need his help to get past the Separatist fighters, sweetheart. This ship has very minimal defensive weaponry, so we need him to escort us and protect us from those fighters. He is extremely good at aerial combat; the best I've ever seen. I will comm him about half way back in from the edge of Wild Space and give him our approximate location near Baltimn Major. I am certain he will be most happy to hear from us. But, before I do anything else, I need to fasten you into your crash webbing." Noticing how frightened she looked he patted her leg and said, "There now, you know I like to take extra precautions, sweetheart." He winked at her to put her more at ease. Telling her the truth didn't have to include the rather low percentage of their chances of coming through this completely unscathed.
Locking in his coordinates for their present destination, he pulled up a holocartography image and studied it for several minutes, pausing every so often to stroke his beard. Checking his chrono, he made a decision and shifted the sublight engines to their highest speed. It was the only way he was sure they could get away from Anakin and, hopefully, the Sep fighters undetected. Once he reached the near edge of Wild Space, he would shut down the engines and drift for a short period of time before heading to Baltimn Major. Judging by the slight gravity pull from the large planet and its resultant drift in the area, it should take them along the border toward their jump off point to head back in.
Three standard hours later, Obi-Wan slowed the ship and pulled it into a holding position. Double checking his position he killed the engine to let them drift. He could maintain their lateral position with occasion jets of power one way or the other. He stared out the port for a few moments, settling back in the seat and crossing an arm over his chest. With the opposite hand he slowly smoothed his mustache and stroked his beard while he thought. Finally turning to Lyri, he felt his chest constrict at the site of her.
Staring straight ahead, her hands gripping the seat so tightly her knuckles had blanched, Lyri's breaths were shallow and quick. Noticing a few tears trickling down her cheeks and a tremor shaking her entire body, he immediately unfastened himself from his restraints and went to crouch beside her. Reaching out to rub her forearm and hand to soothe her he noticed how cold she was to the touch. Still staring out the port she whispered, "I want go home, Obi. Please. Not be with fighters. Home too far." She then lowered her head and silently wept. Unfastening her and picking her up, he sat in her place and held her in his lap, pulling her close. Seeking to warm her, he pulled his cloak around both of them. "I know, sweetheart; it is a large amount of change to take in all at once and it is confusing and frightening with the war raging. I promise you things will be better when we get to Coruscant. Until we get there, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe."
Shifting her a little so her head was in the crook of his arm, he gently wiped her tears away. Looking into her frightened eyes, he began rocking her and murmuring to her about some of the wonderful things awaiting her on Coruscant As he was doing so he assessed her and found that she still had a very low grade fever and her lungs were not quite fully healed. He was certain that was taking a toll on her as well as all the change, so he sent her healing energy and a light sleep suggestion believing it best she rest while she could. He finally stood and took her to the courier's small quarters where he laid her down and pulled a blanket over her.
Going to the little cargo niche they'd set up for Tika, he told her of Lyri's state and asked the canine to watch over her while he tended to some things in the cockpit. "I've found most ships can get a bit chilly," he said, folding the extra blanket and putting it down for her to lie on. "Thank you for tending to her." He stroked the thick fur and gave her a pat. "I will be back as soon as I am able."
Returning to the cockpit, he ran an outer scan of the area to make certain no one had followed them. Not detecting any ships, he felt it safe to open the comm to see what he could pick up. He was relieved to find that no one seemed to have spotted them when they were still in the Baltimn system. Adjusting the frequencies to pick up the Republic military broadcasts, he was able to find out something about how the war had been going. It appeared that neither side was winning at present and the Republic had lost two more systems. More troops and more Jedi had been sent to quell rebellion in a third system. "Blast it! I need to be out there helping the effort, not sitting here dead at the edge of Wild Space!" he muttered. He immediately felt a small spark of conscience when he thought of Lyri. "No….I was meant to find her. I will be back in that hellish war soon enough." Hearing a couple of transmissions from Anakin, he knew he was still in the area of Baltimn Minor. Satisfied for the time being he made his way back to the sleep quarters once again.
Standing over Lyri, he reached out and very carefully pulled a tangle of hair out of her face, noting she was the tiniest bit flushed. He suddenly had an overwhelming desire to hold her again. They still had awhile to sit out here and he had just stabilized their position, so he decided to rest a short while, also. Setting the small alarm on his chrono, he slid in behind Lyri and pulled the blanket over both of them. Pulling her against him and gently nuzzling her neck, he felt her melt into him and held her close. He would miss these times indeed, he thought as he drifted into a light sleep.
When the little alarm chirped on Obi-Wan's chrono, he carefully pulled his arm out from under Lyri and pressed it off. Lyri turned over, her head still resting against his shoulder, and looked up at him drowsily, a soft smile lighting her face. "Hello, sweetheart," he said, moving his arm to support her head better. "Are you feeling a bit better?"
"Yes, I...oh, Obi, I sorry. I not mean...I try to be more happy. I just...little bit scared."
"Ah, little one, you have no reason at all to apologize. You've not been out in the wider galaxy since you were very small and it was a much more peaceful place. The war and all that goes with it is frightening to all of us."
