Obi-Wan walked with Qui-Gon onto a balcony overlooking Coruscant. They had just collected Anakin and put their things into the apartment Queen Amidala had been given. Unable to wait outside the door where Anakin Skywalker was being tested by the Council, the two Jedi were taking a short walk.

Obi-Wan kept silent, but he was watching his master warily. He was embarrassed for the spectacle Qui-Gon had made of himself. Qui-Gon himself seemed to be at ease; the only emotion cluttering his presence in the Force was apprehension for Anakin's fate.

Obi-Wan's thoughts began to twirl in turmoil. He knew Qui-Gon almost as well as Qui-Gon knew himself. The Council *would* deny Anakin Skywalker, there was no question. There also was no question on what Qui-Gon's reaction would be. The Jedi Master would repeat his request and nag the Council, demanding permission for Anakin to be trained. Obi-Wan had never seen Qui-Gon so passionate about one of his hopeless causes before, and he was beginning to wonder if this time Qui-Gon Jinn would go farther than he ever had before. If he would outright ignore the Council's decision. Obi- Wan shuddered to think what Qui-Gon might do. Afterall, he didn't have a reckless and unpredictable record for nothing.

Obi-Wan needed to see how far Qui-Gon would go. "The boy will not pass the Council's test, Master," he said softly, hoping that this time it would get through to Qui-Gon. "And you know it too. He is far too old."

Qui-Gon didn't turn his head from gazing at the sunset. "Anakin will become a Jedi, I promise you that."

Obi-Wan felt like a whole planet was resting on his soulders. The determination in Qui-Gon's voice was undeniable. He sighed wearily. "Don't defy the Council, Master. Not again," he said helplessly, knowing his words would go in one ear and out the other.

Qui-Gon stood rigid, standing so still Obi-Wan wondered if he was even breathing. Then he turned around and faced his Padawan. "I will do what I must, Obi-Wan. Would you have me any other way?"

Obi-Wan ignored the question. "Master, you could be sitting on the Council by now if you would just follow the Code. You deserve to be sitting on the Council." Obi-Wan felt his frustration turn to anger that Qui-Gon didn't seem to be listening to a word he said. He met Qui-Gon's eyes forcefully. Qui-Gon would hear what he said next. "They will not go along with you on this one."

Qui-Gon scrutinized Obi-Wan for a long moment. Then he smiled. "You still have much to learn, my young Padawan."

Obi-Wan could hear Yoda's voice in his ear warning "anger is of the dark side", but he ignored it. He had a right to be angry. Qui-Gon still did not listen to him. Of course, it was not a Padawan's place to order around his Master, but Obi-Wan thought it necessary in Qui-Gon's case. As much as Obi- Wan had needed training, Qui-Gon had needed the same as well. Obi-Wan had strong suspicions that they let Qui-Gon have a Padawan mainly because they hoped it would calm the Jedi Master down. Perhaps even tame him to follow the Jedi Code.

Obi-Wan jerked his shoulder away from where Qui-Gon had laid a comforting hand. He didn't want to stay with his Master at the moment, he wanted to be alone to meditate on the feelings he couldn't control. He knew, however, that it was useless. He had to stay and see the fate of Anakin Skywalker. He had tried to warn Qui-Gon of what was to come, but Obi-Wan was still severly worried over what his Master's reaction would be.

* * * * *

Not long after their quiet discussion on the balcony, the two Jedi were in the Council's room once more, this time with Anakin standing in front of them. The tension in the room was palpable. This time Obi-Wan stayed obediantly still. He had to be the strong one here. As frustrated as he was with Qui-Gon, he hated seeing Qui-Gon's dreams shattered and his heart broken.

"Finished, we are, with the examination of the boy," Yoda said. "Correct, you were, Master Qui-Gon."

Mace Windu nodded his concurrance, his dark face expressionless in the dim light. "His cells contain a *very* high concentration of midi-chlorians."

"The Force is strong in him," Ki-Adi-Mundi agreed.

Obi-Wan knew his face was showing open shock, but he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was the boy really that special? Had Obi-Wan been too blinded by jealousy to see Anakin Skywalker for who he really was? Or maybe the Council was blinded by their belief in the old prophecies. Obi-Wan, for one, did not believe a word of any of them. But maybe he should start.

Qui-Gon's relief was obvious. "He is to be trained, then," he said in a mixture of triumph and relief. Obi-Wan noticed he squeezed Anakin's shoulders briefly.

