The Penpal Paradox/Chapter Nine

She had enjoyed an afternoon shopping in Theed and dinner in the plaza. Still, Padme couldn't resist the temptation to check the alerter in her pocket for at least the hundredth time. There was not another word from Obi-Wan yet, and no matter what she did, he was always in the back of her mind.

As she joked around with her family, teased Dorme, ate a meal, slept, or showered, she couldn't help but wonder what was happening to him, when would he write again? When he did, what would he say?

Lying in bed that evening, with the nighttime sounds of Naboo filtering through her windows, Padme stared wide-eyed at the silent DataReader next to her bed. She was grown woman for heaven's sake and here she was distracted by a padawan! Perhaps Dorme was right. What had initially been meant to be a hobby had morphed into an obsession - something she actually wouldn't have time for after this break. Soon, her professional life would resume and things would return to their stressful norm. What then?

Would thoughts of Padawan Kenobi continue to fill her days? Haunt her nights? At what point would it come to an end? When he grew up? Would he seek her out then? If he did, what would they say? Or was Dorme correct and she wasn't even talking to him in the first place?

Have faith, she reminded herself in the darkness. Have faith in yourself and what your heart is telling you. It has to be him.

Sleep had been replaced by these debatable thoughts, her mind continuing to switch back and forth, until the moon's shadows had shifted and she wasn't sure how much time had passed. It was in that quiet moment the DataReader lit up and a chime issued forth.

Finally!

The first thing she noticed was the date and time. In her time, fourteen hours had passed. In his, that would mean eight months had gone by. Eight months was a long time for him not to be able to write. She had a bad feeling about this.

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OuterRim/KenobiObiWan

430602/0638/012

Dear Padme,

Xanatos is dead.

He actually was the one guilty for the attempted assassination on Yoda. During our investigation, he almost killed one of my close friends, Bant, as well. He slipped through our grasp, though, and for reasons I still don't understand, the Council refused to allow us to pursue him.

One thing I've learned about my Master is that he doesn't care much for the council's decisions. We went against their 'advice' and set out to find him on our own.

Our search led to Xanatos' home planet of Telos. Together, we fought him side by side as we've trained for years to do. We had him trapped in a factory on a tenth story walkway, when he surprised us both by leaping over the railing and plunging to his death.

Apparently, he hated my Master and the Jedi so much, he would rather sacrifice his own life instead of being taken into custody. I don't understand a mind like that. Life is precious; each day is a gift. That's one of the reasons why I want to become a Jedi – to help preserve life.

I think if anyone understands that, it's you. I thank the Force every day for giving me a friend I can confide in. I'm sorry it takes me so long to respond sometimes, but more often than not, Qui-Gon and I are on the run, being held prisoner, or fighting for our own lives.

I can hardly wait to hear from you again.

By the way, my favorite color is blue.

Sincerely, Obi-Wan

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