Chapter Two

They landed on Coruscant with little ado. Amidala was met by Senator Palpatine of her home world and was quickly whisked away to the Senate where she would make her plea for intervention.

Jedi padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi fell into step behind his master as they proceeded to the Jedi Temple, their young charge in tow.

Lives spinning on opposite though intertwining courses; what would finally cause these paths to collide? Why that little boy…

"I will train him!"

The statement came down leaving the council to fall to a hush. Obi-Wan blanched, he knew the rules, and he knew the policy. A Jedi Knight could only have one padawan.

"Have a padawan you do," Master Yoda stated. No one waited for a reply more intently then the current padawan.

Obi-Wan didn't know he could feel such betrayal, such agony in such a short span of time but he felt that and so much more as time stopped. He replayed his Master bringing that boy to the ship, he remember the coldness in his voice as he addressed him…the obvious fondness as he spoke to the boy. Obi-Wan was no fool, he knew what his Master hoped to gain by bringing the boy to the council. He knew. If Qui-Gon truly believed the boy was, the 'Chosen One' then he sought redemption and an unconditional pardon for past discrepancies and perhaps even a Council appointment. No, Obi-Wan was no fool, he knew.

"Obi-Wan is ready for the Trials. Already he displays the true talents and nature of a Jedi Knight; he is no longer in need of my tutelage!"

"What say you Kenobi?" Master Windu's gaze fell on the young man.

"Master Jinn is my teacher, I trust his judgment. If he believes me to be ready, then I will approach the Trials with firm belief in my skills," Obi-Wan was cool, calm and some would say reproachful, they would say this if they were very well in tune with the Force and well acquainted with the details of human nature; the Jedi High Council were such individuals.

"Question, that was not. Your feelings we seek," Master Yoda, the wisest of the Jedi questioned further looking deeply into the slight Force disruption that quaked around the padawan.

Obi-Wan couldn't look at his Master, couldn't look at the boy in front of him, nor could he even look at the Masters…only at the pale blue sky outside the windows beyond them, "I believe that I possess the skills and the desire to pass the Trials—to become a Knight. But I can't say if I have learned everything that I can, or everything that I want to learn from my teacher. I believe I have the skills but perhaps not the wisdom."

Master Yoda nodded then glanced to Master Windu, the second in command, "Wise he is, beyond his years is he."

Master Yoda nodded and Master Windu took over, "Master Jinn we give you permission to train Anakin Skywalker you may go."

Qui-Gon glanced from the boy to Obi-Wan; Obi-Wan wouldn't meet his gaze. Nothing more was exchanged; they bowed and prepared to depart.

"One moment Obi-Wan, we wish to speak with you," Master Windu waved back Obi-Wan.

The three departing men looked curious but only Obi-Wan spoke, "Yes Master."

Moving back to the center of the sparkling tile floor to resume his position in front of the council, he stood silent.

"We would ask you again, with your Master not present, what do you think?"

Obi-Wan didn't need clarification on to what he was being questioned about. Still he took great though and calm preparation in his reply, "I believe that my Master believes Anakin Skywalker to be the One that the prophecy speaks of, but as I am sure you have assessed I am not of the same feeling."

The council did know, yet was still intrigued that the man would speak so freely, "Go on, please," Master Windu smiled making a temple with his hands.

"His blood tested high, I know that; I ran the tests myself. Something though, doesn't sit right. I, in no way mean to impugn Master Jinn's opinions as unjust or even inaccurate just that I do not share in his conclusions. But then again I am just a student, for me to believe that I am in any way more aware or 'in tune' with the Force would be wholly presumptuous and arrogant."

