Siri loved a starship in the middle of the night.

On the surface, it looked largely the same as it did during the day. Long, identical corridors. Bulkheads, blinking panels, and the soothing sound of the engines in the background. The view out of the portholes was often identical.

But after hours, the lights were dimmer. The energies of the skeleton crew more subdued and peaceful. Most of the bustling daytime crew had retired to sleep for the night, leaving in their wake a silence that in many ways offered her a respite after a busy day. It made it easier for her to sleep.

Since she had given Obi-Wan her bunk, though, she really had no conventional place to rest. She had briefly considered trying to take a nap stretched across the two chairs in her sparse quarters, but just as quickly as the thought entered her mind, she had rejected it. That was a sure way to earn a sore back, achy joints, and a disgruntled disposition.

Instead, she settled on the floor in a lotus pose, closed her eyes, and relaxed into a restorative meditation. Her breathing was deep and even, and she drew on the Force around her to fortify and renew her energy. All the while she had one ear tuned to Obi-Wan: the rhythm of his breathing, the occasional soft mumbling in his sleep.

She sincerely hoped he slept straight through. One needed only look at him to know he desperately needed the rest. Siri had been worried about the dark circles beneath his blue eyes, and the hollowness of his cheeks below his soft beard. Injury and infection aside, she decided, rest and then food was what the Jedi Master needed most.

At first, she thought she might have imagined the soft moan that came from the bed. Her eyes snapped open and she watched Obi-Wan carefully. His hand rested on the pillow in front of his face, fisted loosely around a section of blanket. He didn't move for a long moment and she was on the verge of settling back into her meditation when he frowned in his sleep and mumbled.

"No, don't..."

Siri stood and cautiously approached the bed. Obi-Wan clutched the blanket tighter in his fist and murmured again, this time incoherently.

"Obi-Wan," Siri said softly in hopes of easing him awake.

"Leave him alone," he muttered. "My fault..."

Siri sat on the edge of the bed and gently ran her hand up and down his bare arm. "Obi-Wan," she said again, a little louder. "Kenobi."

He grunted and furrowed his brows.

Siri frowned in concern, as he was beginning to sound distressed. "Please, leave him alone." He briefly buried his face in the pillow. "...me instead."

This time she brushed his hair away from his face. "Obi-Wan," she said more firmly. "Wake up."

"No!" he abruptly cried and thrashed over to his back. Siri could tell he immediately regretted the movements, as he bolted upright, doubling over in pain, cradling his ribs.

"Hey, hey," she said softly, smoothing his hair back. She was alarmed by how hot he felt, and briefly bit her lip. "Obi-Wan, you're safe. You're on a Republic starship. You're in my room, and you're safe."

He took several steadying breaths before he lifted his head to look up at her. "What time is it?" He asked blearily.

"Late," she replied. "Or early, depending on how you look at it." She reached over and poured him a glass of water from a pitcher next to the bed. She pressed the cup into his hand. "Drink."

To his credit, he didn't argue. He drank deeply from the cup, drained it, and returned it wordlessly to the table.

"Bad dream?" Siri asked.

He merely nodded and closed his eyes. He breathed long, slow, and deeply while Siri ran a hand soothingly up and down his thigh. "I'm alright," he finally said, opening his eyes again.

"I somehow doubt that," she replied, frowning.

"Do you remember where my shirt landed?" Obi-Wan glanced around the room, then gingerly pulled the blankets up around his shoulders. "It's freezing in here."

"No, it's not." Alarmed, she picked the shirt up from the floor and helped him slide it over his head. "You're feverish."

"Keep your voice down," he said wearily. "You'll have Anakin in here fussing about the bacta tank."

"I'm not so sure Anakin would be wrong." Siri poured him another cup of water and pushed it into his hand. "I'm worried about you, Kenobi." Tenderly, she smoothed the hair back from his forehead. "You're burning up and clearly in pain. You're pale. And your sleep is troubled."

He took a sip of the water. "Siri, I don't want to be a burden on anyone."

Unable to stop herself, she closed the distance between them and brushed her lips lightly against his. "You are never a burden."

"I feel like it right now," he took another deep drink of the water, grimaced, and set cup aside. Gingerly, he pulled the blanket up around his shoulders, then wrapped his arms around himself and shivered.

"You should try to sleep more," Siri suggested.

