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Sari chuckled at herself as she slipped into her last clean outfit. It had been one of those purchases made on a whim that had hung untouched in her closet since the day she had brought it home. Now she didn't even remember what had made her throw it in her pack to begin with. The stretchy black pants fit more snugly than she was used to, and the royal blue, form fitting, nerf hide jacket zipped up the front--- but just barely.
"What in the world was I thinking?" she asked as she turned and studied herself in the mirror. She looked okay--- just not like a school teacher, which was her motivation for the purchase in the first place. She had wanted to feel sexy and spontaneous, but then never had the guts to put it on outside of her own bedroom.
"I guess it'll have to do," she conceded. Then she crammed the last of her things back into her travel bag and headed to the door.
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Obi-Wan was up early, as usual. He hadn't slept very soundly---- again... but he was getting used to that. Visions and thoughts of Sari had been invading his slumber since the first night they met. He had spent the morning double checking their supplies, charging blasters, and formulating some type of strategy, and now it was time for action. The ship was docking on the space station at that very moment.
Obi walked out of his room and stood by Sari's door, hesitating to knock. After her cold behavior the previous day, he had absolutely no idea of what to expect today. Qui-Gon had always told him that women were unpredictable, but experiencing it first hand was all new to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Realizing it was now or never, Obi raised his hand to knock just as the door swished open. Both Sari and Obi-Wan jumped back in surprise at seeing the other in front of them. Sari clutched at her heart and tried to catch her breath.
"You...scared me...to death!" she managed to get out.
Obi-Wan simply stood in the doorway and stared speechless at the woman in front of him. Seeing her dressed in such a way sent a strange sensation shooting around the Jedi's body. He never thought he would use the word, but she was just plain... sexy!
At his continued silence, Sari furrowed her brow and became self-conscious fidgeting with a few stray curls of her hair. "Is something wrong?" she asked.
Obi-Wan opened his mouth to reply, but all that came out was a stutter. Then, when he did regain his voice, it cracked like a boy just hitting puberty.
First a high pitched, "No," then after clearing his throat, a lower, "No... nothing's wrong. Are you ready to go?" Suddenly realizing that he wasn't staring at her face, he looked away and tried to hide his blush.
"Yeah. I was just coming to get you," she replied with a knowing smirk. 'He was checking me out!' she told herself. Maybe bringing the outfit hadn't been such a bad idea after all. She wanted it to be just as hard on him as it was being on her. Having such a good thing so close, yet so far away was killing her inside, and she didn't want to be the only one suffering.
"All right then. Let's go."
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They exited their antiquated transport and made their way through the spaceport out into the Ankara Space Station. It was almost like a small city lined with flashy gambling establishments, two-bit pawn shops, greasy diners, and theaters advertising all sorts of seamy entertainment. Sari felt very out of place and found herself grabbing Obi-Wan's arm whenever a scary looking character would get too close or stare too long at her. Sensing her fear, the Jedi pulled her arm through his and offered up a reassuring smile.
"Not a very glamorous place, is it?" he said. Sari just shook her head. "You'll be fine with me, Sari." Then he lightly rubbed her hand with his free one.
One look at those twinkling blue eyes and charming dimples, and she was nothing but a melted mess of emotions all over again. He was everything she could ever hope for---- but he was already married ----- to his job as a Jedi. Silently, Sari cursed the fates. What was the purpose of meeting the man of her dreams if it was doomed to never work out? Destiny was cruel and merciless to do such a thing.
They made their way to the 'park'--- a lame attempt at a natural environment that had been poorly tended. It was a large square area filled with trees and plants from various worlds, only most of the foliage was beginning to wilt and turn brown from neglect. Just on the other side was the 'Lucky Lady', a small cantina which was to serve as the meeting place with their contact--- one Deekoran Hunsu.
Upon entering the 'park', Obi-Wan slowed to study some of the plant life. Shaking his head, he walked over to one of the trees and gently placed a hand on its peeling bark. "This is a shame," he said. "These trees are near death due to neglect. I can barely feel their life force. It's just a faint shimmer." Sari watched him as he moved from plant to plant with a sorrowful look on his face. He told her what each was, where it was from, and what its home world was like.
"How do you know all of that?" she finally asked, her curiosity peaked.
He hung his head and then snickered. "Before I was a padawan, I almost became a member of the agricultural corps." Sari shot him a confused look, and he hesitantly continued. "I almost wasn't chosen as a padawan to become a knight."
