Stars in the Darkness - Part Ten
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As Anakin took the lift up to Onara's penthouse, he wondered what was happening with Obi-Wan back at the Temple. He had not wanted to leave his master, even if he himself had not been summoned before the Council, but he would do as Obi-Wan instructed and see to Onara. He wondered if she'd seen the broadcast yet. His fists clenching as he waited for the lift to finally arrive at Onara's floor, he amused himself by imagining various ways he could use the Force to torment Twang.
The lift finally stopped. Anakin pressed the chime of the penthouse's door. It opened, revealing Keria whose bright blue eyes widened when she saw who it was.
"Master Anakin," she stammered, a blush suffusing her smooth cheeks.
"Hello, Keria. May I please see Onara...I mean, Senator Lenor?"
"Of course. Please, come in," Keria said breathlessly, waving Anakin in.
He walked past her and into the sitting area. There were boxes scattered about the room, though it looked as if Keria had been in the middle of unpacking some of them.
"Milady is still sleeping, I think, but I'll let her know you're here."
Keria turned and walked towards the rear of the apartment. Anakin was about to tell her not to awaken Onara, since he'd had no idea she would still be sleeping, but he thought it best she find out about Twang's broadcast as soon as possible.
Keria soon returned, Onara accompanying her. Anakin swallowed hard and found himself recalling the first time he had ever seen her. Initially it at been at her wedding banquet, when she had been married to Dynast Edress, that walking bucket of slime. But then she'd been swathed in layers and layers of veils and robes.
Later, he had finally seen her unveiled when he'd been required to escort her to the wedding chamber where Obi-Wan had been waiting so the two of them could participate in the Ahjane blessing ceremony. A ceremony Obi-Wan had reluctantly agreed to go along with, but had resisted actively participating in.
However, although Anakin never learned what happened between Onara and Obi- Wan that night, the two had fallen in love and had, as a result of Onara's grandmother's scheming, conceived a child; their son, Ben.
Now, as Onara walked towards him, tying a peach satin morning robe around her slender waist, her dark hair tousled about her neck, her equally dark eyes regarding him sleepily, he was struck by the resemblance between her and Padmé, although Onara was a tad taller, her hair and eyes more black than dark brown, and her features a bit more voluptuous.
"Anakin. What a pleasant surprise," she said as she walked over to him, a wide smile on her face.
Anakin bowed to her, than took the hand she offered. She squeezed it warmly, gazing up at him with affection. He had spent nearly every day of the month Obi-Wan had gone in search of Sinja-Bau in her company and looked upon her as the sister he'd never had.
"Good morning, milady. I'm sorry to have wakened you, but Master Obi-Wan asked me to come and see you."
A look of alarm flared in Onara's eyes. "Obi-Wan? Is he all right?"
Anakin found it curious that, as far as he knew, he hadn't yet given any indication Obi-Wan was having problems, but Onara already seemed to sense it.
"I think he might be in trouble with the Jedi Council."
"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
Anakin quickly told Onara about Dyslogia Twang's report that morning on the HoloNet News concerning her and Obi-Wan. He then told her Obi-Wan had been summoned to appear before the Council.
"He also wanted me to tell you," Anakin went on, "he'd contact you as soon as he could."
Onara sat slowly on the couch. Keria who had been listening to all Anakin said with wide eyes, sat next to her and took her hand.
"Are you all right, milady?"
"Keria," Onara said in a low, slow voice. "Turn on the holoscreen and find that broadcast."
Keria looked over at Anakin and he saw she didn't know how to work the holoscreen yet.
"I'll do it, Lady Onara," he offered.
He saw a faint smile flit across Onara's lips at his use of the title, but her dark eyes were cloudy. As Anakin ordered the holoscreen on and directed it to repeat Twang's broadcast, he thought to himself he certainly didn't feel comfortable just calling her Onara anymore. She was a Senator of the Republic after all.
Then Anakin frowned darkly as Twang's fat face appeared on the holoscreen. And, although he'd already viewed the broadcast twice, it made him just as angry and very embarrassed for Onara.
She, however, like his master, only watched impassively as Twang spewed out his garbage, the only sign it was affecting her a tightening of her fingers around Keria's hand. Once the broadcast was done, Anakin quickly ordered the holoscreen off.
For a moment there was only silence in the sitting area. Keria glanced over at Anakin, her blue eyes worried. He saw that, like him, she was very much aware of what the consequences could be for her mistress, no matter how untrue Twang's statements were. Onara continued to sit quietly. Then she slipped her hand from Keria's. She looked over at Anakin.
"And you think Obi-Wan's summons before the Council this morning has to do with this...this..." and Onara gestured brusquely at the holoscreen, a flitter of distaste crossing her lovely face, "this..."
She stopped, her voice clearly betraying her agitation, her throat working.
"Yes, I do," Anakin answered. "Master Obi-Wan thought so too."
"Do you think he's before them now?"
Anakin nodded. "They wanted him to appear as soon as he was dressed."
A frown creased Onara's forehead. "And the HoloNet News? That goes out all over the Republic, correct?"
Anakin nodded. Onara looked over at Keria.
"Do you recall when Dalan said he was going to have the connection to the HoloNet installed in the manor?"
"I think this week, milady."
Onara nodded slowly. She stood and walked over to Anakin. Stopping in front of him she looked up into his face, her dark eyes burning with what Anakin could see was barely suppressed rage.
"Would you do me a favor, Anakin?," she asked, her voice tight and hard.
"Of course."
"Find out where this...this creature's lair is, arrange transport to it and accompany me there."
