A/N: So sorry it has been such a very long time my faithful readers. I do apologize. I had several real life events one after another (health, moving, etc.) that took me away. Just know I will never abandon this story and will never leave you hanging with no decent ending. There is much more to their adventure still, so I hope you continue to enjoy it.
This chapter contains a harrowing battle as General Kenobi and Commander Skywalker battle to save the crucial Katasi-9 relay station. Back on Coruscant Lyri is busy with her work at the Infirmary and trying to pull her plan for the clinic together to present to Yoda. She finds an ally for her endeavor in Padme, whom she thinks of almost as a sister.
Also in this chapter...you may remember a certain pair of panties slipped into Obi-Wan's packed gear unbeknownst to him. These cause a bit of a sticky situation for the Jedi Master and I'm hoping this brings you a smile.
Please enjoy this chapter. I have made it a long one, both because it sets a few things in motion for the future and because you deserve it after my long hiatus. Thank you also to Serendipityaey for giving me some ideas to jog me out of a bit of a block on one part. May the Force be with us all in these trying times.
Disclaimer: All characters, arcs, and locations belong to George Lucas and Disney with the exception of my originals. Just winging through the galaxy for awhile.
Chapter 9
As General Kenobi's battle cruiser prepared to jump to lightspeed, he double-checked their coordinates and offered encouragement to a rookie copilot nervous about his first real mission. "We have a well-trained and highly effective force with us Lieutenant Commander. We have prepared for several possible courses of action. Follow your training and you will do fine."
The young humanoid looked up and took a deep breath. "Thank you, General," he said gratefully. A small smile appeared on the General's face as he nodded at the young man. It was the first time the young officer had truly worked with a Jedi Commander and he immediately felt relieved by General Kenobi's calm assurance. Were all Jedi like this?
Once he had assured himself that everything was proceeding as it should and had checked in with their bridge officers and made sure each one knew to alert him in case of any unexpected occurrences or the necessity for possible changes of plan, he retired to his onboard quarters to rest for a while as they traversed hyperspace. Once they reached their destination he knew there would be little chance to do so.
Lying down on the reasonably comfortable sleep couch built into the wall of his quarters, Obi-Wan sighed deeply. He hadn't really let himself breathe fully since he'd set foot on the landing platform as the ship was being prepared for departure. He could almost hear his old master admonishing him as he had when he'd been a young padawan. "You must stay here in the moment, Padawan, and not be concerned for what might happen at some future point in time. You will know what to do when that time comes. A solution always presents itself." Obi-Wan angled his arm behind his head and smiled softly to himself. "Thank you for reminding me, Master," he whispered. In truth, he had come to a point of good balance between the Living and the Unifying Force, but there was something about this mission that was prickling the back of his mind.
Willing himself to think of something pleasant and soothing so he could relax into a restful state, an image of Lyri in serene repose came to warm his mind. He had rummaged through a couple of boxes in her closet late the night before as she'd slept and found her old stuffed Wookie. Remembering it had been her companion and security in childhood and even somewhat perhaps when he had first met her, he had wanted to leave it beside her as the first thing she would see when she awakened. It was his way of trying to offer comfort in his absence. He had laid it on the pillow beside her and then stood for a few minutes silently watching her in the half-light coming through the door from the common room. Stirring a little, she had softly sighed his name, brushing his heart with the gentleness of a whisper. A tender smile hovered on his lips as he turned to go. "Take good care of her," he murmured.
Though his arms ached for her, the thought of the soft candle glow of her presence warmed the cold places in his mind and lit the shadows where fear and doubt tried to hide. It was as though he carried a part of her with him. He was able to retreat into a light meditation and, finally, as the Force softly cloaked him, a peaceful sleep.
Back on Coruscant the early morning light brightened the pale sky blue walls of the master bedroom in Obi-Wan's apartment. As Lyri slowly rose from sleep and blinked her eyes open, the color made her think of the mid-morning summer sky on her moon. It was hard to see the heavens and the seasons in the same way here on Coruscant and she suffered a momentary twinge of homesickness. As she turned and looked at her old stuffed childhood companion she smiled through a slight prick of tears. She knew why it was lying there beside her leaned against the pillow. Her Obi-Wan, in his gentlest of hearts, did not want her to feel alone and, knowing how much it had meant to her, had left it there as comfort. It meant more to her than a room full of Alderaanian roses might to some. She picked the little stuffed creature up and hugged it to her for a few moments.
Finally stirring, she placed her old companion back against the pillow, saying, "Well, I had better get started, Becca; I have a long day ahead of me. You will have to watch over the apartment while we're gone." Tika looked up at her and offered a toothy good morning grin. She too was ready to start the day. "We have a lot to accomplish at the Infirmary before I am due to meet Padme for lunch," Lyri said as she ruffled her fur.
Arriving at the Infirmary that morning, Lyri found things to be in somewhat of an uproar. "What in star's name is going on, Dreela?"
"We can't find Sarea, Lyri! We've been searching everywhere for her. The last time anyone remembers seeing her was when Taela did the nighttime check to make certain all the younglings were settled for sleep."
"Oh my stars; she's so tiny! Precocious for three and a half standard years, but still." An image of the little blue Twi'lek trying to defend Master Kenobi's bravery to the other younglings came to Lyri's mind.
"Tika can find her if anyone can," said Lyri as she reached out to squeeze Dreela's hand. Tika whuffed her agreement. "Her scent is still warm, just beginning to fade," she imparted to Lyri and immediately began tracking.
"Oh thank goodness you two are here!" Bant's voice sounded a bit strained. She didn't look like she had rested at all overnight, her salmon skin looking a bit pale and shadows still lingering under her large eyes. Lyri took her hands and sent some soothing energy. Even a Jedi Master healer needed a measure of help occasionally.
"You needn't worry, Bant; Tika has already found her scent and is tracking her." The Mon Calamari let out a long sigh of relief. Still concerned, Lyri bid her come to the office with her and fixed her a cup of tea. She had barely set the cup in front of her tired friend when an image appeared in her mind. Tika had already located the missing youngling. Giving Bant the welcome news Lyri hurried from the office, her caramel-gold ponytail bouncing behind her as she ran.
Standing at the entry to young Rollin's room, Tika whuffed softly as Lyri approached. "Quiet, Lyri," she imparted. "The two are still sleeping." Stopping to peer into the room, she had to let her eyes adjust to the dim light coming through a small slit in the shades still drawn for the night's rest. At first she could only see the young padawan's still form, but as she looked more closely she could just make out the small lump under the coverlet at his chest. Approaching the bed quietly, her heart warmed at the sight of the tiny blue Twi'lek fingers curled around the larger hand of the young man sleeping beside her and she wondered what had brought the youngling to him.
