Chapter 2
By obi's girl
Chapter 2, Post 1
Padmé grinned as she hid her face from Mara, and then suddenly appeared again. The baby girl gurgled but wasn't too fascinated with the game of hide-and-seek. She turned and looked at her mother, resting in auntie Padmé's chair and reached her arms to her. Sabé smiled and sighed, "Sorry baby, but mommy is a bit tired."
Mara frowned and looked again at Padmé, who smiled, hiding her face again from her. Once Padmé finally realized she wasn't entertaining Mara, she turned to her friend, "Why are you tired? Mara hasn't been keeping you and Obi-Wan up, has she?"
"No, I'm just tired. I feel like I should do something. I don't miss politics, so you won't see me roaming these halls anytime soon. I feel like there's something I'm supposed to be doing."
Padmé sat in the chair opposite her. "Sounds like you had one those Jedi epiphanies, or a vision."
"Maybe, I don't know. Maybe it's Mara," she mused and smiled at her daughter. "She has a great sense about people. Maybe she's projecting her feelings to me."
"I don't know," Padmé said, "But isn't she a bit young to be projecting? She's only three days old."
Sabé smiled and leaned forward on the table, beckoning Mara to her arms. The girl left Padmé's side and went to her mother. "I had the same feeling too when she was inside me but I never told Obi-Wan."
Padmé frowned and looked at Mara. "You never told him? Sabé, he's your husband and Mara's father. Anything Jedi, he'll be able to explain what's happening with her. You shouldn't try and figure out what it is on your own. You don't know nearly enough about the Jedi."
"I'm married to one," Sabé snickered, "But you're right. I should tell Ben about Mara."
Mara smiled at her mother, frowned momentarily and then squealed as the Chancellor entered the room. Padmé quickly came to her feet, fixing her dress and cleaning away spit, "M'lord, I wasn't expecting you ...I'm sorry, if I got off track.."
Palpatine smiled but Mara only coiled within her mother's arm, and for some reason, Sabé felt the same fear within herself. Sabé felt her throat tighten and the fear paralyzing her body. She tried to calm Mara and when she was finally able to, she glanced at Padmé and then cooly directed her attention to the Chancellor.
"I wanted to say hello to the baby. I love children," he said and stood in front of Mara and Sabé. "Hello, my dear. You have a beautiful baby girl. What's her name?"
Sabé cleared her throat and regained her composure. "Mara," she said, "her name is Mara."
"Mara, what a wonderful name. A strong name for a strong girl...She has been tested?"
She nodded. "No, she hasn't, but Ben and I feel she has great potential."
Palpatine leaned back and smiled, "That is quite understandable. How could you let go of this precious, beautiful girl? She's going to be a princess when she grows up."
"Thank you." Sabé said and looked at Padmé.
"Um, M'lord, Sabé, Mara and I were going to go out to lunch for the afternoon," Padmé said, "Is that all right?"
Palpatine smiled, clasping his fingers under his robes. "That sounds wonderful, have fun. There aren't any pressing matters to attend to today," he said and looked at Mara again. "And it was a pleasure to meet you, Mara."
"..Sabé, are you all right? You look horrific." Padmé said as she led her from the office, Mara clinging to her mother's neck.
"I'm fine, Padmé ...I was shocked to see the Chancellor. I thought he was off world."
Padmé smiled warmly. "C' mon. I think we'll feel a little better after some lunch and then, I'll take you and Mara to the park."
"Um, actually, Padmé," Sabé started, turning to her and smiling, "I'd rather if Mara and I return to the Temple. But we'll go out again some other time, I promise. Take a rain check?"
"I understand."
The minute Sabé returned to the Temple, she took Mara to the crèche Masters, so at least she knew one of the Masters was looking after her while Sabé looked for her husband. Her meeting with the Chancellor, Mara's reaction to her and her own feelings, were very disturbing. It was like this big void of darkness enveloped them both. But that wasn't the thing Sabé was worried about, she needed to talk to Obi-Wan about Mara, too.
She finally found him in deep meditation in the Hall of the Fountains. It was a beautiful place, so full of life and she was sure, very rich in the living Force, too. That's why he chose this place to meditate, Sabé realized. Sabé stood there quietly, admiring her love from afar as he sat there on a blanket on the grass. He looked so at peace with himself and the Force, and so beautiful too.
