"Defining Us"
by obi's girl
Summary: After an assassination attempt on Ambassador Sabé Maberrie, Obi- Wan is assigned to act as her bodyguard and the two of them rediscover their hidden past... A/N: 3 yrs. before AoTc, Anakin is 16 (Oh God, that's scary), Obi-Wan is in his early thirties or something. The point is, this fic is AU but still cannon to AotC. Special Thanks: Thanks to everyone who helped spark ideas for this fic. That's everyone that was involved in my planning thread. Many thanks to my wonderful beta, SobiFan. If you want me to beta your Sabewan series, just pm me. I would love to do it. Dedication: To the mother of all Sabewan fanfics, this genre would not exist if it weren't for you, JazzyJedi. Thank you. Love your writing and he he, you were almost an Obidala 'shipper. You're still wonderful. Rating: PG-13
However, once this fic is done, I'm going to be sending it off to websites (notably, [link=] 'Whispers of the Force [/link] and hopefully, [link=] SO...? [/link]). Also, you'll be able to find 'Defining Us' on my Sabewan website, [link=] Fated to Be [/link]
This is just a teaser.
Chapter 1, Post 1
Sabé Maberrie huffed, feeling a little tired after staying up five extra hours, going over paperwork for something or other. She didn't really know what the paperwork was for, probably something important. She fidgeted in her chair and glanced out the vast window that belonged to her office, which allowed one to see only the best view of Coruscant's sky. Sabé stood up, forgetting about her paperwork and walked to the window.
She'd been on Coruscant for about a week. Upon her arrival, she'd seen Senator Amidala a few times, mostly talking about business, but they still had fun together. After her reign ended as Queen, all the handmaidens had left office to live normal lives, to stick close to family. Sabé was offered Captain Panaka's position, but she declined. She stayed out of the public's eye for a long time, until she was offered the position as Ambassador. The position meant sitting behind a desk most of the time, but it would bring her closer to the Republic.
Of course, Sabé smiled. her new office wasn't too far away from the Jedi Temple. In fact, only half a mile away. She hadn't been able to visit since she'd arrived and she was sure, if Obi-Wan did know she was on Coruscant, he'd take time out from his busy schedule to see her. But he hadn't, so she knew he was probably busy with assignments and his Padawan learner.
As she stood there, staring at the Jedi Temple, a shadowy figure entered the office. The shadow reached for his belt, grasping a blaster and aimed it at the Ambassador's head. Sabé yawned and turned her head slightly, just in time to see the attacker and screamed.
Two other guards entered the office immediately, and subdued the attacker, but Sabé was still trembling. The third time! It had happened again and Sabé knew, it would not be the last time. In the back of her mind, she wondered. why anyone would want her dead?
~~
Sabé sat alone in the corner of her office as the guards took away the attacker. She moaned when Senator Amidala entered the room and quickly ran to her friend, grasping her arms. The two embraced briefly and then left the office, walking out into the hallway. One security stopped them, asking for a statement but they ignored him.
"What happened?" Padmé asked, walking her over to a couch chair.
Sabé shrugged, trying to relieve the tension in her shoulders. "This is the third time. I've lost three handmaidens since the talks to bring down the Trade Federation has started. And they were all referred to me by you,"
"I know," Padmé answered, her face serious, "And I'm sorry but you, you should have come to me sooner about the seriousness of the situation, Sabé,"
"Please, not another lecture," Sabé pleaded, "I can take care of myself,"
Padmé chuckled, "Take care of yourself? Sabé, you were almost killed in there. Why were you staying late anyway? You don't normally stay late at the office,"
Sabé huffed and rolled her eyes, "I had work to do." Even though Sabé was the elder of the two, she still acted a little snobby sometimes and was more stubborn than Padmé.
"That's no excuse," Padmé scolded, "You were almost killed tonight... look, it's late now. Go back to your apartment and get some sleep, but tomorrow morning, I want to see you in my office. We need to talk about revising your security detail."
"What's wrong with my detail? They're highly trained professionals, I trained a lot of them for this job,"
Padmé gave Sabé a knowing smile, "Just see me in the morning," hugging her before taking leave.
~~
Chapter 1, Post 2
Escorted by two of her five remaining handmaidens, Sabé entered Padmé's office and then dismissed her handmaidens, telling them to wait outside. After last night, Sabé hadn't been able to sleep, staying awake an extra five hours until her exhausted eyelids finally gave in to sleep. Of course, this being the third time someone tried to kill her, it scared her. but she was too proud to admit she was scared, or even needed help.
"I meant what I said last night, Sabé, you need a new security detail. Besides, I don't think you'd want to risk your handmaidens lives anymore, since you have only five now," Padmé stated, "Perhaps, someone from my own staff can help you..."
"I don't need more bodyguards; I don't want to risk their lives, I just want answers," Sabé retorted.
Padmé gave a disapproving 'hmm' and then glanced outside her window and finally smiled, "Have you visited the Jedi Temple since your arrival?"
Sabé's eyes shot over to Padmé's and she frowned, "No, I haven't. Aren't we supposed to be talking about security detail, pleasantries are for another time, Padmé."
"I just asked because I was curious if you'd seen Anakin or Obi-Wan," Padmé replied and then took a sip of her coffee.
"I haven't," Sabé murmured, "It doesn't matter. Obi-Wan has a busy life and I have one, too. Both our lives are extremely complicated, well, mine more than his, probably,"
Padmé smiled as she relaxed back in her chair, "I rarely get the chance to talk to him either," the Senator admitted, "But I have been keeping track of the both of them. Sometimes, I'd send holo letters to Obi-Wan, but no reply, which either means he's either too busy to read them or the Jedi Council has been fooling around with his mail."
Sabé laughed at that last statement but then frowned. The Jedi were known to be very reclusive, only keeping to themselves. As protectors of the Republic, very little was known about them or their culture. Most only heard about rumors or legends. "About my security detail..."
"Yes, your detail...A lot needs to be worked on there..." Sabé didn't hear anything else she said as her mind wandered back to a certain Jedi Master. Obi-Wan. Sabé never admitted it, but after Naboo, she always wished one day, she would cross paths with him again. Or he'd take the time to fly to Naboo and visit or she'd visit Coruscant, but with their busy schedules, it was impossible. They lost touch for a long time and Sabé started to believe, if he did want to be with her, it would have happened a long time ago.