Stepping outside the entry, she commed Bant and relayed the information to her so she could put everyone's minds at ease. As she entered the room again she noticed the youngling beginning to stir and went to open the shade a bit to let the early morning light in just enough to give the room a little better visibility. The angled sunlight painted a rosy glow on the upper levels of the buildings rising into the skyline across the way. As she turned back to the room, the tiny Twi'lek was just sitting up and rubbing her eyes with her pudgy little fists. A sweet smile lit her face and her lekku curled in pleasure. "Hi, Miss Lyri!" the diminutive tyke beamed before covering her mouth and turning to look at the quiet form beside her. As she turned back, a pudgy finger went to her lips as she said, "Shhhh, he asleep now."
"So I see, little one," whispered Lyri as she beckoned to the blue-skinned toddler. Carefully crawling out of the blankets, trying not to wake the young man, the little Twi'lek snuggled into Lyri's arms. Cuddling the youngling close, Lyri lifted her from the bed and carried her quietly out of the room.
Once they were safely outside Lyri set the young female down and crouched beside her. Taking the tiny hands in hers and looking directly into her large eyes she asked, "Why did you go to Padawan Rollin's room during the night, honey? Everyone was concerned for you." The toddler looked down at their clasped hands. "It's alright, Sarea, I'm not angry. I just need to know what happened." Looking into the innocence of her large sienna eyes, Lyri knew the answer before it was expressed to her.
"I hear Paddywan Rollin in my head, Miss Lyri. He crying. He need someone tell him he be alright. It dark so I hold his hand and stay wif him. Then he not by his self and bad dreams don't come." So, this little one was strongly empathic and able to sense need from a distance already. Lyri looked at her in wonder for a moment. This was something to be nurtured. She would have to let Bant know and figure out how to proceed. She dearly wished she had Obi-Wan there to impart some bit of wisdom in this situation. "You did the right thing, Sarea." The young female just beamed. It was in that moment that Lyri fell in love with the plucky Twi'lek toddler.
In the far reaches of the Mid Rim, a sharp warning flared in the Force and pulled General Kenobi from sleep in a split second so that he was already running for the bridge when his comlink chirped. "We're coming out of hyperspace, General."
"Duly noted, Captain. Please have your crew man all forward battle stations immediately."
"But, sir, we don't know what…"
"Just do it, Captain!" came the clipped order. "I shall be there in a moment." The vessel's usual commanding officer stared at the silenced comlink for the space of a few seconds. They were just coming out of hyperspace for stars' sake! Why would they man battle stations? He had heard stories about these Jedi generals and commanders but he was sure they had to be exaggerated. Despite his doubts however, he followed chain of command and imparted the General's orders to his crew.
A moment later the General swept through the entryway in a swirl of his fluttering earthen cloak. The captain felt a jolt of surprise as he met the Jedi's intense blue-grey gaze. He swallowed wondering how anyone could have gotten to the bridge so quickly from the mid-level officers' quarters.
"Have we got all forward weapons on line and primed for action, Captain?"
"Yes, sir, ready to go."
"Very good." The General eyed his next in command with a penetrating gaze. The hint of a smile just barely quirked his lips. "You wouldn't be the first to harbor doubts, Captain Talar," he said quietly as he approached the man.
Oh stars! Maybe the stories weren't so exaggerated after all. Could these Jedi read minds? A small frisson of fear ran down his spine.
"Not to worry, Captain. It was written on your face, in your eyes. I do intend to assuage your doubts, however."
Captain Talar swallowed again. A drop of perspiration meandered down his brow. He could swear he had seen a bit of a twinkle in the General's eyes. No sooner had that thought gone through his mind than General Kenobi ordered shields up at maximum power. The very second they fell out of hyperspace the ship was rocked by a blast impact. The Captain could only look at his new commanding officer in awe.
Out the front viewport of the Coruscant Star, across the dark expanse and several hundred meters off the port bow sat a Confederation battle cruiser. Obi-Wan, as a practiced tactician himself, immediately knew the forces in this sector were higher than they had originally guessed. They had apparently placed vessels at the dropout point for each of the few hyperspace lanes anywhere in the area in anticipation of the arrival of more Republic forces. They also apparently wanted the Katasi-9 station more desperately than Republic intelligence had anticipated.
"Blast!" the Jedi general muttered, the only indication he may have been taken somewhat off guard. He briefly wondered how Anakin was faring before returning his focus to the present situation. "Aim weapons on enemy ship's forward thrusters and communications array. Ready? Fire!" A volley of laser fire erupted immediately with a direct hit on the enemy ship's communication tower. Three thrusters also took a hit.
The ship shuddered as she took another direct hit. "Adjust aim for enemy's foremost weapons array!" the General shouted over the blaring alarms and ensuing activity on the bridge. He raised a hand and ran it the length of his ginger beard. "Let's hope we took out their communications before they had the chance to alert their main forces, Captain," he said. The captain nodded, thankful to have such a steady presence at his side and called for damage reports. His respect for the Jedi had increased tenfold in the last few minutes. "Fire!" the General commanded. The weapons array on the forward port side of the Separatist cruiser lit up in a destructive blaze.
General Kenobi's eyes narrowed as he stared out the viewport. "Captain, have you fighters manned and ready to go?"
"Yes, sir. I took that precaution while you were directing weapons."
"Well thought, Captain. We appear to have vulture droids incoming. I would wager it's meant to distract us from the larger picture but we need to deal with them nevertheless. I will trust your judgement in putting them to rest."
After getting Sarea settled back in the children's ward, Lyri went in search of Bant. She caught up with her in the middle of late morning rounds. As they assessed and updated various treatment regimens for their patients Lyri spoke with Bant about Sarea. "Ah. I had my suspicions about that little one's budding abilities, but it appears they are stronger already than I had guessed. They can be a handful at that age when their abilities in a particular area are so strong. Hmm. Interesting she was so drawn to young Rollin. We will have to put some thought into this. I mean...if you are truly interested with everything else on your plate. You do share a particular gift, though. We can seek Master Yoda's counsel."
"That would be wonderful, Bant."
"Now then, about your primary project. I've made some lists of the equipment you will need for startup of the initial clinic as well as support personnel. I took the liberty of also inventorying what you will need for around six months of operation. You can get a better feel when you are actually up and running but this list should cover the basics."
"Were you able to come up with some loose financial figures for me as well? I have a luncheon meeting with Senator Amidala later, and I wanted to ask her about the possibilities for fundraising."
"Very smart! Yes, I included approximate costs within each list. You should have a good idea of what you will need to get the ball rolling. Have you found a location yet?"
"No. I have to approach Obi-Wan's friend, Dex with that task as soon as possible. I thought I would contact him after my meeting with the senator if you can spare me for part of the afternoon. I can make up the time."
"Don't worry about that right now sweetie. Just go ahead and do what you need to so Yoda has something to take back to the Council. The sooner you get approval, the sooner you can make this clinic a reality and start helping those poor refugees."
