PART TWO: NO MORE REGRETS, ONLY FORGIVENESS
Since the events on Geonosis, the skies of Coruscant were far more empty than anyone had seen in a long time. The city-planet used to be so full of life and activity, it was now a forsaken place. Many people feared to step away from the places they lived in to see the planet like they used to. Senate meetings nearly ceased to exist and everyone was taking precautions against anything that seemed out of place. Obi-Wan watched the city buzz by him like nothing had happened. As much as he wanted to deny the events leading up to the Clone Wars, two years, he couldn't fight what he saw outside the glass dome of the transport.
He walked up to the steps of an apartment complex, fit to the needs of visiting senators and governors from all over the galaxy. Very few called it their home, but it was the most accessible place of rest on long trips to the central capital of the galaxy. Though Obi-Wan had made several trips to the building, he had to go through a series of surveillance checks: retinal, fingerprint, identification and call-in from both the visiting party and the receiving party. Each visitor also had to carry a pass that was connected to the security system to allow for tracking. It was a tiring process, but one that most had gotten used to.
Every senator's lives were at stake since the events of Geonosis, receiving oncoming threats from terrorists and other hating parties. But none seemed to get as much attention as Padmé Amidala Skywalker. Her room was under constant surveillance from the Coruscant Security Forces, the Clone Troops and the Jedi. She had received the worst of threats and no one took kindly to even a familiar face such as Obi-Wan. He didn't want to bring attention to himself, but it was weird that after three months of not visiting the Senator, it made the soldiers grow with suspicion. He brushed it away. Either way, he was still in charge, and they had to respect his orders.
He took the access pass, casually and headed to the turbolift that would take him up to the top floor of the complex. He felt a little cold at the sight of even being in the same building as the person he felt so close to in the longest time. It was nearly three months since they last met. He took small steps out of the lift only to go through another security check by his own unit of the Clone Army, JD331-OWK. Today, only three were on guard, CT-270: Commander Rason, CT-300: Captain Nito and CT-321: Captain Eaven. Each greeted him with a salute, but didn't question what his visit was for. They cleared him to continue on and up the stairs to the highest level of the building, with no real hesitation.
The carpet was of blue texture, calm and serene. The windows went from floor to ceiling with an amazing view of the Senatorial District. The tall ancient building of the Jedi Temple was a magnificent sight from afar. He crossed the hall to the lone door at the end, Padmé's residence. Over the course of the past two years, Obi-Wan and Padmé had become more acquainted on levels of friends, rather than as a protector and politician. Visits had become casual on his return from long battles on other planets. Anakin was never around to come along. Once they got back to Coruscant, he requested to go off and do other things. Obi-Wan saw no harm in it, but worried intently on Padmé's sake to see him. No one could deny the fact that if it were to ever get as far as a loving relationship between the elder Jedi and ex-Senator, Obi-Wan would never want to hurt Padmé like Anakin did.
He buzzed the room, his arm shaking almost involuntary. There was fear and tension in his throat. The door slid open almost immediately, as if just waiting for the buzz requesting entrance. There even in the hardship of the war, stood Padmé so magnificent. So beautiful. On late nights, he would wait by the ex-Senator's side until she fell asleep before leaving her to dream and a much needed rest. She still looked as young as her reign as the Queen he had met those years ago on Naboo, and as tough a warrior and senator in the beginning of the war, but slowly aged as time would permit. Tears came to scar her face during long restless nights. She simply wore a white gown to fit her new form of pregnancy, now eight months in.
She always looked beautiful. She never could escape such beauty, even in her state now. You did all right, Anakin. You chose well. Obi-Wan couldn't deny.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile. Even in this hard time, she still looked strong, held on strong and kept her composure. She never faltered unless she talked whole-heartedly to Obi-Wan like she had done with Anakin. Now, Anakin's visits couldn't be taken and he wasn't even reported to be in the city.
Obi-Wan bowed low.
She returned the gesture with a bright smile. "Hello, Ben. I'm glad you came. It's been far too long. Won't you please, come in?"
Obi-Wan bowed again and entered. It brought a smile to hear the name he was given when he was but a baby, by his mother. It was used by only so few who grew close to him. Many others addressed him by his royal heir name, a sign provoking respect and authority. He never took to acknowledging his royal status, due to his long years spent training at the Jedi Temple. "Hello, Padmé. All is well, I hope."
She rubbed her round belly. "Yes. It is. All is well at the Temple?"
He nodded. "They send their wishes."
"Thank you," her voice was gentle.
The place was big, a lonely place for only just her. It gave off a yellow haze of a tranquil sun. The living room furniture was set in a round circle around a table used for long conversing among visitors. The room was filled with the usual gifts and flowers from other senators in the run to help protect and hide Padmé when the time was needed. The ceiling of the room was painted with a nice sky that seemed to change as the sky outside. There was access to opening it up to reveal the skies of Coruscant, especially on clear nights where stars could be seen with such amazement. The living room led to a private balcony, connecting the living room to the bedroom. Plants were fixed around it in a way to ward off evil and bring tranquility and strength. A staircase was accessible from the side to allow access from the alley down below, but wasn't in use in risk of threats. Obi-Wan had used it when he felt conversation was too important to pass through security. Anakin used it on surprise visits.
Obi-Wan looked down, sadly. Oh, Anakin, how you loved to look at the stars back at the Temple. On any mission where you could look up at the sky. We both loved to just lay there and watch the twinkle of the night calm us. You wanted so badly to explore the galaxy. See it as an explorer, maybe even be the first to see the entire universe. You had dreams, Anakin, and I took them away from you.
Obi-Wan turned away from Padmé to be met by a stern and angry gaze from Bail Organa. He froze in his tracks just as Bail got to his feet.
Bail Organa, a few years younger than Obi-Wan at the age of 35 standard years old, he served as the main source of security for the Republic, the Head of the Galactic Security. He was also the Prince and Viceroy of Alderaan, as far as generations could permit. Both Obi-Wan and Bail's friendship go back to the years when Obi-Wan was still a Padawan learner. He and Qui-Gon were called to Alderaan to settle the true heir to the planet. Since then, the two never really lost touch with each other. His hair was close-cropped, and a well-groomed beard was also present on his face. He wore a simple black armored jumpsuit with a cape to show his status on Coruscant.
"You no good, two-timing, piece of bantha poo-doo. I should have your head for bailing out of that meeting with the Jedi Council. You not only disgraced the Council, but you disgraced me. I never felt so embarrassed by your actions, General." Bail said, sternly.
Obi-Wan took one small step back. He was taken aback by the comment, not recalling the incident at all, but didn't allow it to scare him. Bail was known to joke around with Obi-Wan even in the worst of situations. "You're joking, right?"
Bail clenched his fist firmly, raising it high over their heads to end in a powerful blow. He brought it down, making Obi-Wan flinch, only realizing the blow was not made. He stood there a little confused. Bail only laughed, wrapping his friend in a warm, welcoming hug. "Ben! How you been, buddy? I haven't seen you in awhile. Too long for me to truly say we've had time to catch up," Bail ruffled Obi-Wan's short-cropped hair. "We haven't gotten a chance to just talk as friends rather than as authority figures. We really gotta catch up."
Obi-Wan couldn't resist a wide grin, and took a seat across from his friend. Padmé left, silently to allow the two old friends time to talk and catch up.
Bail leaned back in his chair. His hands were intertwined upon his mouth, in deep thought. "Good ol' General Kenobi. Always following someone's lead or request. I knew you couldn't turn down a request by a dear friend as Padmé."
"You know me far too well, my friend."
The Viceroy of Alderaan and Head of Galactic Security bored down on the Jedi as if with amusement to see Obi-Wan falter just a little. "That I do. You know, my dear friend, you get way more appraise as a general than you ever did as a Jedi. Though, as much as I hate taking action the way we are, it is the only way the Republic will ever see eye to eye with us. Peace isn't going to work anymore and justice needs to push it up to raw punishment. I can't stand those separatists and terrorists trying to destroy what is left of the Republic."
"But the Republic is no longer intact,"Obi-Wan stated. "It is now under the rule of a Sith Lord. Of all people, it's ex-Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Where did we go wrong, Bail? Why couldn't the Jedi foresee it?"
"That was not the problem, my friend. Enough just wasn't being done."
Obi-Wan looked at his friend, eyebrows raised in astonishment. Enough wasn't done? I can't believe–no I thought– how can you say that? The Jedi were trying to promote peace and justice throughout the galaxy on a fair neutral level. We never wanted it to end in some galactic civil war with enemies on both sides.
Bail got to his feet and began to pace along the edge of the table. "Obi- Wan, there was a reason for why this all came to such a painful end. The Jedi promoted peace and tranquility throughout the galaxy. It was a good idea, because most people feared the Jedi. But now, even after what happened on Naboo, 12 years ago, they saw an opening to attack. The Trade Federation had joined forces with the Separatist movement led by Count Dooku to slow down the peace in the galaxy, convinced others that the Senate was full of lies. Whole star systems were on the verge of leaving the Senate at the beginning of the Clone Wars, now we've lost too many in the cause to stop the separatists, and action could only be made by force. "The Jedi. Keepers of peace. Mediators of the galaxy. The police and security force for politicians and government alike," Bail addressed. He silenced Obi-Wan before he could make a comment with an upraised hand. "We couldn't promote peace to a crumbling galaxy anymore, Obi-Wan. We needed an army. We needed a new level of jurisdiction. As much as I hated it, passing that law for the clone army was what this galaxy needed. To survive."
Obi-Wan covered his eyes, rubbing them, cautiously.
