Getting into the senate building was easy enough. He was a furniture salesman and senators were always refurnishing their offices. Making his way to lower levels would be something of a challenge. He wasn't sure what kind of security he had to look forward to.
He approached the trooper guarding the entrance to the detention area, "Good day to you! I am Benjamin Bant of Bant Office Solutions. I've come to take measurements of the detention control center." The trooper drew his weapon and said, "You are not authorized access." He feigned surprise, "There must be a mistake. I was told to get these measurements and begin the furniture fabrication as soon as possible."
The trooper was not budging. Obi-Wan tried a little Force suggestion, "It will be ok as long as you come with me." The guard spoke up, "It will be ok as long as I come with you." Obi-Wan smiled, "Fantastic, much appreciated." The guard opened the door and followed him through.
He looked around the inside the detention control center. He wished he had R2 with him so that the little droid could plug into the main computer and locate the Princess. The guard snapped, "Make your measurements, but do it quickly."
Obi-Wan smiled and gave a mock salute, "Will do." He made his way around the control center pointing his laser ruler and jotting notes in his hand held. He stopped in front of the main computer and sent another Force suggestion to the trooper that something was happening on one level up that required his attention. It was worth a shot. The trooper turned and said, "You will remain here I will return shortly."
Once the trooper left Obi-Wan stood looking after him in astonishment, "One guard for the whole detention area and an incredibly weak minded one at that. It can't really be this easy." That's when he noticed the patrol droid moving up and down the hall in the distance. "Of course", He thought, "An automated detention center. This would be more difficult, droids don't respond to Force suggestions."
He brought up the computer only to find he needed a password to access the information. Realizing he was going to have to locate her with out the help of the computer. He reached into his bag and pulled out his lightsaber.
Waiting until the droid had turned the corner and was out of sight, he proceeded quietly down the hall. There were cells on each side of the corridor. He reached out through Force searching for any sign of her. All of the cells he passed were empty. He was beginning to fear she wasn't here.
As he approached the next cell something pulled at his senses; he had found her. He incinerated the locking mechanism with his weapon. With sparks and smoke the door whooshed open. She was huddled in the corner her arms wrapped around her knees her head down on her arms. She did not look up.
He knelt next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Amira?" She stirred and lifted her head. Her eyes were unfocused and at first he saw no recognition in them. He reached out to touch her face and she flinched.
He held her gaze and said softly, "I won't hurt you." She stared at him blankly. His heart clenched in his chest, this was not the same woman. Something terrible had happened to her.
He looked into her eyes, "You must trust me. I am here to take you home to Alderaan." Recognition flashed in her eyes and she cried out, "No! No! You must not be here, he will know. Ben you should not be here!"
He took her face between his hands, "Shh, its ok, but we must be quiet. Can you stand?" She nodded slowly. Her movements were slow and weak. He placed his arm around her waist to help her up.
They turned and saw the droid hovering in the doorway. It was about to fire. Obi-wan pushed Amira behind him and ignited his weapon. He blocked both laser shots the droid fired and then destroyed it.
He switched off his lightsaber and turned around. Amira was shaking. He began to examine her, "Are you hurt?" She was battered and bruised and didn't look like she could remain on her feet for long.
Worriedly he held her by the shoulders, "Listen to me. There will be more droids and guards. You have to do exactly as I say when I say it. You must be strong just a little while longer." She did not speak but simply nodded.
He took her hand and pulled her out into the corridor. Three more droids were barreling down the hall. He shouted, "Drop!" She obeyed, dropping to the ground in front of him. He deflected the laser blasts back at the droids destroying them. He grabbed her hand again; pulling her to her feet, "Come on."
They made it to the control center as six troopers stormed in through the doors. He pushed her to the ground roughly, "Stay down. Stay out of sight." He ran out and engaged all six troopers. He directed laser fire back at them and the troopers began to fall one by one.
