Chapter Two

"He won't leave."

I didn't know Jedi very well. As a matter of fact, I had never met one before the other day. I'd heard rumors about how standoffish they were, mysterious and noble. This one apparently fits the mold, although I would also have to add odd to his list.

His name was Obi-Wan Kenobi and he and his Master had been assigned to help me and my people out of a predicament. We had been successful, but during the process, had uncovered a warrior thought to have been previously extinct: A Sith. Obi-Wan defeated him, or so I'd been informed, but his Master was currently recuperating in Theed Medical Facility.

I'd always believed Jedi Padawans stayed by their Masters at all times, but here this one was, standing in the shadowed corner of my throne room, keeping his eyes on me, and his thoughts to himself.

I'd asked the head of security, Captain Panaka, to question the young man on his reasons for being here, but the Jedi remained silent and still, his arms hidden deep into the folds of his cloak. Very odd.

Hours passed. During this time, I had given orders for cleaning up the city, locating and burying the dead, as well as distribution of first aid and other supplies. And still, he stood. When I exited to visit the 'fresher, he followed me. When I went to the dining hall to eat mid-meal, he stood against the back wall. Always vigilant, never speaking.

When I returned to the throne room, he did as well, taking up his previous stance in the corner behind me. He didn't move until Senator Palpatine, the representative for Naboo had arrived from Coruscant and approached me. At that point, Obi-Wan stepped closer to my left, his hands casually clasped in front of him, his expression somber yet observant.

"You are Master Jinn's apprentice are you not?" the senator asked him directly.

"Yessir."

So. He did have a voice. It was a rich tenor and the word had a lilt although I couldn't place the accent. All this time, I hadn't heard him speak. Up to this point, Master Jinn had done all the talking for him.

"I pray Master Jinn is doing well."

I waited to see if Obi-Wan would answer, but after a long pause, I decided to reply myself. "Our physicians are taking good care of him and I've been told he should recover fully."

"Good, good," the senator grinned widely. "It looks like the city took the brunt of the attack. I'll look into some financing for the repairs."

"Thank you, Senator," I told him. "Our people could use all the help they can get."

"I'll take my leave now and get to it, then."

Once Senator Palpatine had exited the room, I noticed Obi-Wan had stepped back into the dark alcove behind me.

"What's the deal with him?" my first handmaiden, Sabé, whispered in my right ear.

"I'm not sure," I whispered back. "Check on Master Jinn. If he's awake, consult him on the matter and report back to me."

Sabé did as I had requested and returned within ten minutes. During that time, Obi-Wan hadn't moved a muscle.

"He's conscious and wants Obi-Wan to report to him immediately."

The words had been said loud enough for the Jedi behind me to hear, although he was essentially nonresponsive. At this point, I wasn't only uncomfortable, I was starting to think that perhaps there was something wrong with him.

I stood to face him and he immediately stepped forward. "Did you just hear what she said? Your Master needs you."

There wasn't even a twitch of a muscle. He was a statue and kept staring at me. Was he even going to answer my question? "Go to your Master," I demanded with as much authority as I could manage.

"I have no Master," he announced. "Not anymore."

This didn't make any sense! Wasn't there some type of test before the Jedi Council that freed a Padawan from a Master? Like a graduation ceremony or something? And didn't he care about Qui-Gon at all? He hadn't even checked on him!

An idea quickly formed in my mind. I figured if he wouldn't go on his own and seemed determined to stay with me, then he could follow me to the Med Center.

My guess was correct and as I made my way through the palace, with a trio of handmaidens behind me, Obi-Wan walked beside me, directly behind my left shoulder.

I was led to Master Jinn who had been given a private room. He was lying on a gurney, his injury packed with Bacta, and an oxygen line leading from his nose. He was pale, but at least he was awake.

"Master Jinn," I kindly announced upon entering. "I'm pleased to see you're on the mend. I wanted to thank you for your assistance with our predicament."

"It appears you may be in another," the older man informed me in a raspy voice before turning his attention to my left.

"Obi-Wan, stand before me."

The younger Jedi hesitated but did as he was told, and stepped forward to the bedside of his Master, although his countenance remained the same.

"What is the meaning of this?"

When he spoke, his voice was hushed as if he were divulging a deep secret. "I tried to tell you before, Master, but she's the one. She's my sobätí and has imprinted upon me."

"I'm your what?" I questioned him. Had I heard him correctly? What even was that?

Qui-Gon forced himself to sit higher in the bed and suddenly looked very serious. "What you speak of hasn't been mentioned for nearly a millennia, when Yoda was a Padawan himself. It's unheard of in these times."

"I request a Suŗa; a meeting with the Council."

"What does that mean?" I attempted to interrupt them, although I had the feeling I was being ignored – something I wasn't used to.

"As you may or may not know, a Master is required to be present during the Suŗa and at the moment, I'm obviously out of commission. I don't think I can travel."

Even though one side of Qui-Gon's mouth had curled into a smile, I didn't think he was actually pleased with what he was hearing. I needed more information and turned my head around to Sabé.

"Go to the archives and research this söbatí thing. I want to know everything about it."

"Then I request that a Suŗa be held here," Obi-Wan stated calmly.

"That's within your right, my Padawan, but it's the Queen's decision. She has the final Declaration of Acceptance."

"The Declaration of Acceptance takes place after the Suŗa, Master Jinn," Obi-Wan argued. "I've been aware of the possibility of finding my sobätí since my tenth naming day, so I've learned a little about it."

"I know but a little as well, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon pointed out. "Perhaps it's best if we wait for the arrival of Yoda. He would know more about this ancient tradition than anyone. But, why didn't you tell me?"

"I did," Obi-Wan countered quietly with his chin held high, "but you wouldn't listen. I know everything about her Master."

"Everything?" I muttered. How was that possible?

"Everything," he confirmed while peering straight at me.

"Then a Suŗa we shall have."