"To ensure that safety could still exist in the galaxy, there was no other way," Bail continued. His voice was aching. He had gone over the speech several times before confronting Obi-Wan with it. "You have to understand that none of the blame was aimed at the Jedi. Or at you. You, Obi-Wan, out of all people, seem to be carrying the biggest burden in all of this. Everywhere I turn, people blame you most of all. But don't let it get to you. We can only hope that when this is all over, when it does, new power will prevail. And it wouldn't have to be under the power of the uprising Empire or Sith."
"You mean the Sith haven't already destroyed it for all of us?" Obi-Wan continued to rub his eyes of the aching pain.
"You know, as well as I do, that we do not want this to happen. You're probably one of the most dedicated Jedi to this cause. One of
the best aside from Qui-Gon. But I don't need my best general to let such things exist. You cannot let what has and hasn't happened ruin you. Have an open mind, Ben."
"Bail, it's been two long years!" Obi-Wan's voice rose slightly. "The Senate continues to crumble. The Sith have destroyed hope for the galaxy. And I feel helpless to continue in this war."
"Don't say that, Obi-Wan," Bail encouraged. "Why do you think I gave you the best set of troops this clone army has come to offer?"
"Because you felt sorry for me," he sank into the chair. "Just as you did for the Jedi in not doing their job."
"I am obviously not talking to the same person I assigned to the JD331-OWK unit, General. The Jedi are leaders of justice and no one else is qualified for the job as much as the Jedi, themselves. I never said I felt sorry for you, Obi-Wan. You are serving in the great cause to bring order back to the galaxy just as you did as a Jedi, but, now, you must do it with an army of clonetroopers behind you."
Obi-Wan groaned and dug his palms deeper into his eyes, hoping that there could be some revelation to all this being laid out before him. He didn't need to be told twice about accepting to run an army against the Separatists, Corporate Alliance and Sith. All he wanted to see was light again, that same light before any of this had ever happened. He just wanted to have a normal life as a Jedi, retire when he felt time was right, and maybe have a family. But now the remaining Jedi wait on every command, sit in bunkers on distant planets taking out rotting governments and trying to create new ones. They destroyed the droid armies as they came to take down planets, tried to convince the independent planets to rejoin the Republic. But a new order was coming with these rumored stormtroopers as a back-up plan for the rising Empire. The stormtroopers were a great help with the low numbers in clonetroopers. Fear had the galaxy like an innocent person ready to face execution. Fear had consumed even the strongest of Jedi, including Yoda and Mace.
Days were like eternity in this continuing war. The much needed progress came slow or not at all. Everyone waited. Waited for the day to come; the day of victory or complete annihilation.
"I'm not so sure, my friend," Obi-Wan managed to say. The words were burning and didn't come out like he had hoped.
"Just say you are still in this, Obi-Wan. I cannot lose another general to such thoughts of fear," Bail said, gently.
Obi-Wan had seen far too much on the field of war than he did exploring the galaxy with Qui-Gon or Anakin. He was a strong person, though. The scars of companions dying before his eyes, the troops he lost, the killing of innocent people who tried to help. All of it burned in his eyes like a forest of darkness. As much as he even felt like taking his own life, in hopes to ease the pain, he knew he would live on. He must live on for all those that departed. Fight until he could not fight no more.
After a long silence, and time to think, Obi-Wan nodded.
"Thank you, my friend. I am grateful to know you will never give up." Bail rose to his feet.
Obi-Wan got to his feet and followed the Head of Galactic Security to the door. Bail stopped to look at the Jedi, one last time, before he departed to attend to other things.
"But for now, protect her, Ben." He pointed to the beautiful figure in the kitchen. "If this army cannot save the Galactic Senate, then perhaps her children will."
Obi-Wan nodded, firmly. "I will. As will you and all who will protect her. She isn't safe here with the increasing threats of the Corporate Alliance. And we may need to move on to the next phase of the plan soon."
"The guards are alert. Shifts are made undetected," he announced. "And with the help of your unit, she should be safe. I will keep an eye on her from below. But it is you, Obi-Wan, who can see the bigger picture. The only Jedi she is willing to trust aside from the Council to protect her, but they are too busy. It is you alone. She will always be welcome on Alderaan. I will take her under my leave when it is time. Just make sure that you take that son of hers, when he comes into this world, and protect him from anything. You let me worry about the safety of her and her daughter."
Bail made it sound that if Obi-Wan were to make the slightest mistake, he would be executed or exiled, never to help in the cause to create a new beginning for the Republic ever again. But it was that important. The Jedi Council, as did several Jedi who have come into close contact with the young ex-Senator, knew exactly the outcome of her pregnancy. She was going to have twins. A boy and a girl. The heirs to the Skywalker bloodline – and the prophecy. They were the last hope for the galaxy, if Anakin could never come back to the light. They had to stay hidden from Anakin and the Emperor, or all hope would be lost.
Obi-Wan nodded, firmly. "You know I will, my friend. It's not safe for any of us now."
It was the last thing he needed to worry about. Trust was the most important thing to gain in a time like this, and he didn't need anymore enemies than the ones that seemed to bear down on the back of his neck. He needed as much trust from those that wanted to help as possible.
The door swung open and Bail stepped out, backwards. "May the Force be with you, General Kenobi."
Obi-Wan let out a half smile and bowed. "And with you, General Organa."
Bail saluted and left. Obi-Wan let out a sigh and returned to the living room. He took a seat, only to feel an icy cold feeling trickle down his back, engulfing his body in a frozen trap. He quivered, gasping for air like a fish out of water. The visions that continued to haunt him since the beginning of the Clone Wars clouded his vision again. He saw a body of evil and hatred, anger and confusion drop into a fiery lava pit of doom. This person was forever changed, only wanting revenge on the one person who took his life away–Obi-Wan Kenobi. He tried to shake it away, but the image of the falling body landing in a pit played back like a broken record.
"Calm down, Obi-Wan," a voice whispered past his ear. The voice was calm and reassuring, not full of hate or demand, but like a father clinging to a frightened child, seeking refugee in his father's arms. "The future is always in motion. Do not trust all you see."
Obi-Wan caught his breath, and nodded. "Yes, Master."
Then he felt someone grasp his shoulder gently, applying pressure to reassure him he was going to be fine. Obi-Wan opened his eyes, feeling the presence of Padmé stand over him like a guardian angel. His gaze never met hers, but were affixed on the dancing flames atop several candles on the table.
"You spaced out again," she said, gently.
He nodded. "I'm sorry, Padmé. I saw it again. Of that fiery pit and that angry figure, never to seek refugee, only revenge. I don't know why I keep seeing it. I see it more than ever now. Almost every day and night."
During the long conversations of adventure and thrill, Obi-Wan had spoke to her about the visions of seeing himself in a distant future. The future is always in motion. Visions cannot confirm what the future could contain, but only prove what could be there. Do not believe all that is seen or believed unless you feel strongly about it. A lesson spoken from Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan tried to save a man, perhaps himself, from the raging pit of molten rock. He was left with such weight that could never disappear. He saw a young boy, with such energy as his 'departed' father run free around a moisture farm of his uncle's. He saw himself sitting alone in a hut, on an isolated planet, where no one could bother him. The locals considered him crazy. He saw the galaxy crumble before his eyes. He lived with the haunted images of losing friends, both close and new. He saw a smuggler, a Wookie, the young boy, now older, and two droids aboard a ship that were heading to Alderaan. There was a space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet moving through space as the newest threat to the Old Republic. And a dark presence in a suit of black armor from head to toe with a breath that made even the strongest of men quiver in their boots – his only means to survive. But the image that scared him the most, the one he never could speak of to anyone, was seeing Padmé in his arms as a helpless rag doll, searching for breath, waiting to seek freedom where reality could no longer bring her. The dark man that will forever carry a burden of grief upon his shoulders for destroying a life so close to him. A young girl, who was now three, watched from where she hid, in shock. In terror. Seeing the death of her mother, claiming that her father was the King of Alderaan.
She handed him a tall metal cup containing some soothing tea. "Here. It will relax you."
"Thank you," he took the cup firmly in his hands.
Padmé circled around the table and took a seat across from Obi-Wan. She, too, held a tall metal cup in her hand. For a long time, her eyes were affixed on the cloudy mist of the hot tea. The silence echoed across the room. Obi-Wan closing his eyes to recollect his thoughts. Off in the kitchen, there were beeps from R2-D2. C-3PO complained about hitting R2 if he got to the point of sheer annoyance. Even the clatter of pots and pans could be heard from the clumsy Jar Jar Binks.
"How are you, Ben?" Padmé broke the silence.
"I'm fine," he answered simply.
She smiled and took another sip of her tea. "How is Yoda? And the rest of the Jedi?"
"Everyone is getting a little worried about your safety. However, they are coping with the many losses out on the field as well. This war has gotten the most out of all of us."
She acknowledged the comment. "I would never have thought it would last so long."
Obi-Wan sighed. "I only hope it would all end soon. There is too much talk going around that the Jedi are behind the corruption of the Republic. And I don't know what to believe anymore. It almost has me convinced that we are."
He took a small sip of the tea and looked up at Padmé. Her eyes wondered about, but never made contact with the Jedi. He didn't have to think very hard about what she was thinking. It was clear as the watery pools on her eyes. She was thinking about Anakin.
"I never would of thought I'd–"Obi-Wan began.
"Please, Ben. Don't start," she cut him short. "As much as you wanted to blame it on yourself, I don't blame you."
