Chapter 18: This Is Not Forever

"What happened here?"

Satine's finger traced the side of his body. His chest was a montage of scars and bruises. It was hard to tell which one she was referring to. Obi-Wan lowered his eyes from her elegant face to his scarred body.

"Oh. That one?" Obi-Wan said, looking at the reddish-purple line that went from his armpit to half way down his chest. "That was from a lightsaber. Given to me by Dooku for disobedience."

Satine's head raised from the pillow. "Disobedience?"

Obi-Wan nodded, his arm looped around her back and fingers massaging her shoulder. "Apparently, I need to rein in my sarcasm," he said with a silly, but proud grin. "I was in and out of bacta tanks for a week to recover. Qui-Gon was quite upset." Obi-Wan rubbed his chin in thought. "Though, I believe Dooku regretted his actions later."

"Why do you say that?" she inquired, clearly in disbelief that a Sith, who callously attacked another, would be regretful.

Obi-Wan shrugged. "He bought me a hand-crafted, marble Dejarik set."

"That is his version of an apology?" Satine said with disdain. "Buying you a lavish board game?"

"Oh, no. Not at all. A nine hundred credit Dejarik set is nothing to him," Obi-Wan said. The Count of Serenno was a wealthy man. One of the wealthiest in the galaxy and money was never an issue. If it was, then Obi-Wan was so terribly sorry for the other man. "His apology came in the form of letting me win a game of Dejarik with that set."

"And that won your forgiveness?" Satine's mouth curled tight, reproved.

"No, it did not," Obi-Wan stated, though exhaustion seemed to have overcome him when he spoke.

Satine curled closer to him, moving her head from the pillow to his chest. Her silver-gold hair cascading over his scars, concealing the brutalities from their eyes. Her soft palm laid on top of him, her nimble fingers exploring his breast. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, fading into her touches.

There was a long sigh. "I'm sorry," murmured Satine.

Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered opened again, spying the sadness that caressed the Duchess's face. "The fault is not yours, Satine," he said quietly as he took her wandering hand. Lips brushed up against her knuckles in sweet apology. "Don't dwell on things outside of your control."

"Jedi proverb," she ridicule though with no true animosity.

A smirk glinted his features. "Still holds true."

Satine poked him hard in the side. "Oof!" Obi-Wan groaned upon the impact. "I thought you discouraged violence, my Lady?"

"You bring out the worst in me," she remarked, dryly.

Obi-Wan cradled her, carefully sliding on top so that he could stare deep into her eyes. "Do I?" he said with a facetious smile. He stroked her cheek, planting a kiss on her forehead. "What about now, my dear?"

A moan escaped Satine's lips as she arched her hips up. "Even worse."

Obi-Wan dropped lower, leaving another kiss on her nose, then on her pink lips and down to her chin. He glided over her, a groan of yearning granting permission. He was ready to enter her domain, dropping tender kisses in the crevice of the Duchess's breasts.

Then he felt it. An irritation in the Force, emitting displeasure.

Satine saw the swift change in his expression. "What is it? What's wrong, Obi?"

"Anakin," Obi-Wan murmured. "He's outside."

He immediately got off the bed, searching for the clothes they haphazardly took off one another. Satine helped him. They both quickly fastened themselves into their proper attire. Satine was pulling her hair back into a simple knot when Obi-Wan heard Anakin's voice loud and clear through the door.

"I don't understand!" Anakin's voice carried. "This is my room! Why can't I go in?"

Obi-Wan hurried to the door as Satine quickly exited the bedroom, returning to her seat on the sofa-couch. They both gave each other the once over, checking that none of their affair was visible. Despite the somewhat disheveled appearance, there was no evidence.

Obi-Wan unlocked the door and slid it open to find Anakin standing outside as expected, with Mandalorian guards blocking his path. Anakin glanced up to Obi-Wan, clearly not amused by the show.

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin said, squinting up at him in irritation. "What's going on? Who are these guys?"

Obi-Wan shuffled Anakin into the room, closing the door behind him. "I apologize for the confusion," he said to his young charge. "The guards are here because of our guest."

That tidbit interested Anakin. "Guest?"

