Disclaimer: I don't own anything (except a few original characters) and I'm not making any money off of this.

Ch. 11: Unrest

The next morning Airiana was sitting with Obi-wan in the healer's wing as they waited for Anakin to come out with his new hand. It had been a long 36 hours since they arrived back at the Temple from Genosis; the healers had been swamped with the injured and those like Anakin who weren't in that great of danger had had to wait until the more seriously injured knights were taken care of. Airiana had volunteered to help where ever she could and had spent most of her time changing bandages and making sure everyone was as comfortable as they could be.

Now she finally had a chance to sit down and relax a bit and was glad Obi-wan had been there when she came out for her break. She hadn't spoken to him for a long time and after her unsettling nightmare the night before she was anxious to see him; just to be sure everything was alright.

After their greetings, Obi-wan began to tell her how he and Anakin had been assigned to protect Senator Amidala and how it had become much more complicated than it was supposed to be. They then began talking about the battle on Genosis and the resulting war; the clones, who the Sith master could be, if what Dooku had said was true, and what would happen if it was. Airiana mostly just listened, already having a good idea about what was to come. When they had finished discussing the new Army of the Republic, Obi-wan announced that he had been made a General and Airiana informed him, likewise, that she had been made a Captain. Then, having not much else to say about the subject, they fell into a comfortable silence.

After a few minutes Obi-wan looked over at Airiana, "You look tired."

"Yeah, I am."

"You should be trying to get some sleep instead of waiting around down here. I'm sure Anakin would understand."

"Yeah, he would. But I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway."

"Why not?"

Airiana sighed heavily before continuing, "I've been having nightmares…about the battle."

"Oh, I see. Have you spoken with a healer about it? They may be able to help."

"No, they're busy enough. I'll be alright."

"For now you will be, but what about when you get out in the field? You'll need all the sleep you can get, and having nightmares certainly won't help. Promise me you'll talk to someone about it. Master Yoda, even; he could help you just as much as any healer could."

Airiana knew he was right; she would need all the sleep she could get, but she was tired and grouchy and didn't feel like taking any advice at the moment.

"Obi-wan, I'll be fine."

"Promise me."

"Alright. I'll talk to Master Yoda."

"Thank-you," and they lapsed back into silence for a few moments.

"So, how are you doing? How's your leg comin' along?" Airiana asked.

"It's fine – just about healed, actually."

"That's good."

At that moment Anakin walked through the doors and out into the waiting area. Airiana and Obi-wan stood to meet him.

"How is it?" Obi-wan asked.

"I'll have to wait a few days to get the covering put on it; they want to make sure it's working properly."

"Well, that should give you enough time to escort Senator Amidala back to Naboo." Airiana saw Anakin's eyes light up for a split second before he regained control over his excitement.

"She's specifically requested you – any reason why?"

"Not at all, Master."

"Anakin, do you remember what I told you when we started this mission?"

"Yes, Master," Anakin answered obediently as he tried not to roll his eyes.

"I hope so," Obi-wan sighed wearily before continuing, "Now go get your things; I'm sure the Senator will want to leave as soon as possible."

"Yes, Master," Anakin said as he bowed and walked away.

Obi-wan sighed once again and turned around to where Airiana had been standing quietly, "I certainly hope he doesn't let his feelings for her distract him."

"I think it's cute," Airiana said with a smile as they started walking up the hall.

"Cute? You sound as if you approve of his infatuation with her."

"What if it's more than an infatuation? What if he actually does have real feelings for her?"

"Attachments are forbidden," Obi-wan answered stoically.

"Yeah? Well, maybe they shouldn't be," Airiana said getting a little defensive

"You disagree with the code?" asked Obi-wan sounding half amused and half horrified at once.

"Yeah, I do," she spat back.

"You do realize that the code is in place for a purpose? It's there to guide us and keep us on the right path."

Airiana stopped abruptly and looked icily into Obi-wan's eyes, "There's more than one right path and more than one way to walk it." She then turned and stormed off, leaving Obi-wan gaping after her.

A few minutes later Airiana was safe inside her apartment wondering what had just happened. Why had she blown up like that? Of course she was tired and stressed out, but she's been like that before and never exploded on someone – well, at least not like that. Would he tell the council how she felt? No, of course not. Or at least he had better not. But why had she gotten so pissed off at him? It just happened so fast…

Here she was interrupted by her doorbell going off. Sighing out of exasperation, Airiana pulled herself off the couch to see who it was.

"Speak of the devil," she said under her breath when the door had opened.

"Airiana…"

"What?" she said cutting Obi-wan off.

"May I come in?"

"Sure," she said unenthusiastically, stepping aside.

"Airiana," Obi-wan started again, "Are you alright?"

"I told you, I'm fine."

Obi-wan crossed his arms and gave her a look that clearly showed he disbelieved her. Oh, how she hated that smug look. Who did he think he was coming up here and trying to make her talk? Airiana spun around and headed to the tiny kitchen looking for something to do. Hopefully, he would take the hint and leave her alone, but alas, he wasn't that perceptive and followed after her.

"I don't think you are and I'm concerned about you. Since when did you disagree with the code? And why? I don't understand."

Airiana stood there at the table with her back to him for few a minute or two trying to hold back the tears that had sprung to her eyes. When she had regained control she finally spoke, head down to the floor and in a raspy whisper, but with complete calmness, "You'll never understand; not in this time."