'Nother chaper....they'll come faster, I promise. Pleeeeeeaaaaaase
review. I'll love you forever if you do! I'll even let you have the
fruitcake my grandma made for us in December (I've been saving it for a
special occasion). Complements put a smile on my face, any and all
suggestions are welcome, and critiques help me improve (but if your
sole point is that Obidala is stupid, keep it to yourself) so
pleaaaase, pleeeeeeease tell me what you think.
Chapter 7: The Bait
The planet was called Parisia, and it was the pride of the B'lanni
system. Famous for its rare Kapichu pear, Parisia was a must-stop for
any traveler. And who in their right mind would resist a chance to
taste a Kapichu pear, to sip its sweet, candy-like nectar?
A hundred years ago, its popularity had resulted in Parisa-Kapichu
Hall, a conference palace of sorts for passing diplomats. With long,
endless halls and fountains filled with crystal water and tasty nectar,
it had been the most beautiful of its kind. So beautiful, in fact, that
when a cruel dictator had risen to power on another near-by planet
fifty years after that, he had claimed it as his own. When the
surrounding worlds resisted his rein, war erupted and Parisa and its
hall were the battle grounds. Since then, the war had ended. The world
had survived, the fruit continued to thrive, and the former palace was
named the single most thriling ruins in the known galaxy.
The ship docked on the offical bay of New Kapichu Hall. Amidala, eager
to leave the confining walls of her ship, slipped her into her
incognito roll of Padme, handmaiden to the Queen, and left a loyal Sabe
and Ambassidor Naberrie to finish the diplomacies. She crept away,
hidden by the thick brush, unseen.
Unseen, that is, by all but one. And in all fairness, things rarely got
past him. Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi watched her slink away, a small
smile curving his lips. A part of him wanted to follow her lead and
share the wonders of the planet at her side. But the other part of him,
the one in control of his body, wisely remained planted next to
Ambassidor Naberrie.
She was avoiding him. Had been avoiding him, actually, since his
awakening upon the ship. He didn't know why and despite a lack of Jedi
training, the Queen had a remarkable ability to use the Force as an aid
in hiding her thoughts.
It was, he decided, for the best. Lovely and wonderful and witty as she
was, Amidala was a distraction. And not the good,
its-all-right-to-take-a-break kind. More of the not-so-good,
-you-should-be-thinking-about-the-Sith variety. He could just push all
inappropriate notions, ie holding her beneath the blue moon and sharing
a glass of wine, away.
"Come along, Master Kenobi." A sing-song voice accompanied the tug of
his arm and the Jedi allowed himself to be led by the ambassidor. Her
petite figure was drowned in a sea of fabric, the green and white
clothes starting at just below her chin and weaving down to cover her
shoes. She smelled of Tive leaves, and from the pleasant chatter
babbling from her mouth, he could tell she'd had her usual dose of the
narcotic. But what really demanded his attention was the way she'd done
her hair.
It was tight, pulled back in a bun, a silver-copper pin somehow holding
it all in place. Its color seemed to have been altered in the sunlight,
darkened, so that for one gleaming moment, she was a different
person...
She was a Queen, her head held high though her hands figeted with a
nail, all her worries pent up inside. Her people were captives and she
was being escorted to the Galactic Senate to reclaim their freedom. It
was a job accepted most unwilling and Obi-wan feared that she couldn't
handle it. So many times she seemed to be reaching towards the
controls, sending back a message of their progress to the enemy. Of
course in the end, she'd proved him wrong. The Queen was strong.
Sometimes, stronger than he was.
"You are a Jedi Knight, no?" A stranger jumped into his path, a pink
lizard-like man with shiny white teeth and Obi-wan was shaken from his
reverie.
Fine job of not thinking about her, Obi-wan, the Jedi snorted at
himself. But to the man he bowed, his hands joined. "I am."
