Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters you recognize, the great one known as George Lucas owns all, Jude Watson owns Siri (although I'm sure George really owns her too).
*Author's note: I'm back! I'm going through a very difficult time right now and that is why it has taken so long to get new chapters up for my stories. I hope the new chapters are ok, please let me know what you think.
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Chapter 4:
Obi Wan pulled back his hood after the rain had weighed down the already heavy fabric. Pieces of ginger hair began to plaster to his forehead as the downpour continued. He glanced at the heavens and felt the strong drops of liquid sting his face.
'I swear by the Force I will after all of this is over take a long vacation to a planet where it never rains.' He thought to himself.
His thoughts of a long needed rest were interrupted by the man standing next to him.
"Not to question you command General, but you do know what you are doing don't you?" Bail Organa asked, rain dripping off the brim of his hat.
"To be honest Viceroy. . .no." Obi Wan answered, giving a tired smile. "But I will do what I always do and trust in the Force."
Bail cleared his throat as lightning danced across the sky chased by a loud crash of thunder. "Well, you are the General that has led the army to more victories during this war, so I will trust in this Force of yours."
Obi Wan turned to face the politician with a very stern expression on his face. "Trust me Viceroy there are no victories when it comes to war." He then looked to the ground. "Everyone loses something."
Bail nodded and turned his attention to the sea. Streaks of electricity danced across the sky again and the two men noticed large objects looming over the horizon.
"So it begins." Bail said as Obi Wan ignored him and moved towards the battalion awaiting his orders.
The large platoon of clones was dressed as usual in white uniforms; for this particular planet they had a special variation of their suits. The helmet was longer, providing protection to their necks from the rain. Their suits over all were waterproof and somewhat of a fortress protecting each clone. Obi Wan thought the new suits were a bit excessive, but hoped they would not only shield his soldiers from the rain, but perhaps also protect them from chemical warfare.
His thoughts quickly turned to his ill apprentice. He hoped with all his heart that an antidote did exist and that they would find it in time.
His thoughts then turned to another. 'Siri.' He felt a pang of guilt strike his heart, followed immediately by fear. He feared for her life, feared he would lose her. Siri had become a very important member of his temple family. It took several awkward years for the close group of friends to fully accept her as one of their own, and it took Siri longer to admit she wanted/needed anyone in her life. But once she was there no one could imagine the group without her.
She had become particularly important to Obi Wan over the years. For being someone who was not good with emotions Siri had somehow become a person of comfort for Obi Wan. She was the one who helped him come to terms with the death of his master; she helped him rescue his apprentice on more than one occasion. She helped him get over the agony of Geonosis and more personally the death of their friend Garren Muln in that horrible battle.
Then there was the time when he knew Siri was linked to him possibly more than any other being in the galaxy. He remembered the funeral all too well. This memorial causing as much, maybe even more pain than Qui Gon's funeral. Bant, his childhood companion, the most pure sole he knew in the Force was gone. She died during her first solo mission as a knight. She had been sent to a planet shrouded in civil war and Bant being the gentle, loving being that she was died when she came between a blast bolt and a young child.
Obi Wan had been devastated.
During the service Siri silently reached out and clasped his hand. Through that simple physical contact the two felt their Force signatures interweave, both were confused by it, but both took comfort in it.
Garren, maybe the only person worse than Siri at confronting emotions offered to take their padawans with him to the Jedi star fighter satellite much to Ferus' dismay and Anakin's elation. Siri and Obi Wan spent two days after the funeral meditating and casting their sorrow into the Force.
"General Kenobi?" A voice interrupted hi memories. He ignored reality for a moment and remembered the morning after the funeral.
/He reluctantly opened his eyes, feeling gentle fingers playing with his hair. He turned his head and realized it was resting on a very curvaceous body. His gaze was met by two beautiful blue eyes filled with sympathy.
"I wish I knew what you were going through." She said after a moment.