"He was my apprentice. As much as I worried about continuing his training, I was too preoccupied with the armies. I nearly forget about him. I treated him more as a soldier rather than an equal—another Jedi. If I would of saw it, he wouldn't have fled the Order. He felt that I didn't do enough. I did for the Republic, but not for him. I didn't do a thing. And now he's somewhere out there with Palpatine learning the ways of the Dark Side and wondering when he will see me fall," his voice cracked.
Padmé shook her head. "Don't say that, Obi-Wan. Blame all this on yourself. As much as you were preoccupied on directing an army, he was too. Maybe not in the same way as you, but he was still young. He had way too much to learn about the Force before even becoming a Jedi Knight. He still had his insights on exploring the galaxy just as he did before all of this happened."
Obi-Wan took in a deep breath. "Maybe he was telling me something all these years. It could of been different. Maybe if I wasn't so harsh, or if I opened up a little more I wouldn't be in such a position as this." He paused and closed his eyes to retract the tears from forming. "I failed him as a master. I failed the Order for letting him go, without trying hard enough to stop him. But I also failed Qui-Gon. The promise I made to him to train Anakin, and it just blew up in my face."
"You didn't fail him, Obi-Wan. You gave Anakin a new life. A life he dreamed of for so long. He became a Jedi, fighting the good fight for peace and justice in the galaxy. That's what he always wanted. To see other planets and civilizations. Something some people would long to have."
"And look where it lead to," Obi-Wan whispered, mostly to himself. "A full scale war that has corrupted the Republic. Killed many. Lost far too many star systems and it hasn't really improved in the last two years."
Obi-Wan looked back up and saw tears run down Padmé's face. He placed his cup on the table and walked over to her, taking a seat next to her. She turned away, Obi-Wan allowing the tears to fall. But he wanted to say something, find some way to comfort her. He was never good at cheering someone up, only to grief and give a person their space. He held out his arms, and she encased herself into his protective guard. She knew she would be safe with him. He knew that, too. He ran his hands through her hair and let the tears fall onto his cloak like a pail to relieve all sorrow. He couldn't stand to see her as hurt and lonely as he was.
Three Months Ago
Anakin rushed vigorously passed the halls of the Jedi Temple, shoving all that were in his sight. Jedi stopped to look at him with confusion, questioning each other about what was going on. There was a strange feeling around Anakin that made some Jedi frighten and quiver. Obi-Wan followed after him, a little embarrassed.
"Anakin! Anakin!" Obi-Wan called out.
Anakin ignored him, which Obi-Wan began to realize on the brief stays they had at the Temple between battles to work on Anakin's training was increasing. Anakin's face was flushed with anger and rage. They had begun a lightsaber sparring, which ended earlier than usual. Obi-Wan did the usual things to distract his young apprentice, talking of past lectures and utter nonsense Anakin had come to find very annoying. But there was something odd about the way Anakin fought. They were more deadly, lethal. It forced Obi-Wan to take on the defense, something he didn't really worry about with Anakin. And even the close calls of a blow, Obi-Wan could feel the heat of the blade sing past him. During a lightsaber sparring, lightsabers were always put on low energy to avoid cutting limbs, but somehow, Obi-Wan was convinced that Anakin hadn't put it low enough. Anakin's eyes raced with pain and agony. Obi-Wan couldn't understand it. The exercise ended early when Anakin's blade cut through the cloth of Obi- Wan's left leg, the same leg that was singed by Count Dooku. Obi-Wan stumbled to one knee, realizing the blow had hurt badly. Anakin was in fear and stormed out of the room.
Anakin continued to race past the Jedi. Obi-Wan was limping slightly, but caught his apprentice before he reached the hangar bay.
"Get off me, Master," Anakin grew furious and pulled away.
"What was that back there, Anakin? You clearly didn't turn down the energy on your lightsaber," Obi-Wan stated clearly.
"I'm sorry, Master. I must of forgot," Anakin said, apologetically.
Obi-Wan studied his apprentice. "You've been acting rather strange since we got back a few weeks ago, Anakin. Is something wrong?"
"No, Master," he shook his head.
Obi-Wan studied his apprentice, again. There was a hint of excitement in his eyes, and something else. Something Obi-Wan couldn't quite point out. Anakin's eyes danced about and met Obi-Wan's gaze, again. It was full of a sinister evil. Obi-Wan stumbled, realizing Anakin had Force-pushed him back. Anakin turned away and strode toward one of the docking bays. Obi- Wan caught his breath and went after him.
"Where do you think you're going, Anakin?" Obi-Wan demanded.
Anakin stopped to look at him. There was sign of betrayal in his eyes. "Why do you care? You're way too busy with the clonetroops you don't even realize I'm even there. You ignore me even when I ask you a simple question or greet you."
Obi-Wan was appalled by the hurt in Anakin's voice. He was busy with the clone troops, but he still had Anakin and his training in his head. "I didn't realize it, Ana– it was an honest mistake."
"Honest mistake?!" Anakin didn't sound surprised. "Well, I don't want anything to do with it anymore, Master. I'm through."
"You can't just leave the Temple. Not like this," Obi-Wan didn't know what to say.
"It is the choice of the Jedi to decide when he can leave the Order, right? That's what you told me, Obi-Wan. Anyone could just leave if they felt that the path of the Jedi wasn't for them," Anakin clearly stated. "That's my decision, Obi-Wan. You can't stop it. We are all entitled to make our own decisions."
"I am still your master, Anakin," Obi-Wan's voice grew obedient. "You can't do anything without consulting myself or the Council. I have a right to know where you go late at night. I need to know where to go, especially in times like this. We can't take any risks."
"So, now you're concerned about my safety? How long did it take you to realize that?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "If you leave, it will be against my consent. And you will be expelled from the Order for it."
"I was going to take a ride around the –"Anakin tried to sound innocent.
"In a Jedi starfighter? They are only used in battle now. There is no battle around here," Obi-Wan's eyes darted at him like spears.
Anakin matched his stare. "What are you going to do about it?" His voice was low.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin's bionic arm tighten around his arm. It felt cold, filled with agony and pain. Obi-Wan's knees shook, but he held his ground. Anakin's stare became dark. He took his other hand and wavered it past his master's eyes. For an instant, Obi-Wan's eyes were filled with an empty darkness. The air around them felt heavy. Cold. Obi-Wan felt halted in his tracks. He couldn't move.
Anakin only smiled, mischievously and leaned in to whisper into Obi-Wan's ear. "The Jedi are finished, Obi-Wan. The Sith have won. And so has Emperor Palpatine, the new ruler to this crumbling galaxy."
Obi-Wan's legs almost collapsed beneath him, but he fought to keep them up. Their eyes met again. Obi-Wan saw the aura of shimmering evil. The anger was all that was left in the boy he learned to love and care for. Anakin's sinister smile made Obi-Wan gasp for air. Then he turned and retreated for the waiting starfighter at the end on the landing pad.
Obi-Wan went after him, panicking. "Reconsider your decision, Anakin. If you leave you will never become a Knight. You will be expelled from the Order. You will de-face us all."
Anakin ignore it and hopped into the cockpit of the starfighter.
"Anakin! I order you to get out of that cockpit and get back inside. We're not done with your sparring exercise," Obi-Wan demanded.
Anakin continued to ignore his master and started up the engines.
"I can help you, Anakin. That's all you need–a little help from the Healers. I can go get them now. You can't expect to leave with that much anger on your shoulders!" He cried.
Anakin turned to his master. His face was as furious as his hold on his lightsaber. "So, you've also noticed that I've gotten much more aggressive. Rebellious. But what I don't need is a Jedi like you to get in my way of my training."
"What?!" Obi-Wan looked at him confused. "I am your master, Anakin. I have trained you since the very day you stepped into the Temple as a Padawan. And now you act like I don't exist. This isn't like you, Anakin."
"My anger is better company than you ever were, Obi-Wan. My pain will only become your own. And you have failed, Master. I am no longer your apprentice. I am Palpatine's apprentice," Anakin said proudly.
"What?!"
"My training ends with the Jedi," Anakin stated clearly. "And my training with the Sith begins now."
Obi-Wan froze. The cockpit closed and the starfighter disappeared into the night sky of Coruscant.
For a long time, Obi-Wan stood on the landing pad, watching the skies, hoping Anakin would return. He had hoped it was a joke. But Anakin didn't return and the night air was colder than usual. The traffic seemed to move at a normal pace, but life around Obi-Wan felt slow.
Obi-Wan spoke quietly. "I was a fool for not seeing your pain, Anakin. That anger and that fear. The darkness had consumed you just as I hoped it would never do. That almost happened to me once. I did fail you, Anakin. I didn't stop you. I didn't help you. But worst of all, I failed you, Qui- Gon."
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. He felt the tears on his cheek burn. His throat burned and even a single breath took a lot of effort. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I'm sorry, Qui-Gon," he whispered.
He broke the embrace, wiping the tears away on the cuff of his tunic. He got to his feet and went out on the balcony. He replayed the events of that day in his head. Hours later, after Anakin left, he tol Padmé the news. He finally pieced together the connection between the Sith and the Supreme Chancellor— it was a Sith the whole time. It made him shudder as his gaze was affixed on the Jedi Temple in the distance.
The sun was setting along the Temple. The air wasn't as clean as Obi-Wan was used to, but learned to adapt to the sudden change in surviving in a crumbling galaxy. The worst place to fix, if all of this was over, would be Coruscant. Graffiti, which was usually seen in the lower levels of the planet had reached up to the Senatorial District. More and more youngster caused trouble by destroying property and stealing. No one dare step near the Temple like always, feeling that severe punishment would be in effect. Even now, people feared to go anywhere near the ancient building. But many weren't afraid to display their hate on public buildings; believing the Jedi were partially to blame for the crumbling Republic. The other on the Senators.