The lizard seemed to smile, or at least bare his teeth in an unhostile
way. Obi-wan sensed only curiosity. "Jedi are rare in these parts. I am
truly privledged to have spoken with you."
"I am grateful your people chose to share the wonders of the world with
outsiders like myself and my companions."
"How could we not? We have not forgotten who it was that pulled us from
the hells of war. A Jedi always has a home here on Parisia. And..." The
lizard winked, "...an unlimited supply of pears. Come, have one now!"
He scuttled off, the Jedi in his footsteps. Perhaps it was rude to
leave the party so, Obi didn't care. At present they provided too many
reminders of someone he was trying not to think of.
But if forgetting Amidala was his goal, the Jedi made a huge error. For
no sooner had the lizard man (Geri, he said was his name) led him to a
plant where the famed fruit grew, than he saw her.
She sat far enough away to not notice the staring Jedi, but close
enough for him to see the juice pouring down her chin, and to suck in
his breath at the sight of her, removed of her conservative aparrel, in
only a thin white, sleeveless shirt that showed off her gentle skin to
the world.
It was the same creamy complexion that had covered her whole body in
his dream, the same care-free but overwhelming hunger that had been
reflected in her eyes when he touched her face. All at once, Obi-wan
had to force himself to stay put, to not rush to her and envelope her
in his arms.
Do it, a voice whispered from a place so deep he almost thought it was
his own idea, indugle for once. You've denied yourself the pleasure too
long.
His arms reached out for her, a wave of longing passing through his
body, but his feet never moved. If his blood was boiling from the heat
she created, it was cooled by the chill of the voice. This time around,
he was not so foolish.
Come and try to temp me, he called out through the Force. I am ready
for your challenge.
But only silence answered. With a grin he looked away from the Queen
and asked the native to show him more of the planet, confident in his
own power.
The Force was with him.
*****************
She knew when he was near and the moment he vanished, presumably to
rejoin the group. But forever the actress, Amidala continued eating her
pear, as if oblivious to his observations.
It wasn't an easy task. Her heart seemed to be screaming at her,
insisting that she call him, run to him, do anything that would bring
him in closer contact. It had been so long since she'd lost herself in
his blue eyes.
But that was precisley why she had to sit still. A queen couldn't
afford to lose herself in anyone, let alone a knight forbidden to love.
Obi-wan was on the clock, he should be attending to Jedi matters.
Dala, Dala, Dala, she scolded herself. What are you going to do? It was
impossible to elude Obi-wan all the time and if he was half as bright
as she suspected, Obi already knew something was wrong.
Damn the Jedi intuition. If she ever managed to fall out of love with
him and into love with someone else, it would be someone who lacked his
calculating mind and calm spirit.
With a sigh, she threw her sweater back on. Darkness came a whole two
hours sooner on Parisia and if she didn't meet up with the rest of her
party, she could get lost. Trudging through the thick carpet of roots
and grass, the queen made her way back to the dock.
Amidala was nearly there, when a fruit fell from a tree above her,
almost hitting her head. Glancing up, wary, she searched for an animal.
When none was found, she chalked it up to a loose branch and took
another step.
Another fruit fell. Then two, then dozens.
********************
The door shut with a bang and all present felt a sick worry worm its
way into their chests. A large table, adorned with golden rods, had
room for twelve people to dine at; eleven were present.
Ambassidor Naberrie rubbed her head as she took her seat, ignoring the
heachache that pounded incessantly in her brain. A brewing pot of Tive
leaves sat just feet away but for once, she refused her medication. The
pain didn't matter anyway, the fear was so much worse.
Queen Amidala, her Padme, was lost, gone in the forrest filled with
deadly creatures and gastly, vile poisonous plants. The guards,
recently returned from their seach, offered no consolation. Not even
the Jedi, the great warrior, could find her.
Obi-wan was finding it more and more difficult to not feel worry, pain,
or fear. He thought again of her Force-sensitive ways and wondered why
it hadn't helped him locate her.
