Author's Notes: A lot of the dialogue in the beginning of this chapter was
taken from the book. Thank for all of the reviews so far, and I hope that
you continue to enjoy this story.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Qui-Gon's in trouble!"
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise at the intrusion. The little boy, one of the handmaidens, and Captain Panaka had barged into the piloting room, intense looks on their faces.
"He says to take off," the boy added. His eyes were wide with sincere worry. Obi-Wan didn't take the time to think that at least this time Qui- Gon had "adopted" a sentient being.
He jumped to his feet to lean over Ric. "Where is he?" Obi-Wan demanded. Without waiting for an answer, he wheeled back to the viewport and began scanning it.
"I don't see anything," the pilot said at his shoulder.
Obi-Wan saw a slight movement and reacted instantly. "Over there! Get us into the air and over there! Now! Fly low!"
Ric threw himself into the pilot's seat while everyone else scrambled to find seats. The ship began to vibrate as it kicked off the ground.
"There," Obi-Wan said breathlessly, pointing. His eyes widened when he saw that Qui-Gon had his lightsaber out and was dueling with a black cloaked figure. He felt his heart thud. This wasn't like a little tryst for fun -- whatever the creature was, it wanted Qui-Gon dead. He'd dealt with this many times, but the red lightsaber was weaving in and out of the air, never stopping. They were right on top of the two figures, and Ric began to lower the ramp with the flick of his hand, biting his lip as he concentrated on getting it out just perfectly.
"Stand by," he ordered. Obi-Wan kept still, his eyes intent on his Master.
The two dueled for a little longer, but Qui-Gon was becoming more intense, using defense stronger than he had before. It looked as if he had been saving his energy for this moment. Suddenly the Jedi Master used a Force jump to land on the ramp.
"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan murmered helplessly. Ignoring Ric Olié's command to stay still, he leapt out of his seat and ran down the corrider, hoping that he would get to the ramp fast enough to help Qui-Gon knock the horned demon back to the planet's sand below.
The ship began to accelerate, but Obi-Wan refused to lose his balance. He ignored the pattering of footsteps behind him and stopped suddenly when he saw Qui-Gon turning off his lightsaber just as he hit the floor. A body hit his from behind, and he turned just slightly to see the blonde boy, looking in fear at Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan felt a little bit of possessiveness over his Master. Who was this strange boy who wanted to intrude upon his moment with Qui-Gon? What right did he have to feel worried over Qui-Gon? He'd known him for less than a week. Obi-Wan had known Qui-Gon for over a decade.
The boy didn't seem to notice Obi-Wan's wavering opinion of him. He stepped toward Qui-Gon cautiously. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice bright in the empty room.
Qui-Gon nodded, brushing himself off. "I think so. That was a surprise I won't soon forget."
"What sort of creature was it?" Obi-Wan asked. He forgot his worry for his Master now that he knew Qui-Gon was all right. Already he was itching to get back down to the planet and finish the beast off.
Qui-Gon shook his head, silently telling Obi-Wan to forget his thoughts of revenge. Obi-Wan felt a little upset that his Master knew him so well. "I'm not sure. Whoever or whatever he was, he was trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen."
Obi-Wan's heart sped up painfully. Sabé! He needed to get to her, to make sure she was all right, to warn her about this danger.
Distracted, he forgot to ask the question that the boy got to first. "Do you think he'll follow us?"
"We'll be safe enough once we're in hyperspace," Qui-Gon answered. He was purposefully not answering the question. "But I have no doubt he knows our destination. If he found us once, he can find us again."
"What are we going to do about it?" the boy asked.
Obi-Wan seemed to snap back to the conversation at this point. He whipped his head around to stare openly at the boy. *We?* He echoed in his mind, knowing it was rude to say it aloud. The boy must have gotten the point though. He looked like he regretted his words.
"We will be patient," Qui-Gon said firmly, purposefully drawing Obi-Wan's indignant look back to him. "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi." He gestured between the two, and Obi-Wan felt his anxiety in their Force-bond.
The boy called Anakin beamed up at Obi-Wan. "Pleased to meet you. Wow! You're a Jedi Knight too, aren't you?"