Obi-Wan nudged his head in the opposite direction in indication. Anakin looked and spotted Satine sitting on the sofa-couch. His face tightened. "Did I interrupt something?" he whispered to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan's cheeks warmed only a little. "No, no, no. We were only chatting," he lied to brush away any suspicion Anakin may have. "Anakin? Please let me introduce you to Duchess Satine of Mandalore."

Satine rose from the sofa-couch. Her composure was back to that of the Duchess. Satine—the woman he loved—retreated and reposed to the detached ruler of Mandalore. But, Obi-Wan saw a flicker of Satine shining through as she regarded Anakin. There was a tenderness, a soft-heart, for the boy.

Anakin struck out his hand, but then hesitated. He pulled his hand back and offered an awkward bow. But he faltered again, glancing up to Obi-Wan for guidance on how to greet a "duchess".

Luckily, Satine spared the boy from embarrassment. She took his hand after a moment and shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, young Skywalker," she said in her strong Mandalorian accent. "Master Kenobi told me a little about you."

Anakin flicked a glance to Obi-Wan, a question on his lips as to know why he was speaking about him. He looked back to Satine. "Pleased to meet you too."

Obi-Wan let out a quiet sigh of relief. Anakin was following proper etiquette for once. His time with Padmé helped him, Obi-Wan imagined. "Anakin—I'm surprised to see you back so early. Are the celebrations over?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin gave him a fickle glance. "It's nine o'clock."

Obi-Wan blinked. Was it really? "Oh—so you decided you had enough of the party?"

Again, Anakin looked up in confusion. "It's nine o'clock," he repeated again. "You said that's my curfew."

That's right. He did. For once, Anakin decided to follow his rules. At a time when he wished he didn't. "Of course. Right," Obi-Wan muttered. "Best you get to bed."

Anakin turned to the Duchess. "It was nice to meet you," he said and he did another bow.

Satine gave him a polite nod of acceptance. Without any more thought, Anakin headed to the bedroom when Obi-Wan realized that the sheets and covers were still tangled in action of the illicit tryst that happened just minutes before Anakin's arrival.

Not wanting to expose the clandestine affair, Obi-Wan redirected Anakin to the sofa-couches. "You know what?" he said to the boy. "Why don't you join Satine and me? Learn a bit of the Mandalorian culture."

Anakin was surprised by Obi-Wan's redirection. He stared oddly up at Obi-Wan's face and Obi-Wan felt a light, gentle poke against his Force shield. Obi-Wan chose to ignore the probing and directed Anakin to the sofa-couches.

"We were about to have another cup of tea," Obi-Wan said to Anakin as the Duchess took her original position on the opposite sofa-couch. "Would you like some Muja juice, water or would you like to surprise me and have a cup of tea as well?"

"Water is fine," Anakin said, still baffled about the weird behavior. He lowered his voice so that only Obi-Wan could hear. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, quite well," Obi-Wan hurriedly replied and with Anakin looking in the other direction, he used the Force to close the bedroom door. "Why don't you tell the Duchess a little about yourself while I get the drinks?"

Obi-Wan stepped away as Anakin shyly began speaking to Satine. Obi-Wan brewed another pot of tea, leaning against the counter to relieve the tension that built up in his nervous anticipation of Anakin catching them. He was not ready to discuss the birds and the bees to Anakin. It would come up jumbled and awkward to the point of confusion.

No, it was a good thing Anakin didn't see or sense anything.

He returned with the tea pot and a glass of water for Anakin. As he approached he heard Anakin talking eagerly to the Duchess. "Obi-Wan has raised me since I was three, I think," he informed Satine. "He's my father."

Obi-Wan tripped, nearly dropping the tea pot and water altogether. The clutter of noise drew Anakin and Satine's eyes to him. Obi-Wan straightened, readjusting the pot. "Anakin, I'm not your father," he gently chided. "I'm your guardian."

"Same thing," Anakin said as Obi-Wan handed him his water.

"No, it's not," Obi-Wan said, pouring the tea into Satine's cup. "We're not related."

That didn't dissuade Anakin from his belief. "Padmé said that you don't have to be related to be a mother or a father figure," he argued. "She said that you're my father in that way."