"Thank you so much Bant! You really believe in this, don't you?"
"I really believe in you, sweetie. You can make this a reality if anyone can. So yes, I really believe in this." Lyri turned and hugged her friend and mentor tightly. "You don't know how much that means to me," she murmured as a tear trickled down her cheek.
Entering the last of her morning's notes into the files in her patient database, Lyri sighed softly and took off her lab smock. "Here we go, Tika." She was taking the canine with her as the senator hadn't had the chance to meet her yet and, being intrigued, had asked if she wouldn't mind bringing her. Lyri had been delighted that the senator wished to become acquainted with her.
Knowing Lyri had no knowledge of piloting on her own, and both of them concerned about taking any of the thinly-spread Jedi away from other tasks, Padme had sent one of her own appointed drivers around with a speeder to pick Lyri and her furry companion up at one of the Temple's lesser used landing decks. While they were waiting, Lyri thought yet again how much better it would be if she were to learn some basic piloting skills. She didn't like having to always rely on someone else to ferry her around although, when she looked at the busy multilayered traffic lanes, it did give her pause. Maybe she would inquire of Padme where she might go to acquire some basic piloting lessons. Neither Obi-Wan nor Anakin had been much help in that regard, telling her it was something she didn't need to worry about at present. She had the feeling they were both being overprotective.
As Padme's driver pulled up and opened the hatch on the sleek metallic blue speeder, he spotted the large canine sitting by Lyri's side. "Oh," he said with a little trepidation, "I hadn't realized how very large an animal she was." Lyri smiled at him reassuringly. "You needn't worry. She is very gentle unless she's protecting someone she cares about."
"Well, I have to say; I think some ruffian would think twice before causing you any trouble, Miss Starrider. She looks like she could be quite lethal." Lyri had to hide a smile at the look on the poor man's face when Tika favored him with a toothy grin.
As the Republic fighters swooped and spun in dizzying maneuvers in the dark margin of space between the opposing battle cruisers, miraculously taking out two or more vulture droids and small enemy fighting vessels for each one of them that took a substantial hit, Jedi General Kenobi stood in icily calm watchfulness. Captain Talar looked on in unnerved silence thinking that the only outward sign the Jedi was affected by what he saw was the slow stroking of his russet beard. He wondered if the Jedi felt fear the way most beings did. Some of the younger crew members, still green to battle, were fairly stinking of it. Finally, sighing deeply, the general seemed to rejoin them from some far distant place.
"Captain, if you will excuse me, I would like a guarded comm frequency opened to Coruscant. Guarded long range and scrambled close range. I should like to speak with the Council in private at present, but I may call you in to give your own assessment of the situation if you do not mind."
As the Jedi turned to leave, he suddenly paused and beckoned to his next in command. When the captain approached he put his hand on the man's shoulder and spoke quietly so the crew wouldn't become alarmed. "Captain, I need you to keep a steady hand on the crew and be on your guard for a fast-changing situation. I sense the approach of another large Confederation vessel. It is why I must speak to the Council with such urgency."
Back in the Senate District on Coruscant, Lyri stepped out of Padme's sleek speeder onto the landing deck of the senator's posh apartment. She could see her friend approaching from the common room area with what she thought of oddly as a rather regal urgency. Seeing the large canine step out beside her petite friend, Padme slowed her approach to proceed with a little more caution.
A delighted smile graced Lyri's face as she saw Padme coming to greet her. She treasured all the new friends she had acquired, but Padme was one of the dearest. The thought had occurred to her that, if she'd had a sister, she would have wanted her to be just like this brave, passionate young woman.
Seeing Padme's sudden caution, Tika imparted her thoughts to Lyri. "I sense your friend has a slight fear; as though she has been attacked by a large animal in the past." They had no way of knowing about Padme's encounter with the deadly Nexu on Geonosis. "She cannot hear me, Lyri. You will have to speak for me."
"Don't be concerned, Padme; Tika is very gentle with my friends. She considers them her friends as well. She feels you were hurt by a large creature of some sort in your past and wants you to know she would never harm you."
Placing one delicate hand to her chest in some confusion, Padme swallowed saying, "Oh Lyri, how...how did you know? Did Obi-Wan tell you what happened to us?"
"No Padme," said Lyri, thinking she would have to ask Obi-Wan about this incident. "It is just something Tika senses and she is rarely wrong. She wants you to feel at ease around her."
"She...oh! Anakin told me you talk to her, but I didn't realize it was truly a two way conversation!" She looked at Lyri's companion with fascinated wonder. "The reason I can't hear her is because I'm not Force sensitive?"
"Yes, I think that's the reason. My parents couldn't hear her either."
Padme finally came forward at Lyri's bidding and ran her hand through Tika's rich chocolate fur. But as she stood stroking the large canine's head, she looked out across the cityscape and the underlying sense of urgency and distress seemed to return to her. "She fears for someone; a close pack mate," sent Tika. Lyri had the same feeling and glanced at the young senator speculatively.
"Padme? You looked like you might have had something on your mind when you first came to greet us. Is there anything I can help you with?" Lyri felt a slight flare of alarm from her friend followed by a concerted effort to tamp down her distress.
"Oh, yes I...I was wondering if you had heard anything from Obi-Wan. Is Anak...are...are they alright?" Remembering her promise to Obi-Wan, Lyri brushed the senator's mind with only the slightest touch, but it was enough for her to feel the distress and fear bubbling below the surface. Fear for Obi-Wan and an even darker fear and, if she wasn't wrong, a longing for Anakin. What had she stumbled upon? She would have to think about this carefully before coming to any conclusion. For now she just needed to impart what she knew from Obi-Wan's last communication and hopefully ease her friend's fear.
"I'm sure they will be, Padme. This is confidential, of course, but Obi-Wan last commed me just before his ship jumped to hyperspace. He told me Anakin had made it to the relay station, despite a close call and was now inside. The Confederation ships aren't attacking the station itself." She reached out and squeezed the senator's hand. "Besides, Obi-Wan is probably there by now and I have heard what a formidable team they make. I bet they have the Separatists turning tail and running in no time!" She caught the barest shimmer of tears before Padme turned her head away to compose herself but her sense of relief was palpable.
"Well then, Padme, why don't I bring you up to speed on my project and the reason I need your assistance?" The change of subject seemed to go a long way toward helping the senator regain her usual cool control.
Master Yoda and Master Windu had called all the remaining Council members to an emergency meeting at Obi-Wan's bidding. They were a bit shaken at the turn of events that the General was describing regarding Katasi-9. It was obvious to them now that the Confederation meant to obtain the station for their own use. Captain Talar's input only served to reinforce this view. Master Kenobi had asked if there were any ships in some of the not-too-distant systems that could possibly be spared to assist them in maintaining control of the vital Republic relay station. They were now discussing which of their thinly-spread resources could be spared.
