Confined in the Queen's transporter for several days now, nothing to do but worry over Padmé, Sabé gladly indulged herself in studying the Jedi Order. As well as going over the training that Obi-Wan had received thus far, Sabé did a little researching in the small library Padmé kept.

Sabé found herself more and more intrigued by what she read. She eagerly devoured it faster than she thought possible. From what she'd read, she didn't understand why she hadn't been recruited to the Jedi as an infant. It was clear from the different things she had found that she was strong in the Force. She had the irresistable urge to find out her midi-chlorian count, but she wasn't quite sure how to go about.

That was her only reason for seeking out Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight, she was sure. From what she gathered, she and Obi-Wan had formed some kind of link that could only be broken willingly on either part. She used this link to tentatively search out his presence on the ship. She felt giddy when she had a sudden image in her mind of Obi-Wan in the control room, deep in conversation.

Without thinking, she rushed for the room and burst open the door. "Obi- Wan!" she said warmly, a smile lighting up her face. She felt stupid when he turned to her in surprise, and she realized that he was not alone in that room. Ric Olié, the pilot who had gotten them out of Naboo, was staring at her in open shock and curiosity. Sabé blushed, remembering too late that she was in a prestigious dress, and she was playing the part of the queen at the moment. She cleared her throat. "I mean . . . Sir Kenobi," she corrected herself weakly.

Obi-Wan was kind enough to ignore her blunder. "May I help you with anything, Queen Amidala?" he asked.

Sabé felt her eyes widen and her stomach drop. She had just given everything away to the Jedi Knight! Captain Panaka would be furious! "I'm sorry for interrupting," Sabé apologized, glad for the white makeup that covered her hot cheeks. "I only wished to speak with you in private, Jedi Kenobi. It's not a pressing matter--"

"Excuse me," Obi-Wan said politely to Ric Olié. The pilot nodded numbly, not breaking his shocked gaze from her frame.

As soon as the door slid shut behind her and Obi-Wan, she slunk against the wall and buried her face in her hands in an attempt to hide her face. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.

She was surprised to feel a tentative hand at her chin, tilting her face up to meet Obi-Wan's eyes. His were warm, and his lips were turned up in a quirky half-smile. "Your display was actually quite amusing. Did you notice Olié's expression?"

Sabé's jaw dropped. "Yes!" she said, horrified. "I have let down Captain Panaka and Padmé," she whispered, more to herself than him.

"How so?"

"You know of my real identity!" Sabé hissed, gesturing between them. She took a deep, calming breath. "I trust you not to reveal this secret to anyone, but I'm afraid that out of respect for my position I must ask for your word on the matter."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I won't tell a soul," he promised, bringing up a hand to his heart in a simple gesture of locking the secret away. Now that that matter was out of the way, Sabé became suddenly aware of their close proximity. He seemed to notice and stepped away deftly, looking at the ground. The air seemed to tighten around them in barely contained tension, and Sabé felt each second tick past in agonizing slowness, her mind searching for something intelligent to say.

Finally, Obi-Wan seemed to have the answer. He cleared his throat. "I'm sure you didn't embarrass yourself for no reason, Your Majesty. Was there something I could assist you with?"

"Oh, yes," Sabé said, remembering her mission. "I have been locked away in my room studying the information you gave me as well as some I pulled up myself. My curiosity has grown, and I wondered if you could do the midi- chlorian count test on me; the one that you mentioned last night."

"I would love to," Obi-Wan said, a bright smile coming onto his boyish features. He seemed almost frivolous to share further with her. She hadn't seen him so excited since she'd met him. He always seemed so calm and in control, his face showing nothing of what went on inside.

Obi-Wan took her gloved hand and led her to the same room that they had occupied the night before. He set her down and began searching for a needle to prick her with. She spent the time gathering her courage to go through with it. She was a fearless decoy for a Queen who was wanted dead, and she was still terrified of needles.