"Now, I know you didn't come here to basque in my glory, Sabé," he said, interrupting her thoughts. "Come here and tell me how your visit with Padmé went."
Sabé blushed slightly, and quietly walked over to him. Obi-Wan moved onto the grass, allowing her to take the blanket. "Sorry, I was projecting before. I didn't meant to interrupt your meditation but I needed to talk to you."
Obi-Wan kissed her hand, grinning, "My love, I will always have time for you. Now, what happened with Padmé?"
"Everything was okay for awhile. I can't say that Mara enjoyed herself, though," Sabé drifted off. "It was good to see Padmé..."
Ben frowned, sensing her uneasiness, "But something happened?"
"The Chancellor sprung a surprise visit on us. I thought he was on Naboo...I guess Anakin told him Mara and I were in the building and he stopped by Padmé's office to see us," she paused and looked seriously at him. "Normally, I'd be very comfortable around the Chancellor but today with Mara, it felt different. Maybe it was because of Mara, but we both felt it.."
"Felt what, Sabé? What did you feel?"
"Darkness," she whispered. "Obi-Wan, it wasn't like anything I'd ever experienced before. It scared me, Mara started to cry unexpectedly minutes before the Chancellor arrived...Ben, what does it all mean?"
Obi-Wan leaned back, rubbing his chin, "You're saying if Mara wasn't with you, you wouldn't have felt this way about the Chancellor?" Sabé nodded. "Are you going to visit Padmé again tomorrow?"
Sabé shrugged, "I think so. We were all going to have lunch together today and then later, go to the park,"
"Tell Padmé to meet you for lunch. Avoid going to the Senate building; if the Chancellor finds out you're there again, it'd be a very uncomfortable situation for all," Obi-Wan paused, his seriousness lifting, returning to his old jovial self. "As for Mara, I want to see her…Where is Mara?"
"I left her with the crèche Masters, I wanted to talk to you alone," Sabé explained.
Obi-Wan stood up and grabbed his cloak from a nearby well as Sabé stood up, picking up the blanket, folding it and leaving the garden with her husband.
Luminara Unduli smiled, carrying Mara around the crèche. It was no secret that this blue eyed, red-haired girl was the daughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his wife. Many Masters had their own objections against their union but ultimately, it seemed Mara's smile melted many hearts.
"Hello Luminara," Obi-Wan said, interrupting her.
"Obi-Wan, your daughter is so beautiful!" she said and smiled hello to Sabé. "I had some free time on my hands since my Padawan is attending classes now, so I stopped by the crèche. I do so normally during my free hours."
Sabé smiled, taking Mara from her. "Thank you for looking after her for us, Master."
Luminara studied both parents, though focusing more on Sabé. The two women hadn't known each other long, but to Luminara, it seemed as if she was shielding herself from her. The Master recovered and smiled at them both again. "Well, if you ever need a babysitter, I would love to look after Mara for you."
"Thank you." Ben smiled, escorting his wife out of the crèche.
tbc
Chapter 2, Post 2
Once Obi-Wan and Sabé were safely inside their apartment, Sabé set Mara on the floor. She understood why they had to take Mara to their apartment, to draw less attention to themselves. If Master Yoda, Master Windu and everyone else on the Council knew about Mara's powers, they would want to test her themselves and most likely, would not like to wait a year or two for her to be trained.
She was quiet, waiting patiently with Mara as Obi-Wan removed his robe and sat down across from them. She wasn't quite sure what Obi-Wan going to try on Mara, but she knew it would be a Jedi technique of some type. Ben smiled at his daughter, focusing on her blue eyes. Mara blinked a few times before focusing on her father's eyes completely, her body was still too.
Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan and then at Mara, she knew she shouldn't be worried. And then she felt it, her husband's mind touch Mara's. The girl backed up briefly, scared of the new voice in her head and then relaxed once she realized it was only her father. Sabé wished she knew what was going on between them, and then Ben opened up a second channel.
However, subconsciously Sabé distanced herself from her daughter and husband. She didn't want to distract Mara by letting her know she was there too. Mara needed to be focused on Obi-Wan alone. She 'watched' as Obi-Wan sent Mara a series of feelings and emotions; happy thoughts, funny feelings and dark ones.
