Sorry this took such a very long time. But I graduate in a few days so
after that I'll have lots of time. Kay? Bye for now
Remember, Email me at eileenblzr@yahoo.com or if at fanfiction.net,
then just respond. Thanks! Read on!
Chapter 4: Whispers
Obi-wan had reclined in the seat, letting his head roll back, as though
he were a rag doll. One leg crossed haphazardly over the other, and
remained braced on the edge of the controls. His hands fiddled idly
with a switch on the side of the chair. "We're not there yet," came his
ever calm voice, carrying past the loud hum of the engine.
Amidala nodded and walked closer to him, sighing slightly. "Obi...I'm
sorry for what my mother said. She didn't know about Qui-gon. Whatever
they prescribed her keeps her on her own planet sometimes."
"It doesn't matter. I overreacted."
"No, you didn't. Her comments were rude and inappropriate. I'm sorry."
"Its all right. Resentment is a feeling I don't take part in."
She placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "I know that Master Jinn
was important to you. You were right to feel hurt or at least
insulted."
"Qui-gon wouldn't have. We don't place our worth in our fellow beings;
it doesn't promote healthy detachment."
She knocked his legs off, sending them to the ground with a loud thud.
placing a hand on either side of the chair, she leaned closer, staring
at him with open hostility.
"How dare you. Its bad enough that you are so ungrateful after I stood
up for you to my own mother, but to treat the memory of someone I
*thought* you cared about like that. I can't believe you! I do not care
about your rules of 'detachment' that the obviously cold and cruel Jedi
Council teach, you will not behave so boorishly aboard my ship."
He stared at her in amazement, and then lowered his head. "I am
ashamed, M'lady, that I so slurred the Jedi's name in your mind. I hope
you understand that Master Qui-gon was my father, in every way that
matters and I meant only that the best way to honor my master is to act
like the Jedi he made."
She relaxed, in both and comprehension and embarassment. Now who was overreacting? "I do understand. You are forgiven, Master Jedi. For the most part."
A smile cracked his lips as he helped her to a sitting position on the seat next to his. "Not entirely?"
"Well...I do have to deal with Mother because of you. She'll be furious that I wrinkled this dress."
"How ever can I atone, Majesty?"
"Hmmm. Is that Alderaan I see in the distance? I hear they have the most fragrant flowers in the galaxy."
************
Sidious walked from one edge of the port to the other. A sinister smile crinkled his aging face and an eerie sound left his lips.
It was a horrible, spine-shivering noise. It danced a taunting dance around the area, playing upon echoes.
It was a laugh.
The dark side had hidden its glory long enough. It was time for the splendid power to unfold itself from the little corner where it had resided for so long. Soon, everyone would know that he, Darth Sidious, was master of the Force and life itself.
He had only to wait a while longer.
*************
"We're free!" Queen Amidala shouted as they exited the tall palace, nearly skipping with joy. "The information has been verified and my job as Queen of Naboo is officialy over. It is now up to Ambassador Naberrie and dearest Sabe to accept the papers over a formal ceremony. It'll be filled with beautiful gowns, fabulous food, and the best wine. She'll love it. And we, Jedi Master, are going to find the plant that will next grace my ships. "
Her Jedi companion snapped a nearby twig off a tree and presented
to her. "Your majesty need look no further."
Playfully, she punched his arm and laughed, delighted in his joke. He was adorable, the perfect gentlemen, a complete sweetheart. And if she couldn't hold him like she so often dreamed of doing, it was wonderful to at least share these sweet moments.
Unknown to her, her thoughts flittered by unchecked and her astute Jedi
friend caught them as though they were flies running into a spider's nest. Inwardly, he stilled, feeling a foreign sense of fear settle in his heart. Never had he considered that she was attracted to him like *that*. Wasn't she only fourteen, more a child than a lady in the first place?
But the scarier thing was that he could not set her straight. Many girls had had crushes on him, and he knew the standard reply: It could never work out, its against my beliefs, you'll find someone else. But watching her laugh, oblivious to his plight, Obi-wan found himself unable to recite his speech. Because, just maybe, he could find a way...
expect there was no way. It was forbidden. Besides, since when did he, Obi-wan Kenobi, reciprocate feelings for some pretty girl? He knew better. Didn't he?
"Obi-wan, are you even listening to me? You look like you've just
been asked to explain the meaning of life."
How ironic that the cause of his distraction would be the reminder of what he served. He snapped back to reality and dropped his thoughts along with the twig. "Life is the Force."
"I see."
"So," he began walking again, almost too quickly. She had to adjust her own speed and breath a bit more to keep up with his longer legs. "Your mother is...nice."
