A/N: OK . Here we go again. A huge thank you to everyone who responded as I am quickly finding that the feedback really makes this a lot of fun.
abcd: Yes, it was indeed Obi's cloak that Padme pulled around herself in the last chap. Cloaks and daggers will turn up again later on. (lol). Also, I guess its worth mentioning that I don't consider this be either an A/P or an Obidala as I sometimes will throw in little elements of both, but won't delve full on into any romance in this particular story. The next one I tackle, however, could be a whole new ballgame..........
TinTin: My Obi's kind of had it up to his eyeballs and tends to lash out at times. I'm glad you liked it as I always appreciate any thoughts you might have.
Kaime: To tell you the truth I'm not too sure about the bacta thing, but thanks for bringing it to my attention I'll have to keep in mind to look into things like that in the future- and no offense was taken, dear. It helps to know things like that.
Vaderbabe: I think this one's a bit longer...just for you.
Luvobi: Writing Obi/Ani sniping at one another is a lot of fun, so I'm glad you enjoy. And, hey, the next chap could be up as soon as tomorrow, so I plan to keep it rolling.
Jedi keliam kenobi: You'll learn a bit more about Obi and Qui soon (chap after next I think). And yes...Alderaan...
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Chapter 8
While not quite as lush as Naboo, Alderaan was nonetheless one of the more visually pleasant systems in the Republic. Soft rolling hills capped with tall flowing grasses covered much of the planets landscape. Padme closed her eyes and let the warm breeze caress her face as she stepped off of the transport. It felt good to feel safe and to be among friends she thought as she glanced back at the three Jedi that surrounded her, for despite the fact that the Jedi were there as a result of their professional duty, Padme suddenly realized that she had come to count each of them as a friend despite how little she really knew of them.
They were greeted at the landing platform by Bail and Lady Organa who had come in order to the lead the group to their guest rooms. As they headed into the Alderaanian palace various staff hustled about all with the same determined look of purpose in their eyes. Lady Organa waved her hand in the air indicating the commotion about and spoke," We received word rather suddenly that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine will be arriving here. He wished to personally assure himself of your safety, Senator. He must hold you in very high esteem to so openly concern himself for you."
Padme gave a slight, almost imperceptible frown. She had always felt a little uneasy about the Supreme Chancellor's concern for her despite the fact that his actions always seemed sincere. "He has been a bit paternalistic towards me since Naboo was invaded seven years ago," Padme replied reluctantly.
Lady Organa leaned towards Padme and regarded her with a warm smile. "Fear not," she said softly. "His concern does not diminish your credibility. Bail tells me that you are a fine Senator and well loved by your people."
Padme blushed. "Am I that easy to read?" she asked.
"An 'easy to read' politician? A rare animal indeed!" Lady Organa laughed as she threw an arm around the young Senator. "We are having dinner in the Chancellor's honor tonight. I am sure he will be expecting you to join us."
Padme glanced down and hesitated to answer.
"Your Jedi protectors will be joining us as well," Lady Organa continued, mistaking the young woman's hesitation for fear.
When Padme still hesitated, Lady Organa stared at her quizzically for a moment. Realization finally dawned as she took note of the ill fitting flight suit and the Jedi cloak that the Nubian Senator was wearing.
"Just follow me. We can raid my closet together," she said in a friendly whisper.
"Thank you, Lady Organa," Padme sighed in relief. "I didn't exactly pack for a formal dinner."
"My name is Regina," she smiled, "And consider it no trouble. I'm dying to get my hands into that hair of yours."
Padme smiled back as she decided that she could get along very well with this woman.
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After the long days spent confined on the ship the last thing Obi-Wan Kenobi wanted was to be stuck in his sleeping quarters no matter how lovely. Thus, after settling in he promptly set out to explore the palace gardens. The Jedi Knight strolled along the a stone path taking in the local fauna for quite some time until he rounded a corner along a row of tall hedges.
In a not-too-distant clearing he spotted Qui-Gon Jinn sparring with Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan hung back momentarily to observe the match. He had to admit that Anakin was very nearly Jinn's equal as a swordsman- an impressive feat for the most accomplished knight, much more so for a mere padawan. Despite his curiosity, however, he did not wish to have to deal with either the master or the padawan at the moment, so he decided to slip back behind the foliage and leave the way that he had come.
He was too late. "Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon called in that knowing voice that told him that the large Jedi had been alert to his presence the entire time and also dashed any hopes for a quiet escape.
Reluctantly, Obi-Wan emerged from his spot and walked towards his fellow Jedi.