"Queen Amidala," Obi-Wan corrected his rebellious ward. "You must respect her title, Anakin. We can no longer call her Padmé as we did on Tatooine."

"She doesn't mind."

"She's being nice," Obi-Wan countered and he finished up refilling his cup. "You must show her the same respect as any Queen. Even if she is a friend."

Anakin looked scorned by the reprimand. For a moment, Obi-Wan thought Anakin was going to form his own rebuttal or storm off. Instead, he shoved his water up to Obi-Wan. "I changed my mind," he said. "I want the Muja juice."

Obi-Wan's eyebrow furrowed. He had forgotten how irritating Anakin could be when the boy was upset. "Go get it yourself," he said. "You're a big boy."

Anakin turned around on the couch. He reached his hand out in the direction of the cooling unit. The door of the cooling unit trembled before it cracked open. A few seconds later, a small bottle of Muja juice was floating in their direction.

Obi-Wan huffed out hot air and redirected the juice bottle into his hands. Anakin pouted. "Hey!" he called out.

"You do not use the Force to accommodate your laziness," Obi-Wan scolded and he pocketed the bottle. "No Muja juice. You're sticking with water."

Anakin slumped on the sofa-couch, frowning, but added no further comment. Obi-Wan was fine with that. After all, he preferred the silent treatment than Anakin's more hot, temper tantrums. He sat down next to Anakin, giving a fleeting look of an apology to Satine.

"Apologies, my Lady," Obi-Wan said. "I'm afraid someone must have forgotten their manners."

Anakin shifted, to the other end of the sofa-couch and away from Obi-Wan. Satine watched on with inquisitive interest. A light smile that Obi-Wan almost thought she found the whole scene surreal rather than rude.

Satine only looked humored by the conversation. "If I recall correctly Kenobi, you sometimes exhibited those very same traits when you were on Mandalore."

"You were on Mandalore?" Anakin interrupted, forgetting the silent treatment already. He looked to the Duchess as he spoke. "Is that how you met?"

Satine slid her eyes from Anakin to Obi-Wan with a mild suggestion that threatened to engulf Obi-Wan with embarrassing stories. "Indeed, Skywalker. Kenobi here was sent to be one of my protectors during a controversial transition of power," she said to Anakin. "Though, at times, I had to do the rescuing myself."

Obi-Wan frowned at her. "Forgive me, my Lady," he said, his tea in hand. "If you are referring to the incident on Concordia, I distinctively remember doing most of the work."

"I still saved your life."

"Yes well," Obi-Wan said after taking a small drink of tea, "my rescues were the more daring of the two."

Satine arched her eyebrow sardonically at him. "Including the one where you dropped me on venom-mites?"

A wryly grin appeared on Obi-Wan's face. "I still saved your life."

Satine directed a glare at him, meant to wipe off that smirk. It only encouraged Obi-Wan a little bit more. He flashed her a wink, passing on that the two could play this same game again like they did years ago. After all, he sometimes enjoyed the fire within Satine.

"You think you're so charming, don't you Kenobi?" Satine challenged, miffed. "I feel I must remind you that your charms are more aligned with aggravations."

"Aggravations?" Obi-Wan repeated, half-amused by her accusation. "A bit hyperbole of you, considering how ungrateful you were on most days for saving your life."

"If by ungrateful, you mean when you insisted on bloodshed rather than peace?" Satine raised, her eyes turning ice again. "Then yes. I was extremely ungrateful."

"Hard to initiate peace over the sounds of blaster fire."

"I never thought of you to hide behind excuses, Kenobi," Satine said, a flash of indignation crossing her face.

"I don't," Obi-Wan answered. "But I know when to stop being naïve."

Satine's face went rigid. Her jawline more visible and eyes narrowed close like daggers. Mouth taut as she straightened her back, proud, dignified and furious to make others cower. "You consider me foolhardy, then? For being a pacifist?"

Obi-Wan quietly reprimanded himself for his lack of tact. "I didn't mean it like that."

Satine didn't relax. "Oh—I think you did," she said. "Even after everything, you still delude yourself into believing that fighting is the answer to peace." She rose from her seat. "Excuse me, but I must wash a stint from my face and hands."