"Perhaps you are, more aware more in tune. We meant what we said when we said you were wise beyond your years for you are. You proved it when you answered our questions truthfully in spite of your Masters' presence; you proved that you were indeed ready to become a Knight when you admitted that while you possessed the basic knowledge you perhaps lacked the wisdom to use it. It is a lesson many still have yet to learn by the time they are ready to attain the rank of 'Master'.
"Obi-Wan you are now, at this stage so much farther then any other student in your class, you are in many ways beyond any Knight. What you lack in practical application skills you make up in wisdom. Wisdom is something most associate with the aged or the ones sitting on mountain tops but it is something gained by watching, learning from what is around you and you've done that. You've learned that wisdom is learned through experience as well as by age.
"You are done learning from you Master. Qui-Gon is a good Knight and a compassionate man but he does not have the strength of character you do. He lacks self restraint in most cases where emotions play a part. You have learned much from him I suspect, though I think it was lessons he didn't intend to teach you that brought you to where you are…You learned more from his mistakes then from his successes didn't you?"

Obi-Wan's heart beat a little faster as he met Master Windu's eyes, "I think I did Master."

"No shame in admitting that, it is wise and resourceful to learn all that you can no matter the way the knowledge presents itself. You are a better Jedi for what your Master failed in aren't you? It doesn't make Qui-Gon any less of a teacher or any less a Jedi, it just makes you a better student and there is no fault in that."

"Trust you we do. More to Skywalker there is, not so sure Chosen One he is. Done with Jinn you are, but done not with Skywalker," Master Yoda spoke slowly his thoughts drifting even as he spoke.

"We will have an assignment for you soon Obi-Wan, you will also take your Trials soon but until you do you will be acting as a full Knight with all the responsibilities and privileges as such but unfortunately without the title. Go, we will send for you when we have your assignment," Master Windu abruptly dismissed him.

Obi-Wan was more then dazed and more then a little confused but he bowed respectfully then took leave of the council.

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Obi-Wan avoided his Master and the new student, he was not ready to address his statements in the council's chamber, nor was he ready to talk about what transpired after Qui-Gon left. In fact, he wasn't ready to truly try and address those issues himself.

Walking the halls of the silent temple, he reflected. It was true, the things that he said, and he meant every word. And in turn, he believed and understood what the council said. He was finished with his Master he wasn't ready to admit that before of course. Being a Jedi was a responsibility not to be taken lightly, and he knew that. He knew that from the moment he passed the Trials he would be a Knight, he would be a protector, a diplomat, a warrior, a politician (and he in no way relished that idea) a true Jedi. Everything changed once you passed those sacred tests, you changed. The lines, the rules, the entire fiber changed. You attainted the goal you were essentially born for. But the training, learning didn't stop there and that too was a little bit daunting.

A placid melancholy feeling draped over him as it much of the time did when he walked and thought in the drafty still silence. Staring into the light that streamed through the high arched windows, watching as it caught the microscopic dust specks it all acted as soother. He relaxed in the atmosphere feeling not so much his surroundings, for after a while they faded away, he felt instead, his soul. For the normal being, it was not a task to melt away and touch upon what was in them, but for a Jedi who felt everything, who felt the souls and thoughts of others pinpointing just their own was a task.

But these times he lost track of everything else, he forgot and just was. Was the man and not the Jedi, he was the weary, the confused, the emotionally alive human being he was born.

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Obi-Wan walked the crowded streets of Coruscant, a crowded rather seedy street in the town of Coco. He often came here mostly because it amazed him that there was such a difference between the principle city—the Capital City and Coco Town barely a stone's throw away. Here there were no million credit homes, fancy transportation or high end dinning. There were no fast talking—double talking politicians just fast talking, double talking scammers and used speeder salesman, good—and some not so good and some down right bad people, there were hard working people that had to fight for everything but they were honest, even the bad ones were honest about being dishonest. There were no fronts or put on acts and once in a while Obi-Wan wanted that. A relief from the fantasy he sometimes called it. In Coco Town, what you saw was what you got.

He pushed by people and through people such was the custom and the only way you could survive. The polite were quickly pushed down or aside it was very much a do or get out of the way society and at the moment Obi-Wan wanted that.