For a moment Anakin was too stunned to speak because, as Onara had spoken, he'd had a sudden flashback of his encounters with the Lady Tsara, Onara's grandmother. As formidable and terrible a being as Anakin had ever met, the elderly woman had been capable of cowering the most stout-hearted of men. Even him.
Though Onara was far more beautiful and kind-hearted than that dried up witch had ever been, Anakin also realized she was Tsara's granddaughter, and the old kryat dragon's blood pulsed through her veins. Perhaps not the cruelty and vile ambition the old hag had possessed, but certainly the strength and tenacity of will.
Then, realizing what Onara intended to do, he grinned down at her, barely stopping himself from rubbing his hands in glee. Onara, her small chin raised, the fire in her eyes echoing his, gave him a tiny smile in response to his obvious approval of her intentions.
"Right away, milady," he said briskly.
"Thank you, Anakin." She cocked her head as she gazed up at him. "Have you eaten, dear?"
Anakin suddenly realized he'd hadn't. He had rushed to see Obi-Wan and then over to Onara's. Before he could say a word, however, his stomach growled loudly. Onara gave him a soft smile and touched his arm.
"Keria will bring you something." She looked over at the blonde girl. "Once you've taken care of Anakin, please come and help me."
Keria curtsied. Onara turned and walked back to her bedroom. Keria looked over at Anakin.
"I've never seen her that way before. No, that's not true," she said quickly. "There was the horrible night of the storm when Master Dalan had been drinking, and he and Lady Onara had that terrible fight, and Master Dalan accused her of..."
Keria stopped, a blush turning her face bright red.
"I...I'll get you something to eat, Master Anakin," she said, turning quickly to go into the kitchen.
As Anakin watched her leave he frowned, mulling over what Keria had let slip about Dalan and Onara. He'd never much thought about whether Onara was happy in her marriage. He suspected she still loved Obi-Wan as deeply as his master still loved her, but both of them had chosen to honor their vows; Obi-Wan's to the Jedi Order, and Onara's to her people and her husband.
Anakin mentally shrugged. As Obi-Wan would have gently reminded him if he was present, it wasn't his business. Then he grinned and this time he did slap his hands together and rub them gleefully. If what he had deduced about Onara was true, that she was going to pull a Lady Tsara, fat-headed Twang had no clue as to what was about to descend upon him.
Anakin continued to grin as he walked over to use Onara's comm-station and arrange transport for them to Twang's office.
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Obi-Wan stood, his arms folded within the sleeves of his robe, his legs apart, in the center of the Jedi Council Chamber. Many a time over the last twenty years he had stood here; ten of those years as Padawan to Master Qui- Gon and the rest as master to Anakin. Most of his appearances had been perfunctory; receiving assignments, answering questions from the Council regarding what had or had not happened on a mission, discussions on the state of the Republic, deliberations regarding the Jedi Order and its continuing role in the galaxy, but this appearance, Obi-Wan had decided, would have to go down in his book as the most preposterous of all.
The morning light streamed in through the large glass windows, highlighting the backs of the eight members of the Council who were in attendance. Obi- Wan assumed that because the meeting had been called so quickly, those members of the Council who were away from Coruscant were unable to return in time. But there were enough present for a quorum and any action taken by the Council today would be legally valid. Those Jedi not in attendance were Adi Galia, Even Piell, Plo Koon and Mace Windu.
However, Oppo Rancisis, whom Obi-Wan knew was the one who had requested this, what he termed, _emergency_ meeting of the Council was in attendance, along with Yoda, Shaak Ti, Sasee Tiin, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Depa Billaba, Coleman Trebor and Eeth Koth. Obi-Wan also knew the majority of those now present were also those who had voted for him to be sent to Bestine as a way of addressing his having strayed from the Jedi Path by having conceived a child with Onara.
As Obi-Wan continued to stand and wait for Yoda to officially begin the meeting, he let his gaze move beyond the faces of the Council to the towering spires of Coruscant. Although he knew he could not see from here the building which housed her apartment, he sent his thoughts out to Onara, hoping Anakin had arrived in time to at least be with her when she finally saw Twang's broadcast. Then, thinking of her, he thought of their son, Ben, and his gift. A small smile ruffled the Jedi Knight's lips. He had hung the framed picture of Ben's drawing on the wall of his bedroom so it would be the first thing he saw upon wakening.
However, disturbed by the dream he'd had about the frightened little girl in the fog, he had been too distressed to notice it. But, after he'd finished dressing and had been putting on his robe to leave for the Council chamber, he'd stopped and looked at it.
Like most young children's drawing, the figures in it were somewhat out of proportion. Obi-Wan's lightsaber was nearly twice as long as he and Ben had colored it purple instead of blue. But it wasn't how his son had drawn the picture that endeared it to Obi-Wan's heart. It was the fact he had, and that he at least knew of Obi-Wan, even if only as a character in the stories Onara told him.
His smile deepening as he continued to stare out the chamber's windows, Obi- Wan recalled Ben's childish scrawl, the charmingly misspelled words and the tender reference to himself as Obi-Wan's good friend. He hoped it would be so, and he couldn't wait until Ben finally came to Coruscant. He looked forward to that day very much.
"I don't know what you're smiling about, Knight Kenobi."
A high, nasal voice cut through Obi-Wan's reverie like a knife through flesh.
"This is a very serious matter," it went on in an irritated tone.
Obi-Wan quickly drew his gaze away from the windows and focused his attention back on the Council. He had to turn slightly to look into the shaggy face of Master Oppo Rancisis since, as was customary, he had been facing Master Yoda's seat. The Thisspian was glaring at Obi-Wan through the long white hair that covered his face, his gnarly, long clawed hands folded over his serpentine body. Obi-Wan was about to tell Master Oppo just what he thought of his so-called serious matter, but Yoda's voice carried across the room as he addressed Oppo.