She broke out of reverie just in time to hear the last of Padmé's speech about how she needed an experienced bodyguard. This had been the third assassination attempt, as a former bodyguard herself, Sabé felt having someone else watch her was overkill to the say least.
"Sabé, are you listening to me?"
Sabé shrugged and smiled coyly, "Yes, your highness,"
Padmé laughed and gave her a meaningful look. It had been five years since she left office as the Queen of Naboo, but, whenever the two were alone together, it was obvious that nothing had really changed between them. They were still close friends, almost like sisters.
"You're overreacting, Padmé," Sabé assured her firmly, "I don't need a bodyguard."
"Yes, you do!" Padmé cried, getting exasperated "I know you think you can handle anything, but this is one situation, Sabé, you can't handle on your own," She paused, thinking about possible candidates. "I know you won't let one of my handmaidens hover over you, mostly because they're too overprotective like me. So, we'll have to go with someone else. Someone we're both familiar with and trust..."
Immediately, Sabé started to protest again but she backed down upon seeing the look on her friend's face. Padmé smiled and snapped her fingers, "A Jedi Master..."
Sabé's mouth dropped, "A Jedi Master? Now, that's overkill! Asking a Jedi to guard me, that's basically saying the situation is very serious and I can't handle it on my own,"
"The situation [i] is [/i] serious. I'll have to see who's available, and then I'll get back to you."
Sabé didn't say anything else, but managed a weak smile, "Thank you again, Padmé."
Padmé smiled and hugged her friend, "Don't worry, Sabé. Everything will be all right." Padmé let go of her friend, and Sabé drew her hood over her head again and left the apartment. Padmé went to her computer consol and connected to the Jedi Council. "Hello Master Windu, I need to ask you a favor... is Jedi Kenobi around?"
~~
Chapter 1, Post 3
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi heaved an annoyed sigh as his 16-year-old Padawan once again, unfocused, left his right side open and let his opponent run him through again. Teenagers, he thought. They're so reckless. He glanced at the other Padawan and called break as Master Windu entered the gym and approached Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan, I have an assignment for you. Senator Amidala asked me if you could act as bodyguard to one of her colleagues," he paused, as if waiting for a response, probably from Anakin, and then continued when the boy didn't say anything to imply he was eavesdropping.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat, "Who is it, Master?"
"Ambassador Sabé Maberrie. She's been hit with at least three assassination attempts. Senator Amidala's team is already looking into the case, so there's no need for an investigation. Your job is to protect the Ambassador at all costs,"
He bowed and smiled, "Of course, Master. and my Padawan?"
Mace glanced at the 16-year old, "Anakin will stay here. I'll oversee his training while you're gone,"
"Thank you, Master,"
"May the Force be with you," Mace said as Obi-Wan helped up his limping Padawan.
~~
"You were unfocused and reckless. Do you realize, my young apprentice, if that match had been a real duel, you wouldn't be here now? You would be dead,"
"Yes, Master," he mumbled. A few seconds later, he looked slyly at Obi-Wan. "What was that about Padmé?"
"Senator Amidala," he corrected, "And it's not polite to eavesdrop, Anakin," Obi-Wan scolded. When Anakin didn't respond, Obi-Wan continued, "And it's not about the Senator. It's Sabé Maberrie. She's been targeted three times and Senator Amidala requested my help. She wants me to act as Sabé's bodyguard,"
Anakin smiled, "I remember, Sabé. She was the decoy Queen during the Trade Federation crisis," he looked at his Master and smiled, "You two were friends then?" It was more of a statement than question.
"Friends and nothing more. Remember, a Jedi is completely devoted to the Jedi Order, a commitment that can't be easily broken..."
Anakin rolled his eyes, "I've heard this speech before..."
"And you'll hear it many more times Anakin, until it sinks in," Obi-Wan said. "And you're not coming with. I'm going alone,"
The Padawan raised an eyebrow and grinned, "Alone? Are you telling me or did Master Windu request you go alone? There is a difference Master,"
"He requested and he'll take over your training for the duration I'm gone and probably Master Yoda, too,"
Anakin groaned, "Not Master Yoda. Master Yoda doesn't like me. He puts me through all these meaningless exercises and he's too demanding..."
"And he probably puts you through all those excruciating exercises to get you to stop whining," Obi-Wan commented and smiled wryly, "I shouldn't be gone too long, Padawan. Senator Amidala's people are heading an investigation,"
Padmé. Anakin grinned, remembering the girl he met when he was 9 years old, and imagining the woman she would be today, "I'd love to see her again,"
"Do I have to dispense another lecture about emotional attachments before I take my leave, Anakin?"
Anakin immediately frowned and mumbled, "No,"
"Good. Stick to your lessons and pay close attention to Master Windu and Master Yoda,"
He shrugged and bowed, "Yes, Master. May the Force be with you."
Chapter 1, Post 4
Sabé fidgeted as she sat with two of her handmaidens. Padmé had volunteered her apartment for the meeting as she had an important meeting to attend to. She sighed and stood up, walking to the window. One of her handmaidens, Naja, immediately stood up, ready to escort her, but Sabé gave her a wave that said it was all right.
As she was about to sit down, the two handmaidens heard the door chime. Naja and Anya rushed to answer it. Both women seemed startled to see Obi- Wan. He gave a slight smile at the both them as he walked inside, and Naja nudged Anya to call Sabé.
"M'lady," Anya started as she returned from the balcony with Sabé and gestured to Obi-Wan, "Master Kenobi," she finished.
Sabé stared at Obi-Wan, his blue eyes, the mischievous feeling still there. He looked more respectable as a Jedi Master and not the young Jedi Knight she knew when she was eighteen. "M'lady," he said and bowed, smirking, "It's a pleasure to see you again,"
"Yes," she acknowledged, "I'm very thankful you're here, Obi-Wan. although I don't think it's necessary," Sabé said as they all walked over to the couch. "The only reason you're here is because Padmé requested you."
"With all due respect, Ambassador, you've lost three handmaidens to these attempts. I think my presence is warranted and that Senator Amidala was right to ask for my assistance,"
Sabé frowned, "She thinks so, but I don't. I have been a bodyguard for many years, Obi-Wan. I know how to take care of myself, I don't need someone watching over me,"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath, calling upon the Force to calm his nerves. He knew Sabé was just stressed about the situation and not really irritated with him. "I promise, M'lady, my presence will be invisible. You'll never know I'm here,"
"But you will be," she whispered and looked at Obi-Wan. She wanted to apologize for before but simply nodded and went into the office. Obi-Wan gave a wise sounding 'hmm' and followed her, much to Sabé's dismay. Once she saw his figure standing at the door, she pursed her lips and tilted her head back, "Yes?" she asked, looking quite annoyed at him.