"But you very brave, Obi-Wan. You say you have to fight. I see you are brave with teygra."
"Just because I have to go fight on the front lines, does not mean I don't have fears, Lyri. I am not afraid to pass into the Force when that time comes, but...I have fears for the innocent beings that are caught in the middle of this conflict, and I fear for those I care about. It is not the kind of fear that leads to darkness; it is something that serves to make me more aware. But...I do have fears. You are braver than you realize, Lyri. I have seen it myself. Also, going into a whole new life takes a tremendous amount of courage. I don't know that I would be as brave as you, my sweet girl."
She looked at him, wide-eyed for a moment. Then her eyes grew soft and she reached up to stroke his cheek. "Obi, you brave. If you cannot be, I...I help you remember how."
He opened his mouth a little and stared at her for a moment. Then his eyes grew very warm and gentle, like a calm sea on a sunlit shore. "Sweetheart, no woman has ever...thank you. May I...may I have one more kiss before we depart for Baltimn and Coruscant?" He brushed her hair back with his free hand. He didn't know when he would have the chance again and he was trying to make memories to sustain him.
She smiled up at him softly. With a sudden twinkle in her eyes, she said, "Ab-so-lute-ly." He chuckled as he lowered his head then, so close their breaths were a whisper against each other, he stopped and looked into her beautiful eyes for a moment before capturing her lips gently and running his tongue along her lower lip. As she opened he explored gently, with a tenderness she hadn't felt before. She met him with a gentle swirl, sighing faintly into his mouth. Pulling back a little, he searched her eyes again. Then, tangling a hand in her hair, he moved his free hand inside the back of her top against her skin, and ran his hand slowly up and down enjoying the satiny softness and warmth of her. The light touch of his fingertips up and down her back caused her to shiver deliciously with ice and fire. When he heard the little kittling sound of longing, he smiled against her lips. Tucking his hand just under the waistband of her breeches he let it rest where her back began its curve into her buttocks for a moment before pulling her tight against him and deepening his kiss. As they parted for air, he buried his nose in her hair, memorizing the soft, delicate floral scent. He thought surely that lavinderium would forever remind him of her.
"I should go," he whispered. Reaching her arms around his chest to his back, she hugged him fiercely. "It's alright, sweetheart. We'll be alright." Then, with a gentle kiss to her forehead and a brush of his fingers on her cheek, he got up from the bed and left for the cockpit to turn them toward the next chapter of their journey.
As Lyri stepped quietly into the cockpit, Obi-Wan glanced at her and cocked his head toward the copilot's seat. "Do you need help buckling in?" he asked.
"Not with this. Only with that...that spider home."
"Spider...oh, you mean the crash webbing," he chuckled. "Oh, Lyri, I don't know what I shall do when you speak as everyone else on Coruscant. I shall truly miss your inventive names for things. I hope you never lose that completely." Once she'd fastened the other restraints, he fastened the crash webbing for her and kissed the top of her head. "For the Force's blessing," he murmured.
Warming up the engines and checking their position once again, he realized they had drifted about a third closer to their jump-off point from the edge of Wild Space. Good; that would save them a little fuel, he thought. Lyri remained very quiet, watching him as he did his calculations, stopping every so often to stroke his beard. It was one of the habits that endeared him to her. The thoughtful expression and the inevitable smoothing of his hand over the ginger hair at his chin. Her lips curved up in a little smile.
Catching the smile as he glanced at her, he raised his eyebrows. She just shook her head slightly and looked down. The smile remained. "Alright, sweetheart, here we go," he said as he revved the engines up to full sublight speed once more.
When they had hit their halfway mark, he flipped the comm to be able to transmit. "This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi; is anyone in range? I am just about on the far side of Baltimn Major and may be in need of assistance, over." He waited for a little while as quite a bit of soft static sounded over the comm, then tried again. "This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi of the GAR, coming out to the far side of Baltimn Major, any Republic ships in system, over?" This time the static was cut short and Lyri watched a huge grin come to Obi-Wan's face. "Well it's about kriffing time, old man! Where the kriff have you been, Master...er...General?"
"It's a long story, my friend, and I have picked up a wayward passenger who was lost as well. Erm...be mindful of your language as I do have a lady onboard. She led me to an old ship which needed some repair and that is what I am piloting at present. It is very light on defensive weapons and I thought I picked up some chatter about Separatist ships when I got the comm working. Are you very near? Over."
"I am near Baltimn Minor where I was searching for you, Master. I can be there fairly shortly. Just try to stay out of trouble until I get there."
"I will do my best, Anakin. It is good to hear your voice. General Kenobi, over and out."
He was just coming within sight of Baltimn Major in the distance as the transmission ended. Glancing at Lyri, he smiled, "See, sweetheart, not to worry. Anakin will be here shortly to escort us and offer defensive assistance." Bless her heart, he thought as he saw her nod and give him a shaky smile. She was trying her best to put on a brave face for him. The depth of trust in those wide hazel eyes nearly undid him.