"Begun this meeting, I have not," he intoned.
Oppo leaned forward. "I understand that, Master Yoda. But someone should convey to Knight Kenobi that although he may think what's happened is something to be taken lightly, we certainly do not."
"It is rare, Master Oppo," Obi-Wan said, "that I take anything the Council focuses its attention on lightly." Then he turned and faced Oppo full- square. "Until now," he added archly.
Even under the hair that covered his face, Obi-Wan could see Oppo was almost apoplectic with anger. The Thisspian leaned farther over his serpent body but, before he could say a word, Yoda clapped his hands sharply.
"Enough! Master Oppo. Called this meeting you did, but run it I will."
Oppo looked sharply over at Yoda, but inclined his head and leaned back against his chair. Obi-Wan turned back to Yoda.
"Master Obi-Wan," the Jedi Master stated, "before this Council you have been called at the request of Master Oppo. Concerned he is regarding a broadcast made this morning by Dsylogia Twang on the HoloNet News. Aware of this are you?"
"Aware of Twang's broadcast or aware of Master Oppo's concerns? Neither, I must say, have much occupied my thoughts."
"What insolence!" Oppo shouted from behind Obi-Wan.
"Master Oppo. Please. Silent you will be until finished I have."
Yoda then turned his sharp gaze at Obi-Wan.
"And you, Master Obi-Wan," he warned. "Best I think if not your former master you try to emulate."
A corner of Obi-Wan's mouth curled up. Master Qui-Gon had been notorious for defying the Council. As his apprentice, Obi-Wan had often chided his master for doing so, but today he couldn't help but wish his old master were here with him. Not so much for comfort, but for pointers. Defying the Council was not something Obi-Wan was accustomed or prone to doing, but he couldn't quell the slow-rising irritation he was beginning to feel the longer he stood here. He knew why he'd been summoned and it was making him angrier the more he dwelled on it.
"Yes, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan said, inclining his head.
Yoda acknowledged Obi-Wan's obeisance. "Now, again I will ask. Aware are you of broadcast this morning concerning you and Senator Lenor?"
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"And what have you to say about it?" Master Oppo interjected.
Obi-Wan then saw Yoda do something he'd never seen the little Jedi Master ever do before: he rolled his large green eyes. If the situation, despite its preposterousness, wasn't also quite serious, Obi-Wan would have burst out laughing. He waited to see if Yoda had anything further to say, but the Jedi Master remained silent. Obi-Wan suppressed a sigh. Oh, well, let's be at it. He turned to Oppo.
"I have nothing to say about it," he said to the Thisspian.
"And why not?" Oppo cried.
"Because, Master Oppo, I make it a habit not to comment on things that are not only beneath comment, beneath contemplation, but also beneath contempt. As a rule I, at least, tend to keep my focus on issues of far more substance."
"What are you trying to say, Knight Kenobi?" Oppo accused him.
"I am not _trying_ to say anything, Master Oppo. I stated, and I thought rather clearly, what I intended to say. And, as Master Yoda has often said, there is no such thing as try."
Obi-Wan thought he heard what sounded like a low-throated snicker from behind him, but thought it best not to draw his attention away from Oppo. The Thisspian, however, cast a belligerent glare behind Obi-Wan, then turned back to him.
"Be that as it may, I believe what you are saying is that this matter regarding you and Senator Lenor is of no great weight."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'm sorry, Master Oppo, but you are quite wrong."
Oppo's tiny, yellow-rimmed eyes widened beneath his shaggy white hair. "What? How dare you!"
"What is between myself and Senator Lenor is of great weight. She is, as you are well aware, the mother of my child and that, I can assure you, is of no small matter. At least to me."
"That is not what we are here to discuss," Oppo stated firmly.
"Isn't it?" Obi-Wan responded quietly.
"No, it is not. And, since you have apparently given up all claim to this child, as it should be, why you would still be concerned with him is beyond me."
"Do you have any children, Master Oppo?"
The Thisspian sputtered. "Of course I don't! And what that has to do with what we are here to discuss I don't---"
"I have given up all claim to my son as you have stated," Obi-Wan said, interrupting Oppo, "but he is still my child. My blood runs through his veins and his flesh is my flesh. And, as long as he lives, nothing will change that. He will always be my son, no matter whom he now calls father."
"And, in light of this, Master Obi-Wan, are you quite clear as to where your loyalty now lies?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked in his melodious voice.
Obi-Wan turned and looked over at the Cerean Jedi. He found it ironic Master Ki would question him on such a thing. Although very much an adherent to the Jedi philosophy, Ki had also followed the Cerean custom of polygamous marriage. He had a bond wife named Shea and four honor wives. He was also the father of seven daughters. His family resided on Cerea and, as far as Obi-Wan knew, had never visited Coruscant.
"Yes, Master Ki," Obi-Wan said. "I am quite clear as to where my loyalty lies. With the Jedi Order. As it has always been."
"I don't believe you," Oppo cried. "That woman hasn't been on this planet a week and you rush to her side like a love-sick boy. It is clear to me your six months of retreat on Bestine did you no good, Knight Kenobi."
Obi-Wan turned to Oppo, a muscle in his jaw jumping.
"That _woman_" he said tersely, "has a name. It is Onara Lenor, senator from the sovereign system of Ahjane."
Oppo raised a long-clawed hand and pointed it at Obi-Wan. "Yes, which makes both of your transgressions even more inexcusable. By the ancestors, what were you thinking going off with her like that? You would think she at least would know better, considering her position, both as a senator of the Republic and a married woman. But you, Knight Kenobi! You are a Jedi, a representative of this august Order. Your actions are not your own. Everything you say and do reflects on us all."