A needle in hand, Obi-Wan knelt before her. He sent a soothing vibe through their connection, and she felt immensely grateful. Quickly, he did someting to numb the skin, and she didn't even feel it as he dotted her skin with the sharp point, and a drop of blood formed in the broken skin. He gathered it up with a cloth of some sort then put a hand over the sore. When he stepped away, Sabé noticed in amazement that the blood was gone, as was any sign that she had been poked with a needle at all.

Curiosity winning over amazement, Sabé stood to see what Obi-Wan was doing. On a screen in front of him, beeping as orange dots moved blindingly fast. His voice broke her trance. "Nine thousand six hundred and twenty four midi- chlorians."

Sabé breathed out gently, and she let herself fall into the chair behind her. "If my count is over seven hundred, why wasn't I recruited for the Jedi Council?"

"I don't know," Obi-Wan replied as he turned around slowly in his seat. She met his contemplative gaze, and he shrugged just slightly. She smiled at his good-naturedness.

"Thank you, Obi-Wan," she said sincerely. Another pause in their conversation took place as both began to think about the implications of her high midi-chlorian count. "They wouldn't accept me in the Jedi Council at seventeen, I'm guessing."

"No," Obi-Wan admitted, looking guilty for answering so. He thought quickly and blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. "I could train you though. Secretly. And after we part you can study from the simple exercies I'll teach you and the memories I transported yesterday."

Sabé's face literally lit up, her eyes shining brightly and a lopsided smile taking up half her face. "You'd do that for me?"

Obi-Wan cleared his throat and looked away. "I believe that you are deserving of training. I want to find out why you were not accepted at the Council. And denied such a right, I think that I can make up a little bit of it by helping you to achieve at least some guidance in the Force. I forewarn, however, that I am not known to be a very good teacher."

"I'm sure that any information you give me will be worthwhile," Sabé said, her smile leaking out into her voice. "I would be happy to be subject to this training. As we do not know how long we will be on this ship, I suggest that you begin immediately."

"You'll have to change," Obi-Wan said, eyeing her formal attire pointedly.

Sabé nodded. "I would be lectured by Captain Panaka if he found out that I was spending time alone with you as well. I will retire tonight, and when my handmaidens have left, I will seek you out."

"This ship is very small, Your Highness."

"Please, call me Sabé," Sabé pleaded. She knew that Obi-Wan thought she was the queen, but it was unnerving to have him call her such. She didn't want to be Queen Amidala in Obi-Wan's presence, she wanted to be Sabé, her *real* identity.

Obi-Wan smiled at her in a way that made her feel just a little uncomfortable. "As you wish, Sabé," he said, gently carressing her name with his accent.

Sabé felt her stomach jump up her throat as his eyes met hers for just an instance, a heat inside of his gaze that she shied away from. She looked away, then daringly met his eyes again. They were a brilliant blue, just as they were every other time she saw him. Whatever she had gotten a glimpse of he was quick to hide.

Feeling uncomfortable, Sabé stood and held out a hand. "Thank you again, Obi-Wan, I give you my strongest gratitude."

Obi-Wan stood as well, and he clapsed her hand firmly in both of his. Though she was wearing gloves, she could feel her stomach jump again. She smiled nervously at him and broke away, leaving him behind in the room as she scolded herself for getting butterflies. He was Jedi Knight for one thing. For another, he was in his mid-twenties, she knew from his bio.

Sabé cleared her mind as best as she could, sending the images of his boyish smile out of her mind.

* * * * *

Sabé found it easy enough to sneak out after the snoring of Rabé assured her that her handmaidens were asleep. Panaka did not check on them at night, so there was no reason for Sabé to worry. She changed into a white body suit that would allow her to do whatever vigerous exercises Obi-Wan was going to give her. Truth be told, she had no idea what to expect, and this unnerved her more than a little.

After making sure the coast was clear, she pressed the button to open the door to the room the Jedi were staying in. Shutting it quickly behind her, Sabé looked around. She spotted Obi-Wan sitting in the middle of his bunk, his legs crossed and his eyes closed.

Sabé couldn't help being curious. She walked boldly forward until she was standing right in front of him. She watched him; he sat unmoving for what seemed the longest time, not even a twitch of any limb.