Obi-Wan subtly flinched upon Satine's hard strike. His eyes followed her, wounded by her words. He had no desire to return to their belittled arguments of philosophy. He always respected the Duchess's ideals, even if they were far-fetched. Her courage to insist on peace was brave and a daunting task for Mandalore. And she did it with spirit and determination. Something he always admired about her.

When Duchess disappeared into the refresher, Anakin, who had stayed quiet during their bickering, turned to Obi-Wan with a wide smirk. "I like her."

Obi-Wan's mouth was pressed into straight line as he glared at his young ward. "Of course you do."

When the Duchess returned, Anakin shared vivid stories to her about their fugitive days before divulging different type of ships. Satine ignored Obi-Wan completely, drawing her attention to Anakin the entire time. Obi-Wan could hardly even catch her eye as she deliberately made sure it was impossible for him.

Soon, the conversation turned to the Mandalorian culture. Satine was generous in Anakin's probing of her culture. He kept asking question after question, acting disturbed by the violent history. That garnered much appreciation from Satine, who threw Obi-Wan a smug look. Obi-Wan only tilted his head in acknowledgment, but an easy smile rested on his face. He too was happy of Anakin's distaste of violence. He would have been concerned if Anakin showed extreme interest in the Death Watch.

After a couple of hours talking, only Obi-Wan and Satine were awake. Anakin had drifted to slumber. He tried to stay awake. His eyes slowly blinking, his body jerking in alert. But eventually, he timbered over and rested his head on Obi-Wan's knee like a pillow.

The room fell silent. Satine refused to speak or even look over. The Mandalorian pride kept her from initiating the first step toward forgiveness, which again surprised Obi-Wan. For someone who preferred peace over war, she was certainly not a forgiving person. Or at least, when it came to him.

If anyone had to start the trail of reconnection, it would have to be him. Obi-Wan sighed, still stroking Anakin's hair as the boy slept on. "Duchess?" he said, hoping to get her to glance over. It did not. He needed her to look at him "Satine. Please? I would like to apologize with you looking at me."

Slowly she turned, skepticism in her eyes. Once Obi-Wan got the blue crystal view, he began. "I know we have our differences in terms of political philosophies," he said, "but I never considered you foolhardy. A dreamer—yes. Not everyone is as idealistic as you and you may have to find new ways to handle those extremists.

"However, I do highly respect you, Satine," Obi-Wan continued, each word measured with true sincerity. "You turned an entire culture of warriors into peaceful civilians. You had years of prosperity and peace that Mandalore never experienced before. And, you did it on your own."

Obi-Wan breathed deeply as he gazed warmly to thaw out the ice in Satine's demeanor. "You, Satine, are a remarkable woman and I am honored to consider you as a friend."

Satine eased her face to a grudging acquiescence. "That's not an apology."

Obi-Wan bristled at the comment. Somethings don't always change. "I apologize for my distasteful words against you, Your Highness," he said, a bit more flowering than he would have under the circumstances. "Please forgive me for my insult against your philosophies."

Satine let the words linger in the air, refreshing the room into the friendlier atmosphere it once was. She tilted her chin down, a small curve of a smile showing. "Forgiven," she declared.

The spell broke and they openly smiled at each other again. They returned to an easy talk, reminiscing old adventures and correctly each other's memory on particular incidents. It appeared the Duchess remembered things far differently than they were. Obi-Wan told Satine a little more about his time as a fugitive, explaining how he and Anakin survived on very little.

His stories, however, seemed to upset Satine. Her face fell upon listening to the struggles and the constant bounty hunters targeting them. Obi-Wan stopped talking. "Are you okay, Satine? You look unwell."

Satine rubbed her hands over her arms. "Your life… the constant running," she said with a tremble. "We barely survived a year on Mandalore. I don't know how you managed to do it for seven years."

Obi-Wan shrugged. "It was necessary. I had Anakin to consider."

"Yes, you did," Satine agreed. "Which is why I am also confused." She looked down to Anakin's sleeping form then back to Obi-Wan's face. "Why didn't you seek shelter on Mandalore? You would have been protected there and raised Anakin in a more balanced, peaceful environment."

