Chapter 3 – His World, My Distraction
Obi-Wan Kenobi stood among the nobles, men and women known to the poor as The Proud, looking thoroughly bored. Was it just an act? Obi-Wan was popular among his peers for his sense of humour and great taste. He was considered a fop and a dandy by those who thought they knew him, a fool by those who did not know him and a compassionate and intelligent man by those who were counted as his true friends. In this day and age we all wear masks, and those of us who appear to wear our hearts on our sleeves can often hide the biggest of secrets.
So was he really bored?
Back then I would have said yes, but things change. I've changed since then and my interpretation of the events since our meeting has changed.
Obi-Wan was dressed in fine cotton and silk; he was a picture of the latest fashion and wealth. He was one of the wealthier nobles gathered and his clothes echoed that with a quiet sense of style.
I was at that party also, but had yet to really notice Obi-Wan; I was there waiting for Amidala to arrive. I was not bored either. I was fascinated. I had seen people with plenty of money before, but never with so much freedom, not in Naboo, not even before Palpatine's rule.
Naboo had been free once, but when Palpatine seized power that freedom had been repressed. Here, that freedom had only continued to develop, becoming what the rebels envisioned for Naboo.
-
The carriage pulled up to the large stately home; beside me Travin sat in simmering annoyance. He hated these people for reasons I had yet to discover. Could his discovery cause this much hate? I wasn't sure, but my instincts told me there was more to it. I climbed out of the carriage before my assistant, adjusting my clothes as I did so. I was once again the immaculate NIA agent, an image I had spent many years cultivating. There was more to my work than running around after some criminals catching them and imprisoning them. The Guard and the Liberators were feared and so was the NIA. The Guards took you away, the Liberators protected a king of no mercy and the NIA accused the innocent and brought on the Guards.
The coach trip had not been long. An hour out of the city amid heath land sat the grand house of Sir Yaruel Poof and the venue for the ball. Travin had arranged for to attend. He had said it would be relatively small compared to other events with would include the King and his son, the Prince of Coruscant.
I had expected small, but as I stepped into the great hall I was assaulted by beautiful string music and a swirl of colour as men and women danced and the flickering light of candles. Dozens of wrought iron candelabras as well as the great chandelier offered light to the hall that also shone with wealth, with gold and with diamonds.
I stood to the side and took deep breaths; amazed by the world I now stood in. Time seemed to slow for an instant as couples glided past in a flurry of movement, the music matching the dancers' steps. I wandered around the edge of the dance floor in a kind of daze; amid the bystanders I walked, being one of them. They paid me no mind, and if some realised who I was, they did not show it through disgusted sneers and defensive body language. They did not even treat Travin badly, but I did catch a few following his movements with their eyes. My careful image had no effect on the people in that room, they had nothing to fear from the NIA.
I bayed Travin to stay by the door, not wanting his presence to interfere with my meandering. A polite word here and there was spared me, but little more. I waited for Amidala to arrive; content to watch the others dance in joy and ignorant freedom.
Her beauty stunned me.
Amidala Naberrie arrived an hour after I did and she entered with the nobility of a queen. Her dress spoke of riches but it was her soul that gleamed with riches, far greater than money. Accompanying her was a young man a little younger than her, but dashing never the less. Blond hair and blue eyes, strong and proud, if this was the Anakin Skywalker Travin had told him of, he was the perfect mate for her queenly figure.
-
"Lady Naberrie? May I have a word?" The young women turned towards me, her radiant smile falling from her face, replaced with suspicion. The young man she had been talking with stepped up close behind her, offering wordless support and comfort without needing to know the reason why she needed it.
"Anakin, this is Lord Jinn, he's the ambassador from Naboo." Her voice was flat and her tone cold.
"Lady Naberrie, I am honoured you know me."
"Don't be, sir. Have you been sent to take me back?" She studied me for a moment. "No, you're here because you seek my aide in revealing the Jedi, is that not right? I tell you now, sir, it will not happen."
