Chapter 10

Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to George Lucas & Lucasfilm. I own nothing.

Authors note: Sorry I haven't updated for a while, my old computer crashed and died so I had to wait for my new one. I apologise if this and subsequent chapters aren't quite up to scratch, I'm still a bit out of the loop. Thanks to all who have reviewed since the last chapter.


"Tira, I need you to get along with Anakin during this mission. You will need to work together on this. Qui-Gon and I will not be much more than observers, the both of you will be making the decisions once we get there."

"Can I make the decision to leave once we touch down?"

"No. The decision on when to leave will not be in your hands. Tira you must promise me that you will do your best to try and get along with Anakin."

"I will try, but he is so difficult and self-righteous."

"Perhaps, but you must be patient with him."

"Is he going to be told this also?"

"His Master will inform him."

Tira nodded and sat down.

"What does the mission entail Master?"

"It is a tracking mission; we are to find a group of rebels hiding in the country, possible in the mountains."

"Swell."

"Tira."

"Sorry Master. The mission sounds interesting, with lots of outdoors and it's nearly the rain season, that should liven it up a bit. When will the mission begin?"

"It has already started. Reign in your emotions Tira, we should be there soon."

"Yes Master."

"Bring the ship down over in that clearing Anakin, I need to see Obi-Wan."

"Yes Master."

Qui-Gon stood up and entered the lounge.

"We've arrived Obi-Wan."

"Good. Shall we set off immediately?"

"No, I think we'd better wait until morning. It will give us more time to prepare ourselves."

"We have landed Master," Anakin said as he appeared in the room.

"We will be staying aboard tonight Obi-Wan and start at dawn."

"I have Tira packing the equipment we will need for the mission."

"I will help her," Anakin said stepping forwards.

"Thank you Anakin, it's nice to see you both starting to get along," Qui-Gon said, "And that you are starting to trust her a little more."

"I don't trust her Master, that's why I'm helping her. I don't want to get stuck halfway up a mountain and find she's forgotten something important."

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stared as he left the room and joined Tira in the cargo bay.

"I do believe he's been around your padawan a little too long Obi-Wan."

"I see no change in him, perhaps he's tired?"


"Anakin, what are you doing in here?" Tira asked as he entered.

"Helping you pack our supplies."

"Thank you, but I don't need your help," Tira said as she picked up one of the crates and began to unpack it.

"Tough, and you do need my help. I know how to pack these properly."

"So do I. This isn't my first off world mission you know."

"Yeah, you did so well on your last one didn't you?"

Tira looked at Anakin as if he'd slapped her. Taking a deep breath she pushed down her anger.

"The only reason I'm not going to hit you is because I promised Obi-Wan that I would try my best to get along with you. That comment was not appreciated and it was not kind. If you can't say anything decent to me while we pack these supplies then don't say anything at all. Next time I may not be able to restrain myself."

Tira turned her back on Anakin and began shoving things in the bag.

"I'm sorry."

Tira stopped and stood up slowly.

"What did you say?" she asked turning back to face him.

"I said I'm sorry. You're right I shouldn't have said that. It was not your fault; Qui-Gon told me what happened."

"He did, did he?"

"Yes he did."

"Well, good. Now leave me alone," Tira said turning away from him.

"No, I'm helping."

Anakin grabbed one of the bags and began to pack it. Tira sighed and looked at him.

"You really are a stubborn…"

"What?" Anakin asked cutting across her and standing up, "Come on Tira, what am I?" he asked walking over to her, "Tell me, lets get it over with now!"

Tira began to back up as Anakin, who was several inches taller than her and also much broader advanced on her, Tira stopped as her back hit the wall of the ship.

"Alright, you are a stubborn, self-righteous, arrogant little…"

Anakin interrupted her as he pressed his lips to hers; he kissed her for several seconds before pulling back.

"There's nothing little about me, you can trust in that," Anakin whispered before standing straight and striding out of the room, leaving a stunned Tira in his wake.