Nidus Dwellan | Pencraft | Scribere | Sketchbook | Canvas | Muse | Owl Me
I apologize, but the first pull-down menu code is correct by continues to take you to the second part of the story. For the life of me, I can't figure it out! So, go ahead and click it, but go up to your URL window and delete the first 2 in front of embers. Or, you can simply change the embers1 to embers2. Again, I'm very sorry about this!
Lightning streak through the sky, turning the midnight blackness into flashes of white light and electricity. Wind whistled through trees, howling through passages. Rain prattled against roofs and windows. Thunder rolled over the mountainside and rivers churned in the valleys below.
Sabe Mabriee awoke from her sleep as another clash of lightning split the sky. She closed her eyes against the blinding flash, listened for the distant roll of thunder, and then rubbed her eyes. She lifted her head from the antique wood desk she sat at. The office was swallowed in shadows, but the next lightning burst gave it the appearance of daylight. She sat up, her eyes falling to the datapads, cards, and flimsies scattered on the old desk. She had fallen asleep again.
The young woman smiled softly as she stretched her arms out. It hadn’t been the first time and it was bound to not be the last. Queen Amidala had once told her that she should just set a cot up behind her desk. Sabe was inclined to agree. There were times she would just get so caught up her duties that she forgot to eat, sleep, or breathe.
Another flash of lightning brought her attention back to the storm that had awakened her. The tall window was streaked with rain, the red velvet curtains open. It was late in Naboo’s fall. Winter would arrive soon, bringing cold rain. It only snowed at the poles of the planet, and even then it didn’t stay long. The end of winter was always a muddy but beautiful time. Many of the plants’ leaves changed to purple and blue hues, giving the planet an exotic environment. What tourists did come to Naboo usually arrived at that time.
And with the earthy bloom came fairs. Naboo had two harvest seasons and the end of winter was one of them. Fruit farmers would bring their prizes from the mountains down to the valleys and sell or barter. The women met and socialized, the children engrossed in active studies. It was one of the happiest and most peaceful times on Naboo.
Sabe reached over to the lamp on her desk, touching it and watching as the light formed a pool over her documents. She picked up the letter directly under the light. The scrawled writing always brought a smile to her eyes. This letter she had read over and over, each time each word was like a fresh breath of light. Even if many of the paragraphs were contained necessary formality and gloomy details. It was the only way her love could verify communication with her and the Naboo.
But, oh, those words that were meant for her only would sometimes send shivers of delight up her spine. Sometimes she would grow warm all over as Obi-Wan Kenobi proclaimed his love for her. The letters were far and few, for a General had no time on his hands when at war. But when they did come, she devoured every curve of the written words, savoring the thought of his hands touching the very flimsy she now held in her hands. It was the only way they could communicate on an intimate level while he was at war.
At war. The term was strange, never used with a Jedi Knight. She supposed that if the entire galaxy was at war that even Jedi took the offensive. Even if her love insisted they were merely defending the innocent. How could a General be a mere defender? Sabe smirked and shook her head. Desperate times call for desperate measures, she amended. If she had twenty thousand armed clones bearing down on her, she might feel the need to attack. Especially when those clones had been taught since their creation to destroy you.
Sabe shuddered and closed her eyes. No one could tell her she didn’t conceive the extent of the danger. She had suffered from the beginnings of this war. Had come at the mercy of weapons and had nearly died. Except that her clone—her clone!—had saved her. The memories still haunted her, but she had moved on as duty need be. While she did not fight on the front lines, she did help with keeping supplies and communications going through the system of Naboo.
The thought of seeing cloned Naboo, people she knew, killing others was too much for her to bear. Perhaps no one else had the understanding of the clones as she did. She carried her clone’s blood, had formed a friendship with an entire village of escaped clones. Clones that had found a way to freedom, had fought the brainwashing. Some force had manipulated Malastare into the research of clone sciences and building factories for the cloning procedure. Then they had trained the clones to be war machines. The plan had backfired and many of the clones had rebelled, realizing they were being treated no better than droids. An insurrection had started. Sa’me, Sabe’s clone, had led a small group of clones into the mountains of the clone planet Yxo 1. The others had responded in a different manner. They had begun attacking Republic fleets with their advanced technology. Naboo had retaliated, the peaceful planet had engaged a long war. The Yxo factory had been destroyed, but that had not been the end of it. Other moons contained the clone cylinders and some rogue clones had started up their own armies. They believed that they must fight, a trait that had been bred into their DNA and genes. They didn’t know any better.
