A/N: This is the last bit of set-up before the meat of the story. I wrote this mainly to amuse myself, but I confess it makes my day when I get a response to it. So, thank you to everyone who took the time to let me know that they were reading.
TinTin: Rest assured I have some angst planned for later on.
Kaime: I kinda like your weird factor.
Liz: Hi, and thank you.
71: Thanks. Obi will be on his way soon.
Chapter 3
The stout politician walked softly into the training salle and stood silently next to the preoccupied Mon Calamari Jedi that he had recently become acquainted with. Noting the cause of her distraction on the catwalks above the senator clasped his hands behind his back and waited patiently to be addressed.
After several moments the young Jedi finally spoke but did not turn her eyes away from her subject, "Forgive my rudeness, Senator Bitsma, but if I don't focus he might try to pull a fast one on me."
"No apology necessary, Knight Eerin," he replied. The Senator then glanced at the Jedi above working through the moves of an upper level kata then added, " I never noticed before the grace and beauty of the Jedi arts. You are a truly amazing group of beings."
Bant Eerin gave the Mon Calamari equivalent of a deep frown. "We don't all make it look like that," she began. "In fact most of us can't and even more still don't even see the point of such training anymore. By and large we are negotiators."
"Yes, but not all of you," Bitsma noted.
"No, not all. Some of us are healers, some pilots or historians, and-"
"Some are soldiers," he finished.
"Guardians," she corrected. "Never soldiers."
"Semantics," the man scoffed. "When duty calls one to put his life on the line for the protection of others- that is a soldier. There is no shame in that."
Without preamble the Jedi leaped from the catwalk and landed a short distance from the Senator and the Mon Calamari Jedi. "Well?" he questioned as he grabbed a towel from a nearby bench and dried the sweat from his face.
"Hmmph!" Bant snorted as she crossed her arms in defiance.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of the young man's lips at her gesture. He had performed perfectly, and he knew it.
"One of these days that cockiness of yours is going to get you in trouble," she scolded.
Obi-Wan Kenobi walked over and patted his long time friend on the shoulder. "I'm sure it will," he laughed, "but today it gets me released from your tender loving care." With a dramatic sigh he added, "No more poking and prodding...no more Mon Cal stew, which I'm certain is just another name for Master Yoda's gruel..."
The young Jedi ducked a quick swipe of his friend's data pad then turned and gave a shallow bow in acknowledgment of the Dantooine Senator.
"To what honor do we owe your visit, Senator?" Obi-Wan inquired politely, instantly transforming his demeanor from that of a childhood playmate to one of a revered diplomat.
Bitsma responded to the change with a hearty laugh. "You know very well why I'm here, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And the honor is indeed mine," he said while playfully mimicking the Jedi's bow.
The Senator's tone then went abruptly serious as he continued, "I owe you my life. The planet of Dantooine is indebted to you for your service. We will not soon forget."
"I appreciate the gesture, Senator, but you needn't have troubled yourself to come here. I was simply doing my job."
At the Knight's response the Senator turned and favored Bant with a wry smile then mouthed the word 'soldier' with a wink.
Turning back to Kenobi he said," Nonetheless, if ever I can be of service to you or the Jedi, simply say the word.
"Thank you, sir," Obi-Wan nodded.
Moments later Jedi Councilor Mace Windu entered the training facility and headed towards the trio. "I apologize for the interruption," he said in greeting, "but I need to discuss a Jedi assignment."
Senator Bitsma took the subtle hint and politely excused himself from the group. "I can see you all have business to attend to. Take care, Knight Kenobi and may the Force be with you."
Obi-Wan retrieved his cloak from the bench that he had flung it on earlier and headed out of the training rooms and towards his quarters with both Bant and Mace following right behind.
"So, do you want to give me the details or do I have to go before all twelve of you to find out?" he finally asked.
"Naboo," Mace answered. "It seems that Senator Amidala is latest target of our mysterious political assassin."
"Not a big surprise given the anti-war sentiment of all those targeted."
Mace halted his steps. "Obi-Wan, I know I don't have to tell you how important this is. The Republic cannot afford another loss."
"You know I won't allow that to happen," the knight spoke in a voice of dead calm.
"Good. Your transport leaves at dawn. You'll be accompanied by Master Jinn and Padawan Skywalker.."
Kenobi stopped dead in his tracks. "What?"
Mace Windu regarded the young man cooly for a moment then said," Do not think that we are ignorant of the fact that you put Senator Bitsma at great risk on Dantooine and that you almost got yourself killed in the process."
"Be reasonable," Obi-Wan argued, "Hiding wasn't an option considering the tenuous state of his government and I merely respected his wishes- after much debate, mind you."
"Well, the Council's decision is not up for debate. You take this assignment with help or you don't take one at all."
"Fine," the knight scowled. "But Master Jinn? And Skywalker? You know, there's a reason that kid's only friends are droids - they're the only ones who can put up with him."
"Actually," Mace began with just the barest hint of amusement in his voice, "We were hoping that he might be able to relate to you a bit."
With a sigh, Obi-Wan turned and continued his walk to his living quarters. " Relating was always Qui-Gon's strong suit - not mine."
"It's difficult enough being Jedi," Mace explained, "tougher still when you're a living legend. You of all people should understand that."
Obi-Wan tried his best to ignore the implication. It had taken some time for him to adjust to everyone's reaction to him after his battle with the Sith. He could only guess how Anakin's peers would react to him as the child of ancient Jedi prophecy.
"Look, I agree that Qui-Gon did the boy a great disservice by parading him in here as the 'Chosen One', but I don't see-"
Mace Windu held up a hand and cut the young man short. "Your thoughts betray you. Your reluctance to take this assignment has nothing to do with Anakin at all."
Obi-Wan's face was one pure Jedi neutrality. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
Mace Windu stood in silent appraisal of the young Jedi before him for several moments. Although Kenobi's facade could fool many, the Jedi councilor was not among them. "Decide what you are," Mace finally scolded. "A Jedi who lives to serve, or a child dying for the approval of a mentor. You cannot be both." The councilor then leveled Obi-Wan with a look and added, " I expect you to be at the North landing platform at dawn."
Obi-Wan heard Bant's soft voice call to him as he watched Mace Windu head back down the long hall, "He's right, you know."
"Could we not talk about this now?" he pleaded as he punched in the access code to his rooms.
"Of course," the healer gently conceded as she followed him into his living area. "How about some help packing instead?"
Obi-Wan nodded then gestured for his friend to follow him into his room. He reached into his closet and threw his duffle on the bed as Bant rummaged through the knight's various drawers and tossed tunics and leggings in his direction.
As her friend stuffed various clothing and supplies in the duffle the Mon Calamari girl pulled out a leather sheath that was buried under a pile of tunics. "What's this?" she asked.
"Old dagger," he answered simply. "I haven't carried it in years."
"It's beautiful," she breathed, unsheathing the weapon and turning it over in her hands. "Where did you get it?"
"It was a gift from Qui-Gon shortly after I made senior padawan. I think it was a some sort of tradition with him. Rianne has one, and I believe I saw Xanatos with a similar one as well."
"Well, here," she called as she sheathed the weapon and tossed it onto the bed with his other belongings. "Remember, there's no such thing as chance. You might need it."
"Perhaps," he said dully and clipped the dagger onto his utility belt.
"Ooh. On second thought you better toss that back to me.
At Obi-Wan's questioning look she added, "I don't need you trying to skewer Master Jinn or his apprentice with that thing."
"Bant, you know me better than that," he said dryly. "If I were going to skewer them I'd use my lightsaber. Less mess that way."