"Defining Us"
by obi's girl
Chapter 8, Post 1
"Return to Coruscant"
Sabé sighed, watching the many hover busses and taxis pass by their large refugee hauler. She and Obi-Wan had arrived on Coruscant hours ago and were now traveling back to her apartment, so Obi-Wan had only to take a hover taxi to the Temple and catch up with his Padawan and see to the Council. Obi-Wan nudged her shoulder; she smiled and turned to him.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked.
"To face reality?" Sabé questioned as she absent-mindedly looked at her hands, "I don't know, to be honest. I'm happy to be back but I'm scared at the same time. Does that make any sense?"
Obi-Wan patting her hand, "It does…During our whole trip, I'd been thinking about what I'm going to say to the Council and Master Yoda. I came across several different situations and outcomes…"
"And?" Sabé asked, "What did you decide?"
He sighed and smiled at her, "We will be married Sabé. Even if they forbid us to be together, you will become my wife... I refuse to watch you walk out of my life again."
"We didn't really walk out on each other's lives, Ben. We both had careers - let me rephrase that. We were young, confused and didn't know what the future had in store for us. You were becoming a Jedi and I, I had my responsibility to Padmé," Sabé said and leaned over, kissing Obi-Wan's cheek, "And here we are, again. We're ready for this, to become a part of
each other's lives."
"You don't have any doubts?" he asked, shocked she felt so strongly about this. "When we were on Alderaan and I proposed, you made me think about my actions."
Sabé frowned and sighed, "I don't regret doing that, either. I still have my doubts and fears, Ben but I know how much I love you, too and that I won't let my fears get in the way of us being together."
"It'll be hard for the both of us," he said, "A Jedi's life, it isn't easy. Missions are hard, life-threatening sometimes… are you sure you can deal with me being gone for months or even years?"
Sabé was quiet for a long time, "I'll be worried, yes, but I know how careful you are. I do realize the dangers, Obi-Wan, but my life isn't easy either… In fact, there's something I need to tell you. Something I'd been thinking about for awhile now,"
Obi-Wan smiled and raised an eyebrow, "What exactly, my love?"
"I've never really settled down. After Padmé's two terms were up, I tried to live life without a career but I couldn't and I became an Ambassador, but now… now, I know it's my time to settle down and leave the world of politics.
I guess, what I'm trying to say is, after we dock and you go to the Temple and catch up with Anakin and I check in with my handmaidens, I'm going to make a formal announcement to leave office permanently. No more politics; I'll just leave,"
"A life without politics? But Sabé, it's in your blood to be a politician. You'd leave that life for me? Sabé, I don't even know what the Council is going to say about us…" Obi-Wan started, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
She nodded and smiled timidly, "Yes, I'm sure. A life in politics isn't all that glamorous, Ben. I miss my family. I miss being home with my sisters and enjoying the company of my nephew and nieces. I put off having a family for
too long because of the life I chose, a career first, family life later. I thought it was perfect, but it's not because I was missing out on so much."
Sabé laughed to herself, "I'd rehearsed that whole speech in my head,"
Obi-Wan smiled and kissed her cheek, "You did well, love. If you don't have politics, what will you do, especially when I'm on a mission with Anakin?"
Sabé shrugged, "Write, maybe teach. There are regular classes at the Temple, right?"
"As far as I can remember, yes. English, writing, science and math, but not a poetry class that I know of," he paused and looked into her deep brown eyes, "But I'm sure if you asked the Council nicely, they'll let you teach a poetry class,"
"The only problem is I don't know many Jedi that love poetry as much as I do,"
Obi-Wan winked, "People have the tendency to surprise you," and grinned.
Chapter 8, Post 2
Anakin straightened his cloak for the fifth time as he waited with Master Windu and one of Sabé's handmaidens. His Master and the Ambassador were due there any minute; he knew they'd been gone only a couple weeks, but Anakin still wondered what exactly had happened during those weeks they were away. He knew his Master had strong feelings for the Ambassador, though he never openly admitted it to Anakin himself, he knew.