"Who saw her last?" The Naboo Security Leader demanded, strain etched
into his face.
"I believe it was me." Obi-wan said, noting a tilt of the head from
Ambassidor Naberrie.
"Where?"
"In the forrest, just a short walk away from the dock. Geri, you
remember." The lizard nodded.
"Anyone else?" But of course, no one had.
The ambassidor, meanwhile, had begun to watch Obi-wan in silence, her
eyes narrowed. Finally, when the Security man was done with his
inquisition, she rose and pointed a carefully cared for finger at the
Jedi.
"You! You did something to her!" She shouted, surprising everyone.
"I assure you, M'lady, I only saw her eating fruit. I am as anxious to
retreive her as you."
But the lady would not be dissuaded. "No, no, no! You don't feel like I
do, I am her *mother*. You aren't even capable of feeling anything at
all! You stole her from me. All week, she's been avoiding you. Why?
WHY? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BABY!"
Several men came up and caught the woman, one reaching especially for
the Tive. But even as they restrained her, Obi-wan noted a hint of
growing suspicion, directed at him.
Without another word, he left the room, muttering only "I do not wish
to cause anyone, let alone the lady, any further pain."
The doors shut again, this time locking him out.
********
Obi-wan would say he walked off into the deeper jungle, but truthfully
it was more of a stalk. He wished Yoda were near; he so required the
guidance of someone more experienced.
Unfortunately, the help that came was from the wrong side of the
spectrum. When it seemed like things couldn't be falling any more out
of control, the voice of evil came back.
Oh, what's the matter Kenobi, the seductive voice whispered, like a
lovers kiss. The commoners turning against you?
He said nothing, endeavoring to keep his mind focused. But temptation
never could take a hint.
Oh, too bad, it continued. Why can't they see you like I do, a strong,
powerful warrior. But you could make them see it like that, if you
really wanted to.
"I am not interested in your offers." Answering it was a mistake, the
words had flown out before he had a chance to consider their effect.
Nevertheless, he might as well get what information he could. "But I
promise you this: if you have the Queen, I will personally lead the
assault against you."
You and what army? You don't think *they're* gonna help you, do you?
They hate you.
"They are scared and confused. They're animosity is not unusual, given
the situation. Where is she?"
Perhaps. And can you not find her yourself? Or are you again helpless,
watching, for the second time, as a dear one is pulled closer and
closer to death.
A vision of Qui-gon, eyes wide with pain as the saber plunged deep into
his gut came into his mind and the Jedi felt his world spin faster. He
hadn't been able to do anything while his master and the Sith fought,
twenty fives years worth of skills rendered useless by the glowing red
wall before him.
He couldn't save him.
Qui-gon died.
You want to get stronger, don't you? I can give you the power to
protect Amidala. I know you love her. Think of the wonderful life you
two can share. She, a born leader; you, a man of unlimited strength.
What a perfect combination.
"You will not persuade me to abandon the Jedi Code I have served for so
long. You insult both myself and Master Qui-gon by thinking so."
Your words say one thing, Master Kenobi, but your emotions are quite
the opposite. I can feel you doubts, the guilt. You believe that you've
already failed Qui-gon, because you were not fast enough.
"You're wasting your time."
I can give you speed. You can save Amidala in minutes. Then we'll see
how the fools treat you.
Would Qui-gon have taken the bait, were the stakes high enough?
Maybe not for Qui-gon, but for Obi-wan there was no other option.
Besides, he had faith in the Force to sustain him.
"Tell me where to go."
The ancient ruins. I shall be waiting. And do come alone, those pesky
guards are such an annoyance.
*********
Well, another chapter had been finished and I finally have a plan.
Expect longer chapters starting on eight and the completion by Eleven.
^_^ Your input is important to us -er, me!