Obi-Wan gave Anakin another incredulous look. He turned to look at Qui-Gon and couldn't resist rolling his eyes. Qui-Gon gave him a stern look in response and motioned for them to return to the cockpit. A few seconds later the three entered the room. Ric Olié was working steadily at the controls, preparing the ship for a jump to hyperspace. The stood waiting for a few moments.
"Ready," Olié finally announced, turning around with a questioning look.
"Let's hope the hyperdrive works and Watto doesn't get the last laugh," Qui- Gon said dryly with a nod, indicating for Ric to continue.
Obi-Wan stood behind the girl called Padmé, Anakin, Captain Panaka, and Qui- Gon. He wanted to make sure the hyperdrive worked before he went to the Queen's chambers to check on Sabé. Ric began to finger the controls with the practiced ease of a pilot who knew what he was doing. With a quick, sharp wine, the stars began to fade as though being sucked into a black hole. They gave way to the swirling white of hyperspace.
Obi-Wan saw everyone breathe a sigh of relief. He began to back away slowly. Nobody seemed to notice his retreat, so he turned right around and began to stride down the corriders, going the familiar way to Sabé's corriders.
He was stopped halfway there, a hand on his arm. He turned around slowly to see the handmaiden Padmé. She had a knowing look on her face that made him blush. He wondered how much Sabé had told this girl. "You want to see Sabé?" Padmé asked softly.
Obi-Wan nodded more eagerly than he had intended. "I need to see that she's all right."
"I'm sure she is, but I'll take you there just in case," Padmé said with a wink. She led the way down to the sliding doors leading to the Queen's chambers. She typed in a security code, and the doors swished open. She strode inside.
"Somebody's here to see Sabé," she announced to the three women sitting nervously on the couches set up for lounging.
"Obi-Wan!" Sabé jumped up and rushed forward. She put her arms around his neck. He felt a little embarrassed, remembering that there were three amused women watching the spectacle. Sabé had her face buried in his chest when she spoke, so her voice was a bit muffled. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. And you?" he whispered. He let his head drop to her soft hair, and he closed his eyes, relishing in the feeling of her in his arms.
"I'm perfectly fine. I was so worried when I felt that hilt in the Force," she admitted. She buried her face further into his robes. "What happened?"
Obi-Wan gently disentangled himself from her. He was surprised to note that the three handmaidens had left the room. He moved to sit down, and Sabé quickly sat across from him. She poured him a glass of wine from the bottle that was resting on a table between the couches.
"It was some creature that was trained in the Jedi arts," Obi-Wan explained. He accepted the glass graciously. He wanted to feel the burning sensation down his throat. When he sipped it though, it was sweet and slightly watery. It was for the best though, Obi-Wan supposed. He didn't want a bunch of teenage girls getting drunk on the ship. "He had a red lightsaber. Usually lightsabers are green or blue with the exception of a rare few. Master Windu has a purple one."
Sabé wrinkled her brow in concentration. "Is Master Jinn all right?" she settled for asking, looking worried.
"He is," Obi-Wan answered. He narrowed his eyes slightly, remembering the boy, Anakin Skywalker. He didn't know why, but he felt threatened by the harmless child.
"What's wrong?" Sabé asked. He winced. Did everyone know him so well that they could second guess his every move and word?
"It's nothing. Just the little boy. Something about him is . . . disconcerting," Obi-Wan answered. He took another drink of the wine, wanting an excuse to observe Sabé's reaction to his words while not looking like he was doing so.
"He sounds innocent enough," Sabé said. "Padmé told me a little about him. He has quite a crush on her. Of course, she doesn't seem to mind so much."
Obi-Wan wanted to smile, but his thoughts were dour. "It's confusing," he said, his voice so quiet that Sabé leaned forward to catch his words. "He does not mean any harm, and I know that . . . but something about him is off."
"Are you sure you're not just saying that because you're jealous?" Sabé asked gently.
Obi-Wan snapped his head up to catch her eyes. They weren't accusing, but merely soft and caring. He looked away. "Jedi don't get jealous."
"I beg to differ," Sabé said. She smiled gently. "Jedi are humans, are they not? And humans feel emotions. Just because you're trained to think otherwise . . ."
"Are you saying the ways of the Council are wrong?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice haughtier than he intended. He felt quick to defend the way he had grown up. These were the views he'd learned, and he wasn't going to drop them just because a pretty girl told him they weren't true.
