Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Well I was able to get one last chapter up before I move. I did it just for you wonderful reviewers, especially Jedikma who seems to understand the characters in this story (or at least how I want them to be seen). Thank you for all the wonderful reviews everyone. And for those who still read "Promise me you'll train the boy" I will be finishing it soon, I promise.
Chapter 15: (Three weeks later)
Siri released a long breath of air and looked down at the man beneath her, she smiled at him and he in turn smiled at her. She then collapsed next to him on the bed, sweaty and fulfilled and made herself comfortable. The two Jedi had made this a daily routine for three weeks now, and both had never been happier.
Obi Wan turned on his side to face her; he ran a hand over her bare shoulder, tickling her slightly. Siri giggled and gave him a small slap on his arm.
"Stop that." She commanded him.
Obi Wan smiled. "You didn't mind me touching you a minute ago." He joked, tickling her more.
Siri tried to grab his hands away from her. "That was before I was satisfied." She laughed. "I have no need for you anymore today."
Obi Wan shrugged and began to sit up, Siri pulled on him. "I thought you had no more need of me?" He asked, teasing her.
Siri gave a seductive smile. "Well, give me a moment, I might think of some use for you."
Obi Wan chuckled, and kissed her on the forehead, then ran a hand through the very short blonde hair that had begun to grow back. "I'd love to stay, but I can't, I have to get ready for the Celebration ball this evening." He said, rising to his feet.
Siri sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. She watched as he stretched his arms over his head, flexing every muscle in his muscular frame. "I know you can't stay." She said, disappointment entering her voice.
Obi Wan grabbed his pants and pulled them on. "Do I detect disappointment Siri Tachi?"
Siri shook her head. "Of course not, I'm glad to be rid of you as soon as possible." She giggled.
Obi Wan made a swift movement and forced her on her back, and held her legs over his shoulders. Siri cocked an eyebrow and Obi Wan smiled. They stared at each other for a moment, Obi Wan stroking her leg softly. He then cleared his throat and let her legs to the bed. "I do have to go." He stated sadly.
"I know." Siri stated, sitting up and wrapping a sheet over her naked body. She watched Obi Wan pull on his tunic and then his boots. "I sometimes wish we had a way to spend the entire night together." She admitted.
Obi Wan stopped and looked at her. "I know, but we would be discovered." He reminded her.
Siri nodded, she then noticed him staring at her. "You better go; the General of the Army cannot be late for this function." She rose to her feet, holding the sheet around her body.
Obi Wan opened the door of her quarters. "You are coming tonight aren't you?" He asked.
Siri looked away. "I don't deserve to be there, plus I just got off of probation."
"And what, going to celebrate for the Republic will get you into trouble?" He asked and she continued to keep her gaze away from him. "Besides, if anyone deserves to be there it's you." He said and shut the door behind him.
Siri sighed and went to the freshener and turned on the shower.
******************************************
Bail Organa feigned laughter at a joke one of his fellow senators had just told. He took a sip of his drink and scanned the crowd for someone else to talk to. He then turned his attention to the Chancellor sitting in a large, plush chair surrounded by guards dressed in red and also a young, tall man dressed in black. Something about that scene gave Organa the chills, but he shrugged it off and continued to survey the crowd.
He suddenly felt out of place in the presence of the other politicians. He had been in the field for several months, trying to put action behind his words. He felt the rest of the Senators had sat back and done nothing to prevent the war, and then to end the war. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the only exception to his feelings. He looked up at the stairs that entered into the ball room and noticed an elegant figure at the top. He smiled as Padme Amidala gracefully descended down the steps, wearing a beautiful dark purple gown, the corset like bodice showing off her slender form. Her dark brown hair was placed on top of her head in an intricate fashion, topped with a silver headdress.
Organa stood at the bottom of the steps and smiled as she came closer. Padme spotted him and returned his smile. He bowed to her in respect and she giggled. "Get up." She commanded him. He obeyed and eyed her up and down; he noticed the elegant bead work woven into the gown.
"You look amazing my lady." He told her. "If that isn't too bold of me to say."
Padme blushed. "Thank you Bail."
Bail then offered his arm to her, she took it and he led her into the room. "I heard about Representative Binks, and your handmaiden." He said after a moment. "I am truly sorry."
Padme swallowed. "Thank you Bail, it was a terrible day, too many lost their lives."
The two walked towards the edge of the room. "I know we shouldn't talk politics tonight." He started.
Padme tilted her head. "Oh Bail, what else is anyone going to talk about tonight?"
Bail chuckled. "You're right." He then stared at her.
She suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Please don't look at me like that." She told him.
He quickly looked away from her. "I'm sorry Padme, I didn't mean to offend." He explained. "It's just, you look so beautiful, I cannot help but look at you."
Padme found herself looking at Anakin across the room, she then looked at Bail. "That is very kind of you to say Bail; however I cannot return your favor."
Bail moved closer to her. "I understand." He looked away for a moment. "Actually I don't understand milady." He turned his attention back to her. "We have been friends for a while now Padme and I thought we shared something."
Padme looked at him again, then back at her husband. "Bail, you are very dear to me and always will be, but I cannot be with you in the way that you want." She looked back at him. "I am sorry; you will one day make a woman the happiest in the galaxy." She offered a warm smile.
Bail smiled back and nodded. He quickly changed the subject. "I heard a rumor while I was out pretending to be a soldier." He grabbed two drinks off a serving droid. "I heard that you were considering leaving the Senate."
Padme took a sip of her drink. "I've contemplated it, but I'm not sure if I will ever be able to actually leave politics." She sighed. "But I have thought about what it would be like to lead a normal life, have a family."