He gave her a curious look. "No you don't." He said.
Siri sat up resting her back on the wall, letting him lean on her. "Well if I understood how you feel then I'd know how to help, also then it would mean that I actually really cared about someone."
"Well first of all you are helping, second you are better off not caring." He said, wrapping his fingers around hers.
"Don't." She said in a commanding tone and he looked at her. "Don't start not caring about people." She cupped his face. "Do not become one of these Jedi who just go through the motions. You have a gift Obi Wan, you draw people to you weather you like it or not." She smiled at him/.
"General Kenobi?" The voice returned, bringing him back to the present.
"Captain," Obi Wan acknowledged the clone standing in front of him. "Prepare the troops, the enemy approaches." He looked out to the water again, noticing the advancing ships. "Protect the city at all costs."
"Yes sir." The clone saluted.
Obi Wan nodded, still not use to salutes. He then turned away from the lead clone and headed to a landing pad occupied by a lone Jedi Star fighter and several of the Republic's newest weapons. . .Tie fighters. The small planes proved to be quite effective in maneuvering around the Confederacy's larger, slower vehicles. Obi Wan still preferred the Star fighter however.
He began to climb into the cockpit and signaled for the clones to do the same, he then noticed a familiar ship wasn't next to his. This was the first time he wouldn't have Anakin flying next to him in battle. He suddenly really missed his padawan. He closed his eyes and said a prayer to the Force.
"Watch over my apprentice with all you power. Help us to realize your will and help us end this war. Guide me so that I will not succumb to the temptations of the Dark Side." He then quickly opened his eyes and hoped into his ship. The planes then took off into the clouds.
*******************
Late night on Courascant proved to be much different than daytime. The sky lanes were still jammed with speeders only at this time of night they were young beings trying to find a bit of fun in their otherwise boring lives. The entertainment district was a buzz with life, while the usually crowded Senate building was dark, save for one lone light.
Padme Amidala-Skywalker sat crossed legged on the couch in her office, holding a data pad on her lap, typing away. Her hair was placed in a messy bun and pieces fell in her face, only to be brushed behind her ears. She held a pencil in her mouth and another was being held in her hair.
She had grown accustom to working late into the night, because night was when she was the most lonely, night was when she thought of him. It had been months since she had last been in the presence of her husband, and now it had been weeks since her last hologram message from him. Her worry for his welfare was threatening to consume her.
A noise in the room forced her to look up from her work, she noticed a familiar presence standing in the doorway. "Jar Jar?" She smiled at the clumsy Gungan.
The tall creature ducked through the doorway and waddled towards her. "Meesa not bothering yousa?" He asked after entering the room.
She shook her head. "No of course not." She said in a pleasant tone. The Gungan had annoyed her when she was much younger, but now he was a pleasant reminder for the Senator of home. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
Jar Jar swallowed hard and Padme grew curious. He was usually a goofy, loud creature she knew something was bothering him. "Miss Padme. . ." He began.
She motioned for him to sit, but he shook his head. "Is there something wrong Jar Jar?" She asked, her heart rising in her throat.
With one movement the Gungan had thrown himself at her feet and was crying hysterically. Padme was shocked and patted him on the head. She was barely able to make out what he was saying. "Meesa heard. . .meesa pallo Ani. . .deesa Jedi missing. . ."
Padme grabbed the Gungan by the shoulders and forced him to look at her. "Jar Jar, I need you to speak clearly." She composed herself. "What about Ani?"
Jar Jar sniffed and tried to compose himself. "Meesa overheard the Jedi masser Yodi talking to Supreme Chancellor. . .He said muy muy clones got sick from chemicals, said meesa pallo Ani got sick too." Padme held her breath at the news, and closed her eyes to hide the tears. Jar Jar then began to cry again.
She sat dumbfounded for a moment, worrying for her husband, she then remembered the last thing Jar Jar had babbled. "And the Jedi that is missing?" She asked after a moment. "It's not Master Obi Wan is it?"