Then there was silence. Oh, no . . . Obi-Wan thought to himself. He wanted to bury his face in his hands. Oh, no. Oh, no. He knew what that silence meant.

"No," Mace Windu said, daring Qui-Gon to defy him, "he will not be trained."

Obi-Wan felt a little guilty as he noticed the pain coming from Anakin. The boy's eyes were bright as though he was holding in tears. He glanced up at Qui-Gon in shame, as though he himself felt guilty for the Council's decision.

"No?" Qui-Gon repeated in disbelief, shocked almost speechless. He glanced at Obi-Wan, and the Padawan managed an 'I-told-you-so' expression. He stood straight and scolded himself for his shock and near satisfaction. Qui-Gon's face was placid, only a few emotions making their way through the careful mask. But Obi-Wan could tell that Qui-Gon was desperate and hurting. He had his hopes set so high on this boy. He had been so sure that Anakin would make it.

Mace Windu nodded, eyes steady. "He is too old. There is already too much anger in him."

Qui-Gon looked incredulous. "He *is* the chosen one. You must see it!" he said desperately, gesturing to the small sandy-haired boy.

Yoda obediantly studied the boy. "Clouded this boy's future is," he decided with a nod, his ears twitching just slightly. "Masked by his youth."

Qui-Gon looked around helplessly, searching for a friendly face, someone to side with. When he found none, he straightened in acceptance of their decision. He nodded. "Very well. I will train him then. I take Anakin Skywalker as my apprentice."

Obi-Wan heard these words echoed in his mind several times. His muscles tensed. He felt so many emotions rising with the echoes of that terrible sentence that he didn't know which to choose. A glance in Anakin's direction made him angrier than he'd ever been before. The boy's blue eyes were full of hope. Did he even care about Obi-Wan? Qui-Gon was *his* Master! He turned his desperate gaze to Qui-Gon, but his Master ignored the look.

"An apprentice, you already have, Qui-Gon," Yoda pointed out sharply. " *Impossible* to take on a second."

A voice of reason, Obi-Wan thought dryly. He didn't care what the Council decided now. The damage was done. The fact that Qui-Gon had even suggested that he replace Obi-Wan with Anakin was enough.

"The Code forbids it," Mace Windu added darkly.

"Obi-Wan is ready to face the trials," Qui-Gon declared.

Obi-Wan stepped forward. He had been angry only a second before, but now he felt a rush of pride. "I *am* ready to face the trials," he agreed. This was what he'd always dreamed of. He just hadn't imagined that it would happen like this. He caught Qui-Gon's gaze, and he hoped that his cold indifference to his Master was obvious. He wanted to hurt Qui-Gon for hurting him. It was a childish thought, but one that Obi-Wan could not deny. He looked away from Qui-Gon. It was his Master's fault that their bond was quickly unweaving himself. If Qui-Gon regretted his words, it was already too late.

Yoda's eyes turned to Obi-Wan. He had a feeling that the Jedi Master could see through him, could sense his thoughts. "Ready so early, are you? What know you of ready?"

"Obi-Wan is headstrong, and he has much to learn still about the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he will learn from me," Qui- Gon said. He caught Obi-Wan's eye again. This time the Jedi Master tried to show that what he was saying was the truth. Obi-Wan rejected the attempt at comfort. He ripped his eyes away from his Master's and turned them to Yoda's. Even more than before he wanted to be away from Qui-Gon. Their bond was ripped in a way that could never be mended, how *could* Obi-Wan learn anything more? It was true, he knew. He could become a Knight. Then Qui-Gon could be left to his hopeless causes alone.

He deserves it, a voice in Obi-Wan's head whispered. Obi-Wan found that he whole-heartedly agreed with the evil tone.

Yoda shook his head, his eyes still on Obi-Wan. "Our own counsel we will keep on who is ready, Qui-Gon. More to learn, he has."

Obi-Wan felt the slap of rejection once more. He felt defeated by this revelation.

"Now is not the time for this," Mace Windu stated with finality. "The Senate will vote tomorrow for a new supreme chancellor. Queen Amidala returns home, we are advised, which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation. Those responsible will be quick to act on these new events."

"Drawn out of hiding, her attackers will be," Yoda whispered.

Obi-Wan found himself thinking that it was just in time. He felt blood thirsty at the moment, and any attacker of Sabé that got in his way would pay a hefty price.