Bail nodded. "Could you ever lead a normal life Padme?" He asked with a chuckle. "Could you honestly give this up?" Bail took a sip of his own drink. "It would have to be quite an amazing man to actually get you to leave this behind, a man who could give you everything you ever wanted."
Padme took another sip of her drink and stared at Anakin. "Yes it would." She stated under her breath.
*********************************************
Obi Wan closed his eyes as the stench of another drunken senator's breath hit his nose. He quickly recovered and tried to listen intently to what they were telling him. He used the Force to try to find someone else to talk to. He was never fond of politicians, let alone ones that couldn't hold their alcohol. Suddenly he felt a strange disturbance through the Force.
"Ah, General Kenobi there you are." The voice of Chancellor Palpatine distracted him from his thoughts.
Obi Wan turned to face the Chancellor and bowed. "Your Excellency." Obi Wan looked up at the Chancellor, then to his former apprentice. "Knight Skywalker."
"Master Obi Wan." Anakin replied, annoyance evident in his voice. "I heard about your promotion, congratulations."
"Yes General Kenobi, congratulations." Palpatine interjected. "I was just telling some of the Senators how lucky we are to live in an era that has the most talented Jedi in the history of the order."
Obi Wan noticed Anakin beaming. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Chancellor, but we are no where close to being the most powerful Jedi in the history of the order."
Anakin frowned. "Not yet." He whispered under his breath.
"What are your plans now that you have no apprentice and the war is over General Kenobi?" Palpatine asked.
Obi Wan thought about it for a moment. "I will do my best to continue to serve the Republic."
Anakin rolled his eyes and Palpatine smiled. "I'm very glad to hear that, I have need for your service."
Obi Wan bowed. "Yes Chancellor, what service can I provide?"
"I need you to come to my office tomorrow General, we have received word that what is left of the Separatists are regrouping in the Rishi Maze, and we have been informed that a team needs to be sent there to ascertain what is happening."
"You mean you need a team to go and clean up what's left of the Separatists." Obi Wan answered.
Palpatine chuckled. "Yes General Kenobi, we wish that." He then became serious again. "The Senate has voted that it would be best for a Jedi to lead the team."
Obi Wan silently sighed, he had hoped that the war was indeed over. 'How silly of me to believe that even though the head of the enemy was no longer around that there wouldn't be any threat.' He thought to himself. "Yes your Excellency." He bowed.
Palpatine smiled. "We will discuss this later General, tonight we celebrate!" He then clapped Anakin on the shoulder and headed for a group of Senators.
Obi Wan shook his head and grabbed a drink off a serving droid. He watched as the Chancellor proposed a toast to the "hero" of the war. Obi Wan studied his ex apprentice carefully and saw the extreme pride emulating off of him. Obi Wan quickly drank the entire contents of his drink.
"You drink too much." A feminine voice interrupted his thoughts.
He turned around and smiled at Siri standing behind him. He noticed she was wearing the outfit he had purchased for her. He smiled. "It's amazing; you are actually out of the Temple." He joked with her.
She rolled her eyes and walked closer to him. She then noticed Anakin and Palpatine in the center of the room. "When did this start?" She asked, motioning to the pair.
"The Chancellor has always taken an interest to Anakin; it's never really bothered me till now." Obi Wan answered.
Siri nodded. "There is something wrong with this, yet I cannot sense what it is."
Obi Wan watched Anakin for a moment then turned to Siri. "Come with me." He told her and led her onto one of the balconies. He held her hand as he led her away from the party. "I'm glad you came." He admitted. "I at least have one person to talk to."
Siri smiled. "Well, I couldn't let a night like this go to waste I suppose."
Obi Wan held both of her hands in his and kissed them. "I have a surprise for you." He told her. "I figured tonight was supposed to be a celebration, so I thought about the best way for me to celebrate." She cocked an eyebrow as he continued. "I've rented a room at the Corellean." He leaned in and whispered in her ear.
Siri looked at him in shock. "Are you certain you want to do this?" She asked. "Someone might notice both of us missing from the Temple."
He cupped her face in his hand. "With all that is going on tonight, no one will miss two Jedi." He then kissed her. "Will you meet me there later?" He asked.
Siri nodded. "Yes."
Obi Wan smiled. "I have a few more rounds to make first, but I will see you later." He said, giving her one last kiss.
Siri smiled to herself as she watched him return to the party. She then turned to go the opposite way and nearly ran into Adi Gallia.
"What are you doing?" Adi asked, folding her arms across her chest. "You know attachment is forbidden."
Siri nervously chuckled. "Master, what are you talking about?" She played dumb.
Adi gave her former padawan a stare that she had seen too much growing up. "You and Obi Wan."
"Me and Obi Wan?" Siri continued to play ignorant. "What do you mean?"
"I saw you together Siri, if you are trying to hide an affair I think it would be best not to kiss out in the open." Adi reprimanded. "What are you doing child?"
Siri avoided the Council member's gaze. "It's not what you think master, it's nothing, only an infatuation."
Adi sighed. "The infatuation will end." She scolded Siri as if the woman were ten years old again. "Go to him, end it Siri." Siri stood dumb founded. "Siri, you have just come off of probation, it would not be smart to go against the code now." Adi reminded her. "And if you don't care about yourself at least think of Obi Wan."
Siri noticed the look on Adi's face. "What is it Adi?" She asked.
"I shouldn't tell you this, but Obi Wan is up for a seat on the Council." The older woman revealed. "They are impressed with his commitment to the Force and the Code."
Siri was taken back by this news; she sat down on a bench behind her. "The Council?"
Adi nodded, and sat next to her former apprentice. "I understand how easy it is to succumb to temptation Siri, but if it truly is just an infatuation then it will be easy to break off."
Siri nodded.
