A/N:
I know it's been ages since I last updated this, but I had some family problems that happened around my last posting and I wrongly started associating them with Star Wars. However, they're sorted now and I'm back in the fandom (among many others). Also, I recently started watching the Obi-Wan series and fell in love all over again.
With the latest attempts on Senator Amidala's life, it was decided that it was too dangerous for her to remain on Coruscant. Yet, Obi-Wan could not be spared from his task of tracking down those responsible for the attacks.
In a show of great trust from the Jedi Council - and under the recommendation of the Supreme Chancellor - Anakin was accompanying the Naboo Senator to her home planet, her new personal protection detail. The young Senator was far too important to the Republic to risk until the assassins were found. Even if the senator herself was willing to take that chance.
That morning, before they had visited Dex in his diner, Obi-Wan had escorted Anakin and Senator Amidala to the refugee ship taking them safely on their way to Naboo. Katria knew that Obi-Wan was concerned for his Padawan, yet it was obvious that despite his concerns, he had faith in Anakin's abilities. He had taught him well for the last decade, Katria believed that Anakin would excel at his protective duties; the Padawan was a born protector, just like a true Jedi. Perhaps this task would finally prove to Padawan and Master that Anakin had grown up, that he was finally ready to attempt the trials and become a Jedi Knight, just as Obi-Wan had been when he met Anakin.
Just as many times before, in better times, Katria had parted ways with Obi-Wan when they'd returned to the Temple. Anakin's absence had cleared the way for Obi-Wan to focus on his investigation in earnest. His path took him to the Jedi Archives, in search of information on Kamino, corroboration of Dex's intelligence, and knowledge of what steps to take next.
While Obi-Wan was chasing down his leads, Katria returned to her quarters. She had just enough time for an hour or two of blissful meditation before she had to join Master Yoda and the Younglings. Unlike many Jedi, she had never taken a Padawan - couldn't, not with her condition - but she adored every single one of the Younglings in the Temple. All of them were her charges (her and the handful of other Guardians), and each of them were as dear to her as they would be to their future Master.
Her former Master had the Bear Clan in the training room, teaching them to reach out with the Force and 'see' the remote.
It was a basic force skill, very early in their training, yet Katria couldn't help but smile. They all looked so grown up standing there in their dour robes. Models of what they would grow to be in the future; each and every one a valuable member of their Order.
Katria found herself an unobtrusive corner of the room and observed the fun. Yoda was the oldest and most respected member of the Order, but he had a way of relaxing even the most stern of countenances. Regrettably, Master Windu - the second most respected and experienced member of their Order - was less inclined towards the gentler side of being a Jedi. He expected the best at all times, setting high standards for everyone - including the Jedi Knights and Masters. Katria would be lying if she said that they got along. Master Windu took a dim view of the feelings she had, the Visions the Force showed her. Still, he was a senior member of the Order and a formidable Jedi, and the respect she felt for him was sincere. Master Windu was formidable, possibly the best of them - alongside Yoda, of course. The Order was stronger because of him; his pragmatism had saved them from many possible downfalls.
As Katria stood there, watching the Bear Clan train, she felt a brief itch of concern from Obi-Wan. The sarcastic Jedi was so rarely troubled by something, Katria was instantly on guard.
'Obi-Wan?'
'I have a bad feeling about this Kamino,' Obi-Wan projected through their link, another sliver of concern escaping his tight control. 'I think someone deliberately tried to hide it.'
Katria wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, trying to ward off the chill that had taken her. Obi-Wan was right; someone was deliberately trying to conceal the location of the planet, and that was never a good thing.
'You should ask Master Yoda,' Katria suggested. They were both so stubborn and independent - a Stewjonian trait, or so Master Qui-Gon had often claimed - she knew that Obi-Wan would only do so if he really felt that something was wrong.
'I might have to, Tria,' Obi-Wan dryly replied. 'Something doesn't add up here. Dex's information has never been wrong before.'
Obi-Wan was right, as he always was, yet Katria still felt the urge to be optimistic.
'Have faith, Obi-Wan, the Force does as it wills. We can but try and follow its wishes.'
'When did you get to be so wise?' Obi-Wan teased, Katria getting the feeling that he was walking through the halls.