"Really? That's surprising after all I've read about you and your accomplishments," Sari replied.
"Well, when I was young I was very... headstrong and almost cost myself an apprenticeship. I could've ended up a farmer.... if it hadn't have been for Qui-Gon, my master."
"You, a farmer?" Sari asked in disbelief. "I just can't imagine that!--- not that there's anything wrong with it, it just doesn't seem like something you would enjoy."
"Enjoyment had nothing to do with it. It would have been my life whether I enjoyed it or not." Obi-Wan was suddenly very serious, so Sari said nothing more.
Out of the corner of his eye, an approaching figure caught the Jedi's attention. A familiar face was headed their way, and it wasn't a friendly one. Obi-Wan remembered all too well their last meeting and knew the man would recognize them once he saw them. He had to think fast. It was too late to try and run or hide, so he did the only thing he could think of.
Without warning, Obi-Wan pushed Sari back against a large tree and forced a kiss onto her mouth. At first she was stunned, but didn't offer much resistance as she willingly melted into him and kissed back. After peeking out of the corner of his eye, he loosened his grip on her arms and lips and pulled away.
"What...was...that?" a breathless Sari questioned, not too sure of her balance.
Obi-Wan turned her head so that she could clearly see the retreating form of Deek, the young man who had held her at gun point and shot Obi in the mountains only nights before.
"Oh my gosh! It's him!," she declared. "The kid who shot you!"
"Yes, it is him," Obi replied, "... and I think we just found our contact."
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Deekoran Hunsu, Deek to his friends, strode confidently into the 'Lucky Lady' cantina and slid into an empty booth. He was quite proud of himself, for this was the first time Perrin had allowed him to work a deal entirely on his own. Usually, the dealers had to wait around for several days before a customer came into the picture. However, luck had smiled on Deek because he had barely been here a day and already a buyer had set up a meeting.
Success here would surely guarantee him another promotion. Being younger and smaller than all of Perrin's other 'employees', caused Deek to develop quite an attitude. He had to be twice as tough as the others, or they would never take him seriously. He was a young man with a lot to prove......... and that made him dangerous.
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"What are we going to do?" Sari asked as Deek disappeared into the cantina. Obi-Wan's brow was wrinkled in a frown. The serious look on his face told Sari he was devising a new plan at that very moment. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"It does complicate matters. He'll surely recognize you if he sees you. On the other hand, he may not know me without my beard." A light bulb went off in Obi-Wan's mind, and he began taking off his cloak.
"Here," he said as he wrapped it around Sari's shoulders. "If you wear this and keep the hood up, he'll never know."
"Are you sure?" she asked as he straightened the coat around her neck.
"No... but I AM sure that if you don't cover up, we'll get more attention than we'd like!" Obi glanced down at Sari's chest, then back up at her and gave her a lopsided grin. Her hand came up defensively to her bosom, and just as she was about to respond, Obi-Wan yanked the hood over her head.
"Come on! Let's go!"
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The smell of stale, smoky air and cheap liquor made Sari gag as they entered the 'Lucky Lady'. Since Obi-Wan's cloak was too long for her, she had to be sure to walk carefully. To make matters worse, the hood limited her field of vision, so she had to stay close behind the Jedi. Hidden under the cape with her was Obi's light saber, and she was finding it difficult to keep her hands off of it. The weapon terrified and fascinated her all at the same time. He had wanted to avoid giving his identity away if he could keep from it.
Suddenly, he stopped and turned back to her. "There he is, in that corner booth. Just let me do the talking and keep that hood up."
"Yes, Master," Sari replied jokingly with a roll of her eyes. Obi-Wan jerked to look back at her and then grinned.
"I like the sound of that," he said with a wink. Then he spun back to the front and walked to the booth.
For a brief second, Sari stood motionless. 'Did he just flirt with me?', she asked herself. This man was so utterly confusing.
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"Have we met before?"
The question set Sari's defenses on red alert. If the young man recognized Obi-Wan, their entire plan would be for naught. Luckily, the Jedi was quick-witted, and with a slight wave of his hand, Deek suddenly forgot all about his question.
"No, we haven't," Obi-Wan stated flatly.
Sari exhaled, letting out the breath she had been holding since the man across the table had first cast a suspicious glance at Obi-Wan Kenobi. With what Sari was finding to be his usual grace under pressure, the Jedi knight had skillfully deflected a possible fatal blow to his mission. She wondered if all Force users had the same mind-altering abilities that he did. If so, it was no wonder that Jedi were feared and respected all across the galaxy.
