Snowhere to Go: Chapter Eleven

I was glad to be off the ship; not just because I hated to fly, but because the interaction between Padmé and myself had become so awkward and difficult. We used to be able to talk until the wee hours of the morning, but lately, she was second-guessing every single word and seemed extremely nervous around me. Why? What had changed?

Anakin had performed the landing procedures without a flaw and once we were given permission to exit, I met the two women at the top of the ramp. Padmé was barely looking at me, while her friend, Dormé couldn't keep her eyes off my Padawan. The two of them were quietly talking together and snickering. What were they up to?

"Assume your position, Padawan Skywalker," I had to remind him.

Quickly, the boy stepped to my left side and drew his hood over his head. The appearance of stoicism could easily be interpreted as a Jedi being patient and unbiased. It was our tradition; although at times, I worried that it could also mean passivity and indifference. Contradicting popular belief, I was indeed interested in the Loyalist Committee's motives, as well as the upcoming Military Creation Act. So far, there was no need for a militia, although if war did break out, the Jedi could not fight it. There weren't enough of us. In that case, creating an army was the only way to protect the Republic. I hoped Padmé understood that.

Once we had stepped off the ship, we were met by Queen Breha and Senator Organa themselves. Bail Organa was one of the few politicians I respected – aside from Padmé, of course. He seemed genuine and honest.

We exchanged pleasantries and assumed our defense positions behind Senator Amidala and her aid. The Force was quiet here, its eddies pleasant and peaceful. I attributed some of that to the surroundings. The snow-peaked mountains surrounding the capital city of Aldara were breathtaking. The shimming palace sitting atop an incline overlooked the buildings below like a protective mother watching over her young.

Bail had begun speaking once we entered the palace and I was forced to pay attention.

"…my apologies, but it can't be helped. We'll postpone just a few hours and hopefully, Mon will join us soon."

The tone of the senator's voice betrayed his confidence.

"Has something occurred?" I questioned.

Bail grinned to hide any anxiety he felt. "A small skirmish on the outskirts of the Chandrilla system. It was nothing threatening; just a few pirates holding up a transport. Except that it held up any outgoing ships for a few hours."

The queen addressed us next. "Ladies, if you would like to freshen up, allow me to show you to your private suite."

Anakin and I took a step to follow but were stopped by Bail's voice.

"Master Kenobi, if I may speak with you a moment?"

I knew something was on his mind. I asked Anakin to accompany Padmé and left the foyer with Bail, who entered a spacious conference room lined with white marble columns.

"What is it?" I asked him once we were alone.

"The skirmish in the Chandrilla sector? Mon believes the attackers have ties to the Separatists. One of them confessed to being paid to cause trouble and make sure Mon Mothma didn't leave the system."

I considered what Bail had told me before speaking. "So, this meeting isn't so secret after all. You and the Loyalist Committee members may be in danger."

"I've spoken with my security," the Senator explained. "And they are on high alert. Every incoming vessel will be thoroughly searched and their passengers screened for authenticity. I'm doing everything I can."

That was good to know, although I still had a job to do.

"I'm responsible for the safety of Senator Amidala. My Padawan and I will keep our eyes open and let you know immediately if we notice anything suspicious."

"Thank you, Master Kenobi."

My mission had suddenly become much more interesting. I didn't go looking for trouble, but it often seemed to find me just the same. I now had no choice but to stay by Padmé's side, regardless of how strangely she was acting. I'm not sure what I'd do if anything happened to her.

Where had that thought come from?

Focus. I needed to focus.

"Did you get to speak with him? Did you tell him how you feel?"

Between Obi-Wan and Dormé, I was honestly getting sick of all these personal questions. My head hurt. Maybe I should lie down.

"It wasn't the right time," I tried to explain.

"You've got to stop making excuses or you're going to run out of time!"

Her voice had turned shrill which rang in my brain and tempted me to retreat, but I stood my ground. "I'm not making excuses! He was ill! I gave him some of Grandma Alba's treatment."

"Ew! Did he drink it? Wait…Jedi get motion sickness? Really?"

I lifted my travel bag onto the oversized bed. "Evidently. I was surprised to find him in the galley in such a state."

"So…" Dormé's tone had turned to conniving and alarm bells started pealing in my head. "You nursed him back to health. You know what they say about patients falling in love with their nurses."

I was getting exasperated by all her meddling.

"Obi-Wan is not in love with me. We barely spoke."

"Because he felt ill, but he's better now isn't he?"

There was no escaping this conversation. I knew better than to try. "Listen. I know you mean well, but I've decided to let nature takes its course. If Fate wants Obi-Wan and me to be together, then it will just happen."

"Yes, but…"

"No buts," I exclaimed, cutting her short. "I'm going to go outside for some fresh air. My head hurts."

"I'll get our coats."

I cast my friend a dubious glare and she read its intent immediately.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to say anything else about Obi-Wan or you guys' situation."

I had my doubts, but I really needed to get some exercise. We stepped out of the suite's double doors and walked right into Obi-Wan and Anakin who were vigilantly guarding the doorway. Odd. I expected him to be close by, but not this close.

"Is something the matter?"

"Just routine protocols," he replied. "There's been an incident in Chandrilla space that leads us to believe the Separatists are targeting Loyalist members."

"Was it anything serious?" Any act of violence upon a member of the Republic was serious in my mind.

Obi-Wan looked concerned but not overly so. After his explanation, I was a little more relaxed. That is until Dormé spoke up.

"The senator and I were about to take a walk and get some fresh air, but my ankle injury is flaring up and I don't want to make it worse. Would you mind accompanying her instead? Anakin, would you help me back into our rooms?"

Her sad attempt couldn't be more obvious, although I was the only one who noticed. She didn't have an ankle injury. Obi-Wan's radiant smile, however, was impossible to miss.

"It would be my pleasure."