"Not at all," Sabé said quickly. She must have realized her mistake. "I just think that saying Jedi have no feelings is wishful thinking. I *know* you have feelings. I'm sure that you're not always at peace as Jedi supposedly are."
"I am still a Padawan!" Obi-Wan said defensively. "Of course I cannot be expected to act as Master Yoda or Master Windu or any other on the council. I can still act rash now, I am still learning."
Sabé frowned. "Did it ever cross your mind that maybe your Jedi Council does not do everything right? From an outsider's point of view, I think that they give themselves far too much power. They think they know what's best for everyone, how everyone thinks and feels. They--"
"Enough." Obi-Wan held up a hand. "You're starting to sound like Qui-Gon."
Sabé arched an eyebrow. "Then I am not the only one who thinks these things. Tell me the truth, Obi-Wan. Do you believe that the Jedi Council runs everything smoothly?"
Obi-Wan felt torn. Finally, he decided to give her all honesty. He took a deep breath. "No," he said. It was a simple statement, and he didn't venture any further into it.
Sabé's eyebrows knit together in worry. She reached across the table for Obi-Wan's hand. She held it firmly in her own smaller one. "I didn't mean to upset you. You're worn out with worry, Obi-Wan. Maybe you should rest until we arrive on Coruscant."
Obi-Wan squeezed her hand, taking comfort from her touch. "I don't need to sleep," he said. "I'm not tired."
"Then meditate," Sabé said. She dropped his hand and a dark look crossed her face. "Come to think of it, I could use some peace right now too. We both have a lot to attend to when we arrive on Coruscant." Her eyes trailed back to his face, and they shone with hurt. "This may be the last time we ever spend together."
Obi-Wan felt his throat constrict. "Then let's not spend it meditating, Sabé. I have something to give to you. Come on."
He stood up and moved to leave the room. Sabé didn't ask questions. She jumped up after him and followed him down the corriders. They stopped in front of the doors to his room, and he punched in the security code. He began to walk into the room, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that Qui-Gon and Anakin were sitting and talking one one of the stiff beds. Both looked up, and Qui-Gon's shock was obvious when he noticed Sabé. His gaze shot to Obi-Wan's quickly and fiercely, but Obi-Wan could only gape. He realized he was making things worse by making it obvious he hadn't expected anyone to be in the room. The things Qui-Gon must be thinking!
Sabé put a gentle hand on his back, leading him back to sane reality. When she peered around him and saw that they were not alone in the room, he felt her shock and embarrassment rival his own. "Oh . . ."
Obi-Wan ignored everyone in the room and walked quickly to his bed. He reached beneath the pillow and pulled out the lightsaber he had allowed for Sabé to use only two nights before.
"Obi-Wan, no!" Sabé said sharply when she realized what he intended.
"Shh," he whispered, coming back up to her. He sent a look to Qui-Gon and Anakin who were still staring in open shock and surprise. "Let's go some where more private," he said meaningfully.
Sabé followed his gaze and nodded. "Sorry for interrupted your conversation," she said to the boy and Jedi Master. Her cheeks were blazing as she turned around and followed Obi-Wan out the door.
Obi-Wan stopped at a random doorway and opened it, not knowing what he would find inside. He grabbed Sabé's arm and pulled her in after him. When he looked around, he recognized it for a room where the R2 units had stayed. The only one that was left was in the Queen's chambers. The handmaidens had taken a special liking to him.
Obi-Wan held out the lightsaber. He gave Sabé a look that told her to keep quiet. "I know you don't want me to give this to you, but it's mine to give, and I choose to let you have it. This has been a comfort item for me over the years. It was one of my only belongings as a child. Sabé, I want you to take this and use it. I have a feeling that we're going to meet again, that this expedition is not the last for us together. When we do meet once more, I will show you how to built a real lightsaber, one of your own." His eyes molded into hers intensely as he whispered his next words. "That's a promise."
Sabé's eyes looked shiny with tears as she accepted the lightsaber, holding the weight in her hand. "I don't know how to thank you, Obi-Wan."
"Well, to thank me properly would be defying our pack, so maybe a nice hug will suffice?" Obi-Wan asked, holding his arms out expectantly.