As Anakin changed his course and notified Command about Obi-Wan's whereabouts, he couldn't help a large grin forming on his face. He'd heard a cheer go up when he had commed in and his heart felt light for the first time in weeks. Then the grin turned a little sly and his eyes twinkled. So, his former master had a lady on board, huh? He could see a multitude of possibilities for teasing the man mercilessly. Just what had happened while Obi-Wan was missing?
"Well, as we are not quite in harm's way yet, I shall try reaching the Council at the Jedi Temple," Obi-Wan said aloud. He had noticed that Lyri seemed a little more at ease when he included her in what he was doing. Running through a few frequencies until he had the clarity he wanted, he ran a hand down his beard, opened the comm to transmit, and reached the Communication Center at the Temple. Needing to speak directly with the Council he said, "This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi, can you patch me directly through to the Old Folks' Home?" This would assure him a secure channel to the Council. He paused for a moment, chuckled, and said, "Yes, it is good to hear your voice as well. "
Though he tried to keep a stoic expression, the moment Yoda heard Obi-Wan's voice, his heart filled with warmth and his ears lifted. He looked at Mace whose usually severe expression was softened by a smile. "Qui-Gon was right; his former padawan is truly favored by the Force." Nodding, Yoda addressed Obi-Wan, "Thankful we are to hear your voice, young Obi-Wan. Missed your steady presence the Council has."
"I am certain you all did just fine without me," he chuckled. "I do have some rather grave news, however. There was a security breach that resulted in explosive devices being placed on my transport somewhere in the Chorlian Sector, I believe at a fuel stop. Whoever accomplished this was quite skilled; they managed despite our efforts to guard the ship. Unfortunately, none of my crew survived."
"Grave news this is, indeed Master Kenobi. Our security network seems to be springing a number of leaks. We will have to apprise Senator Organa of this new problem. The details of this mission were only known by the Chancellor and his staff, the Council, and select staff in the war-room," Mace sighed, clenching his fists. "Well, I am sure the Chancellor will be pleased to hear of your eminent return." Yoda kept the niggling doubts in his heart to himself.
"I do have other news. Do you remember the scientific team of Leonard and Sarika Starrider, who disappeared over ten years ago? Well, unfortunately they met an untimely end. Their daughter, however, survived and had been living as a feral youngling all this while. She is bright and has some Force sensitivity, probably the reason she survived so long. She was instrumental in helping me to survive and escape the...planet. We are awaiting Anakin's arrival as an escort because the old ship I commandeered has little in the way of defense. Oh, we also have a large Force sensitive canine with us. She was also instrumental to my survival. The rest will have to wait until my report."
"More of your old master's ways, you have picked up young Obi-Wan, hmmm? Interesting guests he often brought us," chuckled Yoda, glad for a little levity in all the darkness.
Obi-Wan grinned as he ended the transmission. Perhaps he was picking up a few more of Qui-Gon's traits as time went on. He even saw the value in some of the very things they had once argued over.
Turning his thoughts back to the present, he eased the ship into position at the exact coordinates he had given Anakin. "Now all we have to do is wait and hope Anakin arrives before that Separatist fighter patrol," he said for Lyri's benefit, though privately he thought that probably wouldn't be the case. "Just to be on the safe side, we had better keep an eye out, my dear."
"I help you watch, Obi-Wan...but...what they look like?" He smiled sadly at her soon-to-be-lost innocence and explained the appearance off the enemy fighters to her. Not long after it was she who first saw them in the distance, though Obi-Wan had sensed them coming as he readied their meager weapons.
"What we do now?" she said with a determination that startled him. When he looked at her she had the same fearless determination she'd had when fighting the large felines on her moon to protect the pups. He realized she had pushed her fear aside and gone into warrior mode without even knowing what she faced. The revelation brought him both admiration and fear for her safety. "You just hang on very tight and help me keep an eye on their positions and I shall do the rest, young one," he said with a hint of his old masterly sternness. She met his gaze and nodded.
As the fighters drew nearer, the comm on the courier's dashboard sounded a hail. "Identify yourself and state your business in Confederacy space," came the command.
Confederacy space? They were claiming Baltimn Major already? Best to act a bit ignorant and confused thought the Jedi. "Oh, erm...my daughter and I have been stranded in the wilderness on planet for quite some time; we have just been able to complete repairs and we are trying to head toward the Core worlds and home." He paused, hoping they bought it.
There was a pause, then, "State your business on planet."
"We were there to study the development of indigenous life forms and possible origins of civilizations," he answered evenly. There seemed to be some discussion going on in the background. He hoped they were buying the story.
"How do we know…," they started. Just then Lyri's voice piped up loudly, "Daddy, you want some caf now?" It took Obi-Wan just a second to recover. "Oh, in a moment, sweetheart. I'm talking to these nice gentlemen from...where did you say?" Force, he hoped they were buying Anakin enough time.
"This space is now controlled by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. We weren't aware of any scientific expeditions in this part of the Outer Rim."
"Well, we have been stranded for quite some time." He could hear more muted discussion in the background, then what he had been hoping not to hear. "Prepare to be boarded. We want to make sure you aren't taking anything of value to the Confederacy."
"Understood. We will maintain position." As he flipped off the transmit switch, he looked out the port at the approaching ships and said, "Any time now would be good, Anakin." Looking at Lyri with respect he said, "Thank you for your quick thinking in helping me to buy us a little time, my clever girl." She smiled and nodded.
