Title: There is the Force
Author: Jedikma
Chapter 2: The Real Mission
The reception hall was lavishly decorated and the beings of this small planet were packed in the room. Males and females were dressed in their finest clothes and the air buzzed with excitement and life.
Obi-Wan found the air a bit stifling, but he adjusted the vest of his formal attire and proceeded to advance towards the head government dignitaries. Anakin and Ferus followed behind him.
"Ah, Master Kenobi, I see you found the clothes we had delivered to you for this happy occasion," Leader Dahaar said as he bowed to Obi-Wan. "I trust they fit well?"
"The fit is perfect, sir, but you needn't have gone to the trouble of providing special garments for me." Obi-Wan bowed in return.
"It is all part of the custom, Master Kenobi, to finely dress our important Jedi ambassadors after a successful negotiation. Your female companion has also been given a special ensemble. It is all for the celebration of this happy event."
Obi-Wan was aware that Siri hadn't arrived yet and wondered why. Of course, knowing Siri, trickling in late was not necessarily unusual and if she was asked to don something less to her liking then she was probably still in her room procrastinating over it.
"Once Master Tachi arrives, the two of you can start the first dance and the celebration can truly begin." Dahaar said. "I'm sure that she will be here soon. It sometimes takes time for the servants to help with the dress."
Obi-Wan inwardly groaned at that statement. Siri was probably putting up resistance of some sort if there were servants required to help her dress. Siri was an extremely independent woman and being fussed over was not something she could easily give in to. Of course, she knew that diplomacy was a must on any planet, but Siri had a habit of initial resistance. Obi- Wan only hoped she was getting along now. He didn't want anything negative to influence the outcome of the evening.
Leader Dahaar had moved on to greet another guest, and Obi-Wan turned to the padawans. He noticed that they were not given special clothes to wear for the evening, but they looked fine in their Jedi dress and blended in well with everyone else in their finery.
"Master, are you all right?"
"Yes, Anakin. Why do you ask?"
"No reason, really. You've seemed a little distant today, I guess, and I was wondering if you were feeling well," Anakin commented.
Upon hearing this remark, Ferus spoke up. "Master Siri has been distant as well, but I also noticed a strange glow coming from her. I don't think she's quite herself. Maybe she's not here yet, because she's sick."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "I'm sure Siri is fine. We are all just tired and anxious to go home, perhaps."
"I won't mind getting off this planet, that's for sure," Anakin said.
"Why is that, Padawan? Is the boredom killing you? This has been one of the easiest missions we have been on in a very long time. This is a beautiful, peaceful planet and I have enjoyed the quiet of it."
"No, Master, that's not it at all. Haven't you noticed how thick the living Force is here? I find it very difficult to breath sometimes."
"Like last night!" Ferus interjected.
"What about last night?" Obi-Wan questioned, as he noticed a strange feeling rising in the pit of his stomach.
"Did you feel that, too?" Anakin turned to Ferus in surprise.
"Would you two mind telling me what you're talking about?" Obi-Wan interrupted.
"Late last night the atmosphere became so thick that I thought I would suffocate. It woke me up," Anakin explained.
"It was about the time the three moons were full and directly overhead in the sky." Ferus added. "I was very uncomfortable for almost an hour when the pressure started to ease."
"It was one of the strangest things I've ever experienced. The atmosphere seemed to release in waves as it lifted." Anakin looked at Obi-Wan. "Surely you felt it, Master."
Obi-Wan tried to maintain a steady voice as he recalled the events of the night before. "Now that you mention it, Padawan, I did sense something. I just don't think I would describe it as being as profound as you just did."
As Anakin and Ferus continued to compare their experiences, the Leader Dahaar again approached Obi-Wan. "I believe your female is ready to make her entrance. Come."
Obi-Wan followed the leader of Nohar through the great hall to a grand staircase. Musicians in the back of the great room began to play a beautiful lilting melody. As Obi-Wan stood at the bottom of the staircase waiting, Dahaar stepped up a few steps and raised his arms.
"Good people of Nohar, we have come to celebrate the prospect of another 50 years without planetary devastation. Thanks to the Jedi, our honored guests, that hope is once again a reality." The room cheered at Dahaar's words, but Dahaar raised his arms again. "Now we can begin our celebration. The Knight and his Lady will begin the first dance."