Amidala shrugged in a weird combination of sorrow and nonchalance. "She wasn't always like this, you know. When I was young, she was my hero. She spent a brief time as Senator, when Palpatine was taken ill, but she filled those few years with sparkling intelligence and ground-breaking, thought-provoking opinions. Everyone loved to hear her speak; it was so enlightening. When Palpatine returned, she was offered position as ambassador. The two worked closely, until my mother became sick. He ordered her the best healers around, but she ended up on a lot of medication. She takes it constantly now, and like I've said, it affects her mind and attitude."
"It must have been a great loss for the Republic."
"It was. Afterwards, Palpatine spent a lot of time with her, trying to recover her spirit but...she just got addicted to Tive leaves and has been there ever since."
"That's truly tragic, Majesty. She sounds a lot like you, and I can only imagine the blow the galaxy would take if it lost you." Obi-wan could have bit his tongue for complementing her when he should have been discouraging her crush, but the blush of her cheeks thrilled him all the same.
They strolled down the cities of Alderaan, marveling at the variety of flowers. To onlookers, they were a young peasant couple, happily
wrapped up in a world of sweet romance.
Only to themselves they remained the tired queen and her weary and wary Jedi escort, both confused yet content.
Sometime later, they went back to the ship. She carried a dozen long red flowers and he dragged a cart of different plants. He left them in her room and bid her goodnight.
* * * *
A figure in a black shroud leaned far back into his large chair. He rubbed his chin with a bony hand. A slightly younger man crouched down to tell him something.
"Yes, now is the right time, isn't it."
* * * *
Obi-wan folded his cloak and set it on the dresser. His belt and saber followed, and then a layer or so of clothing. He donned a thin white shirt and a pair of tan pants. Climbing into the hard bed, Obi pushed away the blanket and rested his head against the mattress.
Just as he was sleeping, a whisper in his ear woke him. "Obi-wan," it called, a tantalizing, hauntingly familiar, seductive sound. His eyes shot open, and he searched the room for unexpected guests.
He was alone.
"Obi-wan, you're so strong." It murmurred again, and he could almost feel soft lips rubbing against his ear. "And so very powerful. Why, you're probably the greatest Jedi ever, aren't you. You could make Windu cry for mercy with a saber, couldn't you? I'll bet that even old Yoda is jealous of you. "
He wanted to shut it out, make it stop, but he couldn't even find it. It seemed to be everywhere at once and yet, nowhere. Who was doing this? The Jedi erected his mental walls, his protection, curtesy of the Force, but the voice pranced through them as if they were nonexistant.
"Don't deny it, *Master* Kenobi. You are a superb Jedi. The likes of you rarely grace this galaxy. Imagine the power you could yield if you weren't tied down by all those annoying little rules. No anger, no hated,...no love." Something soft brushed against his hand and Obi turned.
In crimson silk, Amidala lay beside him, a true sleeping beauty. Her gown revealed much more than the official, ceremonial dresses and peach skin beckoned to him like chocolate cake to the stomach. With a mind all its own, his hand moved forward to carress her cheek, and a gleeful shudder ran through him. When it passed, Obi-wan's eyes widened in horror and he shrank back.
"I will not give in to you, whoever you are." He shouted at the air. "I am sworn to the Jedi Code. The Darkside is only the path for those too weak to resist temptation."
"So," the voice chuckled, again at his ear. "You've discovered my little secret. I should have known, since you're so brilliant. But think again, Obi-wan, before refusing. I'm offering you your heart's desire. The burning passion within you has been repressed for far too long. Set it free, embrace your power, capture your dreams and hold them tightly."
Amidala sighed again, rolling closer to him. But now, Obi-wan was ready. He pushed whatever he was feeling away and addressed the voice once more.
"I will never join you."
"Oh, Obi-wan," it laughed. "Obi, Obi, Obi...Obi-wan Kenobi! Master Kenobi, please wake up!"
He sat up in bed, accidentally knocking his arm into the girl that stood to his right. Rabe raised an eyebrow and stepped back.
"Sir, you're wanted in the viewing room."
***********
Obi-wan took deep breaths, reaching out to the Force and trying to wrap it around himself like a blanket. Above all else, peace must exist in the mind. Tranquility must take the place of sorrow, happiness, joy, anger and most of all love.
It was the Jedi way and he, Obi-wan Kenobi, was a Jedi. Born, bred and raised. There could be no other way.
He would not be lured by the Darkside. These were difficult times, true. But with challenge came a chance to grow, to prove one's loyalty and strength. That thought sustained him until he collided with a guard. "Look where you're going!" he snapped, rudely pushing the apologetic man away. Obi started walking, then felt something beneath his foot.
It was a fork, left behind with a piece of bread. The hard-working man was probably carrying his dinner to private quarters. And he, Obi-wan, supposedly a kind warrior, hadn't even apologized for spilling his meal onto the ground. Obi-wan fell yet again to his knees, and dropped his head into his hands.