"We had word this morning that Master Koon's forces are in the mopping up stages of their mission not too terribly distant from your location. We still control the hyperspace lanes coming from that sector, so he should be able to get to you with a couple of battlecruisers at least without too much delay, perhaps twelve hours. Will you be able to hold the Separatist forces off till then General?" Master Windu asked this question with more gravity than usual in his tone, for he knew what his friend's meager forces were up against.
"We shall do our best of course, Master. Commander Skywalker has possession of the relay station at present. Tell Master Koon to enter the dropout ready for battle, as the Confederation forces are waiting in anticipation of more Republic ships."
"Remain in possession of Katasi-9 relay station we must, General Kenobi. Know the importance of this you do," came Yoda's gravelly voice. Then, in a softer tone, ears drooping a little, "May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan. "
"Captain, a word, please," said Obi-Wan in a low voice and ushered his next in command to a somewhat quiet corner of the bridge. "We will need to make contact with Commander Skywalker and also his troops. We need to apprise them of our situation and decide how best to use our combined assets until reinforcements arrive. I have some ideas but I would welcome your input."
As they adjourned to the ready room and began going over their options, the captain sat in amazement as General Kenobi offered up tentative plans of action. The Jedi listened to each of the senior officers' and considered their suggestions, tweaking them and incorporating them with his own until they had some viable options to work with. He had heard rumors of this man's tactical abilities from other officers who had served under him, but he was truly in awe at witnessing this Jedi's agile mind in action.
He had assumed erroneously that the Jedi generals basically just directed the campaigns and only came into actual battle at the last minute if they were needed. But General Kenobi's tactical plans put him right in the thick of things each time. He didn't expect anything of his men that did not include him at their forefront. His begrudging respect grew until he was certain of something. This man...this Jedi...would fight to the death with his men. He would lay down his life for any one of them. In that moment, the captain knew one thing, though he hoped it wouldn't come to pass. He knew in his warrior's heart it could only be an honor to die fighting for the Republic with General Kenobi doing battle at his side.
Padme was aghast at hearing about the deterioration of the clinics in the mid and lower levels. She had known there were thousands of refugees fleeing their home planets to escape the devastation and that a large number had poured into Coruscant hoping for a new start. What in the galaxy was Chancellor Palpatine thinking allowing all the
physicians to be removed from these levels? Even with the war efforts it would have been more than prudent to at least leave a few. She felt even worse when Lyri told her the only physicians remaining tended the wealthy in the upper levels exclusively.
"Oh Lyri, this is unconscionable! Who could ever have let things get to this point? Surely the Chancellor must have heard something?" The next few words caused an icy finger of fear to trail down Padme's spine.
Lyri sighed and looked down at the rich gold-threaded tapestry rug beneath her feet for a moment. "Padme...the rumors being spread on those levels are that the Jedi swept through and took all the physicians they could find to be commissioned to attend their troops. It is only adding to the suspicions being aimed in their direction. Obi-Wan told me Bail has come to the Jedi Order's defense on more than one occasion in the Senate recently. It is just one more reason I need to bring relief to these beings besides the fact it is a basic necessity that should be afforded all beings. They need to know the Jedi care about all of them, regardless of their station in life. Master Yoda was more than a little shocked and troubled to learn what was happening and he is at the head of the Order."
Padme smiled warmly at her young friend. "Lyri, I can't think of any better representative than you. You may not be a full-fledged Jedi, but you embody their compassion and desire to help anyone in need. Let me take a look at those lists again to see what kind of money we need to raise."
As soon as General Kenobi and Captain Talar had contacted Commander Skywalker on the station and his hidden battlecruiser and troops on the other side of the small planetoid and when all of them were on the same page regarding their planned strategies, they set things in motion. That was the point at which all Corellian hells broke loose and every Republic pilot's and trooper's only thought was to hang on to that relay station at all costs. They hadn't a doubt those costs would be high.
"No Commander, you are needed there as a last line of defense on that station! Now is not the time for running headlong into the midst of this melee! If that station is taken, all of these Republic lives will have been lost for nothing!" Anakin could hear the din of screeching metal and alarms going off in the background as his former master shouted through the comlink. He knew Obi-Wan was right, but he was fairly itching to race for his fighter and be out where he felt he belonged; where he knew he could make a difference. Waiting had never been his strong suit. Nevertheless, he would do as the General asked...at least for now. If Master Plo Koon's forces didn't get here soon, he didn't think he'd have a choice.
Tucking his comlink away, General Kenobi sighed and hoped his young friend would do as he was told. He knew the young man's tendencies and thought processes better than anyone. He also knew Anakin would defy all reason to protect him if he could; one of the dangers of attachment. But hadn't he himself sought medical clearance to rush out here because he knew Anakin's precarious situation? Somehow he didn't feel sorry. He knew he would do the same again. As the chaos of space battle once again impinged on his thoughts he returned to assessing the quickly changing situation around him and issuing orders to minimize the destruction of Republic forces as best he could while maintaining control of the station.
"This is going to take a substantial amount of financial backing, Lyri, but I do have some ideas about raising the credits. There are a few senators I know who particularly like being known for their stances on social justice, though they don't like being involved in the actual down and dirty of it. I think with some well-placed pressure they could be persuaded to form a fund for this endeavor and, in turn, persuade others to donate."
"Another avenue would be to hold a thousand-credit-a-plate gala and fundraising dinner for this cause. I know any number of celebrities and politicians who would crawl all over each other to attend and be seen at an event like that." Padme was absolutely awash with energy and enthusiasm and Lyri couldn't help but be swept up with excitement as she listened to her friend's ideas. She now knew beyond the shadow of a doubt the young senator would help make this project become a reality.
As the grueling battle wore on and more Republic fighters began to succumb to the enemy's onslaught, Obi-Wan again felt that underlying tickle at the edge of his senses. It was as though a gleeful darkness watched from some faraway place and reveled in the chaos and loss. At first he thought perhaps it was Dooku, for he had sensed that dark presence arriving just outside the reaches of this sector an hour prior. But this didn't feel the same. As evil as Dooku was, this feeling was darker. As another direct hit rocked the ship, the Jedi General forcefully pushed these feelings into a small dark corner of his mind in order to focus more fully on the battle still raging around him. "Any time now would be good, Master Koon," he said softly.
Try as they might, the crew of the Coruscant Star and their contingent of fighters was unable to get past the Separatist ship to defend the threatened relay station. The Republic fighters, all manned by highly-trained crack clone pilots were beginning to take much heavier losses. When Obi-Wan's comlink chirped he already knew what Anakin was going to say.