Padmé joined him at the edge of the balcony.
"I know how hard it must be," he turned to look at her, "on you."
"It's just as hard on you, Ben." she admitted.
He sighed and looked down. He didn't want to show he was hurt, but she was the only one he grew close to in the past few years. Anakin never listened to him anymore, but there was such understanding in the young woman. It reminded him of Sabé, a decoy and loyal bodyguard, his one and only true love. He quickly deleted the images of her, and thought about how strong Padmé had grown. She had matured. She was far more experience in making difficult decisions under such extreme stress, something that made him age quickly.
"Why didn't I see it sooner? Why couldn't I stop it?" Obi-Wan asked himself. The anger and pain he held deep in his soul was peeking up to haunt him again. He slammed his fists into the railing, furiously. "What is this pain I have for?! Why couldn't I save him?! Save Qui-Gon? Save Anakin? Now, save the Republic?!"
He dropped to his knees and covered his face, crying in pain. Padmé's face was full of concern, of wanting to comfort him. Of wanting to tell him that things were going to be all right. She just didn't know how to put it.
"'He is the Chosen One'," Obi-Wan mocked, hysterically. "Chosen One? You said he was going to bring balance to the Force. You said he was the one. You said I was to train him, Master. I gave you my word. I promised you, as a dying wish, to take Anakin under my leave and train him to become a Jedi. But did I train him to become one? Did he complete his training? No, Qui-Gon. He didn't. He destroyed us. And, no, it's not over yet," he laughed. "He will make sure that the Republic will crumble. He longed for power. All he wanted was power, Master. He wants to get rid of the pain through gaining power. He wants the responsible of running the Repub—no, the Empire. Alongside his new master, Qui-Gon. Alongside Emperor Palpatine. Alongside Darth Sidious. Both one in the same."
Obi-Wan's head rocked back and forth in defeat. Padmé knelt beside him and put a reassuring hand on his arm. After a long silence to cool down, he took her hand firmly in his own.
"I know how hard it must be, Ben," she spoke, cautiously. "But it was not your fault. You couldn't stop him. He had come to admire the ways of the Dark Side like it was a companion. And you told me it was hard to come back to light from it."
"It is," he voice was husky. "But I could of stopped him. I could of gotten him help. I could be here visiting you with him at my side, just as anxious to see how you were. But I didn't. I was too fixed on drilling in plans of action and the Force into his head, he couldn't comprehend it all. It drove him nuts. It drove him to seek counsel from Palpatine, rather than the Council. He left. But he left you, Padmé. You, of all people. It's..." he stopped. He was still hurting so bad on the inside.
"Hard," she finished. "I know that, Obi-Wan. But it's not your fault," she repeated. "Sometimes we must let certain things go, but we can't always forget them. He will always be with me in here," she pointed to her heart. "And with you," she pointed at his heart. "He will be there with all the others we hold close in our hearts. He may not be here, physically, but he is here in our souls, no matter what he does."
Obi-Wan took great care of the advice and wisdom Padmé brought. It was like the only lifeline he had left to cling to when the Force seemed to misguide him. Padmé helped him to his feet. They treaded back into the comfort of the living room. Obi-Wan paced the room, in hopes to rid himself of some of the pain he was having. Padmé sat on a couch, in deep thought. A silence fell over the room, aside from the shuffling of Obi- Wan's boots on the carpet. Obi-Wan stopped and looked at the pregnant women on the other side of the room. She found his eyes. Each seemed to drown in the others of protection and understanding. Obi-Wan never had feeling of loving her like Anakin did, nor did she about him, but there was much respect for space and wanting help. But now, he felt confused. He hadn't loved a women in such a long time and it was hard to determine how far their friendship would end up at. There was comfort in the conversations they shared. Confidential and private, but very much a conversation between close friends.
Obi-Wan finally broke the stare by looking away, slightly embarrassed.
He took a seat next to her and looked up at the ceiling, resting his head on the back of the chair. He dug his palms into his eyes. "I know what you're thinking."
"And I also know that you keep blaming what you lost on yourself," she shot back.
He sighed. "I don't know. I just don't know, anymore."
"If you can't learn to put the past behind you, you can't expect to let them rest peacefully. The past can hurt, I know, Ben. But you can either run from it or learn from it. And I'm sure both Qui-Gon and Sabé would want you to learn from it, even if it seems the world has turned against you. You have to fight it, Ben."
"I know," he said quietly. "But I'm not sure if I can accept it."
"It's been twelve years, Ben," she stated.
"I know," he nodded.
"It wasn't your fault," she declared.
He shook his head in denial. "Then why does it feel like I've failed them all? Even you?"
"You never failed me, Ben," she said with a smile. "I couldn't dream of having another Jedi protect me, but you. You've done far too much for me and I am grateful of it. There are many people a person can and can't trust. But I trust you, Ben."
"You do?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan!" She said with a slight groan of agitation. "I wouldn't be here today if you and Qui-Gon didn't help save Naboo. I wouldn't be here now if you didn't discover the assassin who longed to get rid of me. I wouldn't know where I'd be without knowing how much I can depend on a friend."
At that moment, Obi-Wan's heart raced. The feelings had come as quick as the connection to the Force. He was falling for her. It wasn't as strong as he had with Sabé, but it was there. He would protect her at all costs, even from Anakin. He had pledged his life to protecting her as a vow to the Council. He would die for her. He felt different–that when he reached out to the Force, he could see in a new light. It was hard to make out, but it gave him a new wave of energy.
He looked away, calming his breathing. No, I can't. This is wrong. This isn't suppose to happen. But Sabé would of want me to move on. But to this? The next best thing—the one she protected. Her own Queen— ex-Queen. Ex-Senator. A married woman to not just anyone. Not just any Jedi. But Anakin.
Her breath came in short gasps, but something that didn't seem to occupy Obi-Wan. His mind was on other things. She used to trust Anakin. She still did. But she hasn't seen him in nearly six months. It's like she didn't even exist to him anymore. There was only one other person she could grow close to over the years. A man she had met 12 years ago–at the brink of become a Jedi Knight. It was the man sitting before her – a Jedi Knight and General in the Clone Wars. He had such a strong and unique connection to the Force she had come to realize came to him, alone. Her trust now belonged with him. Her heart would follow what he requested. Her mind was as open as his heart was about his past. She, too, was having feelings for Obi-Wan. But it was another kind of feeling–almost like it was meant to happen. When she met Anakin, it was searching. It was searching to find the right one. But this felt almost........ primal. Another call. Another Force bringing them together.
What am I doing? This is crazy! He obviously doesn't have those kinds of feelings for me. He's here as a bodyguard, a friend, my security. He has other things to worry about than love. And as much as he loved Sabé and Qui-Gon as he told me–he is too devoted to the ways of the Jedi Code. And I must accept it. But should I tell him? Should he have a right to know how I feel about him? Padmé thought.
Obi-Wan met her gaze, in a crazed panic. What is she thinking about? Why is she looking at me like I'm insane? I can't tell her. Her heart would be broken to find out I have feelings for her. She is far too young for me anyways. And Anakin? He gasped for a quick breath. Oh, God. Anakin! What would he think? He'd want to seek revenge if he realized I had feeling for his wife. I was only here as a friend. As security. As protection. But why do I feel there is reason for having these feelings? Another Force calling out to me. Telling me to kiss her. I can't. It's wrong!
She looked down, embarrassed. What is he thinking? He looks at me with fear. Fear as if he can read my mind, fear as if he doesn't have the same feelings for me in which I have for him. But I can't do this. It will lose all trust in Anakin--- if he ever returned. But I can't risk losing Obi-Wan's trust. He is the only person I do trust,, now, next to Bail. The Council has been a great help, but nowhere near the trust I have for these two.
Their eyes met again. Each one had a difficult time reading the others emotions and thoughts. Obi-Wan realized that his hands rested gently atop hers. She looked at them and took them into her possession. She studied the way they had gotten rough through the past few years of the raging war. They were weathered away, growing old, rough but still strong. He returned the gesture and studied her hands. They were gentle and smooth, aging as her body permitted He ran his thumb past each nail, feeling the smoothness as a calm stream.
She took his hand and placed it on her belly. He could feel the steady beat of her own heartbeat in-sync with those inside. He could feel the Force around it, strong and ready to take on anything.
"They will bring order to the galaxy," He spoke quietly. "Bring new light where darkness lies."
"They can't do it alone," she confirmed.
"I know. But they will make many enemies along the way. But they will be stronger."
She smiled and ran a hand down his face. It took Obi-Wan by surprise, but he took it firmly in his hands. He bent over and wiped away the stray tear that escaped her eye.
"I will protect them. Just as I promise to protect you until your dying day," he spoke gently.
"I am forever in your debt, Obi-Wan Kenobi," she admitted.
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently. "I'd better get going. I'll be back soon. Will you be okay?"
She was alarmed, when she losted connection of holding him, as he rose. She rose, too, but hid her alarm. "I'll be fine. I have the company of R2, 3PO and Jar Jar. And Bail is on my every request, instantly. I'll contact you if something comes up."
He bowed. "I'm always here to help." He took her into his protective arms again and kissed her forehead. It was warm and calm. "Stay strong. Be safe."
She pulled him in closer and kissed his rough cheek. Then she kissed him gently on the lips. "May the force be with you, Ben. And thank you, for everything."
He took the kiss as a revelation and kissed her, passionately. He whispered against her lips. "May the Force be with you always, Padmé."
He pushed away gently and stepped to the door. He stopped to look at her again. There was a small gentle smile on her face and he knew that he wasn't alone in this strange calm love between them. He bowed again and wheeled away on his heel, the door shutting behind him.
