I apologize for keeping you waiting! I just moved and life is rather chaotic right now! Thank you ever so much for your wonderful reviews! Your comments are so thoughtful and encouraging:)
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Obi-Wan told Padme many stories of his childhood in the Temple and some of the adventures with Qui-Gon. He focused on the happiest and funniest events of his childhood. He had Padme in stitches more than once.
Padme shifted her position on the sofa. "I know you and Qui-Gon were close. But Anakin mentioned some tension created because of the different ways you accessed the Force. I tried to ask him what he meant, but he didn't seem interested in talking about it. I didn't think there were different ways to access the Force."
"There really isn't varying ways to access the Force, but there are two different aspects to the Force – the Living Force and the Unifying Force. Qui-Gon was strongest in the Living, I'm strongest in the Unifying."
"I didn't realize that! What's the difference?"
Obi-Wan couldn't believe that Anakin hadn't explained this to Padme. Why didn't he want to talk about it? "The Living Force is more focused in the here and now. It keeps us in tune with all life surrounding us. The Unifying Force gives us more of a focus on the big picture and how events fit together. Sometimes that means being given a glimpse into the future." Obi-Wan smiled as he thought back on the disagreements with his master. "Qui-Gon often told me that I should focus more on the here and now. I always thought that he should have tried to look more at the bigger picture. But our different perspectives on the Force actually made us a strong team."
"I could see that even in the short time I spent with the two of you." Padme smiled as her own thoughts turned back. "I remember the first time you literally dropped into my life – off a balcony as I recall."
Obi-Wan chuckled. "I remember that quite well. Of course, I didn't know who YOU were at the time."
"You displayed some fancy footwork and some showy lightsaber twirling, as I recall."
Obi-Wan coughed slightly. "Yes, well, my twirling days are over. I leave that to the younger generation."
Padme rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Obi-Wan! You make it sound like your ancient! I'm sorry, but 37 is not old!"
Obi-Wan smiled sheepishly. "No, I'm not old yet. But I'm also not 25 anymore."
It then dawned on Padme that Obi-Wan was four years older when she first met him than Anakin was now. That seemed strange. She remembered Obi-Wan being so young. Well, he had been young, but it just made Anakin seem to her now like a child! He IS five years younger than you, Dummy! "No, you're better."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at that. "Frankly, I'm tired of talking about me. I'd like to hear about your childhood."
Padme was flattered that Obi-Wan wanted to know more about her past. She told him about growing up on Naboo, about being groomed from a very young age to be a part of political life, but most especially about her pride and joy – her family.
Obi-Wan enjoyed hearing about Padme's childhood and her close-knit family. "Your parents sound like wonderful people."
"They are. I'd love for you to meet them! Actually, they're on vacation right now. They'll probably be stopping by Coruscant to see me on their way back to Naboo. You may get to meet them in a couple of weeks!"
"I'd like that."
Padme was excited at the prospect. She knew that her parents would really like Obi-Wan. Padme glanced at the chrono and gasped. "Oh my goodness! It's almost 5:00! I shouldn't have kept you awake this long!"
Obi-Wan smiled up at her. "It was time well spent."
"Yes, it was." Padme happily snuggled herself under her blanket as Obi-Wan turned off the light. "At least you can get a couple of hours of sleep."
"And not much more than that. I have a Council meeting at 8:00." Obi-Wan didn't really mind the lack of sleep. He had really enjoyed the conversation with Padme. "Goodnight, Padme. Or should I say good morning?"
Padme chuckled. "Either will do. Goodnight, Obi-Wan." She almost wished they could just go on talking. The more she found out about Obi-Wan, the more she wanted to know.
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As Anakin walked towards his transport, he considered waking Padme up to say goodbye. He quickly dismissed the idea, however. He had already sent a message to her holocom apologizing. It was definitely easier to apologize that way. Besides that, he was running late. Anakin didn't want to have to try to explain to the Council why he missed his transport.