"Has the security been checked in here?" he asked and started to look around the office, "You were last attacked while you were working behind a desk,"
Sabé gave a very loud, very obvious huff, "Yes, I was but this isn't my office or my apartment. It's Padmé's. She's at a meeting now and let me use it, mostly because mine is a crime scene,"
He frowned and looked at her, "You really should have called once you got here..."
"I didn't want to disturb you. I'm sure you were very busy training Anakin," she mumbled, her annoyance forgotten. She did not look up at him as she skimmed over miscellaneous data pads.
"I was busy, but for a old friends, I'm never busy," he said as Sabé put the data pad down and gazed up at Obi-Wan, "You do remember we were friends, don't you?"
She gave a slight laugh, "I know...I just thought after we parted, you forgot about me."
Obi-Wan smirked, "How could I forget about you? You were there for me when I needed someone," he rested his hand on hers. Sabé sighed again as Obi-Wan leaned over the desk and pressed his lips to hers...
Chapter 1, Post 5
"Sabé!" a voice cried and the Ambassador woke up from her sleep. "Ambassador, what are you still doing here?" Obi-Wan asked, "I thought you had gone to sleep already!"
She shook her head, "Sorry, Master Jedi, but I had a lot of work to deal with and I tend to work better at night,"
Obi-Wan crossed his arms in his robes and stalked towards the desk, "That's no excuse. You were in here all alone and anyone could have come in here and...Come, follow me please. You need to sleep," he didn't wait for her reply, taking her hand and dragging her out of the office, "Is this how you spend your nights? Staying up late in your office? Don't you have a home?"
Sabé chuckled, "I do, but it's a home I rarely see."
"Jedi are rarely in the Temple more than one day before being called for another assignment," he said, "The record time Ani and I have actually stayed in the Temple, longer than a day, is three days,"
"I'd only been able to visit Naboo for one week, taking leave with my family and my friends. Politics is a crazy life, Obi-Wan, but still, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've grown up with it. And I think you feel the same way about being a Jedi Master,"
He shrugged, "Sometimes I wish I had another life, to live life as a normal man with a family."
Sabé smiled, "I never imagined the great Obi-Wan Kenobi as a father, or settling down for that matter, unless he hasn't found the right woman yet," The statement hung in the air for a long time and Sabé dreaded his reply, mostly because if she knew he had found someone, things were going to be very awkward between them.
"I haven't," Obi-Wan said and grinned, "Yet,"
Sabé smiled, relieved "Neither have I...yet."
~~
Sabé yawned, walking silently into the main room as breakfast was served. She passed Padmé's room on the way, but it was still notably empty, which meant she didn't come back last night. Naja and Anya were promptly awake, serving Obi-Wan but he refused until he saw Sabé, then he bowed.
"It was improper to go ahead and eat before m'lady awoke," he said and smiled.
"Sorry, Obi-Wan if I slept in," she said and sat down, thanking Naja and Anya for their patience. "You slept well on the couch?"
He shrugged, rubbing his neck, "Ask me again in an hour," Sabé laughed as she glanced at the chrono and rolled her eyes. Obi-Wan saw she was irritated and frowned, "What is it, m'lady?"
Sabé rubbed her brow, in a stressed sort of way, "I should have been in the Senate building an hour ago..."
"Don't worry about it. Padmé's covering for you, isn't she?" he asked, eating a strawberry.
"I hope she is. So, what are we going to do today if I can't work like I'm supposed to?" Sabé asked her protector. She hoped he would say something romantic, like go out on a walk or something but then no, she knew Obi-Wan wasn't the romantic type.
He shrugged, "What would m'lady like to do today?"
Her jaw dropped and was clearly stumped, "Besides work?" she asked and he nodded, "I don't know. My whole life revolves around work. I don't know anything else," Obi-Wan thought she was joking and started to laugh and then saw she was still dismayed and frowned.
"Tell me about your travels,"
"My travels? I should be asking you that question. You're a Jedi Master, you get sent everywhere in the galaxy on assignments. Ambassadors do travel but they never have the time to relax, work is always involved somehow. But recently, I made a trip to Alderaan. A very beautiful planet, almost like Naboo...I miss Naboo," she murmured as an afterthought.
Obi-Wan smiled, "Alderaan. Did you stay in the capital or in the palace?"
Sabé raised her eyebrows and laughed, "Stay in the royal palace? Oh no, sometimes that happens but only when you have the right connections. I stayed in a hotel in the capital. It was nice, right across from the hotel was a park and a small lake,"
"Sounds wonderful,"
"What about you? Where have you and Anakin been?" Sabé questioned, "And I want full details."
Obi-Wan shook his head and smiled, "I'm not very good at telling stories..."
Sabé smiled, "Nonsense, Obi-Wan. Tell me, please?"
The Jedi conceded, "All right," and started telling an embarrassing story about Anakin.
~~
After an hour, Obi-Wan and Sabé moved out onto the balcony, watching the traffic pass the apartment. Sabé pointed to a tall building not far from the Jedi Temple and Obi-Wan smiled. "My office building," she said, "Well, my office when I'm on Coruscant. But it has the best view of the Jedi Temple,"
"If you were so close, how come you never took a air taxi and visited?" Obi- Wan asked, secretly a little dismayed she was that close but never made the trip.
She shrugged, looking again at the traffic, "Too busy, or you were too busy to stop by," Sabé smiled, "But you're here now,"
Obi-Wan breathed slowly, staring at Sabé. He'd always felt a special connection to her, a bond, something that doesn't normally happen between Jedi and non-Jedi. Absent mindedly, he placed his hand over Sabé and leaned closer to her, bending down...
"Sabé, Master Kenobi," a voice called from inside and the two pulled away from each other. He gestured for Sabé to go ahead as he followed in her wake.
"Naja," Sabé started, "What is it?"
Naja nodded to Obi-Wan and then looked at her mistress, "Padmé doesn't want you to stay on Coruscant. She feels it's too dangerous for you here and she wants you both to leave, I have your things packed already..."
"Packed? Where am I going? Not back to Naboo..."
