A/N: Made a slight change for clarity's sake. FYI, this chapter references something that occured in my other fic, What Remains. Thank you Queen for the catch!

Chapter Three: Inkling

Though an older model, the oblong-shaped freighter was in decent condition so Obi-Wan hoped that they would have no technical problems reaching their destination. He watched as the younger clone and the bald clone took the helm and began prepping the ship; moments later the floor beneath his boots began to vibrate when the engines came online. Milo and Crest. And the one with two strips of hair was Weave. The scarred one is Traxis. All of Kalinda's reports of her various missions had emphasized her happiness with the small squad that had been assigned to her, so he was determined to learn their names. If there is hope of restoring even a small part of the connection that we shared, I need to make every effort.

Obi-Wan's thoughts returned to their last mission on Aruna.

An image of Kali lying in the crook of his arm and smiling up at him bubbled to the surface of his mind; he could still feel the flutter of her heartbeat against his skin when he bent to kiss her. As the memory came to him he turned it over in his mind, examining it from every angle. The unfiltered delight she had taken in such a simple act as him running a hand through her hair had reminded him that life – even that of a Jedi – did not have to be without joy.

It was so easy to forget that, especially lately.

I've missed her. The realization came to him as he heard the whine of the engines increase in volume and pitch and he had a sudden desire to see her face. Seated at the common area towards the front of the ship, Obi-Wan glanced over as Kalinda and the clone captain stepped aboard after the others, his fellow Jedi approaching him to take a seat at the rounded table as Stonewall joined the rest of the clones, who had gone to ensure that their supplies were stored properly in the rear of the ship.

"Everything alright?" he asked. As she nodded and sat down her robe slipped aside; he noticed a blaster pistol slung in a holster that hung at her hip."When did you start carrying that?"

"On Japarran," she replied. At his raised eyebrow she frowned. "You know I'm not the galaxy's best fighter with a lightsaber. Something has to even the odds." She patted the weapon and gave him a questioning look. "It took a little getting used to, but I can't imagine being without it now. What?"

He shrugged. "It's just unexpected, that's all. I never pictured you with anything other than a lightsaber."

Nodding, she glanced at the transmitter he'd pulled out. "Is that it?" He passed it to her and she studied it for a moment before activating the device. An image of a woman dressed in shimmersilk robes appeared before them. The Arunai were near-Humans with deep, russet-golden skin and alabaster hair, and the young queen was said to be among the most beautiful of her people, though to Obi-Wan she had seemed little more than a wide-eyed girl the first time he'd first met her.

Across from him, Kalinda smiled. "She looks the same," she mused, her hands folded before her chin, her elbows resting on the table. "A bit more regal, but still Sita." The ship started to lift, slipping out of the hangar as the recording began.

"Greetings, Master Jedi," Sita began, her voice quiet and lilting. "I wish that it were in happier circumstances under which I was contacting you, but such is the nature of the galaxy at times. First let me say how dearly I wish that these wars were over and that peace reigned above all else." Here she paused and her eyes lowered for a moment before she continued. "Some six months ago, the gods saw fit to take my beloved husband from this world. Since that time, there has been much unrest in my home."

Kalinda glanced at Obi-Wan and he marked the sorrow in her eyes. "Do you know what happened?"

"No idea," he admitted. "She doesn't say, either." They shared a look as the queen continued.

"Aside from natural disasters there have been threats of dissension among the lower castes...the people are frightened and angry and the high priestess, Neerja, claims that the gods are displeased with us, though I fear there is more at work here than that. I should tell you that I have been approached by Count Dooku, of the Confederation of Independent Systems, who has urged me to align Aruna with the Separatists, claiming that by doing so he will extend us the aid that the Republic has been unable to supply, despite the petitions that I have made to the Senate. Though it is against my personal wish, I must do what is best for my people."

Here she paused and took a deep, shaking breath. "The members of my Parliament are calling for a vote on the matter of secession within the week, so I ask that you send two Jedi to come to Aruna and speak on the Republic's behalf. Kalinda Halcyon and Obi-Wan Kenobi are known on my world and I think that their voices would add some much-needed calm to the chaos that is gripping my home." She gave a low bow, the movement was the uneasy swaying of a blade of grass against the wind. "In any case, I humbly thank you for any assistance you can offer and wish you all the very best of luck in your endeavors. Namaste." The image flickered and died as the ship approached the line of traffic that was streaming off planet.