He closed his eyes and groaned shakily. His brow furrowed—either in concentration or discomfort.

Siri watched him closely as she settled back into her chair. Perhaps they could both rest again – for a little while at least.

The little while did not last long at all. Obi-Wan abruptly began rapidly gulping air. She quickly sat up straight and laid a soothing hand on his. "Kenobi?"

"I think I drank the water too quickly," he said. He slowly inhaled through his nose and blew it out, then quickly shook his head. "Siri, I'm going to—" He abruptly cut himself off and gestured vaguely to the room.

"Right." Siri held a hand out and used the force to send a trash bin flying across the small room. She shoved it wordlessly into Obi-Wan's lap, and he didn't hesitate before he dropped his head and emptied the contents of his stomach.

Siri winced and murmured softly that she would be right back. She hurried to the 'fresher and soaked a cloth with cool water. Giving him some privacy with his misery was less about her finding relief for him, and more about keeping his pride somewhat intact. When she returned, he seemed to have finished. He still gripped the bin tightly, resting his head against the back of one of his hands. Gently, she rested the cool cloth over the back of his neck. "You okay?"

"Give me a moment," he managed.

Siri started to rub his back soothingly, but caught herself when she remembered the fiery wounds. Instead, she rhythmically ran her fingers through his hair and listened as his breathing slowed and normalized. Finally, he lifted his head and Siri moved the cloth to wipe his face.

"Thank you," he said softly. He picked the cup back up from the table next to the bed and rinsed his mouth. "I don't mind saying," he said, placing the bin back in the floor. "I haven't felt this awful in some time."

She helped him lie back down on the bed. "Are you ready to reconsider calling Kix? There's no shame in asking for something for pain and fever."

He covered his eyes with a hand, exhaled in defeat, and nodded wordlessly.

Siri pressed the button on her communicator. "Come in, Kix."

A moment later, the clone's voice filled the room. "Yes, Master Tachi?"

"Would you kindly bring the General something to alleviate his fever?" She rested a hand on Obi-Wan's calf and rubbed it reassuringly. "And maybe something for nausea."

Kix chuckled, prompting Obi-Wan to frown. "Re-think the situation, did he?"

"Kriff you, Kix," Obi-Wan mumbled.

"Oh, he is feeling it," the medic replied, unperturbed by his patient's attitude. "Yeah, I'll be there in just a minute."

The communicator clicked off and Obi-Wan snorted. "So much fuss over—"

"If you say 'nothing'," Siri interrupted pleasantly, "I will go wake Anakin and Ahsoka, and we will dump you in a bacta tank. Now shut it."

He lifted his fingers and peered up at her. "So rude," he observed. She was relieved to see a bit of mischievous twinkle in his eye. He sighed and covered his face again. "I'm surprised Anakin isn't in here already, hovering."

Siri paused and stretched out in the Force. She could sense Anakin and Ahsoka nearby, and Anakin's worry over his former master's condition. "I think in his own way, he is hovering," she said quietly. "He's just doing it from a distance so you don't kick at him. He's giving you space."

"At least he learned something from training under me all those years."

"Such as how unbelievably grumpy you are when you don't feel well?" Siri smiled sweetly when he glared up at her. "I've seen krayt dragons with a sunnier disposition."

"Your concern is deeply moving," he said dryly. He shifted uncomfortably and winced, his hand moving to his ribs.

"Breathe," Siri soothed, lacing her fingers through his. "Release the pain. Focus." She took a steadying breath herself, pushing away her concern with an exhale. Unconsciously, she rubbed her thumb along the back of his hand. "I really wish Master Che was here right about now."

"You can never tell her I said this," Obi-Wan said, eyes closed and breathing slow. "But I do too."

A chirp sounded at the door, and a rush of relief passed through Siri. "Come in," she called.

Kix stepped through the door carrying a bag of medical equipment. He surveyed Obi-Wan critically, his brows raising in surprise when his gaze rested on the hand linked with Siri's.

Obi-Wan seemingly paid the clone medic's shock no mind. "Don't lecture me about bacta tanks."

"I promise nothing, General," Kix replied. He pulled out his medical scanner and again used it to evaluate the Jedi's condition. "I don't like how high that fever is, sir."

"I assure you, neither do I." Obi-Wan looked up warily when Kix removed a bag of liquid from his supplies. "What is that for?"