They both turned to the port and the approaching fighters. Lyri held her breath at the site of them, as Obi-Wan aimed their weapons. Just then they heard the scream of a banshee war cry howling through the comm, followed by a, "Time for a little fun!"
Lyri's mouth dropped open as she saw another fighter of quite different design drop down right in front of them facing the oncoming Confederacy vessels. Flipping transmit with one hand while keeping the other on his weapon controls, Obi-Wan grinned. "Right on time, my friend!"
"You didn't think I'd let you start this party without me, did you?" The fighter started revving up its engines. Lyri didn't think she'd ever heard such cockiness mixed with pleasantness in a voice. She looked at Obi-Wan who just smiled and said, "Never."
The comm hissed and they heard, "Republic fighter dead ahead. Where the kriff did he come from? Break off approach! All weapons online!" The larger two-man fighters were a fraction slower than their smaller cousins, but they left one pilot free to maneuver while the other acted as gunner, manning most of the weapons. They watched as the two fighters veered off to either side.
"Heading right, Obi-Wan. Keep the boys on the left busy for a little while, will you?" The voice had become calm and deadly. Lyri watched the fighter and thought, "I'm glad he's on our side."
"On it now," said Obi-Wan. The steely calm had entered his voice as well. He gave the ship on the left one chance. "I highly suggest you turn around and head out of system, if you want to see another day," he said in a voice Lyri could only describe as deadly congeniality.
Their answer was to let loose a volley of laser bursts in the courier's direction. Obi-Wan grabbed the controls and jumped the ship to the left, then grabbed the weapon controls in a split second to let loose laser cannon fire in the fighter's direction. They must have been sure of themselves because they were a little slow to move out of the way, which resulted in their right wing being clipped. "Who the kriff are these guys?" was heard over the comm. "I thought this guy was supposed to be some kind of scientist!" A grim smile appeared on Obi-Wan's face. "Alright. I shall give you one more chance. You may surrender to me now as a prisoner of the Republic and live another day, or not." He heard some muffled curses. "Oh yeah? And just who would we be surrendering to?"
"General Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Grand Army of the Republic at your service. You will probably have guessed by now who my friend in the fighter is. I will give you five standard minutes to decide on your fate." At that point they witnessed a flash and all that was left of the other Confederate fighter spiraling off into space. Lyri's eyes were wide, as she gripped her seat, but she still had that determined look about her.
The minutes ticked by and the comm finally sounded. "We're dead either way, Kenobi. Dooku would never let us live if he found out we'd been this close and let you go. Word has a way of getting to him."
"We can offer you protection under the Republic. Most of our prisoners are treated fairly well."
"It wouldn't make a difference; he'd still reach us. We're in agreement. We'd rather go out fighting."
Obi-Wan felt the soul-crushing weight of the war descend upon him once more. "Very well. I am truly sorry," he said. Sighing heavily, he switched off the comm. He put a hand to his mouth and then ran it slowly down his beard. Lyri could see what a toll it took on him and it hurt her heart.
The next instant the Confederate ship started a run at them with cannons blazing. Obi-Wan juked out of the way and opened up the space for Anakin. It was over within seconds. Lyri watched mesmerized as Anakin swooped in and hit his target with one shot. The vessel which had held men who were talking to them only minutes before lit up and burst into a cloud of debris. She put a hand to her mouth and felt tears trickling down her cheeks. Was this the world Obi-Wan had to live in? That she would now live in? No wonder Qui-Gon had warned them to protect the moon.
Obi-Wan looked at her. The sadness was etched into the lines of his face and sat heavily in his eyes. "I am sorry you had to witness that, sweetheart," he said quietly.
"Obi-Wan, why they want to die when you tell them they do not have to?" she asked, struggling to put some understanding to what she had seen. He looked at her a long moment. How could she understand this? "They felt they had no choice, Lyri. If they did not die here, someone else was going to kill them in a more painful manner." "Oh," was all she said. He could tell she was upset, but she was keeping it to herself. They had wiped out her innocence with one blast of a laser cannon. He knew it was more complicated than that and he wanted to talk to her about it, but there was no time right now.
Anakin hailed them shortly. "Everyone okay over there? They didn't graze you, did they?" At least that's four less Seps to worry about. I'm glad you were able to hold out as long as you did. I bet you talked a circle around them."
"Yes, Anakin. I tried to offer them surrender, but their fear of Count Dooku was greater than their fear of dying here. They didn't think we could protect them."
Anakin almost seemed to growl. "Just one more reason everyone will be better off when we put an end to him and Grievous." "I couldn't agree more," said Obi-Wan wearily. Anakin was concerned at the tiredness in his former master's voice. Hoping to cajole him out of his seemingly depressed mood, he said, "So, tell me about this lady friend of yours. Is she pretty?"
"Anakin, that is beside the point. She needed help and I was there. Things have been very...difficult for her. She has been living in a feral state since the age of eight standard years and she has done remarkably well. You shall meet her shortly as we need you to escort us to a fueling station. Where would the closest be?" Anakin smiled as he heard the familiar scolding edge return to Obi-Wan's voice.