Inwardly Obi-Wan winced. Siri would have something to say about being called his lady, he was sure. The whole fuss seemed to be blown way out of proportion. Obi-Wan and Siri had merely overseen the talks and as far as he could tell they were more like social meetings than negotiations. Why the Council had insisted that they stop on this planet on their way back to the Temple was becoming a question that nagged Obi-Wan's thoughts.
Obi-Wan looked up as Dahaar stepped off the staircase and moved aside. At the top of the landing Siri appeared. She was dressed in a formal gown of fine sapphire blue silk that was cut low at the neck, tight in the bodice and flared out in a full flowing skirt. Her blonde hair was pulled back from her face and it sparkled in the soft lighting. Her fair skin emitted a soft rosy glow. She was...breathtaking.
Anakin leaned towards Obi-Wan from behind and he put his hand on his Master's shoulder as he whispered in Obi-Wan's ear, "Breathe, Master."
Obi-Wan was only vaguely aware of Anakin's advice as he watched Siri drift down the staircase. As she came closer to him he sensed slight nervousness coming from her, but her face betrayed no emotion. He moved forward and offered his hand to her as she reached the bottom step. Together they proceeded to the center of the room as people parted to let them pass. Once again the music begin to swell. Obi-Wan bowed to Siri and she curtsied in return. Then Obi-Wan took Siri in his arms and they began the dance that the Noharans had been waiting for to begin the festivities.
They danced together in sync and in quiet through the first arrangement. Obi-Wan felt captivated by Siri's blue eyes that were twice as vivid than usual due to the color of her dress. As the second dance began and more beings floated onto the dance floor, Obi-Wan felt Siri release, into the Force, a sense of discomfort.
"Ob-Wan, if you continue to look at me like that, everyone will know that something has changed between us."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat and smiled. "You look stunning, Siri. I'm sorry. I just can't help myself, but you're right, I had better stop staring."
"I don't understand why these people have put us on such a pedestal. We have never been of so little help in any negotiation before. They have us dress in these expensive clothes and I don't know about you, but mine is nothing short of a torture device." Siri winced slightly as she continued to move along the dance floor with Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan grinned. Sooner or later he knew Siri would complain about her clothes. "You just cannot put on anything other than your Jedi tunics without complaining."
Siri released a puff of air. "That's only partly it. The servants had me put on an undergarment that they call a corset and they laced it to pull it tight to cinch my waist. I can't breathe. I'm certain I will pass out before the night is over."
"That doesn't sound pleasant," Obi-Wan replied.
"It isn't. Just be careful, Obi-Wan, and don't make anyone angry. I bet they have a lot of unique torture devices hidden in the cellar." Siri flashed him a teasing smile.
"Master Jedi." Dahaar had tapped Obi-Wan on the shoulder and he and Siri stopped their dance. "I hate to interrupt, sir, but my mother the Lady Beka would like to meet you and your lady."
"Of course."
Siri gave Obi-Wan a strange look at the reference to being called his lady. "If I didn't know better I'd think he knew something about what happened last night," Siri whispered only to Obi-Wan.
"That isn't the worst part," Obi-Wan returned. "Anakin and Ferus were asking me if I had trouble breathing when the three moons were full. It appears they both felt the atmospheric pressure. The moons together must create some sort of density in the atmosphere."
Dahaar overheard these last words as they were walking towards an elderly woman who was busy conversing with Ferus and Anakin. "That is correct, Master Kenobi. The density builds up a massive energy that will destroy this planet if it isn't released."
Obi-Wan felt his cheeks flush at the use of these words. "What do you mean Leader Dahaar?"
"Surely you must know since you must have released the energy."
Obi-Wan saw Siri squirm uncomfortably as he cleared his throat. Dahaar continued as they stopped in front of the Lady Beka. "You must have released the energy or we wouldn't be here right now. The energy build up from the three moons is so great that it causes massive storms across the entire planet. We would surely be completely underwater by now if you hadn't provided your services."