"Events are moving too fast for distractions such as this," Ki-Adi-Mundi added.

Mace Windu casually but quickly looked around the room, catching each members' eyes briefly. Then he turned back to Qui-Gon, his voice more assured. "Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of this dark warrior who attacked you, be it Sith or otherwise. That is the clue we need to unravel this mystery."

Yoda's nod was slow and brooked no argument. "Decided later, young Skywalker's fate will be."

Qui-Gon took a deep breath and bowed his acquiescence to the Council. "I brought Anakin here; he must stay in my charge. He has nowhere else to go."

Mace Windu nodded. "He is your ward, Qui-Gon. We will not dispute that."

"But train him not!" Yoda admonished sharply. "Take him with you, but train him not."

"Protect the Queen," Mace Windu added. "but do not intercede if it comes to war until we have the Senate's approval."

There was a long silence as the Council regarded Qui-Gon, and he, them. Obi- Wan felt his muscles tense as the tension grew. He wanted to be out of there, but it seemed as if nobody was granting them permission to leave.

Finally, Yoda nodded at Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin. "May the Force be with you," he said, more meaning in his words than a simple dismissal. The Council was more worried about this situation than they let on.

Obi-Wan was the first to leave. He strode out of the room self-assuredly. He hated that a few of the Council members gave him looks of pity, feeling sorry that Qui-Gon would be so quick to rid of him. This fueled Obi-Wan's anger more. He walked even quicker than before. Qui-Gon called out his name, but he ignored the Jedi Master. He had no wish to talk to him at the moment. He just wanted to get back to his duty where he could meditate and chase these feelings away.

Qui-Gon caught up to him though. He forcefully held Obi-Wan's arm, pulling the younger Jedi around to face him. "The Queen is departing for Naboo. As her protectors, we are to go with her."

Obi-Wan yanked his arm away from Qui-Gon. Why were his eyes starting to moisten? He walked away again, this time heading for a shuttle ride that would take them to the Queen.

When they finally arrived, disembarking from the shuttle at the landing platform, Anakin ran off to the R2 unit, looking scared. Obi-Wan stopped once more at the head of the rampway, Qui-Gon putting a hand on his arm once more. They began a heated discussion, Obi-Wan's anger very evident as he argued with his one time closest friend.

"It is not disrespect, Master!" Obi-Wan said vehemently. "It is the truth!"

"From your point of view perhaps." Qui-Gon's face was tight with anger, and Obi-Wan felt a little bit of satisfaction that he could get his prim Master to respond in such an uncharacteristic way.

Obi-Wan's voice dropped lower, trying to say each word slowly for Qui-Gon to finally understand. "The boy is dangerous. They all sense it. Why can't you?"

"His fate is uncertain, but he is not danger," Qui-Gon corrected sharply. "The Council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you." He turned away dismissively. "Now get on board."

Obi-Wan gave Qui-Gon one last glare before whirling around and stalking up the ramp and into the ship.

Once inside, he wasn't sure where to go. He wanted to avoid Qui-Gon and the little boy at all costs, but it seemed that everywhere he would go, they would be able to show up. He was walking the length of the halls once more when he saw and heard the Queen and her security board the ship. He strode quickly to the belly of the ship, wanting to see Sabé with a passion he hadn't felt before. He wanted her to hold and comfort him. He wanted to tell her what happened. He wanted her to agree with him, to take his side since nobody else seemed to be doing so.

He didn't even care about anyone else when he stopped directly in front of her. "Sabé," he said softly, locking her eyes.

Sabé's eyes filled with hurt as he opened their bond a little further, letting her feel what he felt. She took his arm in her own. "Come with me," she whispered.

Captain Panaka and the guards looked astounded at the Queen's actions, but she and the handmaidens ignored them as she walked back to the Queen's room. One of the handmaidens typed in the security code, and they all stepped inside as a group.

"Go see that this ship is descending well," Sabé ordered her handmaidens. They looked a little surprised, but they left anyway. Sabé lead Obi-Wan to the edge of the bed and pulled him down next to her. "Tell me what's wrong, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan did. He recounted everything that he could remember, detailing the words that had hurt the most, spilling out exactly how he had felt. When he finished, his voice seemed hoarse, and there was a long silence where Sabé considered his words. She put a comforting hand on his thigh, unable to hug him in her presitigeous gown.

