Disclaimer: This story includes excerpts of the movie Star Wars. The characters and idea of Star Wars is property of George Lucas. I'm borrowing the characters as respectfully as possible, simply to entertain myself and anyone willing to read this fanfiction.
AN; I will say this, you are sure sticking with me on this one! And I love you for it! Good to hear everybody still thinks everything is in-character. I also think that's a very important thing in fanfiction; having the characters act and think like they do in the original tv-show/movie/book/whatever, but acting out your storyline. So everytime you say they're still convincing as the real deal, I'm doing a little happy dance. I hope to have more soon, but as I've supplied you with several chapters over the last DAYS, no real complaints can be made, now can there? Difficult times ahead, with Anakin and all. Have fun reading, and of course let me know what you think of it. Especially the people with me on their favorite list I haven't heardfrom before! I appreciate your support greatly! X, Mu-san
Peace of Heart
Retreat to Naboo
"Track down this bountyhunter you must, Obi-wan."
Obi-wan could hear the faith Yoda had for him in his voice. He realized this was a very important matter and was grateful that the powerful master entrusted him to do it.
"Most importantly, find out who he's working for," Mace Windu added.
In his mind Obi-wan was already laying out the plans on how this should be done. But there was one thing that bothered him.
"What about Senator Amidala? She will still need protecting."
"Handle that, your padawan will," Yoda answered.
Obi-wan looked next to him, scrutinizing Anakin's face. He tried to find any indication he was not ready for this assignment. Truthfully he was looking for an outburst of emotion, much like the one he had when they interrogated the changeling bountyhunter. Finding nothing he turned back towards Yoda and Mace.
"Anakin. Escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo, she'll be safer there. And don't use registered transport, travel as refugees."
"As the leader of the opposition it will be very difficult to get Senator Amidala to leave the capital."
Obi-wan was surprised at the levelheadedness his padawan just spoke with, and the sense it made.
'Perhaps he is ready for this…'
"Until caught, this killer is, our judgement she must respect."
Yoda's words were clear and left no room for discussion. Padme was going to leave Coruscant, whether she liked it or not. Obi-wan agreed, it was much safer for her on Naboo.
"Anakin, go to the Senate and ask Chancellor Palpatine to speak to her about this matter."
The sour taste Obi-wan usually associated with politicians rose in his mouth at the mention of the Chancellor. He knew the man could persuade Padme to do as the council wishes, and he supported the end. Just not the means. Palpatine seemed too good at persuading people in his opinion, often in ways that were less then straightforward.
Anakin and Obi-wan bowed to the council and left the room. On their way to the turbolift he addressed his padawan.
"You go to the Senate and talk to the Chancellor. I will make the arrangements for your journey. The Senator will be at the Senate so bring her back to her apartment and tell her to pack. I will contact you on where to meet me."
"Yes, master."
Notified by a soft noise they stepped into the turbolift. Several troubled thoughts ran through Obi-wan's mind. What will he find out about the bountyhunter? Will Padme be safe on Naboo? And how will Anakin do on his first solo assignment, in the presence of such a beautiful woman as her?
- ∞ -
Obi-wan stood still as he watched masters Yoda and Windu walk away. Although they had told him the council would not change their decision and was confident in Anakin's abilities he could not help but worry. As powerful as they were they just didn't know the boy as he did. Obi-wan was the first to defend his padawan if questioned, but he also knew his flaws better then anyone. More then ten years of having him under his guidance and tutelage had learned him that.
He sighed. What did master Yoda mean with his remark about arrogance? 'Even the older, more experienced ones.' Did that mean him? Was the master saying he was being overconfident in himself, too sure of his wisdom? His most self incriminating side told him perhaps he was too confident about the fact he could handle both his jedi responsibilities ánd court a lady at the same time.
A cold shock ran through him. What did his mind just tell him? Court a lady! He wasn't courting any lady, the code forbids it. And he had always followed the code, much to Qui-gon's amusement and dismay sometimes. Without conscious thought the memory of last night popped into his head. His fingers tingled as he remembered the softness of Padme's hair and the warmth of her fingers. Resolutely he locked down his mind and pushed his memories behind large walls. Turning on his heels he quickly set out to arrange transport for one Senator. A Senator he was not going to think about for a while now. Too dangerous…
- ∞ -
When the public shuttle landed Padme said goodbye to Dormé and Captain Typho. She hated leaving her handmaiden behind, but knew she would be in safe hands.
'As will I be. Anakin will keep me safe.'
At first she had her doubts about the eager padawan standing behind her talking to his master. But he had shown he was capable of handling himself. She just hoped he could also restrain himself. His little rant about Obi-wan had proven to her he was more emotional then Obi-wan. No, strike that, he was a little emotionally unstable. Nobody could ever convince her that Obi-wan had no emotions. He was the most kind and caring person she knew, and when he had shared his mind with her she had seen more emotions in him then he ever led on. His caresses from last night were also proof he was no emotionless droid.
"I'll get to the bottom of this plot quickly, milady. You'll be back here in no time."
She could see the concern in his eyes while his voice sounded cheerful. Both sentiments lifted her spirit.
"I'll be most grateful for your speed, master jedi."
Because of the others standing next to her she couldn't give Obi-wan the goodbye she wanted to give him, but she hoped he would understand her. Her calling him 'master jedi' would probably do the trick, she thought. Obi-wan bowed. Something inside her tightened and a bubble of laughter rose in her. It reminded her forcefully of the cerulean wave Obi-wan had sent her and with a small smile she guessed it probably was him.