Jar Jar shrugged. "Meesa no think so, meesa heard General Obi was on Kamino. But my no know."
Padme sat back on her couch and let the news sink in. "This war has got to stop." She said under her breath. "What will be left of the Jedi if we don't do something?" She then rose to her feet and grabbed a robe and headed out the door.
"Where yousa going?" Jar Jar called after her.
"I'm going to go speak with our illustrious Supreme Chancellor."
**********************
Anakin Skywalker slowly opened his eyes, only to be met with intense pain. He called on the Force to relax his nerves and to try to dull the pain. He slowly moved his head to the right and noticed a tube sticking out of his arm, leading to an IV. He stared at the bag holding a clear liquid in confusion, he didn't remember when they hooked him up to that. He then felt a hand touch his forehead, he closed his eyes under the touch.
"Relax." The familiar voice of Mace Windu broke the silence in the room. "You've been unconscious for several hours." Anakin turned and stared at the dark skinned man. "The healers feared the worst, but you are strong in the Force young Anakin."
Anakin found that his breathing was coming out in rasps, he struggled to speak. "Where is my master?" He asked and then began to cough.
"Your master is on Kamino, remember?" Mace answered the apprentice. "He will return as soon as he can."
Anakin turned his gaze to the ceiling. "I'm sure he will." His voice soaked in sarcasm, and his breaths rasped as he talked.
Mace could sense the turmoil in the boy's mind, but he wasn't sure how much was due to the fever.
"Master Windu?" A male voice entered the room. "They are ready for you in the war room." Ferus Olin bowed when Mace acknowledged him.
"Thank you padawan Olin." Mace answered and the apprentice left the room. Mace then turned back to Anakin who had slipped back into unconsciousness. He shook his head at the sight and rose to his feet.
TBC: Please review! The next chapter is a big battle scene and I'm not very good at battle scenes so I hope it will be ok. Thank you all who have been reading this and my other stories.
Author: ewan's girl
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters you recognize, the great one known as George Lucas owns all, Jude Watson owns Siri (although I'm sure George really owns her too).
*Author's note: I'm back! I'm going through a very difficult time right now and that is why it has taken so long to get new chapters up for my stories. I hope the new chapters are ok, please let me know what you think.
************************
Chapter 4:
Obi Wan pulled back his hood after the rain had weighed down the already heavy fabric. Pieces of ginger hair began to plaster to his forehead as the downpour continued. He glanced at the heavens and felt the strong drops of liquid sting his face.
'I swear by the Force I will after all of this is over take a long vacation to a planet where it never rains.' He thought to himself.
His thoughts of a long needed rest were interrupted by the man standing next to him.
"Not to question you command General, but you do know what you are doing don't you?" Bail Organa asked, rain dripping off the brim of his hat.
"To be honest Viceroy. . .no." Obi Wan answered, giving a tired smile. "But I will do what I always do and trust in the Force."
Bail cleared his throat as lightning danced across the sky chased by a loud crash of thunder. "Well, you are the General that has led the army to more victories during this war, so I will trust in this Force of yours."
Obi Wan turned to face the politician with a very stern expression on his face. "Trust me Viceroy there are no victories when it comes to war." He then looked to the ground. "Everyone loses something."
Bail nodded and turned his attention to the sea. Streaks of electricity danced across the sky again and the two men noticed large objects looming over the horizon.
"So it begins." Bail said as Obi Wan ignored him and moved towards the battalion awaiting his orders.
The large platoon of clones was dressed as usual in white uniforms; for this particular planet they had a special variation of their suits. The helmet was longer, providing protection to their necks from the rain. Their suits over all were waterproof and somewhat of a fortress protecting each clone. Obi Wan thought the new suits were a bit excessive, but hoped they would not only shield his soldiers from the rain, but perhaps also protect them from chemical warfare.
His thoughts quickly turned to his ill apprentice. He hoped with all his heart that an antidote did exist and that they would find it in time.