Sabé cracked a smile at his lame joke, and she wrapped her arms around Obi- Wan. Surprisingly, it felt easy to ignore whatever was simmering below the surface between them; that attraction that had seemed lethally impossible to ignore only earlier that day. She felt as Obi-Wan did; someday they would meet again, and on that day all restrictions would be gone. As for now, she wanted to strengthen her *friendship* with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
There was a beeping on Sabé's comlink. She pulled it from the belt around her waist, swiping her cloak aside. She pulled it out and to her mouth, still staying in Obi-Wan's embrace. "Sabé here."
"Sabé? Panaka wants us to have a meeting," a female voice announced through the device. "You'd better get in here before he realizes that you left."
"I'll be there in a few seconds, Eirtaé," Sabé said reluctantly into the comlink. She turned it off and looked up at Obi-Wan. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine." Obi-Wan kissed her forehead tenderly. "I'll make sure I get to see you on Coruscant if we don't get to say good bye on the ship, okay?"
"Okay," Sabé whispered, unable to think of anything else to say. She broke away from his arms and opened the doors to the room they were in. Obi-Wan stepped followed her a little ways down the hallway and watched her retreating back.
He sighed deeply when she finally disappeared. He'd better go clear up with Qui-Gon exactly what he'd been doing with a female in his room. He made sure to keep his pace slow, not exactly leaping for joy at the thought of talking with his Master. When he finally did reach the room, the doors opened automatically for him, and Qui-Gon stood in the middle of the room, a stern look on his face.
Obi-Wan ducked his head. "Master--"
Qui-Gon held up a hand, stopping him from blundering any further. "Who was that girl that you brought in here?"
Obi-Wan knew he couldn't get out of this. "That was Queen Amidala of the Naboo."
Anakin gasped. " *That* was the queen?" he asked in awe.
"You must learn to keep quiet, Young One," Qui-Gon said gently to Anakin.
Obi-Wan felt that same jealousy he'd mentioned to Sabé overtake him once more. Qui-Gon had always called *him* 'young one'. Now he was saying it to this little boy who Obi-Wan already disliked. He knew his anger must have flared up on his face. There was no way he could have hidden it.
Qui-Gon looked hard at Obi-Wan. "Why did you bring her into this room?"
"Because I wanted to have wild, passionate sex with her," Obi-Wan spat. He turned around with every intention of leaving the room, but the doors shut firmly before he took two steps.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said gently, taking a deep breath. "I'm not trying to anger you. I am simply inquiring because I am concerned."
"Concerned because I've become friends with her?" Obi-Wan asked incredulously. He turned around to meet his Master's eyes again.
"Is that all she is?"
"Yes. A very good friend. I value her friendship highly. Above most, except for yours and a few choice others, of course," Obi-Wan said.
"I don't want you to get hurt, Obi-Wan. This is merely concern talking, I assure you." Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a faint smile. "I'm going to ask you to repeat the Jedi code right now and see if your friendship with this girl fits in."
Obi-Wan felt furious again. "You think that I'm so irresponsible I wouldn't have already done that?" he demanded. "Master, I am not incompetent. I am a very capable Jedi, as I'm afraid sometimes you don't see."
Qui-Gon looked him over carefully. "I see, Obi-Wan," he murmered. "But maybe sometimes I don't want to acknowledge how you've grown since we first met."
Obi-Wan didn't know how to answer that. He had felt so angry only moments before, and now Master Qui-Gon was complimenting him with the gaze of a loving mentor. He cleared his throat, wanting some excuse to gain his bearings. "I'm going to go check on the hyperdrive; just to make sure it's doing well," he said, his voice lower than usual.
Qui-Gon nodded, but Obi-Wan knew he wasn't fooled. It was just an excuse for Obi-Wan to escape and find some time alone to think things through. "I'll be back shortly, Master."
"I believe you will, Padawan."
"See you later, Jedi, Sir," the little boy piped up, looking up at him with those innocent blue eyes.
Obi-Wan didn't answer Anakin. He simply nodded at Master Qui-Gon and left the room. He didn't like that Anakin was being so friendly to him; that made it harder for Obi-Wan to dislike the little boy. And Obi-Wan had every intention of disliking Anakin Skywalker. At least, until Qui-Gon gave up on the latest project.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Qui-Gon's in trouble!"