"I do not think Qui-Gon intentionally meant to hurt you," Sabé began, voice low.

Obi-Wan stood up abruptly, breaking away from her angrily. "That's exactly what I don't need to hear right now, Sabé!" he informed her heatedly.

Sabé stood up indignantly. "You could at least let me finish, Obi-Wan!" she said in the same tone. "I'm the only person you feel close enough to share this with, and I believe that I should tell you my exact opinions. I am not the type of person to hug you and lie by saying everything is all right. I will give you my honest opinions, if you will let me."

Obi-Wan snorted, but he moved to sit on one of the couches and looked at her expectantly. "Do enlighten me, Your Highness," he said, his voice mocking her title.

Sabé felt anger flare up, but she ignored it as she sat across from him. "I think that Qui-Gon was acting rashly, saying the first thing that came to his mind."

"Replacing me should never have been on his mind," Obi-Wan countered. "The bond between a Master and a Padawan is complex and very true. It is a relationship that I hold above any other. He is like my father. How would you feel if your father one day said he'd rather have another girl be his daughter in your place?"

Sabé considered his words. "I would react the same way you are," she finally admitted, her voice low.

"Exactly!" Obi-Wan said. "And how would you expect me to react for you?"

Sabé paused, considering for a longer moment than before. "I would want you to--"

Before she could finish, her comlink beeped, and an impatient voice interrupted. "Your Highness, we agreed that there would be a meeting in which you would inform us of your plans."

Sabé pulled the comlink out of her arm sleeve. "Yes, Captain Panaka. I will meet you in the usual conference room. Please tell everyone of importance to attend."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Sabé replaced the comlink and stood up, looking guiltily at Obi-Wan. "We will make the meeting short and to the point. Afterwards, I wish to speak to you some more." She began to walk, and Obi-Wan just sat on the couch, looking quite comfortable. She turned around and beckoned to him. "Come on, Obi-Wan."

"I'm not going in there--"

"If Qui-Gon's going to be there, I know," Sabé interrupted, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, you're such a child. Obi-Wan, you need to be at this meeting. Not only will there be suspicions if you are not, but it is your duty as my protector. Do not let a squabble with your Master interfere with why you are really here."

Obi-Wan stood up and began to follow her this time, his face showing defiance. "Sabé, I think that this counts as more than a 'little squabble'."

Sabé stopped in the corriders and turned around. She placed a hand on Obi- Wan's arm and locked eyes with him. "My dear Obi-Wan, you misunderstand me. We will talk as soon as this meeting is over, I promise you. Captain Panaka will be outraged if he sees you leave with me, so wait five minutes after I depart with my handmaidens, then come to my door, and I will let you in."

Obi-Wan gave her a short nod before she turned away from him and continued to the conference room. She pressed the button that enabled the doors to swish open, and she regally walked to the chair at one end of the room. She sat down, her back straight, her face placid. She did not smile or even second glance Obi-Wan when he entered right behind her. Obi-Wan noticed Qui- Gon, and he stood directly behind him, facing the Queen. To his dismay, Jar Jar went to stand behind him. Obi-Wan still couldn't believe how one creature could be so clumsy and annoying.

"When we land on Naboo, it is my intention to act on this invasion at once. My people have suffered enough," Sabé said as soon as Panaka gestured for her to begin.

Qui-Gon nodded. "I agree. I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this."

Sabé looked ready to break into a smile, but she kept her face calm as she said her next words. "We will take back what is ours."

"There are only twelve of us!" Panaka snapped, looking astonished at the Queen's plan of action. "Your Highness, we have no army."

She turned her gaze to Qui-Gon, indicating that she wanted his opinion. "The Jedi cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness. We can only protect you."

She didn't look the least surprised at this. Instead, she turned her gaze casually to the Gungan. "Jar Jar Binks!"

The Gungan looked shocked to be addressed by her. He looked around, then pointed to himself. "Me, Your Highness?"

"Yes," Sabé affirmed. She finally let her lips curl upwards in a slight smile. "I have need of your help."

The Queen relayed her plan, asking for Jar Jar's advice here and there. Jar Jar looked positively beside himself with joy that he could be of such help. When Sabé had finished, there was a brief silence.

"This is outrageous," Captain Panaka muttered. "Your Highness, do you really think this is going to work?"