"There is a station we use sometimes near the Nathema system when we don't have enough fuel to make it all the way back to Command. It can get pretty wild; it is frequented by a number of bounty hunters and pilots who hire out with no questions asked. But, the group who runs it is fair with their prices and we've never been cheated by them."
The older man looked at the fighter speculatively. "Are you able to fly in hyperspace with the modifications to that fighter? I don't notice a ring anywhere nearby."
'Yeah, and I was able to modify it for more maneuverability with the larger fuel tanks it carries. I'd still favor my delta for close range fighting, but this is a pretty nice ride. We picked up the technology off a couple of those Sep ships we captured a while back. It's the first time I've taken her out on a long range mission.
"Impressive. Very well, then Anakin; you may lead the way to the fuel station." Then in a softer tone he said, "Thank you once again, my friend, for coming to our rescue." Anakin chuckled. "That's just one more you owe me, Obi-Wan."
Lyri watched Obi-Wan quietly and listened to the conversation. These two men clearly held great affection for each other. She could hear it in their voices. She thought that she'd very much like to know about their history with each other. They made her think there were good things in this world she was hurtling into after all.
As the small fighter flew in front of them, Lyri finally saw a large planet in the distance. As they were drawing nearer, Anakin suddenly let out a whoop and did a fancy spiral loop before them. Obi-Wan let out an exasperated splutter. "Anakin, what in blazes are you doing?" "Just happy to have you back, Obi-Wan," came the unrepentant reply. Lyri could hear the grin in the younger man's voice. She hid a smile.
Just to their left, in a high gravitational orbit above the planet, a large fuel station drifted. As they drew nearer, Lyri could see various ships of different sizes coming and going in all directions from the station, some headed into the reaches of Wild Space and others headed to different worlds and systems within the sector. She noticed a few military ships within their ranks that seemed to stop for a shorter period of time than the assorted civilian ships. She supposed it was because they had important business for the war. Not having seen anything comparable since she was a small child, she was fascinated.
Glancing at her a couple of times on their approach, he saw the expression of wide-eyed wonder and could easily picture the small child he had seen in her parents' holographs. For most intents and purposes, she was still a child at present. With the exception of the battle she had just witnessed, she really knew nothing of the ways of the galaxy in these troubled times. A small frown creased his brow as he thought how easily she could walk into trouble without even realizing it.
"They're telling me deck 15 is clear, Obi-Wan," said Anakin. We should both fit easily. When I hailed them, they said the tanks are full at that site. Also, that's close to a little combo tapcaf / bar and grill on the station if you two are hungry. They make a pretty mean nerf burger; not as good as Dex's of course, but it'll pass. Also, your lady friend might like to try the muja fruit shake; a couple of the men say it's pretty good. It'd be a nice little break to recover from the days' events," he said coaxingly.
Obi-Wan looked at Lyri. He didn't want to quell the excitement he saw on her face and it wouldn't hurt them to take a break. They hadn't really eaten much since before they'd left the moon and that had been quite some time ago. Besides, maybe it would help get her mind off of what she had witnessed earlier. "Would you like to do as Anakin suggests and try a burger and a shake?" he asked. She nodded enthusiastically as a smile appeared on her face. That smile was worth the price of anything, he thought as he maneuvered in for a landing.
Anakin came to the foot of the ramp as it lowered and waited for them. "Wow," he thought as Obi-Wan and Lyri appeared at the top. His former master's lady friend was quite beautiful, even in her rustic garb. She appeared to be dressed in clothing made of hides, though they were fitted quite well. She moved down the ramp with a natural grace, something about her reminding him of a wild, exotic feline he'd seen on a forested world during his travels. But she was small like Padme and had a certain childlike quality about her, he thought. His protective instincts immediately kicked in, not even knowing her heartbreaking story.
"Hello Anakin." grinned Obi-Wan as he came down the ramp. Lyri watched the younger man grip him in a bone crushing hug. As she came down to stand beside them, she was surprised at how tall the young man was. She thought Obi-Wan tall, but Anakin towered over her. She looked up and smiled shyly. "Hello, yourself Obi-Wan. And who is this?" he asked, smiling down warmly at her.
"Anakin Skywalker, meet Lyri Starrider," he said as Anakin extended his hand. Lyri looked at his hand, then moved forward to hug him. He was, after all, Obi-Wan's best friend and had just kept them safe from harm. "Oh, a woman after my own heart!" he chuckled as he hugged her warmly. He realized now she was even a tiny bit smaller than Padme. Obi-Wan felt the tiniest bit uncomfortable watching them embrace. "Yes, well...we should probably talk to the attendants and be off to this tapcaf of yours," he said hurriedly. Anakin looked at him speculatively, then nodded in agreement and turned to lead the way.