"Master, I can't just sit here doing nothing when we both know I can make a difference out there fighting with my men. The troopers here with me can hold the station whether I'm here or not!" Obi-Wan knew the younger man was under extreme stress by his slip into their former relationship.
"Commander, you do not know that and we cannot afford to lose that station! We will engage the enemy here as long as we can to keep you in the clear, but you must hold that station! I am sure Master Koon will arrive at any moment." Obi-Wan winced at the loud, decidedly dark Huttese expletive that issued from his comlink, but he couldn't disagree with the sentiment.
Lyri stood on Padme's spacious patio, a slightly troubled furrow on her brow. "You're sure you don't mind having your driver take me down to Coco Town? I hate imposing so on everyone." A little huff of frustration escaped her lips. "If I could just take some piloting lessons I know I could get myself where I need to go on my own. But every time I bring the subject up around Obi-Wan or Anakin they neatly deflect the conversation or tell me how dangerous the traffic lanes are on Coruscant and that they can have someone drop me off wherever I need to go or take me themselves. I would ask one of my padawan friends to give me some lessons but they won't dare cross either of those two."
"Ooohh...I can just hear them," said Padme with a sympathetic look. "Not to be disrespectful, but they can get to the point of being rather patronizing at times, even though they mean well." She studied Lyri thoughtfully for a moment. "You know...I'm not that bad a pilot myself. I insisted on learning early on when I became a senator even though I always had pilots at the ready for any desired destination. I had a hunch the ability might possibly become life-saving at some point. With all the unrest in the galaxy these days I believe that more than ever."
"I hate to say it, Padme, but I have to agree with that assessment. I find it even more frustrating because in my life before Coruscant I was always able to rely on my own abilities. It's not that I don't appreciate everything everyone has done for me, it is just...sometimes I feel at a loss not being able to rely on myself the way I could in my past life." Lyri looked out at the multicolored layers of speeders and transports heading to their various destinations. "Does that make sense?" she asked hesitantly.
"It makes all the sense in the galaxy to me, Lyri." Padme brought her hand to her chin and tapped one finger against her cheek in thought for a moment. "I was just thinking, Lyri; what if I taught you to fly? I believe I'm a decent enough pilot to instruct you in all the basics and then some. Besides...It would give me an excuse to spend time with you doing something I've found I really enjoy and don't get the opportunity to do often enough anymore."
Lyri's large eyes sparkled and a smile bloomed on her face. "Oh, stars, Padme, do you really think you could? That would be wonderful!" She had no idea at this point in time how desperately she would need those skills in the growing darkness that was the future.
As the battle raged on far off in the Mid Rim, another klaxon sounded somewhere in the lower reaches of the Coruscant Star as one more well-aimed blast found its way through a flickering gap in her shielding. Captain Talar watched his superior officer for any indication of a change in their plan of attack. He found it more than a little disconcerting the way the General's eyes had changed color at the continued display of carnage out the front view port. They had changed from the decidedly calm blue-grey of earlier to a deep icy grey that reminded the captain of storm clouds brewing above the mountains on his home world.
Calling for another damage report, he watched in fascination as the Jedi suddenly tilted his head as though he were listening to something in the distance and then raised his face toward the ceiling, closing his eyes briefly. "Not to worry, Captain; reinforcements will be arriving momentarily." The words were spoken in that calm clipped accent before the man even turned to look at him. He hoped he didn't look too unnerved, but the slight upturn of the General's lips told him otherwise and he couldn't help the vaguely pink tone that crept into his cheeks.
Only moments after the welcome words were uttered, there was a sudden flash in the distance as two Republic battle cruisers dropped out of hyperspace, laser cannons blazing and lighting up the enemy ships that had lain in wait. A cheer went up on the bridge and a palpable flood of relief seemed to swim through the air. Farther out another bright flare and two more large ships appeared. Apparently Master Plo Koon had managed to gather some company along the way. "Well felt everyone, but don't lose focus," came that damnably calm tone. "We still have work to do."
On the relay station itself, Anakin was halfway to his fighter when he felt Master Koon's eminent arrival. He hesitated, though he was itching to jump in the Aethersprite and leave the confines of the station. Everything in him called him to fly free and enter the battle. But he knew what he would hear from Obi-Wan if he rushed headlong into the fight and left the station unattended, even with his troopers present. Even after all this time he couldn't stand disappointing the man who had been father and brother to him for so long if he could help it. It was the only thing that held him there. He wondered if there would ever come a time when he didn't have this deep underlying need for his former master's approval. "Kriff!" he said into the empty hangar and turned back towards the main station.
As the tide turned and the casualties now being suffered by the Confederation forces mounted up, it finally began to look as though the Katasi-9 relay station would be secured and whatever plans the Separatists had for her would be defeated. At the edge of his senses, Obi-Wan felt the cold anger raging through the presence he knew to be Count Dooku, who had remained just beyond the reaches of the system. If only they had the extra resources for Anakin and him to go after that purveyor of evil they would have tried to bring him to justice or, failing that, destroy him and put an end to this wretched war. But their present duty lay here making sure Katasi-9 was secure against future threats. As he felt the dark presence move away, he sighed and returned his attention to the remaining battle.
With the help of Master Plo Koon and his contingent, the Coruscant Star and her crew were soon able to dispatch the battlecruisers that had been standing in the way of their reaching the vital relay station. Now came the slower task of chasing any remaining Confederation forces out of the system and working to secure the old station from any future Separatist threats as best they could. "Master Koon, I am extremely thankful for your timely assistance. I am sorry to have had to call you away from completion of your own mission on such short notice. Unfortunately the larger number of Confederation forces in this system nor their plans for the station had been anticipated."
"I am glad we were at a point where we were able to assist, General. We had some unanticipated occurrences with our own mission. I hope your friend Senator Organa can lock down the reason for the leaks and faulty intelligence soon. We can't afford too many more such occurrences if we are going to turn the tide in this war."
"Agreed, Master Koon. I hope to find out how he is progressing on my return to Coruscant."
"May the Force be with you, General."
"May the Force be with you, and your mission wrapped up soon. Kenobi out."
He stood looking out the front viewport at the glittering stars in the distance, lost in his thoughts and slowly running his hand the length of his ginger beard. How had they gone from the role of keeping the peace and offering assistance to fighting this damnable war? The Republic was being literally ripped apart. Shaking off a looming sense of melancholy, he prepared to meet Anakin on the station to safeguard it against future attack.
Thanking Captain Talar for his service and expressing his pleasure in working with him, Obi-Wan prepared to go to the hangar on the lowest level to board his fighter. As he turned, he felt the weight of the man's hand on his shoulder. When he turned back, the Captain extended his hand and there was warmth in his gaze. "I wanted to thank you for the sacrifices you and your Order are making for the Republic, General. You've opened my eyes to something I didn't understand." He could see the heartfelt sincerity of the man in the depths of his deep green eyes. A smile touched the Jedi's lips and he shook the man's hand warmly. "We are all making sacrifices, Captain." With a slight bow he was gone.