As the Padawan fixed his cloak one more time, he heard the handmaiden laugh to herself and he turned to her, crossing his arms, "Is something funny handmaiden?"
Mace rolled his eyes but didn't say anything as Anya nodded and smiled, "No, young one…If it makes a difference, I'm nervous too,"
"Where's the other handmaiden you're usually with? What's her name, Nadia?"
"Naja," Anya corrected, "She's back at the apartment. She said she had some business to take care of before the Ambassador's arrival."
Mace looked curiously at Anya at the mention of Naja. He didn't know why but he felt there was something about Naja, he should be worried about.
They were all quiet as the hauler finally docked and many passengers disembarked . Anya stood on her tiptoes, raising her chin as she spotted Sabé and Obi-Wan. She waved to her; Sabé smiled, and glanced at Obi-Wan as they quickened their pace to meet up with her. Both women hugged and Master and Padawan exchanged hellos. Mace nodded his head and bowed to Obi-Wan.
"Welcome home, Obi-Wan," Mace said and nodded to the Ambassador, "And you, m'lady, welcome back,"
Sabé smiled and nodded to him, "Thank you, Master Windu."
"M'lady, it's wonderful to have you back," Anya said and glanced at Obi-Wan, "How was Alderaan?"
"Beautiful," Sabé said, saving Ben from saying.
Obi-Wan smiled thanks as he turned his attention to Anakin and Master Windu, "Do you need me right away?"
Mace shrugged, "You do need to report to the Council but if you want to escort the Ambassador and her handmaiden back to the apartment, you can," he glanced at Anakin, "Once you're finished helping them unpack, return to the Temple."
He signaled two air taxis and gestured to Anakin to ride the first one. Before stepping inside, Anakin glanced at his Master. "You go on ahead, Anakin. I'll meet up with you later,"
"Yes, Master," he whispered and nodded goodbye to Sabé and Anya, Mace followed behind Anakin. Once they were gone, Obi-Wan grinned and turned to the two ladies behind him and extended both his arms to them, "Ladies, shall we?"
Sabé and Anya giggled, both of them taking an arm as they stepped into the second taxi.
"Anakin," Master Windu started, "When we get back to the Temple, I want you to do a background check on the Ambassador's handmaidens,"
Anakin looked at him curiously and frowned, "Background check? You think one of the Ambassador's handmaidens is an assassin? Master Windu, the assassin has been caught. You showed me the holo yourself!"
He shrugged, "I know but the fact that she just gave up that quickly…there's something missing. Something's not right..."
"Anya's a nice girl, I doubt she's the one and she's very loyal to the Ambassador,"
"Naja," he said, "Check her background."
Chapter 8, Post 3
"M'lady, are you sure?" Anya asked Sabé again as they neared the apartment about her decision to leave politics. Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan and smiled at him. He asked her the same thing before, and she'd replied that she knew it
was right. "M'lady?" Anya repeated.
Sabé shrugged, "I am, Anya," she said as they stood in the front of the apartment. Anya keyed in the new security code, grabbed some luggage's again and they all walked inside. Obi-Wan set two of them by the couch and Anya carried the smaller bags into Sabé's room.
As Anya returned to the main room, Naja arrived. She scowled and turned to Anya, "Anya, always close the door behind you immediately," Anya nodded and quietly apologized to the other handmaiden. Naja smiled at Sabé and Obi-Wan, though Obi-Wan found it hard to smile at her. "Welcome home, m'lady and Knight Kenobi. I trust you enjoyed your stay on Alderaan?"
"Yes, thank you, Naja, we did," Sabé said and glanced at Obi-Wan.