To be continued....
Since the events on Geonosis, the skies of Coruscant were far more empty than anyone had seen in a long time. The city-planet used to be so full of life and activity, it was now a forsaken place. Many people feared to step away from the places they lived in to see the planet like they used to. Senate meetings nearly ceased to exist and everyone was taking precautions against anything that seemed out of place. Obi-Wan watched the city buzz by him like nothing had happened. As much as he wanted to deny the events leading up to the Clone Wars, two years, he couldn't fight what he saw outside the glass dome of the transport.
He walked up to the steps of an apartment complex, fit to the needs of visiting senators and governors from all over the galaxy. Very few called it their home, but it was the most accessible place of rest on long trips to the central capital of the galaxy. Though Obi-Wan had made several trips to the building, he had to go through a series of surveillance checks: retinal, fingerprint, identification and call-in from both the visiting party and the receiving party. Each visitor also had to carry a pass that was connected to the security system to allow for tracking. It was a tiring process, but one that most had gotten used to.
Every senator's lives were at stake since the events of Geonosis, receiving oncoming threats from terrorists and other hating parties. But none seemed to get as much attention as Padmé Amidala Skywalker. Her room was under constant surveillance from the Coruscant Security Forces, the Clone Troops and the Jedi. She had received the worst of threats and no one took kindly to even a familiar face such as Obi-Wan. He didn't want to bring attention to himself, but it was weird that after three months of not visiting the Senator, it made the soldiers grow with suspicion. He brushed it away. Either way, he was still in charge, and they had to respect his orders.
He took the access pass, casually and headed to the turbolift that would take him up to the top floor of the complex. He felt a little cold at the sight of even being in the same building as the person he felt so close to in the longest time. It was nearly three months since they last met. He took small steps out of the lift only to go through another security check by his own unit of the Clone Army, JD331-OWK. Today, only three were on guard, CT-270: Commander Rason, CT-300: Captain Nito and CT-321: Captain Eaven. Each greeted him with a salute, but didn't question what his visit was for. They cleared him to continue on and up the stairs to the highest level of the building, with no real hesitation.
The carpet was of blue texture, calm and serene. The windows went from floor to ceiling with an amazing view of the Senatorial District. The tall ancient building of the Jedi Temple was a magnificent sight from afar. He crossed the hall to the lone door at the end, Padmé's residence. Over the course of the past two years, Obi-Wan and Padmé had become more acquainted on levels of friends, rather than as a protector and politician. Visits had become casual on his return from long battles on other planets. Anakin was never around to come along. Once they got back to Coruscant, he requested to go off and do other things. Obi-Wan saw no harm in it, but worried intently on Padmé's sake to see him. No one could deny the fact that if it were to ever get as far as a loving relationship between the elder Jedi and ex-Senator, Obi-Wan would never want to hurt Padmé like Anakin did.
He buzzed the room, his arm shaking almost involuntary. There was fear and tension in his throat. The door slid open almost immediately, as if just waiting for the buzz requesting entrance. There even in the hardship of the war, stood Padmé so magnificent. So beautiful. On late nights, he would wait by the ex-Senator's side until she fell asleep before leaving her to dream and a much needed rest. She still looked as young as her reign as the Queen he had met those years ago on Naboo, and as tough a warrior and senator in the beginning of the war, but slowly aged as time would permit. Tears came to scar her face during long restless nights. She simply wore a white gown to fit her new form of pregnancy, now eight months in.
She always looked beautiful. She never could escape such beauty, even in her state now. You did all right, Anakin. You chose well. Obi-Wan couldn't deny.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile. Even in this hard time, she still looked strong, held on strong and kept her composure. She never faltered unless she talked whole-heartedly to Obi-Wan like she had done with Anakin. Now, Anakin's visits couldn't be taken and he wasn't even reported to be in the city.
Obi-Wan bowed low.
She returned the gesture with a bright smile. "Hello, Ben. I'm glad you came. It's been far too long. Won't you please, come in?"
Obi-Wan bowed again and entered. It brought a smile to hear the name he was given when he was but a baby, by his mother. It was used by only so few who grew close to him. Many others addressed him by his royal heir name, a sign provoking respect and authority. He never took to acknowledging his royal status, due to his long years spent training at the Jedi Temple. "Hello, Padmé. All is well, I hope."
She rubbed her round belly. "Yes. It is. All is well at the Temple?"
He nodded. "They send their wishes."
"Thank you," her voice was gentle.
The place was big, a lonely place for only just her. It gave off a yellow haze of a tranquil sun. The living room furniture was set in a round circle around a table used for long conversing among visitors. The room was filled with the usual gifts and flowers from other senators in the run to help protect and hide Padmé when the time was needed. The ceiling of the room was painted with a nice sky that seemed to change as the sky outside. There was access to opening it up to reveal the skies of Coruscant, especially on clear nights where stars could be seen with such amazement. The living room led to a private balcony, connecting the living room to the bedroom. Plants were fixed around it in a way to ward off evil and bring tranquility and strength. A staircase was accessible from the side to allow access from the alley down below, but wasn't in use in risk of threats. Obi-Wan had used it when he felt conversation was too important to pass through security. Anakin used it on surprise visits.
Obi-Wan looked down, sadly. Oh, Anakin, how you loved to look at the stars back at the Temple. On any mission where you could look up at the sky. We both loved to just lay there and watch the twinkle of the night calm us. You wanted so badly to explore the galaxy. See it as an explorer, maybe even be the first to see the entire universe. You had dreams, Anakin, and I took them away from you.
Obi-Wan turned away from Padmé to be met by a stern and angry gaze from Bail Organa. He froze in his tracks just as Bail got to his feet.
Bail Organa, a few years younger than Obi-Wan at the age of 35 standard years old, he served as the main source of security for the Republic, the Head of the Galactic Security. He was also the Prince and Viceroy of Alderaan, as far as generations could permit. Both Obi-Wan and Bail's friendship go back to the years when Obi-Wan was still a Padawan learner. He and Qui-Gon were called to Alderaan to settle the true heir to the planet. Since then, the two never really lost touch with each other. His hair was close-cropped, and a well-groomed beard was also present on his face. He wore a simple black armored jumpsuit with a cape to show his status on Coruscant.
"You no good, two-timing, piece of bantha poo-doo. I should have your head for bailing out of that meeting with the Jedi Council. You not only disgraced the Council, but you disgraced me. I never felt so embarrassed by your actions, General." Bail said, sternly.
Obi-Wan took one small step back. He was taken aback by the comment, not recalling the incident at all, but didn't allow it to scare him. Bail was known to joke around with Obi-Wan even in the worst of situations. "You're joking, right?"
Bail clenched his fist firmly, raising it high over their heads to end in a powerful blow. He brought it down, making Obi-Wan flinch, only realizing the blow was not made. He stood there a little confused. Bail only laughed, wrapping his friend in a warm, welcoming hug. "Ben! How you been, buddy? I haven't seen you in awhile. Too long for me to truly say we've had time to catch up," Bail ruffled Obi-Wan's short-cropped hair. "We haven't gotten a chance to just talk as friends rather than as authority figures. We really gotta catch up."
Obi-Wan couldn't resist a wide grin, and took a seat across from his friend. Padmé left, silently to allow the two old friends time to talk and catch up.
Bail leaned back in his chair. His hands were intertwined upon his mouth, in deep thought. "Good ol' General Kenobi. Always following someone's lead or request. I knew you couldn't turn down a request by a dear friend as Padmé."
"You know me far too well, my friend."
The Viceroy of Alderaan and Head of Galactic Security bored down on the Jedi as if with amusement to see Obi-Wan falter just a little. "That I do. You know, my dear friend, you get way more appraise as a general than you ever did as a Jedi. Though, as much as I hate taking action the way we are, it is the only way the Republic will ever see eye to eye with us. Peace isn't going to work anymore and justice needs to push it up to raw punishment. I can't stand those separatists and terrorists trying to destroy what is left of the Republic."
"But the Republic is no longer intact,"Obi-Wan stated. "It is now under the rule of a Sith Lord. Of all people, it's ex-Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Where did we go wrong, Bail? Why couldn't the Jedi foresee it?"
"That was not the problem, my friend. Enough just wasn't being done."
Obi-Wan looked at his friend, eyebrows raised in astonishment. Enough wasn't done? I can't believe–no I thought– how can you say that? The Jedi were trying to promote peace and justice throughout the galaxy on a fair neutral level. We never wanted it to end in some galactic civil war with enemies on both sides.
Bail got to his feet and began to pace along the edge of the table. "Obi- Wan, there was a reason for why this all came to such a painful end. The Jedi promoted peace and tranquility throughout the galaxy. It was a good idea, because most people feared the Jedi. But now, even after what happened on Naboo, 12 years ago, they saw an opening to attack. The Trade Federation had joined forces with the Separatist movement led by Count Dooku to slow down the peace in the galaxy, convinced others that the Senate was full of lies. Whole star systems were on the verge of leaving the Senate at the beginning of the Clone Wars, now we've lost too many in the cause to stop the separatists, and action could only be made by force. "The Jedi. Keepers of peace. Mediators of the galaxy. The police and security force for politicians and government alike," Bail addressed. He silenced Obi-Wan before he could make a comment with an upraised hand. "We couldn't promote peace to a crumbling galaxy anymore, Obi-Wan. We needed an army. We needed a new level of jurisdiction. As much as I hated it, passing that law for the clone army was what this galaxy needed. To survive."
Obi-Wan covered his eyes, rubbing them, cautiously.