Docking with the station and setting down near Anakin's fighter in the hangar, he reached behind the seat for his rucksack and climbed out of the cockpit. Hoisting the pack to his shoulder, he looked at his friend's familiar little Aethersprite and grinned. He would be sure to let Anakin know he was on his way to evening their talley. This time he had done the rescuing.
Back on Coruscant, Lyri fed Tika, pulled off her boots and sat on the old blue couch. Laying her head back, she closed her eyes and just rested for a few minutes to reflect on her day. She was exhausted, but it was a tiredness borne of successful efforts on behalf of her project for the refugees and progress with some of her patients at the Infirmary... Her visit with Dex hadn't gone quite as planned due to the fact he was off planet for a couple of days, but his second in command at the diner had been quite enthusiastic when she told him what she needed to see him about and made sure he had the correct comm frequency to get hold of her when Dex returned. All in all it had been a successful day. The only thing that would have made it better would be having Obi-Wan there to share it with. She felt a momentary prick of fear. "I miss you, my love," she whispered. Feeling a sudden sense of comfort, she opened her eyes to see Qui-Gon sitting in the rose colored chair that Obi-Wan always seemed to favor when he had something weighing heavily on his mind. A soft smile shimmered on the long-dead master's face. When she sat up and blinked he was gone but she could hear his resonant voice clearly. "He is safe young one." Pressing her fingers to her lips, she sat staring at the empty chair for a moment. "Thank you," she whispered.
The quarters on the old Katasi-9 relay station were quite modest, but the two Jedi had certainly shared much smaller and less comfortable spaces on previous missions. They settled into a familiar pattern as they moved around each other and arranged things to their liking.
"Kriff, Obi-Wan! How can your clothes possibly stay that neat the way our gear gets tossed around from place to place?"
"Language, Anakin. It only takes a bit of organization and planning at the outset when preparing for a mission." Obi-Wan eyed Anakin's tunic as the young man pulled it from his pack and tried to shake the wrinkles out. "I do seem to remember trying to impart that bit of knowledge to you as a young padawan," he said with an arch of one brow and a slight quirk of his lips. Anakin let out a long-suffering sigh.
"If your tunics were neatly rolled thus as I had shown you, you would find them to be quite without wrinkles when you unrolled them and shook them out." As he was saying this, Obi-Wan demonstrated with a tunic he had pulled out of his own pack. But, as the garment unfurled, both men's eyes were suddenly riveted to a spot on the deck where a feminine bit of satin and lace had softly landed near the toe of the Jedi Master's boot.
A couple of moments ticked by as the shock began to wear off and the normally cool and reserved Master slowly blushed three shades of red and felt a drop of perspiration trickle down his back under his neatly appointed tunic. At the same time, he felt a flutter of desire low in his abdomen which he quickly suppressed. His mind started quickly running through a profusion of plausible explanations to give his former padawan as to why such a dainty bit of feminine intimacy had fluttered to the floor from his tunic in the first place. Dare he meet the young man's gaze? He swallowed and cleared his throat.
Anakin, meanwhile, had his own flood of possible explanations running through his mind. Was there any way possible his staid and stuffy former Master could have lowered his guard and actually become intimate with the young woman he had found out in the Chorlion sector? Lyri sometimes looked at him rather adoringly, but that affect was somewhat common amongst many of the females at the Temple. He had a momentary wish that it might be true. It would open the way for him to talk to Obi-Wan about his love for Padme. Maybe even share the truth about his marriage. It was a terrible burden to carry, not to be able to share such a large part of his life with the man who had been like a father to him; the man he considered his best friend. But no sooner had those thoughts occurred to him than he dashed them away. Obi-Wan viewed beautiful women the way he viewed lovely works of art. He always maintained a certain distance, even from those he was fond of. No...he would never be able to share that part of himself with Obi-Wan. The man was too devout in his adherence to the Jedi Code. Still...the possibilities for teasing the man without mercy were almost as good as his fruitless wishes. Shaking off his odd sense of disappointment, Anakin focused on the lacy little panties at Obi-Wan's feet again. Hearing his old Master clear his throat, Anakin looked up. Seeing the blush coloring the older man's cheeks and the look of slight dismay that came with it brought a sly grin to his face. Yes, he was going to have a good time with this.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me, General? I seem to remember your undergarments being a lot more on the conservative side when we shared an apartment."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat again. "There is a perfectly logical explanation for this, I assure you."
A moment ticked by. "I'm waiting," grinned Anakin. His old Master was doing his best to conjure up a stern countenance, but the slowly fading blush and underlying discomfort were defeating his efforts. Anakin had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing out loud. This was just too delightful; a perfect moment of levity after a grueling battle. Not to mention the ammunition for future teasing.
Obi-Wan tilted his head to one side and raised an eyebrow. He seemed to have acquired the explanation he had been searching for. "You do recall the laundry arrangements for our old padawan apartment, do you not? We share a common laundry bin which is picked up weekly. Our laundry is returned to us washed and pressed and ready for us to sort and put away. I recall having to tell you to put your things away on more than one occasion when you were slow to the task, Anakin."
"Off subject Obi-Wan. This is about how you ended up with female undergarments falling out of your tunic. Please go on with your explanation."
"Well, I think that should be obvious, Anakin. Lyri is living in your old room while I am her guardian. Our laundry arrangements still remain the same. When our laundry was returned this time I was in the midst of preparing to come out here to assist you. Her undergarment had clearly clung to my tunic without my notice and was rolled up inside it when I packed."
Obi-Wan not notice? The man he couldn't get the tiniest infraction past as a young padawan? The man who was neat and tidy to a fault? That didn't seem as plausible as it sounded if you knew Obi-Wan. Yet, perhaps...perhaps he actually had been so distracted by this mission he truly had missed the delicate little bit of fabric. This ongoing war was having effects large and small on everyone, even his former Master. That thought sobered him.
"Alright, General, I'll let it go...for now." Hearing Obi-Wan huff in exasperation he had to bite the inside of his cheek again to stifle his laughter. "Anakin!" the older man said sharply in an all too familiar tone. The Commander just raised his hands and backed up. He could hear his old Master muttering under his breath, however, as they readied themselves for the day's tasks.
"Okay, Obi-Wan," Anakin offered in a not-too-well-disguised attempt to change the subject. "Let's go get these rookies prepped for long term defense of this station."
"Agreed," his old mentor stated firmly. When Anakin looked up, however, he caught the wary look directed at him and couldn't help a slight smirk. "What?" he asked in mock innocence. When Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow the young man quickly turned and headed out the portal.