Mara reacted as Obi-Wan thought she would, smiling at the happy thoughts, giggling at the funny ones and then frowning, crying a little when she felt the dark ones. Knowing the dark feelings were what affected and scared her the most, Obi-Wan pushed some more and then Mara withdrew, passing on the bad feelings to her mother.
She wouldn't have passed the bad feelings to her father, because he was the one to project them onto her. Sabé was the closest conduit, she was sweet, loving and protective. The experiment explained so much and once Obi-Wan realized this, he withdrew from his connection to Mara and glanced at Sabé. Sabé withdrew herself too and looked to her husband.
"She projects her 'bad' feelings to you because of what you represent, love, protection and, I suspect, while she was within you, you two developed a close bond with one another" Ben explained, stood and grabbed a glass of water.
Sabé stood up as well. "But what about you? You're her father, doesn't she have the same bond with you?"
Obi-Wan shrugged, "We do have a bond, but nothing like yours. It's because she's more familiar with your presence, I think…I'm not jealous or anything. I'm glad that Mara has this bond with you."
"Liar," Sabé smiled. "You're jealous."
"Maybe a little," he mused, "but the key thing is not to push her to open up another bond with someone else. When she feels it's the right time to open herself up to me, she will."
Sabé frowned, glanced at Mara and then looked again back at Obi-Wan, "What about the Chancellor? There has to be reason why his presence frightened Mara."
"I could say the same thing about Anakin, too," Ben added. "The Sith have been extinct for a millennia, Sabé, but on Tatoonie, a Sith attacked Qui-Gon in the dessert. We confronted the same Sith together later on Naboo. Until now, the Council weren't sure if the Sith that attacked us was a Master or Apprentice."
"Obviously, he was an Apprentice," Sabé concluded, "which means the Sith Master is still around somewhere..." She looked to Obi-Wan again. He knew what she was thinking but the thought -- he didn't even want to acknowledge it.
"...Hmm, much worry we already have about the Senate, Obi-Wan," Yoda started. "That is why your Padawan is working closely with the Chancellor."
Mace leaned forward in his chair, looking directly at Sabé. "If there is a Sith Master working in the Senate, m' lady, we'll discover him and.."
"But what if it's too late by the time he is discovered?" Sabé pleaded. "Please, Masters, my best friend works there everyday. I fear also for her well-being. It was a Sith that came after her years ago on Naboo." Obi-Wan lightly touched his wife's shoulder, trying to calm her down using the Force.
"We understand your worry, Sabé, but Padmé is very safe," Mace continued. "If there was a danger to her life or other Senators from a Sith Lord, we would have known about it."
Sabé tilted her head. "Maybe the reason they're not speaking up is because they're already under the influence of this Sith Master."
Mace sat back uncomfortably as the Masters whispered to each other. Only Yoda, leaned forward, focusing on Sabé. "Understand we do, that Mara felt this dark presence and passed it onto you, she did."
"I...How, how did you know that? We didn't even say anything about it."
"Hmm, Sabé. Must learn better to hide your feelings, you do. Your emotions are like waves," Yoda explained. "Know, we do, that you do not want Mara to be trained at this stage. Respect your wishes, we will," he paused. "See the child, we must."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "That's not necessary Masters; I took care of it. I saw her already."
Yoda raised an eyebrow, "Ah, know your daughter's potential, you do. Good to know, you are aware of what she is capable of."
"The issue isn't about Mara, Masters," Ben interrupted. "The Senate. If there is a Sith Lord working behind the scenes we need to stop him."
"When your Padawan arrives, tell him we wish to see him at once, report on what he has learned in the Senate," Mace instructed. "You are both dismissed."
Obi-Wan bowed briefly and as he and Sabé turned to leave, the Masters called the former Ambassador back. Sabé smiled at Obi-Wan, nodded he go on outside. He glanced at the Masters before quietly leaving the chamber. "Yes Masters?" she asked.
Mace beckoned her closer, "We really haven't needed to talk to you about Mara. We respect your decision for her to stay with you and Obi-Wan for a year and then pass her onto a Master..."
"Caution, we must, Sabé, not too long, you should wait. Great darkness I feel from this situation, trained your daughter must be." Yoda interrupted.
"I know, Masters. I understand what you're saying. I know she has a lot of potential and I'm not trying to deprive her of her birthright, either," Sabé explained. "I've heard so many stories when I was little girl on Naboo about the Jedi."
Mace smiled, "Horror stories, I take it."