"To ensure that safety could still exist in the galaxy, there was no other way," Bail continued. His voice was aching. He had gone over the speech several times before confronting Obi-Wan with it. "You have to understand that none of the blame was aimed at the Jedi. Or at you. You, Obi-Wan, out of all people, seem to be carrying the biggest burden in all of this. Everywhere I turn, people blame you most of all. But don't let it get to you. We can only hope that when this is all over, when it does, new power will prevail. And it wouldn't have to be under the power of the uprising Empire or Sith."
"You mean the Sith haven't already destroyed it for all of us?" Obi-Wan continued to rub his eyes of the aching pain.
"You know, as well as I do, that we do not want this to happen. You're probably one of the most dedicated Jedi to this cause. One of
the best aside from Qui-Gon. But I don't need my best general to let such things exist. You cannot let what has and hasn't happened ruin you. Have an open mind, Ben."
"Bail, it's been two long years!" Obi-Wan's voice rose slightly. "The Senate continues to crumble. The Sith have destroyed hope for the galaxy. And I feel helpless to continue in this war."
"Don't say that, Obi-Wan," Bail encouraged. "Why do you think I gave you the best set of troops this clone army has come to offer?"
"Because you felt sorry for me," he sank into the chair. "Just as you did for the Jedi in not doing their job."
"I am obviously not talking to the same person I assigned to the JD331-OWK unit, General. The Jedi are leaders of justice and no one else is qualified for the job as much as the Jedi, themselves. I never said I felt sorry for you, Obi-Wan. You are serving in the great cause to bring order back to the galaxy just as you did as a Jedi, but, now, you must do it with an army of clonetroopers behind you."
Obi-Wan groaned and dug his palms deeper into his eyes, hoping that there could be some revelation to all this being laid out before him. He didn't need to be told twice about accepting to run an army against the Separatists, Corporate Alliance and Sith. All he wanted to see was light again, that same light before any of this had ever happened. He just wanted to have a normal life as a Jedi, retire when he felt time was right, and maybe have a family. But now the remaining Jedi wait on every command, sit in bunkers on distant planets taking out rotting governments and trying to create new ones. They destroyed the droid armies as they came to take down planets, tried to convince the independent planets to rejoin the Republic. But a new order was coming with these rumored stormtroopers as a back-up plan for the rising Empire. The stormtroopers were a great help with the low numbers in clonetroopers. Fear had the galaxy like an innocent person ready to face execution. Fear had consumed even the strongest of Jedi, including Yoda and Mace.
Days were like eternity in this continuing war. The much needed progress came slow or not at all. Everyone waited. Waited for the day to come; the day of victory or complete annihilation.
"I'm not so sure, my friend," Obi-Wan managed to say. The words were burning and didn't come out like he had hoped.
"Just say you are still in this, Obi-Wan. I cannot lose another general to such thoughts of fear," Bail said, gently.
Obi-Wan had seen far too much on the field of war than he did exploring the galaxy with Qui-Gon or Anakin. He was a strong person, though. The scars of companions dying before his eyes, the troops he lost, the killing of innocent people who tried to help. All of it burned in his eyes like a forest of darkness. As much as he even felt like taking his own life, in hopes to ease the pain, he knew he would live on. He must live on for all those that departed. Fight until he could not fight no more.
After a long silence, and time to think, Obi-Wan nodded.
"Thank you, my friend. I am grateful to know you will never give up." Bail rose to his feet.
Obi-Wan got to his feet and followed the Head of Galactic Security to the door. Bail stopped to look at the Jedi, one last time, before he departed to attend to other things.
"But for now, protect her, Ben." He pointed to the beautiful figure in the kitchen. "If this army cannot save the Galactic Senate, then perhaps her children will."
Obi-Wan nodded, firmly. "I will. As will you and all who will protect her. She isn't safe here with the increasing threats of the Corporate Alliance. And we may need to move on to the next phase of the plan soon."
"The guards are alert. Shifts are made undetected," he announced. "And with the help of your unit, she should be safe. I will keep an eye on her from below. But it is you, Obi-Wan, who can see the bigger picture. The only Jedi she is willing to trust aside from the Council to protect her, but they are too busy. It is you alone. She will always be welcome on Alderaan. I will take her under my leave when it is time. Just make sure that you take that son of hers, when he comes into this world, and protect him from anything. You let me worry about the safety of her and her daughter."
Bail made it sound that if Obi-Wan were to make the slightest mistake, he would be executed or exiled, never to help in the cause to create a new beginning for the Republic ever again. But it was that important. The Jedi Council, as did several Jedi who have come into close contact with the young ex-Senator, knew exactly the outcome of her pregnancy. She was going to have twins. A boy and a girl. The heirs to the Skywalker bloodline – and the prophecy. They were the last hope for the galaxy, if Anakin could never come back to the light. They had to stay hidden from Anakin and the Emperor, or all hope would be lost.
Obi-Wan nodded, firmly. "You know I will, my friend. It's not safe for any of us now."
It was the last thing he needed to worry about. Trust was the most important thing to gain in a time like this, and he didn't need anymore enemies than the ones that seemed to bear down on the back of his neck. He needed as much trust from those that wanted to help as possible.
The door swung open and Bail stepped out, backwards. "May the Force be with you, General Kenobi."
Obi-Wan let out a half smile and bowed. "And with you, General Organa."
Bail saluted and left. Obi-Wan let out a sigh and returned to the living room. He took a seat, only to feel an icy cold feeling trickle down his back, engulfing his body in a frozen trap. He quivered, gasping for air like a fish out of water. The visions that continued to haunt him since the beginning of the Clone Wars clouded his vision again. He saw a body of evil and hatred, anger and confusion drop into a fiery lava pit of doom. This person was forever changed, only wanting revenge on the one person who took his life away–Obi-Wan Kenobi. He tried to shake it away, but the image of the falling body landing in a pit played back like a broken record.
"Calm down, Obi-Wan," a voice whispered past his ear. The voice was calm and reassuring, not full of hate or demand, but like a father clinging to a frightened child, seeking refugee in his father's arms. "The future is always in motion. Do not trust all you see."
Obi-Wan caught his breath, and nodded. "Yes, Master."
Then he felt someone grasp his shoulder gently, applying pressure to reassure him he was going to be fine. Obi-Wan opened his eyes, feeling the presence of Padmé stand over him like a guardian angel. His gaze never met hers, but were affixed on the dancing flames atop several candles on the table.
"You spaced out again," she said, gently.
He nodded. "I'm sorry, Padmé. I saw it again. Of that fiery pit and that angry figure, never to seek refugee, only revenge. I don't know why I keep seeing it. I see it more than ever now. Almost every day and night."
During the long conversations of adventure and thrill, Obi-Wan had spoke to her about the visions of seeing himself in a distant future. The future is always in motion. Visions cannot confirm what the future could contain, but only prove what could be there. Do not believe all that is seen or believed unless you feel strongly about it. A lesson spoken from Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan tried to save a man, perhaps himself, from the raging pit of molten rock. He was left with such weight that could never disappear. He saw a young boy, with such energy as his 'departed' father run free around a moisture farm of his uncle's. He saw himself sitting alone in a hut, on an isolated planet, where no one could bother him. The locals considered him crazy. He saw the galaxy crumble before his eyes. He lived with the haunted images of losing friends, both close and new. He saw a smuggler, a Wookie, the young boy, now older, and two droids aboard a ship that were heading to Alderaan. There was a space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet moving through space as the newest threat to the Old Republic. And a dark presence in a suit of black armor from head to toe with a breath that made even the strongest of men quiver in their boots – his only means to survive. But the image that scared him the most, the one he never could speak of to anyone, was seeing Padmé in his arms as a helpless rag doll, searching for breath, waiting to seek freedom where reality could no longer bring her. The dark man that will forever carry a burden of grief upon his shoulders for destroying a life so close to him. A young girl, who was now three, watched from where she hid, in shock. In terror. Seeing the death of her mother, claiming that her father was the King of Alderaan.
She handed him a tall metal cup containing some soothing tea. "Here. It will relax you."
"Thank you," he took the cup firmly in his hands.
Padmé circled around the table and took a seat across from Obi-Wan. She, too, held a tall metal cup in her hand. For a long time, her eyes were affixed on the cloudy mist of the hot tea. The silence echoed across the room. Obi-Wan closing his eyes to recollect his thoughts. Off in the kitchen, there were beeps from R2-D2. C-3PO complained about hitting R2 if he got to the point of sheer annoyance. Even the clatter of pots and pans could be heard from the clumsy Jar Jar Binks.
"How are you, Ben?" Padmé broke the silence.
"I'm fine," he answered simply.
She smiled and took another sip of her tea. "How is Yoda? And the rest of the Jedi?"
"Everyone is getting a little worried about your safety. However, they are coping with the many losses out on the field as well. This war has gotten the most out of all of us."
She acknowledged the comment. "I would never have thought it would last so long."
Obi-Wan sighed. "I only hope it would all end soon. There is too much talk going around that the Jedi are behind the corruption of the Republic. And I don't know what to believe anymore. It almost has me convinced that we are."
He took a small sip of the tea and looked up at Padmé. Her eyes wondered about, but never made contact with the Jedi. He didn't have to think very hard about what she was thinking. It was clear as the watery pools on her eyes. She was thinking about Anakin.
"I never would of thought I'd–"Obi-Wan began.
"Please, Ben. Don't start," she cut him short. "As much as you wanted to blame it on yourself, I don't blame you."
"He was my apprentice. As much as I worried about continuing his training, I was too preoccupied with the armies. I nearly forget about him. I treated him more as a soldier rather than an equal—another Jedi. If I would of saw it, he wouldn't have fled the Order. He felt that I didn't do enough. I did for the Republic, but not for him. I didn't do a thing. And now he's somewhere out there with Palpatine learning the ways of the Dark Side and wondering when he will see me fall," his voice cracked.