Though they had managed to route the Separatist forces and had spent days mopping up to make sure there were no pockets of enemy resistance still hiding in the region, they had decided it was more than prudent to set up security forces in the area and ready the crew of the station to do battle as a last line of defense. It seemed everyone had to become a soldier in addition to their primary task these days. Anakin was even overseeing a weapons array that was being added to the aging station.
Stroking his russet beard in quiet contemplation, Obi-Wan watched the rag tag crew of communications specialists, mechanics, and other beings who kept the vital station running. They had been set up in small groups, each with a clone trooper to train them. He and Anakin were to assess how the training was progressing and step in with suggestions wherever needed. They would also do a final assessment on the station's readiness before reporting back to Coruscant and the Council. As he studied the little groups, another weight settled on his heart for he knew some of these beings would never be ready for the brutality of legitimate battle.
That night as he bid Anakin goodnight across the darkened space of their modest quarters on the old station and settled into his bunk, he slid the privacy curtain shut leaving just a small opening near the foot. He hadn't liked being cut off completely from his larger surroundings while on mission ever since he'd been caught off guard as a young padawan on an early mission with Qui-Gon. That youthful mistake had nearly cost him his life and, worse still, had put his master in danger. It was a lesson he never forgot.
As he listened to the familiar pattern of his former padawn's breathing, aware when it had slowed and deepened in sleep, he finally reached into the pocket of his breeches and pulled Lyri's dainty little panties forth. He supposed he would have to have a talk with her about being more careful, but another part of him warmed at the mere thought of her gentle beauty and he could just picture the mischievous smile on her pretty face. "Little minx," he whispered as a half-smile tugged at his lips. Holding the soft bit of satin and lace for a moment, he let it slide through his fingers to feel its texture before gathering it in one hand and crushing it to his nose. Closing his eyes he took in a slowly measured, deep breath as though to savor each delicate drop of her lavenderium tinged scent. Her gentle image hovered at the edges of his mind, edging away the harshness of the last several days spent in battle and beckoning him toward sleep.
"Wake up, sleepy head," said the sweet, sing-song voice. "I've let you nap for an hour after your long trip yesterday, but the afternoon is burning away and I have plans for you." Her laughter was like the lovely tinkling of a bright bell. He blinked his eyes a couple of times trying to get his bearings. Ah yes, he was home in the warmth of their spacious master bedroom. A soft sigh of relief escaped him but he still had a slight furrow creasing his brow.
"You look a little disoriented, my love. You're home safe and sound again with the younglings and me. It must have been a rough trip this time around."
"It isn't that, sweetheart. It's...I had a dream that was so vivid. I was on that old relay station Anakin and I battled to rescue during the war. He was with me and we…." His words trailed off as the shadow of sadness passed over his beautiful eyes like storm clouds turning the blue sky to gray. He looked down at his hands.
Gentle arms came around him as Lyri sat on the bed next to him. "Obi, I know how terribly you miss him. But I'll not let you keep blaming yourself for what happened. You tried desperately, but he was beyond your reach." She brushed the loose red gold lock of hair back from his forehead and placed a soft kiss there. "Now put those thoughts to rest and come with me. The younglings are well looked after and we have a delightful afternoon ahead of us. I need you all to myself for awhile, my love. I've missed you more than you know."
Spying the fluffy towels and the old worn green shoulder satchel she'd set by the door, the cold shadows were dispelled from his heart and locked away in a deep part of his mind where unresolved past sorrows were kept. A deep cleansing sigh escaped his lips. "I assure you I do know, my sweet girl. I have missed you as well. Deeply."
He smiled as she grasped his hand with her much smaller one, curling her delicate fingers around his. He let her drag him to his feet and toward the open portal, stopping momentarily to pull on his boots. Suddenly flashing that rakish grin she loved so, blue eyes twinkling with warmth, he scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder as he called the towels and satchel to his free hand. "Off to the lake then, is it milady?"
"Obi-Wan, put me down!" she laughed. They heard a familiar whuff as Tika appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Ah, my steadfast protector; you're no help!" The canine only bowed playfully and grinned in response, wagging her bushy tail.
"Mama, tell Kalin to stop putting black paint on my...Oh! Daddy can you tell him? Look! It's almost half way up."
"No little one," said Obi-Wan, making sure his tone sounded suitably sympathetic and setting Lyri on her feet. That's odd. He couldn't remember how they'd come to adopt this little tyke. His memory must be a bit muddled from recent events. It must have been at the end of the war. But there would be time to ponder that later. "I'll not be negotiating a truce between you and your brother this afternoon," he said after a moment. "Your mother and I need some time."
"Honey, go and see Auntie about it. Remember what I told you?"
"You and Daddy have a date." A shy smile appeared on the little face.
"That's right. Now run along to the transport and let Auntie help you clean up. Then I'll bet she has a good story or a game planned."
"Alright, Mama. Bye Daddy," she called over her shoulder as she ran out the door that faced the transport. Obi-Wan chuckled as he waved his hand toward the door to close it. "I think it might be wise to leave right now before another mishap occurs."
"I agree with that assessment Master Kenobi." Her eyes sparkled as she picked up a basket on her way out the door. Obi-Wan's heart swelled as he watched the gentle sway of her hips and the golden highlights lit by the afternoon sun in her caramel curls. He was truly home.
As they walked through the tall golden grasses on their way to the lake, Obi-Wan breathed in the pristine air. The perfume of the varying colorful plants and sometimes the scent of a nearby animal were all that tinged the air here on this moon and it was uplifting after the smells of pollution and death on so many of the planets he had visited recently.
As they broke through the grass border to the sandy shore, the lake sparkled in all its familiar blue green glory, inviting the two humans to come and play. Lyri set the basket down and helped Obi-Wan spread the blanket. Then, with a familiar impish grin, she pulled off her shift and quickly skimmed her panties off. "You may need your Jedi powers to catch me Master Kenobi," she laughed and took off running. He couldn't help chuckle as he pulled off his boots and dropped his tunics next to Lyri's abandoned clothing. He was removing his breeches when he heard her splash into the water. He was momentarily puzzled at the light blue color of his tunics and darker blue breeches. When had he changed from the earthen tones the Temple favored? Was he living part time away from that ancient edifice now between missions? He shook his head trying to remember. Lyri's sing song gentle chiding broke him out of his reverie.
"You are giving me an awfully big head start, so lost again in your thoughts, Obi," she laughed. "You have to catch me before you can have your wild roguish way with me!"
"Is that so little minx? You haven't got a chance!" he chuckled. Previous thoughts abandoned, he raced for the water and plunged in, soon closing the distance between them with his powerful strokes. He would tease her till she begged when he had her at his mercy.