"Why not back to Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked.
Sabé frowned and turned to him, "Because that's where the first attempt happened. It was while I was visiting my parent's home," She faced Naja again, "Where are we going, if I can't stay on planet?"
Naja glanced at the message again and then looked at Sabé, "Alderaan, m'lady. You already have a small country cottage reserved for your stay and the taxi is coming here in an hour,"
"Thank you, Naja for your promptness," Sabé said and went back inside the guestroom to see to Anya, who was just finished packing her things. "M'lady, m'lord," she greeted them and then left them alone. "You better alert the Council about our travel plans,"
He nodded and removed his com as Sabé turned to the bed, finishing off the rest of the packing. She opened a hidden drawer, removing a small Nubian blaster and threw it onto a pile of clothes and then tossed some more clothes on top of it.
tbc
Chapter 1, Post 6
"Why didn't you tell me the first attempt happened on Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked, interrupting Sabé's thoughts as she stared out the transport window. She turned to him, smiling timidly.
"I didn't tell you because...I didn't want you to worry. No one was hurt, my parents were fine and my sisters weren't hurt,"
He nodded and frowned, crossing his arms, "You still should have told me. I had no idea the attempts hit that close to your home,"
"After that, I left Naboo and was away for months. The second one happened while we were already en route to Coruscant...The assassin, he always seemed to know where I was during each attempt,"
"That's the way assassins work, Sabé. They generally know where their prey are," Obi-Wan said, but sensed she thinking more seriously about the situation, "What is it?"
She shook her head, slouching in her chair, "Just a thought,"
Obi-Wan leaned forward and placed his hand over hers, "Sabé, if there's anything, anything at all you suspect, you should tell me about it,"
"I know, Obi-Wan but what I'm thinking about right now, it's crazy...But. the assassin knew where to hit me while I was most vulnerable, right? Maybe the person we should be looking for is someone from within,"
"Someone within your own guard? Why? Sabé, that doesn't make sense. Everyone that works for you has been screened and you've trained them yourself, so you know your handmaidens and trust them, don't you?"
Sabé thought about that statement a minute and then laughed, "You're right. It was a crazy theory," She glanced out the window again as the transport came to a stop. Obi-Wan stood up first, grabbing her luggage while Sabé grabbed the other half and exited the transport. They both smiled when they noticed Master Windu was there to greet them but Sabé frowned when she didn't see Padmé anywhere.
"Master Windu, where's Padmé?" Sabé asked.
"Padmé was busy, but she regrets not seeing the both of you off," Mace replied and then turned to Obi-Wan, "I told Anakin about the change in plans...He whined a little bit but he'll survive."
Obi-Wan bowed his head and smiled, "Thank you, Master Windu,"
"We have to go," Sabé muttered as the refugee hauler arrived. Obi-Wan nodded and grabbed Sabé's bags again as they walked towards the hauler and boarded.
~~
Obi-Wan smiled, sitting across from Sabé, a small crate serving as their dining table. For the last hour, Sabé had been teaching Obi-Wan little Nubian words and phrases. He was a fast learner but that didn't surprise Sabé, he had to be a faster learner if he was a Jedi.
"How am I doing so far teacher?" Obi-Wan asked and Sabé smiled.
"You're doing wonderfully. Your accent is just right, Obi-Wan...If we were visiting Naboo and my family, my mother would be very pleased,"
"I'd like to meet them," Obi-Wan said and Sabé immediately looked up at him, "And your sisters. How many do you have?"
"Two. I'm the youngest. My middle and older sister both are married and have children of their own. Mia, my middle sister has two girls and is expecting a little boy and my oldest sister, she has a boy and two girls."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Children are wonderful aren't they? I remember very little about my family, but I know I had a brother. I think he was older than me."
Sabé frowned, eating some more of her soup, "How can the Jedi take children away from their parents? That's one part of the Order I have never understood."
He shrugged, "They're not taken. In the Republic, every child is tested at birth. If a child's midichlorian count is high, the child is brought to the Temple, but not without the family's permission. If the parents don't want their child to be a Jedi, their wishes are respected."
"But that would be one missed potential Jedi. Wouldn't the Jedi fight for custody?"
"If Master Yoda or Master Windu felt the child was truly exceptional, yes, the Council would fight for custody but if not, the child would stay with their family. We're not monsters, Sabé." Obi-Wan explained, "What about you? How did you become a handmaiden?"
Sabé smiled, "Tests, mental and physical. As you remember, physical was more important. Only twelve were going to be chosen, but I remember twenty girls vying for a spot. Each of us had different backgrounds, so we were each placed into suitable positions."
He smiled, "How did you become the Queen's Decoy, then?"
"Captain Panaka originally was not looking for a girl that looked like Padmé, but then I came along and with my skills, I became her decoy. The first couple weeks, I had to learn to imitate Amidala's mannerisms, royal etiquette. Although it's an honor, the role was very confining. Up until the Trade Federation crisis, no one knew I existed."
"You must have been relieved when Padmé's two terms were up," Obi-Wan noted.
Sabé rolled her eyes and smiled, "I was but then I became Ambassador the same week Padmé became Senator," she paused, "I miss it sometimes, though. As handmaidens, we were all very close, almost like sisters. We were always involved in each other's lives, professionally and personally. I've been able to keep in touch with some of them since I left and even attended Rabé's wedding a couple years ago. She has two little girls and made me their Godmother,"
"Family's very important to you, isn't it?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't see how it couldn't be? Every Nubian child is taught from an early age that family is the most important thing in your life. They'll always be there for you to support and love you...It's a shame you never really knew your family, Obi-Wan. Don't you ever wonder about your background? What your life could have been like if you didn't become a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan frowned and looked distressed, "Sometimes, but other times, I think, if I wasn't a Jedi, what would I be? A farmer?"
Sabé's eyebrows furrowed and then she started to laugh, "A farmer? That's an odd answer,"
"I could have been. On my thirteenth birthday, I was supposed to have had a Master by then but I was without a Master and if you aren't chosen to be a Jedi, you get shipped off to the Agriculture Corps. I did make the trip but never made it there."
She nodded, "But it didn't happen, and here we are, years later. You, as a respected and powerful Jedi Master and me, a former bodyguard turned Ambassador."
Obi-Wan didn't seem to have heard what she said. "I could have been a farmer..."