Running a hand through his beard, Obi-Wan looked at Kalinda. "I have a bad feeling about this."

She gave a tight smile and leaned back in her seat, rubbing at her forehead. "Poor Sita," she said. "She's not ready for this."

"What do you mean?"

"Couldn't you tell how frightened she was?"

He shook his head. "Yes, of course, but she's had several years to become acclimated to her position," he replied, watching the atmosphere recede as the ship approached the hyperlanes.

"A few years isn't a lot of time to learn how to run an entire star system," Kalinda said. "And it doesn't seem like she's ready for this burden."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Whether she's prepared or not, she's been saddled with it. It is vital that she make herself ready. The future of her people depends on it. Besides," he added, looking at her again. "She chose to be where she is; she chose to marry the king, knowing full well that this could happen. It is her duty to accept responsibility for her choices."

"She chose to marry the man she loved," Kalinda replied, her eyes narrowing in thought. "And she loved him very much." After a pause she sighed. "But you're right. She needs to fulfill the role of leadership, regardless of how she feels."

"I don't remember this priestess that she mentioned," Obi-Wan said. "Do you?" As Kalinda shook her head his hand lifted to his beard once more. "By all rights, Sita's word should be the ultimate law but if she's reluctant to act as a queen should, this woman may be a dangerous element. And Count Dooku contacted her? That's troubling."

At that moment, the bald clone – Crest – glanced back at Kalinda. "General, they're requesting our pass-code." At this, the dark-haired Jedi rose from her seat and moved to the helm, remaining there for several minutes while Obi-Wan watched her interact with the clones. Crest entered the code and their ship moved to the front of the line, a benefit from being on a mission for the Jedi Council. After he did so, he turned to her and said something that made her chuckle as she replied.

"No, Crest, that won't be necessary," she said. "But thanks for the offer. Feel like breaking out the harmonica once we get settled in? I know you're anxious to get back to the tablas, Milo."

"Aye, boss," the bald clone replied with a salute and a grin. The younger clone smiled and also answered in the affirmative. Kalinda remained with them at the helm for a few moments as the ship moved into hyperspace before turning back to Obi-Wan and giving him a nod as she returned to the table.

"Harmonica?" he asked.

She smiled, though it was not at him; the realization that gave him a pang of remorse. "You'll see," she replied. "Are we done here for now? I need to speak with the others." Obi-Wan nodded and picked up his datapad to scan through the latest news, though his awareness was on her as she slipped out of the room and towards the cargo hold at the rear part of the ship. Despite the fact that he could no longer feel her emotions through the Force, he could still sense her presence join the other clones; on a whim, he reached out to them.

The one she'd called Weave had a quiet orderly mind, focused on the task at hand, though Obi-Wan felt a flicker of...something when the clone noticed the Jedi approach. It wasn't an attraction, he realized, but more of a deep-seated awe. Not that I blame him, Obi-Wan thought with a faint smile. Traxis, the clone with the scar, seemed indifferent to the Jedi's presence, though there was a flash of annoyance at something Obi-Wan couldn't name. Strange. I wonder what has bothered him so.

Setting the thought aside, he focused on the clone captain and inhaled sharply in the next instant.

The captain's feelings for the Jedi were powerful host of emotions that Obi-Wan had definitely not been expecting. It was overwhelming at first, so he took a mental step back to regroup for a few minutes; however, when he stretched his awareness out once more, the feelings had vanished. Unless it was a fluke or I'm very mistaken, he's hidden them from me, he thought with a frown. Interesting. I wonder if Kali knows? She must...how could she not sense that? Before he could say anything, she emerged from the back of the ship with the other clones following in her wake. Setting the datapad down, he sat up and looked at her. "What's all this?"

She glanced at the troopers, each of whom was carrying an instrument case. "Gentlemen...care to show Obi-Wan what you've been working so hard on?"