He pushed through the doors of run down but in no way dilapidated diner. The floor was black and white title and the booths surrounding the perimeter were upholstered in cracking red vinyl. The kitchen which sat in the middle of the place had a wide bar with water stained light blue formica top. There were spin barstools that had the same cracking vinyl on their tops. Grease was the main food staple at Dex's Diner but none did it better then him. You could get it on just about anything you ordered and you would like it—just don't ask to see the chef; he might kill your appetite.

Dexter Jexster was one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet but not your standard diner owner/operator/head chef. He was a long time friend of Obi-Wan. They met when Obi-Wan was chasing a weapons dealer when Obi-Wan was barely old enough to go on assignment. Dex was who you went to for information of weapons since he had been in the trade for most of his life before he decided to go straight after a close call; now he pursues his passion of the culinary variety. Today the only thing considered a weapon of mass destruction here was the House Special, eat only if you dare.

The place was busy today Obi-Wan observed and wasn't sure if he was glad or disappointed. There wouldn't be a chance to have a decent conversation with his friend but there certainly would be plenty of people to blend into.

The serving droid, a perky though nearly prehistoric Cherry 2000 model with a high winy voice and a name tag that read 'Peggy Sue' recognized him from her V.I.P program file and immediately had his back corner booth made ready.

"Thanks Peggy, tell Dex I'm here but tell him not to worry about saying hi, I didn't want to see his face ugly mug anyway," Obi-Wan smiled and knew Dex had spotted him, he sent a pleasant wave toward the kitchen pick up window. He also knew Dex had heard his comment to Peggy because he heard Dex grumble a few warm friendly curses about the disrespectfully Jedi dog. It was certainly good to be in Coco Town.

He took an obligatory glance at that menu that never changed and pushed in his order of jawa juice and Dex House Fries into the menu pad at the wall end of the table. With the crowd today, he was sure he would have a nice long wait during which he could enjoy watching the occupants.

He settled back against the bench letting his eyes as well as his ears wander. There were friends telling questionable jokes, couples laughing and some others arguing. All the usual chit chat of the normal people, that was until he picked up a rather strange conversation.

"Are you sure you want to be here?"

"No I'm not sure! Actually I am fairly certainly I don't want to be here but we got lost so it's either we wait and ask—discretely—for directions here or we wander the streets again! I don't know about you but I think I'd rather stay here!"

"Fine, but I have to remind you that I warned you! But you just had to come anyway; you had to see the sights! I hope you're satisfied!"

"Actually I am thank you!"

Obi-Wan grinned, he couldn't see the females but he was just sure he knew the second voice. The more his mind processed the tone, the soft accent, the gentle flow he just knew, just knew who she was.

He scanned the diner as best he could. It became obvious she must be sitting on the other side. He stood and quietly made his way around. He listened and paused,

"What are you going to order? I think we should order something…"

"Well I am sorry but I don't recognize anything on here. I am not eating something I can't identify."

He knew now without a doubt. He knew, that sternness that crept in, he knew who it was and it about knocked him over; but where was she?"

He moved up the tight aisle then he stopped. There she was. She was right there in front of him. Sitting slightly bent over the table top intently looking over the white and red menu. He knew of course, though she was not dressed or decorated as she had been, he knew the second her glance lifted and he could see her eyes. Yes, it was her he would never forget those eyes.

"Hello," he spoke lowly coming to stop in front of them.

Both women were still, rigid and their eyes locked onto him. The first girl, for she really was just a girl, looked at him with terror stricken eyes while the second, the Queen looked at him with mildly surprised yet intense and curiously pleased eyes.

It finally dawned on him what was going on, the conversation with the Queen about seeing the sights came rushing back. She was exploring Coruscant dressed as one of her handmaidens! He was sure not even her guard knew where she was or that she was even missing for that matter. No wonder they sounded so dire while they were discussing their predicament, they could hardly call and ask for their guard detail to pick them up. He thought he would play along.