Finally, his eyelids flickered open, and he looked up at her, his eyes showing more than a little surprise. "How long have you been there?"

"Only about ten minutes," Sabé said. She put her hands on her hips and looked at him expectantly. "You said you would help me, teach me some tricks."

Obi-Wan nodded, slowly coming back to reality. He ran a hand through his hair and stood. Sabé felt a little intimidated by his height. Usually he didn't seem so tall, but she was dressed in flat shoes and a skin tight outfit, out of the ordinary for the long sweeping robes and gigantic dresses she wore as Queen Amidala. She tilted her head upwards to look at him.

"I'm sorry," he said, giving her a quirky half smile. "I was meditating on this."

"What conclusions did you come to?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "I think that it is my duty to show you the ways of the Force. I believe it was not a chance that we met and have had this time alone together. I don't know what yet, but you are going to be of use in the future."

"That's comforting," Sabé said a little sarcastically.

Obi-Wan smiled at her. "Shall we begin?"

"I'm ready when you are," she said, stepping backwards to give him room to move. "What exactly is it you're going to do?"

"Sit," Obi-Wan instructed when he reached the middle of the room. Sabé complied, and they were both on the floor, indian style, facing one another. Obi-Wan took her hands without her consent, and she was dragged into the bond she had felt the night before, the sudden awareness of her surroundings overwhelming her. It seemed as if she could see things in a new light, and she knew it was Obi-Wan's Jedi senses she was feeling.

Can you hear me?

Sabé jumped. She hadn't heard Obi-Wan's voice out loud, it was as if he was inside of her. For some reason this bothered her. She didn't like thinking he was in her head. Without thinking, she tore away from him, breaking their physical contact.

"How did you do that?" Sabé demanded, scooting an inch or two away from him and eyeing him suspiciously.

"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan said immediately. "I didn't mean to scare you. It's part of the bond we've created. We can communicate telepathically."

"How?" Sabé asked, her voice softer now, more curious.

"It's like talking, but not."

"How enlightening."

Obi-Wan gave her a look. "This is hard for me to explain, you know. I've grown up my whole life thinking that all of this is normal. I don't know how to compare it to living without the Force."

Sabé smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. Please continue."

"Just direct your thoughts in my direction," Obi-Wan instructed.

Am I doing this right?

Obi-Wan nodded. "I heard you perfectly, and we weren't even touching!"

"Is this some kind of phenomenom?" Sabé asked dryly.

"It's just unusual," Obi-Wan explained. "I've only known you for . . . twenty four standard hours, I think."

Sabé listened to his words and considered them deeply. Finally, she voiced her concerns in a quiet, timid voice. "Why is all of this having to do with me so unusual?"

Obi-Wan caught the note in her voice that said the answer to her question was very important to her. He frowned and shrugged very slowly, looking sorry that he couldn't answer her. "I have no idea." He sat forward suddenly when he caught her eye. His eyes seemed to blaze a green blue, a new color that she hadn't seen before. "It's not a bad kind of unusual. It's . . . exhilarating."

Sabé's eyes widened, but she kept her eyes locked with his. "Oh," she said stupidly. For some reason his eyes were keeping her from forming coherant thoughts.

Obi-Wan looked away just as suddenly as he caught her eyes. He cleared his throat as though he were embarrassed. "I mean, you're such a mystery. If you have such exceptional powers, why weren't you sent to become a Jedi?"

Sabé felt oddly relieved that his eyes were staring at a spot on the floor instead of at her. "I'm going to find out," she said matter-of-factly. "As soon as I return to Naboo I'm going to ask my mother and father . . ." Her voice trailed off in longing.

She was surprised to feel Obi-Wan's warm hand on her knee. A shiver made its way involuntarily up her spine at the mixture of his touch and his warm words, lilting with that mesmerizing accent. "You will return to Naboo. I will see to it personally."

Sabé couldn't help the sappy smile that made its way up her face. "Tha--"

Before she could finish, Obi-Wan was on his feet. "Have you ever seen a lightsaber duel?"

Sabé stood up slowly, following him with her eyes as he swept around the room, obviously searching for something. "I've seen some on the holos."