Obi-Wan struggled to control the anger rising within him. He firmed his jaw and willed his voice to retain a level tone.
"I am aware of that, Master Oppo. However, I was not aware members of this Council paid attention to gossip and rumors."
"Gossip and rumors," Oppo repeated. He leaned forward. "Do you deny leaving the party with Senator Lenor?"
"No, I do not deny that."
"Do you deny going back with her to her apartment?"
"No, I do not deny that either."
"What is this? An inquisition?" Master Depa Billaba suddenly asked, her beautiful dark eyes flashing as she looked irritably over at Oppo. "Anyone can see this...this Twang person was just spreading his usual manure of innuendoes and half-truths. Personally, I don't see why we are even here."
"We are here, Master Billaba," Oppo said, "because whatever we may thing of Dsylogia Twang, billions of Republic citizens hang on his every word. And those citizens, in turn, vote to elect representatives to the Republic Senate, and it is to that Senate we must answer."
"Not true, Master Oppo," Yoda said, his hands folded under his chin. "To the Force and..." and he stopped and looked directly at Obi-Wan, "...to our own hearts we must answer first. Then to the Republic Senate we turn our thoughts."
Oppo waved his hand brusquely as if Yoda were only splitting hairs.
"That does not change a thing," he said. "It is clear Knight Kenobi still harbors an unseemly passion for this woman and, as a result, the Jedi Order's reputation has been besmirched by his actions."
Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief.
"By Twang?" he cried, his voice clearly betraying his astonishment at Oppo's statement. "The Jedi Order has existed for thousands of years. You can't be serious in thinking the pathetic rants of an equally pathetic being like Twang is going to undo all of that?"
Oppo fixed Obi-Wan with a penetrating gaze. "These are perilous times, Knight Kenobi. Things are falling apart in the Republic, and the Jedi are hard-pressed to keep it together. Our support among many of the Senators is waning, the very citizens we have sworn to protect are turning against us, and there is the growing threat of systems breaking away from the Republic. The last thing we need is for a Jedi of your standing, a master to an apprentice no less, to be indulging your...your carnal lusts!"
A rush of blood surged through Obi-Wan's brain and, for a moment, all he saw was a haze of red. He willed himself to relax, taking in deep, calming breaths.
"That is not what I was doing with Senator Lenor," he finally said, his voice tight, but still level.
"Then what were you doing with her?" Oppo pressed him.
"That is between us."
"It is most certainly not," Oppo snapped. "It stopped being between the two of you when it was broadcast across the galaxy. We did not ask you to draw us down into the sewers with you, Knight Kenobi, but draw us you have."
"Master Oppo," Yoda interjected sharply. "Stop this you will. Why Master Obi-Wan with Senator Lenor left the party is, as he says, between him and her. What we are here to discuss and decide upon is---"
"No!" Oppo cried heatedly. "I want Knight Kenobi to tell us why he can't seem to stay away from that woman."
"Because I love her!" Obi-Wan shouted, his voice echoing in the room and in the stunned silence that followed.
He drew in a deep breath, both shocked and, surprisingly, relieved he had finally spoken those words in this chamber. Two years ago he had wanted to say them, but had not. He looked over at Yoda. The Jedi Master's expression had not changed, and his large leaf-green eyes stared calmly back at Obi- Wan.
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, his head high as he addressed the Council. "I love Senator Lenor. I love her more than I can find words to express. Her name is the breath of my body, her face the pulse of my heart, and if the universe were to grow dark, cold and lifeless around me and she and my child were all that remained, I would still know joy unbounded."
Obi-Wan paused, his gaze traveling slowly around the Council. He looked at each of them, not concerning himself with what they were thinking or how they felt regarding his words. He only wanted them to know that what he was about to say was the utmost truth of his heart.
"But, I am also a Jedi Knight. And, as I have stated earlier, I know exactly where my loyalty lies. It is with this Order. I will serve it, faithfully and absolutely, as I have done since I was a child. But..." and Obi-Wan stopped, his brows drawing deep over his eyes as he swung his gaze swiftly around the chamber. "...what is in my heart shall remain in my heart. No man, no woman, no being and, yes, no group, shall be privy to what lies within it unless I desire it. I have told you of my feelings for Senator Lenor. But, I have also told you that my first and foremost allegiance is to the Jedi Order. And that, my esteemed members of the Council, is all I will say regarding this matter."
Following Obi-Wan's words, the silence in the chamber stretched until it filled the entire room. Obi-Wan stood within it, like a butterfly trapped in amber, but he felt only peace. Whatever happens now, he thought, he had not been false, either to himself or concerning his feelings for Onara.
"Master Obi-Wan," Yoda said, breaking the silence like the sun's rays cutting through layers of ice.
"Yes, Master?" Obi-Wan replied.
"Excused you are. Upon this matter we will now deliberate."
Obi-Wan bowed deeply to Yoda. He turned and, his robe flying out behind him, strode quickly from the chamber. Once he was in the corridor and the massive chamber doors had closed behind him, he released a deep breath. Nice going, Kenobi, he chided himself.
As he made his way to the lift that would take him to the lower levels of the Temple, he wondered if he'd be able to get back the room he'd had at the chapterhouse on Bestine. Its window had faced the east, the rising of the planet's two suns waking him in the morning and in the evening a soft breeze had swept in, rich with the scent of the ocean and the singing of the Pili, lulling him to a restful sleep. He hoped so. He had a feeling he was going to be traveling there soon.
Then again, he mused, as the lift's doors opened and he stepped inside, perhaps this time the Council would not be so magnanimous. As the lift sped downwards, he wondered if there was much work for ex-Jedi Knights in the galaxy.