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise at the intrusion. The little boy, one of the handmaidens, and Captain Panaka had barged into the piloting room, intense looks on their faces.
"He says to take off," the boy added. His eyes were wide with sincere worry. Obi-Wan didn't take the time to think that at least this time Qui- Gon had "adopted" a sentient being.
He jumped to his feet to lean over Ric. "Where is he?" Obi-Wan demanded. Without waiting for an answer, he wheeled back to the viewport and began scanning it.
"I don't see anything," the pilot said at his shoulder.
Obi-Wan saw a slight movement and reacted instantly. "Over there! Get us into the air and over there! Now! Fly low!"
Ric threw himself into the pilot's seat while everyone else scrambled to find seats. The ship began to vibrate as it kicked off the ground.
"There," Obi-Wan said breathlessly, pointing. His eyes widened when he saw that Qui-Gon had his lightsaber out and was dueling with a black cloaked figure. He felt his heart thud. This wasn't like a little tryst for fun -- whatever the creature was, it wanted Qui-Gon dead. He'd dealt with this many times, but the red lightsaber was weaving in and out of the air, never stopping. They were right on top of the two figures, and Ric began to lower the ramp with the flick of his hand, biting his lip as he concentrated on getting it out just perfectly.
"Stand by," he ordered. Obi-Wan kept still, his eyes intent on his Master.
The two dueled for a little longer, but Qui-Gon was becoming more intense, using defense stronger than he had before. It looked as if he had been saving his energy for this moment. Suddenly the Jedi Master used a Force jump to land on the ramp.
"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan murmered helplessly. Ignoring Ric Olié's command to stay still, he leapt out of his seat and ran down the corrider, hoping that he would get to the ramp fast enough to help Qui-Gon knock the horned demon back to the planet's sand below.
The ship began to accelerate, but Obi-Wan refused to lose his balance. He ignored the pattering of footsteps behind him and stopped suddenly when he saw Qui-Gon turning off his lightsaber just as he hit the floor. A body hit his from behind, and he turned just slightly to see the blonde boy, looking in fear at Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan felt a little bit of possessiveness over his Master. Who was this strange boy who wanted to intrude upon his moment with Qui-Gon? What right did he have to feel worried over Qui-Gon? He'd known him for less than a week. Obi-Wan had known Qui-Gon for over a decade.
The boy didn't seem to notice Obi-Wan's wavering opinion of him. He stepped toward Qui-Gon cautiously. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice bright in the empty room.
Qui-Gon nodded, brushing himself off. "I think so. That was a surprise I won't soon forget."
"What sort of creature was it?" Obi-Wan asked. He forgot his worry for his Master now that he knew Qui-Gon was all right. Already he was itching to get back down to the planet and finish the beast off.
Qui-Gon shook his head, silently telling Obi-Wan to forget his thoughts of revenge. Obi-Wan felt a little upset that his Master knew him so well. "I'm not sure. Whoever or whatever he was, he was trained in the Jedi arts. My guess is he was after the Queen."
Obi-Wan's heart sped up painfully. Sabé! He needed to get to her, to make sure she was all right, to warn her about this danger.
Distracted, he forgot to ask the question that the boy got to first. "Do you think he'll follow us?"
"We'll be safe enough once we're in hyperspace," Qui-Gon answered. He was purposefully not answering the question. "But I have no doubt he knows our destination. If he found us once, he can find us again."
"What are we going to do about it?" the boy asked.
Obi-Wan seemed to snap back to the conversation at this point. He whipped his head around to stare openly at the boy. *We?* He echoed in his mind, knowing it was rude to say it aloud. The boy must have gotten the point though. He looked like he regretted his words.
"We will be patient," Qui-Gon said firmly, purposefully drawing Obi-Wan's indignant look back to him. "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi." He gestured between the two, and Obi-Wan felt his anxiety in their Force-bond.
The boy called Anakin beamed up at Obi-Wan. "Pleased to meet you. Wow! You're a Jedi Knight too, aren't you?"