Sabé laughed to herself, "I know you're not like that but I still worry."
"The way a mother would, Sabé," Ki-Adi-Mundi added. "That isn't a bad thing."
"I don't know ...I have this feeling...she'll have the knowledge but.." Sabé stopped herself and looked at the Masters. "What if Obi-Wan and I tried to train her on our own?"
Mace frowned and sat back again, "It's not advisable, m' lady. Yes, Obi-Wan is a skilled and experienced Jedi Master, but he already has a Padawan of his own. Anakin still has much to learn before he can become a Jedi Knight, and you, I'm sorry m'lady, but you don't have the proper knowledge of our ways."
"I understand, Masters." she said, bowing again, "I'll consider your proposal, I promise."
"You want to what?" Obi-Wan asked his wife incredulously as she tried to explain to him over dinner her idea. Mara had taken her dinner early after they arrived at the apartment together. Ben quickly lowered his voice as to not wake his daughter in the next room. "Train Mara? Sabé, you don't have the proper knowledge to train her properly."
Sabé sat down across from him, "I know, that's why I'm going to study in the Jedi Library and hang around Luminara as much as I possibly can." She paused, grasping her husband's hand. "I know it's crazy, and you're right, I don't have the proper knowledge, but Ben, I'm a fast learner."
"No Sabé," he whispered. "I'm sorry but I have to agree with what Master Yoda and Master Windu said to you. You can't do this, we'll find Mara a proper Master. There's no worry about that."
"I don't want to give her to a stranger, Ben," she said. "If Luminara didn't have an Apprentice, I'd want her to teach Mara."
Obi-Wan hmm'd. "You really feel strongly about this?" Sabé nodded as he sat back. "I'll talk to Master Yoda and see who he recommends to train her."
Sabé reluctantly smiled, glancing at the door as Anakin arrived. Mara was still asleep in the next room as the boy sat between his Master and his wife. "I told them what I knew, Master, but the Chancellor doesn't believe that Sith are working in the Senate." he explained.
"If there was a Sith shrine hiding in Palpatine's office, then we'd know for sure what was going on." Sabé added.
"Sabé's right. If there is a Sith hiding somewhere, he's concealed himself very well. The only reason we know he exists is because of Naja."
Obi-Wan sighed. "It's late, Anakin..."
Anakin suddenly cleared his throat. "About the apartment, Master. I was going to wait until you were settled here with Sabé but I need to know now if the living conditions will change. Do you plan to make the apartment your permanent residence?"
"Have you found a Master that'll stay with you?"
He shrugged. "Well, not entirely. I told the Chancellor about the living conditions here and he offered me a room in the Senate building. It's very convenient, Master. I won't have to grab an air taxi every day to go to the Senate building, since I'll only be down the hall from the Senate Chamber."
Sabé laughed and the two Jedi looked at her. "Sorry, no offence, Anakin, but do you really want to live in the Senate building for the remainder of your assignment and deal with those politicians for however long you need to be there? Honestly, I couldn't stand it."
"Can you handle it, Padawan?"
"I think I can," Anakin mused. "The room the Chancellor has offered me is a good space and I can use the gym on the fourth floor for training exercises."
Obi-Wan nodded, "You'll report in to me and the Council?"
Sabé's mouth dropped and she laughed again, "I can't believe your considering this, Ben! No Anakin, you need to stay in the Temple, in the care of a Master."
"I would advise that too, Sabé, but I don't know any Master that would be willing to look after him, much less, handle his frequent temper tantrums."
"That's unfair, Master. I don't whine that much," Anakin cried.
Obi-Wan snorted, "Still, I'd like to keep my options open. Anakin staying in the Senate building might not be a bad idea."
Sabé huffed, stood up abruptly and left the room.
Chapter 2, Post 3
Obi-Wan walked into the bedroom he shared with his wife. He hated it whenever they fought; they'd fought twice while on Alderaan, and although he knew fighting was normal for married couples, it still hurt. Sabé shifted her position on the bed, looking away from him as he sat down beside her. "Sabé, I'm sorry ...I would love it if there was Master that could look after Anakin, but I think his living in the Senate Building is a good idea. He'll be able to keep a close eye on the Chancellor and he will report to us if he suspects there is anything suspicious."
"What about Padmé? The Council doesn't wish for him to be distracted this early in his training. They'll be working in the same building together, don't tell me they won't ever run into each other because I know they will."