*******************************
Padme returned to her apartment later that night and was greeted by her familiar companions. She smiled at the two droids as they tried to serve her in some way.
"Is there anything I can get for you Miss Padme?" The droid Anakin had built asked.
Padme eyed the newly gold plated droid and smiled. "No 3PO, I am tired, I think I will retire for the evening." She then walked to her bedroom.
The lights slowly rose as she entered the room, she began to undress and prepare for bed. She suddenly felt as if someone was watching her, her heart rose in her throat as she slowly turned her head around the room. She was startled by her husband lying on her bed.
"Anakin?" She asked as she composed herself. "Why are you just sitting here in the dark?"
"I was waiting for you." He explained. "I snuck in so that 3PO wouldn't give me away." He smiled.
Padme shook her head. "You better be more careful, someone may see you."
Anakin sat up on the bed. "Like who, Bail Organa?" He asked with a snide tone in his voice.
Padme was taken back. "Excuse me?" She asked.
"He seemed very friendly with you tonight." Anakin continued.
"Well, he is a dear friend." Padme argued.
"Seemed like more tonight." Anakin pressed, jealously evident in his voice.
Padme stood appalled. "Are you accusing me of something Anakin?"
"Well you tell me, I haven't seen much of you in almost three weeks, and you couldn't even come and dance with me on the night they honor me because you are too busy talking to other men?"
Padme cocked an eyebrow. "I wanted to dance with you Ani, more than anything, but you know we couldn't have."
Anakin looked away. "I know."
Padme kneeled on the bed behind him, massaging his shoulders. "I am sorry you thought I would ever betray you." She said, kissing his neck. "I love you Ani, I would never do that to you, and you must trust me."
Anakin turned to face her. "I do trust you; I just can't bare the thought of losing you."
"If you ever lose me Anakin it won't be because of my choosing." Padme promised him.
Anakin smiled and kissed her passionately, he then laid her on the bed, climbing on top of her.
Artoo beeped a curious beep and the couple looked at the droid and laughed. Anakin then took off his tunic and threw it onto the droid's dome head. He then turned back to his wife.
*****************************
Siri slowly opened the hotel room door; she tried to calm her nerves as she entered the dark room. She noticed Obi Wan standing by the window, illuminated by the lights of the skyscrapers. He smiled when he saw her.
"It's late; I thought you might not come." He said as she closed the door.
"I almost didn't" She admitted.
Obi Wan gave her a strange look. "What's wrong?" He asked.
Siri looked at him and sighed.
Obi Wan walked up to her and ran a hand over her cheek. "You can tell me." He assured her.
Siri closed her eyes under his touch; she couldn't deny that he held a power over her with his touch. She moved away from him. "We have to end it." She told him.
Obi Wan held his usual placid face. "I see." He replied. "Why?"
Siri stared out the window. "Adi knows Obi Wan." She told him. "Sooner or later the Council will as well."
Obi Wan was stunned by this news. "Adi knows?"
Siri nodded. "She saw us on the balcony." Obi Wan reprimanded himself for forgetting to hide their affair. "We've let this go too far." Siri continued. "We have to end it."
"We've only gone too far if we've formed attachments Siri." Obi Wan moved towards her. "Have you?" He asked.
Siri shook her head. "Have you?" She asked. Obi Wan shook his head and walked up to her. He took her in his arms and began to kiss her neck. Siri closed her eyes for a moment, and then pushed him away. "Don't you see, the fact that we are having such a hard time ending this means we've gone too far."
Obi Wan backed away and cleared his throat. "You're right, we are not acting like Jedi masters, and we are acting like a couple of hormonal padawans."
"I think it's best if we don't see each other for a while." Siri stated. "Send me away."
Obi Wan looked at her curiously. "Send you away? I don't have the authority to do that, I'm not on the Council."
'Not yet.' Siri thought to herself. "You still are General." She told him. "Send me to the Rishi Maze, I heard the Chancellor speaking to you about it."
Obi Wan shook his head. "No, I won't send you back to battle."
Siri sighed. "The fact that you won't send me away is the very reason why I must go."
Obi Wan stood his ground. "No Siri, I won't send you."
"You know it will take a skilled pilot to lead the team, I am the only Jedi qualified for the job." Siri told him. "The only other Jedi that could lead the team is Anakin." She stared at him for a moment. "I won't let it happen again Obi Wan, I've learned my lesson, and you have to let me go."
Obi Wan ran his hands through his hair. He stood silent for a long moment. "You're right." He finally admitted. "Ok, take the tie squadron and report to the Rishi Maze." He said, defeat evident in his voice.
Siri walked up to him and kissed his cheek, the two friends stared at each other for a moment. "May the Force be with you." She replied and slowly exited the room.
Obi Wan watched her leave; he then sat on the bed contemplating everything, holding his head in his hands.
***********************************
The next day, following his meeting with the Chancellor, Obi Wan headed to Dex's diner to gain any information he could gain on the Rishi Maze, He was worried about Siri, and wanted to help her in any way that he could. He opened the door and was almost knocked down by a Dug leaving the diner. Obi Wan noticed how crowed the diner was, and hoped Dex would have an opportunity to speak with him.
"Someone to see ya honey," The droid waitress called out to the kitchen. "Jedi by the looks of him."
Obi Wan shook his head, it didn't matter how many times he came to visit Dex, his waitress never remembered him.
"Obi Wan!" Dex called, cheerily. "I'll be with you as soon as I can."
"No worries Dex, I can wait." Obi Wan told his friend.
He then walked to the counter to find a stool when he noticed a familiar form sitting in a back booth. He slowly approached her, noticing the woman buried in a stack of papers, eating the diner's special of the day.