Guilt assailed Anakin for the way he left Padme the night before. Guilt was becoming a very common feeling for him lately. Why am I always lashing out at the people I love? As he exited the Temple, he saw Masters Yoda and Windu waiting to see him off. Oh, great. He bowed to them. "Masters."
"Wanted to see you off, we did." Yoda moved his hoverpad so he was eye to eye with Anakin. "Important this mission is."
"Fembrak is a strategic planet. The outcome there could determine how things go throughout the rest of the Outer Rim." Mace was very careful not to let any of his distrust for Anakin come through in his tone of voice.
"I understand, Masters. I will be cautious and let the Force guide me."
Yoda pointed his stick at Anakin. "One thing clear must be. No major operational moves may you make without consulting Master Kenobi."
Anger flared in Anakin. No matter what, it was always the same! He always had to consult Obi-Wan before he could make a move! It was like he had never taken the Trials!
Mace could sense Anakin's anger. The last thing he wanted was for Anakin's resentment of Obi-Wan to grow. "We have made this request of ALL field commanders. Obi-Wan is our main strategist. We want all operations to be coordinated through him. He's the one who would know best where supplies and reinforcements are needed and to what degree they are needed."
Anakin simmered down. "I understand, Masters."
Yoda nodded solemnly. "May the Force be with you."
"And with you." Anakin took his leave of the two Council members and headed into his transport. He couldn't shake the feeling that his life from this moment on would never be the same.
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Obi-Wan slowly came awake. The sun was peeking through the curtains. He did not feel very rested, but his mind seemed to think there was a reason to wake up. He groggily gazed up at the chrono…and shot upright, instantly alert. "Blast!"
Padme came awake quickly. "Hmm? What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan grabbed his clean clothes. "I have to be up in the Council chamber in fifteen minutes!" He ran into the fresher.
Padme ran into the kitchen and threw a couple of slices of bread into the toaster. She quickly poured a glass of juice. When the toast was ready, she put the slices on a plate and slapped on some butter. She grabbed the glass of juice and the plate and went over to the fresher. She softly knocked on the door. "I have something for you to eat."
Obi-Wan had opted for the much faster sonic shower rather than his favored water shower. He had yet to put on his tunics and his pants weren't even completely fastened, but he was in too much of a hurry to care about etiquette. Obi-Wan opened the door for Padme. "You're a lifesaver!" He finished fastening his pants and grabbed a piece of toast. He crammed the toast into his mouth before grabbing his brown tunic.
Padme knew that Obi-Wan under normal circumstances would be embarrassed to have her standing there watching him get dressed. She couldn't help but be very glad he was too hurried to care. She was rather enjoying the show. She had only been there one day, but she'd already seen a lot more of Obi-Wan than she ever thought she would. A part of her felt guilty. She really shouldn't be enjoying this so much, but after all, she was only human!
Padme grinned as he pulled the brown tunic over his head. She got a nice view of his chest and his flat stomach. It was all she could do not to sigh with contentment. She quickly covered her grin as his head became visible again. She felt disappointed that he was all covered up again. Goodness, Padme! You've become a voyeur!
Obi-Wan took a large swig of the juice before shoving the other piece of toast into his mouth. He quickly donned his beige outer tunic and went out into the living area to get his utility belt. He swiftly gulped the last of the juice. "I better say goodbye to the children." He went quickly to his room and said his goodbyes. Obi-Wan came back out and gave Padme a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks again for breakfast."
"You're welcome. You better get going. You only have five minutes!"
Obi-Wan grinned as he grabbed his cloak. "I have to hurry without looking like I'm in a hurry. It's an important skill for every Jedi to learn."
Padme laughed. "Well, I certainly hope you're good at it, because you now have four minutes!" She went to the door and watched as he took off down the hall. He gave her a wave before rounding the corner. If the rest of her time here with Obi-Wan was anything like the last twenty-four hours, things could get rather interesting indeed!