"What's really bothering you, Sabé?" Obi-Wan asked.
She turned to him and beckoned he lay down next to her. "I'm not a Jedi, Ben. I'm not Force-sensitive but I do know what Mara and I felt when we met the Chancellor. Do you know what the feeling was? It was a mixture of emotions, really; anger, deceit, fear. We felt all these emotions from the Chancellor. Anakin's working for him and now, he's going to be living and operating in that building all the time, under the watchful eye of a man who might possibly be the most dangerous man in the galaxy."
"Sabé, Palpatine is a politician but he's not a murderer."
Sabé turned away from him again, "I know what I felt; Mara knew it too. You saw how she can deflect feelings onto me. Obi-Wan, she was able to read Palpatine clearly and she isn't even a trained Jedi."
"Do you know what this means if Palpatine is a Sith Lord?"
"It means no matter what happens, we're doomed unless Palpatine is found out before things get out of hand and removed from office," Sabé answered. "He's been Chancellor a long time. Who knows how many supporters he has in the Senate?"
Ben sighed and looked at her. "But you do agree he needs to be watched very closely."
Sabé nodded. "I do, but not by Anakin." Obi-Wan looked away, caught between his wife's feelings and what he should do about Anakin. Sabé rested her chin on his shoulder, flinging her arms around his neck, "Ben, let's not worry about this now, hmm? We haven't had a day alone together where we didn't have to worry about anything since Mara was born. Rest with me, my love."
Obi-Wan smiled and gently laid back on the bed as Sabé leaned against him. Rest was all they needed to forget about their troubles.
"Changed her mind, has she?" Master Yoda questioned Obi-Wan as the little Master hovered beside him in a levitating chair. "How quick she has changed her mind to train Mara."
Obi-Wan shrugged and glanced at Mace. "I think her decision was more for Mara's safety as well as her own," he paused and sighed. "When she took Mara to see Padmé, Sabé said she felt Mara's fear when they confronted Palpatine. I wasn't there with them but clearly, Mara can project certain feelings onto other people. Anger, fear, these are feelings she can't handle on her own."
"You say Mara was scared when she met the Chancellor?" Mace questioned him, "I don't think that means the Chancellor is corrupt. Politicians can be corrupt, menaces sometimes, but that doesn't make him a Sith Lord."
"...I also talked to my Padawan last night. He suggested that maybe it would be better for him if he stayed in the Senate Building, so he won't have to commute every day from the Temple." Obi-Wan paused. "I think it's a good idea because he'll be able to keep a closer eye on the Chancellor, and I know, if Anakin suspects anything at all, he'll report it to the Jedi."
Yoda hmm'd as his hover chair floated around them. "Trust Anakin, we do, Obi-Wan as well as the Senate."
Obi-Wan nodded again. "Master, Sabé is not Force-sensitive, but because of Mara, she was able to feel darkness from the Chancellor. If the Chancellor is a Sith Lord, and knowing how long he's been in power in the Senate, there's no telling how many senators he has already corrupted."
"If Palpatine is a Sith, we would have sensed there was something aloof in the Senate," Mace added. "On the other hand, he also would have been able to hide himself from us for a long time."
"Dangerous and disturbing this is, Obi-Wan," Yoda said, "Talk with your apprentice we will and hear what he says about this matter, we will."
Obi-Wan bowed, leaving the two of them alone.
"Thank you for the work-out, Luminara," Sabé thanked the older Master. "I really needed it. I've had a lot on my mind lately."
Luminara smiled at the younger woman. "I'm glad I was of help, Sabé...What is it that has been bothering you lately?"
"Politics," she mumbled. "I know, I left that world behind me a long time ago but, the past always seems to catch up with the present. I worry about matters in the Senate and as well as the safety of a friend of mine."
"You need not worry about the Senate, m' lady," she said. "You have a beautiful baby girl to worry about."
Sabé smiled wishfully at Luminara. "About Mara, do you have any recommendations about who should train her?"
Luminara smiled. "You've changed your mind, then?"
"I believe that I should look at potential Masters for her now, so Ben and I won't worry about it too much later, yes," Sabé explained. "We want Mara to have the best education possible."