Her mind was desperately trying to emerge from the fog. She should be doing something, but her body would not move. Three more troopers were down. More were coming. He needed help. Something deep inside her fought to gain control something compelled her to act.
What happened next was instinct more than a conscious action. She reached out towards a fallen trooper and through the Force drew his weapon into her own hand. Then she fired dropping the first two troopers she saw, giving Obi-Wan time to engage the rest. She continued to fire at any guard that came through the door.
She was still firing when he touched her arm to lower her weapon, "Amira, easy, we got them all; you did well." She lowered the gun and looked at him without speaking. He took her in tow once again, "We've got to go."
They met no more resistance as they departed the senate building. In fact it was strangely quiet in the upper levels. No one seemed to know anything had transpired down below the senate arena. They simply boarded a taxi and sped off into the bowels of Coruscant.
Dex had arranged a safe location. Obi-Wan used the code key to open the door and ushered her in. He closed the door quickly, lowered the shades, and dropped the code key on the table.
She stood motionless in the middle of the room. Her eyes focused on nothing. He walked over to her and took her hand. He guided her over to the edge of the bed so she could sit while he knelt in front of her.
He reached up and gently touched her cheek, "We are safe now." She remained silent. He pleaded, "I would feel so much better if you would talk to me. Say something, anything." She blinked but said nothing.
The strong, passionate woman he'd come to know on Tatooine was gone. He lowered his head and sadly shook it from side to side, "What have they done to you?" When he looked up, she was shaking and tears began to flow freely from her eyes.
He took her hand and pulled her into his arms and sat back against the side of the bed cradling her, "Ok, it's ok. You are safe now. I'll let no one hurt you."
She was asleep; he continued to hold her. His tunic was wet from her tears. As she slept in his arms he examined the half healed cuts around her eyes, ran his fingers over her cracked lips; the bruises on her neck. He whispered, "Who did this to you?"
A short while later he lifted her gently and placed her on the bed; pulling the coverlet over her. He walked over to the window and stretched his muscles as he pulled back the shade and peered out. He needed to get her on a transport to Alderaan as soon as possible. The longer they stayed on Coruscant the more dangerous it would be.
Amira stirred and he went to her side. Her eyes were open but haunted. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his, "How are you feeling?" Her voice was weak; barely a whisper, "You came for me. Why?"
He smiled and caressed her hand, "Well you see I ran out of Alderaan ale so I went to Alderaan. You can imagine my surprise when Senator Organa told me my supplier was here on Coruscant. What choice did I have?"
Tears pooled in her eyes and spilled out, "You risk too much. If you are discovered…" He squeezed her hand, "I have a friend arranging for transport to Alderaan. It won't be too much longer."
There was a knock at the door. Obi-Wan crossed the room and opened it, "Dex, how did everything go?" Dex squeezed into the room, "You are booked on the last transport leaving tonight. You've got a couple hours before departure." He looked over at Amira, "How is the Princess?" Obi-Wan shook his head sadly, "Not good Dex. I am worried."
Dex placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, "No one the Empire has arrested and held beneath the Senate building has ever made it out alive. She survived, she will be alright." Obi-Wan sighed, "I hope you are right."
Dex gave him the travel cards, "Good luck." Obi-Wan shook one of his massive hands gratefully, "Thanks for everything." Dex turned to leave but stopped to pull his friend into a large hug, "Be well old buddy." The two parted knowing it would be a very long time if ever they saw each other again.
In the couple of hours before their departure Amira slept. When it came time to depart he gently woke her, "It's time, we must go." She was having trouble moving. Obi-Wan helped her sit up, "Can you make it, just a bit longer. Once we are aboard the ship you can rest."
The look in her eyes told him she was in pain, "I'm alright." He stood in front of her and cradled her face between his hands. Looking directly into her eyes he said, "Do not leave my side; do exactly as I say."
He turned to open he door and she grabbed his arm, "If we don't…if something happens…thank you for coming for me." On impulse, he gathered her into his arms, "You are welcome."