To be continued...
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As Anakin took the lift up to Onara's penthouse, he wondered what was happening with Obi-Wan back at the Temple. He had not wanted to leave his master, even if he himself had not been summoned before the Council, but he would do as Obi-Wan instructed and see to Onara. He wondered if she'd seen the broadcast yet. His fists clenching as he waited for the lift to finally arrive at Onara's floor, he amused himself by imagining various ways he could use the Force to torment Twang.
The lift finally stopped. Anakin pressed the chime of the penthouse's door. It opened, revealing Keria whose bright blue eyes widened when she saw who it was.
"Master Anakin," she stammered, a blush suffusing her smooth cheeks.
"Hello, Keria. May I please see Onara...I mean, Senator Lenor?"
"Of course. Please, come in," Keria said breathlessly, waving Anakin in.
He walked past her and into the sitting area. There were boxes scattered about the room, though it looked as if Keria had been in the middle of unpacking some of them.
"Milady is still sleeping, I think, but I'll let her know you're here."
Keria turned and walked towards the rear of the apartment. Anakin was about to tell her not to awaken Onara, since he'd had no idea she would still be sleeping, but he thought it best she find out about Twang's broadcast as soon as possible.
Keria soon returned, Onara accompanying her. Anakin swallowed hard and found himself recalling the first time he had ever seen her. Initially it at been at her wedding banquet, when she had been married to Dynast Edress, that walking bucket of slime. But then she'd been swathed in layers and layers of veils and robes.
Later, he had finally seen her unveiled when he'd been required to escort her to the wedding chamber where Obi-Wan had been waiting so the two of them could participate in the Ahjane blessing ceremony. A ceremony Obi-Wan had reluctantly agreed to go along with, but had resisted actively participating in.
However, although Anakin never learned what happened between Onara and Obi- Wan that night, the two had fallen in love and had, as a result of Onara's grandmother's scheming, conceived a child; their son, Ben.
Now, as Onara walked towards him, tying a peach satin morning robe around her slender waist, her dark hair tousled about her neck, her equally dark eyes regarding him sleepily, he was struck by the resemblance between her and Padmé, although Onara was a tad taller, her hair and eyes more black than dark brown, and her features a bit more voluptuous.
"Anakin. What a pleasant surprise," she said as she walked over to him, a wide smile on her face.
Anakin bowed to her, than took the hand she offered. She squeezed it warmly, gazing up at him with affection. He had spent nearly every day of the month Obi-Wan had gone in search of Sinja-Bau in her company and looked upon her as the sister he'd never had.
"Good morning, milady. I'm sorry to have wakened you, but Master Obi-Wan asked me to come and see you."
A look of alarm flared in Onara's eyes. "Obi-Wan? Is he all right?"
Anakin found it curious that, as far as he knew, he hadn't yet given any indication Obi-Wan was having problems, but Onara already seemed to sense it.
"I think he might be in trouble with the Jedi Council."
"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
Anakin quickly told Onara about Dyslogia Twang's report that morning on the HoloNet News concerning her and Obi-Wan. He then told her Obi-Wan had been summoned to appear before the Council.
"He also wanted me to tell you," Anakin went on, "he'd contact you as soon as he could."
Onara sat slowly on the couch. Keria who had been listening to all Anakin said with wide eyes, sat next to her and took her hand.
"Are you all right, milady?"
"Keria," Onara said in a low, slow voice. "Turn on the holoscreen and find that broadcast."
Keria looked over at Anakin and he saw she didn't know how to work the holoscreen yet.
"I'll do it, Lady Onara," he offered.
He saw a faint smile flit across Onara's lips at his use of the title, but her dark eyes were cloudy. As Anakin ordered the holoscreen on and directed it to repeat Twang's broadcast, he thought to himself he certainly didn't feel comfortable just calling her Onara anymore. She was a Senator of the Republic after all.
Then Anakin frowned darkly as Twang's fat face appeared on the holoscreen. And, although he'd already viewed the broadcast twice, it made him just as angry and very embarrassed for Onara.
She, however, like his master, only watched impassively as Twang spewed out his garbage, the only sign it was affecting her a tightening of her fingers around Keria's hand. Once the broadcast was done, Anakin quickly ordered the holoscreen off.
For a moment there was only silence in the sitting area. Keria glanced over at Anakin, her blue eyes worried. He saw that, like him, she was very much aware of what the consequences could be for her mistress, no matter how untrue Twang's statements were. Onara continued to sit quietly. Then she slipped her hand from Keria's. She looked over at Anakin.
"And you think Obi-Wan's summons before the Council this morning has to do with this...this..." and Onara gestured brusquely at the holoscreen, a flitter of distaste crossing her lovely face, "this..."
She stopped, her voice clearly betraying her agitation, her throat working.
"Yes, I do," Anakin answered. "Master Obi-Wan thought so too."
"Do you think he's before them now?"
Anakin nodded. "They wanted him to appear as soon as he was dressed."
A frown creased Onara's forehead. "And the HoloNet News? That goes out all over the Republic, correct?"
Anakin nodded. Onara looked over at Keria.
"Do you recall when Dalan said he was going to have the connection to the HoloNet installed in the manor?"
"I think this week, milady."
Onara nodded slowly. She stood and walked over to Anakin. Stopping in front of him she looked up into his face, her dark eyes burning with what Anakin could see was barely suppressed rage.
"Would you do me a favor, Anakin?," she asked, her voice tight and hard.
"Of course."
"Find out where this...this creature's lair is, arrange transport to it and accompany me there."
For a moment Anakin was too stunned to speak because, as Onara had spoken, he'd had a sudden flashback of his encounters with the Lady Tsara, Onara's grandmother. As formidable and terrible a being as Anakin had ever met, the elderly woman had been capable of cowering the most stout-hearted of men. Even him.