Sabe paused in her thinking. She set the letter back on her desk and reached for her robe. She really should get some sleep. Everyone had been asleep for hours. It must be early morning. She shut the lamp off and exited her office. The palace halls were illuminated and guards were stationed at various posts. She yawned as she followed a winding staircase that led to the Royal Quarters. Her thoughts began to return to their previous contemplation.
It had been four years since Yxo 1. A year ago, Obi-Wan and his Padawan Learner, Anakin Skywalker had returned to Naboo under harsh circumstances. The planet had fallen under siege by the clones. The Jedi had once been of assistance to Naboo, when they had been under the oppression of the Trade Federation. Where Sabe had met and helped Obi-Wan Kenobi in his grief of losing his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Anakin had been a Tatooine slave, saving the Queen in more ways than one.
Sabe smiled as she strode silently down the hall of the Royal Quarters. How that last visit had proved that the Queen wasn’t quite as aloof as she seemed. The fact that a slave had wooed her was something to take note of. Of course, Anakin was no ordinary slave. No ordinary Padawan, for that matter. Obi-Wan had his hands full with the twenty-year old apprentice. Not that Obi-Wan couldn’t handle it, she knew. The mere thought of him brought her steps to pause. How she missed him so! After they had departed months ago she had not seen her love since. Amidala had shared her woe about not seeing Anakin.
The handmaiden came to her quarters and she accessed the panel. After becoming unofficially married to Obi-Wan, she had taken residence in separate quarters from the other handmaidens. Amidala had insisted, claiming that the couple needed privacy for when the Jedi Knight could make it to the planet. Sabe was secretly grateful, but it got lonely in the spacious suite.
Even now, as she changed into her nightgown and slipped under the covers of the large bed, she found herself hugging the large pillow to her. One shouldn’t have such a large bed to herself. He should be here with her, listening to the storm going on beyond. They should be cracking jokes and telling secrets.
Sighing, Sabe rolled over and closed her eyes. No words of love would be exchanged tonight.
@ @ @ @ @ @
“Your Highness!”
The shrill voice echoed through the cavernous throne room, bouncing off the marble walls and repeating itself. Queen Amidala of the Naboo swiveled her head around, brown eyes darting towards the source of the shout. A handmaiden in crimson came rushing forward, not bothering with etiquette or the frowns of scrutiny from the Advisory Council. Underneath the hood, a young smile revealed a white grin.
“Handmaiden,” Amidala spoke calmly, although the curiosity was not lost in her deep tone. “What is cause for this alarm?”
Kyly came to an abrupt halt, her eyes finding the stares of the others. She caught the handmaiden on Amidala’s right and blushed. Sabe tried her best to suppress a smirk at the younger women. “Your Highness,” Kyly bowed, still breathless. “We have word from the Chancellor! He couldn’t send us a direct transmission, but instead sent this out to all of the systems of the Republic.”
Amidala’s painted face revealed nothing, her white and red lips twitched, though. “And what is the news from Palpatine?”
“The war is over!” Kyly beamed from underneath her hood. A cheer went up from the advisors and even Amidala smiled.
“Details, handmaiden.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Kyly withdrew a datacard from her robe pocket and stepped to the command console in front of the throne. A hologram of the readings scrolled through the air for all to read.
“Sabe,” Amidala spoke quietly. “Have contact from the Jedi yet?”
“Not yet, Your Highness,” Sabe said, her eyes on the hologram. She felt her heart sink. Chancellor Palpatine was using some of the military for clean-up, finishing off the last resistance. Listed under those still in command was General Kenobi.
The Queen turned her eyes away and gave her handmaiden a sympathetic look. Then she quickly turned her attention back to the scrolling. Apparently the clones had been wiped out, the Republic seizing the cloning Spaarti cylinders and killing the rest of the clones. There would still be small skirmishes no doubt, but the enemy was defeated. The Queen frowned a bit. Palpatine was proclaiming that he would have more control of the military. The Chancellor believed that peace would come quicker and last longer if the Head of the Senate had direct control over the Republic’s forces. An odd move from a chancellor.