He hmm'd and checked the wall chrono, "I better return to the Temple and check in with my Padawan before seeing the Council," Obi-Wan said and smiled at Sabé, "I'll call you later after I talk to the Council,"
Sabé nodded as Obi-Wan bowed to both handmaidens and exited the apartment. Once he was gone, Naja's face grew dreamy and she waved her finger playfully, "Someone's been getting a little comfortable with a certain Jedi Knight,"
"Obi-Wan and I have always been good friends, Naja. It's no surprise we've grown closer during our stay on Alderaan," Sabé admitted and winked at Anya, "We're engaged," she whispered and the handmaiden gave an 'aww!' and cried.
"Congratulations, m'lady," Naja said, "But isn't it forbidden for a Jedi to have romantic entanglements?"
Anya wondered the same thing too, but Sabé smiled, "Ben said he'd take care of it, so I'm not worried. For the first time in my life, I know this is right. It's my time to settle down and raise a family, I just know it… that's why I'm leaving the political scene,"
Naja's eyes shot up in alarm at her revelation, "Leaving?" she questioned, "Is the sex that good?!"
Sabé frowned and turned to her, crossing her arms, "Sex has nothing to do with it, Naja. I love Obi-Wan; I always have…Is it a crime to want to have a family life? I'd always wanted a family but finding the right man and the time was always a problem," she paused and leaned towards Naja, "My personal affairs are my own, handmaiden. You remember that."
"Yes m'lady, I'm sorry," Naja apologized, "I was out of line," Anya looked worriedly at Sabé and then at Naja.
Sabé smiled instead and nodded, "You're forgiven, handmaiden."
Anakin Skywalker groaned loudly as another 'access denied' message flashed across his computer terminal. He'd been trying to gain access to the Nubian Royal Handmaiden Network for the last hour, but wasn't getting anywhere. Anakin huffed, glancing at the wall chrono. His Master either had to be at the apartment relaxing or already talking to the Council, debriefing them on
his last mission.
Well, a mission with definite advantages. Anakin was willing to bet while his Master and the Ambassador were alone on Alderaan, Obi-Wan became more than her protector and bodyguard. Before the mission, Obi-Wan had denied anything more than a friendship with the Ambassador but Ani was sure that had changed by now... or at least he hoped it had.
Tbc
Chapter 8, Post 4
"We realize you wish to relax and unwind Obi-Wan, so we'll make this meeting brief," Mace began, "How did things go on Alderaan with the Ambassador?"
Obi-Wan tilted his head and cleared his throat, "Very well actually, Master. There was one incident where the Ambassador and I were almost mugged but nothing serious..."
Master Yoda raised an eyebrow and made a 'hmm' sound as he leaned forward, bracing his small fingers together, "Mugged, you say? How can that be? You were not supposed to leave the countryside... unless you went into the city, you have?"
"We did, Masters," Obi-Wan answered, "But we were disguised. No one know who we were,"
"Disguised as what?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.
"Raver's Master," Obi-Wan clarified and he immediately felt Master Yoda and Master Windu's shock, disappointment and yet, curiosity in the situation. "The Ambassador wanted to go out dancing, so we took a hover taxi to the industrial district..."
He stopped abruptly as Master Windu waved his hand, "This was the Ambassador's idea?"
Obi-wan nodded, "Yes, Master. I was firmly against it at first though,"
"What changed your mind?" Mace asked, dreading the answer. Like his former Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan had always had a weakness for beautiful women.
"The Ambassador said we would not stay out as late as we did the previous night," Obi-Wan said as he realized that he had dug himself into more trouble than originally intended.
Finally, Mace grinned and started to laugh, feeling sorry for the young Master. "Exactly how long did it take you Obi-Wan to kiss the Ambassador and confess your feelings to her?"
Obi-Wan's mouth dropped and he lowered his head in shame, "Er... The second day after breakfast," he mumbled and fidgeted.
Mace laughed some more and then stopped abruptly when he saw the scowl on Master Yoda's face. "Funny, this is not, Master Windu!" the little Master said, "The Code forbids such attachments. End this relationship, you must, Obi-Wan!"