Sabé laughed, shaking her head as she finished off the rest of her soup.
tbc
Summary: After an assassination attempt on Ambassador Sabé Maberrie, Obi- Wan is assigned to act as her bodyguard and the two of them rediscover their hidden past... A/N: 3 yrs. before AoTc, Anakin is 16 (Oh God, that's scary), Obi-Wan is in his early thirties or something. The point is, this fic is AU but still cannon to AotC. Special Thanks: Thanks to everyone who helped spark ideas for this fic. That's everyone that was involved in my planning thread. Many thanks to my wonderful beta, SobiFan. If you want me to beta your Sabewan series, just pm me. I would love to do it. Dedication: To the mother of all Sabewan fanfics, this genre would not exist if it weren't for you, JazzyJedi. Thank you. Love your writing and he he, you were almost an Obidala 'shipper. You're still wonderful. Rating: PG-13
However, once this fic is done, I'm going to be sending it off to websites (notably, [link=] 'Whispers of the Force [/link] and hopefully, [link=] SO...? [/link]). Also, you'll be able to find 'Defining Us' on my Sabewan website, [link=] Fated to Be [/link]
This is just a teaser.
Chapter 1, Post 1
Sabé Maberrie huffed, feeling a little tired after staying up five extra hours, going over paperwork for something or other. She didn't really know what the paperwork was for, probably something important. She fidgeted in her chair and glanced out the vast window that belonged to her office, which allowed one to see only the best view of Coruscant's sky. Sabé stood up, forgetting about her paperwork and walked to the window.
She'd been on Coruscant for about a week. Upon her arrival, she'd seen Senator Amidala a few times, mostly talking about business, but they still had fun together. After her reign ended as Queen, all the handmaidens had left office to live normal lives, to stick close to family. Sabé was offered Captain Panaka's position, but she declined. She stayed out of the public's eye for a long time, until she was offered the position as Ambassador. The position meant sitting behind a desk most of the time, but it would bring her closer to the Republic.
Of course, Sabé smiled. her new office wasn't too far away from the Jedi Temple. In fact, only half a mile away. She hadn't been able to visit since she'd arrived and she was sure, if Obi-Wan did know she was on Coruscant, he'd take time out from his busy schedule to see her. But he hadn't, so she knew he was probably busy with assignments and his Padawan learner.
As she stood there, staring at the Jedi Temple, a shadowy figure entered the office. The shadow reached for his belt, grasping a blaster and aimed it at the Ambassador's head. Sabé yawned and turned her head slightly, just in time to see the attacker and screamed.
Two other guards entered the office immediately, and subdued the attacker, but Sabé was still trembling. The third time! It had happened again and Sabé knew, it would not be the last time. In the back of her mind, she wondered. why anyone would want her dead?
~~
Sabé sat alone in the corner of her office as the guards took away the attacker. She moaned when Senator Amidala entered the room and quickly ran to her friend, grasping her arms. The two embraced briefly and then left the office, walking out into the hallway. One security stopped them, asking for a statement but they ignored him.
"What happened?" Padmé asked, walking her over to a couch chair.
Sabé shrugged, trying to relieve the tension in her shoulders. "This is the third time. I've lost three handmaidens since the talks to bring down the Trade Federation has started. And they were all referred to me by you,"
"I know," Padmé answered, her face serious, "And I'm sorry but you, you should have come to me sooner about the seriousness of the situation, Sabé,"
"Please, not another lecture," Sabé pleaded, "I can take care of myself,"
Padmé chuckled, "Take care of yourself? Sabé, you were almost killed in there. Why were you staying late anyway? You don't normally stay late at the office,"
Sabé huffed and rolled her eyes, "I had work to do." Even though Sabé was the elder of the two, she still acted a little snobby sometimes and was more stubborn than Padmé.
"That's no excuse," Padmé scolded, "You were almost killed tonight... look, it's late now. Go back to your apartment and get some sleep, but tomorrow morning, I want to see you in my office. We need to talk about revising your security detail."
"What's wrong with my detail? They're highly trained professionals, I trained a lot of them for this job,"
Padmé gave Sabé a knowing smile, "Just see me in the morning," hugging her before taking leave.
~~
Chapter 1, Post 2
Escorted by two of her five remaining handmaidens, Sabé entered Padmé's office and then dismissed her handmaidens, telling them to wait outside. After last night, Sabé hadn't been able to sleep, staying awake an extra five hours until her exhausted eyelids finally gave in to sleep. Of course, this being the third time someone tried to kill her, it scared her. but she was too proud to admit she was scared, or even needed help.
"I meant what I said last night, Sabé, you need a new security detail. Besides, I don't think you'd want to risk your handmaidens lives anymore, since you have only five now," Padmé stated, "Perhaps, someone from my own staff can help you..."
"I don't need more bodyguards; I don't want to risk their lives, I just want answers," Sabé retorted.
Padmé gave a disapproving 'hmm' and then glanced outside her window and finally smiled, "Have you visited the Jedi Temple since your arrival?"
Sabé's eyes shot over to Padmé's and she frowned, "No, I haven't. Aren't we supposed to be talking about security detail, pleasantries are for another time, Padmé."
"I just asked because I was curious if you'd seen Anakin or Obi-Wan," Padmé replied and then took a sip of her coffee.
"I haven't," Sabé murmured, "It doesn't matter. Obi-Wan has a busy life and I have one, too. Both our lives are extremely complicated, well, mine more than his, probably,"
Padmé smiled as she relaxed back in her chair, "I rarely get the chance to talk to him either," the Senator admitted, "But I have been keeping track of the both of them. Sometimes, I'd send holo letters to Obi-Wan, but no reply, which either means he's either too busy to read them or the Jedi Council has been fooling around with his mail."
Sabé laughed at that last statement but then frowned. The Jedi were known to be very reclusive, only keeping to themselves. As protectors of the Republic, very little was known about them or their culture. Most only heard about rumors or legends. "About my security detail..."
"Yes, your detail...A lot needs to be worked on there..." Sabé didn't hear anything else she said as her mind wandered back to a certain Jedi Master. Obi-Wan. Sabé never admitted it, but after Naboo, she always wished one day, she would cross paths with him again. Or he'd take the time to fly to Naboo and visit or she'd visit Coruscant, but with their busy schedules, it was impossible. They lost touch for a long time and Sabé started to believe, if he did want to be with her, it would have happened a long time ago.