Dahaar turned to his mother and proceeded to introduce her to the Jedi. "This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Siri Tachi." Dahaar then turned to Obi-Wan and Siri and completed the introductions. "Masters, this is the Lady Beka."
The elderly woman nodded to them as she spoke. "It is always a pleasure to meet the Jedi. Once again you have provided our home with a valuable service and we will always be in your debt."
"Lady Beka, you overestimate our importance," Siri replied, trying to minimize the special attention.
The elderly woman reached out and gently took Siri's hand. "I was here fifty years ago when the Jedi came and provided the same assistance. You cannot overestimate a service that keeps our homes and families from being destroyed."
Both the Padawans, having heard the exchange, gave the Masters a puzzled look. Ferus spoke, "I don't understand what service they're talking about, Master. Do you?"
Obi-Wan felt blood rush to his head and his ears started to throb. He looked over to Siri, who was beginning to turn a deep shade of crimson and trying desperately to maintain a steady breathing pattern
A smile graced the Lady Beka's wrinkled face as she turned towards the questioner. "You're Masters released the energy build up, of course. Only two Force sensitive beings can do so. Every fifty years all three Noharan moons align and are full causing a tremendous energy build up across the planet. A thousand years ago, when our society was more primitive, we used to sacrifice beings with these Force powers until the Jedi came to our planet and realized the energy could be released in a different way."
Lady Beka turned back to Siri, "The exchange is usually mutually beneficial because the Jedi save our planet and in exchange end up with Force sensitive children for their community."
Obi-Wan could feel Siri tense through the force as the concepts began to thread together in her mind. Obi-Wan, too, felt overwhelmed.
"Then there are Force sensitive children we will take with us when we leave the planet tomorrow?" Siri's voice seemed to be a pitch higher than usual as she asked the question. She had a smile on her face, but her body was rigid.
The older woman smiled and patted Siri's hand. "Oh no dear, you will have the children yourself and may you be blessed with the traditional triplets."
Obi-Wan's mind whirled madly and he sensed an acute disturbance in the Force. He heard Ferus call out "Master!" and saw him reach for Siri as a rush of air escaped her lungs and she fell to the floor in a heap of silk and crinoline skirts.
Tbc
Author: Jedikma
Chapter 2: The Real Mission
The reception hall was lavishly decorated and the beings of this small planet were packed in the room. Males and females were dressed in their finest clothes and the air buzzed with excitement and life.
Obi-Wan found the air a bit stifling, but he adjusted the vest of his formal attire and proceeded to advance towards the head government dignitaries. Anakin and Ferus followed behind him.
"Ah, Master Kenobi, I see you found the clothes we had delivered to you for this happy occasion," Leader Dahaar said as he bowed to Obi-Wan. "I trust they fit well?"
"The fit is perfect, sir, but you needn't have gone to the trouble of providing special garments for me." Obi-Wan bowed in return.
"It is all part of the custom, Master Kenobi, to finely dress our important Jedi ambassadors after a successful negotiation. Your female companion has also been given a special ensemble. It is all for the celebration of this happy event."
Obi-Wan was aware that Siri hadn't arrived yet and wondered why. Of course, knowing Siri, trickling in late was not necessarily unusual and if she was asked to don something less to her liking then she was probably still in her room procrastinating over it.
"Once Master Tachi arrives, the two of you can start the first dance and the celebration can truly begin." Dahaar said. "I'm sure that she will be here soon. It sometimes takes time for the servants to help with the dress."
Obi-Wan inwardly groaned at that statement. Siri was probably putting up resistance of some sort if there were servants required to help her dress. Siri was an extremely independent woman and being fussed over was not something she could easily give in to. Of course, she knew that diplomacy was a must on any planet, but Siri had a habit of initial resistance. Obi- Wan only hoped she was getting along now. He didn't want anything negative to influence the outcome of the evening.
Leader Dahaar had moved on to greet another guest, and Obi-Wan turned to the padawans. He noticed that they were not given special clothes to wear for the evening, but they looked fine in their Jedi dress and blended in well with everyone else in their finery.
"Master, are you all right?"
"Yes, Anakin. Why do you ask?"
"No reason, really. You've seemed a little distant today, I guess, and I was wondering if you were feeling well," Anakin commented.
