Chapter Four

Obi-Wan entered the coordinates for the trip to Naboo and then rotated his chair in order to face his passenger.

He could not help but smile when he looked at Padmé Amidala. The last time he had seen her, her face had been contorted in pain – both from childbirth and heartbreak. Now that he looked back, he was amazed he had never realized what had been occurring right under his nose. Her strength and vivacity had dwindled over the years he had known her, but her beauty had remained.

His eyes took in her form, noting all of her sensuous curves and lovely face.

There was something else he had never noticed before. She really was a beautiful woman. No wonder his apprentice had feelings for her.

"What are you smiling at?"

The semi-harsh tone of her words caught Obi-Wan off guard.

Was she upset at him? Irritated perhaps? Just because he had taken Anakin's place on this trip?

Obi-Wan hid his surprise with a swipe of his hand across his beard and mouth. Indeed, as he did so, he could sense her disappointment. Perhaps there was more to Anakin and Padmé's relationship at this point than he had figured.

"Just happy to be in the presence of such a beautiful lady." He stated suddenly without much thought, before turning quickly in his chair to look at the viewscreen and hide the horror written across his face. What had possessed him to say such a thing!

He missed the equally shocked look of the young Senator.

Padmé stood, gawking at the older Jedi and stepped away a few steps, only to turn around toward Obi-Wan once more.

"Why did you insist on taking me to Naboo?"

Obi-Wan looked down at his hands, gripping them into tight fists.

No time to mince words or play games. He had to be blunt. He had to make a difference while he could.

"You are endangering Anakin's future." He stated solemnly and seriously.

Her silence following his accusation spoke louder than any words she could have uttered.

In his peripheral sight, Obi-Wan saw Padmé slowly reclaim her seat, her voice now much less demanding, and much more quieter.

"How….how did you know?"

Turning to face her, Obi-Wan met her gaze steadily. "He's my padawan."

Padmé took a moment to think over his reply and then shook her head in acknowledgement.

"How far has your relationship gotten?" The Jedi Master leaned forward in order to watch her response and hear her voice, which had softened dramatically.

"We were going to be married on Naboo."

Eyebrows arched, Obi-Wan threw an uncharacteristic punch into his open hand, which drew a startled look from the young woman. He congratulated himself silently. Thank the Force! He had taken the right path! He had stopped the wedding! Now all he had to do was to convince them that their relationship was not possible.

"Padmé," He began. "The Jedi Code forbids attachments."

"I know that." She interrupted bluntly, staring at the ship's floor.

"Then how can you risk your future?"

"Because we love each other!"

Ah, young love. He had read about it, never understood it. It excused all manners of self-indulgence and bad decisions, oftentimes leading to tragic ends. But not this time. This time was going to be different.

Although not that experienced with the workings of the heart, Obi-Wan knew that he was dealing with a delicate situation. He must proceed with caution.

"Are you insane? He blurted out loudly, while throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Nothing good can come of this! Think it through! He's the Chosen One for Force sake! He has dedicated his life to the Jedi. He has a destiny to fulfill! He must destroy the Sith! Do you honestly think he can do that with a wife tying him down?"

Okay. That was much more stern than he had intended, but he needed his message to be clear. He wanted to shame them both – bring Padmé to her senses. She seemed to be such a responsible and sensible young woman.

"He is not a child any more Master Kenobi!" Her voice matched his in intensity and volume. "Even though you treat him as one! He is strong, sensitive, funny, and kind. And at least he's human, which is more than I can say for you!"

Hands on her hips, Padmé had taken a stand, stretching up to her full height.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Obi-Wan asked, somewhat affronted by her accusation.

"It means, that no matter how you and your precious Order have tried to turn him into this unemotional, unfeeling, stoic Jedi like yourself, he has somehow managed to remain the lovable and caring person he was meant to be – and I love him for it."

Obi-Wan stared at the young woman in silence, his mouth slightly agape. He knew he had to come up with a sensible and sufficient comeback, but his mind was drawing a blank. Padmé spoke again before he had chance to say a word.

"Anakin is a grown man and is capable of making his own decisions, as am I. When we reach Naboo, Captain Typho will escort me. I no longer need your assistance, Master Kenobi."

"But I…" Obi-Wan argued, but his words went unheard as Padmé had turned and stormed from the bridge.

She fired me?

That didn't go as well as he had planned. Maybe Anakin would be more receptive, Obi-Wan thought. After all, he was his Master. The boy had no choice but to take his advice….didn't he?