Though Onara was far more beautiful and kind-hearted than that dried up witch had ever been, Anakin also realized she was Tsara's granddaughter, and the old kryat dragon's blood pulsed through her veins. Perhaps not the cruelty and vile ambition the old hag had possessed, but certainly the strength and tenacity of will.
Then, realizing what Onara intended to do, he grinned down at her, barely stopping himself from rubbing his hands in glee. Onara, her small chin raised, the fire in her eyes echoing his, gave him a tiny smile in response to his obvious approval of her intentions.
"Right away, milady," he said briskly.
"Thank you, Anakin." She cocked her head as she gazed up at him. "Have you eaten, dear?"
Anakin suddenly realized he'd hadn't. He had rushed to see Obi-Wan and then over to Onara's. Before he could say a word, however, his stomach growled loudly. Onara gave him a soft smile and touched his arm.
"Keria will bring you something." She looked over at the blonde girl. "Once you've taken care of Anakin, please come and help me."
Keria curtsied. Onara turned and walked back to her bedroom. Keria looked over at Anakin.
"I've never seen her that way before. No, that's not true," she said quickly. "There was the horrible night of the storm when Master Dalan had been drinking, and he and Lady Onara had that terrible fight, and Master Dalan accused her of..."
Keria stopped, a blush turning her face bright red.
"I...I'll get you something to eat, Master Anakin," she said, turning quickly to go into the kitchen.
As Anakin watched her leave he frowned, mulling over what Keria had let slip about Dalan and Onara. He'd never much thought about whether Onara was happy in her marriage. He suspected she still loved Obi-Wan as deeply as his master still loved her, but both of them had chosen to honor their vows; Obi-Wan's to the Jedi Order, and Onara's to her people and her husband.
Anakin mentally shrugged. As Obi-Wan would have gently reminded him if he was present, it wasn't his business. Then he grinned and this time he did slap his hands together and rub them gleefully. If what he had deduced about Onara was true, that she was going to pull a Lady Tsara, fat-headed Twang had no clue as to what was about to descend upon him.
Anakin continued to grin as he walked over to use Onara's comm-station and arrange transport for them to Twang's office.
----------
Obi-Wan stood, his arms folded within the sleeves of his robe, his legs apart, in the center of the Jedi Council Chamber. Many a time over the last twenty years he had stood here; ten of those years as Padawan to Master Qui- Gon and the rest as master to Anakin. Most of his appearances had been perfunctory; receiving assignments, answering questions from the Council regarding what had or had not happened on a mission, discussions on the state of the Republic, deliberations regarding the Jedi Order and its continuing role in the galaxy, but this appearance, Obi-Wan had decided, would have to go down in his book as the most preposterous of all.
The morning light streamed in through the large glass windows, highlighting the backs of the eight members of the Council who were in attendance. Obi- Wan assumed that because the meeting had been called so quickly, those members of the Council who were away from Coruscant were unable to return in time. But there were enough present for a quorum and any action taken by the Council today would be legally valid. Those Jedi not in attendance were Adi Galia, Even Piell, Plo Koon and Mace Windu.
However, Oppo Rancisis, whom Obi-Wan knew was the one who had requested this, what he termed, _emergency_ meeting of the Council was in attendance, along with Yoda, Shaak Ti, Sasee Tiin, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Depa Billaba, Coleman Trebor and Eeth Koth. Obi-Wan also knew the majority of those now present were also those who had voted for him to be sent to Bestine as a way of addressing his having strayed from the Jedi Path by having conceived a child with Onara.
As Obi-Wan continued to stand and wait for Yoda to officially begin the meeting, he let his gaze move beyond the faces of the Council to the towering spires of Coruscant. Although he knew he could not see from here the building which housed her apartment, he sent his thoughts out to Onara, hoping Anakin had arrived in time to at least be with her when she finally saw Twang's broadcast. Then, thinking of her, he thought of their son, Ben, and his gift. A small smile ruffled the Jedi Knight's lips. He had hung the framed picture of Ben's drawing on the wall of his bedroom so it would be the first thing he saw upon wakening.
However, disturbed by the dream he'd had about the frightened little girl in the fog, he had been too distressed to notice it. But, after he'd finished dressing and had been putting on his robe to leave for the Council chamber, he'd stopped and looked at it.
Like most young children's drawing, the figures in it were somewhat out of proportion. Obi-Wan's lightsaber was nearly twice as long as he and Ben had colored it purple instead of blue. But it wasn't how his son had drawn the picture that endeared it to Obi-Wan's heart. It was the fact he had, and that he at least knew of Obi-Wan, even if only as a character in the stories Onara told him.
His smile deepening as he continued to stare out the chamber's windows, Obi- Wan recalled Ben's childish scrawl, the charmingly misspelled words and the tender reference to himself as Obi-Wan's good friend. He hoped it would be so, and he couldn't wait until Ben finally came to Coruscant. He looked forward to that day very much.
"I don't know what you're smiling about, Knight Kenobi."
A high, nasal voice cut through Obi-Wan's reverie like a knife through flesh.
"This is a very serious matter," it went on in an irritated tone.
Obi-Wan quickly drew his gaze away from the windows and focused his attention back on the Council. He had to turn slightly to look into the shaggy face of Master Oppo Rancisis since, as was customary, he had been facing Master Yoda's seat. The Thisspian was glaring at Obi-Wan through the long white hair that covered his face, his gnarly, long clawed hands folded over his serpentine body. Obi-Wan was about to tell Master Oppo just what he thought of his so-called serious matter, but Yoda's voice carried across the room as he addressed Oppo.