"Senator Amidala?" Obi Wan asked surprised to see the politician there. "Fancy meeting you here."
Padme looked up from her work and smiled. "Likewise Master Kenobi." She acknowledged his presence and put down her fork. "Would you care to join me?"
Obi Wan glanced back towards the kitchen and noticed Dex busy with his work. He sat down on the bench opposite the Senator. "I would never imagine meeting you here." He stated with a smile.
"Yes well, the food is better than what they serve us at the Senate." The young woman motioned to her plate of food. "Plus, I can get a lot of work done because no one bothers me here."
"Well I apologize for interrupting you Milady." Obi Wan stated, beginning to get out of the booth.
Padme grabbed his hand. "Don't be silly, I always make time for friends." She offered a warm smile.
The human waitress brought Obi Wan a cup of Jawa juice and he sipped it. "I never got the chance to thank you for riding to my rescue."
Padme smiled. "Well, it's a hobby of mine, rescuing handsome, dashing men in distress." She and Obi Wan shared a laugh at this, she then began to pick at her food, Obi Wan notice she had become uncomfortable.
"Is something bothering you Senator Amidala?" Obi Wan asked.
"Padme." She corrected.
"Is there something bothering you Padme?" He asked again.
"I'm worried about Anakin." She admitted. "He's not acting like himself."
Obi Wan cleared his throat. "He's not?"
"Haven't you noticed?" She asked.
"I haven't really talked to Anakin in three weeks Milady." Obi Wan revealed.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry Padme; it's common for a Jedi to not see each other for weeks, months, even years at a time." He offered her a smile.
"But he was your apprentice." She argued.
"It's even common for masters and apprentices to not see each other much once the apprentice is knighted, although I will admit I had hoped Anakin and I would've been different." Obi Wan admitted.
"Like you and Qui Gon would have been?" She asked.
Obi Wan contemplated this for a moment. "I don't know." He stated. "I guess I'm not use to being on my own." He took another sip of his drink.
Padme gave him a sad stare. "This must be hard for you."
Obi Wan shook his head. "A Jedi doesn't focus on such things."
"But as a human, not a Jedi how do you feel?" She asked.
Obi Wan stared down at the table then looked up at her. "There is a flaw in that question Milady because I am a Jedi."
Padme gave him a warm smile. "And I and I'm sure the galaxy are glad for that Obi Wan."
They sat in an awkward silence for a moment before Obi Wan spoke again. "I heard you went back to Naboo." He said.
"Yes, I accompanied the bodies back." She told him, taking a bite of her food.
"Bodies?" He asked.
"Didn't Anakin tell you?" She asked and he shook his head. "Oh, well that makes sense as to why you weren't there." She said softly.
"Why would I be there?" He asked, becoming very serious. "Who died?"
Padme closed her eyes for a moment, when she reopened them Obi Wan noticed tears forming. "Jar Jar was killed during the evasion." She told him.
Obi Wan sat back in the booth as his brain registered this news. "Jar Jar is gone?" He softly asked and Padme nodded. "How could Anakin not tell me? I mean, I should've been there if not for my friendship, which wasn't that much of one, but for Qui Gon."
"I was really surprised to not see you at the wake." She admitted. "Sabe was also killed."
Obi Wan gave Padme a sad look. "I'm so sorry Padme; I know this must be a difficult loss for you." He reached out and grabbed her hands in his. "In the short time I knew her, I really liked her. She was a great person."
Padme began to cry. "Yes, she was."
Obi Wan felt the great despair oozing off his friend, he rose to his feet and sat down next to her in the booth, putting an arm around her.
Padme leaned her head on his shoulder and tried to stop crying. "I'm so sorry Obi Wan." She said through the tears.
"Don't worry about it Padme, I have a very good shoulder to cry on, probably the best in the galaxy Milady." He tried to make her feel better. "Next to yours that is." He put a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to him.
She smiled at the memory of twelve years ago when she had comforted a newly appointed Jedi knight. "I'm not sorry about this." She said after a moment. "I'm just sorry about everything with Anakin." She held his other hand with both of hers. "We never meant to hurt you."
Obi Wan thought about it for a moment. "I won't lie to you Padme, because your friendship means too much to me. I was very disappointed to learn of your marriage." He looked down at her. "Just promise me one thing."
Padme looked up at him. "Sure, anything."
Obi Wan sighed. "Take care of him." He said and Padme nodded. "And, take care of yourself as well. Because I'm going to tell you Padme, being a Jedi is not an easy life, but being married to one is probably even harder."
Padme leaned her head on his shoulder again and sighed. "I just hope I made the right choice." She said.
Obi Wan put his head on top of hers. "So do I."
************************************
His blood began to boil as he watched the scene unfold before him. It took all of his Jedi training to not storm in the restaurant and break his former master's neck. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, his wife in the arms of Obi Wan Kenobi? He had never felt such betrayal before in his life, and what made it worse was it was from the two people he loved most.
Anakin clenched his fists as he stared at Padme and Obi Wan through the window. He had sensed his wife near and was planning on surprising her, he now found himself blinded by fury, and he didn't know what to do. Suddenly he felt his fingers brush against a strange item on his belt. He picked it up and stared at the strange comlink. He had kept it as a sort of trophy of killing Dooku, yet for some reason he felt he had to keep it on his belt.
He quickly activated it. "I am ready." He spoke into the device.
"Excellent my young apprentice." Came the eerie voice. "Soon they will be no match for you." The voice disappeared in a fit of evil cackling.
Anakin returned the comlink to his belt and turned away from the diner.
**********************
TBC: I know a lot of mushy stuff in this chapter (sorry padawan) I hope this was ok, it was longer than I expected, so maybe the reviews should be longer.hint, hint.just kidding!