“Our army will return to us soon,” Amidala said, realizing her silence was making the others nervous. She should be delighted that the war was over, not mulling over political dilemmas. At least, not right now. She smiled. “And we will welcome them home. The Naboo will celebrate peace once more.”
Another cheer went up through the advisors. Sabe wanted to join in, but her heart was lagged down by the news Obi-Wan wouldn’t be returning right away. And she had also caught the Queen’s surprise at the Chancellor’s move for military control. Queen Amidala dismissed her advisors, saying that they would be called-upon when there was more news. She turned her head to Sabe, the beads from her headdress clicking softly. “I am sorry, dear friend.”
“It’s all right,” Sabe said, forcing a weak smile to her lips. “If he is still commanding it means he is alive.”
Something clouded in the Queen’s eyes. She folded her delicate hands in her lap. “They did not mention anything about Anakin.”
Sabe sobered even more. “Maybe it means he is coming home?”
“Not if Kenobi isn’t,” Amidala said. “He isn’t a Knight yet.”
Kyly shifted in her seat, the farthest one on the left. Yane turned her head and frowned at her. Sache and Rabe sat silently, listening quietly. Sabe glanced around the throne room. Then she glanced down at her hand, where a ring shined softly in the light. It was of fine silver, blue etchings of the Kenobi clan symbol around the band. No jewel or elaborate decoration, just a simple sign of love.
Amidala followed her gaze and smiled. “Time will pass quickly, Sabe. You will see.”
“I know. But not soon enough,” she sighed. “I wonder if he’s changed?”
“Ani’s always different when he comes here,” Amidala said absently.
“Shmi will be happy to see him again,” Sabe commented. Qui-Gon Jinn had not freed Shmi Skywalker, but Anakin had freed her almost a year ago. The elder woman had been living in Theed Palace, recovering from the toils of slavery. She had not been fairing well.
“Yes, she will,” Amidala agreed. “The poor woman . . .” her eyes grew sad, then she shook her head. “Why don’t we return to my quarters? I believe we will not have time to rest for awhile.”
The Queen stood and her handmaidens filed behind her. As they passed the various guards, they would go to their comlinks to warn the others that the Queen was on her way through. Sache had once switched the all-over comm frequency so no one would be warned. Amidala had caught five guards playing a game of sabacc in one of the halls. Needless to say, the guards always were sure of the frequency and on guard all of the time.
Once inside her royal quarters, Amidala removed her headdress. She signaled for Sabe to join her in the bedchamber while the other handmaidens rested. The decoy made sure the door was shut behind her. Amidala didn’t remove her paint, but she removed her heavy robe. “I could tell that you were not pleased by the Chancellor’s actions,” Amidala commented.
“No, Your Highness,” Sabe said. “It seems . . . odd to me.”
“Likewise,” the Queen nodded. She turned to her handmaiden. “I may not have your Jedi sense, but I feel as if something else is going on.” She shook her head. “I’ve never appreciated Palpatine’s views. Even back when I was a naïve queen.”
“He gives me the creeps, too,” Sabe agreed. She frowned thoughtfully. “Obi-Wan says that all politicians are corrupted to some extent. He preferred Valorum over Palpy, but he says the man is respectable and focused.”
“Palpy?” Amidala raised an eyebrow. “Is that his exact words?”
“No,” Sabe grinned. “And it will not go beyond these walls.”
Amidala laughed and sat down on her bed. She fingered the canopy veil, a thoughtful look on her face. “Do you think Anakin will return?”
“Of course,” Sabe said, watching the younger woman. “Ami, can I ask you something?”
“Hmm?”
“How close did you and Anakin become?”
Amidala looked startled, then blushed. “Oh—not that close.” She removed her hand and folded them on in her lap.
Sabe sat down beside her, a sly grin splitting her lips. “Would you like to?”
“Sabe Mabriee!” Amidala cried, her mouth gaping at the decoy, her eyes wide. She flushed. “Well . . .”
“I knew it,” Sabe grinned, patting the Queen’s shoulder. She scrunched her face up. “But he’s five years younger. I don’t think he’s hit puberty yet.”
Amidala swatted her. “Oh, he has, dear, he has. Or were you too blinded by Obi-Wan not to notice?” Sabe grinned. “And about the age thing, I believe Kenobi is nine years older than you.”