She broke out of reverie just in time to hear the last of Padmé's speech about how she needed an experienced bodyguard. This had been the third assassination attempt, as a former bodyguard herself, Sabé felt having someone else watch her was overkill to the say least.
"Sabé, are you listening to me?"
Sabé shrugged and smiled coyly, "Yes, your highness,"
Padmé laughed and gave her a meaningful look. It had been five years since she left office as the Queen of Naboo, but, whenever the two were alone together, it was obvious that nothing had really changed between them. They were still close friends, almost like sisters.
"You're overreacting, Padmé," Sabé assured her firmly, "I don't need a bodyguard."
"Yes, you do!" Padmé cried, getting exasperated "I know you think you can handle anything, but this is one situation, Sabé, you can't handle on your own," She paused, thinking about possible candidates. "I know you won't let one of my handmaidens hover over you, mostly because they're too overprotective like me. So, we'll have to go with someone else. Someone we're both familiar with and trust..."
Immediately, Sabé started to protest again but she backed down upon seeing the look on her friend's face. Padmé smiled and snapped her fingers, "A Jedi Master..."
Sabé's mouth dropped, "A Jedi Master? Now, that's overkill! Asking a Jedi to guard me, that's basically saying the situation is very serious and I can't handle it on my own,"
"The situation [i] is [/i] serious. I'll have to see who's available, and then I'll get back to you."
Sabé didn't say anything else, but managed a weak smile, "Thank you again, Padmé."
Padmé smiled and hugged her friend, "Don't worry, Sabé. Everything will be all right." Padmé let go of her friend, and Sabé drew her hood over her head again and left the apartment. Padmé went to her computer consol and connected to the Jedi Council. "Hello Master Windu, I need to ask you a favor... is Jedi Kenobi around?"
~~
Chapter 1, Post 3
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi heaved an annoyed sigh as his 16-year-old Padawan once again, unfocused, left his right side open and let his opponent run him through again. Teenagers, he thought. They're so reckless. He glanced at the other Padawan and called break as Master Windu entered the gym and approached Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan, I have an assignment for you. Senator Amidala asked me if you could act as bodyguard to one of her colleagues," he paused, as if waiting for a response, probably from Anakin, and then continued when the boy didn't say anything to imply he was eavesdropping.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat, "Who is it, Master?"
"Ambassador Sabé Maberrie. She's been hit with at least three assassination attempts. Senator Amidala's team is already looking into the case, so there's no need for an investigation. Your job is to protect the Ambassador at all costs,"
He bowed and smiled, "Of course, Master. and my Padawan?"
Mace glanced at the 16-year old, "Anakin will stay here. I'll oversee his training while you're gone,"
"Thank you, Master,"
"May the Force be with you," Mace said as Obi-Wan helped up his limping Padawan.
~~
"You were unfocused and reckless. Do you realize, my young apprentice, if that match had been a real duel, you wouldn't be here now? You would be dead,"
"Yes, Master," he mumbled. A few seconds later, he looked slyly at Obi-Wan. "What was that about Padmé?"
"Senator Amidala," he corrected, "And it's not polite to eavesdrop, Anakin," Obi-Wan scolded. When Anakin didn't respond, Obi-Wan continued, "And it's not about the Senator. It's Sabé Maberrie. She's been targeted three times and Senator Amidala requested my help. She wants me to act as Sabé's bodyguard,"
Anakin smiled, "I remember, Sabé. She was the decoy Queen during the Trade Federation crisis," he looked at his Master and smiled, "You two were friends then?" It was more of a statement than question.
"Friends and nothing more. Remember, a Jedi is completely devoted to the Jedi Order, a commitment that can't be easily broken..."
Anakin rolled his eyes, "I've heard this speech before..."
"And you'll hear it many more times Anakin, until it sinks in," Obi-Wan said. "And you're not coming with. I'm going alone,"
The Padawan raised an eyebrow and grinned, "Alone? Are you telling me or did Master Windu request you go alone? There is a difference Master,"
"He requested and he'll take over your training for the duration I'm gone and probably Master Yoda, too,"
Anakin groaned, "Not Master Yoda. Master Yoda doesn't like me. He puts me through all these meaningless exercises and he's too demanding..."
"And he probably puts you through all those excruciating exercises to get you to stop whining," Obi-Wan commented and smiled wryly, "I shouldn't be gone too long, Padawan. Senator Amidala's people are heading an investigation,"
Padmé. Anakin grinned, remembering the girl he met when he was 9 years old, and imagining the woman she would be today, "I'd love to see her again,"
"Do I have to dispense another lecture about emotional attachments before I take my leave, Anakin?"
Anakin immediately frowned and mumbled, "No,"
"Good. Stick to your lessons and pay close attention to Master Windu and Master Yoda,"
He shrugged and bowed, "Yes, Master. May the Force be with you."
Chapter 1, Post 4
Sabé fidgeted as she sat with two of her handmaidens. Padmé had volunteered her apartment for the meeting as she had an important meeting to attend to. She sighed and stood up, walking to the window. One of her handmaidens, Naja, immediately stood up, ready to escort her, but Sabé gave her a wave that said it was all right.
As she was about to sit down, the two handmaidens heard the door chime. Naja and Anya rushed to answer it. Both women seemed startled to see Obi- Wan. He gave a slight smile at the both them as he walked inside, and Naja nudged Anya to call Sabé.
"M'lady," Anya started as she returned from the balcony with Sabé and gestured to Obi-Wan, "Master Kenobi," she finished.
Sabé stared at Obi-Wan, his blue eyes, the mischievous feeling still there. He looked more respectable as a Jedi Master and not the young Jedi Knight she knew when she was eighteen. "M'lady," he said and bowed, smirking, "It's a pleasure to see you again,"
"Yes," she acknowledged, "I'm very thankful you're here, Obi-Wan. although I don't think it's necessary," Sabé said as they all walked over to the couch. "The only reason you're here is because Padmé requested you."
"With all due respect, Ambassador, you've lost three handmaidens to these attempts. I think my presence is warranted and that Senator Amidala was right to ask for my assistance,"
Sabé frowned, "She thinks so, but I don't. I have been a bodyguard for many years, Obi-Wan. I know how to take care of myself, I don't need someone watching over me,"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath, calling upon the Force to calm his nerves. He knew Sabé was just stressed about the situation and not really irritated with him. "I promise, M'lady, my presence will be invisible. You'll never know I'm here,"
"But you will be," she whispered and looked at Obi-Wan. She wanted to apologize for before but simply nodded and went into the office. Obi-Wan gave a wise sounding 'hmm' and followed her, much to Sabé's dismay. Once she saw his figure standing at the door, she pursed her lips and tilted her head back, "Yes?" she asked, looking quite annoyed at him.
