The Color of Truth: The Places in Between
Chapter Eighteen
The starship provided by the Jedi Council would accommodate a passenger list of six, although there were only enough sleeping compartments for two. We'd, therefore, have to sleep in shifts. I was hoping Obi-Wan's and my rest time would coincide. I was concerned about this mission, besides the fact we were breaking the law and risking our freedom by entering a guarded Republic vessel to murder one of its prisoners. I was more than willing to help, but only because I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.
Obi-Wan had been quiet during the initial journey, even through our bond. I knew what was bothering him and was avoiding the conversation. Obi-Wan had just passed his forty-fifth naming day, though he'd refused to acknowledge it. Our lives in this realm were very short. Having to talk to Qui-Gon about his advancing years had only brought that realization to light. Apparently, Obi-Wan's Master hadn't entered the conversation gladly and their exchange didn't go as hoped.
I remember the year my father decided to retire. Afterward, he entered a rather depressed state and felt his life had very little meaning, despite the fact he had children and grandchildren who loved him. Perhaps that's the way Qui-Gon felt. The Jedi would do well to make him feel needed. In a way, he was the foundation of this new order of Jedi. The whole idea had been his and we needed his guidance.
I actually ended up spending most of my sleeping time with Leia as my company. That was okay since Obi-Wan was starting to develop the habit of snoring. I would speak with him through the bond if I needed to. Besides, it was good to spend some quiet time with our daughter.
"Do you think Dooku expects us?" I asked her, unaware if her talents offered such knowledge.
"Stands to reason," she replied. "As long as he's a threat to us, he knows that sooner or later we'll have to deal with him, although he's probably hoping it will be later. I believe his reach is long and honestly, I'm surprised we haven't already been confronted with someone he's either paid or influenced.
I smiled at my daughter's answer. She had grown into an intelligent and lovely young woman. No matter what happened in the future, she was a bright light in this dark universe and I prayed she would continue to shine.
"Thanks, mom," she said before laying down.
"What for?"
"For understanding me. Not everyone does. I think Dad has trouble sometimes. We don't share the same outlook, but I hope he knows how much I love him and admire him. When we were in the Coruscant Temple, I watched the feed of his battle against that tattooed monster at least a hundred times. It was so wizard! He's so wizard!"
"Why don't you tell him that sometime?" I suggested. Obi-Wan would love to hear it.
"Okay," Leia yawned, opening her mouth widely. "But you know how much he hates compliments."
Yes, I knew that quite well. "Good night, honey. I love you."
"Good night, Mom. Love you too."
I thought over the words Leia had said as she rolled away from me and listened gratefully to the slowing sounds of her soft breathing. If the words Quinlan had told us were true, then Leia had a destiny. I had to believe, therefore, that she would get through this all right. For now, I would push my worries aside and get some rest.
Five days later, we entered the atmosphere of Devaron along the Correllian Trade Spine.
"The barge is orbiting the planet. We'll need to approach from the night side."
"Good plan," Quinlan agreed. "Speaking of, what's the rest of our plan?"
I couldn't believe it! "You two have spent most of your time sitting up here in the cockpit together and you haven't figured out a plan yet? What have you been talking about all this time?"
The men glanced at each other and both shrugged innocently.
"Just stuff," Quinlan answered.
"Just stuff," I repeated sarcastically while Obi-Wan snickered.
"Seriously, Quin, we need to figure out what to do once we board."
It was Quin now, huh? It was good to see the two men were now getting along, I suppose.
"First thing is to take down the monitors."
"Easily done," Leia volunteered.
"Wait," I interrupted. "Allow me to do that. I look a little less intimidating and I can easily make my way to the control room."
"And then?" Obi-Wan asked me. /I thought we agreed you'd stay on the ship! I don't want you involved in this! It's dangerous!/
/I've been thinking about that, and if anything should happen to you, I'm a goner anyway, so I figured why not? I'd like to help. I'm not a complete moron you know. I'm more than just a mother, a Senator, a wife, and a sometimes cook. At one point in my life, I was a highly skilled warrior, trained in target shooting, sword and shield maneuvers, as well as hand to hand combat./
/I'm aware of that,/ Obi-Wan replied, not looking happy with my decision. /Think about this: If something happens to you. For instance, if you're killed, then I die, and Leia is left alone. The risk is greater for you, Surely, you can see that!/
/All I see is that I want to be involved! I want to help protect my family!/
/I don't know,/ Obi-Wan paused and just then I noticed Quinlan eyeing us both rather suspiciously.
"Are you two finished? We're docking soon and we haven't decided what to do."
"Fine," Obi-Wan spat out. "We'll enter first and clear the way, although I'm making sure the control room is empty first. After that, Padmé will enter to disable and monitor the security systems while you, Leia, and I go find Dooku."
"Very well. There may be casualties, you know." Voss warned us.
Neither I nor Obi-Wan wished to harm any innocents. The guards here had done nothing wrong and didn't deserve to die.
"We'll try to avoid harming anyone other than our target if at all possible," Obi-Wan insisted. "Disarm the guards and then knock them out or put them to sleep."
/You can do that?/ I asked.
/It's possible,/ he replied. /Qui-Gon has used it before, although I'd much rather restrain someone instead. Who knows how long they'll stay out?/
/I see,/ I told him, my mind still wandering. /I was about to ask why you didn't employ that tactic on our daughter all those nights she was awake for hours at a time during the middle of the night./
The memory brought a smile to his face although, at the time, we were both miserable.
"Have it your way, although I'll do what I have to do to protect myself. You need to know that," Voss stated matter-of-factly.
"Understood," Obi-Wan answered. "Strap in, we're going to dock with the main portal in ten, nine,…"
The ship barely made a sound as it carefully settled against the hull of the expansive barge.
"I'm surprised they didn't see us coming," I noted. Weren't they prepared for the possibility of such things?
"That's because we're cloaked," Vos explained.
/Why wasn't I informed?/ I asked Obi-Wan. /That little bit of information would've eased my mind!/
/Sorry,/ Obi-Wan said while securing the ship. /I'll be sure to keep you in the loop from now on./
"Let's head in," Vos demanded.
/He's eager to get shot at, isn't he?/ Obi-Wan mentioned as we all moved to the rear of the ship to exit into the other.
/He's probably like me. He just wants to get this over with./