“Khrys was seven years older,” Sabe shrugged. “And Eirtae’s Nymn is a good few years older. But younger?”
Amidala scowled at her. “You got a problem with that? I believe that Princess Shasha married someone twenty years younger than her.”
“Ugh, royalty,” Sabe groaned. Amidala swatted her again, laughing as she did so. “How can you stand it, Ami?”
Amidala thought a moment. “Know what? I don’t rightly know.”
@ @ @ @ @ @
Alderaan was abuzz with the news of peace. It was all that people talked about. Cali-Ana Angli shook her head as she hurried through the busy spaceport of Alderaan City. The Clone Wars had placed her out of work for so long. No one had wanted to wholesome entertainment, it was better to complain about all of the supply shortages the war had caused. No one had wanted to see a play or forget their troubles for an evening. The actress/screenwriter had taken up a job helping refugees from their devastated homes. It was a far cry from the glamorous life she had once lived, but it had been a very fulfilling duty.
Now she was home and reclaiming that stalled part of her life. Surely people would be wanting entertainment now. Her experience with the refugees would prove useful for another screenplay to write.
She would take up temporary residence with a friend she had met during the war. Claras Antilles was a very dedicated a strong woman. Claras was an aristocrat by blood, but a commoner by soul. She had been Cali’s closest friend during the darkest of times. The woman had been injured and sent home, but not before promising Cali refuge in her home.
Home. She couldn’t wait to get there.
@ @ @ @ @ @
Sabe watched from beside Amidala as the returning Naboo militia paraded forward. The Queen had given a welcome home speech, then had sat back down in her throne. She could feel the queen’s disappointment at not having Anakin return. Sabe shared her frustration. Why of all people did Obi-Wan have to be stuck doing the military’s job? He should be here with her, not running on a chancellor’s whim. Anger at Palpatine boiled in her and she reached out to the Force, seeking its soothing presence.
“Your Highness,” Panaka, now de-void of rank said, coming up and bowing before Amidala. “Chancellor Palpatine is arriving.”
Sabe turned her eyes towards the Celebration Hall’s heavy oak doors. They were opened, revealing a contingent of Senate guard filing down the corridor. She could make out the older man’s blue robe as he made his way to the Hall. The Naboo cleared to one side to let the Chancellor of the Republic came forward. Amidala rose from her throne, face impassive, her handmaidens flanking her. Palpatine came forward and bowed.
“Your Highness,” he said. “What an honor it is to be in your presence once again.”
Amidala inclined her head, then sat herself back down. “Chancellor,” she greeted in her deep voice. “Congratulations on the Republic’s victory.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, but the Republic’s success lies within its people.” Sabe thought the chancellor spoke almost sarcastically. She frowned. Palpatine’s dark eyes landed on her for a brief moment, then returned to the Queen. She fought back the icy chill that tingled her spine. “There are still concerns in regards to the galaxy’s safety,” Palpatine continued. “Might I arrange a meeting between us?”
“Certainly, Chancellor,” Amidala agreed. She rose from the throne. “In my office.” The contingent of guards and handmaidens followed them from the Celebration Hall. Panaka also followed, keeping an eye out for trouble. Amidala entered the office, Palpatine, Panaka, and the handmaidens following.
Palpatine eyed the handmaidens and Panaka. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, I would prefer this meeting to be private.”
“If it is secrecy you wish, Chancellor,” Amidala said evenly. “My handmaidens will not breathe a word.”
Panaka nodded his agreement. Palpatine shot him a dark look, then his eyes fell once again to Sabe. She stared right back, watching those steely eyes.
Something was dark about this man, more than just random politics. The chancellor almost smiled at her, then turned back to Amidala. “One handmaiden may remain, Amidala of the Naboo.”
Amidala’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but she nodded her agreement. All four but Sabe filed out, two muttering to themselves. Palpatine didn’t give them a second glance. “Now, Chancellor,” Amidala spoke. “What is this meeting about?”
“Safety,” Palpatine said. “I have in my possession the Spaarti cylinders.”
Amidala nodded, an almost unreceptive movement.
Palpatine continued. “Most of the cylinders are being stored with Intelligence. Others will be concealed in other locations. Your Highness, Naboo will be one of those locations.” The Queen’s eyes flickered, but she waited for him to continue. “We cannot allow the cylinders to fall into the wrong hands. It is vital that none of this information goes past you, Mabriee or Panaka.”