Obi-Wan gave Anakin another incredulous look. He turned to look at Qui-Gon and couldn't resist rolling his eyes. Qui-Gon gave him a stern look in response and motioned for them to return to the cockpit. A few seconds later the three entered the room. Ric Olié was working steadily at the controls, preparing the ship for a jump to hyperspace. The stood waiting for a few moments.
"Ready," Olié finally announced, turning around with a questioning look.
"Let's hope the hyperdrive works and Watto doesn't get the last laugh," Qui- Gon said dryly with a nod, indicating for Ric to continue.
Obi-Wan stood behind the girl called Padmé, Anakin, Captain Panaka, and Qui- Gon. He wanted to make sure the hyperdrive worked before he went to the Queen's chambers to check on Sabé. Ric began to finger the controls with the practiced ease of a pilot who knew what he was doing. With a quick, sharp wine, the stars began to fade as though being sucked into a black hole. They gave way to the swirling white of hyperspace.
Obi-Wan saw everyone breathe a sigh of relief. He began to back away slowly. Nobody seemed to notice his retreat, so he turned right around and began to stride down the corriders, going the familiar way to Sabé's corriders.
He was stopped halfway there, a hand on his arm. He turned around slowly to see the handmaiden Padmé. She had a knowing look on her face that made him blush. He wondered how much Sabé had told this girl. "You want to see Sabé?" Padmé asked softly.
Obi-Wan nodded more eagerly than he had intended. "I need to see that she's all right."
"I'm sure she is, but I'll take you there just in case," Padmé said with a wink. She led the way down to the sliding doors leading to the Queen's chambers. She typed in a security code, and the doors swished open. She strode inside.
"Somebody's here to see Sabé," she announced to the three women sitting nervously on the couches set up for lounging.
"Obi-Wan!" Sabé jumped up and rushed forward. She put her arms around his neck. He felt a little embarrassed, remembering that there were three amused women watching the spectacle. Sabé had her face buried in his chest when she spoke, so her voice was a bit muffled. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. And you?" he whispered. He let his head drop to her soft hair, and he closed his eyes, relishing in the feeling of her in his arms.
"I'm perfectly fine. I was so worried when I felt that hilt in the Force," she admitted. She buried her face further into his robes. "What happened?"
Obi-Wan gently disentangled himself from her. He was surprised to note that the three handmaidens had left the room. He moved to sit down, and Sabé quickly sat across from him. She poured him a glass of wine from the bottle that was resting on a table between the couches.
"It was some creature that was trained in the Jedi arts," Obi-Wan explained. He accepted the glass graciously. He wanted to feel the burning sensation down his throat. When he sipped it though, it was sweet and slightly watery. It was for the best though, Obi-Wan supposed. He didn't want a bunch of teenage girls getting drunk on the ship. "He had a red lightsaber. Usually lightsabers are green or blue with the exception of a rare few. Master Windu has a purple one."
Sabé wrinkled her brow in concentration. "Is Master Jinn all right?" she settled for asking, looking worried.
"He is," Obi-Wan answered. He narrowed his eyes slightly, remembering the boy, Anakin Skywalker. He didn't know why, but he felt threatened by the harmless child.
"What's wrong?" Sabé asked. He winced. Did everyone know him so well that they could second guess his every move and word?
"It's nothing. Just the little boy. Something about him is . . . disconcerting," Obi-Wan answered. He took another drink of the wine, wanting an excuse to observe Sabé's reaction to his words while not looking like he was doing so.
"He sounds innocent enough," Sabé said. "Padmé told me a little about him. He has quite a crush on her. Of course, she doesn't seem to mind so much."
Obi-Wan wanted to smile, but his thoughts were dour. "It's confusing," he said, his voice so quiet that Sabé leaned forward to catch his words. "He does not mean any harm, and I know that . . . but something about him is off."
"Are you sure you're not just saying that because you're jealous?" Sabé asked gently.
Obi-Wan snapped his head up to catch her eyes. They weren't accusing, but merely soft and caring. He looked away. "Jedi don't get jealous."
"I beg to differ," Sabé said. She smiled gently. "Jedi are humans, are they not? And humans feel emotions. Just because you're trained to think otherwise . . ."
"Are you saying the ways of the Council are wrong?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice haughtier than he intended. He felt quick to defend the way he had grown up. These were the views he'd learned, and he wasn't going to drop them just because a pretty girl told him they weren't true.