"As do all parents, m' lady," she agreed. "Before she would be given a Master, she would be enrolled in Master Yoda's afternoon training classes. He would teach her until she would be old enough to be taught by another Master. Not her permanent Master, though, she'd have to train maybe two or three more years and then she would be chosen by one of the Masters here at the Temple on her thirteenth birthday."
Sabé's mouth dropped as this new information was absorbed into her mind. She had no idea things would be this complicated. "I thought she would be given a Master the minute Ben and I decided she needed to be trained."
Luminara smiled. "Infants rarely understand directions or commands at this age. Trust me, it's better if she were under Master Yoda's care." She paused as Sabé stood up, grabbing her workout bag. "As the years roll by and you get used to the way things are done here, you'll understand."
"I never thought it would be this complicated to train her," Sabé whispered, "but I know, I'll get used to how things are done in time and adapt."
"Masters," Anakin said, bowing to Master Windu and Master Yoda, and greeted his own Master.
Obi-Wan stepped forward first. "Anakin, I have talked to Master Windu and Master Yoda about your staying in the Senate building." He paused, unsure how to phrase his next words until Yoda spoke.
"Great faith we have in the Senate, young Skywalker, but dark times are these and trust is waning. Need you, we do, to keep an eye on the Chancellor's business and influence in the Senate."
"It has been brought to our attention perhaps there is something the Chancellor is hiding from us about the reemergence of the Sith," Mace finished. "We need you to keep a close eye on the Chancellor, and report to us if there is anything amiss in the Senate or if.."
Anakin shook his head. "If the Chancellor himself has connections to the Sith?" he asked. "I understand your concern and why you would suspect the Chancellor since he has the most power in the Senate, but I doubt he's a Sith Lord."
"Doubt, you must not, Anakin!" Yoda said. "Until know we do the truth, there can be no doubt."
"Anakin, you must understand, Naja's connection to a Sith Lord, Mara's sudden fear of the Chancellor.."
"Mara's afraid of the Chancellor?" Anakin questioned his Master. "She's only an infant, she's too young to understand fear, much less aware of evil around her."
Obi-Wan's eyebrows' furrowed. "I wasn't there with Sabé when she took Mara to see Senator Naberrie but I do know what my daughter is capable of. And I do believe Mara sensed something dark about the Chancellor. Sabé felt it too." He paused. "Please, Anakin, don't underestimate the Chancellor or turn your eye away from him. If he has connections to the Sith, we must know about it."
Anakin bowed to the Masters, "Yes, Masters."
"Settled, this matter is. Stay, you will in the Senate building. Talk we will with the Chancellor's secretary to provide you quarters."
Chapter 2, Post 4
5 Months Later, 3 Weeks before Mara's 1st birthday
"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Obi-Wan asked his wife one more time as he, Sabé, and Mara neared Master Yoda's classroom. He knew eventually Mara would have to be trained in the ways of the Jedi, but he thought she would start later.
Sabé smiled at him, shifting her weight as she held Mara in her arms. "Yes, my love. I'm sure. We owe it to Mara to give her the advantage. Besides, I know you wanted to train her earlier but I wouldn't allow you to because I was scared."
Obi-Wan shrugged. "I did want to train her earlier. I won't lie about that but what about..?"
"What about what, Ben? We can't deny Mara her heritage. She deserves this. Don't even try to work one of those Jedi mind tricks on me to change my mind. I know you want this too." Sabé concluded as they turned a corner, entering the small classroom.
Master Yoda's ears perked up once he saw Obi-Wan and Sabé at the door and tapped his gimmer stick on the floor. "Younglings, younglings, we have visitors." Many of the children stopped practicing and paid attention to their three visitors. "Good to see you, Obi-Wan and Sabé...Hmm, little visitor you have brought with you, I see."
Sabé smiled and knelt down, letting Mara out of her arms, but the girl only hid behind her father's big cloak. Ben smiled and nudged Mara slightly with the Force, forcing the girl to leave his side. "It's all right, Mara. Mara Kenobi, this is Master Yoda. He's one of the greatest Jedi in the universe."
"Small," she said. "Small Master."
Sabé laughed quietly but didn't comment on her daughter's words. "You're going to be training in one of his classes." Obi-Wan continued. Master Yoda smiled, looking at the child. Mara moved back, scared of the short green alien.
"Bite, I do not, Mara," he said. "No reason, have you, to be afraid."