I was quiet for a heartbeat in the face of her wrath. I sought the man who had freed her. I was the enemy, but I knew I would secure her help. Palpatine still had her family at his mercy and despite her loyalty to the Jedi, her loyalty to her family was stronger because it was bonded with love.
"What makes you think you can succeed where Mr. Travin failed? I see him by the door, I assume he is with you."
"You assume right, My Lady, but I am his superior."
"Your charm does not fool me, just as his did not fool Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan. I knew that name.
"Lord Kenobi?"
"Yes, sir, it is a most interesting story and one highly embarrassing for your Mr. Travin. Perhaps you should ask him to tell it to you. Just as he failed to woo Obi-Wan you will fail to woo me." There was a look of triumph on her face that I gloried in removing.
"I have no intention of charming you, Lady Amidala, as I have other means at my disposal. I will, however, take my leave of you now Madam, for this is neither the time nor the place for me to bare the tidings I bring from Naboo. But know this, I will make myself plain and you will undoubtedly help me." I bowed to her and left her to stand simmering in anger with Anakin mute by her side. I had angered her intentionally, knowing that people in an unstable emotional state often let slip the most crucial of secrets. Did she know the Jedi? I doubted it, but she knew something.
-
Now, this Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was interesting. Travin had not mentioned him in any personal manner. From his report I knew the Kenobis were an ancient noble family and was one of the wealthiest. Obi-Wan was the sole member of the family, as his brother had died with their parents when Obi-Wan was very young.
Why had Travin targeted Obi-Wan? Did he suspect him to be the Jedi or perhaps one of the League members? He was just as probable as any of the other nobility. So why did Travin choose him? Probably the same reason that I started to search among the crowd for him. He was alone, wealthy and had dozens of contacts; through him was access to all the upper houses including the royal household. Amidala had said Travin had tried to 'woo' Obi-Wan, so it was possible he was susceptible that way, but where Travin failed, I would succeed.
I didn't even notice him until I had almost walked into him. He was shorter than I, but no less athletic and he had an air about him; confidence, position and wealth.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice soft and accented, but pleasant to hear. "I didn't see you there." It was I who had almost ploughed into him, yet he was apologising to me. I smiled.
"Qui-Gon Jinn." I bowed low to him, showing my respect, "And it is I who should apologise."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, it is a pleasure to meet you." The first time I laid eyes on Obi-Wan and he could not have been more stunning than he had looked that night. He smiled with such genuine affection that the vision of it has remained with me. He wore a green waistcoat and jacket beaded with gems. He was dressed in the fashions currently in style, but without over doing the gold and jewels that many around me had done. His cravat was silk with only a little lace and was elegant.
His hair was long and in the candle light seemed to be the colour of fire. When I spoke to him I could not help noticing his eyes, as they were the deepest green. That first night I was not sure if it was the light or his clothes reflected in them that made his eyes that colour or if it was their natural colour. I could not look away from them. He moved with unconscious grace and was a nobleman in every sense of the word.
"That is an interesting accent, if you don't mind me saying so."
"Of course not. I was brought up in the West. I guess when I returned to Beli'ay, the West didn't completely disappear." We spoke comfortably for a while, quietly flirting, getting to know our prey.
"I am surprised you are speaking to me, my Lord. Everyone has been polite, but it is clear they do not wish to talk with me, let alone been seen to do so."
"Does that really surprise you, Lord Jinn?"
"Call me Qui-Gon. No, I suppose not. Yet they welcome Amidala and the others of the Fallen, I believe is the term."
"They came here for sanctuary and you are the one hunting the one who grants it. If they are seen with you it is possible people may think they are helping you, the enemy." I was surprised that everyone knew who I was and my purpose.
"Don't be surprised Qui-Gon, the name Jinn is synonymous with the Jedi stories. It was only a matter of time before you came and here you are. And what's more, I'm talking to you. What a scandal." He didn't seem concerned; in fact he seemed greatly amused.