"But Master Yoda, I've already proposed marriage. I love Sabé -- I've always loved her," Ben cried, "Please Masters, I realize this breaks the Code but I think I can handle being a Master and husband, and hopefully, father too,"
"Is the Ambassador pregnant?" Master Windu prompted but Obi-Wan nodded no. Mace sighed with relief and continued, "We have known for a long time about the bond between the two of you; the bond has been there since Qui-Gon died. But we were hopeful that you'd focus on what you needed to do and ignore your feelings for the Ambassador,"
Obi-Wan nodded, "I understand Master, but I love Sabé and she --- she has decided to leave politics so that she can start a life with me, as my wife,"
The statement drew more moans but this time, Master Gallia spoke, "Obi-Wan, love is a beautiful gift but it is a gift we must sacrifice as Jedi. A family, loved ones... it's just not possible,"
"I disagree Master Gallia," he retorted, "I think it is possible. It just hasn't been done before,"
"And your Padawan. What about the example you'll be setting for him?" Mace added, "You know how much he cares for Senator Amidala. If he finds out you're married, he'll think it's alright for him to pursue a relationship with the Senator. Is that the type of message and lesson you want to teach Anakin?"
"I understand Master what you're saying. But know this, no matter what you decide, I will marry Sabé and she will be my wife." he declared.
The Council was speechless as they thought about Obi-Wan's words and the feeling behind them. They couldn't tell if he said those words in anger or because of his passion for the Ambassador. "Call the Ambassador, Obi-Wan," Mace said, breaking the silence, "We wish to hear her feelings on this matter."
Obi-Wan bowed respectively and quietly left the room.
"Feared this would happen, we did," Yoda said, "But not surprised either,"
Mace nodded and sighed heavily, "The trouble is that they're both stubborn...They won't be easily persuaded,"
"True this is, but nevertheless, try we must." Yoda concluded.
Sabé Maberrie smiled as she walked around the Jedi Temple gardens. Not only was the day beautiful, but it was the first time she'd been able to walk alone since her arrival on Coruscant. The assassin had been caught and now Sabé was able to enjoy a new type of freedom.
Anya had volunteered her services but strictly as a travel companion and friend, but Sabé declined and set out on her own. Her smile lingered as she felt the cool breeze brush around her light blue sundress. There was no need to hide herself, and she wanted to look sexy for Obi-Wan.
"Ambassador?" a voice asked.
Sabé sighed and turned to the voice. She smiled, throwing her arms around the young Jedi's neck and embraced him in a friendly hug. "Ani, it's good to see you!" she cried, "Have you seen Obi-Wan since you parted?"
The boy nodded, "I haven't but I assume he's probably still talking to the Council," Anakin paused and smiled mischievously, "What happened on Alderaan?"
"Anakin, what happened on Alderaan between your Master and I is private," she whispered and smiled devilishly, "However, something did happen during our time away,"
He gestured to a nearby bench and the two sat down, "What exactly happened?" Anakin asked, resting his hand on his knee and leaning forward.
Sabé smirked and rolled her eyes playfully, "Well, we were situated in a very nice cabin in the country side and there was a beautiful blue lake behind the cabin…"
"I meant what happened between the two of you," Anakin cried, "I know you two have always been very close…Don't tell me nothing happened," Sabé was quiet again but still smiled as Anakin looked curiously at her, and then he knew. "Something did happen. Please tell me, Sabé,"
"We were only there for one week but it was a very memorable one week," Sabé started, "The last night we were there, Obi-Wan and I went out clubbing in the industrial district,"
"Not that's not interesting, but what happened romantically?" Anakin interrupted, "C'mon Sabé, the suspense is killing me. Unlike other Jedi, I like the idea of my Master having someone for himself. He's so stiff sometimes,"
Sabé smiled and finally relented, whispering, "I'm going to marry him, Anakin. I'd asked him to think about it for three days but in the end, he proposed again and I accepted,"
Anakin mirrored her smile and hugged her, "Congratulations, my friend!"