Question: On what show did singing flowers scream when they heard the
word of the day? And did anyone like it? I did, but none of my friends
did...:(. Bye now!
review. I'll love you forever if you do! I'll even let you have the
fruitcake my grandma made for us in December (I've been saving it for a
special occasion). Complements put a smile on my face, any and all
suggestions are welcome, and critiques help me improve (but if your
sole point is that Obidala is stupid, keep it to yourself) so
pleaaaase, pleeeeeeease tell me what you think.
Chapter 7: The Bait
The planet was called Parisia, and it was the pride of the B'lanni
system. Famous for its rare Kapichu pear, Parisia was a must-stop for
any traveler. And who in their right mind would resist a chance to
taste a Kapichu pear, to sip its sweet, candy-like nectar?
A hundred years ago, its popularity had resulted in Parisa-Kapichu
Hall, a conference palace of sorts for passing diplomats. With long,
endless halls and fountains filled with crystal water and tasty nectar,
it had been the most beautiful of its kind. So beautiful, in fact, that
when a cruel dictator had risen to power on another near-by planet
fifty years after that, he had claimed it as his own. When the
surrounding worlds resisted his rein, war erupted and Parisa and its
hall were the battle grounds. Since then, the war had ended. The world
had survived, the fruit continued to thrive, and the former palace was
named the single most thriling ruins in the known galaxy.
The ship docked on the offical bay of New Kapichu Hall. Amidala, eager
to leave the confining walls of her ship, slipped her into her
incognito roll of Padme, handmaiden to the Queen, and left a loyal Sabe
and Ambassidor Naberrie to finish the diplomacies. She crept away,
hidden by the thick brush, unseen.
Unseen, that is, by all but one. And in all fairness, things rarely got
past him. Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi watched her slink away, a small
smile curving his lips. A part of him wanted to follow her lead and
share the wonders of the planet at her side. But the other part of him,
the one in control of his body, wisely remained planted next to
Ambassidor Naberrie.
She was avoiding him. Had been avoiding him, actually, since his
awakening upon the ship. He didn't know why and despite a lack of Jedi
training, the Queen had a remarkable ability to use the Force as an aid
in hiding her thoughts.
It was, he decided, for the best. Lovely and wonderful and witty as she
was, Amidala was a distraction. And not the good,
its-all-right-to-take-a-break kind. More of the not-so-good,
-you-should-be-thinking-about-the-Sith variety. He could just push all
inappropriate notions, ie holding her beneath the blue moon and sharing
a glass of wine, away.
"Come along, Master Kenobi." A sing-song voice accompanied the tug of
his arm and the Jedi allowed himself to be led by the ambassidor. Her
petite figure was drowned in a sea of fabric, the green and white
clothes starting at just below her chin and weaving down to cover her
shoes. She smelled of Tive leaves, and from the pleasant chatter
babbling from her mouth, he could tell she'd had her usual dose of the
narcotic. But what really demanded his attention was the way she'd done
her hair.
It was tight, pulled back in a bun, a silver-copper pin somehow holding
it all in place. Its color seemed to have been altered in the sunlight,
darkened, so that for one gleaming moment, she was a different
person...
She was a Queen, her head held high though her hands figeted with a
nail, all her worries pent up inside. Her people were captives and she
was being escorted to the Galactic Senate to reclaim their freedom. It
was a job accepted most unwilling and Obi-wan feared that she couldn't
handle it. So many times she seemed to be reaching towards the
controls, sending back a message of their progress to the enemy. Of
course in the end, she'd proved him wrong. The Queen was strong.
Sometimes, stronger than he was.
"You are a Jedi Knight, no?" A stranger jumped into his path, a pink
lizard-like man with shiny white teeth and Obi-wan was shaken from his
reverie.
Fine job of not thinking about her, Obi-wan, the Jedi snorted at
himself. But to the man he bowed, his hands joined. "I am."
The lizard seemed to smile, or at least bare his teeth in an unhostile
way. Obi-wan sensed only curiosity. "Jedi are rare in these parts. I am
truly privledged to have spoken with you."
