As if a heavy fog were slowly evaporating, Obi-Wan's consciousness came back into focus. At first he was aware of the dull ache in his side, but as his mind became more clear, an ache that was not quite so dull pierced his heart.
His Master was dead. Killed by that hideous-looking Sith. He had taken a blow himself, but managed to neatly slice the red and black warrior in half, sending him to his death at the bottom of the melting pit. It was a bittersweet victory.
He forced his eyes open.
Where was he? The room was unfamiliar, but not the architecture. Glancing around, he discovered he was still somewhere on Naboo. Somewhere in the Queen's palace.
A slight movement to his left caught his attention and he slowly turned his head to see Padmé, otherwise known as Queen Amidala, sitting in a chair next to his bed. Although she was sleeping, she appeared quite tired.
But why was he here and not in a medical facility? Why wasn't he back on Coruscant in the Temple?
And why in all the worlds was she sitting next to him in that chair?
As the questions began ricocheting through his brain, he turned his gaze back to her face. He smiled gently as her eyes opened and met his, and she smiled back readily and warmly.
"Good, you're awake."
Obi-Wan watched, somewhat amused, as she stood, placed a digital thermoscan to his temple and then abruptly pulled the covers down to check his injury.
He blushed at the sudden unexpected invasion of privacy.
"I don't think..." he stammered, his hands grasping the edge of the retreating blankets.
"It's time to change your dressing." She responded matter-of-factly, as she once again grasped the blankets and pulled them down. Her small, nimble fingers replaced the bacta patch with a fresh one, and then pulled the covers back over him, without any hesitation.
"How...how long have I been out?"
"Since yesterday morning, after Captain Panaka and I found you and Master Jinn..." She stopped suddenly, noting the pained look on his face.
"Im sorry." Padmé's face was filled with concern.
Obi-Wan simply nodded his acknowledgement of her condolences. Death for a Jedi was not an unexpected thing. It was a hazard of the occupation. He had already come to terms with the fact that either Qui-Gon or himself would die in the line of duty some day. He had just not thought it would be so soon. He was surprised the Force had not warned him of the danger, but it hadn't. He was even more surprised however, that the grief he felt was not stronger.
He had expected the loss of his Master would be overwhelming, but it wasn't. The loss of the training bond he had shared with his Master was indeed gone, but as he searched for it, he was amazed that in its place was something else. Something warm and soothing.
He struggled to sit up on the bed, but Padmé's hands firmly pushed him back down.
His eyes widened at the response of the warmth of her touch on his bare skin.
"Communications were re-established just an hour ago. The Jedi Council has been informed of your status, as well as Master Qui-Gon's." Her voice quieted and she removed her hands, looking at him with a soft, caring gaze before continuing.
"The Council has requested that Ric bring you and Qui-Gon back to the Jedi Temple for the...funeral. A ship will be ready to depart in the morning. But in the meantime, you are to stay put and rest. Doctor's orders."
Padmé smiled at him as she rose to gather and remove the wet cloth and used supplies, but as soon as she was out of sight, her smiled quickly faded.
He would be leaving in the morning. Leaving Naboo. Leaving her.
The thought was undeniably painful, and left her with a shuddering, empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. A feeling that dissipated slightly as soon as she re-entered the room and looked upon his face.
The phenomenon was beyond her comprehension or understanding. Perhaps it was just one of those short-lived nurse/patient relationships. After he left Naboo, she would get over it. Or at least she hoped so.
The next morning, Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon's body was secured in the ship's hold, encased in a cryofreeze chamber to ensure its preservation for the trip to Coruscant and then made his way to the bridge.
As soon as the ship left the atmosphere of Naboo, an overwhelming apprehension gripped him andleft him gasping for breath. It felt as if someone were sitting on his chest and he was fighting for air. He quickly concentrated on the Force and brought his panic under control.
What was that?
Ob-Wan went to the com center and entered the communication coordinates for the Jedi Temple.
"This is Obi-Wan Kenobi, en route to Coruscant. ETA 1630 hours. I am requesting an appointment with a Healer at the Temple as soon as possible."
"Yes Jedi Kenobi. One has already been prepared."
"Thank you. Kenobi out."
Obi-Wan sat back in his chair, quite dazed. Maybe the loss of Master Qui-Gon was affecting him more than he thought. Or maybe his injuries were more severe than he was led to believe. Whatever the case, he would visit the Jedi Healer this evening and figure out what was going on.