"We couldn't," Obi-Wan countered Satine's arguments. "It would be one of the first places Qui-Gon would have looked for us. And, I had no desire to put you in the middle of my war against them. Bring violence and terror back to your planet… no. I wouldn't allow that." Obi-Wan shook his head at the mere thought of what would have happened if Qui-Gon or Dooku came to Mandalore. "So, we fled to the Outer Rims. Not exactly safe, but at least invisible."

Satine was pained, but small nod meant she understood his reasoning. "What about now, though?" she questioned. "Are you not setting the Sith onto Mandalore by sending Anakin there?"

"If all goes to plan, they won't even realize Anakin is on Mandalore," Obi-Wan hoped, glancing down at the sleeping child, "and I will be back in, at the most, a week's time to collect him."

"Is that what you want?"

Obi-Wan resigned. "No, but it is needed. I cannot let either Qui-Gon or Dooku get Anakin," he said and his arm unconsciously draped across Anakin in a protective shield. "I won't let them."

"Then we shall ensure they don't," Satine avowed, her eyes mellowing to Anakin's tired form as the boy curled underneath Obi-Wan's arm.

Just then, Obi-Wan's comlink beeped. Obi-Wan hastily answered. "This is Kenobi."

A static grabbled came through that sounded eerily like Captain Panaka's voice. "Time is of the essence."

The coded message. Received, Kenobi ended the call and clipped it to his belt. Time to go. He looked back at Satine. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Satine drew herself up from the sofa-couch. She brushed her outfit down, removing any upset wrinkles from sitting. "I am not one to shrink from responsibilities."

"No," Obi-Wan softly agreed. "You don't."

It didn't take long for Obi-Wan to pack. They had no belongings. Just whatever they were wearing was considered theirs. But, Obi-Wan managed to scrounge up a few items: a bottle of water, food, hygienic products from the refresher and a handheld stun blaster. He reminded himself that Anakin wasn't going to be alone. Satine would take care of him and provide all the things he could not like new clothes, shoes and other small comforts. Anakin wasn't going to be alone. He needed to keep reminding himself as he finished packing Anakin's bag and scooped up the sleeping child into his arms.

Anakin trustingly nestled in Obi-Wan's arms, a soft breath of air slipped passed his parted lips. He was unaware of the quick movements around him, blissfully asleep. Obi-Wan was thankful. If Anakin was awake, Obi-Wan knew he would resist at the idea of leaving Naboo. It was the best thing for Anakin. Even if Anakin didn't understand or see it that way.

The night sky camouflage their bodies, the shadows veiling their faces. Obi-Wan with Satine and her guards, hurried down the corridor that led to the outside hangers of Theed. When they arrived, they spotted multiple ships and a handful of pilots. They were all prepping for an extended trip to some destination. Standing in the middle of the hanger was Queen Amidala, dressed in her handmaiden attire, and Captain Panaka.

"Glad you made it, Obi-Wan," Queen Amidala greeted and then she turned to Satine. She bowed. "Duchess."

Satine returned with a respective bow. "Queen Amidala," she said. "Mandalore is honored to assist you in this mission."

"We are grateful for your assistance," the Queen returned and she spoke to Obi-Wan. "We hired our most trustworthy pilots to take different routes. That should give the necessary cover for the ship to arrive at the targeted destination."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Obi-Wan said, bowing his head as an equivalent to a deep, formal brow. "Your compassion has helped Anakin and me greatly. I don't know how we could return the favor, but if you ever need us—"

Queen Amidala raised her hand. "You do not owe me anything, Obi-Wan," she said. "If it weren't for you and Anakin, Naboo would still be held hostage to the Trade Federation. Or worse."

She stepped aside and led the group to their ship. It was full stocked and ready to go. The guards entered first, scoping the small ship out before letting Satine to join on board. Their pilot hopped into the cockpit and checked the equipment. Padmé stood at the end of the ramp, watching in melancholy. Obi-Wan felt the same. After their dangerous adventure together, there was an incredible bond between the three of them. He had a strong sense of foreboding that the three of them would meet again. He only wished it would be in better circumstances.

Obi-Wan carried Anakin onto the ship and directly to the seats. He slowly and carefully slipped Anakin out his arms and into one of the seats. As he did, the boy rustled, eyes blinked sleepily. Anakin stared at Obi-Wan with some groggily awareness.