Padmé shook her head. "Don't say that, Obi-Wan. Blame all this on yourself. As much as you were preoccupied on directing an army, he was too. Maybe not in the same way as you, but he was still young. He had way too much to learn about the Force before even becoming a Jedi Knight. He still had his insights on exploring the galaxy just as he did before all of this happened."
Obi-Wan took in a deep breath. "Maybe he was telling me something all these years. It could of been different. Maybe if I wasn't so harsh, or if I opened up a little more I wouldn't be in such a position as this." He paused and closed his eyes to retract the tears from forming. "I failed him as a master. I failed the Order for letting him go, without trying hard enough to stop him. But I also failed Qui-Gon. The promise I made to him to train Anakin, and it just blew up in my face."
"You didn't fail him, Obi-Wan. You gave Anakin a new life. A life he dreamed of for so long. He became a Jedi, fighting the good fight for peace and justice in the galaxy. That's what he always wanted. To see other planets and civilizations. Something some people would long to have."
"And look where it lead to," Obi-Wan whispered, mostly to himself. "A full scale war that has corrupted the Republic. Killed many. Lost far too many star systems and it hasn't really improved in the last two years."
Obi-Wan looked back up and saw tears run down Padmé's face. He placed his cup on the table and walked over to her, taking a seat next to her. She turned away, Obi-Wan allowing the tears to fall. But he wanted to say something, find some way to comfort her. He was never good at cheering someone up, only to grief and give a person their space. He held out his arms, and she encased herself into his protective guard. She knew she would be safe with him. He knew that, too. He ran his hands through her hair and let the tears fall onto his cloak like a pail to relieve all sorrow. He couldn't stand to see her as hurt and lonely as he was.
Three Months Ago
Anakin rushed vigorously passed the halls of the Jedi Temple, shoving all that were in his sight. Jedi stopped to look at him with confusion, questioning each other about what was going on. There was a strange feeling around Anakin that made some Jedi frighten and quiver. Obi-Wan followed after him, a little embarrassed.
"Anakin! Anakin!" Obi-Wan called out.
Anakin ignored him, which Obi-Wan began to realize on the brief stays they had at the Temple between battles to work on Anakin's training was increasing. Anakin's face was flushed with anger and rage. They had begun a lightsaber sparring, which ended earlier than usual. Obi-Wan did the usual things to distract his young apprentice, talking of past lectures and utter nonsense Anakin had come to find very annoying. But there was something odd about the way Anakin fought. They were more deadly, lethal. It forced Obi-Wan to take on the defense, something he didn't really worry about with Anakin. And even the close calls of a blow, Obi-Wan could feel the heat of the blade sing past him. During a lightsaber sparring, lightsabers were always put on low energy to avoid cutting limbs, but somehow, Obi-Wan was convinced that Anakin hadn't put it low enough. Anakin's eyes raced with pain and agony. Obi-Wan couldn't understand it. The exercise ended early when Anakin's blade cut through the cloth of Obi- Wan's left leg, the same leg that was singed by Count Dooku. Obi-Wan stumbled to one knee, realizing the blow had hurt badly. Anakin was in fear and stormed out of the room.
Anakin continued to race past the Jedi. Obi-Wan was limping slightly, but caught his apprentice before he reached the hangar bay.
"Get off me, Master," Anakin grew furious and pulled away.
"What was that back there, Anakin? You clearly didn't turn down the energy on your lightsaber," Obi-Wan stated clearly.
"I'm sorry, Master. I must of forgot," Anakin said, apologetically.
Obi-Wan studied his apprentice. "You've been acting rather strange since we got back a few weeks ago, Anakin. Is something wrong?"
"No, Master," he shook his head.
Obi-Wan studied his apprentice, again. There was a hint of excitement in his eyes, and something else. Something Obi-Wan couldn't quite point out. Anakin's eyes danced about and met Obi-Wan's gaze, again. It was full of a sinister evil. Obi-Wan stumbled, realizing Anakin had Force-pushed him back. Anakin turned away and strode toward one of the docking bays. Obi- Wan caught his breath and went after him.
"Where do you think you're going, Anakin?" Obi-Wan demanded.
Anakin stopped to look at him. There was sign of betrayal in his eyes. "Why do you care? You're way too busy with the clonetroops you don't even realize I'm even there. You ignore me even when I ask you a simple question or greet you."
Obi-Wan was appalled by the hurt in Anakin's voice. He was busy with the clone troops, but he still had Anakin and his training in his head. "I didn't realize it, Ana– it was an honest mistake."
"Honest mistake?!" Anakin didn't sound surprised. "Well, I don't want anything to do with it anymore, Master. I'm through."
"You can't just leave the Temple. Not like this," Obi-Wan didn't know what to say.
"It is the choice of the Jedi to decide when he can leave the Order, right? That's what you told me, Obi-Wan. Anyone could just leave if they felt that the path of the Jedi wasn't for them," Anakin clearly stated. "That's my decision, Obi-Wan. You can't stop it. We are all entitled to make our own decisions."
"I am still your master, Anakin," Obi-Wan's voice grew obedient. "You can't do anything without consulting myself or the Council. I have a right to know where you go late at night. I need to know where to go, especially in times like this. We can't take any risks."
"So, now you're concerned about my safety? How long did it take you to realize that?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "If you leave, it will be against my consent. And you will be expelled from the Order for it."
"I was going to take a ride around the –"Anakin tried to sound innocent.
"In a Jedi starfighter? They are only used in battle now. There is no battle around here," Obi-Wan's eyes darted at him like spears.
Anakin matched his stare. "What are you going to do about it?" His voice was low.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin's bionic arm tighten around his arm. It felt cold, filled with agony and pain. Obi-Wan's knees shook, but he held his ground. Anakin's stare became dark. He took his other hand and wavered it past his master's eyes. For an instant, Obi-Wan's eyes were filled with an empty darkness. The air around them felt heavy. Cold. Obi-Wan felt halted in his tracks. He couldn't move.
Anakin only smiled, mischievously and leaned in to whisper into Obi-Wan's ear. "The Jedi are finished, Obi-Wan. The Sith have won. And so has Emperor Palpatine, the new ruler to this crumbling galaxy."
Obi-Wan's legs almost collapsed beneath him, but he fought to keep them up. Their eyes met again. Obi-Wan saw the aura of shimmering evil. The anger was all that was left in the boy he learned to love and care for. Anakin's sinister smile made Obi-Wan gasp for air. Then he turned and retreated for the waiting starfighter at the end on the landing pad.
Obi-Wan went after him, panicking. "Reconsider your decision, Anakin. If you leave you will never become a Knight. You will be expelled from the Order. You will de-face us all."
Anakin ignore it and hopped into the cockpit of the starfighter.
"Anakin! I order you to get out of that cockpit and get back inside. We're not done with your sparring exercise," Obi-Wan demanded.
Anakin continued to ignore his master and started up the engines.
"I can help you, Anakin. That's all you need–a little help from the Healers. I can go get them now. You can't expect to leave with that much anger on your shoulders!" He cried.
Anakin turned to his master. His face was as furious as his hold on his lightsaber. "So, you've also noticed that I've gotten much more aggressive. Rebellious. But what I don't need is a Jedi like you to get in my way of my training."
"What?!" Obi-Wan looked at him confused. "I am your master, Anakin. I have trained you since the very day you stepped into the Temple as a Padawan. And now you act like I don't exist. This isn't like you, Anakin."
"My anger is better company than you ever were, Obi-Wan. My pain will only become your own. And you have failed, Master. I am no longer your apprentice. I am Palpatine's apprentice," Anakin said proudly.
"What?!"
"My training ends with the Jedi," Anakin stated clearly. "And my training with the Sith begins now."
Obi-Wan froze. The cockpit closed and the starfighter disappeared into the night sky of Coruscant.
For a long time, Obi-Wan stood on the landing pad, watching the skies, hoping Anakin would return. He had hoped it was a joke. But Anakin didn't return and the night air was colder than usual. The traffic seemed to move at a normal pace, but life around Obi-Wan felt slow.
Obi-Wan spoke quietly. "I was a fool for not seeing your pain, Anakin. That anger and that fear. The darkness had consumed you just as I hoped it would never do. That almost happened to me once. I did fail you, Anakin. I didn't stop you. I didn't help you. But worst of all, I failed you, Qui- Gon."
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. He felt the tears on his cheek burn. His throat burned and even a single breath took a lot of effort. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I'm sorry, Qui-Gon," he whispered.
He broke the embrace, wiping the tears away on the cuff of his tunic. He got to his feet and went out on the balcony. He replayed the events of that day in his head. Hours later, after Anakin left, he tol Padmé the news. He finally pieced together the connection between the Sith and the Supreme Chancellor— it was a Sith the whole time. It made him shudder as his gaze was affixed on the Jedi Temple in the distance.
The sun was setting along the Temple. The air wasn't as clean as Obi-Wan was used to, but learned to adapt to the sudden change in surviving in a crumbling galaxy. The worst place to fix, if all of this was over, would be Coruscant. Graffiti, which was usually seen in the lower levels of the planet had reached up to the Senatorial District. More and more youngster caused trouble by destroying property and stealing. No one dare step near the Temple like always, feeling that severe punishment would be in effect. Even now, people feared to go anywhere near the ancient building. But many weren't afraid to display their hate on public buildings; believing the Jedi were partially to blame for the crumbling Republic. The other on the Senators.
Padmé joined him at the edge of the balcony.