Upon hearing this remark, Ferus spoke up. "Master Siri has been distant as well, but I also noticed a strange glow coming from her. I don't think she's quite herself. Maybe she's not here yet, because she's sick."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "I'm sure Siri is fine. We are all just tired and anxious to go home, perhaps."
"I won't mind getting off this planet, that's for sure," Anakin said.
"Why is that, Padawan? Is the boredom killing you? This has been one of the easiest missions we have been on in a very long time. This is a beautiful, peaceful planet and I have enjoyed the quiet of it."
"No, Master, that's not it at all. Haven't you noticed how thick the living Force is here? I find it very difficult to breath sometimes."
"Like last night!" Ferus interjected.
"What about last night?" Obi-Wan questioned, as he noticed a strange feeling rising in the pit of his stomach.
"Did you feel that, too?" Anakin turned to Ferus in surprise.
"Would you two mind telling me what you're talking about?" Obi-Wan interrupted.
"Late last night the atmosphere became so thick that I thought I would suffocate. It woke me up," Anakin explained.
"It was about the time the three moons were full and directly overhead in the sky." Ferus added. "I was very uncomfortable for almost an hour when the pressure started to ease."
"It was one of the strangest things I've ever experienced. The atmosphere seemed to release in waves as it lifted." Anakin looked at Obi-Wan. "Surely you felt it, Master."
Obi-Wan tried to maintain a steady voice as he recalled the events of the night before. "Now that you mention it, Padawan, I did sense something. I just don't think I would describe it as being as profound as you just did."
As Anakin and Ferus continued to compare their experiences, the Leader Dahaar again approached Obi-Wan. "I believe your female is ready to make her entrance. Come."
Obi-Wan followed the leader of Nohar through the great hall to a grand staircase. Musicians in the back of the great room began to play a beautiful lilting melody. As Obi-Wan stood at the bottom of the staircase waiting, Dahaar stepped up a few steps and raised his arms.
"Good people of Nohar, we have come to celebrate the prospect of another 50 years without planetary devastation. Thanks to the Jedi, our honored guests, that hope is once again a reality." The room cheered at Dahaar's words, but Dahaar raised his arms again. "Now we can begin our celebration. The Knight and his Lady will begin the first dance."
Inwardly Obi-Wan winced. Siri would have something to say about being called his lady, he was sure. The whole fuss seemed to be blown way out of proportion. Obi-Wan and Siri had merely overseen the talks and as far as he could tell they were more like social meetings than negotiations. Why the Council had insisted that they stop on this planet on their way back to the Temple was becoming a question that nagged Obi-Wan's thoughts.
Obi-Wan looked up as Dahaar stepped off the staircase and moved aside. At the top of the landing Siri appeared. She was dressed in a formal gown of fine sapphire blue silk that was cut low at the neck, tight in the bodice and flared out in a full flowing skirt. Her blonde hair was pulled back from her face and it sparkled in the soft lighting. Her fair skin emitted a soft rosy glow. She was...breathtaking.
Anakin leaned towards Obi-Wan from behind and he put his hand on his Master's shoulder as he whispered in Obi-Wan's ear, "Breathe, Master."
Obi-Wan was only vaguely aware of Anakin's advice as he watched Siri drift down the staircase. As she came closer to him he sensed slight nervousness coming from her, but her face betrayed no emotion. He moved forward and offered his hand to her as she reached the bottom step. Together they proceeded to the center of the room as people parted to let them pass. Once again the music begin to swell. Obi-Wan bowed to Siri and she curtsied in return. Then Obi-Wan took Siri in his arms and they began the dance that the Noharans had been waiting for to begin the festivities.
They danced together in sync and in quiet through the first arrangement. Obi-Wan felt captivated by Siri's blue eyes that were twice as vivid than usual due to the color of her dress. As the second dance began and more beings floated onto the dance floor, Obi-Wan felt Siri release, into the Force, a sense of discomfort.
"Ob-Wan, if you continue to look at me like that, everyone will know that something has changed between us."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat and smiled. "You look stunning, Siri. I'm sorry. I just can't help myself, but you're right, I had better stop staring."