While Traxis and Weave secured the cargo hold, Stonewall was at the gunner's station, the lone piece of weaponry on the small freighter. Though he knew that the ship had been looked over prior to their taking it out, he still wanted to ensure that all was as it should be; it also provided a moment of privacy as he heard Kali approach. She spoke to the others, mentioning their instruments, before moving to find him.

"Feel like breaking out the ion-steel?" she asked as she met him in the closet-sized section that housed the single cannon and gunner's seat.

On impulse he reached for her hand and gave it a slight squeeze as he nodded. Suddenly, he felt an odd sensation and he looked at her. "Are you...?" he tapped his head and she winced.

"No, but I should have thought of this," she replied, her hand still in his. "It's Obi-Wan. He's bound to be curious about you guys as I haven't talked about much else. He might try to...get a feel for you." A deep breath and she removed her hand from his. "You need to try and keep your thoughts about me to a bare minimum when he's around."

The feeling had vanished. "I'm not sure I can hide how I feel about you from a Jedi Master," he said at last, his voice uncertain.

Nodding, her gaze grew distant while she thought. After a moment she looked back at him. "It may not work," she said slowly. "But it's worth a shot. Imagine a wall around your mind, if you can. Just focus like we did with my shield on Basrah and the toxin on Japarran...remember?"

"I'll try," he said, closing his eyes and doing as she said. "Can you tell if that did it?" he asked after a few moments.

"I'm not sure," she admitted, looking perplexed. "I can still feel you, but I think it will be different for him." She gave Stone a pained smile. "This is only temporary; I just think it will be easier if he doesn't...well," she sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Complications."

The clone captain paused before he spoke. "Complications. Right." He took a breath and looked at her. "But...would it really make a difference if he knew? You said that relationships are kind of a gray area for the Jedi. Why would it matter to him?"

She tilted her head as she regarded him. "It shouldn't matter to him at all, Stone. I'd just prefer to keep it to ourselves. For privacy's sake, if nothing else."

As much as he wanted to back down and do as she asked, he couldn't stop the next words that left his mouth. "You didn't mind so much when my brothers found out."

"Stone," she said. "You asked me if you could help? Well, this will help. I have a feeling that this mission is going to be difficult enough without Obi-Wan lecturing me about forming attachments." Here she frowned and shook her head. "That came out wrong...I just mean that what we have should stay between us. For now."

"For now." It was a risk, but he reached for her hand again, which she accepted with a relieved smile. They stood so for a few moments before he heard Weave and Traxis walk by on their way back to the main area of the ship. The scarred clone paused by the door, glanced in and shook his head, irritation written across his features.

"I thought we were supposed to perform."

Kali gave him a nod. "We're on the way, Trax." He made no reply, though his eyes flicked to Stonewall before he moved on. She looked back at the captain. "Is he okay? He seems..." she paused. "More agitated than usual."

"I've noticed it too," Stonewall replied. "I'll talk to him about it."

She nodded, though her next words were uncertain. "Are we...okay?"

The question threw him for a loop. "Of course. Why wouldn't we be?" On a whim, he kissed the top of her hand and motioned for the doorway.

Several minutes later Stonewall and his brothers had settled in the common area and were in the process of tuning their instruments. Milo had set the ship's autopilot, so everyone was free to take part in the session. The clone captain watched as Kalinda pulled out her viol and began adding rosin to the bow; he noted that General Kenobi's gaze flicked to himself only once or twice before settling on her. "Kalinda," he said after a moment. "What's all this about?"

The instruments tuned, the clones looked to Kali for the signal to begin. She raised a brow at Kenobi. "Get ready," she said, a grin in her voice. "Guys? How about an old favorite?" She named a song they all knew well and at her count, the squad began to play.

It was pleasant to play the ion-steel gitar with his brothers again, though Stonewall had enjoyed a few private lessons with Kali during their leave, the memory of which he quickly set aside to focus on the music. The song was light, cheerful and a little complex, but they all were familiar with it at this point. He heard each of his brothers' instruments and felt a glow of pride at the sound, a far cry from the dissonance that had marked their first attempts at making music. A quick glance at the others showed that they were each wholly engrossed, the layers of sound piecing together in perfect harmony.