"Aren't you worried people will think you are betraying the Jedi?" Despite my serious question the amusement did not leave Obi-Wan's eyes or his voice.
"What does it matter if they did? They won't treat me any differently. Besides I am unshakable in my position. My loyalty to his Majesty the King is well known. The King, who, as I'm sure you know, supports the Jedi's endeavours." When he spoke of his position it was not boastful, just simple fact.
"May I ask why you are speaking with the enemy so openly?"
"The sins of the father or in this case, the King. Now if you will excuse me, 'Dala is giving me the evil eye and I promised her a dance." I watched him walk away towards Lady Naberrie. She was scowling and he was still smiling. A few words from Obi-Wan and all traces of her anger evaporated. I had found my contact to Amidala, he was attractive, wealthy, a diplomat and willing to liase with me.
Through him I would have contact with everyone. However, that didn't mean I could be idle here, I had yet to speak to other guests. They may not be the Jedi but they could be a member of the Jedi's League.
"My Lord?"
"Yes, Travin?" He had appeared at my shoulder suddenly and silently. Perhaps he had some skills as a spy after all.
"Allow me to introduce you to some of the other guests I have had contact with."
"From what I've seen Travin, these people look upon you with distaste." I found it difficult to hide my dislike of the man myself.
"That may be so, Lordship, but I will be introducing you. Everyone is fascinated by the Jedi hunter that has appeared within their midst. Their greedy minds are hungry for more gossip."
"They do not wish to be seen talking to me, Travin."
"They did not Lord, but young Obi-Wan Kenobi, by talking to you here, has made it clear that you are free to be approached." I smiled; he was right. The hostile glances around us had evaporated and once again the nobles' minds were on the possibility of information.
"Then let us go and feed the rumour mill, Travin and see what is shifted out."
-
I spoke with many of the lords and ladies that were gathered for the Ball. Travin was right; it was easier to approach the guests now, even with Travin at my shoulder. All were polite, some distant, but most in search of information of their own. They all wanted to know what I knew. I was not fooled. They did not like my assistant, or me, but they endured our presence in the hopes of what I may be able to tell them.
Perhaps the Jedi or a league member listened in, also wanting to know how much I knew of them and how close I was. But if he or any member of his League were there, I never knew it. Not one of them slipped, because if they had I would have seen it instantly.
I saw Obi-Wan out the corner of my eye on more than one occasion flirting with the other guests, dancing, laughing and touching. A Brush of the hand, leaning into listen; he was very tactile. I turned from the Lady I was speaking to to find Obi-Wan gone. I decided it was time to further imbed myself in the man's mind.
I exited the main hall through one of the side doors, which led into a series of smaller rooms with connecting doors. The first one was the busiest; there was a table full of platters of food and trays of drink. There were also four men playing some kind of card game with quite a crowd watching. It appeared to be a friendly game and they asked me to join, but I declined their offer, instead heading for the door.
The next room was occupied by a couple of young lovers not yet married, engaging in the only intimacy they were allowed. I moved on quickly, not wanting to disturb them. The last two rooms were small and empty. I was about to head back, thinking the young lord had left, when I noticed one of the large doors that lead out onto a terrace was open. I stepped through and there he stood in the moonlight. He had yet to notice me, but from where I stood I could see his profile and the face of boredom fixed on it.
"All alone?" He gave a slight jump, clearly surprised to find he was no longer alone.
"I came out for some fresh air." He gave by way of an explanation.
"And to escape from the dull conversation." He smiled that smile, the one that left me shaking.
"Yes, that too."
"Care to dance?" Our eyes met and I read in his desire and need. He moved closer to me until we were almost touching. I reached out and took him into my arms, moving our bodies to the faint sound of music coming from the great hall. He didn't look up at me but put his cheek on my shoulder. I held him tightly, enjoying the sensation and living in the moment.
