From the Archived Journal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn

Tatooine.

Nightfall.

We have successfully acquired the medicine needed to cure Obi-Wan's increasing shock fever.

Handmaiden Yané has informed me that it might only be used as a temporary source until we reach Coruscant, where the real healing will commence at the Temple. According to Handmaiden Padmé, Obi-Wan has awakened and has no real recollection of how he received his injuries… Already I sense…

Something is amiss.

Strongly amiss.

I have sensed it ever since arriving on this planet. It must've started when the cruiser received a transmission from Naboo. I spoke very briefly to my Padawan and Captain Panaka earlier in the day, telling them not to respond or transmit anything that might jeopardize our current location.

If the Force is trying to tell me something is wrong…

(Unidentified beeping in background)

(Comlink off)

"Master Jinn? It's Padmé." Her voice was almost a whisper.

"How is he?"

"His fever has gone up slightly since we last spoke. I managed to wrap his ankles with the appropriate bandages, but…" She trailed off and Qui-Gon patiently waited. He knew there was more. "Master Jinn, Handmaiden Rabé ran an analysis of the droid metal that I found embedded in Padawan Kenobi's skin. According to the results, the compound included in the refining process contains a chemical agent known to momentarily stun any living person. She has reason to believe that this agent is the cause of his poison."

Qui-Gon felt a heavy weight build in his chest. "Thus causing his state of fever."

"Precisely."

Surprises seemed to pop up around every corner. "All right. Handmaiden Yané and myself will be there first thing tomorrow morning with some cleansing herbs for his bloodstream. In the meantime, keep me informed of his condition."

"Understood, Master Jinn. He is asleep right now. He managed to eat all of his dinner without resistance."

He smiled. "That is indeed good news. Qui-Gon out."

He wasn't truly aware of another set of eyes watching him until the Force warned him. Qui-Gon briefly met the eyes of Shmi Skywalker, a single mother whose son offered shelter to the disguised Jedi Master and Handmaiden before the rage of the oncoming sandstorm. Although he was very keen on helping them complete their task, his mother was a bit suspicious. Especially when Jar Jar nearly became lost from the onslaught of sand and wind. He pounded on a few neighbors' huts and shouted out random words until Shmi allowed him in. The sight made Handmaiden Yané smile and the young boy Anakin laugh heartily. The image of Shmi's son enjoying himself finally made her smile.

Shmi turned away and disappeared into the dwelling. He knew she didn't hear any of his conversation—or anything that she might have heard—but he also knew she was very alert. He admired her courage.

Still…the heavy weight that burdened within Qui-Gon remained a bothersome question. The status of his Padawan's fever did little to ease his state-of-mind. Including the fact that one of ankles was badly injured and his bloodstream was poisoned. If he caught the warning earlier…if he made more of an effort to aid his surrounded Padawan…

The heaviness invaded his heart, and Qui-Gon embraced it; falling into a Jedi technique of capturing and riding out the current emotions. This was not something he should be dwelling upon; they had the herbs necessary to temporarily halt Obi-Wan's weakened state until they were able to make it back to Coruscant. Until then, he had faith that his Padawan was capable of fighting off his illness until the treatment was given.

Padmé tucked away her deactivated comlink. It had been nearly two hours since Obi-Wan fell asleep. She was grateful that he managed to finish all of his dinner, minus the crysvory cake that was dessert. Padmé had to admit that the little cake was too sweet for her tastes, as it had proven to be the same for the slumbering Padawan. Sometimes the sweets of Naboo were known for excessive use of sugar delicacies.

His fever was becoming more worrisome by the minute; his tunic had been removed to be properly cleansed while she tended to the many scratches and bruises. His sweating had been nonstop and sometimes his deep breathing would occasionally make him cough. Padmé could only keep his forehead cool and offer him water.

Saché was busy sewing the holes and cleaning the cuts on his tunic, and Eirtaé was busy repairing his boots. She was thankful for the many skills her fellow 'maidens offered to the team.

And even more thankful to be at Obi-Wan's side.

Padmé took the time to relax and rethink the day's events. It still shocked her to witness his unexpected fall. It was frightening and heart-wrenching. She remembered feeling helpless as Master Jinn did his best to reach his ambushed Padawan, while the surviving Nubian force protected her and the Queen's subjects. How irresistible was the urge to grab a nearby blaster and help make her way towards him…as he was being pushed towards the droidekas…

Then Master Jinn, out of desperation, called out his name—and Obi-Wan turned to look.

That one look was all it took. It nearly tore her heart in two to see Master Jinn pick up Obi-Wan with little resistance. How lifeless he was in the tall master's arms… Padmé never felt so heartsick. She was glad when Saché pulled on her arm when everyone began rushing inside the ship. She was even more excited to be placed in charge of his care.

Eirtaé wasn't at all that much excited when she was ordered to clean up the two remaining astromech droids that survived the escape through Naboo's orbit. Padmé was certain that she was very much preferring repairing Obi-Wan's battered boots.

She gently dabbed the young man's forehead with a damp cloth. Just a few more hours, and soon he will be given proper treatment for his illness. A yawn managed to escape from her lips and one look at the chronometer signaled it was time for her to rest.

Handmaiden Padmé leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Padawan Kenobi's cool forehead. She whispered, "Sleep well, Obi-Wan. I'll be back here in the morning with a hearty breakfast." Caressing the side of his head and tracing her fingers down his braid, she gave him one last look and quietly exited the chamber.

A smile soon spread across her young face. If she didn't know any better, she would say that she was forming a crush on the slumbering Jedi.