"Has the security been checked in here?" he asked and started to look around the office, "You were last attacked while you were working behind a desk,"
Sabé gave a very loud, very obvious huff, "Yes, I was but this isn't my office or my apartment. It's Padmé's. She's at a meeting now and let me use it, mostly because mine is a crime scene,"
He frowned and looked at her, "You really should have called once you got here..."
"I didn't want to disturb you. I'm sure you were very busy training Anakin," she mumbled, her annoyance forgotten. She did not look up at him as she skimmed over miscellaneous data pads.
"I was busy, but for a old friends, I'm never busy," he said as Sabé put the data pad down and gazed up at Obi-Wan, "You do remember we were friends, don't you?"
She gave a slight laugh, "I know...I just thought after we parted, you forgot about me."
Obi-Wan smirked, "How could I forget about you? You were there for me when I needed someone," he rested his hand on hers. Sabé sighed again as Obi-Wan leaned over the desk and pressed his lips to hers...
Chapter 1, Post 5
"Sabé!" a voice cried and the Ambassador woke up from her sleep. "Ambassador, what are you still doing here?" Obi-Wan asked, "I thought you had gone to sleep already!"
She shook her head, "Sorry, Master Jedi, but I had a lot of work to deal with and I tend to work better at night,"
Obi-Wan crossed his arms in his robes and stalked towards the desk, "That's no excuse. You were in here all alone and anyone could have come in here and...Come, follow me please. You need to sleep," he didn't wait for her reply, taking her hand and dragging her out of the office, "Is this how you spend your nights? Staying up late in your office? Don't you have a home?"
Sabé chuckled, "I do, but it's a home I rarely see."
"Jedi are rarely in the Temple more than one day before being called for another assignment," he said, "The record time Ani and I have actually stayed in the Temple, longer than a day, is three days,"
"I'd only been able to visit Naboo for one week, taking leave with my family and my friends. Politics is a crazy life, Obi-Wan, but still, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've grown up with it. And I think you feel the same way about being a Jedi Master,"
He shrugged, "Sometimes I wish I had another life, to live life as a normal man with a family."
Sabé smiled, "I never imagined the great Obi-Wan Kenobi as a father, or settling down for that matter, unless he hasn't found the right woman yet," The statement hung in the air for a long time and Sabé dreaded his reply, mostly because if she knew he had found someone, things were going to be very awkward between them.
"I haven't," Obi-Wan said and grinned, "Yet,"
Sabé smiled, relieved "Neither have I...yet."
~~
Sabé yawned, walking silently into the main room as breakfast was served. She passed Padmé's room on the way, but it was still notably empty, which meant she didn't come back last night. Naja and Anya were promptly awake, serving Obi-Wan but he refused until he saw Sabé, then he bowed.
"It was improper to go ahead and eat before m'lady awoke," he said and smiled.
"Sorry, Obi-Wan if I slept in," she said and sat down, thanking Naja and Anya for their patience. "You slept well on the couch?"
He shrugged, rubbing his neck, "Ask me again in an hour," Sabé laughed as she glanced at the chrono and rolled her eyes. Obi-Wan saw she was irritated and frowned, "What is it, m'lady?"
Sabé rubbed her brow, in a stressed sort of way, "I should have been in the Senate building an hour ago..."
"Don't worry about it. Padmé's covering for you, isn't she?" he asked, eating a strawberry.
"I hope she is. So, what are we going to do today if I can't work like I'm supposed to?" Sabé asked her protector. She hoped he would say something romantic, like go out on a walk or something but then no, she knew Obi-Wan wasn't the romantic type.
He shrugged, "What would m'lady like to do today?"
Her jaw dropped and was clearly stumped, "Besides work?" she asked and he nodded, "I don't know. My whole life revolves around work. I don't know anything else," Obi-Wan thought she was joking and started to laugh and then saw she was still dismayed and frowned.
"Tell me about your travels,"
"My travels? I should be asking you that question. You're a Jedi Master, you get sent everywhere in the galaxy on assignments. Ambassadors do travel but they never have the time to relax, work is always involved somehow. But recently, I made a trip to Alderaan. A very beautiful planet, almost like Naboo...I miss Naboo," she murmured as an afterthought.
Obi-Wan smiled, "Alderaan. Did you stay in the capital or in the palace?"
Sabé raised her eyebrows and laughed, "Stay in the royal palace? Oh no, sometimes that happens but only when you have the right connections. I stayed in a hotel in the capital. It was nice, right across from the hotel was a park and a small lake,"
"Sounds wonderful,"
"What about you? Where have you and Anakin been?" Sabé questioned, "And I want full details."
Obi-Wan shook his head and smiled, "I'm not very good at telling stories..."
Sabé smiled, "Nonsense, Obi-Wan. Tell me, please?"
The Jedi conceded, "All right," and started telling an embarrassing story about Anakin.
~~
After an hour, Obi-Wan and Sabé moved out onto the balcony, watching the traffic pass the apartment. Sabé pointed to a tall building not far from the Jedi Temple and Obi-Wan smiled. "My office building," she said, "Well, my office when I'm on Coruscant. But it has the best view of the Jedi Temple,"
"If you were so close, how come you never took a air taxi and visited?" Obi- Wan asked, secretly a little dismayed she was that close but never made the trip.
She shrugged, looking again at the traffic, "Too busy, or you were too busy to stop by," Sabé smiled, "But you're here now,"
Obi-Wan breathed slowly, staring at Sabé. He'd always felt a special connection to her, a bond, something that doesn't normally happen between Jedi and non-Jedi. Absent mindedly, he placed his hand over Sabé and leaned closer to her, bending down...
"Sabé, Master Kenobi," a voice called from inside and the two pulled away from each other. He gestured for Sabé to go ahead as he followed in her wake.
"Naja," Sabé started, "What is it?"
Naja nodded to Obi-Wan and then looked at her mistress, "Padmé doesn't want you to stay on Coruscant. She feels it's too dangerous for you here and she wants you both to leave, I have your things packed already..."
"Packed? Where am I going? Not back to Naboo..."