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Well I was able to get one last chapter up before I move. I did it just for you wonderful reviewers, especially Jedikma who seems to understand the characters in this story (or at least how I want them to be seen). Thank you for all the wonderful reviews everyone. And for those who still read "Promise me you'll train the boy" I will be finishing it soon, I promise.
Chapter 15: (Three weeks later)
Siri released a long breath of air and looked down at the man beneath her, she smiled at him and he in turn smiled at her. She then collapsed next to him on the bed, sweaty and fulfilled and made herself comfortable. The two Jedi had made this a daily routine for three weeks now, and both had never been happier.
Obi Wan turned on his side to face her; he ran a hand over her bare shoulder, tickling her slightly. Siri giggled and gave him a small slap on his arm.
"Stop that." She commanded him.
Obi Wan smiled. "You didn't mind me touching you a minute ago." He joked, tickling her more.
Siri tried to grab his hands away from her. "That was before I was satisfied." She laughed. "I have no need for you anymore today."
Obi Wan shrugged and began to sit up, Siri pulled on him. "I thought you had no more need of me?" He asked, teasing her.
Siri gave a seductive smile. "Well, give me a moment, I might think of some use for you."
Obi Wan chuckled, and kissed her on the forehead, then ran a hand through the very short blonde hair that had begun to grow back. "I'd love to stay, but I can't, I have to get ready for the Celebration ball this evening." He said, rising to his feet.
Siri sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. She watched as he stretched his arms over his head, flexing every muscle in his muscular frame. "I know you can't stay." She said, disappointment entering her voice.
Obi Wan grabbed his pants and pulled them on. "Do I detect disappointment Siri Tachi?"
Siri shook her head. "Of course not, I'm glad to be rid of you as soon as possible." She giggled.
Obi Wan made a swift movement and forced her on her back, and held her legs over his shoulders. Siri cocked an eyebrow and Obi Wan smiled. They stared at each other for a moment, Obi Wan stroking her leg softly. He then cleared his throat and let her legs to the bed. "I do have to go." He stated sadly.
"I know." Siri stated, sitting up and wrapping a sheet over her naked body. She watched Obi Wan pull on his tunic and then his boots. "I sometimes wish we had a way to spend the entire night together." She admitted.
Obi Wan stopped and looked at her. "I know, but we would be discovered." He reminded her.
Siri nodded, she then noticed him staring at her. "You better go; the General of the Army cannot be late for this function." She rose to her feet, holding the sheet around her body.
Obi Wan opened the door of her quarters. "You are coming tonight aren't you?" He asked.
Siri looked away. "I don't deserve to be there, plus I just got off of probation."
"And what, going to celebrate for the Republic will get you into trouble?" He asked and she continued to keep her gaze away from him. "Besides, if anyone deserves to be there it's you." He said and shut the door behind him.
Siri sighed and went to the freshener and turned on the shower.
******************************************
Bail Organa feigned laughter at a joke one of his fellow senators had just told. He took a sip of his drink and scanned the crowd for someone else to talk to. He then turned his attention to the Chancellor sitting in a large, plush chair surrounded by guards dressed in red and also a young, tall man dressed in black. Something about that scene gave Organa the chills, but he shrugged it off and continued to survey the crowd.
He suddenly felt out of place in the presence of the other politicians. He had been in the field for several months, trying to put action behind his words. He felt the rest of the Senators had sat back and done nothing to prevent the war, and then to end the war. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the only exception to his feelings. He looked up at the stairs that entered into the ball room and noticed an elegant figure at the top. He smiled as Padme Amidala gracefully descended down the steps, wearing a beautiful dark purple gown, the corset like bodice showing off her slender form. Her dark brown hair was placed on top of her head in an intricate fashion, topped with a silver headdress.
Organa stood at the bottom of the steps and smiled as she came closer. Padme spotted him and returned his smile. He bowed to her in respect and she giggled. "Get up." She commanded him. He obeyed and eyed her up and down; he noticed the elegant bead work woven into the gown.
"You look amazing my lady." He told her. "If that isn't too bold of me to say."
Padme blushed. "Thank you Bail."
Bail then offered his arm to her, she took it and he led her into the room. "I heard about Representative Binks, and your handmaiden." He said after a moment. "I am truly sorry."
Padme swallowed. "Thank you Bail, it was a terrible day, too many lost their lives."
The two walked towards the edge of the room. "I know we shouldn't talk politics tonight." He started.
Padme tilted her head. "Oh Bail, what else is anyone going to talk about tonight?"
Bail chuckled. "You're right." He then stared at her.
She suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Please don't look at me like that." She told him.
He quickly looked away from her. "I'm sorry Padme, I didn't mean to offend." He explained. "It's just, you look so beautiful, I cannot help but look at you."
Padme found herself looking at Anakin across the room, she then looked at Bail. "That is very kind of you to say Bail; however I cannot return your favor."
Bail moved closer to her. "I understand." He looked away for a moment. "Actually I don't understand milady." He turned his attention back to her. "We have been friends for a while now Padme and I thought we shared something."
Padme looked at him again, then back at her husband. "Bail, you are very dear to me and always will be, but I cannot be with you in the way that you want." She looked back at him. "I am sorry; you will one day make a woman the happiest in the galaxy." She offered a warm smile.
Bail smiled back and nodded. He quickly changed the subject. "I heard a rumor while I was out pretending to be a soldier." He grabbed two drinks off a serving droid. "I heard that you were considering leaving the Senate."
Padme took a sip of her drink. "I've contemplated it, but I'm not sure if I will ever be able to actually leave politics." She sighed. "But I have thought about what it would be like to lead a normal life, have a family."
