Shift: Chapter Ten

The time we spent in Theed went by too quickly. Pleasurable moments seem to do that. In my mind, it was almost as if the time we there spent served as our honeymoon; except for the fact we'd been married ten years and had three children. We snuck away whenever we could to enjoy some private time and even her parents supported our efforts. I'm not sure if they were wanting more grandchildren or what, but Jobal was a little too eager for Padme and me to retire early the evening before we left. 'To be able to spend some quality time with the grandkids,' she'd told us.

I was pleased and eager to be in my wife's arms once again. Only once had Padme commented on my apparent renewed sexual appetite, although she promised she wasn't complaining. I blamed it on my general feeling of overall contentment or possibly the weather. Perhaps it was a renewed source of energy from taking some much-needed time off.

"I'll have to speak with Master Yoda about more leave," Padme told me between gasps of breath. We had just finished a rather aggressive round of lovemaking and had somehow ended up on the floor. "You haven't been this spry in years."

"Spry?" I asked, rolling over to face her. The moonlight was making her pale skin shine like porcelain. She appeared almost ethereal. "Do you see me as a senior citizen or something?"

"You know what I mean."

She blushed, and I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Actually, I had no idea what she meant and was always searching for any clue to our history together.

"I don't," I told her honestly. "Please enlighten me."

"Before you get the wrong idea and think I'm unhappy, I'm not. I mean, I am! I'm happy!" she began, suddenly and shyly avoiding eye contact with me. "Sometimes, it seems as if the children and I are getting the Obi-Wan leftovers. When I'm being selfish, I think the galaxy is getting the best of you and we only get to see you when you're worn out, your mind is burdened, or you're injured."

Now, I understood, although it was to be expected. To make things easier, I was about to apologize, but she rushed on.

"I realize all that is part of the job. Don't get me wrong. I knew who you were and what your responsibilities would be when I accepted your marriage proposal. I'm proud my husband is a Jedi and wouldn't want you to change. I just…I don't know. This sounds childish now that I hear it. I'm not complaining. Really.."

Her words were cut off by a quick kiss that slowed substantially and lasted much longer than I had intended.

"It must be difficult to be married to someone like me," I admitted quietly. "Always coming and going. You and the kids never know exactly when I'll be home. I don't see how you do it."

"I do it," she replied with a caress to my face, "because I love you and if anyone understands the sacrifices required to keep our family safe, it's me."

We hadn't had this conversation yet and I was curious. I didn't know how to ask without giving myself away. Thankfully, I didn't have to.

"That was why it was so difficult for me to quit serving publicly. The Senate position was in my sights, but I wanted time for you and Ben. When you suggested I stay home and give up my career, I didn't think I'd be happy, but I am, Obi-Wan. You have to believe me."

If she was half as happy as I was, it was more than enough. I had no doubts of her sincerity. I just wished she could have everything. She deserved it.

I lay myself down and pulled her to my side and pulled a blanket off the bed and over us. "Perhaps someday, when the kids are grown and I'm on the council, you can get back to doing what you love. I think you would make an excellent Senator."

"Thank you, Master Kenobi. I'd like that. Perhaps someday."

I could detect enthusiasm in her voice and I was satisfied, although I quickly did some calculations in my head. Leia was four, which would mean she would need supervision for at least ten more years. Could Padme wait that long to fulfill her destiny? I hoped so. The children needed her. It had taken very little time to figure out our parenting roles. I was the goofy one who played with them, teased them, and had fun with them. Until, of course, there came time for a life lesson. It was amazing how many of Yoda's quotes slipped into my own fatherly lectures. I couldn't count the number of times the wise old Master had come to the creche to speak with the younglings about self-control. Padme, on the other hand, was the nurturer. She took care of the children, fed them, made sure they had their schoolwork done, and that they were healthy. We made a good team.

I slept peacefully that night and received many embraces the following morning before we boarded the transport that would take us back to Coruscant. Over the course of our ten-day stay, our luggage seemed to have multiplied and once we landed, I was eager to help the porter carry everything inside the lobby of our apartment. It would be so nice to relax at home for a few days before I had to report back to the Temple.

Home. I had never used the word often. The temple wasn't even home to me. It was more of a place to stay before being sent out on another mission. However, Padme had filled these rooms with love and laughter and I could think of no place I would rather be.

"These kids are worn out," she noted once we'd gathered in the foyer. "I'm going to put them to bed and then I'll come back down to help you with the bags."

She was correct. Ben had barely been able to keep his eyes open during the flight. Leia was already in Padme's arms and sound asleep while Lucas held onto her leg for support. I kissed each one of them and wished them pleasant dreams.

"Good idea. I'll start bringing things up."

After I tipped the porter a few credits, I began carrying the bags toward the lift and ended up loading them all myself. There was no point in making Padme come back down here to help. I could manage on my own. I counted the luggage to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything and waited for the door to close.

However, when I pushed the button to select our floor, my world immediately narrowed to a pinpoint of light before vanishing completely.