"Not at all," Sabé said quickly. She must have realized her mistake. "I just think that saying Jedi have no feelings is wishful thinking. I *know* you have feelings. I'm sure that you're not always at peace as Jedi supposedly are."
"I am still a Padawan!" Obi-Wan said defensively. "Of course I cannot be expected to act as Master Yoda or Master Windu or any other on the council. I can still act rash now, I am still learning."
Sabé frowned. "Did it ever cross your mind that maybe your Jedi Council does not do everything right? From an outsider's point of view, I think that they give themselves far too much power. They think they know what's best for everyone, how everyone thinks and feels. They--"
"Enough." Obi-Wan held up a hand. "You're starting to sound like Qui-Gon."
Sabé arched an eyebrow. "Then I am not the only one who thinks these things. Tell me the truth, Obi-Wan. Do you believe that the Jedi Council runs everything smoothly?"
Obi-Wan felt torn. Finally, he decided to give her all honesty. He took a deep breath. "No," he said. It was a simple statement, and he didn't venture any further into it.
Sabé's eyebrows knit together in worry. She reached across the table for Obi-Wan's hand. She held it firmly in her own smaller one. "I didn't mean to upset you. You're worn out with worry, Obi-Wan. Maybe you should rest until we arrive on Coruscant."
Obi-Wan squeezed her hand, taking comfort from her touch. "I don't need to sleep," he said. "I'm not tired."
"Then meditate," Sabé said. She dropped his hand and a dark look crossed her face. "Come to think of it, I could use some peace right now too. We both have a lot to attend to when we arrive on Coruscant." Her eyes trailed back to his face, and they shone with hurt. "This may be the last time we ever spend together."
Obi-Wan felt his throat constrict. "Then let's not spend it meditating, Sabé. I have something to give to you. Come on."
He stood up and moved to leave the room. Sabé didn't ask questions. She jumped up after him and followed him down the corriders. They stopped in front of the doors to his room, and he punched in the security code. He began to walk into the room, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that Qui-Gon and Anakin were sitting and talking one one of the stiff beds. Both looked up, and Qui-Gon's shock was obvious when he noticed Sabé. His gaze shot to Obi-Wan's quickly and fiercely, but Obi-Wan could only gape. He realized he was making things worse by making it obvious he hadn't expected anyone to be in the room. The things Qui-Gon must be thinking!
Sabé put a gentle hand on his back, leading him back to sane reality. When she peered around him and saw that they were not alone in the room, he felt her shock and embarrassment rival his own. "Oh . . ."
Obi-Wan ignored everyone in the room and walked quickly to his bed. He reached beneath the pillow and pulled out the lightsaber he had allowed for Sabé to use only two nights before.
"Obi-Wan, no!" Sabé said sharply when she realized what he intended.
"Shh," he whispered, coming back up to her. He sent a look to Qui-Gon and Anakin who were still staring in open shock and surprise. "Let's go some where more private," he said meaningfully.
Sabé followed his gaze and nodded. "Sorry for interrupted your conversation," she said to the boy and Jedi Master. Her cheeks were blazing as she turned around and followed Obi-Wan out the door.
Obi-Wan stopped at a random doorway and opened it, not knowing what he would find inside. He grabbed Sabé's arm and pulled her in after him. When he looked around, he recognized it for a room where the R2 units had stayed. The only one that was left was in the Queen's chambers. The handmaidens had taken a special liking to him.
Obi-Wan held out the lightsaber. He gave Sabé a look that told her to keep quiet. "I know you don't want me to give this to you, but it's mine to give, and I choose to let you have it. This has been a comfort item for me over the years. It was one of my only belongings as a child. Sabé, I want you to take this and use it. I have a feeling that we're going to meet again, that this expedition is not the last for us together. When we do meet once more, I will show you how to built a real lightsaber, one of your own." His eyes molded into hers intensely as he whispered his next words. "That's a promise."
Sabé's eyes looked shiny with tears as she accepted the lightsaber, holding the weight in her hand. "I don't know how to thank you, Obi-Wan."
"Well, to thank me properly would be defying our pack, so maybe a nice hug will suffice?" Obi-Wan asked, holding his arms out expectantly.