Lyri was looking in every direction, wide-eyed and interested in everything. Obi-Wan heard her apologize to Anakin for not being able to speak properly, but he praised her for her efforts and they were soon in animated conversation as she asked him questions about everything. Anakin laughed at something she said and turned to look over his shoulder at Obi-Wan, who was walking a few steps behind scanning the area for potential trouble given the nature of the place. "Obi-Wan, she is priceless! No wonder you disappeared for so long!" "Anakin…," Obi-Wan said in a warning tone. "What?" the younger man said in mock innocence. "I'm sure you were very busy working on that old courier the whole time," he grinned. Obi-Wan caught him giving Lyri a wink.
Sighing, Obi-Wan moved up beside them and put a protective...and somewhat proprietary ...hand on the small of Lyri's back. Anakin leaned back a little, flicking his eyes down at Obi-Wan's hand and looking at him with a little smirk. Obi-Wan scowled at him and stared at him until he had to turn away, though he was hiding a little smile. "Oh, this is too good," he thought.
"Here we go," Anakin smiled as they came to the entrance of the "Crooked Orbit TapCaf/Bar & Grill". Stepping back, he said "Ladies first," with a dramatic flair, eliciting a raised eyebrow from his former master. Then he had the audacity to wink at the man. "Relax," Obi-Wan told himself, "You know how he is." He looked around at the motley assortment of beings and gripped Lyri's wrist.
"I'll find us a booth, Master." As Anakin disappeared into the throng, the older Jedi corrected him, saying, "Obi-Wan" softly. "Over here, Obi-Wan!" Anakin shouted from a booth across the room by the window. Putting a protective arm around Lyri, as he saw the eyes of several male beings following her, he led her to the booth and made her sit to the inside where he could protect her. Looking down, he saw her eyes dancing with excitement. "I not be in a place that brings food since I am little," she said. "Have you ever had a nerf burger, Lyri? Or a muja fruit shake?" Anakin loved her excitement over everything. She looked up at Obi-Wan, then back at Anakin. "I think I have muja fruit when I am little. I like it very much."
"Then that's what we'll have...well, if that's alright with you, Master." Obi-Wan found two pairs of Fleecer pup eyes looking back at him. "Oh Stars, how am I going to say no to that?" he chuckled. "If Anakin says their nerf burgers are good, then they must be. He's had nerf burgers at almost every place between the Core and the Outer Rim."
When the waitress brought their food, both men watched Lyri as she took her first bite. She let her eyes drift slowly shut saying, "Mmmmmmm." Anakin grinned. "What'd I tell you, Lyri?" She put one finger up and pointed at the shake, then took a sip. "Oooooh, that one most better!" she exclaimed. Both men grinned, Obi-Wan thought what a remarkable thing it was to experience something through someone else's eyes, as if for the first time.
As his thoughts drifted back to business, he caught Anakin's attention and said, "I really need to talk to you, my friend, but we need to find someplace a little more private." He flicked his eyes down at Lyri and Anakin nodded slightly. She was still busy with her food at present. "I think she might be alright staying here in the booth since the crowd has thinned out some. We could have the waitress keep an eye on her. There's a little alcove right over there at the end of the bar that should be private enough. We'd still be able to see Lyri from there." "Agreed," said Obi-Wan.
After explaining to Lyri that they needed to talk over some business in a private spot, but that she should stay there and enjoy her meal, they headed for the end of the bar. Obi-Wan told Anakin about the sabotaged ship and his crash, though he told him it was in the wilderness of Baltimn Major. He then proceeded to tell him about how he'd found Lyri and everything he'd come to know about her, including the memories he'd had to block. He could see how angry the young man was at what had happened to her. The two men were so deep in conversation; they were there much longer than they intended to be. They both turned their heads as they heard a cheer go up in the gaming area at the other side of the long room. It opened up into a wider space at that juncture and a crowd of pilots and other beings was gathered around in a sort of semicircle, several beings deep. It looked like they were making bets and exchanging credits. The two Jedi saw the empty booth at the same time.
"Oh kriff!" growled Anakin. "Where in blazes did she go? She was right there when we last looked!" Obi-Wan huffed, starting toward the other end of the room. Anakin was right behind him. Just then they heard another cheer go up from the crowd in the gaming area. "Maybe she was curious about the games," he suggested. As they started off toward the gaming area, they heard one of the patrons shouting, "Ah, yer not even close, Tagg, she just has better aim. Pull the knives outta the board, ya womp rat, and bring them back." Another voice said, "She's such a little bit of a thing, I don't even see how she can throw that far. Give her the knife back and let's have another go!" "Alright, but my money's on that little spitfire!"
The two Jedi looked at each other in dawning disbelief. As they were trying to wind their way to the front of the crowd, they could see Lyri, standing up on a table, large Corellian knife in hand, pulling back her arm to throw. On the other end of the room was a knife throwing board with several other knives stuck in at various angles. "That spot right in the center, honey," they heard someone say. "Show 'em who's boss, heh heh!" "Wait, wait, there's still some money changin' hands! Okay, short stuff; let 'er rip!" Obi-Wan and Anakin watched open-mouthed with half the crowd as Lyri's knife sailed across the room and hit right in the center where a dark spot had been painted. The crowd around them let out a deafening cheer. Only Obi-Wan caught the Trandoshan in the corner staring at her. He wasn't smiling, but had an intent look in his reptilian eyes.