Mara glanced at her father and mother and then slowly, moved away from his cloak and stepped closer to Master Yoda. "Mara Maberrie-Kenobi, Master Yoda." she said, pronouncing her full name.
Yoda nodded and turned to the other students. "Younglings, younglings, welcome Mara Maberrie, Bear Clan's newest member."
"Welcome Mara!" they all said in unison. Mara smiled and waved back, though she was still a little shy.
Sabé found herself fidgeting as she left the room with Obi-Wan. Did she do the right thing? Mara was barely old enough to understand her powers, or learn the ways of the Force, but then she had to remind herself, her husband had been training half his life to become a Jedi.
Obi-Wan squeezed her shoulder as they passed a pillar and smiled. "There's no need to worry. We did the right thing. Master Yoda is an excellent teacher, and before her second birthday, she'll have a better understanding of her powers as well as the Force."
"I know it was right decision," she whispered, "but I still have this lingering fear we may have made a mistake."
Ben kissed her cheek. "We didn't make a mistake. Mara deserves the best education we can give her, and Master Yoda will take care of her."
Sabé shrugged. "I still don't understand why you can't train her? She's your daughter. You know her best and she's familiar with you because you're her father."
"I would love to train Mara if it was possible, but I can't. Master Yoda's a wise and experienced teacher," he paused. "However, I think it's a rule that fathers can't train their offspring because they would overlook flaws in them."
"That makes sense," she murmured. "I trust you, Ben, and I trust Master Yoda, and I know our daughter will become a great Jedi with his and our support."
Ben smiled. "She's a Kenobi, of course she'll be legendary."
2 1/2 Years Before Attack of the Clones
"Hello, little one," the voice said as a 2 1/2 year old Mara stared up at the lady's face, and the younger woman standing behind her. "Is your mother home?"
Mara shrugged and called to her mother through the Force. iMommy, there are two women at the door looking for you.i
Are they Jedi, darling?
The red-headed girl looked at the two women before her again. No mommy. They wear clothes like you.
Sabé laughed through their bond. Let them come in, darling. I'll be there in a minute.
Mara led the two women inside the apartment. As they looked around the apartment, Sabé appeared. "Sisters!" she cried, dropped what she was carrying and hugged them. "I wasn't expecting you this week. Mom told me you were coming but I thought you would arrive next week."
"Mara, sweetie, these are your aunts, my sisters, Devin and Mia," Sabé said, introducing the two woman beside her. Mara saw the resemblance between her mother and Mia, and the slight resemblance to Devin and smiled. "Oh, it's so good to see you both. This is your first time here since the wedding."
"That means this adorable girl with your eyes and Ben's red-hair, is little Mara, our niece?" Mia said, smiling at Mara. "Oh, come here, darling." Mara looked at her mother and then inched closer to Mia, and then yelped as Mia scooped her up in her arms. "Goodness, you're so big and so beautiful."
Devin smiled, admiring her niece and then directed her attention to her little sister. "When's Ben coming home? We should all go out and have dinner or something."
Sabé shrugged. "Actually, Ben and I talked about it and we thought it would be more fun if we stayed in and had dinner here."
"Here's fine," Devin said. "I'd never been inside the Jedi Temple before. This place is so huge, I don't know how you managed, little sister."
Suddenly, Mara tugged her mom's arm. "Mommy, you're not little."
Sabé laughed. "No darling, I'm not little but I was the last child to be married. I was the youngest sister."
"And the most stubborn sister," Mia added, "but I won't get into that...How are you and Ben enjoying parenthood?"
"It isn't too bad," Sabé mused. "Actually, we're not alone. Mara has a Master to teach her, Master Yoda."
Mara smiled, "I'm in his 'Bear Clan,' and I'm his favorite student."
"And she's a very good student," Sabé added. "When she's not in class, the Masters take turns teaching her. Ben and I thought it would be confusing to her why she has so many Masters and not one single Master, but she's handled it well. She's very gifted."
Devin cleared her throat as Mia suddenly fell silent. "You want to give her the best education possible...What exactly can she do, Sabé? What are her talents?"
Sabé shrugged. "The only power we know of is that she can project feelings onto other people. Mara doesn't like anger because it's a powerful emotion and overwhelming for a 2 1/2 year old to bear alone."
Before Mia could add anything, Mara had a smile on her face as she felt her father near the apartment and squirmed. "Daddy's home! Daddy's here!" Sabé went to the door, as she motioned to Devin to keep Mara calmed down.