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin groaned as he flopped his head to the side. "What… am I… sleep?"

Obi-Wan chuckled lightly as he threw the belts over Anakin's shoulders. "Yes."

Anakin sighed loudly, too tired to become alert. His hand reached out, snagging on the sleeves of Obi-Wan's robes. "…stay."

Obi-Wan froze. He looked at Anakin. The boy slumped, head rolled to the side and fell back asleep. His little hand loosened and dropped from Obi-Wan's sleeve. Did the Anakin know? Did the Force warn him of their separation? Or was he sleep-talking? Asking about staying in Obi-Wan room for the night because of a nightmare? Obi-Wan didn't know. And the unknown made it more challenging for him to continue.

Obi-Wan stopped strapping Anakin into the seat. He looked back at his young charge, brushing the blonde-brown strands of hair out of his face. He remembered when Anakin's hair was bleached blonde. When he was a toddler, Anakin received so many coos from women over his blonde hair and blue eyes. They adored him and his cupid smile. As he aged, the blonde hair turned a shade darker and his chubby cheeks sharpened. Obi-Wan could see the man Anakin would become even behind the elfin features of the boy.

The years were coming up too fast. Soon, Anakin would be a teenager, rebelling and his connection to the Force increasing in strength. He won't be able to carry Anakin to safety or be able to stop Anakin if the boy wished to go his own way. Soon, Anakin won't need him anymore.

Obi-Wan sighed. He always knew it would happen, but this separation sped it faster than he realized. It wasn't going to be the last he saw of Anakin. It was only a minor separation. A week tops. Plus, Anakin was in safe hands. The Duchess would keep him safe and cared for.

He finished strapping Anakin in the seat and then used the Force to ensure Anakin slept through the entire flight, along with an upgraded shielding over his Force presence. He gave one last smile to Anakin. "I'll see you again," he murmured to Anakin as he slipped off his robe and placed it over Anakin. He knew the boy would get cold in space.

"Does it ever stop?"

Obi-Wan glimpsed over his shoulder. "Beg pardon?"

Satine was leaning against the interior walls of the ship. Her arms were folded in a forlorn pensive. She raised her gaze to Obi-Wan. "The wanting?" she clarified for him, stepping closer to Obi-Wan. "Does it ever go away?"

Obi-Wan knew right away what she was asking. It must be hard for Satine. Her destiny took her on a lonely path of rebuilding a planet. All around, she saw families and friends together living in the peace she sacrificed for them. She must have considered it at some point. Marriage and family. Obi-Wan wondered why she wasn't married, but didn't have the courage to ask. Deep down, he knew her reasons.

She and he, it seemed, were always going to suffer from love in order to perform their duty.

Obi-Wan strolled over to Satine. For a minute, they both looked at each other. The unsaid swelling between them in thick waves, clinging on the edge of a cliff that threatened the stability of who they were. Then, unable to hold it any longer, Obi-Wan spoke.

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I say let's not weep for the past. We must be strong to let go of what we cannot have and be patient enough to earn what we deserve. It's the only way for us to move forward."

Satine exhaled, but nodded her head solemnly. "You're right. We cannot change the past."

With a hurt and longing smile, Obi-Wan passed along the bag he packed to Satine. "I wrote a letter to Anakin, explaining everything," he said as Satine accepted it. "There's also some food, hygienic products and a blaster—a stun blaster," he added when he saw Satine's scowl. "And when he wakes, tell him… tell him that I say to be good and to listen to you. I'm sure he will. He likes you. Also—make sure he goes to bed by nine and don't give him any sweets an hour prior either. He'll just stay up longer and then be cranky all day.

"If he experiences nightmares or Force visions, listen and hold onto him until he falls asleep," Obi-Wan continued to babble. "I don't think he will have any Force visions, but in case he does, it's best you know what to do. Hopefully, I will be back before he has one. That reminds me, when he gets upset, you must remind him to be calm. Or else objects may—"

Satine put a finger over Obi-Wan's mouth, silencing him. "You have my word that I'll care for him as if he was one of my own," she swore. "You have nothing to fear, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan somewhat nodded. Satine would guard Anakin well and he was sure Anakin would enjoy the Mandalore culture and lifestyle. The boy would find it as another grand adventure and another planet to mark off their list. "Right, of course," he said to Satine. "A little worried, that's all."