Stonewall's hands now seemed to move of their own accord across the strings of the polished-metal gitar; he found that he didn't have to think quite so hard about where to put his fingers or which position of his wrist would allow greater freedom to reach certain chords. It was becoming more and more natural. Something made him look up only to catch Kali's gaze, though her eyes lowered in the next moment. It was then that he felt another foreign brush against his mind and knew that General Kenobi was trying to feel him out again. Stonewall concentrated on his mental barrier and noted that the awareness seemed to turn away after a few moments. Even so, he didn't dare look anywhere but his instrument as the song wound down.

When it ended, Kenobi lifted his hands and began to applaud. "Well done," he said, smiling at them. "That was remarkable." He looked at Kali and his brow lifted. "Your influence, I take it?"

She nodded. "The talent was there," she replied with a smile. "I just gave it a bit of a push."

"Bit of a push?" Crest said, his harmonica in his lap. "You're relentless, General...she made us practice more than anything else, almost. Sir." His tone was informal and he seemed to check himself in the end, though it was a bit late.

However, Kenobi didn't seem to mind as he nodded to the bald clone. "Consider the effort well worth it; as someone with no musical talent whatsoever, I am impressed. As usual." Again he smiled at her. Stonewall watched as Kali nodded and looked at her viol, though he noted a flush of color that crept to her cheeks, a sight that sent a flash of apprehension through him.

"General," he said. "Remember the last one we learned before leave? I'd like to try it again." The others nodded in agreement and he caught her eye as she lifted her viol and the music started once more.

As she lay alone in her bunk that night, Kalinda dreamed.

It was like no place she had ever been. She walked alone in a barren field coated in gray ash; looking down she saw that the ground had been charred and burned, each of her steps caused flecks of the ashes to float in the air around her and be carried off by the rough wind that also tugged at the edges of her tunic. Though the sky was bright, the sun above her head was obscured by roiling clouds and it was silent save for her own soft footfalls.

Where am I? A sudden noise to her left made her turn and her jaw dropped as she saw her first Master, Jonas Ki, walking towards her; his white-blond hair seemed to glow among the ash and his eyes had an almost otherworldly cast to them. This is a dream, she thought as she hurried to meet him. This isn't real...but still, it's good to see him again.

"Master," she said as they met. "Where are we?"

He did not answer her immediately though his expression was pensive. "Kali. What are you doing?"

She frowned. "What?"

"It's a simple question."

"I-" Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. After a moment she shook her head. "I don't know what you mean."

Jonas folded his arms before his chest. "You must put a stop to it, or the cycle will never cease. You know that you have to be stronger." As he looked at her, his expression softened. "Often I wonder if I failed you, by training you myself; I fear that it has made it harder for you to let go as you should be able to do."

He was never able to find the balance between being my father and being my teacher, no matter how hard he tried. It was a secret that only a few others were aware of and she felt her throat tighten. "You didn't fail me, father. But what do you mean? Put a stop to what?" The wind kicked up more ash and blew it around them, bits of the gray flakes getting caught in her clothing and hair. In the distance she could hear the rumble of thunder and beneath her boots the ground gave a quiet shudder as if in response.

"I loved you," he said. "More than anything in the galaxy. That love gave me strength and purpose, but at what cost to you?" His voice was growing distant and she felt fear clutch at her heart, so she reached her hand out to him but met with only empty air. His face flickered and began to fade.

"Please stay," she whispered. "Please, father. I need you. I need your help."

He smiled. "I have faith in you, Kali. You can do this. But you must make yourself stronger. You must not make the same mistakes any more." His blue eyes closed and she watched the blowing ash engulf him, obscuring his form. The rumbling in the distance seemed to grow closer and she felt a flicker of heat against her face, though when she glanced around she saw only the empty field.

As she turned back to him, she realized that he had almost completely faded away and she felt terror grip her for an instant, though she couldn't have said exactly why. He's been dead a long time, she thought as she watched him disappear. I thought I'd moved on. Why does it hurt so much, still?

Suddenly the air around her split with a piercing shriek from an unseen source and she felt the thrill of fear return. Her hands went to her saber, but she found that it was missing, along with her blaster. The ground below her feet began to quake even more as if something very large was approaching and the heat on her face grew in intensity. No. This isn't real...it's just a dream.

When she awoke, she was covered in sweat and gasping for breath and it was several hours before she was able to sleep again.