"Why not back to Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked.
Sabé frowned and turned to him, "Because that's where the first attempt happened. It was while I was visiting my parent's home," She faced Naja again, "Where are we going, if I can't stay on planet?"
Naja glanced at the message again and then looked at Sabé, "Alderaan, m'lady. You already have a small country cottage reserved for your stay and the taxi is coming here in an hour,"
"Thank you, Naja for your promptness," Sabé said and went back inside the guestroom to see to Anya, who was just finished packing her things. "M'lady, m'lord," she greeted them and then left them alone. "You better alert the Council about our travel plans,"
He nodded and removed his com as Sabé turned to the bed, finishing off the rest of the packing. She opened a hidden drawer, removing a small Nubian blaster and threw it onto a pile of clothes and then tossed some more clothes on top of it.
tbc
Chapter 1, Post 6
"Why didn't you tell me the first attempt happened on Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked, interrupting Sabé's thoughts as she stared out the transport window. She turned to him, smiling timidly.
"I didn't tell you because...I didn't want you to worry. No one was hurt, my parents were fine and my sisters weren't hurt,"
He nodded and frowned, crossing his arms, "You still should have told me. I had no idea the attempts hit that close to your home,"
"After that, I left Naboo and was away for months. The second one happened while we were already en route to Coruscant...The assassin, he always seemed to know where I was during each attempt,"
"That's the way assassins work, Sabé. They generally know where their prey are," Obi-Wan said, but sensed she thinking more seriously about the situation, "What is it?"
She shook her head, slouching in her chair, "Just a thought,"
Obi-Wan leaned forward and placed his hand over hers, "Sabé, if there's anything, anything at all you suspect, you should tell me about it,"
"I know, Obi-Wan but what I'm thinking about right now, it's crazy...But. the assassin knew where to hit me while I was most vulnerable, right? Maybe the person we should be looking for is someone from within,"
"Someone within your own guard? Why? Sabé, that doesn't make sense. Everyone that works for you has been screened and you've trained them yourself, so you know your handmaidens and trust them, don't you?"
Sabé thought about that statement a minute and then laughed, "You're right. It was a crazy theory," She glanced out the window again as the transport came to a stop. Obi-Wan stood up first, grabbing her luggage while Sabé grabbed the other half and exited the transport. They both smiled when they noticed Master Windu was there to greet them but Sabé frowned when she didn't see Padmé anywhere.
"Master Windu, where's Padmé?" Sabé asked.
"Padmé was busy, but she regrets not seeing the both of you off," Mace replied and then turned to Obi-Wan, "I told Anakin about the change in plans...He whined a little bit but he'll survive."
Obi-Wan bowed his head and smiled, "Thank you, Master Windu,"
"We have to go," Sabé muttered as the refugee hauler arrived. Obi-Wan nodded and grabbed Sabé's bags again as they walked towards the hauler and boarded.
~~
Obi-Wan smiled, sitting across from Sabé, a small crate serving as their dining table. For the last hour, Sabé had been teaching Obi-Wan little Nubian words and phrases. He was a fast learner but that didn't surprise Sabé, he had to be a faster learner if he was a Jedi.
"How am I doing so far teacher?" Obi-Wan asked and Sabé smiled.
"You're doing wonderfully. Your accent is just right, Obi-Wan...If we were visiting Naboo and my family, my mother would be very pleased,"
"I'd like to meet them," Obi-Wan said and Sabé immediately looked up at him, "And your sisters. How many do you have?"
"Two. I'm the youngest. My middle and older sister both are married and have children of their own. Mia, my middle sister has two girls and is expecting a little boy and my oldest sister, she has a boy and two girls."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Children are wonderful aren't they? I remember very little about my family, but I know I had a brother. I think he was older than me."
Sabé frowned, eating some more of her soup, "How can the Jedi take children away from their parents? That's one part of the Order I have never understood."
He shrugged, "They're not taken. In the Republic, every child is tested at birth. If a child's midichlorian count is high, the child is brought to the Temple, but not without the family's permission. If the parents don't want their child to be a Jedi, their wishes are respected."
"But that would be one missed potential Jedi. Wouldn't the Jedi fight for custody?"
"If Master Yoda or Master Windu felt the child was truly exceptional, yes, the Council would fight for custody but if not, the child would stay with their family. We're not monsters, Sabé." Obi-Wan explained, "What about you? How did you become a handmaiden?"
Sabé smiled, "Tests, mental and physical. As you remember, physical was more important. Only twelve were going to be chosen, but I remember twenty girls vying for a spot. Each of us had different backgrounds, so we were each placed into suitable positions."
He smiled, "How did you become the Queen's Decoy, then?"
"Captain Panaka originally was not looking for a girl that looked like Padmé, but then I came along and with my skills, I became her decoy. The first couple weeks, I had to learn to imitate Amidala's mannerisms, royal etiquette. Although it's an honor, the role was very confining. Up until the Trade Federation crisis, no one knew I existed."
"You must have been relieved when Padmé's two terms were up," Obi-Wan noted.
Sabé rolled her eyes and smiled, "I was but then I became Ambassador the same week Padmé became Senator," she paused, "I miss it sometimes, though. As handmaidens, we were all very close, almost like sisters. We were always involved in each other's lives, professionally and personally. I've been able to keep in touch with some of them since I left and even attended Rabé's wedding a couple years ago. She has two little girls and made me their Godmother,"
"Family's very important to you, isn't it?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't see how it couldn't be? Every Nubian child is taught from an early age that family is the most important thing in your life. They'll always be there for you to support and love you...It's a shame you never really knew your family, Obi-Wan. Don't you ever wonder about your background? What your life could have been like if you didn't become a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan frowned and looked distressed, "Sometimes, but other times, I think, if I wasn't a Jedi, what would I be? A farmer?"
Sabé's eyebrows furrowed and then she started to laugh, "A farmer? That's an odd answer,"
"I could have been. On my thirteenth birthday, I was supposed to have had a Master by then but I was without a Master and if you aren't chosen to be a Jedi, you get shipped off to the Agriculture Corps. I did make the trip but never made it there."
She nodded, "But it didn't happen, and here we are, years later. You, as a respected and powerful Jedi Master and me, a former bodyguard turned Ambassador."
Obi-Wan didn't seem to have heard what she said. "I could have been a farmer..."
Sabé laughed, shaking her head as she finished off the rest of her soup.
tbc