His thoughts then turned to another. 'Siri.' He felt a pang of guilt strike his heart, followed immediately by fear. He feared for her life, feared he would lose her. Siri had become a very important member of his temple family. It took several awkward years for the close group of friends to fully accept her as one of their own, and it took Siri longer to admit she wanted/needed anyone in her life. But once she was there no one could imagine the group without her.
She had become particularly important to Obi Wan over the years. For being someone who was not good with emotions Siri had somehow become a person of comfort for Obi Wan. She was the one who helped him come to terms with the death of his master; she helped him rescue his apprentice on more than one occasion. She helped him get over the agony of Geonosis and more personally the death of their friend Garren Muln in that horrible battle.
Then there was the time when he knew Siri was linked to him possibly more than any other being in the galaxy. He remembered the funeral all too well. This memorial causing as much, maybe even more pain than Qui Gon's funeral. Bant, his childhood companion, the most pure sole he knew in the Force was gone. She died during her first solo mission as a knight. She had been sent to a planet shrouded in civil war and Bant being the gentle, loving being that she was died when she came between a blast bolt and a young child.
Obi Wan had been devastated.
During the service Siri silently reached out and clasped his hand. Through that simple physical contact the two felt their Force signatures interweave, both were confused by it, but both took comfort in it.
Garren, maybe the only person worse than Siri at confronting emotions offered to take their padawans with him to the Jedi star fighter satellite much to Ferus' dismay and Anakin's elation. Siri and Obi Wan spent two days after the funeral meditating and casting their sorrow into the Force.
"General Kenobi?" A voice interrupted hi memories. He ignored reality for a moment and remembered the morning after the funeral.
/He reluctantly opened his eyes, feeling gentle fingers playing with his hair. He turned his head and realized it was resting on a very curvaceous body. His gaze was met by two beautiful blue eyes filled with sympathy.
"I wish I knew what you were going through." She said after a moment.
He gave her a curious look. "No you don't." He said.
Siri sat up resting her back on the wall, letting him lean on her. "Well if I understood how you feel then I'd know how to help, also then it would mean that I actually really cared about someone."
"Well first of all you are helping, second you are better off not caring." He said, wrapping his fingers around hers.
"Don't." She said in a commanding tone and he looked at her. "Don't start not caring about people." She cupped his face. "Do not become one of these Jedi who just go through the motions. You have a gift Obi Wan, you draw people to you weather you like it or not." She smiled at him/.
"General Kenobi?" The voice returned, bringing him back to the present.
"Captain," Obi Wan acknowledged the clone standing in front of him. "Prepare the troops, the enemy approaches." He looked out to the water again, noticing the advancing ships. "Protect the city at all costs."
"Yes sir." The clone saluted.
Obi Wan nodded, still not use to salutes. He then turned away from the lead clone and headed to a landing pad occupied by a lone Jedi Star fighter and several of the Republic's newest weapons. . .Tie fighters. The small planes proved to be quite effective in maneuvering around the Confederacy's larger, slower vehicles. Obi Wan still preferred the Star fighter however.
He began to climb into the cockpit and signaled for the clones to do the same, he then noticed a familiar ship wasn't next to his. This was the first time he wouldn't have Anakin flying next to him in battle. He suddenly really missed his padawan. He closed his eyes and said a prayer to the Force.
"Watch over my apprentice with all you power. Help us to realize your will and help us end this war. Guide me so that I will not succumb to the temptations of the Dark Side." He then quickly opened his eyes and hoped into his ship. The planes then took off into the clouds.
*******************
Late night on Courascant proved to be much different than daytime. The sky lanes were still jammed with speeders only at this time of night they were young beings trying to find a bit of fun in their otherwise boring lives. The entertainment district was a buzz with life, while the usually crowded Senate building was dark, save for one lone light.