"Is this allowed, fraternising with the locals while on duty?" his tone was light but his body was tense.
"Does it matter, Obi-Wan?" I pulled back until he looked up at me. "I want to be here and I think you do, too."
"Will you not get into trouble?" His eyes searched my face.
"I'm not known for obeying the rules." And with that I pulled him forward and kissed him hard. He yielded to me and let me enter his mouth. He tasted of honey and wine. The kiss softened into something far more intimate. For the first time in my life I had second thoughts about using someone else's feelings to get what I wanted. He was so open, so feeling and so beautiful. I wanted him and he wanted me, yet I knew I would hurt him when he discovered my ulterior motives. I cared for him so quickly and I'm still not sure how he managed it.
He pulled away and smiled again.
"I have to go." He walked back though the open door with a sway to his hips. Before he disappeared from sight he turned. "I hope to see you again soon, Qui-Gon Jinn." Then he was gone. I remained on the terrace for some time. My feelings were irrelevant and so were his.
I had a job to do and nothing else mattered. I had been taught to use every available resource in whatever way I could and that was damn well what I was going to do. It was just coincidence that my professional mind and personal desire were in agreement when it came to Obi-Wan Kenobi. I wanted to see him again and the reasons why to this day are sketchy in my mind. He was a good source of information, but I wanted him because there had been an unfathomable connection, one I wanted to spend a lifetime exploring.
I remained awhile longer at the ball, playing in my mind what was to come next. I left in the early hours of the morning, heading back to the city and the embassy, Travin once again at my side.
-
I slept well the rest of that night, not at all worried about my investigation, still confident I would find something. My demons were peaceful and I woke feeling refreshed. Travin arrived shortly after I had risen; washed and dressed, no doubt informed I was awake by the maid who had brought me my breakfast.
"What's on the agenda today?"
"There is a garden party sir, at High Grove, which is the Royal residence. It is nothing formal, but more of the Proud will be attending, and of course, Prince Xanatos will be there."
"Excellent." While there had been a good number of people at the ball, the garden party would easily have twice as many people attending, including the heir to the throne, Prince Xanatos. He was King Valorum's oldest son and had a reputation of over indulgence.
"My Lord?"
"Yes, Travin?"
"I noticed you speaking to Kenobi last night." He seemed angry again or at least a little annoyed.
"Yes, I thought he would be a good source to cultivate."
"You should be careful of him, Lord, he is more devious and intelligent than he leads people to believe." Now my assistant sounded almost bitter.
"I have no doubt about that, Travin. I heard the two of you crossed swords. Care to tell me?" I took pleasure in his discomfort and his embarrassed fidgeting.
"It is not important, Lord." Not yet at least, but I let it go for the time being. I headed for the door, dressed once again all in black, and set out ready to meet Young Obi-Wan and the Prince of Coruscant.
-
He was there, and my heart jumped at the sight of him and the thought of the night before. As ever, he wore the general fashions, but the detail was exquisite without being over stated. His clothes in many ways were simpler than those around him, but somehow he seemed far more regal because of it. He was talking to a tall man about ten years his senior.
This man was stunning in a wildly different way to Obi-Wan. If Obi-Wan was the blinding light of the sun, then this man was the enraptured night and its moon. Dark and beautiful with an all together different kind of light. His hair was long and black, his eyes were ice blue and his skin was almost ivory in complexion. They were fire and ice, day and night, the sun and the moon. He leant towards Obi-Wan as he spoke and in my mind I could see them together joining as night and day never could.
I stepped closer without drawing attention to my presence and listened.
-
"Oh please, Xan, don't be ridiculous." Obi-Wan was clearly close to the other man and comfortable in his presence. Could 'Xan' be Prince Xanatos? It seemed likely, given the description of the Prince Travin had given me, but would a prince allow such familiarity?
"I disagree Ben, such things are possible. Take you, for example."