"So, what's your assessment?" Qui-Gon asked, folding his arms over his chest.
Obi-Wan gave a short unbelieving laugh. "You want my opinion?"
"It appears that I do," Qui-Gon said solemnly.
Obi-Wan hesitated a moment before deciding to speak the plain truth. "Well, he's undoubtedly the most talented padawan I've ever seen. He's obviously a natural fighter, but he's over aggressive and more than a little over confident- a common flaw among padawans. One day someone will beat the tar out of him and he'll learn better."
Qui-Gon gave a rueful smile while Anakin scowled at the criticism.
" I was hoping you would say something like that," Qui-Gon said as Obi-Wan gave him a confused look. "You made the observation. You teach him what he needs to know. Besides the experience of sparring with a different opponent will do him some good."
Obi-Wan gave a tight smile and nodded his understanding as he reached for his saber.
Anakin quietly leaned over to his master and whispered. "Are you kidding?"
"Why would I be?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Master, I'm accustomed to holding my own against you and Master Windu This is really just a waste of time."
"I see," Qui-Gon said with a knowing smile. "Well, just humor me then."
"If you insist," Anakin mumbled as he ignited his weapon and began to slowly circle his new sparring opponent. Never one to wait for the battle to come to him, the padawan quickly struck out to Obi-Wan's far left. The knight parried easily, but gave a slight nod of his head in acknowledgment. Despite its ineffectiveness it was an intelligent first move. Anakin knew of his injured right shoulder and had immediately moved to test whether or not it would be a weakness by forcing the knight to stretch across his body in order to defend himself.
After several more strikes and parries Anakin decided to press his height advantage, but a to his dismay a dozen years under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn had taught Obi-Wan well how to defend himself against taller and physically stronger opponents.
"Either you're not thinking or you underestimate me, Anakin. I expected something a little more creative from you," Obi-Wan said with a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Increasingly frustrated by his inability to intimidate his opponent and the young knight apparent lack of proper respect for him, Anakin's strikes became more forceful and wild.
"Center, Ani. You're losing focus," Qui-Gon warned.
"Impossible," Obi-Wan deliberately needled, "He never had any focus to begin with."
Enraged, Anakin lashed out with a deliberately vicious roundhouse kick that caught the knight square in the rib cage. The noticeable wince Obi-Wan gave was the most satisfaction Anakin had had since the start of the contest.
"Anakin," Qui-Gon began, suddenly thinking that perhaps this was a bad idea after all, but Obi-Wan silenced him with a glare.
"Leave it be," he said somewhat hoarsely as he continued to defend against Anakin's increasingly wild blows. Sensing the padawan was finally starting to wear himself down, Obi-Wan faked high then struck low causing Anakin to go slightly off balance.
It was the opportunity he had been waiting for. A firm kick to the chest sent the padawan hard to the ground, and Obi-Wan's blue blade was held just under his chin before he ever had a chance to recover.
The two combatants caught their breaths for a moment then retracted their blades.
"You're very talented, Padawan Skywalker," Obi-Wan stated slightly out of breath while extending a hand to help the young man to his feet. "But you would do well to remember that while fear may be gained by force genuine respect can only be earned with time and patience," he said with a sideways glance towards Qui-Gon. "And sometimes you just have to accept that it never comes no matter what you do."
Anakin grudgingly took the offered hand and hoisted himself up off the ground.
"His balance is his weakness," Obi-Wan commented to his former mentor while securing his weapon back on his belt. The two men nodded to one another then Obi-Wan left the ay he had come.
Qui-Gon gave Anakin a moment to compose himself before launching into his traditional grilling. The Jedi Master folded his arms into his robe and asked, "What did you learn, Padawan?"
"I learned that son of a Sith witch packs a pretty nasty kick," Anakin mumbled while rubbing his rapidly bruising chest.
"What was that?" Qui-Gon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Never underestimate an opponent regardless of perceptions, Master," Anakin automatically rattled off.
"Good," Qui-Gon said as he clapped his apprentice on the shoulder and added with a sheepish grin, "Hurts like hell when he does that, doesn't it?"
Anakin regarded his master with an astonished look.
"More times than I care to admit," Qui-Gon said in response to the youth's unspoken question.
With that comment, Anakin felt most of his frustration bleed away, for it greatly balmed his delicate ego to larn that Qui-Gon Jinn had been caught by the same tactic in the past. "Sure does," he admitted slyly. "Does this mean that I have a month's worth of balance training to look forward to?"
Qui-Gon looked to the young man with a suddenly serious expression. "Ani," he said softly, "our most devastating weaknesses are most often not physical ones."