Bail nodded. "Could you ever lead a normal life Padme?" He asked with a chuckle. "Could you honestly give this up?" Bail took a sip of his own drink. "It would have to be quite an amazing man to actually get you to leave this behind, a man who could give you everything you ever wanted."
Padme took another sip of her drink and stared at Anakin. "Yes it would." She stated under her breath.
*********************************************
Obi Wan closed his eyes as the stench of another drunken senator's breath hit his nose. He quickly recovered and tried to listen intently to what they were telling him. He used the Force to try to find someone else to talk to. He was never fond of politicians, let alone ones that couldn't hold their alcohol. Suddenly he felt a strange disturbance through the Force.
"Ah, General Kenobi there you are." The voice of Chancellor Palpatine distracted him from his thoughts.
Obi Wan turned to face the Chancellor and bowed. "Your Excellency." Obi Wan looked up at the Chancellor, then to his former apprentice. "Knight Skywalker."
"Master Obi Wan." Anakin replied, annoyance evident in his voice. "I heard about your promotion, congratulations."
"Yes General Kenobi, congratulations." Palpatine interjected. "I was just telling some of the Senators how lucky we are to live in an era that has the most talented Jedi in the history of the order."
Obi Wan noticed Anakin beaming. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Chancellor, but we are no where close to being the most powerful Jedi in the history of the order."
Anakin frowned. "Not yet." He whispered under his breath.
"What are your plans now that you have no apprentice and the war is over General Kenobi?" Palpatine asked.
Obi Wan thought about it for a moment. "I will do my best to continue to serve the Republic."
Anakin rolled his eyes and Palpatine smiled. "I'm very glad to hear that, I have need for your service."
Obi Wan bowed. "Yes Chancellor, what service can I provide?"
"I need you to come to my office tomorrow General, we have received word that what is left of the Separatists are regrouping in the Rishi Maze, and we have been informed that a team needs to be sent there to ascertain what is happening."
"You mean you need a team to go and clean up what's left of the Separatists." Obi Wan answered.
Palpatine chuckled. "Yes General Kenobi, we wish that." He then became serious again. "The Senate has voted that it would be best for a Jedi to lead the team."
Obi Wan silently sighed, he had hoped that the war was indeed over. 'How silly of me to believe that even though the head of the enemy was no longer around that there wouldn't be any threat.' He thought to himself. "Yes your Excellency." He bowed.
Palpatine smiled. "We will discuss this later General, tonight we celebrate!" He then clapped Anakin on the shoulder and headed for a group of Senators.
Obi Wan shook his head and grabbed a drink off a serving droid. He watched as the Chancellor proposed a toast to the "hero" of the war. Obi Wan studied his ex apprentice carefully and saw the extreme pride emulating off of him. Obi Wan quickly drank the entire contents of his drink.
"You drink too much." A feminine voice interrupted his thoughts.
He turned around and smiled at Siri standing behind him. He noticed she was wearing the outfit he had purchased for her. He smiled. "It's amazing; you are actually out of the Temple." He joked with her.
She rolled her eyes and walked closer to him. She then noticed Anakin and Palpatine in the center of the room. "When did this start?" She asked, motioning to the pair.
"The Chancellor has always taken an interest to Anakin; it's never really bothered me till now." Obi Wan answered.
Siri nodded. "There is something wrong with this, yet I cannot sense what it is."
Obi Wan watched Anakin for a moment then turned to Siri. "Come with me." He told her and led her onto one of the balconies. He held her hand as he led her away from the party. "I'm glad you came." He admitted. "I at least have one person to talk to."
Siri smiled. "Well, I couldn't let a night like this go to waste I suppose."
Obi Wan held both of her hands in his and kissed them. "I have a surprise for you." He told her. "I figured tonight was supposed to be a celebration, so I thought about the best way for me to celebrate." She cocked an eyebrow as he continued. "I've rented a room at the Corellean." He leaned in and whispered in her ear.
Siri looked at him in shock. "Are you certain you want to do this?" She asked. "Someone might notice both of us missing from the Temple."
He cupped her face in his hand. "With all that is going on tonight, no one will miss two Jedi." He then kissed her. "Will you meet me there later?" He asked.
Siri nodded. "Yes."
Obi Wan smiled. "I have a few more rounds to make first, but I will see you later." He said, giving her one last kiss.
Siri smiled to herself as she watched him return to the party. She then turned to go the opposite way and nearly ran into Adi Gallia.
"What are you doing?" Adi asked, folding her arms across her chest. "You know attachment is forbidden."
Siri nervously chuckled. "Master, what are you talking about?" She played dumb.
Adi gave her former padawan a stare that she had seen too much growing up. "You and Obi Wan."
"Me and Obi Wan?" Siri continued to play ignorant. "What do you mean?"
"I saw you together Siri, if you are trying to hide an affair I think it would be best not to kiss out in the open." Adi reprimanded. "What are you doing child?"
Siri avoided the Council member's gaze. "It's not what you think master, it's nothing, only an infatuation."
Adi sighed. "The infatuation will end." She scolded Siri as if the woman were ten years old again. "Go to him, end it Siri." Siri stood dumb founded. "Siri, you have just come off of probation, it would not be smart to go against the code now." Adi reminded her. "And if you don't care about yourself at least think of Obi Wan."
Siri noticed the look on Adi's face. "What is it Adi?" She asked.
"I shouldn't tell you this, but Obi Wan is up for a seat on the Council." The older woman revealed. "They are impressed with his commitment to the Force and the Code."
Siri was taken back by this news; she sat down on a bench behind her. "The Council?"
Adi nodded, and sat next to her former apprentice. "I understand how easy it is to succumb to temptation Siri, but if it truly is just an infatuation then it will be easy to break off."
Siri nodded.