Sabé cracked a smile at his lame joke, and she wrapped her arms around Obi- Wan. Surprisingly, it felt easy to ignore whatever was simmering below the surface between them; that attraction that had seemed lethally impossible to ignore only earlier that day. She felt as Obi-Wan did; someday they would meet again, and on that day all restrictions would be gone. As for now, she wanted to strengthen her *friendship* with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
There was a beeping on Sabé's comlink. She pulled it from the belt around her waist, swiping her cloak aside. She pulled it out and to her mouth, still staying in Obi-Wan's embrace. "Sabé here."
"Sabé? Panaka wants us to have a meeting," a female voice announced through the device. "You'd better get in here before he realizes that you left."
"I'll be there in a few seconds, Eirtaé," Sabé said reluctantly into the comlink. She turned it off and looked up at Obi-Wan. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine." Obi-Wan kissed her forehead tenderly. "I'll make sure I get to see you on Coruscant if we don't get to say good bye on the ship, okay?"
"Okay," Sabé whispered, unable to think of anything else to say. She broke away from his arms and opened the doors to the room they were in. Obi-Wan stepped followed her a little ways down the hallway and watched her retreating back.
He sighed deeply when she finally disappeared. He'd better go clear up with Qui-Gon exactly what he'd been doing with a female in his room. He made sure to keep his pace slow, not exactly leaping for joy at the thought of talking with his Master. When he finally did reach the room, the doors opened automatically for him, and Qui-Gon stood in the middle of the room, a stern look on his face.
Obi-Wan ducked his head. "Master--"
Qui-Gon held up a hand, stopping him from blundering any further. "Who was that girl that you brought in here?"
Obi-Wan knew he couldn't get out of this. "That was Queen Amidala of the Naboo."
Anakin gasped. " *That* was the queen?" he asked in awe.
"You must learn to keep quiet, Young One," Qui-Gon said gently to Anakin.
Obi-Wan felt that same jealousy he'd mentioned to Sabé overtake him once more. Qui-Gon had always called *him* 'young one'. Now he was saying it to this little boy who Obi-Wan already disliked. He knew his anger must have flared up on his face. There was no way he could have hidden it.
Qui-Gon looked hard at Obi-Wan. "Why did you bring her into this room?"
"Because I wanted to have wild, passionate sex with her," Obi-Wan spat. He turned around with every intention of leaving the room, but the doors shut firmly before he took two steps.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said gently, taking a deep breath. "I'm not trying to anger you. I am simply inquiring because I am concerned."
"Concerned because I've become friends with her?" Obi-Wan asked incredulously. He turned around to meet his Master's eyes again.
"Is that all she is?"
"Yes. A very good friend. I value her friendship highly. Above most, except for yours and a few choice others, of course," Obi-Wan said.
"I don't want you to get hurt, Obi-Wan. This is merely concern talking, I assure you." Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a faint smile. "I'm going to ask you to repeat the Jedi code right now and see if your friendship with this girl fits in."
Obi-Wan felt furious again. "You think that I'm so irresponsible I wouldn't have already done that?" he demanded. "Master, I am not incompetent. I am a very capable Jedi, as I'm afraid sometimes you don't see."
Qui-Gon looked him over carefully. "I see, Obi-Wan," he murmered. "But maybe sometimes I don't want to acknowledge how you've grown since we first met."
Obi-Wan didn't know how to answer that. He had felt so angry only moments before, and now Master Qui-Gon was complimenting him with the gaze of a loving mentor. He cleared his throat, wanting some excuse to gain his bearings. "I'm going to go check on the hyperdrive; just to make sure it's doing well," he said, his voice lower than usual.
Qui-Gon nodded, but Obi-Wan knew he wasn't fooled. It was just an excuse for Obi-Wan to escape and find some time alone to think things through. "I'll be back shortly, Master."
"I believe you will, Padawan."
"See you later, Jedi, Sir," the little boy piped up, looking up at him with those innocent blue eyes.
Obi-Wan didn't answer Anakin. He simply nodded at Master Qui-Gon and left the room. He didn't like that Anakin was being so friendly to him; that made it harder for Obi-Wan to dislike the little boy. And Obi-Wan had every intention of disliking Anakin Skywalker. At least, until Qui-Gon gave up on the latest project.