Striding forward through the crowd, Obi-Wan grabbed Lyri off the table with one arm and clamped her against him. "Sorry, gentleman, game's over," he said evenly. Lyri started to wriggle. "My knife, my knife, Obi!" she fussed. "Lyri, stop squirming right now!" he said in a voice much sterner than she'd ever heard from him. She immediately went still, but started to tear up.
"Aw, let the little lady have some fun!" said a grizzled old Rodian. Several other beings shouted agreement. "We are already past due at our destination, my friends, and must be on our way," Obi-Wan said as he strode back toward the main room. "My knife," Lyri sniffled. Some of the men started to move toward him. "Anakin?" Obi-Wan said expectantly.
"Tell you what, men...this round of drinks is on the Republic. Thanks for keeping the Admiral's kid sister out of trouble." With that he threw a handful of credits on the table and, with a flick of his wrist, called Lyri's knife to him. "Kriffing Jedi," he heard behind him. With another small flick the speaker's chair slid out from under him and a roar of laughter went up as the hapless creature hit the floor.
"We are all fueled up and ready to go, Anakin. Thank you for your help back there," sighed Obi-Wan as he saw the other man approaching.
"Not a problem, Obi-Wan." Anakin handed him Lyri's knife. "It belonged to her father, Anakin. It means a lot to her. Thank you," he said softly.
"Is she okay?"
"She'll be alright when she calms down. I should have known better than to leave her alone. She is very...innocent for her age, Anakin. She hasn't been around other beings. I think the sooner we get her to Coruscant and settled in, the better off she will be. She does have a little over borderline sensitivity, so I am hoping to convince the Council to let her stay at the Temple, at least for awhile."
"Yeah, I sensed it. I'll put in a good word, too, if you think it will help."
"Thank you, my friend."
Flying close together, the two ships headed for the hyperspace lanes that would take them to the next fuel stop. They decided it would be best to keep Lyri on board. "Why don't we stop there and rest for a few hours, Obi-Wan? I don't know about you, but I've been up for days and that station is about halfway home anyway."
"Would you like to bunk with us, Anakin?"
"Nah, I can rent a sleep capsule for a couple hours or so."
"Very well, Anakin. The rest will probably be good for all of us."
Obi-Wan was relieved at Anakin's suggestion because he wanted to check on Lyri. She had stayed in the little quarters ever since they'd left the first fuel station and he was concerned about her. The light was turned to dim in the little quarters. He approached the bed where Lyri was curled up tight facing the opposite wall. Her small shoulders shook with quiet sobs. "Lyri?" She didn't respond. "Sweetheart, can you turn over and talk to me?"
"N-n-no, Obi."
"Why not, sweetheart?" he said softly. She seemed so broken it made his chest physically hurt.
"I make you so angry," she said between sobs. "I not know I w-was be...was do bad. I sorry, Obi. I sorry. She couldn't seem to stop crying. "I make you and An..Ankin have trouble. I s-sorry." She was breaking his heart. He climbed onto the bed and lay down next to her. Leaning on one elbow, he turned her over to face him. She tried to cover her face with her hands, but he gently pulled them away. "You don't need to hide from me, Lyri. You never need to hide from me. Please look at me sweetheart." Her pretty eyes were puffy from crying for so long. He gently brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"Sweetheart, please let me try to explain something to you. I was not so upset with you as I was upset with myself for putting you in the way of harm. You have no experience in knowing who to trust or who could be a danger to you and I left you alone in that den of miscreants. If anything, I should ask your forgiveness for doing so. What if something had happened to you?"
He leaned down and kissed her quivering lips, then kissed the tears from her cheeks, tasting the salty tang. He kissed her eyelids gently, feeling the heat from her weeping against his lips. He brushed her hair back and gently kissed her forehead. "I do not know what I would have done had something happened to you, sweetheart," he said softly. "Please believe me when I say I am not angry with you. I care deeply."
She searched his eyes, as though looking for something deep inside of him. Finally, in a shaky breath, she whispered, "Me too, Obi." She lifted a trembling hand to his cheek and he covered it with his own, holding it there awhile as he watched her. He leaned in and kissed her very gently, then, as though he needed to be closer somehow, he worked his hands under her top and splayed them against her back, crushing her against him.
Rolling onto his back, he pulled her on top of him. Holding her against him with one arm, he kissed her softly while he ran his free hand lightly up and down her back leaving delicious trails of heat that caused her to quiver. Slowly moving his hand a little lower he dipped it under the waistband of her breeches and lightly caressed the round softness of her buttocks. When he felt her start to squirm against him and whimper faintly, he returned his hand to her back and let it rest there. "Shhh, sweetheart. I cannot ask any more of you until you understand what it is you are giving."
Returning to his side, still holding her, he kissed her forehead and whispered, "Just rest with me awhile." Sighing softly, she snuggled into him and finally relaxed, drifting in his warmth for awhile until she slept. He didn't know exactly what the future would hold for them. He was a Jedi. He couldn't be anything other than what he was, but he knew without a doubt she was meant to be in his life. He just needed to figure out what that meant for him. For both of them.