"It has to work," Sabé said quietly. "The plan is desperate, I must admit, but it is the last chance that we have. I will not hide away on Coruscant when my people are in need of me. I'd rather die trying to save them then be known as a coward."

"It is hardly cowar--"

Sabé held up a hand to silence Panaka. "If you do not mind, my handmaidens and I shall retire now in preparation of what is to come." Without waiting for an answer, Sabé stood. Her handmaidens moved behind her in perfect unison as she left the room. She was small, even with the dresses and headpieces she wore, but the power she emanated was undeniable.

"She is insane," Panaka said, shaking his head, as soon as she left. "If you will excuse me, I would like a private word with the Queen."

The Captain left. Obi-Wan began to follow after him, not wanting to speak to Qui-Gon or anyone else in the room. He didn't think he'd have very much patience for any blundering Jar Jar might give him. He was planning on waiting outside of the Queen's antechamber until he saw Panaka leave. But when he watched the man's retreating back, he saw that instead of going into the Queen's rooms he headed to the front of the ship where the cockpit was.

Obi-Wan did not dwell on this. He just felt relieved that Panaka was not going to see Sabé as he had said he would. He waited the respected time before going into Sabé's quarters. He had to duck twice when different people walked by, one of which was Qui-Gon, but he stayed in a room across the hall.

The door suddenly opened, and out walked two handmaidens. They were dressed in scarlet and gold outfits that Obi-Wan assumed were designated for battle. He had never seen any of the Queen's handmaidens so dressed down before.

Acting quickly, he stepped into the room just as the doors closed. Sabé didn't look the least bit surprised to see him. Her hands were wringing together as she watched him. She, also, was dressed down. The red and black tunic would have completely hidden her small frame, but a black band was wrapped around her waist, showing off her small hips. Obi-Wan wanted to observe her outfit further, but she began to speak.

"Tell me your honest opinion of my plan," she commanded softly.

He understood then why her hands were wringing together. He closed the space between them and took her hands in his, quieting their fidgiting. She looked up at him expecantly, and he granted her a slow smile. "I think that it is rash and wonderful. I believe that it will work. This is not what they're going to expect from Queen Amidala, the quiet little woman who has only seventeen years."

Sabé smiled a genuine smile at him. "Thank you." She stepped away, taking her hands from his. "Would you like some wine?"

"Jedi don't drink," Obi-Wan said blandly.

Sabé smirked at him, reminding him of the many times he had drinken wine in this room. "Would you rather water?"

"No, I'll have some wine," Obi-Wan said. She rolled her eyes at him and began to pour them both glasses. When he sat down on one of the couches, she sat down next to him instead of her usual spot across from him.

"You should talk to Qui-Gon," Sabé said quietly as they sipped at their wine. "I have a feeling that you will regret it if you don't make amends now." When he didn't speak, she continued. "When you walked into the room, when he looked at you, my heart nearly broke, Obi-Wan. He feels terribly for how he's hurt you. I stand by my opinion that he was being brash and did not think before he spoke."

Obi-Wan stayed quiet for a little while afterward, hearing her words and absorbing their meaning slowly. "I will try to make amends," he finally said quietly. "I cannot promise anything. I love him as if he were my father, and he hurt me deeply. Forgiveness will not come easily."

"I know it. But it hurts him as well. In return, you are his son," Sabé said. "I wish my real father and I had a relationship as strong as yours is. You should not waste it because of something so trivial."

Obi-Wan leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He felt something bitter in his mouth, and he quickly withdrew, a disgusted look on his face as he drank the rest of his wine, wanting the taste to go away.

"What?" Sabé asked, touching her cheek self-consciously.

"What is *in* that makeup?" he demanded when he was satisfied his mouth was back to normal.

"I don't know," Sabé admitted. She placed a finger onto her lips. "I know what you mean. You get used to it after awhile. It can't be poisonous though, I wear it on my lips every day."

"Whatever tradition this originated from is insane," Obi-Wan observed, swiping his lips with his wrist.

"I whole-heartedly agree," Sabé said with a gentle smile. "It's a real mess to put on every morning. Although I do agree that it helps in hiding."

"How? You stand out a mile away."

Sabé looked nervous. She leaned forward and grabbed the bottle of wine. Before Obi-Wan could say anything, she began to pour more in his glass. "Let's celebrate our last time together, shall we? I have a feeling that things are going to change considerably in this battle." She paused, her eyes full of sorrow. "And I'm not sure if all of the changes will be for the better."