Obi-Wan finally found what he was looking for, a triumphant smile on his face. He held out his hand, and there lay a black handle.

"Is this a real lightsaber?" Sabé asked, her voice laced with awe. He nodded, and she gingerly reached out to touch it. Boldly, she wrapped her hand around it and brought it closer to her eyes for inspection.

"That's the smaller lightsaber I used when I was a child," Obi-Wan explained. He blushed just the tiniest bit. "I keep it around for comfort."

Sabé could tell that the lightsaber meant a lot to Obi-Wan, and she felt something in her heart stir as she realized that his trust in her was deep and true if he was letting her handle it. "Thank you, Obi-Wan. As long as I use it, I will take special care to keep it intact."

"I know you will," Obi-Wan said softly. He cleared his throat once more and turned around. Sabé frowned in his direction. Everytime he seemed to get the least bit emotional, he immediately closed himself off by clearing his throat and changing the subject. She wasn't blind, and it was blatently obvious. For the moment, she decided not to comment though. Maybe spending more time with Obi-Wan would help to pull him out of his hermit shell. Already he was blossoming before her. Only a few days before she would never believe Obi-Wan to be opening up as he was now. He had seemed so cold and distant.

Sabé snapped out of her thoughts embarrassedly when she realized Obi-Wan was staring at her curiously. He had his own, bigger lightsaber in his hand, and he was waiting respectfully for her to leave her almost meditative state.

"Sorry," Sabé apologized quickly, trying to fight the blush making its way up her neck. "I was momentarily distracted."

"I noticed," Obi-Wan said blandly. He smirked at her, his eyes twinkling in humor. She studied them silently, deciding that she liked how they looked when he was laughing. His eyes were most literally the window to his soul, she felt. When he wasn't closing himself off, his thoughts could be read through those ever-changing orbs.

"I'm not going to spar with you," Obi-Wan continued. "I'm not professional enough, and I'm not sure that I won't hurt you. I just want to show you some moves, and I want to see if you can mimic them. Are you game?"

"Oh, I'm game," Sabé assured him. "Most definately." She paused. "It's just that I don't know how to turn this thing on."

Obi-Wan laughed. Sabé felt enthralled by the richness of his voice, the slight rumble that came from deep within her chest. She hadn't heard him laugh very often, and she relished in the sound. It made him seem young, younger than his eyes sometimes made him out to be. She could almost imagine the little boy he had once been.

His hand went over hers, and he moved her thumb over the activation button. "You just press this," he said simply.

Sabé would have felt stupid if she wasn't too busy worrying about the tingles that were making their way up her arm. She yanked her hand away from him instinctively. His eyes belied his brief hurt, but he quickly closed himself off again, changing the subject before she could apologize.

"It won't hurt you," he said softly.

Sabé now felt the stupidety she had been so close to earlier. Scolding herself mentally for being so daft, she pressed down on the activation button. Right before her eyes, an electric blue blade grew from the black handle. She felt the awe from earlier invade her body. She had never seen a lightsaber until just recently, meeting the Jedi, and now here she was, actually holding one in her hand.

She heard the buzz of his unfolding, and she snapped her eyes to it quickly, not wanting to miss the magic of the blade forming. His was longer and bigger, but her was the perfect size. Made for him as a child, it was lightweight and easy for a small woman to handle.

"Hold it like this," Obi-Wan instructed, bringing it above his head and putting his body automatically into a defensive stance.

Sabé imitated it as best as she could. "Is this right?"

"Perfect," Obi-Wan replied. He swept his eyes over her, and she had the odd feeling that he wasn't just talking about her stance. She shoved that thought out of her mind, knowing it was just her imagination. Her imagination was doing some crazy things in Obi-Wan's presence.

"Do I come from the left or the right when I attack?" Sabé asked, trying to redirect her thoughts.

"Are you right or left handed?" Obi-Wan countered.

"Like this?" Sabé twirled the blade quickly before swinging it down her side and towards Obi-Wan's midsection. He blocked the blow easily.