“If they are potential hazards,” Sabe said. “Why don’t you just destroy them?”
Palpatine’s eyes flicked to her, his icy gaze boring a hole straight through her. “We must learn from them.” And that was all he said. He turned back to Amidala. The Queen was thinking it over in silence.
“What dangers would this present Naboo?”
Palpatine almost smiled. “Your Highness, if Naboo conceals the Spaarti, the Republic will come immediately to its aid in times of peril. It is a wise course of action. For your protection and your people’s.”
Amidala seemed to come to her decision. “Naboo will be protected?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Naboo has seemed to fall into wars quite frequently during your realm.”
The Queen’s eyes flashed at him. “The Senate lacks the ability to keep peace between worlds, Chancellor. You have not yet shown me the peace and prosperity that you had promised.”
Palpatine seemed to bridle, then his features smoothed out. “We are at peace now, Your Majesty. The former Chancellors’ mistakes lied in the lack of control. A strong leader needs a tight rein over the government, or the only result will be war.”
“And you will be the Chancellor to tighten control?” Amidala raised and eyebrow at him, an almost cocky gesture.
“The Clone War only proved that Valorum and the others are not efficient leaders.”
Sabe frowned. Valorum had not ruled during the war. How could Palpatine pass blame to him? As she thought this over, Palpatine turned back to her. “It is Valorum’s loose reins that led to the Clone Wars, Young Mabriee,” he said, amusement twinkling in his eyes. “It has taken me sometime to fix the Republic’s mistakes. But that will not be the case any longer.”
Sabe gazed at him steadily, refusing to be shaken by his stare.
“When will the Spaarti be delivered?” Amidala asked.
“Soon,” Palpatine answered, an odd smile coming across his thin lips. “Very soon.”
@ @ @ @ @ @
Obi-Wan Kenobi gave an exasperated sigh and shifted his position, his keen eyes following Anakin Skywalker’s movements. The young man’s brow dripped in sweat and his blue eyes took on a fierce light. The red lightsaber held in his hand hummed, as if waiting patiently for its owner to command it. The Padawan pursed his lips, his muscles tensing as he watched his Master shift. He blinked, trying to bat away the sting of sweat. His back ached and his mind refused to concentrate. The Force kept slipping away from him and he was having trouble anticipating the other’s movements.
“You should not be having trouble with this exercise, Padawan,” Obi-Wan said, deactivating his blue blade. He straightened and gazed at Anakin.
“I’m sorry, Master,” Anakin said, switching his blade off.
“No,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “You are not.” His arms folded across his chest and he gave the apprentice a stern look. “If you were sorry you would correct your fault. Instead, you begin to feel pity upon yourself and continue making the same mistake again and again.”
Anakin bowed his head, then lifted his chin defensively. “The Force is slipping. It won’t come to me.”
“You haven’t been meditating, have you?” Obi-Wan said, an eyebrow raised. “Your lack of attention may be inhibiting your potential.” He hooked his lightsaber onto his belt. “You have let your studies go.”
“I didn’t have time, Master,” Anakin cried, eyes flashing. “The war—“
Obi-Wan held up a hand. “That is not an excuse, Anakin, and you know it.” He hated being harsh, but if his Padawan’s focus was slipping . . . and especially at this stage . . . He shook his head. “We will meditate now. On the Force and on your lack of focus.”
Anakin looked ready to retort, but then he nodded. “Yes, Master,” he said, folding his legs up under him. Obi-Wan joined him, reaching out to the Force and drawing it around him. It took Anakin a few tries before he latched on and held it. In the past, Obi-Wan would help him by sending his own connection to the boy, but not now. This exercise was one of the simplest. If Anakin was so out of practice that he couldn’t even reach out to it, then he should figure it out on his own. That was part of the lesson. If the boy was going to drift away from the Force, how could he expect to become a Knight?
Obi-Wan let his thoughts run out of him and centered himself with the Unifying Force. He smiled to himself, knowing that somewhere, Qui-Gon Jinn would be clicking his tongue and telling him to concentrate on the Living Force. Perhaps he should, but Obi-Wan need to center himself before dealing with Anakin. That was something he had also learned within the first three years of being the Master. Along with about a billion countless other things.