*******************************
Padme returned to her apartment later that night and was greeted by her familiar companions. She smiled at the two droids as they tried to serve her in some way.
"Is there anything I can get for you Miss Padme?" The droid Anakin had built asked.
Padme eyed the newly gold plated droid and smiled. "No 3PO, I am tired, I think I will retire for the evening." She then walked to her bedroom.
The lights slowly rose as she entered the room, she began to undress and prepare for bed. She suddenly felt as if someone was watching her, her heart rose in her throat as she slowly turned her head around the room. She was startled by her husband lying on her bed.
"Anakin?" She asked as she composed herself. "Why are you just sitting here in the dark?"
"I was waiting for you." He explained. "I snuck in so that 3PO wouldn't give me away." He smiled.
Padme shook her head. "You better be more careful, someone may see you."
Anakin sat up on the bed. "Like who, Bail Organa?" He asked with a snide tone in his voice.
Padme was taken back. "Excuse me?" She asked.
"He seemed very friendly with you tonight." Anakin continued.
"Well, he is a dear friend." Padme argued.
"Seemed like more tonight." Anakin pressed, jealously evident in his voice.
Padme stood appalled. "Are you accusing me of something Anakin?"
"Well you tell me, I haven't seen much of you in almost three weeks, and you couldn't even come and dance with me on the night they honor me because you are too busy talking to other men?"
Padme cocked an eyebrow. "I wanted to dance with you Ani, more than anything, but you know we couldn't have."
Anakin looked away. "I know."
Padme kneeled on the bed behind him, massaging his shoulders. "I am sorry you thought I would ever betray you." She said, kissing his neck. "I love you Ani, I would never do that to you, and you must trust me."
Anakin turned to face her. "I do trust you; I just can't bare the thought of losing you."
"If you ever lose me Anakin it won't be because of my choosing." Padme promised him.
Anakin smiled and kissed her passionately, he then laid her on the bed, climbing on top of her.
Artoo beeped a curious beep and the couple looked at the droid and laughed. Anakin then took off his tunic and threw it onto the droid's dome head. He then turned back to his wife.
*****************************
Siri slowly opened the hotel room door; she tried to calm her nerves as she entered the dark room. She noticed Obi Wan standing by the window, illuminated by the lights of the skyscrapers. He smiled when he saw her.
"It's late; I thought you might not come." He said as she closed the door.
"I almost didn't" She admitted.
Obi Wan gave her a strange look. "What's wrong?" He asked.
Siri looked at him and sighed.
Obi Wan walked up to her and ran a hand over her cheek. "You can tell me." He assured her.
Siri closed her eyes under his touch; she couldn't deny that he held a power over her with his touch. She moved away from him. "We have to end it." She told him.
Obi Wan held his usual placid face. "I see." He replied. "Why?"
Siri stared out the window. "Adi knows Obi Wan." She told him. "Sooner or later the Council will as well."
Obi Wan was stunned by this news. "Adi knows?"
Siri nodded. "She saw us on the balcony." Obi Wan reprimanded himself for forgetting to hide their affair. "We've let this go too far." Siri continued. "We have to end it."
"We've only gone too far if we've formed attachments Siri." Obi Wan moved towards her. "Have you?" He asked.
Siri shook her head. "Have you?" She asked. Obi Wan shook his head and walked up to her. He took her in his arms and began to kiss her neck. Siri closed her eyes for a moment, and then pushed him away. "Don't you see, the fact that we are having such a hard time ending this means we've gone too far."
Obi Wan backed away and cleared his throat. "You're right, we are not acting like Jedi masters, and we are acting like a couple of hormonal padawans."
"I think it's best if we don't see each other for a while." Siri stated. "Send me away."
Obi Wan looked at her curiously. "Send you away? I don't have the authority to do that, I'm not on the Council."
'Not yet.' Siri thought to herself. "You still are General." She told him. "Send me to the Rishi Maze, I heard the Chancellor speaking to you about it."
Obi Wan shook his head. "No, I won't send you back to battle."
Siri sighed. "The fact that you won't send me away is the very reason why I must go."
Obi Wan stood his ground. "No Siri, I won't send you."
"You know it will take a skilled pilot to lead the team, I am the only Jedi qualified for the job." Siri told him. "The only other Jedi that could lead the team is Anakin." She stared at him for a moment. "I won't let it happen again Obi Wan, I've learned my lesson, and you have to let me go."
Obi Wan ran his hands through his hair. He stood silent for a long moment. "You're right." He finally admitted. "Ok, take the tie squadron and report to the Rishi Maze." He said, defeat evident in his voice.
Siri walked up to him and kissed his cheek, the two friends stared at each other for a moment. "May the Force be with you." She replied and slowly exited the room.
Obi Wan watched her leave; he then sat on the bed contemplating everything, holding his head in his hands.
***********************************
The next day, following his meeting with the Chancellor, Obi Wan headed to Dex's diner to gain any information he could gain on the Rishi Maze, He was worried about Siri, and wanted to help her in any way that he could. He opened the door and was almost knocked down by a Dug leaving the diner. Obi Wan noticed how crowed the diner was, and hoped Dex would have an opportunity to speak with him.
"Someone to see ya honey," The droid waitress called out to the kitchen. "Jedi by the looks of him."
Obi Wan shook his head, it didn't matter how many times he came to visit Dex, his waitress never remembered him.
"Obi Wan!" Dex called, cheerily. "I'll be with you as soon as I can."
"No worries Dex, I can wait." Obi Wan told his friend.
He then walked to the counter to find a stool when he noticed a familiar form sitting in a back booth. He slowly approached her, noticing the woman buried in a stack of papers, eating the diner's special of the day.