Obi-Wan had felt the sudden surge of fear rip through Sari's mind when Deek had asked his question. To calm her fear, he quickly placed his hand on her leg underneath the table, out of the boy's sight. At his touch, he could feel the tension begin to dissipate from her body. He had to keep this situation under control if he was to be successful.
Deek continued to discuss conditions as Sari and Obi-Wan listened. The 'goods', as he kept referring to the children, were safely stationed on a nearby planet about three hours away by hyper space. Obi easily figured out which planet, even though the young man thought himself clever for not mentioning its name. They would need to charter a freighter, of course, in order to transport the 'goods' back to their home world, or wherever they might take the 'merchandise.'
Sari felt herself sicken every time the boy spoke so casually about her children in such a derogatory manner. She wanted to jump across the table, grab him by the throat and 'teach' him some respect. However, the firm feel of Obi-Wan's hand on her leg kept her in check. She could also swear that he was somehow 'touching' her mind. Every time an angry thought entered in, a soothing flow would wash over her and the thought would be gone. The boy's continued arrogance caused this situation to repeat itself several times throughout the conversation.
Obi-Wan kept noticing Deek's frequent curious glances at Sari's hooded form. The boy was obviously desperate to know who this mysterious figure was, but the Jedi would quickly divert the boy's attention back to the discussion when he became too focused on her.
"Will we get the opportunity to inspect them before we commit to a purchase?" Obi-Wan asked. Deek snapped his attention back to the man in front of him.
"Um... I'm sure we can work something out. But rest assured--- these specimens are in top condition."
Sari felt a snarl curve her lips. True, she had known that people like this existed, but it had always seemed far removed from her personal life. Now, she was right in the middle of a horrible reality where children were sold like animals.
Deek rose to shake Obi-Wan's hand and finalize the preliminary deal. He also handed over a small data disk containing the coordinates of the mystery planet. Then he threw a credit on the table and left the cantina. Obi-Wan slid into the seat opposite Sari.
"That went well," he said.
"Well?! Did you hear how he kept referring to my kids? He's nothing but... but scum... wretched scum," she responded.
"Keep a hold on your emotions, Sari. I could feel your anger, and it could have betrayed us." Obi spoke to her like she was a child, and she hated it.
"What are you saying? That I shouldn't be upset about the situation my students are in? I just shouldn't care? Easy for you to say when---." Sari stopped abruptly and looked away.
"What? What were you going to say?"
Slowly, she turned her gaze back to the Jedi. "I was going to say that it's easy for you to say when you have no connection to them." She knew her words were hurtful, and regretted them as soon as she spoke.
"You're wrong, Sari. I do have a connection to them.... you." The gentle forgiving look in Obi-Wan's eyes made her feel even more guilty--- and more in love.
She tried to change the subject. "What exactly were you doing to me while he was talking? It was almost like you were getting inside my mind."
"I apologize for that. I shouldn't have done it without your consent, but I was afraid you might attack our dear little Deek if I didn't calm you down. It was a simple mind touch. I won't do it again." He was so sincere that it caught her off guard.
"No... that's okay. In fact, it was a good thing you did it. I'm kind of ashamed to say this, but I had my hand on your saber at one point. I might have used it if it hadn't been for your hand on my leg holding me down." A guilty grin spread across Sari's lips and Obi-Wan chuckled.
"You're something else," he muttered.
"And what does that mean?" she asked.
"It means that you are an amazing woman and you never cease to surprise me with your unpredictability." Sari hoped he couldn't see her blush under the hood. "Now, we need to see about a freighter."
"Hey, handsome. Care for a drink?"
The voice took both Sari and Obi-Wan by surprise. A woman had appeared at their table and was ogling the Jedi. Sari peered at her from under her hood and got an eyeful. The woman was probably a little younger than Sari, although she appeared to have much more 'mileage' than the teacher. Her long hair was bleached almost white and her face was painted with much more make-up than one person required. The woman's skin was tanned, and too much of it was showing, in Sari's opinion. Her low-cut halter top and tight fitting miniskirt had caught every man's eye in the cantina. Now she was focusing her attention on Obi-Wan Kenobi.
She sat down next to him in the booth, and, Sari noted, if he hadn't scooted over quickly, she would have been right in his lap. 'No doubt that's where she wants to be,' Sari thought to herself.
