Chapter Fifteen

Much to everyone's surprise, the Trade Viceroy agreed to the senate committee's recommendation the following afternoon, and although Padmé felt it was a huge compromise on her part, she was willing to accept the decision, which would successfully end the negotiations.

However, she did it with mixed feelings. An end of the talks would mean an end of the trade blockade which would benefit the planet and her people. But it would also mean that Obi-Wan would be leaving Naboo soon. And although it was a selfish thought, and not worthy of the leader she was, Padmé couldn't help but dwell upon it.

It was for the best though. Obi-Wan needed to leave Naboo and be away from the threat of the Jedi. Senator Palpatine and Chancellor Valorum would ensure that he would receive adequate treatment and rehabilitation. She was sure of it.

Security in that belief was the only thing that allowed Padmé to make it through dinner that evening, knowing that the senatorial committee was leaving afterward. And taking Obi-Wan with them.

Following the meal, she waited with Qui-Gon in the main hangar as security brought Obi-Wan up from the holding cell, the sight of him bringing with it the memory of the kiss they had shared the night before. Padmé blushed as she recalled how good his skin felt underneath her hands and how he had hardened against her stomach as she so wantonly pressed herself against him. As a result, a small smile lit her face in spite of the fact he was leaving and she tried to express the reasoning behind it through an expressive gaze.

But he wouldn't look at her.

His eyes remained focused upon the floor the entire time he was led across the hangar, and to her grave disappointment, even as he disappeared into the chancellor's ship.

Confused and unable to hide her hurt, the senator noticed and approached her.

"Do not worry, my dear, the young man will receive all the care that he requires."

"Thank you, senator. And thank you for the committee's assistance in ending the blockade."

"It was our pleasure, but we would not have been able to end it so quickly if it had not been for Master Jinn's previous excellent efforts."

Qui-Gon lowered his head in a small, humble gesture to accept the compliment, and then reached into his robes to withdraw a hypospray.

"You'll need to inject this on the second day of your journey back to Coruscant. Without it, Obi-Wan will have access to the Dark Side."

Palpatine took the syringe and placed it into his robes. "We wouldn't want that now, would we? Don't worry about him, Master Jinn. He will be quite safe."

"I'll be stopping by to check on his progress, periodically." Qui-Gon assured the older man, who smiled that familiar small grin that to Qui-Gon, somehow never did seem genuine.

"Of course." Palpatine replied before turning around to enter the vehicle behind the other committee members.

"I'll inform Master Yoda of your pending arrival."

"Very well." Qui-Gon glanced at Mace, who still carried a look of annoyance, no doubt due to the presence of a Sith warrior on board. "I shall be leaving Naboo within the hour."

"May the Force be with you."

Qui-Gon stayed to watch the luxurious space yacht as it slowly maneuvered its way out of the hangar and once clearing the dock, flared its thrusters and lurched into the upper atmosphere of Naboo. He had not noticed the leave of the young queen and her handmaidens nor the guards who attended her. His focus was entirely on the well-being and care of the young man who was on board that disappearing ship. One, whose care had been once again been taken out of his hands.

On board the vessel, Obi-Wan was led into the cargo area, where he was secured by a chain that hung from the electrocuffs that bound his wrists to a durasteel pipe that ran the length of the wall. He settled in for the three-day voyage back to Coruscant, dreading the moment when his Master would approach him, believing that the man would at least wait until they were back in Galactic City.

But he had been wrong.

When the chill of deep space settled upon him and he shivered as he tried to find a comfortable position on the floor of the hold, he heard the opening of the cargo door and the familiar swish of his Master's robes and immediately rose to his feet, his heart hammering in his chest.

No words were spoken but none were needed as Sidious attempted to probe his mind. But for the first time, Obi-Wan managed to keep his mental shields raised and did not allow his Master access to his thoughts.

He would not endanger Padmé's life by revealing his feelings for her, knowing that his actions would infuriate the Sith Lord, but he didn't care. He was dead anyway.

He was not disappointed. Furious, the wrinkled face clenched in rage as Sidious drew close, spitting his vile threat into Obi-Wan's face.

"You will pay for your disobedience, my apprentice."

Obi-Wan met the malevolent glare with eyes born of a newfound confidence and courage.

He would pay and he knew it. But he was no longer afraid and would bravely face what was to come. As long as Padmé was safe, he would accept his death. Gratefully.