"Good day good handmaidens how fortunate I should run into you. Is your Queen well? Has she spoken with the Senate yet?"

The true handmaiden trembled with either relief or terror, Obi-Wan wasn't sure which. The Queen however just bestowed upon him a radiant and grateful smile.

"She is well good sir, she has not spoken with the Senate yet though she will tomorrow. She will be most pleased that we were able to meet with you. She has expressed a desire to share again her eternal thanks for the work you and your Jedi Master did to bring her here," Amidala smiled and Obi-Wan felt again strange tug in the close location of his heart as she did.

"Tell your Queen that we were more then happy to help, it is our job after all. I wish her all the best tomorrow. May I ask though, what are you, her handmaidens doing so far out?"

Amidala paled just a bit but color returned quickly, "The Queen is always most interested in her surroundings and because she has been preoccupied with attending planetary meetings she asked that Raché and I take a tour and report back."

"A sound plan, I thought I had made the acquaintance of all the handmaidens on the trip here, but I don't recognize you," Obi-Wan gave a lopsided smile and looked Amidala over. She certainly was differently without her royal costume. Gorgeous, there was no dispute. Her hair was a soft hazelnut brown with glints of gold; her face still had all its proud bones but was not as severe as it was with the white make-up. She was younger looking and infinitely more tender. He saw her youth in her unlined face, but she still had the defiance in her eyes that let him know she was still very much the Queen even out of her attire. He had been attracted to the Queen yes, but he found the handmaiden just as drawing and wholly more approachable.

"I am Padmé and I have served the Queen since the very beginning," she said proudly.

"And well I am sure. Well now that I have given my regards to your Queen I believe I shall be on my way," Obi-Wan took no more then three steps and was called back.

"If you please sir Jedi…" Amidala—Padmé called softly, hesitantly.

He knew why he was being asked back, he walked away just so he could be asked back. He tried not to smile smugly.

"Yes? Was there something else that you desired?"

Padmé, for that is now how he preferred to think of her, seemed to swallow hard, "We were wondering, were you on your way back to the Capital City?"

Obi-Wan paused to give the impression that he was pondering the thought, "I was going to make a few other stops…" he watched Raché's face go unnaturally white and Padmé's fall, he hadn't the heart to continue the ruse, "but upon further thought, I think yes I am going to the Capital City from here."

Watching their eyes brighten was more then reward enough for him.

"If you please then, would it be so much a bother if we accompanied you? We would really like to see the sights and with a guide, we would have more to report back to the Queen. Would this be at all possible good Jedi?" Padmé's voice was so sickly sweet and genial Obi-Wan wasn't even sure it was her…he was beginning to rethink his preference of the handmaiden to the Queen. The force and assurance the Queen possessed were qualities Obi-Wan didn't even realize he liked so well. The Queen was a challenge, a fresh new challenge he wanted to conquer. Now listening to the meekness however much put on by the handmaiden was making him think he not only desired the challenge but now no longer wished to win it if this be the end result.

"Anything is possible, yes you may accompany me, are you ready?"

"Now?" Padmé asked shocked.

"Mmm, hmm."

"Well, yes, we are ready," she stuttered giving a brief glance to the silent handmaiden. Poor Raché hadn't a clue as to what was going on. She certainly didn't know that the Jedi was privy to the information of the true identity of the flushed handmaiden. She was most thoroughly perplexed.

Padmé, Raché, and Obi-Wan stepped out of the diner and into the street not at all sure what was ahead of them.

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Quick Note: I will be going out of town for a least a week, maybe two to three so there most likely won't be any updates till I get back. I am sorry, but I hope you'll forgive and not forget me…in fact if you haven't read them before I have some older posted (and finished) Obidala stories you could read to remember me if you wanted… I love reviews ;-) (do you think that was too subtle? LOL) Much love and may the Force be with you, RaeAnne