"I don't understand why these people have put us on such a pedestal. We have never been of so little help in any negotiation before. They have us dress in these expensive clothes and I don't know about you, but mine is nothing short of a torture device." Siri winced slightly as she continued to move along the dance floor with Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan grinned. Sooner or later he knew Siri would complain about her clothes. "You just cannot put on anything other than your Jedi tunics without complaining."
Siri released a puff of air. "That's only partly it. The servants had me put on an undergarment that they call a corset and they laced it to pull it tight to cinch my waist. I can't breathe. I'm certain I will pass out before the night is over."
"That doesn't sound pleasant," Obi-Wan replied.
"It isn't. Just be careful, Obi-Wan, and don't make anyone angry. I bet they have a lot of unique torture devices hidden in the cellar." Siri flashed him a teasing smile.
"Master Jedi." Dahaar had tapped Obi-Wan on the shoulder and he and Siri stopped their dance. "I hate to interrupt, sir, but my mother the Lady Beka would like to meet you and your lady."
"Of course."
Siri gave Obi-Wan a strange look at the reference to being called his lady. "If I didn't know better I'd think he knew something about what happened last night," Siri whispered only to Obi-Wan.
"That isn't the worst part," Obi-Wan returned. "Anakin and Ferus were asking me if I had trouble breathing when the three moons were full. It appears they both felt the atmospheric pressure. The moons together must create some sort of density in the atmosphere."
Dahaar overheard these last words as they were walking towards an elderly woman who was busy conversing with Ferus and Anakin. "That is correct, Master Kenobi. The density builds up a massive energy that will destroy this planet if it isn't released."
Obi-Wan felt his cheeks flush at the use of these words. "What do you mean Leader Dahaar?"
"Surely you must know since you must have released the energy."
Obi-Wan saw Siri squirm uncomfortably as he cleared his throat. Dahaar continued as they stopped in front of the Lady Beka. "You must have released the energy or we wouldn't be here right now. The energy build up from the three moons is so great that it causes massive storms across the entire planet. We would surely be completely underwater by now if you hadn't provided your services."
Dahaar turned to his mother and proceeded to introduce her to the Jedi. "This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Siri Tachi." Dahaar then turned to Obi-Wan and Siri and completed the introductions. "Masters, this is the Lady Beka."
The elderly woman nodded to them as she spoke. "It is always a pleasure to meet the Jedi. Once again you have provided our home with a valuable service and we will always be in your debt."
"Lady Beka, you overestimate our importance," Siri replied, trying to minimize the special attention.
The elderly woman reached out and gently took Siri's hand. "I was here fifty years ago when the Jedi came and provided the same assistance. You cannot overestimate a service that keeps our homes and families from being destroyed."
Both the Padawans, having heard the exchange, gave the Masters a puzzled look. Ferus spoke, "I don't understand what service they're talking about, Master. Do you?"
Obi-Wan felt blood rush to his head and his ears started to throb. He looked over to Siri, who was beginning to turn a deep shade of crimson and trying desperately to maintain a steady breathing pattern
A smile graced the Lady Beka's wrinkled face as she turned towards the questioner. "You're Masters released the energy build up, of course. Only two Force sensitive beings can do so. Every fifty years all three Noharan moons align and are full causing a tremendous energy build up across the planet. A thousand years ago, when our society was more primitive, we used to sacrifice beings with these Force powers until the Jedi came to our planet and realized the energy could be released in a different way."
Lady Beka turned back to Siri, "The exchange is usually mutually beneficial because the Jedi save our planet and in exchange end up with Force sensitive children for their community."
Obi-Wan could feel Siri tense through the force as the concepts began to thread together in her mind. Obi-Wan, too, felt overwhelmed.
"Then there are Force sensitive children we will take with us when we leave the planet tomorrow?" Siri's voice seemed to be a pitch higher than usual as she asked the question. She had a smile on her face, but her body was rigid.
The older woman smiled and patted Siri's hand. "Oh no dear, you will have the children yourself and may you be blessed with the traditional triplets."
Obi-Wan's mind whirled madly and he sensed an acute disturbance in the Force. He heard Ferus call out "Master!" and saw him reach for Siri as a rush of air escaped her lungs and she fell to the floor in a heap of silk and crinoline skirts.
Tbc