"If you're worried, then come," Satine tried again to offer a flight to him.

Obi-Wan gravely shook his head. He could not. He needed to be the necessary distraction. "I can't," he said. "Though, it doesn't make it any easier to leave him."

"I suppose not," Satine agreed. "You know, I am beginning to think Anakin was right about you."

Obi-Wan's brows lifted, bemused. "Right about what?"

"That you're his father."

"I'm not his—"

"I know," Satine cut him off. "I know, but… even a blind man can see the bond between you and Anakin."

"Well, of course I care for him," Obi-Wan said, looking back to Anakin's sleeping form. "I raised him! Protected him! But, I can't be his father. I'm not even… I can't."

"Jedi attachment?"

Obi-Wan didn't answer. He kept his mouth pressed into a taut line. Satine rolled her eyes. "It seems the Jedi need to get out more and socialize," she said. "Love does not have to lead to attachment, Kenobi. I think you and I both know that."

"I'm aware."

"Then don't feel ashamed," Satine finished and she look back out at the ramp. "If you're not coming along, I think it is best you hop off. We need to get going."

She was quite right. They already wasted enough time. Obi-Wan checked on Anakin again, making sure his robe was secured around the sleeping child. He wished Anakin a safe journey and for the Force to be with him. Then, he muttered his promise to come back.

He returned to Satine, taking her hand and his lips brushed a kiss on her hand. "Safe journey, my dear."

A fleeting smile crossed her face. "Farewell… Ben," she finely whispered before planting a small kiss on his cheek. "Be safe."

Obi-Wan bowed and he exited the ramp, not daring to look back or reach out into the Force. He kept walking until he met with Queen Amidala and Captain Panaka. He stood at their side, watching the ships roar to life. The hanger doors opened, the moonlight pooling into the hanger, the metal floor shimmering. The ships all lifted off their anti-grav and hoovered over the floor.

One by one, each ship took off, heading to different stars in different directions. Obi-Wan, however, kept his eyes on Satine's ship. He felt himself be stretched as the ship shot up into the sky. The further the ship, Anakin and Satine got, the more quartered Obi-Wan felt. He knew it was going to be hard, but he wasn't expecting the pain to join alongside.

It had to be, he reminded himself. Besides, the separation was only going to be for a few days. He would see Anakin and Satine again. He could feel it in the Force. They would meet again. He only hoped Anakin would forgive him for the trickery.

Obi-Wan turned to Padmé. "Thank you, again, Your Highness. I am in your debt."

"You don't owe me anything," Padmé reassured him. "I only hope that you and Anakin can live out your lives in peace. Like the Naboo will be able to now that you freed us."

"We did not do it by ourselves," Obi-Wan reminded her.

"No," Padmé immediately agreed. "But you and Anakin did make a big difference."

Padmé looked on at the ships, a turmoil of restlessness rising from her. "I hope your plan works," she said with a worried tone. "If you are ever in need of help, you can count on Naboo."

Obi-Wan dipped his body to a low bow. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said. "I too wish for it all to work in our favor."

They exited the hanger, returning to the palace to proceed with the next steps. Obi-Wan kept his presence alight. He needed to make sure that if there were any more "disciples" around, they would believe that both he and Anakin were still inside the palace. Obi-Wan headed back to his room. He needed a few things before boarded his own ship to divert Dooku and Qui-Gon away from Anakin. As he strode down the corridor, he heard a faint voice call out his name.

He stopped and glanced around, spotting a young woman rushing up to him. "Master Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan cautiously watched the woman approach. "Yes?"

The woman slowed to a stop, panting as she spoke. "You wanted me to inform you when Padawan Muln was awake," she breathed out in doses. "He's awake and wants to speak to you if you were still here."

Garen was awake? Obi-Wan couldn't believe it. His saddened heart woke again! "Please lead the way," he said as he briskly followed the Nubian nurse to the healing wards.

Obi-Wan calculated the time. He had a few minutes to spare with a friend who nearly died.