"I am grateful your people chose to share the wonders of the world with
outsiders like myself and my companions."
"How could we not? We have not forgotten who it was that pulled us from
the hells of war. A Jedi always has a home here on Parisia. And..." The
lizard winked, "...an unlimited supply of pears. Come, have one now!"
He scuttled off, the Jedi in his footsteps. Perhaps it was rude to
leave the party so, Obi didn't care. At present they provided too many
reminders of someone he was trying not to think of.
But if forgetting Amidala was his goal, the Jedi made a huge error. For
no sooner had the lizard man (Geri, he said was his name) led him to a
plant where the famed fruit grew, than he saw her.
She sat far enough away to not notice the staring Jedi, but close
enough for him to see the juice pouring down her chin, and to suck in
his breath at the sight of her, removed of her conservative aparrel, in
only a thin white, sleeveless shirt that showed off her gentle skin to
the world.
It was the same creamy complexion that had covered her whole body in
his dream, the same care-free but overwhelming hunger that had been
reflected in her eyes when he touched her face. All at once, Obi-wan
had to force himself to stay put, to not rush to her and envelope her
in his arms.
Do it, a voice whispered from a place so deep he almost thought it was
his own idea, indugle for once. You've denied yourself the pleasure too
long.
His arms reached out for her, a wave of longing passing through his
body, but his feet never moved. If his blood was boiling from the heat
she created, it was cooled by the chill of the voice. This time around,
he was not so foolish.
Come and try to temp me, he called out through the Force. I am ready
for your challenge.
But only silence answered. With a grin he looked away from the Queen
and asked the native to show him more of the planet, confident in his
own power.
The Force was with him.
*****************
She knew when he was near and the moment he vanished, presumably to
rejoin the group. But forever the actress, Amidala continued eating her
pear, as if oblivious to his observations.
It wasn't an easy task. Her heart seemed to be screaming at her,
insisting that she call him, run to him, do anything that would bring
him in closer contact. It had been so long since she'd lost herself in
his blue eyes.
But that was precisley why she had to sit still. A queen couldn't
afford to lose herself in anyone, let alone a knight forbidden to love.
Obi-wan was on the clock, he should be attending to Jedi matters.
Dala, Dala, Dala, she scolded herself. What are you going to do? It was
impossible to elude Obi-wan all the time and if he was half as bright
as she suspected, Obi already knew something was wrong.
Damn the Jedi intuition. If she ever managed to fall out of love with
him and into love with someone else, it would be someone who lacked his
calculating mind and calm spirit.
With a sigh, she threw her sweater back on. Darkness came a whole two
hours sooner on Parisia and if she didn't meet up with the rest of her
party, she could get lost. Trudging through the thick carpet of roots
and grass, the queen made her way back to the dock.
Amidala was nearly there, when a fruit fell from a tree above her,
almost hitting her head. Glancing up, wary, she searched for an animal.
When none was found, she chalked it up to a loose branch and took
another step.
Another fruit fell. Then two, then dozens.
********************
The door shut with a bang and all present felt a sick worry worm its
way into their chests. A large table, adorned with golden rods, had
room for twelve people to dine at; eleven were present.
Ambassidor Naberrie rubbed her head as she took her seat, ignoring the
heachache that pounded incessantly in her brain. A brewing pot of Tive
leaves sat just feet away but for once, she refused her medication. The
pain didn't matter anyway, the fear was so much worse.
Queen Amidala, her Padme, was lost, gone in the forrest filled with
deadly creatures and gastly, vile poisonous plants. The guards,
recently returned from their seach, offered no consolation. Not even
the Jedi, the great warrior, could find her.
Obi-wan was finding it more and more difficult to not feel worry, pain,
or fear. He thought again of her Force-sensitive ways and wondered why
it hadn't helped him locate her.