Master, he thought, what do I do?
after that I'll have lots of time. Kay? Bye for now
Remember, Email me at eileenblzr@yahoo.com or if at fanfiction.net,
then just respond. Thanks! Read on!
Chapter 4: Whispers
Obi-wan had reclined in the seat, letting his head roll back, as though
he were a rag doll. One leg crossed haphazardly over the other, and
remained braced on the edge of the controls. His hands fiddled idly
with a switch on the side of the chair. "We're not there yet," came his
ever calm voice, carrying past the loud hum of the engine.
Amidala nodded and walked closer to him, sighing slightly. "Obi...I'm
sorry for what my mother said. She didn't know about Qui-gon. Whatever
they prescribed her keeps her on her own planet sometimes."
"It doesn't matter. I overreacted."
"No, you didn't. Her comments were rude and inappropriate. I'm sorry."
"Its all right. Resentment is a feeling I don't take part in."
She placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "I know that Master Jinn
was important to you. You were right to feel hurt or at least
insulted."
"Qui-gon wouldn't have. We don't place our worth in our fellow beings;
it doesn't promote healthy detachment."
She knocked his legs off, sending them to the ground with a loud thud.
placing a hand on either side of the chair, she leaned closer, staring
at him with open hostility.
"How dare you. Its bad enough that you are so ungrateful after I stood
up for you to my own mother, but to treat the memory of someone I
*thought* you cared about like that. I can't believe you! I do not care
about your rules of 'detachment' that the obviously cold and cruel Jedi
Council teach, you will not behave so boorishly aboard my ship."
He stared at her in amazement, and then lowered his head. "I am
ashamed, M'lady, that I so slurred the Jedi's name in your mind. I hope
you understand that Master Qui-gon was my father, in every way that
matters and I meant only that the best way to honor my master is to act
like the Jedi he made."
She relaxed, in both and comprehension and embarassment. Now who was overreacting? "I do understand. You are forgiven, Master Jedi. For the most part."
A smile cracked his lips as he helped her to a sitting position on the seat next to his. "Not entirely?"
"Well...I do have to deal with Mother because of you. She'll be furious that I wrinkled this dress."
"How ever can I atone, Majesty?"
"Hmmm. Is that Alderaan I see in the distance? I hear they have the most fragrant flowers in the galaxy."
************
Sidious walked from one edge of the port to the other. A sinister smile crinkled his aging face and an eerie sound left his lips.
It was a horrible, spine-shivering noise. It danced a taunting dance around the area, playing upon echoes.
It was a laugh.
The dark side had hidden its glory long enough. It was time for the splendid power to unfold itself from the little corner where it had resided for so long. Soon, everyone would know that he, Darth Sidious, was master of the Force and life itself.
He had only to wait a while longer.
*************
"We're free!" Queen Amidala shouted as they exited the tall palace, nearly skipping with joy. "The information has been verified and my job as Queen of Naboo is officialy over. It is now up to Ambassador Naberrie and dearest Sabe to accept the papers over a formal ceremony. It'll be filled with beautiful gowns, fabulous food, and the best wine. She'll love it. And we, Jedi Master, are going to find the plant that will next grace my ships. "
Her Jedi companion snapped a nearby twig off a tree and presented
to her. "Your majesty need look no further."
Playfully, she punched his arm and laughed, delighted in his joke. He was adorable, the perfect gentlemen, a complete sweetheart. And if she couldn't hold him like she so often dreamed of doing, it was wonderful to at least share these sweet moments.
Unknown to her, her thoughts flittered by unchecked and her astute Jedi
friend caught them as though they were flies running into a spider's nest. Inwardly, he stilled, feeling a foreign sense of fear settle in his heart. Never had he considered that she was attracted to him like *that*. Wasn't she only fourteen, more a child than a lady in the first place?
But the scarier thing was that he could not set her straight. Many girls had had crushes on him, and he knew the standard reply: It could never work out, its against my beliefs, you'll find someone else. But watching her laugh, oblivious to his plight, Obi-wan found himself unable to recite his speech. Because, just maybe, he could find a way...
expect there was no way. It was forbidden. Besides, since when did he, Obi-wan Kenobi, reciprocate feelings for some pretty girl? He knew better. Didn't he?
"Obi-wan, are you even listening to me? You look like you've just
been asked to explain the meaning of life."
How ironic that the cause of his distraction would be the reminder of what he served. He snapped back to reality and dropped his thoughts along with the twig. "Life is the Force."
"I see."
"So," he began walking again, almost too quickly. She had to adjust her own speed and breath a bit more to keep up with his longer legs. "Your mother is...nice."