"We need to get some fluids in you," Kix replied firmly. "And some more intensive antibiotics."

Obi-Wan attempted to pull away when his eyes rested on a needle Kix produced from his inventory. Siri held his hand more firmly. "If you won't agree to go to Medical, he has to bring Medical to you," she said quietly.

"She's right, General," Kix added.

He sighed, closed his eyes, and held his free hand out to Kix. The clone rolled his eyes in mild amusement, and quickly started the IV to push fluids and antibiotics. "There," he said. "Not so bad."

Eyes still firmly shut, Obi-Wan snorted. "If you're okay with having a foreign object stuck in your hand."

"You know, you really are a terrible patient," Siri pointed out. "It's no wonder Master Che is usually willing to discharge you early from the Halls of Healing when you're admitted. You wear her down with sheer obstinance and sullen noncompliance."

Obi-Wan peeked up at her, guilty mischief dancing in his fever-bright eyes.

Her own eyes widened, jaw dropping. "You do it on purpose! You know if you act poorly enough, she'll get tired of it and give in!"

"You can never tell her," he said, as Kix began to chuckle.

"Here you go, General," Kix said, attaching a syringe to the IV and injecting it. Obi-Wan winced briefly, but then began to relax. "That will help with the fever and the pain, and I added something for the nausea."

"Thank you, Kix," Obi-Wan replied. "I know I have been difficult, and I'm sorry for that. I shouldn't kick at you for trying to help me."

Siri raised a brow and looked over at Kix. "What did you put in that?"

He gazed thoughtfully at the syringe. "I thought it was a basic pain killer with an anti-nausea additive, but now I'm wondering." He turned his attention to Obi-Wan. "Can I get you to say that again so I can record it? Rex and Cody won't believe me if I tell them you said it."

The General chuckled drowsily, his eyelids beginning to droop. Kix took a quick moment to check the bandages on his back, and pull the blanket back up over him. "Get some rest, Sir. You'll feel better."

Obi-Wan nodded slightly, eyes drifting closed. Siri continued to hold his hand until it went slack in hers, and then she gently released it. Instinctively, Obi-Wan mumbled softly in his sleep and brought it up to rest on the pillow in front of his face. Soon, he had slipped into a deep, medicine-induced sleep.

Kix caught Siri's eye and jerked his head towards the door. She nodded, smoothed the blanket over her friend, and followed him out into the corridor.

"Hold on," Kix said. "I want to talk to you and General Skywalker both." He lifted his wrist and activated his comm. "General, this is Kix. Can I talk to you for a minute? I'm outside of General Ke— I mean, Master Tachi's quarters."

Anakin's reply came instantly. "Be right there, Kix."

"Is everything okay?" Siri asked.

Kix frowned. "I hope so. But we'll see."

Anakin quickly appeared from around a corner. "Is Obi-Wan okay? I thought I felt..." He trailed off and started to open the door and burst into the room.

Siri caught his arm to stop him. "He had a nightmare," she replied. "He finally agreed to having something for pain and fever, and he's sleeping now. Let him rest, Anakin."

He sighed and dragged a hand through his hair. "Alright," he relented.

"General, Master..." Kix paused and glanced at the door. "I'm a little worried. With the amount of antibiotics I've given him, General Kenobi should be showing at least some improvement. But he doesn't seem to be."

Anakin folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the bulkhead. "Do we need to sedate him and get him into a bacta tank?"

"Right now all the tanks are full," Kix admitted. "We have a lot of injured and sick Togruta who needed it. Because the General is so kriffing stubborn, he would have to wait."

Siri, too, wrapped her arms around herself and leaned back against the door. "He needs a healer," she said softly. "A healing trance would help both the body and the mind."

"What's wrong with his mind?" Anakin asked sharply.

"I told you he had a nightmare," she replied. "It seemed like he was reliving some of what happened in the mines." Siri sighed and glanced over her shoulder. "He's been through an ordeal, Anakin. I think some needed healing is to be expected."

Anakin rubbed his forehead. "I should have got him out of there faster. If I had just—"

Kix held up a hand. "From what Rex has told me there's nothing anyone could have done differently, General. Don't beat yourself up over it." He looked down to study his medical scanner. "If he's struggling with what happened in there, it could be hampering his recovery. Let's monitor him over the next few hours and see how he does, but..." Kix trailed off and shrugged. "I'm a medic, not a doctor. And definitely not a Jedi healer. Honestly, I might feel a little better if we could get him to the Temple."