"Who saw her last?" The Naboo Security Leader demanded, strain etched
into his face.
"I believe it was me." Obi-wan said, noting a tilt of the head from
Ambassidor Naberrie.
"Where?"
"In the forrest, just a short walk away from the dock. Geri, you
remember." The lizard nodded.
"Anyone else?" But of course, no one had.
The ambassidor, meanwhile, had begun to watch Obi-wan in silence, her
eyes narrowed. Finally, when the Security man was done with his
inquisition, she rose and pointed a carefully cared for finger at the
Jedi.
"You! You did something to her!" She shouted, surprising everyone.
"I assure you, M'lady, I only saw her eating fruit. I am as anxious to
retreive her as you."
But the lady would not be dissuaded. "No, no, no! You don't feel like I
do, I am her *mother*. You aren't even capable of feeling anything at
all! You stole her from me. All week, she's been avoiding you. Why?
WHY? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BABY!"
Several men came up and caught the woman, one reaching especially for
the Tive. But even as they restrained her, Obi-wan noted a hint of
growing suspicion, directed at him.
Without another word, he left the room, muttering only "I do not wish
to cause anyone, let alone the lady, any further pain."
The doors shut again, this time locking him out.
********
Obi-wan would say he walked off into the deeper jungle, but truthfully
it was more of a stalk. He wished Yoda were near; he so required the
guidance of someone more experienced.
Unfortunately, the help that came was from the wrong side of the
spectrum. When it seemed like things couldn't be falling any more out
of control, the voice of evil came back.
Oh, what's the matter Kenobi, the seductive voice whispered, like a
lovers kiss. The commoners turning against you?
He said nothing, endeavoring to keep his mind focused. But temptation
never could take a hint.
Oh, too bad, it continued. Why can't they see you like I do, a strong,
powerful warrior. But you could make them see it like that, if you
really wanted to.
"I am not interested in your offers." Answering it was a mistake, the
words had flown out before he had a chance to consider their effect.
Nevertheless, he might as well get what information he could. "But I
promise you this: if you have the Queen, I will personally lead the
assault against you."
You and what army? You don't think *they're* gonna help you, do you?
They hate you.
"They are scared and confused. They're animosity is not unusual, given
the situation. Where is she?"
Perhaps. And can you not find her yourself? Or are you again helpless,
watching, for the second time, as a dear one is pulled closer and
closer to death.
A vision of Qui-gon, eyes wide with pain as the saber plunged deep into
his gut came into his mind and the Jedi felt his world spin faster. He
hadn't been able to do anything while his master and the Sith fought,
twenty fives years worth of skills rendered useless by the glowing red
wall before him.
He couldn't save him.
Qui-gon died.
You want to get stronger, don't you? I can give you the power to
protect Amidala. I know you love her. Think of the wonderful life you
two can share. She, a born leader; you, a man of unlimited strength.
What a perfect combination.
"You will not persuade me to abandon the Jedi Code I have served for so
long. You insult both myself and Master Qui-gon by thinking so."
Your words say one thing, Master Kenobi, but your emotions are quite
the opposite. I can feel you doubts, the guilt. You believe that you've
already failed Qui-gon, because you were not fast enough.
"You're wasting your time."
I can give you speed. You can save Amidala in minutes. Then we'll see
how the fools treat you.
Would Qui-gon have taken the bait, were the stakes high enough?
Maybe not for Qui-gon, but for Obi-wan there was no other option.
Besides, he had faith in the Force to sustain him.
"Tell me where to go."
The ancient ruins. I shall be waiting. And do come alone, those pesky
guards are such an annoyance.
*********
Well, another chapter had been finished and I finally have a plan.
Expect longer chapters starting on eight and the completion by Eleven.
^_^ Your input is important to us -er, me!
Question: On what show did singing flowers scream when they heard the
word of the day? And did anyone like it? I did, but none of my friends
did...:(. Bye now!