"Senator Amidala?" Obi Wan asked surprised to see the politician there. "Fancy meeting you here."
Padme looked up from her work and smiled. "Likewise Master Kenobi." She acknowledged his presence and put down her fork. "Would you care to join me?"
Obi Wan glanced back towards the kitchen and noticed Dex busy with his work. He sat down on the bench opposite the Senator. "I would never imagine meeting you here." He stated with a smile.
"Yes well, the food is better than what they serve us at the Senate." The young woman motioned to her plate of food. "Plus, I can get a lot of work done because no one bothers me here."
"Well I apologize for interrupting you Milady." Obi Wan stated, beginning to get out of the booth.
Padme grabbed his hand. "Don't be silly, I always make time for friends." She offered a warm smile.
The human waitress brought Obi Wan a cup of Jawa juice and he sipped it. "I never got the chance to thank you for riding to my rescue."
Padme smiled. "Well, it's a hobby of mine, rescuing handsome, dashing men in distress." She and Obi Wan shared a laugh at this, she then began to pick at her food, Obi Wan notice she had become uncomfortable.
"Is something bothering you Senator Amidala?" Obi Wan asked.
"Padme." She corrected.
"Is there something bothering you Padme?" He asked again.
"I'm worried about Anakin." She admitted. "He's not acting like himself."
Obi Wan cleared his throat. "He's not?"
"Haven't you noticed?" She asked.
"I haven't really talked to Anakin in three weeks Milady." Obi Wan revealed.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry Padme; it's common for a Jedi to not see each other for weeks, months, even years at a time." He offered her a smile.
"But he was your apprentice." She argued.
"It's even common for masters and apprentices to not see each other much once the apprentice is knighted, although I will admit I had hoped Anakin and I would've been different." Obi Wan admitted.
"Like you and Qui Gon would have been?" She asked.
Obi Wan contemplated this for a moment. "I don't know." He stated. "I guess I'm not use to being on my own." He took another sip of his drink.
Padme gave him a sad stare. "This must be hard for you."
Obi Wan shook his head. "A Jedi doesn't focus on such things."
"But as a human, not a Jedi how do you feel?" She asked.
Obi Wan stared down at the table then looked up at her. "There is a flaw in that question Milady because I am a Jedi."
Padme gave him a warm smile. "And I and I'm sure the galaxy are glad for that Obi Wan."
They sat in an awkward silence for a moment before Obi Wan spoke again. "I heard you went back to Naboo." He said.
"Yes, I accompanied the bodies back." She told him, taking a bite of her food.
"Bodies?" He asked.
"Didn't Anakin tell you?" She asked and he shook his head. "Oh, well that makes sense as to why you weren't there." She said softly.
"Why would I be there?" He asked, becoming very serious. "Who died?"
Padme closed her eyes for a moment, when she reopened them Obi Wan noticed tears forming. "Jar Jar was killed during the evasion." She told him.
Obi Wan sat back in the booth as his brain registered this news. "Jar Jar is gone?" He softly asked and Padme nodded. "How could Anakin not tell me? I mean, I should've been there if not for my friendship, which wasn't that much of one, but for Qui Gon."
"I was really surprised to not see you at the wake." She admitted. "Sabe was also killed."
Obi Wan gave Padme a sad look. "I'm so sorry Padme; I know this must be a difficult loss for you." He reached out and grabbed her hands in his. "In the short time I knew her, I really liked her. She was a great person."
Padme began to cry. "Yes, she was."
Obi Wan felt the great despair oozing off his friend, he rose to his feet and sat down next to her in the booth, putting an arm around her.
Padme leaned her head on his shoulder and tried to stop crying. "I'm so sorry Obi Wan." She said through the tears.
"Don't worry about it Padme, I have a very good shoulder to cry on, probably the best in the galaxy Milady." He tried to make her feel better. "Next to yours that is." He put a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to him.
She smiled at the memory of twelve years ago when she had comforted a newly appointed Jedi knight. "I'm not sorry about this." She said after a moment. "I'm just sorry about everything with Anakin." She held his other hand with both of hers. "We never meant to hurt you."
Obi Wan thought about it for a moment. "I won't lie to you Padme, because your friendship means too much to me. I was very disappointed to learn of your marriage." He looked down at her. "Just promise me one thing."
Padme looked up at him. "Sure, anything."
Obi Wan sighed. "Take care of him." He said and Padme nodded. "And, take care of yourself as well. Because I'm going to tell you Padme, being a Jedi is not an easy life, but being married to one is probably even harder."
Padme leaned her head on his shoulder again and sighed. "I just hope I made the right choice." She said.
Obi Wan put his head on top of hers. "So do I."
************************************
His blood began to boil as he watched the scene unfold before him. It took all of his Jedi training to not storm in the restaurant and break his former master's neck. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, his wife in the arms of Obi Wan Kenobi? He had never felt such betrayal before in his life, and what made it worse was it was from the two people he loved most.
Anakin clenched his fists as he stared at Padme and Obi Wan through the window. He had sensed his wife near and was planning on surprising her, he now found himself blinded by fury, and he didn't know what to do. Suddenly he felt his fingers brush against a strange item on his belt. He picked it up and stared at the strange comlink. He had kept it as a sort of trophy of killing Dooku, yet for some reason he felt he had to keep it on his belt.
He quickly activated it. "I am ready." He spoke into the device.
"Excellent my young apprentice." Came the eerie voice. "Soon they will be no match for you." The voice disappeared in a fit of evil cackling.
Anakin returned the comlink to his belt and turned away from the diner.
**********************
TBC: I know a lot of mushy stuff in this chapter (sorry padawan) I hope this was ok, it was longer than I expected, so maybe the reviews should be longer.hint, hint.just kidding!