"If it comes down to it, I can take him," Siri volunteered. "I have a ship of my own with me in the hangar and haven't been given a new assignment yet. I was planning to move on to the temple anyway once I refueled and rested. I decided to stay so I could help Obi-Wan." She looked up at Anakin. "And I'm happy to stay as long as he needs, and the Council will allow."

Anakin studied her for several moments, then finally nodded. "Okay. We monitor him for a few hours, and if he doesn't improve you take him home to Master Che."

"I like that plan," Kix said. "To be honest, I might feel better if he was with your Master Che anyway." He offered a crooked grin. "She seems much better-prepared to deal with his kriffing stubborn ass."

"Prepared to take care of him, sure," Anakin said. "Mentally prepared to deal with his stubbornness..? Well…"

"Obi-Wan's feelings on being confined to the Halls of Healing in the Temple are somewhat legendary," Siri added with a smile. "He and Master Che are fond of one another, but it's a sort of adversarial affection."

"Keep me updated," Kix said, saluted Anakin, and strode down the corridor.

Siri slipped quietly back into the room with Anakin on her heels. Obi-Wan hadn't so much as moved in the few minutes she had been gone.

"What do you think?" Anakin asked softly. "Should we take him to the Temple?"

She studied Obi-Wan's face, so familiar to her. The slightly fuller upper lip. Seemingly ever-present faint smile. Furrowed lines between his eyes. She resisted the urge to smooth his hair back again. "It's difficult to say, Anakin," she said quietly and turned to look at him. "It's not the worst I've ever seen him. Not as bad as it was after Geonosis. The speeder bike crash and explosion a few weeks later." Her face hardened and she unconsciously bit her lip. "And when he came back from that mission with Bail Organa."

"I didn't see him until a couple weeks after that mission," Anakin said, "but I heard it was bad. And you're right – this isn't nearly as bad as those were. But…"

"But," Siri agreed. "I think he is holding on to something that happened down there that is, as Kix suggested, hampering his recovery." She fell silent for a moment, once again watching Obi-Wan. "Maybe Master Che would be the person best equipped to help him. Healing talents were just not something I've ever had great aptitude for."

They both fell silent for several minutes, content to just contemplate the situation. "It's odd, you know, sitting here and talking with you," Anakin finally spoke up. "We've gone on the odd mission together over the years, but I haven't spent that much time with you. One-on-one, that is. Yet here you are, as soon as Obi-Wan needs something, you drop everything and stay." He paused and appeared to think over what he wanted to say next. "Are you… are you in love with him?"

Siri blinked and darted her eyes to rest on the younger Jedi. "In love with him?" She sat back in her chair, contemplating the question. "Where did that come from?"

Anakin suppressed a grin. "I lived with Obi-Wan for ten years while I was his Padawan. I knew when he had people over to visit."

She glared briefly at him, cheeks flushing traitorously. "I care deeply about him," she said carefully. "But," she added and shook her head slowly, "both of us are committed to the order. We took an oath. We both know that oath means our duties and responsibilities come above anything else. While we can care about each other and enjoy one another's company…" she shrugged helplessly, "that's all that can ever come from it, Anakin."

"And that doesn't bother you?"

Curiously, she studied him. "It seems like it bothers you. What is this about Anakin? Obi-Wan's and my relationship has to do with the two of us – it has nothing to do with you."

Anakin sighed restlessly. "Never mind." He rubbed his palms against his thighs. "Look, why don't you trade off with me a while? You have to be tired, and I've had some sleep. I can sit with Obi-Wan and catch up on field reports while you get some food and real rest." He gestured to the corridor beyond the door. "I'm crashing on the bottom bunk of a room with Ahsoka down the hall. She's passed out, so you won't bother her. You can take my bed since Obi-Wan has yours."

"Are you sure?" she asked, reluctant to leave. "I don't mind staying."

"Yeah, I'm sure." He offered a small smile. "I don't think I could sleep right now anyway."

Nodding, she stood. "Alright." She stepped over and brushed her hand gently over Obi-Wan's head, still hot beneath her palm. "Call me if he needs anything." And with that, she slipped out of the room and into the corridor to find food and rest.