"Begun this meeting, I have not," he intoned.
Oppo leaned forward. "I understand that, Master Yoda. But someone should convey to Knight Kenobi that although he may think what's happened is something to be taken lightly, we certainly do not."
"It is rare, Master Oppo," Obi-Wan said, "that I take anything the Council focuses its attention on lightly." Then he turned and faced Oppo full- square. "Until now," he added archly.
Even under the hair that covered his face, Obi-Wan could see Oppo was almost apoplectic with anger. The Thisspian leaned farther over his serpent body but, before he could say a word, Yoda clapped his hands sharply.
"Enough! Master Oppo. Called this meeting you did, but run it I will."
Oppo looked sharply over at Yoda, but inclined his head and leaned back against his chair. Obi-Wan turned back to Yoda.
"Master Obi-Wan," the Jedi Master stated, "before this Council you have been called at the request of Master Oppo. Concerned he is regarding a broadcast made this morning by Dsylogia Twang on the HoloNet News. Aware of this are you?"
"Aware of Twang's broadcast or aware of Master Oppo's concerns? Neither, I must say, have much occupied my thoughts."
"What insolence!" Oppo shouted from behind Obi-Wan.
"Master Oppo. Please. Silent you will be until finished I have."
Yoda then turned his sharp gaze at Obi-Wan.
"And you, Master Obi-Wan," he warned. "Best I think if not your former master you try to emulate."
A corner of Obi-Wan's mouth curled up. Master Qui-Gon had been notorious for defying the Council. As his apprentice, Obi-Wan had often chided his master for doing so, but today he couldn't help but wish his old master were here with him. Not so much for comfort, but for pointers. Defying the Council was not something Obi-Wan was accustomed or prone to doing, but he couldn't quell the slow-rising irritation he was beginning to feel the longer he stood here. He knew why he'd been summoned and it was making him angrier the more he dwelled on it.
"Yes, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan said, inclining his head.
Yoda acknowledged Obi-Wan's obeisance. "Now, again I will ask. Aware are you of broadcast this morning concerning you and Senator Lenor?"
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"And what have you to say about it?" Master Oppo interjected.
Obi-Wan then saw Yoda do something he'd never seen the little Jedi Master ever do before: he rolled his large green eyes. If the situation, despite its preposterousness, wasn't also quite serious, Obi-Wan would have burst out laughing. He waited to see if Yoda had anything further to say, but the Jedi Master remained silent. Obi-Wan suppressed a sigh. Oh, well, let's be at it. He turned to Oppo.
"I have nothing to say about it," he said to the Thisspian.
"And why not?" Oppo cried.
"Because, Master Oppo, I make it a habit not to comment on things that are not only beneath comment, beneath contemplation, but also beneath contempt. As a rule I, at least, tend to keep my focus on issues of far more substance."
"What are you trying to say, Knight Kenobi?" Oppo accused him.
"I am not _trying_ to say anything, Master Oppo. I stated, and I thought rather clearly, what I intended to say. And, as Master Yoda has often said, there is no such thing as try."
Obi-Wan thought he heard what sounded like a low-throated snicker from behind him, but thought it best not to draw his attention away from Oppo. The Thisspian, however, cast a belligerent glare behind Obi-Wan, then turned back to him.
"Be that as it may, I believe what you are saying is that this matter regarding you and Senator Lenor is of no great weight."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'm sorry, Master Oppo, but you are quite wrong."
Oppo's tiny, yellow-rimmed eyes widened beneath his shaggy white hair. "What? How dare you!"
"What is between myself and Senator Lenor is of great weight. She is, as you are well aware, the mother of my child and that, I can assure you, is of no small matter. At least to me."
"That is not what we are here to discuss," Oppo stated firmly.
"Isn't it?" Obi-Wan responded quietly.
"No, it is not. And, since you have apparently given up all claim to this child, as it should be, why you would still be concerned with him is beyond me."
"Do you have any children, Master Oppo?"
The Thisspian sputtered. "Of course I don't! And what that has to do with what we are here to discuss I don't---"
"I have given up all claim to my son as you have stated," Obi-Wan said, interrupting Oppo, "but he is still my child. My blood runs through his veins and his flesh is my flesh. And, as long as he lives, nothing will change that. He will always be my son, no matter whom he now calls father."
"And, in light of this, Master Obi-Wan, are you quite clear as to where your loyalty now lies?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked in his melodious voice.
Obi-Wan turned and looked over at the Cerean Jedi. He found it ironic Master Ki would question him on such a thing. Although very much an adherent to the Jedi philosophy, Ki had also followed the Cerean custom of polygamous marriage. He had a bond wife named Shea and four honor wives. He was also the father of seven daughters. His family resided on Cerea and, as far as Obi-Wan knew, had never visited Coruscant.
"Yes, Master Ki," Obi-Wan said. "I am quite clear as to where my loyalty lies. With the Jedi Order. As it has always been."
"I don't believe you," Oppo cried. "That woman hasn't been on this planet a week and you rush to her side like a love-sick boy. It is clear to me your six months of retreat on Bestine did you no good, Knight Kenobi."
Obi-Wan turned to Oppo, a muscle in his jaw jumping.
"That _woman_" he said tersely, "has a name. It is Onara Lenor, senator from the sovereign system of Ahjane."
Oppo raised a long-clawed hand and pointed it at Obi-Wan. "Yes, which makes both of your transgressions even more inexcusable. By the ancestors, what were you thinking going off with her like that? You would think she at least would know better, considering her position, both as a senator of the Republic and a married woman. But you, Knight Kenobi! You are a Jedi, a representative of this august Order. Your actions are not your own. Everything you say and do reflects on us all."