"Very nice," Obi-Wan complimented, clearly impressed. "How did you know what to do?"

"I watched you and Qui-Gon fighting those droids," Sabé explained. "From what little I could analize from those brief moments, the memories I've gone over, and the training I've had in security . . . well, Obi-Wan, I think I'm ready for the spar you mentioned."

"Maybe you are," Obi-Wan admitted. His eyebrows had risen a little with each of her words. He seemed contemplative, but she soon realized that this was just a mask. His lightsaber swung from where it had blocked hers, and he swept at her neck. Acting on instinct, Sabé ducked the blow and brought her lightsaber up to keep his from moving. The two connected with a hissing that was strangely comforting to Sabé.

This move fueled a spar that moved from one end to the other. Neither one was hurt much, but Sabé found herself very grateful of the outfit she had chosen. She had to move and twist in ways new to even her, who had been trained in many different defense and offense skills, just to block his blows. She was honored that he didn't seem to be holding anything back, but soon she was panting and gasping for breath, worn out from the unusual exercise.

It ended only when Sabé found herself blocked up against a wall. Obi-Wan flicked his lightsaber off, let it drop to the ground, and brought his hand up to pin her wrists to the wall, a self-satisfied smile on his face. "Do you give up?" he asked between pants. It made Sabé feel better to know he was just as physically drained as she was.

Despite the exhaustion creeping over her, she shook her head defiantly. With a strong kick to his shin, she distracted him enough to use her hands and strength to push him backwards. Without his lightsaber to defend himself, she knew she had him. Her own lightsaber was underneath his chin as she straddled his chest. Her smile grew impish, and she was about to gloat.

Then, before she knew it, Obi-Wan's lightsaber had flown into his hand, and he knocked hers out of the way so that he could turn her onto her back. He sent her lightsaber scattering across the floor, and he used one of his legs to keep hers flat on the ground while his hand empty of a lightsaber once again kept her wrists together.

" *Now* do you give up?" he asked. His smile was the same as hers, winning, and she knew that there was no way she could pull a trick like he did.

She sighed and nodded very reluctantly. She was about to reply when the familiar sound of doors opening interrupted her. She and Obi-Wan turned their heads to the side to see Captain Panaka staring at them in shock. He took one look at the situation and used his training to react. He kicked Obi-Wan in the small of his back, the closes body part, and Obi-Wan pulled away from her, clutching his back and looking very much in pain.

Sabé jumped upwards and turned him over so she could inspect the damage. She sent Captain Panaka a withering glare. "What did you do that for?"

"You can imagine my shock when I look into the security cameras before I retire and see this man is attacking you," Panaka spat, glaring at Obi-Wan. "Then I came in here and saw you pinned to the ground. Are you okay?"

"Of course I'm okay!" Sabé cried out. "I don't think Obi-Wan is though. Captain, the Jedi was only showing me a new strategy in self-defense!"

Panaka looked relatively shocked. "Are you sure?" he asked, sounding embarrassed. "I could have been sure he was . . ."

"Trust me. If I tried to take advantage of Sabé, she would have severly injured me," Obi-Wan said calmly, sitting up.

"Aren't you hurt?" Sabé demanded.

Obi-Wan gave her a small smile. "Not really. But I pretended to be so he wouldn't try again, in a more vital area."

Sabé hit his upper arm lightly. "I was worried!"

"Sabé," Captain Panaka said cooly, his gaze resting on hers, emotionless. Sabé had learned from past experience that the emotionless gaze was the worst one to get. "I would appreciate it if you and I could talk alone before you retire."

Sabé frowned as she stood up then offered an arm to help Obi-Wan up. "Of course, Captain Panaka," she said quietly. She bowed to Obi-Wan. "Thank you for the lesson, Jedi Kenobi."

Are you sure it's safe? He looks lethal, Obi-Wan said in her mind.

Sabé couldn't help smiling, and she was glad she didn't do more than that as she left the room. She noticed Panaka give Obi-Wan a suspicious look before following her in the hallway.

Good luck, Obi-Wan called, his voice just as strong as if they were in the same room.

Thanks, she replied. I just might need it.