"I know how hard it must be," he turned to look at her, "on you."
"It's just as hard on you, Ben." she admitted.
He sighed and looked down. He didn't want to show he was hurt, but she was the only one he grew close to in the past few years. Anakin never listened to him anymore, but there was such understanding in the young woman. It reminded him of Sabé, a decoy and loyal bodyguard, his one and only true love. He quickly deleted the images of her, and thought about how strong Padmé had grown. She had matured. She was far more experience in making difficult decisions under such extreme stress, something that made him age quickly.
"Why didn't I see it sooner? Why couldn't I stop it?" Obi-Wan asked himself. The anger and pain he held deep in his soul was peeking up to haunt him again. He slammed his fists into the railing, furiously. "What is this pain I have for?! Why couldn't I save him?! Save Qui-Gon? Save Anakin? Now, save the Republic?!"
He dropped to his knees and covered his face, crying in pain. Padmé's face was full of concern, of wanting to comfort him. Of wanting to tell him that things were going to be all right. She just didn't know how to put it.
"'He is the Chosen One'," Obi-Wan mocked, hysterically. "Chosen One? You said he was going to bring balance to the Force. You said he was the one. You said I was to train him, Master. I gave you my word. I promised you, as a dying wish, to take Anakin under my leave and train him to become a Jedi. But did I train him to become one? Did he complete his training? No, Qui-Gon. He didn't. He destroyed us. And, no, it's not over yet," he laughed. "He will make sure that the Republic will crumble. He longed for power. All he wanted was power, Master. He wants to get rid of the pain through gaining power. He wants the responsible of running the Repub—no, the Empire. Alongside his new master, Qui-Gon. Alongside Emperor Palpatine. Alongside Darth Sidious. Both one in the same."
Obi-Wan's head rocked back and forth in defeat. Padmé knelt beside him and put a reassuring hand on his arm. After a long silence to cool down, he took her hand firmly in his own.
"I know how hard it must be, Ben," she spoke, cautiously. "But it was not your fault. You couldn't stop him. He had come to admire the ways of the Dark Side like it was a companion. And you told me it was hard to come back to light from it."
"It is," he voice was husky. "But I could of stopped him. I could of gotten him help. I could be here visiting you with him at my side, just as anxious to see how you were. But I didn't. I was too fixed on drilling in plans of action and the Force into his head, he couldn't comprehend it all. It drove him nuts. It drove him to seek counsel from Palpatine, rather than the Council. He left. But he left you, Padmé. You, of all people. It's..." he stopped. He was still hurting so bad on the inside.
"Hard," she finished. "I know that, Obi-Wan. But it's not your fault," she repeated. "Sometimes we must let certain things go, but we can't always forget them. He will always be with me in here," she pointed to her heart. "And with you," she pointed at his heart. "He will be there with all the others we hold close in our hearts. He may not be here, physically, but he is here in our souls, no matter what he does."
Obi-Wan took great care of the advice and wisdom Padmé brought. It was like the only lifeline he had left to cling to when the Force seemed to misguide him. Padmé helped him to his feet. They treaded back into the comfort of the living room. Obi-Wan paced the room, in hopes to rid himself of some of the pain he was having. Padmé sat on a couch, in deep thought. A silence fell over the room, aside from the shuffling of Obi- Wan's boots on the carpet. Obi-Wan stopped and looked at the pregnant women on the other side of the room. She found his eyes. Each seemed to drown in the others of protection and understanding. Obi-Wan never had feeling of loving her like Anakin did, nor did she about him, but there was much respect for space and wanting help. But now, he felt confused. He hadn't loved a women in such a long time and it was hard to determine how far their friendship would end up at. There was comfort in the conversations they shared. Confidential and private, but very much a conversation between close friends.
Obi-Wan finally broke the stare by looking away, slightly embarrassed.
He took a seat next to her and looked up at the ceiling, resting his head on the back of the chair. He dug his palms into his eyes. "I know what you're thinking."
"And I also know that you keep blaming what you lost on yourself," she shot back.
He sighed. "I don't know. I just don't know, anymore."
"If you can't learn to put the past behind you, you can't expect to let them rest peacefully. The past can hurt, I know, Ben. But you can either run from it or learn from it. And I'm sure both Qui-Gon and Sabé would want you to learn from it, even if it seems the world has turned against you. You have to fight it, Ben."
"I know," he said quietly. "But I'm not sure if I can accept it."
"It's been twelve years, Ben," she stated.
"I know," he nodded.
"It wasn't your fault," she declared.
He shook his head in denial. "Then why does it feel like I've failed them all? Even you?"
"You never failed me, Ben," she said with a smile. "I couldn't dream of having another Jedi protect me, but you. You've done far too much for me and I am grateful of it. There are many people a person can and can't trust. But I trust you, Ben."
"You do?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan!" She said with a slight groan of agitation. "I wouldn't be here today if you and Qui-Gon didn't help save Naboo. I wouldn't be here now if you didn't discover the assassin who longed to get rid of me. I wouldn't know where I'd be without knowing how much I can depend on a friend."
At that moment, Obi-Wan's heart raced. The feelings had come as quick as the connection to the Force. He was falling for her. It wasn't as strong as he had with Sabé, but it was there. He would protect her at all costs, even from Anakin. He had pledged his life to protecting her as a vow to the Council. He would die for her. He felt different–that when he reached out to the Force, he could see in a new light. It was hard to make out, but it gave him a new wave of energy.
He looked away, calming his breathing. No, I can't. This is wrong. This isn't suppose to happen. But Sabé would of want me to move on. But to this? The next best thing—the one she protected. Her own Queen— ex-Queen. Ex-Senator. A married woman to not just anyone. Not just any Jedi. But Anakin.
Her breath came in short gasps, but something that didn't seem to occupy Obi-Wan. His mind was on other things. She used to trust Anakin. She still did. But she hasn't seen him in nearly six months. It's like she didn't even exist to him anymore. There was only one other person she could grow close to over the years. A man she had met 12 years ago–at the brink of become a Jedi Knight. It was the man sitting before her – a Jedi Knight and General in the Clone Wars. He had such a strong and unique connection to the Force she had come to realize came to him, alone. Her trust now belonged with him. Her heart would follow what he requested. Her mind was as open as his heart was about his past. She, too, was having feelings for Obi-Wan. But it was another kind of feeling–almost like it was meant to happen. When she met Anakin, it was searching. It was searching to find the right one. But this felt almost........ primal. Another call. Another Force bringing them together.
What am I doing? This is crazy! He obviously doesn't have those kinds of feelings for me. He's here as a bodyguard, a friend, my security. He has other things to worry about than love. And as much as he loved Sabé and Qui-Gon as he told me–he is too devoted to the ways of the Jedi Code. And I must accept it. But should I tell him? Should he have a right to know how I feel about him? Padmé thought.
Obi-Wan met her gaze, in a crazed panic. What is she thinking about? Why is she looking at me like I'm insane? I can't tell her. Her heart would be broken to find out I have feelings for her. She is far too young for me anyways. And Anakin? He gasped for a quick breath. Oh, God. Anakin! What would he think? He'd want to seek revenge if he realized I had feeling for his wife. I was only here as a friend. As security. As protection. But why do I feel there is reason for having these feelings? Another Force calling out to me. Telling me to kiss her. I can't. It's wrong!
She looked down, embarrassed. What is he thinking? He looks at me with fear. Fear as if he can read my mind, fear as if he doesn't have the same feelings for me in which I have for him. But I can't do this. It will lose all trust in Anakin--- if he ever returned. But I can't risk losing Obi-Wan's trust. He is the only person I do trust,, now, next to Bail. The Council has been a great help, but nowhere near the trust I have for these two.
Their eyes met again. Each one had a difficult time reading the others emotions and thoughts. Obi-Wan realized that his hands rested gently atop hers. She looked at them and took them into her possession. She studied the way they had gotten rough through the past few years of the raging war. They were weathered away, growing old, rough but still strong. He returned the gesture and studied her hands. They were gentle and smooth, aging as her body permitted He ran his thumb past each nail, feeling the smoothness as a calm stream.
She took his hand and placed it on her belly. He could feel the steady beat of her own heartbeat in-sync with those inside. He could feel the Force around it, strong and ready to take on anything.
"They will bring order to the galaxy," He spoke quietly. "Bring new light where darkness lies."
"They can't do it alone," she confirmed.
"I know. But they will make many enemies along the way. But they will be stronger."
She smiled and ran a hand down his face. It took Obi-Wan by surprise, but he took it firmly in his hands. He bent over and wiped away the stray tear that escaped her eye.
"I will protect them. Just as I promise to protect you until your dying day," he spoke gently.
"I am forever in your debt, Obi-Wan Kenobi," she admitted.
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently. "I'd better get going. I'll be back soon. Will you be okay?"
She was alarmed, when she losted connection of holding him, as he rose. She rose, too, but hid her alarm. "I'll be fine. I have the company of R2, 3PO and Jar Jar. And Bail is on my every request, instantly. I'll contact you if something comes up."
He bowed. "I'm always here to help." He took her into his protective arms again and kissed her forehead. It was warm and calm. "Stay strong. Be safe."
She pulled him in closer and kissed his rough cheek. Then she kissed him gently on the lips. "May the force be with you, Ben. And thank you, for everything."
He took the kiss as a revelation and kissed her, passionately. He whispered against her lips. "May the Force be with you always, Padmé."
He pushed away gently and stepped to the door. He stopped to look at her again. There was a small gentle smile on her face and he knew that he wasn't alone in this strange calm love between them. He bowed again and wheeled away on his heel, the door shutting behind him.
To be continued....