Obi-Wan was out on a mission.

He was worried about taking it, and leaving Ventress alone in her third month of pregnancy. She was due any day now. But still, Ventress had insisted he go, telling him repeatedly that she would go straight to the Temple healers if anything happened. She would have the healers notify him, and he would always be kept up-to-date. She had sworn to answer his every communication, but he had to be the one to call. She would have no way of knowing if he was busy or not. Obi-Wan had left, although rather reluctantly, practically being pushed out the door by Ventress. Anakin had snickered and snorted the entire time, until Obi-Wan threatened to smack him so hard he would go from here to their mission planet in seconds-without hyperspace. Anakin had shut up after that. Still, Obi-Wan was distracted the entire ride to Tiisheraan, his thoughts straying to nothing other than Ventress. So this is why the Jedi forbade attachment to begin with, Obi-Wan thought. It's distracting. Well, I guess one just needs to learn to deal with it, and that will truly make a Jedi master. Anakin seemed to sense his master's discomfort, and kept quiet. The two were in separate fighters, anyway.

They landed on the planet without incident. They had chosen a landing location near the area they had been asked to investigate: rumors were, there was a Force-sensitive born on the planet. Obi-Wan and Anakin were sent, as Anakin needed experience seeking out Force-sensitive beings he was not familiar with. Obi-Wan had, of course, had to go along. They found the Force-sensitive child fairly easily; it was a male human boy, a year old, and he was, indeed, Force-sensitive. Obi-Wan explained to the family why he needed to be taken back to the Temple and trained, and, as any parent would, they at first refused. Then, he explained the dangers of leaving him untrained, and then, the parents consented. Obi-Wan had no trouble getting the child back to the Temple, and delivered into the hands of one of the Masters in charge of the Younglings. He was heading back to his room, Anakin having long done so, when his comm went off.

"Master, Ventress isn't here."

Obi-Wan's heart immediately stopped. Had something happened? Impossible. She was in a Temple full of Jedi! Someone had to know what happened. And, seeing as Anakin was the person who had reported her missing, Obi-Wan suspected he knew the most. "Is there a note, or anything?" he asked urgently. There was silence on the other end of the comm, and then Anakin said, "There's a bright sticky note on the fridge. Hang on…" Anakin fell silent again, which didn't help Obi-Wan's pounding heart. "It says, 'Went into labor…went down to find Shaak Ti…she should call you sooner or later…' and then she signed it with a little heart and her name." Obi-Wan could almost hear Anakin rolling his eyes and he muttered, "Chicks. Well, hey, on the bright side, you won't have to watch her give birth."

Obi-Wan sighed, and terminated the connection. And then, he flew down the hallways to the healer's wing of the Temple.

OOOOOOOOOO

Shaak Ti was leaning against the doorframe outside.

"And you didn't comm me…because?!!"

The Togruta Jedi shrugged with one shoulder. "Figured you were still busy," she said. "Her water broke a few hours ago. She's just going into labor now."

"Can I see her?" Obi-Wan asked quickly. Shaak Ti sighed.

"Five minutes," she said grudgingly. "This could get messy, fast. I don't know much about Rattataki anatomy, but it'll be more than enough to tide us over. She'll be fine, Obi-Wan. If I can't do it, Barriss can. Or some other healer who has more experience with birthing. I promise, she'll be fine."

"I know," Obi-Wan sighed. "But it doesn't stop me from worrying."

Shaak Ti smiled, and stepped aside from the door. "Understandable," she said. "Now, the sooner you get in and out of there, the better. So, go share some encouragement, and I don't recommend looking into your Force-bond. Go in blind, okay? This is, ah, lady business, so…I'd keep your eyes closed when she's calling out to you. Respond, definitely, but just…ah, again, keep your eyes shut." Shaak Ti stepped aside as the door opened, and Obi-Wan stepped through. He nodded once in thanks for her advice, and then walked into the room.

Ventress was lying down on a bed, the covers pulled up over her bare body. She sat up slightly when she saw him enter; Obi-Wan shook his head, and she nodded gratefully to him as she sank back down into the bed. "Hi," she greeted. "Sorry, but I didn't want to interrupt…"

"It's okay," Obi-Wan whispered, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to her. He took her hand in both of his, and noticed she was shaking.

"You'll be fine," he whispered. "I'll always be there, just call for me, okay? They won't let me in the room itself, but I swear, I'll be waiting right outside that door all night, except when I have to use the toilet, and you can always call me through our bond. But, ah, I warn you-I will be keeping my eyes closed."