Ben?
"Me?"
"Yes, you. You who have taken one of his rescuees into his home."
"Dala is with the Skywalkers, besides that's not the same thing. That's a family taking pity on a lonely girl. It's not at all like one man's crusade. It's ridiculous."
"You said that already." It seemed to be a familiar argument but a friendly one.
"It bears repeating." I could almost here the scowl in Obi-Wan's voice.
"Which part?" Xanatos was smiling now.
"The romantic hero, the one man part."
"What about the League?"
"Exactly. How do we know there is a Jedi, that it's not just a League of people? People's imaginations have been running away with themselves and I don't see how my actions can possible bear any similarities to his."
"What actions?" Xanatos gave Obi-Wan an innocent look that not even I fell for.
"Dala and you are enjoying this far too much."
"Well, Ben, I am. You must be the only person in Beli'ay, hell, in Coruscant who, doesn't care about the Jedi."
"It's not that I don't care, Xan. If he exists, he's a hero and doing something good. It's the people's reactions to him that get to me."
"Now that I can agree with." The prince took a sip from the Champagne glass he held in his delicate fingers.
"Huh, you just don't like it 'cause they are gossiping more about him than they do about you."
"True, although it has meant that I don't have to be as discreet as I used to be, which I am sure you agree is good." Obi-Wan didn't say anything, but he did smile and Xanatos had a smug grin of his own on his face.
"Still, the idea of the Jedi is romantic, don't you think Ben?" Obi-Wan looked away momentarily interested in the game of badminton being played across the lawn. "Oh, I forgot you're not a romantic, but wait," The prince brought his hand to his chest in spurious surprise, " what was it you were telling me about love at first sight? A tall dark dashing man who happens to be chasing said Jedi."
"I knew I shouldn't have told you." Obi-Wan seemed almost sad when he spoke and Xanatos, knowing Obi-Wan well, immediately picked up on his change of mood.
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan, but you have to remember who he is. I love you, my friend and it saddens me to see you alone. This Jinn, could he love you how you wish?"
"I don't know. What if he is really just another Travin?"
"I should have sent him back to Naboo." There was real fury in Xanatos' voice and his eyes were ice cold.
"What would have been your reason? He hurt my friend and sometimes lover? I don't think so, Xan." The prince didn't say anything to his friend, but stood silently by his side, a look of sorrow for his companion on his face. It was Obi-Wan who broke the silence.
"Come, my friend, let us return to gossiping about the Jedi, I know how you enjoy it."
"Well, who else is the Prince of Coruscant going to gossip about?" The atmosphere was immediately lightened and they returned to their friendly banter.
"I bet the real reason you don't mind everyone talking about the Jedi instead of you, is that you're him. That way you get to be talked about twice. I wouldn't put it past that mind of yours."
"Damn you, Ben." Xanatos' voice was full of laughter. "You saw through my devilishly clever scheme. Now I must kill you." Obi-Wan laughed out loud as his friend raised his hands as if to strangle him.
"You know, you'd be a lot scarier if you weren't smiling."
"It's how I reassure my victims."
"In that case, you can't be the Jedi. He doesn't have victims, he has the Fallen." It was a joke among friends, but deep below in a place invisible to others, I heard a faint trace of bitterness.
They spoke a moment longer before splitting up to mingle with the other guests, but I had barely listened to the rest of the conversation after the love at first sight comment. Did he really feel that way? Did I return his feelings? Did it matter?
His world and Obi-Wan himself had become a distraction, but at the time I barely noticed, justifying my pursuit of him for the gathering of evidence. With the thought of using him in my mind, I set out to accidentally run into him. But surrounding my intentions and also far beneath them, was my desire to see him and know him and so it began, our courtship. It was never my intention to love him, but by then I already did. Maybe it was already too late or maybe I never stood a chance.
Or maybe I am utterly wrong.
No, I don't think so, either.