"I'm Lorna," she said, smiling through a mouth full of perfectly white teeth. 'Caps, I bet,' Sari noted. "Who are you?" she asked poking a finger into Obi-Wan's chest and leaving it there to be followed by her whole hand which she then ran over his taut frame.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at her boldness and carefully removed her hand. Clearing his throat, he answered.
"I'm Ben. It's nice to meet you, Lorna, but my friend and I were just leaving."
"Oh, well, that's too bad because I was hoping to get to know you a little better.... Ben." Lorna sidled up closer to Obi-Wan and he was stuck against the wall with no where to go. Sari felt her hand move to the light saber once again, but remembered to control her emotions. Instead she kicked the woman under the table.
"Ouch!" Lorna exclaimed as she jumped back from Obi-Wan.
"Oops! Sorry about that," Sari said lowering her voice. "It's time to go---Ben."
"Yes, you're right," Obi added as he tried to stand and force Lorna out of the booth. "We have an appointment." Reluctantly, Lorna slid out of the seat and stood to let the Jedi up.
"Well, then," she said in a breathy whisper, "maybe next time, Ben." Then she kissed her finger and touched it to the cleft in his chin. Sari's jealousy flared as she pushed through the girl to exit the scene.
"I'm out of here," Obi heard her say as she stormed by. He quickly followed behind, a bit embarrassed and a bit amused at the same time.
Sari walked around the building into a deserted alleyway, fuming with each step she took. Obi-Wan had to jog to keep up, and when he finally reached her, he grabbed her and spun her around. Gently, he lowered her hood and saw the jealous anger in the tenseness of her face.
"Frowning doesn't become you. Now what's wrong?" He already knew, but some mischievous part of him wanted to see her reaction. Thrusting her chin in the air, she refused to give him the pleasure.
"Wrong? I don't know what you mean. I just thought you were in a hurry to find a freighter and rescue twenty desperate children about to be sold into slavery---- NOT have a drink with some... some... space tramp!" She had tried, but couldn't hold her tongue.
There it was. He grinned. "Are you..... jealous, Sari Zendar?" he asked as he tenderly lifted her chin with his strong hand.
"Jealous?" she spat back indignantly. "Why would I be jealous?"
"Oh, I don't know," Obi replied, moving closer to her. She tried to back up but found herself pinned against a wall. He braced one hand on the wall and used the other to push a few strands of Sari's hair away from her face. Then he leaned his face down within inches of hers.
"The way you've been avoiding me lately, I was beginning to think that you didn't care. Do you?" His lips were so close to touching hers. All she would have to do was pucker just the tiniest little bit and she would feel his mouth on hers. Her heart was racing wildly, and she could feel his hard body beginning to press into her.
Swallowing hard, she whispered, "Yeah, I care." That was all he needed to hear. His mouth claimed hers with a passion that had been penned up for too long. His hands wove their way inside her cloak and around her waist. The feel of her body was almost more than he could bear, and he forced himself to stop. Both pulled back, breathless.
"Sari, I---," he began.
"Yes?" she waited eagerly. Looking into her beautiful face, Obi pulled her into his embrace once again.
"When you avoided me, I thought you had changed your mind about me--- that you didn't care anymore. I couldn't bear the thought. Sari, I... I have feelings for you--- feelings that I've never had for anyone before."
Was she dreaming? Or was he really saying what she so desperately hoped he was saying?
"Do you really mean it?" she asked searching his deep blue eyes. A simple nod answered her question. "I feel the same way. I don't know what it is, but I am so crazy about you that it scares me to death. I... I don't want to think about what it will be like when you're gone."
Obi-Wan dropped his arms and lowered his eyes to the ground. Gone.... Yes, eventually he would have to leave her---- or would he? All of the confusion was back again, whirling around in his mind.
"I know you'll have to leave. There's no getting around it," Sari said. "I guess that's why I've been so distant. I figured it would be easier for both of us if we broke any ties before things got too complicated. But for me, it's already too late." She had placed a hand on his arm, and he looked back into her face... a face he was falling in love with. Yes, that's what this feeling had to be, he was sure now. He was falling in love with Sari, and there was no turning back. The Force couldn't help him with this one.
"Sari, I think I--," Sari raised her hand to his mouth to stop him from continuing.
"No! Don't say it because if you do, I'll never be able to let you out of my sight. The Jedi temple would just have to get along without you, so save yourself the trouble and don't ...... don't say it."
And he didn't. Instead, he pressed his lips to hers once again, letting them speak the words he desperately wanted to say to her. With her lips, she spoke back, saying what his heart was longing to hear.... she felt the same. She was in love with him, too.