Obi-Wan and Anakin arrived, talking quietly to each other. They barely even noticed Devin and Mia were there until Mara left Devin's arms and ran to her father, grabbing hold of his leg. "Umph, um, hello Mara," he said, and then raised his gaze to the two women sitting on the couch and smiled. "Mia? Devin?" Obi-Wan turned to his apprentice. "Anakin, these two lovely ladies are Sabé's sisters, Mara's aunts, Devin and Mia."
Anakin bowed, smiling, "Hello, Anakin Skywalker."
Devin suddenly smiled, looking over the young Padawan, "Not the same boy that saved Naboo from the Trade Federation?" He shrugged helplessly. "My goodness Sabé, you didn't tell us your husband trains a legend?"
"Don't indulge him, Devin," Ben added, "Come on, let's eat."
"Don't you mean talk until midnight, Ben?" Mia joked as they sat down. "We wanted to visit early because we couldn't wait to meet our niece." Mara was silent as she coddled up in her father's arms, sitting in his lap. "Mom almost named me Mara after I was born."
Sabé snickered, "How is Mom doing? Daddy?"
"They'd love it if you could visit them sometime. They've only seen holos of Mara." Devin said.
"I'd love to go home too and visit with them but I have a job here."
"Wait a minute," Mia interrupted her, "You have a job? You're not back in politics are you?"
Sabé shook her head no. "Of course not. I'm a teacher here in the Temple. I teach the younglings in the afternoon classes, Basic and Language Arts and in morning, I teach an older crowd."
Devin smiled, settling down at the table. "That's wonderful, Sabé. I always knew if politics became too bothersome for you teaching would be a good secondary career choice," she paused and turned to Obi-Wan. "Did you know, Ben, I used to teach at the university in Theed? I taught Basic too, and our father taught psychology. He was a science major."
"That's very impressive," Ben added, noticing his apprentice retreat into his room, carrying a small plate and drink. "Anakin, why don't you come and join us?"
The boy turned and smiled politely, "Thank you, Master, but I'm afraid I'll won't be much of a conversationalist with these two beautiful women around." Mia giggled and Devin stood up, grabbing an extra seat for Anakin.
"Sit down, Ani," Sabé said, carrying a tray to the table and setting it down, "You're a part of this family, too." Anakin smiled and sat down beside Devin.
"Are you happy, Sabé?" Devin later asked her little sister as they stood alone on the balcony. Mia was inside the kitchen, helping Obi-Wan clean the dishes while Anakin was inside his room, meditating. Mara was in her room in bed, but Sabé knew she was probably still wide awake.
Sabé shrugged and smiled. "Of course, I'm happy, Devin. Why wouldn't I be?"
Devin stepped forward, holding her drink. "I was only curious. I know the first couple months have been stressful for you.."
"Devin, I have a beautiful baby girl and a wonderful husband. I'm not in politics anymore, nor do I intend to return to it, and I'm perfectly fine with that." Sabé paused and looked at her sister curiously. "Why did you ask?"
"To be honest, we've been hearing some news about the Senate. Daddy has someone in the Senate that feeds us information about what's going on in there." Devin paused and took her sister aside. "We're all worried. Rumors are only rumors, but Padmé told us about the little incident that happened when you and Mara visited her and met the Chancellor..Sabé, is he a Sith Lord?"
Sabé shrugged, "There's no proof thus far that Palpatine is a Sith Lord, and Mara was only a baby then when she met the Chancellor. The Jedi assigned Anakin to stay in the Senate building; he's been reporting back to the Council at the end of each session and he hasn't found anything to suspect the Chancellor is a Sith."
"What about the Trade Federation? The Viceroy has been through many trials, but he still hasn't been convicted. Nute Gunray should have been locked up years ago but he isn't. Don't tell me that has nothing to do with the Chancellor..."
"This is ridiculous, Devin! Why are you even talking to me about this? I have no power in the political arena anymore. I'm only an Basic teacher!" Sabé cried.
Devin shrugged. "Maybe you should keep a closer eye on the Senate and your husband's Padawan."
Sabé was silent, distant as Obi-Wan came onto the balcony and wrapped his arms around her. "What are you two doing out here?"
"Nothing. I was telling Devin about Mara's special classes with Master Yoda and the rest of the Council."
tbc