"It's time to go," Anakin said, walking past.
She didn't even notice his harsh tone. "I know." She turned and hugged Dormé before stepping out of the shuttle into the warm Coruscant air. They were heading towards the refugee transport Obi-wan had arranged for them. Behind her she faintly heard Obi-wan's voice as R2D2 moved down the stairs.
"Keep her safe, R2."
The confirmation Obi-wan cared was accompanied by a sense of dread. The situation suddenly felt real and threatening to her. To break the ice between her and Anakin, who was also looking a little stressed, she confessed in a small way.
"Suddenly I'm afraid."
"This is my first assignment on my own, I am too."
She looked him in the face and searched his eyes. They were a mixture of emotions she couldn't properly read. Stress and excitement being the foremost. For a second she doubted this was a good idea.
"Don't worry, we have R2 with us."
A laugh escaped her. R2 bleeped behind them in consent. It was a good joke and it seemed the break the ice between them. Then and there she decided that she would trust Anakin. If Obi-wan trusted him, so could she. They were going to Naboo and nothing would happen. With this positive view she stepped into the refugee transport.
- ∞ -
"I do hope he doesn't try anything foolish," Obi-wan said as he watched the two walk towards the transport.
"I'd be more concerned about her doing something, then him."
Obi-wan turned his head and shared a small knowing laugh with Typho. They both knew Padme was fierce in her pride and didn't back down from danger, even it was too large for her to handle. He turned back and mulled over Typho's words. After a moment he decided to stick to his earlier comment. He knew she could be headstrong at times, but would not endanger herself willingly. It was Anakin he was concerned about. He feared the boy harboured feelings that would jeopardize things if they were handled in the wrong manner.
He chose not to examine his protectiveness over Padme at this moment. Right now he had other things to do. He needed to find out where this bountyhunter came from. And he had a good friend who could help him with that.
- ∞ -
An hour after the shuttle had departed Coruscant she proposed they'd go down to the cafeteria for some lunch. She hadn't eaten a real breakfast this morning and was feeling a bit famished. Soon they secured a table and while Anakin was getting some food she looked around at the other refugees. It was reasonably crowded, but not so much that she felt oppressed in any way. Knowing all of these beings were on the run from something Padme tried to think of the why's. She imagined stories, ranging from owing money to a Coruscant loneshark to disapproving with the new house prices in the Upper Western Sector.
When Anakin brought them some food she quickly tucked in. Halfway her bowl of Simino rice soup she noticed him looking at her. He wasn't eating much, but he kept staring at her. She wouldn't look up too much to see the look in his eyes, somehow afraid what she might find there. After another few moments of uncomfortable silence she decided to continue with the conversation they had earlier about his jedi training.
"So how many planets have you and Obi-wan gone to during your training?"
Anakin shrugged. "I don't know, maybe 30. I haven't been keeping count."
"I thought you'd be the jedi who'd visit all the planets there are?"
He shrugged again. "That was kinda childish. I'm surprised you remember."
She smiled. Of course she remembered. In fact, one of the things she was very proud of was her sharp memory. With no trouble she could bring back that little boy proudly stating he'd visit all the planets in the Republic once he became a jedi, after winning the Boontha Eve podrace of course. She smiled at the memory.
"But I haven't seen them all yet. Not even Malastaire, where they have the famous podraces."
Looking down into her soup she hid a grin. He was still very fond of speed even after all these years. But his tone of voice spoke of a different longing as well. For a freedom, out from under the wing of Obi-wan, to do as he pleased. Something a lot of people have, something she had craved for occasionally as well. R2 set down another dish and a piece of bread on their table, just for her. She thanked the little droid before picking up their conversation.
"Must be difficult, having sworn your life to the jedi."
She knew what it was like to commit your life to a cause, and could relate with his feelings at times.
"Not able to visit the places you like, or do the things you like…"
"Or be with the people that I love."
This time she did look him in the eyes. A curious look of longing was present, one that made her feel shy and a little scared at the same time.
"Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a jedi?"
She perfectly well knew the answer to her own questions. Obi-wan had answered them honestly and fully the other night. But she wanted to know if his padawan felt the same way. He smiled at the questions and looked down, in search of his words.
"Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a jedi's life."
Obi-wan had basically said the same, but she couldn't help but notice Anakin used a different wording. He gave her a boyish smile and she gave him a smile as well.
"So you'd might say that we are encouraged to love."
Padme saw the same look of longing enter his eyes again and her smile diminished a little. She could see the gap in his logic but decided not to call him on it. It just struck her how much he had grown over the years, from a boy into a young man. With a slight shake of her head she replied.
"You've changed so much."
"You haven't changed a bit."
Well, she wasn't sure about that. Ten years had changed him into a blossoming young man, but those ten years hadn't been a walk in the park for her either. First her reign as Queen, then her duties as Senator, which are heavier then most people think.
"You're exactly the way I remember you in my dreams."
She looked at him for a second before dropping her eyes back to her food. He still had dreams about me? On some level it was flattering, but it also felt a little disturbing. Silence fell between them and she made no further attempts to start a new conversation.
His attention was…confusing, to say the least. On the one hand it was sweet, and it made a nice change to have someone flatter her like this. Sometimes she felt like being a Senator required to be a man or sexless, like it was never intended for a woman. And for Anakin to notice she was a woman was refreshing. But the look in his eyes sometimes made her think there was more going on then his simple flirting words. She shook her head internally and continued eating. She wouldn't dwell on such thoughts. Obi-wan trusted him so she would too. And besides, what harm was there in a little harmless flirting?
- ∞ -