Several hours passed, and soon Qui-Gon returned. By now Obi-Wan was awake and alert, but Anakin was still asleep. Qui-Gon motioned for Obi-Wan to follow him, and they headed to the ship's galley/recreation centre to talk.

An uncomfortable moment passed between them once there, but Qui-Gon soon filled it with his voice.

"I need to know exactly what happened on... that day." Qui-Gon stated, faltering near the end. "I know that you've told the Council your official rendition, but if we're to solve this, I need to know everything."

Qui-Gon looked at the younger man expectantly, and Obi-Wan gave an inner sigh. It was true though, he had never told anyone exactly what had happened that day, nine years ago. He took a deep breath, cleared his mind, and prepared to tell Qui-Gon the story of how this mistake had all come to pass.

*____________________*

Nine years ago...

Seventeen year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi took in a deep breath of fresh air. Halith was among one of the most beautiful planets he had ever visited, and he was happy to be there. It was hard to believe that there could be unrest in such a wondrous place, but he had seen much in his time as a Padawan, and he was not that surprised.

He strolled down the main boulevard of the capital city of Halith, Menaron. The early morning air was damp and the melodious songs of the birds rang through the air. He closed his eyes in pleasure, savouring the beauty of the moment.

The palace stretched into view in front of him, which was his destination. Princess Meldara had asked him to come as soon as possible, which was a little odd for her. Also, she had sounded almost... frightened, which was also out of character for her. But again, she had many things going on in her life right now, and not all good. She had confronted her father the night before about Tig and the baby, and Obi-Wan was not aware to how he had reacted. King Renon was a generally easy going man, though, and Obi-Wan was sure that everything would be fine.

He was walking through the palace grounds now, gazing at the many couloured flowers dotting the landscape. Tall, elegant trees towered above him, creating a shadow. Ahead were two guards, a checkpoint for entering the palace. They wore the traditional costumes for Halithion police, a long red coat and black boots.

Obi-Wan smiled at them, recognizing one of the guards, Ferai. A strange look overcame Ferai's face, and which point he looked questionably at the other guard. Obi-Wan was still too far away to see the other guard's response, but the look on Ferai's face was gone when he reached them.

Ferai waved them through, but Obi-Wan was aware of a nervous feeling emanating from the Halithion guard, but he opted to continue walking. Meldara's room was on one of the upper levels of the palace, and Obi-Wan had to climb several sets of stairs to reach it.

A heavy feeling always crept over Obi-Wan's heart when he thought of Meldara. She was the most gorgeous female that he had ever seen, and he had seen many. She had long, pale blue hair and a striking face, causing several feelings of adoration from Obi-Wan. Unfortunately, Meldara already had a boyfriend, but Obi-Wan was content to just be her friend.

That was how he had gotten involved with the whole Meldara/Tig problem, which had caused the crisis they were dealing with now. Obi-Wan hoped with all his heart that Renon had taken it well, and that Tig and Meldara could be together.

He had soon reached Meldara's room, and found himself knocking on her door. Footsteps could be heard from inside, and soon the door opened a crack.

"Who is it?" a soft, feminine voice asked.

"It's Obi." Obi-Wan responded.

The door opened fully then, and he stepped inside. Meldara closed it behind him, and turned to face him. Her eyes were rimmed red with unshed tears, and her lovely complexion was marred with reddened cheeks.

Guilt tugged at his heart, and he enveloped her into a hug. "What happened?" he asked softly, as she buried her face into his shoulder.

"Oh, Obi." she started, and proceeded to recount to him the tale of her father, the night before and the communiqué. She did not tell him, though, that her father had instructed her to blame it on Obi-Wan.

"But then it's alright, isn't it? You and Tig could just run away and be together, couldn't you?" Obi-Wan asked, as Meldara pulled away from him.

A fresh round of tears fell from her eyes as she tried to respond. "Obi, my sweet Obi. They're coming for you, and I tried to stop them, and I'm sorry, so sorry..." she said, her words falling out in a jumble.

Panic sprouted in Obi-Wan's mind as he took in Meldara's words. He willed himself to suppress it, to get past it.

"What do you mean they're coming for me?"

Meldara's eyes met his, and through the tears he could see undeniable pain. "My father, and the guards.... they're coming to arrest you."

Footsteps could be heard, pounding closer and closer. "Arrest me for what?" Obi-Wan exclaimed.

The doorknob shook abruptly, and they both watched, frozen at the sight. All was calm for a brief moment, then security forces crashed through.

"Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are hearby accused and arrested for the rape of Halition princess Meldara Seziel. You are bound by law to remain silent, and will be allowed to testify only at your hearing."

Obi-Wan could only watch in horror as the security forces moved closer and bound his hands together, and as they led them away from a sobbing Meldara, bringing him down to the brig...

TBC....