Ventress laughed slightly, and then winced and gasped as a contraction overtook her. For a moment, there was nothing but pain in her beautiful features; she gripped his hand so tight, Obi-Wan thought the bones were going to break. Then, it seemed the pain finally passed, and her grip on his hand released again. "You'll be fine," Obi-Wan whispered, raising one hand to her cheek. His soft caresses calmed her; she took deep breaths, trying to quiet her screaming nerves. Her entire body was on high alert: she thought her heart would explode, and her lungs would burst open. She was scared, Obi-Wan could tell: he could see it in her very eyes. She wouldn't show it, though: she was far too proud for that. Obi-Wan knew that pride was going to be both help and hindrance during her life. Now, it might be both. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and then gently patted her shoulder. "You'll be fine," he repeated, for what felt like that thousandth useless time. "I promise."

Shaak Ti's blue horns preceded her into the room. "Five minutes is up, Kenobi," she said. "Sorry, but ya gotta go."

Obi-Wan gave Ventress an apologetic look, and then stood up. "I'll be right outside," he whispered, reluctantly letting go of her hand. Ventress gave him a strained smile, as if to try to reassure him, but it didn't really work too well. Obi-Wan left his heart in the room with her. As soon as the doors hissed shut behind him, he immediately felt the hollowness in his chest. He felt terrible for leaving Ventress alone in there for…Force knows how long. But he had no choice, he knew. He didn't particularly feel like watching Ventress give birth, either. Much as he hated to admit it, being outside that room might even be better for him…

Kit walked up to him.

"Hey, I don't think you're gonna wanna be here for much longer."

Obi-Wan raised a brow. "Um, why?" he asked slowly. Kit shrugged.

"It's gonna get messy, I know," he said. "Ladies have issues, dude, issues that guys can't even begin to comprehend…and birth sucks for them. Like, sucks worse than being stuck out in the field without a lightsaber. And they can't even kill the pain, because she stills needs to-"

"Spare me the details," Obi-Wan said, grimacing and holding up his hand for Kit to stop. "There was a reason I actually agreed to step out."

"You're going to be sitting here a while."

"Overnight?"

"Possibly."

Obi-Wan shrugged. "I'd do it for her," he said, "but no one else. Qui-Gon, maybe...if he were still alive. Anakin, maybe. But…no one else. She's wonderful, Kit, despite everything she's done. She still has a heart, and she can show it. People just get her wrong, because of the past."

Kit nodded, grinning. "Well, with the new attachment-now-permitted rule, I've been getting a little closer with a Twi'lek of my skin color."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Well, good luck," he said. "Has she noticed yet?"

"Oh, it's mutual," Kit assured. "We're just allowed to go forward with it now."

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Yeah, you and Aayla were always pretty close…"

Kit nodded, folding his arms and leaning against the wall opposite Obi-Wan. "So, what's your plan?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "For what?" he asked.

"For tonight…"

"Sit here and wait for Shaak Ti to stick her head out and tell me I'm clear to come in."

"I'll comm you when I get off my date."

And he was gone.

Obi-Wan smiled as he caught site of several head-tail whipping around the corner, and marveled at Kit's escape skills. He had a knack for running away, but never used it. The day Kit ran away from something, Obi-Wan swore, would be the day Yoda lost a Force-battle. Or won a beauty pageant. Obi-Wan shivered. Yoda might have been wise and powerful, but attractive wasn't part of the package deal…Obi-Wan sank down on his haunches against the wall, exhaling slowly and pushing his legs out from underneath him. He fell with a slight thump! and hit the floor. He leaned back against the wall, and stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing them at the ankle. He tipped his head back until it hit the wall, and then closed his eyes. Might as well enjoy the peace while it lasted. If Kit's words were true, he was in for one hell of a night…

"Hi."

Obi-Wan glanced up into the green-tinted face of Luminara Unduli, looking down at him with sympathetic, striking blue eyes. "Hi," he greeted. He gently patted the floor next to him. "Have a seat," he invited. "The company would be welcome."

Luminara smiled, but politely declined. "Sorry, but I've only got a minute. I feel I should warn you, though: Rattataki females have a very difficult time with birth. It takes them a very long time, and it is very taxing for them. They have long, narrow birth canals, and it's quite a painful experience for them to give birth. They do lose a bit of blood in the process: about a quarter of a pint. Just be there in the Force for her; talk to her. But don't look."

Obi-Wan nodded. The news wasn't encouraging, but it was nice to know what was going on without all the nasty details. Or, as close to without as possible. "Got it," he said. "Thanks."

Luminara smiled again. "Any time," she said. "So, do you have a name yet?"

"We were thinking about either Raina or Electa," Obi-Wan replied. "What do you think?"

"I think you'll know when you see your baby's face," she replied smoothly. "The Force will certainly let you know."