Obi-Wan struggled to control the anger rising within him. He firmed his jaw and willed his voice to retain a level tone.
"I am aware of that, Master Oppo. However, I was not aware members of this Council paid attention to gossip and rumors."
"Gossip and rumors," Oppo repeated. He leaned forward. "Do you deny leaving the party with Senator Lenor?"
"No, I do not deny that."
"Do you deny going back with her to her apartment?"
"No, I do not deny that either."
"What is this? An inquisition?" Master Depa Billaba suddenly asked, her beautiful dark eyes flashing as she looked irritably over at Oppo. "Anyone can see this...this Twang person was just spreading his usual manure of innuendoes and half-truths. Personally, I don't see why we are even here."
"We are here, Master Billaba," Oppo said, "because whatever we may thing of Dsylogia Twang, billions of Republic citizens hang on his every word. And those citizens, in turn, vote to elect representatives to the Republic Senate, and it is to that Senate we must answer."
"Not true, Master Oppo," Yoda said, his hands folded under his chin. "To the Force and..." and he stopped and looked directly at Obi-Wan, "...to our own hearts we must answer first. Then to the Republic Senate we turn our thoughts."
Oppo waved his hand brusquely as if Yoda were only splitting hairs.
"That does not change a thing," he said. "It is clear Knight Kenobi still harbors an unseemly passion for this woman and, as a result, the Jedi Order's reputation has been besmirched by his actions."
Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief.
"By Twang?" he cried, his voice clearly betraying his astonishment at Oppo's statement. "The Jedi Order has existed for thousands of years. You can't be serious in thinking the pathetic rants of an equally pathetic being like Twang is going to undo all of that?"
Oppo fixed Obi-Wan with a penetrating gaze. "These are perilous times, Knight Kenobi. Things are falling apart in the Republic, and the Jedi are hard-pressed to keep it together. Our support among many of the Senators is waning, the very citizens we have sworn to protect are turning against us, and there is the growing threat of systems breaking away from the Republic. The last thing we need is for a Jedi of your standing, a master to an apprentice no less, to be indulging your...your carnal lusts!"
A rush of blood surged through Obi-Wan's brain and, for a moment, all he saw was a haze of red. He willed himself to relax, taking in deep, calming breaths.
"That is not what I was doing with Senator Lenor," he finally said, his voice tight, but still level.
"Then what were you doing with her?" Oppo pressed him.
"That is between us."
"It is most certainly not," Oppo snapped. "It stopped being between the two of you when it was broadcast across the galaxy. We did not ask you to draw us down into the sewers with you, Knight Kenobi, but draw us you have."
"Master Oppo," Yoda interjected sharply. "Stop this you will. Why Master Obi-Wan with Senator Lenor left the party is, as he says, between him and her. What we are here to discuss and decide upon is---"
"No!" Oppo cried heatedly. "I want Knight Kenobi to tell us why he can't seem to stay away from that woman."
"Because I love her!" Obi-Wan shouted, his voice echoing in the room and in the stunned silence that followed.
He drew in a deep breath, both shocked and, surprisingly, relieved he had finally spoken those words in this chamber. Two years ago he had wanted to say them, but had not. He looked over at Yoda. The Jedi Master's expression had not changed, and his large leaf-green eyes stared calmly back at Obi- Wan.
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, his head high as he addressed the Council. "I love Senator Lenor. I love her more than I can find words to express. Her name is the breath of my body, her face the pulse of my heart, and if the universe were to grow dark, cold and lifeless around me and she and my child were all that remained, I would still know joy unbounded."
Obi-Wan paused, his gaze traveling slowly around the Council. He looked at each of them, not concerning himself with what they were thinking or how they felt regarding his words. He only wanted them to know that what he was about to say was the utmost truth of his heart.
"But, I am also a Jedi Knight. And, as I have stated earlier, I know exactly where my loyalty lies. It is with this Order. I will serve it, faithfully and absolutely, as I have done since I was a child. But..." and Obi-Wan stopped, his brows drawing deep over his eyes as he swung his gaze swiftly around the chamber. "...what is in my heart shall remain in my heart. No man, no woman, no being and, yes, no group, shall be privy to what lies within it unless I desire it. I have told you of my feelings for Senator Lenor. But, I have also told you that my first and foremost allegiance is to the Jedi Order. And that, my esteemed members of the Council, is all I will say regarding this matter."
Following Obi-Wan's words, the silence in the chamber stretched until it filled the entire room. Obi-Wan stood within it, like a butterfly trapped in amber, but he felt only peace. Whatever happens now, he thought, he had not been false, either to himself or concerning his feelings for Onara.
"Master Obi-Wan," Yoda said, breaking the silence like the sun's rays cutting through layers of ice.
"Yes, Master?" Obi-Wan replied.
"Excused you are. Upon this matter we will now deliberate."
Obi-Wan bowed deeply to Yoda. He turned and, his robe flying out behind him, strode quickly from the chamber. Once he was in the corridor and the massive chamber doors had closed behind him, he released a deep breath. Nice going, Kenobi, he chided himself.
As he made his way to the lift that would take him to the lower levels of the Temple, he wondered if he'd be able to get back the room he'd had at the chapterhouse on Bestine. Its window had faced the east, the rising of the planet's two suns waking him in the morning and in the evening a soft breeze had swept in, rich with the scent of the ocean and the singing of the Pili, lulling him to a restful sleep. He hoped so. He had a feeling he was going to be traveling there soon.
Then again, he mused, as the lift's doors opened and he stepped inside, perhaps this time the Council would not be so magnanimous. As the lift sped downwards, he wondered if there was much work for ex-Jedi Knights in the galaxy.
To be continued...