Amidala shrugged in a weird combination of sorrow and nonchalance. "She wasn't always like this, you know. When I was young, she was my hero. She spent a brief time as Senator, when Palpatine was taken ill, but she filled those few years with sparkling intelligence and ground-breaking, thought-provoking opinions. Everyone loved to hear her speak; it was so enlightening. When Palpatine returned, she was offered position as ambassador. The two worked closely, until my mother became sick. He ordered her the best healers around, but she ended up on a lot of medication. She takes it constantly now, and like I've said, it affects her mind and attitude."
"It must have been a great loss for the Republic."
"It was. Afterwards, Palpatine spent a lot of time with her, trying to recover her spirit but...she just got addicted to Tive leaves and has been there ever since."
"That's truly tragic, Majesty. She sounds a lot like you, and I can only imagine the blow the galaxy would take if it lost you." Obi-wan could have bit his tongue for complementing her when he should have been discouraging her crush, but the blush of her cheeks thrilled him all the same.
They strolled down the cities of Alderaan, marveling at the variety of flowers. To onlookers, they were a young peasant couple, happily
wrapped up in a world of sweet romance.
Only to themselves they remained the tired queen and her weary and wary Jedi escort, both confused yet content.
Sometime later, they went back to the ship. She carried a dozen long red flowers and he dragged a cart of different plants. He left them in her room and bid her goodnight.
* * * *
A figure in a black shroud leaned far back into his large chair. He rubbed his chin with a bony hand. A slightly younger man crouched down to tell him something.
"Yes, now is the right time, isn't it."
* * * *
Obi-wan folded his cloak and set it on the dresser. His belt and saber followed, and then a layer or so of clothing. He donned a thin white shirt and a pair of tan pants. Climbing into the hard bed, Obi pushed away the blanket and rested his head against the mattress.
Just as he was sleeping, a whisper in his ear woke him. "Obi-wan," it called, a tantalizing, hauntingly familiar, seductive sound. His eyes shot open, and he searched the room for unexpected guests.
He was alone.
"Obi-wan, you're so strong." It murmurred again, and he could almost feel soft lips rubbing against his ear. "And so very powerful. Why, you're probably the greatest Jedi ever, aren't you. You could make Windu cry for mercy with a saber, couldn't you? I'll bet that even old Yoda is jealous of you. "
He wanted to shut it out, make it stop, but he couldn't even find it. It seemed to be everywhere at once and yet, nowhere. Who was doing this? The Jedi erected his mental walls, his protection, curtesy of the Force, but the voice pranced through them as if they were nonexistant.
"Don't deny it, *Master* Kenobi. You are a superb Jedi. The likes of you rarely grace this galaxy. Imagine the power you could yield if you weren't tied down by all those annoying little rules. No anger, no hated,...no love." Something soft brushed against his hand and Obi turned.
In crimson silk, Amidala lay beside him, a true sleeping beauty. Her gown revealed much more than the official, ceremonial dresses and peach skin beckoned to him like chocolate cake to the stomach. With a mind all its own, his hand moved forward to carress her cheek, and a gleeful shudder ran through him. When it passed, Obi-wan's eyes widened in horror and he shrank back.
"I will not give in to you, whoever you are." He shouted at the air. "I am sworn to the Jedi Code. The Darkside is only the path for those too weak to resist temptation."
"So," the voice chuckled, again at his ear. "You've discovered my little secret. I should have known, since you're so brilliant. But think again, Obi-wan, before refusing. I'm offering you your heart's desire. The burning passion within you has been repressed for far too long. Set it free, embrace your power, capture your dreams and hold them tightly."
Amidala sighed again, rolling closer to him. But now, Obi-wan was ready. He pushed whatever he was feeling away and addressed the voice once more.
"I will never join you."
"Oh, Obi-wan," it laughed. "Obi, Obi, Obi...Obi-wan Kenobi! Master Kenobi, please wake up!"
He sat up in bed, accidentally knocking his arm into the girl that stood to his right. Rabe raised an eyebrow and stepped back.
"Sir, you're wanted in the viewing room."
***********
Obi-wan took deep breaths, reaching out to the Force and trying to wrap it around himself like a blanket. Above all else, peace must exist in the mind. Tranquility must take the place of sorrow, happiness, joy, anger and most of all love.
It was the Jedi way and he, Obi-wan Kenobi, was a Jedi. Born, bred and raised. There could be no other way.
He would not be lured by the Darkside. These were difficult times, true. But with challenge came a chance to grow, to prove one's loyalty and strength. That thought sustained him until he collided with a guard. "Look where you're going!" he snapped, rudely pushing the apologetic man away. Obi started walking, then felt something beneath his foot.
It was a fork, left behind with a piece of bread. The hard-working man was probably carrying his dinner to private quarters. And he, Obi-wan, supposedly a kind warrior, hadn't even apologized for spilling his meal onto the ground. Obi-wan fell yet again to his knees, and dropped his head into his hands.
Master, he thought, what do I do?