Obi-Wan nodded slowly. Made sense. "Thanks," he said. "Again."

Luminara smiled, nodded, and then moved off down the hallway. Obi-Wan's head hit the wall again. Bored…might as well take a nap. He got the feeling he wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight.

OOOOOOOOOO

Obi-Wan was right: he got next to no sleep that night.

The entire thing passed in a fog. He had gotten in a good two hour's worth of nap time before Ventress's distress had awakened him. He had woken up, heard her screams, and immediately reached out to her through the Force. She clung to him desperately, almost suffocating in her grip, struggling with the contractions that gripped her slender body. Obi-Wan kept his eyes strongly shielded: he didn't want to see what Ventress was seeing at this point in time. She struggled for hours with the contractions, each one stronger than the last, and each one closer to the next. Obi-Wan recalled what Luminara had said about Rattatakis: they had a while to go, from where things stood. Obi-Wan could hear the voices of Ventress, Shaak Ti, and several other female Jedi healers in the next room, all of them struggling to help Ventress and protect the baby. Ventress, however, was tiring quickly: and her fatigue wasn't a good thing.

Obi-Wan sent every ounce of strength he could to Ventress along their bond, fortifying it with all the encouragement and love he could. Ventress accepted it gradually, using the energy as slowly and steadily as she could. She didn't want to take everything at once. Obi-Wan helped to taper the stream as Ventress kept at it, trying to bring her baby safely into the world. Obi-Wan, with his eyes closed, could see nothing of the room behind him, nor could he see the people within it. But boy, could he hear it! Ventress's screams repeatedly punctured the air, as well as those of the healers trying to call above her and calm her down. This went on for another few hours; Obi-Wan was beginning to fear they were going to have to operate. His heart began to flutter nervously; he could feel Ventress's distress, though, much greater than his, and tried to be brave, for her sake. She would sense his fear, and worry.

"A little more!"

Obi-Wan grimaced as he heard the healers yelling, trying to help Ventress keep going. She was close, he knew: her efforts, though, were quickly becoming exhausted again. Obi-Wan sent her more strength, trying to renew her ability. But still, Ventress struggling, barely making it.

Suddenly, her screams ceased.

Obi-Wan moved to leap to his feet, just as several relieved gasps issued within the Force. He sat down again, and waited for a moment. No need to be hasty. The Force told him everything, once he actually stopped and looked: Ventress was fine; the baby was fine. Ventress was completely exhausted, beyond anything either she or Obi-Wan had felt so far in their lives. Obi-Wan remained with Ventress through the Force, offering her congratulations and encouragements. She just lay there, panting and struggling to get enough oxygen into her body. Hours of labor had driven her to the brink of passing out with exhaustion, and now, she just wanted to rest.

The door opened, and Obi-Wan jolted back to the present.

It was Shaak Ti who stuck her head out, as he had thought, and announced, "She's done. They're both fine; and you, sir, are the father of a beautiful baby girl."

Shaak Ti retreated unto the room, and Obi-Wan pushed himself to his feet with a small grunt of pain. He had been sitting in one position for far too long. Still, he fought his way into the room, eager to see his baby girl for the first time.

Ventress was sitting up, propped up by multiple pillows, holding her baby in her arms. She was naked, and held her baby against her breast. She was covered in sweat, and red stained the sheets around her hips and legs. Her entire figure seemed to radiate exhaustion, but she still smiled when she caught Obi-Wan's eye.

"She's just like we saw in the Force."

Obi-Wan sat down on the edge of the bed next to Ventress, looking down at his baby in wonder. It was the size as any human baby, but with the palest peach skin possible, and icy blue eyes. She had her father's auburn hair, and her mother's upturned nose. She had her father's soft features, and her mother's piercing eyes. She had a slender figure, even as a newborn, and muscle definition that Obi-Wan was sure many would grow to envy. He felt tears spring to his eyes at the sight of the baby: not just any baby, but his baby. His beautiful little girl. Born from him, and the woman he loved until the ends of the earth. He was utterly floored by the prospect, and felt the tears sting even more at the backs of his eyes.

"What's her name?"

Shaak Ti stood at the foot of the bed, pausing in cleaning up after the birth. Ventress and Obi-Wan heard the Force whisper the baby's name; they glanced at each other, then at Shaak Ti, and said at once:

"Eva."

A/N: "Eva" means "to live" in Hebrew. It's a pretty name…and that was pretty much the reason! :D nah, just kidding. I chose Eva because of the meaning behind the name, trying to say that this little girl is a survivor, just like her mother. And so, we have a new little Jedi! XD She will be wreaking havoc. So, review to see exactly what!