'I was always wise, Obi-Wan, you were the one who took a while to catch up.'
There was a wry sense of amusement from the Jedi, much closer than he had been before. Katria looked up to see him striding purposefully into the room.
Master Yoda felt his presence immediately. His stick tapped against the floor, attracting the attention of the Bear Clan. "Younglings. Younglings! A visitor we have."
All the practice lightsabers were switched off, hats pushed back on their heads.
"Hello Master Obi-Wan," the Bear Clan greeted, their young voices chorusing in bright harmony.
"Hello," Obi-Wan smiled, looking down at them all fondly. 'Hello, Tria,' he added through the Force.
Katria couldn't help her smile. 'Obi-Wan.'
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Master," Obi-Wan continued calmly, as if he didn't even notice Katria loitering in the corner.
"What help can I be, Obi-Wan?" Yoda asked, adding his usual questioning hmm to the end of the question.
"I'm looking for a planet described to me by an old friend. I trust him, but the systems don't show in the Archive maps."
Yoda glanced at the Younglings, something almost mischievous about his presence in the Force. "Hmm. Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing, how embarrassing."
The Younglings giggled brightly, filling the Force with their innocent light. Obi-Wan cut a glance in her direction, eyes full of warm amusement, Katria just smiled back, feeling his strong presence in the Force. It grounded her as always, even now when the chill seeped further into her skin.
"Liam, the shades. Gather round the map reader. Clear your minds, and find Obi-Wan's missing planet we will."
Obi-Wan placed an orb on the map reader, stars filling the room. He paced around the towards a particular part of the map, quietly curious.
"It should be here," he pointed towards a section of the map. "But it isn't. Gravity is pulling all the stars in the area towards this spot."
"Hmm," Yoda hummed thoughtfully. "Gravity's silhouette remains but the star and all the planets, disappeared they have." The old Jedi looked around at the Younglings. "How can this be? A thought? Anyone?"
"Master?" Liam spoke up. "Because someone erased it from the Archive memory."
Yoda chuckled warmly. "Truly wonderful the mind of a child is. The Padawan is right. Go to the centre of gravity's pull and find your planet, you will."
Katria watched Yoda and Obi-Wan walk towards the doors, automatically reaching out with the Force to hear what they were saying. Luckily, the younglings hadn't learned that yet. Unfortunately, however, Yoda was used to her using that particular Force trick, and he blocked their conversation from her. Disappointed but not overly concerned, Katria got the message and respected her old Masters wishes. She sent the Younglings back to their duties, retiring instead to her quarters.
Failing to achieve mediation for the tenth time, Katria sighed in defeat. She rose to her feet, draping her cloak over her shoulders. She'd promised Obi-Wan that she would not mediate on her own outside of her quarters, but she simply couldn't immerse herself in the Force in her quarters, so Obi-Wan would have to deal with it.
Her feet treaded the familiar corridors to the Room of the Thousand Fountains, slipping soundlessly into the Northwest corner of the massive floor. This was her favourite place in the Jedi Temple, possibly even in the entire planet. It was her refuge, her safe space, something that belonged only to her and one other.
Hidden behind a curtain of purple-leaved vines was a space the size of the Jedi Council Chambers. Most of area was taken up with a large clear pool, the ground covered with soft mossy flooring and trees perfect for leaning against and sitting on.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground by the crystal pool was Obi-Wan himself. He looked up at her with fond exasperation, expecting her presence yet resigned to her recklessness. "Tria."
"Obi-Wan." She inclined her head, unashamed. "I thought you were off to find Kamino."
"I wouldn't leave without saying farewell, Katria." He sounded almost offended; Obi-Wan only tended to use her full name when he was slightly cross with her.
"I know," she smiled, lowering herself to sit in front of him. "I have a bad feeling about Kamino. I can't read it, can't describe it, but just-" Katria shook her head, frustrated at her lack of articulation. "Just be careful."
"Always," the wise Jedi promised warmly. "But first, I have an hour or two to spare for some quiet meditation. If you'd care to join me?"
Katria beamed brightly, Obi-Wan always knew what she needed. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, feeling their presences meet and merge again on the plain of the Force.
Thank you for reading.
If you have time, a review is always appreciated.