A few hours later, Anakin rapped on the entry and the two Jedi made sure their fuel had been topped off. Anakin spoke with Obi-Wan as the two men grabbed a caf from a little stand nearby. Your Lyri is pretty and innocent and seems very sweet, Obi-Wan, but she sure has some spunk. You know who she reminds me of, don't you?
"Yes, she reminds me of Padme as well, Anakin. And she is not my Lyri. You know what the Code says about attach…."
"Whatever you say, Obi-Wan." Anakin interrupted, his eyes twinkling. But please...it's much too early for a dissertation on the Jedi Code and its rules on attachment. I'm not a padawan anymore." He chuckled as Obi-Wan huffed at him. Then the older man's eyes softened and he reached out to squeeze the young Jedi's shoulder affectionately. "No...I daresay you are not," he said softly.
"'I'll talk to you back at the Temple, Obi-Wan. Ready for takeoff whenever you are." He crushed his empty caf cup and tossed it into a nearby receptacle. "You should get Lyri up to watch the approach when we get to Coruscant. It kinda takes your breath away the first time."
"Thank you, Anakin. I shall make sure she sees it." He watched the young man walk away and thought of the rambunctious little boy who had fallen into his care so many years ago... He had grown to be a fine young man, he thought fondly.
As they were finally dumped out of the last hyperspace lane into the central Core, Obi-Wan hailed his companion telling him he wanted to slow momentarily to awaken Lyri for their approach. "Right with you, Obi-Wan," came the chipper response. Obi-Wan thought Anakin sounded almost giddy and stood for a moment stroking his beard as he pondered the reason. It was just one more thing that made handling any relationship he might contemplate for himself a thing to be undertaken with great thought and meditation and extreme care. Putting the thoughts aside for later, he stepped into the sleep quarters and studied Lyri's peaceful form as she slept. He took an extra moment to savor each detail and commit them to memory. Her lovely caramel hair spread in waves around her, the soft rosiness of her cheeks, her long golden lashes and the beautiful little pink bow of her lips. He finally moved forward to awaken her.
"Wake up, little one," he said softly as he stroked her cheek with the lightest touch of his knuckles. "We are in the Core approaching Coruscant and Anakin and I didn't want you to miss your first approach. She looked at him through half-closed eyes and stretched languidly like a little feline, the bow of her mouth curving up at the edges. She had no idea what she did to him. Swallowing and taking a deep breath he shook his head slightly. "Well, then...your hover-carriage awaits, milady," he chuckled, reaching for her and scooping her into his arms.
Depositing her in the copilot seat, he asked if she'd like a sip of water and helped her with the restraints. Then, slipping into the pilot's seat once more, he commed Anakin. "All set over here, my friend." He could practically feel the young man's eagerness to be off. "Is the comm opened up, Master?"
"Yes, Anakin, she can hear you."
"Hi Lyri! Wait till you see Coruscant when we get up close; it's spectacular! I could hardly breathe the first time I saw it! I'll see you down there! On my way, Obi-Wan!"
"Bye, Anakin!" she called, her little-girl excitement evident. Obi-Wan grinned at her.
Her eyes grew wide as they approached and dropped into the entry lanes. They only hovered a short time since the Jedi never had to wait for the strict security checks required for others... Lyri's eyes grew wider and wider as they dropped down into the lower atmosphere. Her mouth popped open in awe. "Obi-Wan! I never see such big buildings. They go through clouds! "He chuckled as she tried to look everywhere at once. Dropping down into the planet's upper flight lanes, he headed for the Temple. "Which house you live in, Obi?" she asked innocently. Chuckling, he said, "My house is actually an apartment and it is located inside the Jedi Temple, which is right over there." He pointed to the huge, imposing building with the crown of five spires reaching skyward.
She drew in a big breath and looked at him. "Obi-Wan, is so big! Lots of people...Jedi kind of people there?" He adjusted the jets to slow them and put down the landing gear as he turned in toward the deck, and then gently set them down. As he went through his landing routine and shut everything down, he told her, "Yes, there are quite a few Jedi who live here, though many are gone on missions for the war.
He noticed she'd gone very quiet. As he shut everything down he turned and looked at her. She was sitting back in the seat and staring straight ahead with a worried little furrow on her brow.
"What is it, sweetheart?"
"You think they like me, Obi-Wan?"
Smiling gently, he turned her to face him. "Not to worry, sweetheart. I know they will be enchanted. It did not take you any time to warm up to Anakin now did it? Besides, you will have Tika with you as well. Also...if ever anyone is unkind to you, they will have to deal with me."
He winked as he watched the smile return to her face.
"Now then, if you are ready, we will collect Tika and go greet everyone," he said, unbuckling her restraints and extending his hand. Holding tightly to him, she followed him into her new life.
*** FIN ***
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
As Obi-Wan would say, "Not to worry"; this is only a third of the journey. Lyri and he have quite a few more adventures in store as well as the deepening of their love after a bumpy start. They will need this strengthened bond for the future. The next book will be rated higher, completely Mature, as their relationship, will start to become quite steamy. The second book of the trilogy will be titled: Feral Moon: Coruscant.
Thank you so much for joining Lyri, Obi-Wan, and me for the continued journey. We appreciate your company.