Diving below the sparkling surface, Obi-Wan disappeared from sight. When Lyri turned to see where he was all she saw was a ripple in the water that could have been left by a jumping fish. "Oh stars, I'm in for it now!" she laughed. He could stay below the surface an amazingly long time for a human even without a breather and she was never sure where he would reappear. A jolt of sensation ran through her as she felt his strong sure fingers suddenly dip into her slit and nudge her sensitive little nub from below. "Ohhh!" she gasped at the sudden surprised pleasure. His warm hands trailed over her body as he rose out of the water behind her and, as his arms wrapped around her, one hand found its way unerringly to her breast to fondle it gently. "Your roguish ways have not diminished in the least, Master Kenobi!" she laughed delightedly.
"Mmmmm...Glad to hear that," he chuckled warmly, nipping her earlobe. "Of course, you do tend to bring that side out in me, my dear." His decidedly roguish fingers pinched her nipple and pulled on it gently sending the loveliest jolt of warmth straight to her center. "Ohh," she whimpered softly. As his fingers continued their play, she couldn't help arching into his touch. Sliding his other hand through the crystalline water down the curve of her abdomen and lower, he pressed her against him. She could feel his hot quickly hardening shaft against her bottom, a delicious change from the relative coolness of the water lapping against her.
His fingers found her nub again and began massaging in perfect light little circles until he heard the soft little kittling sounds coming from her. He held her prisoner there, suspended in the sun-warmed water that lapped around them, trapped in his arms and succumbing to delicious sensation. "Obi, please...more...ooh," she breathed a bit raggedly. He obliged her and increased his pressure, circling a little faster. She began wriggling against him. She knew he wouldn't tire; the man could tread water endlessly and hold her captive as long as he liked. Oh and he so loved to tease.
He nuzzled her neck and smiled against her delicate skin. The feeling of her writhing in pleasure against him and rubbing helplessly against his manhood was highly erotic, stoking his own growing glow to bright flame. He loved the feel of her like this; helpless in his arms while he pleasured her. The water lapping gently about them, sliding over them, only added another level of sensuality and he promised himself they would do this again. Her kitlingish pleas for release finally grew frenzied enough he knew he had to relent and bring her over the edge. "All right little flower," he whispered against her ear and applied the perfect pressure and pattern of movement to her little gathering of nerve endings, causing her to shatter against him. She arched and clenched in his capable arms kept safe from slipping below the surface. When her movements began to slow, he turned her and cradled her against him as he continued treading. Her head fell softly to his shoulder as a blissful sigh escaped her and he noted the softly undulating patterns her hair made as it spread out upon the shimmering surface.
When she finally raised her head to look into his darkened indigo eyes, he just smiled softly. "I need you too," he murmured. Nodding, still not able to speak, she pointed toward the rock outcropping they sometimes dove off of. They had found a couple of flat lower ledges there to the left side that acted almost as wide steps entering the water. They were lovely places to sit where the water lapped around you kissing you with its silken liquid lips. The lower one reached to about shoulder level for Obi-Wan.
When they glided up to the ledges, he took Lyri's hand and led her to the lower of the two. "If you're sitting in my lap your head will easily be above water sweetheart." He was looking at her with a hopeful boyish charm that melted her heart. She nodded and smiled, trusting him completely, waiting for him to settle himself. Slipping into his lap, she straddled him. "It seems someone's a bit anxious," she grinned as she felt the hard smoothness of him against her thigh. "If you only knew," he said in that husky tone that lit her on fire all over again. Shifting to adjust herself she braced against his shoulders and lowered herself carefully, surrounding his hot length as he guided her with a firm, careful grip at her hips until it filled her completely. He waited a moment, watching her as she stretched and grew comfortable, his strong hands around her hips steadying her.
The feel of him filling her, truly becoming a part of her, made her feel as though her chest was too small to contain her swelling heart. She rocked against him slowly, her warm hazel eyes looking deeply into his dark midnight blue, sighing sweetly to let him know she was ready; that she wanted this one gift more than anything in the galaxy.
He started rocking slowly, trying to catch every point of pleasure as he moved inside her. After a few moments, she let her eyes drift closed and her head fall back enjoying the tingling embers of fire skittering through her from the depths of her center. She was so heated; the water's touch felt cool against her skin and just gave the sensations a lovely contrast to heighten her enjoyment.
He watched her as she let go and gave herself up to him completely. When he glanced down he could see them moving together, the vision softened by the clear liquid curtain that lapped gently against them. He reveled in the slick heat of her and the lovely friction created by their movements. The awakened nerve endings in his hungry manhood sent pleasure on heated pathways throughout his muscular body pulling a soft groan to his lips. He let his head fall back slightly as well, lost in the blue summer sky and the exquisite heat of their lovemaking.
When they'd both felt suspended in their state of growing ecstasy for what seemed like hours they finally hit a point of urgency as they were pulled inexorably toward the precipice. Hearing her needy mewling and feeling the fiery need himself, he sped up his movements, filling her again and again until the feel of it was exquisite torture and they both burst into white hot pleasure. She clenched around him as he pulsed within her, her taut muscles almost arching her backward into the water. He pulled her tight against his chest, holding her there as they rode out their climax together. He held her still as the feelings slowed and grew to echoes like ripples riding the water. They opened their eyes dreamily as a cooling breeze rippled across the lake's surface. It whispered and danced around them joyfully, as though buoyed by their love and he couldn't think of anything more beautiful than this feeling right now. He lifted her face to him and kissed her softly.
Her enchanting eyes, still tinged green from her pleasure, crinkled in a smile. "Mmmmm, my love, I've never felt anything so wonderful! Let's go enjoy the picnic I've packed and build our strength for more. We have this whole long lovely summer afternoon to ourselves. "A rare treat indeed," he chuckled.
What was that incessant banging noise? Had the younglings found them and decided on an impromptu serenade with makeshift percussion? He would have to give them a firm talking to on the need for occasional privacy for their parents. It wasn't too early to talk about personal boundaries to the older two. As he blinked his eyes open, he was momentarily confused by the darkness and stale air. With slow realization of his present reality a sense of loss and slight melancholy overtook him, though he quickly tried to brush it aside. Then, for some odd reason he couldn't quite put his finger on, he felt a sudden rush of relief and joy when he heard the chiding voice of his former padawan.
"Obi-Wan, c'mon! We don't have time for you to sleep the day away old man!" Then, his voice a little uncertain, "Master? Are you okay?" How like his mercurial former padawan. He felt the weight of Anakin's hand on his ankle. Quickly stuffing the little panties he still held into his pocket, he pushed back the sleep curtain.
"Anakin, I assure you I am doing just fine!" Then, his tone gentling as he saw Anakin's hand held out to help him up, he gripped the younger man's hand and said, "Not to worry Anakin, I was just a bit groggy for a moment." Giving his young friend's hand a squeeze to reassure him, he levered himself up, ready for another long day of preparation and training to maintain the Republic's hold on the aging relay station and, hopefully, take another step toward the end of this blasted war.