Padme Amidala-Skywalker sat crossed legged on the couch in her office, holding a data pad on her lap, typing away. Her hair was placed in a messy bun and pieces fell in her face, only to be brushed behind her ears. She held a pencil in her mouth and another was being held in her hair.
She had grown accustom to working late into the night, because night was when she was the most lonely, night was when she thought of him. It had been months since she had last been in the presence of her husband, and now it had been weeks since her last hologram message from him. Her worry for his welfare was threatening to consume her.
A noise in the room forced her to look up from her work, she noticed a familiar presence standing in the doorway. "Jar Jar?" She smiled at the clumsy Gungan.
The tall creature ducked through the doorway and waddled towards her. "Meesa not bothering yousa?" He asked after entering the room.
She shook her head. "No of course not." She said in a pleasant tone. The Gungan had annoyed her when she was much younger, but now he was a pleasant reminder for the Senator of home. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
Jar Jar swallowed hard and Padme grew curious. He was usually a goofy, loud creature she knew something was bothering him. "Miss Padme. . ." He began.
She motioned for him to sit, but he shook his head. "Is there something wrong Jar Jar?" She asked, her heart rising in her throat.
With one movement the Gungan had thrown himself at her feet and was crying hysterically. Padme was shocked and patted him on the head. She was barely able to make out what he was saying. "Meesa heard. . .meesa pallo Ani. . .deesa Jedi missing. . ."
Padme grabbed the Gungan by the shoulders and forced him to look at her. "Jar Jar, I need you to speak clearly." She composed herself. "What about Ani?"
Jar Jar sniffed and tried to compose himself. "Meesa overheard the Jedi masser Yodi talking to Supreme Chancellor. . .He said muy muy clones got sick from chemicals, said meesa pallo Ani got sick too." Padme held her breath at the news, and closed her eyes to hide the tears. Jar Jar then began to cry again.
She sat dumbfounded for a moment, worrying for her husband, she then remembered the last thing Jar Jar had babbled. "And the Jedi that is missing?" She asked after a moment. "It's not Master Obi Wan is it?"
Jar Jar shrugged. "Meesa no think so, meesa heard General Obi was on Kamino. But my no know."
Padme sat back on her couch and let the news sink in. "This war has got to stop." She said under her breath. "What will be left of the Jedi if we don't do something?" She then rose to her feet and grabbed a robe and headed out the door.
"Where yousa going?" Jar Jar called after her.
"I'm going to go speak with our illustrious Supreme Chancellor."
**********************
Anakin Skywalker slowly opened his eyes, only to be met with intense pain. He called on the Force to relax his nerves and to try to dull the pain. He slowly moved his head to the right and noticed a tube sticking out of his arm, leading to an IV. He stared at the bag holding a clear liquid in confusion, he didn't remember when they hooked him up to that. He then felt a hand touch his forehead, he closed his eyes under the touch.
"Relax." The familiar voice of Mace Windu broke the silence in the room. "You've been unconscious for several hours." Anakin turned and stared at the dark skinned man. "The healers feared the worst, but you are strong in the Force young Anakin."
Anakin found that his breathing was coming out in rasps, he struggled to speak. "Where is my master?" He asked and then began to cough.
"Your master is on Kamino, remember?" Mace answered the apprentice. "He will return as soon as he can."
Anakin turned his gaze to the ceiling. "I'm sure he will." His voice soaked in sarcasm, and his breaths rasped as he talked.
Mace could sense the turmoil in the boy's mind, but he wasn't sure how much was due to the fever.
"Master Windu?" A male voice entered the room. "They are ready for you in the war room." Ferus Olin bowed when Mace acknowledged him.
"Thank you padawan Olin." Mace answered and the apprentice left the room. Mace then turned back to Anakin who had slipped back into unconsciousness. He shook his head at the sight and rose to his feet.
TBC: Please review! The next chapter is a big battle scene and I'm not very good at battle scenes so I hope it will be ok. Thank you all who have been reading this and my other stories.