Vague exchanges

She gritted her teeth and forced her breathing to slow, feeling as though hot metal bands were slowly closing around her rib cage, the sheet entangling her in a sweat. The darkness was pressing in against her and the only release she felt was to clamp her arms over her head, blotting out the swirling shapes that loomed in the shadows, letting out her breath in a painful sort of sigh.

But the numbness of her mind was struck with anxiety as the sensation of a cold hand grasping hers. Squared-off nails tickled the back of her palm, a soft gesture that she was somehow thankful for, and when those long fingers intertwined with hers she attempted to squeeze them back.

Things were slightly more awkward in the stark daylight of the morning, and she retreated beneath her sheet to shield herself from the hastening movement that danced silhouette's across her line of vision, before the blanket was unceremoniously pulled off her. She curled up, the cold air harsh against her skin, the thin robes no match for the damp chill of her surroundings.

There stood the tall Jedi, the young Skywalker, bare chest gleaming in the morning light. She gasped slightly, before reluctantly reaching out to place her hand in his, and he needed little force to tug her to her feet. The other Jedi had his back toward her, for which she was slightly grateful, and she hastened to follow the motion of the Skywalker. He led her toward a tiled yet bare commode. Thankfully shutting the door with a satisfying snap, he left her to rub cold water over her face and neck, and attempt to run her hands through her hair.

Anakin cast a brief glance at her when she finally emerged, tossled locks of wavy hair falling hopelessly around soft, watery eyes. Pallid complexion raw and streaked with scratches, barely-there lips twitching nervously. Robes hanging limply off a petite frame, he reckoned she was barely out of padawan reaches, a distant glazed-over stare that never quite met his.

But before she could escape, the older Jedi had approached, a concerned yet awkward expression quite apparent. 'Young girl, you have not yet told us your name'

'Imelda Cree'

The Jedi nodded, a small smile as he held out his hand almost playfully 'I am Obi-Wan Kenobi… and I think you already know my young apprentice'

'Now, the question that faces us is… what are we to do with you?'

'I say she stays with us…' That was from Anakin, who had been watching the exchange with his intense stare.

'Why were you on that ship?'

'I… I can't remember…'

'Nothing at all?' Obi -Wan remarked incredulously.

She fixed him with a slight glare 'It was s-so cold… and dark'

Not wishing to pursue an obviously uncomfortable subject, the Jedi master sighed, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand.

'Well… this mission is of high priority. The Jedi order look to us to see it through, the presence of one girl cannot jeopardise much. I can trust my young apprentice's word that he will keep watch on you?' Obi-Wan looked expectantly between his apprentice and the girl.

'Of course' Anakin retorted, perhaps a little too quickly, the girl blinked and turned her pale gaze to study him instead.

'Now then… I suggest you take her down to get something to eat'

Anakin did as his master requested, with much enthusiasm as he led the girl down the corridor toward a small cafeteria. The auto-chef dealt them a sort of soy based syrup. They took to the steaming fare in a silence. Until Anakin thought to ask 'Where are you from?' as a polite stab at conversation. He had expected a shy stating of a planet name, vague co-ordinates, anything…

Anything but a shrug of the shoulders.

'You don't know?' he asked, more shocked than he let on.

'Well… I can't remember' He had a feeling that she didn't quite meet his eyes.

But Anakin was used to getting his own way, and if he had broken through the barricades of Padme Amidala's heart, he would get through these defences with ease. If he knew where the chinks were…

Hell, it was something to do. Something to pass the time that dwindled out here in dull nothingness. As he contemplated her over the rim of his glass of water, he considered the fact that although her eyes had none of the warmth of Padme's, there was a deeper feel about that misted hazel stare.

Padme had lips of the fullest pout, eyes that reflected the stars, and glossy loose curls that trailed down her back. But… she made him nervous.

Nervous to speak his mind. Nervous to approach her. He had surprised even himself when he had reached out and taken hold of the girls' hand as she dreamt troubled dreams. What was this irresistible pull he had over her..? He discarded these thoughts.

He knew nothing of this girl nor should he.

Should he?

Author's Note: I was taken by surprise by the reviews… I hadn't expected any… There is much more to come so don't go anywhere…Oh and this is set just before Revenge of the Sith… and will carry into it.