It took longer than he would have liked, but Anakin was soon in deep meditation and Obi-Wan was able to connect with him. He left himself open and was only mildly surprised that Anakin had left a few barriers up inside of him. Obi-Wan had once been the same way, trying to hide some of his deepest secrets and emotions from his Master. It had been an insecurity that he had grown out of by the time Knighthood had been bestowed upon him. The Jedi Knight was certain that under one of those barriers was memories of the Queen of Naboo. Anakin’s feelings for her had first come off him in waves until Obi-Wan had commented that perhaps he shouldn’t be that open with him. It had been a tad embarrassing to stumble across the young man’s fantasy.
That almost brought a laugh to Obi-Wan and he quickly cleared his throat. The talk he had had with the boy later on had just about killed him. The Knight still wasn’t sure who was more embarrassed, him or Anakin. He had given him the full talk, face flushed and words stumbling. Anakin had rolled his eyes and replied, “I know all about that, Master.” It had been enough to shut Obi-Wan up.
This time he couldn’t suppress a smile and his concentration broke. Yes, Anakin could really but him in his boots at times. Even during the war, the boy had been able to keep a certain air of informality.
Then Obi-Wan frowned. No, Anakin had not behaved like a Jedi Padawan. In fact, the boy had enjoyed the aspects of the military and engaging in combat. His temper had also flown out of hand on a few rare occasions, but then so had Obi-Wan’s—not too severely. Anakin did not have the patience and tolerance that came with age, Obi-Wan supposed. He would have been the same way at twenty. Still, it was not the way a Jedi Padawan should have handled warfare.
Anakin soon broke his connection and stretched his legs out. Obi-Wan opened his eyes and gazed at him patiently. Anakin nodded to himself. “Yes, Master. I have learned my lesson.” Obi-Wan smiled and reached out to pat his shoulder. “There is always a lesson to be learned and mistakes to be made.” He cleared his throat and got to his feet.
“At least we don’t have to worry about all of those drills,” Anakin muttered, also climbing to his feet.
Obi-Wan smiled at him, unhooking his lightsaber. “I sincerely hope you do not view your training as a big, long drill.”
Anakin tried not to roll his eyes. Truthfully, he was exhausted. He had been hoping that this flight to Naboo would be restful, but Obi-Wan had been drilling forgotten lessons into him at a relentless pace. Naturally, his studies had slagged off during the war, but Obi-Wan didn’t seem to think that was a legitimate excuse. “Yes, Master,” he said, unhooking his lightsaber. Then he realized how he had responded and Obi-Wan frowned at him. “I mean--No, Master. The Force is not a drill to me.”
“We shall see.” Obi-Wan activated his blade and lunged forward. Anakin blocked the blow, but only barely. His blade was too close to him for comfort, Obi-Wan’s hissing just inches from his face. The Knight broke away and came around, slashing his blade up behind him. Anakin twisted and rolled away, lashing out uselessly.
He knew Obi-Wan was the better of them. Probably the best in the Jedi Order. Anakin knew he was good; he’d probably be better than his Master with a little more practice. Obi-Wan struck with powerful, controlled swings and slashes. He was creative, instinctive, but also cautious. Anakin had to be careful and not fall for some trick that his Master might pull. It seemed that at times Obi-Wan would ease up and let him score a hit, but there were others that Knight would set up a perfectly concealed trap for the apprentice.
It seemed that today would be straightforward fighting. Obi-Wan knew Anakin was out of practice on the finesse of handling the lightsaber. The boy’s skill had become crude and rash, hardly up to the caliber of a Padawan nearing Knighthood. As Anakin attacked, Obi-Wan easily anticipated his movements. While Anakin had power and youth to his advantage, he lacked experience and the instinctive ability to plan several attacks in a second, to decide a change of tactics when the foe became elusive and decisive.
Anakin seemed determined to win, becoming aggressive and vicious in his attack. He wanted to prove to his Master that he hadn’t lost his touch, Obi-Wan knew. He could nurse the Padawan’s ego and take a blow, but nothing would be learned from it. When he had been an apprentice, there had been duels where Qui-Gon had let him fight his anger for a long time, then once he was exhausted, the Master would simply slash him near the neck. Obi-Wan had soon learned--after several packs of bacta--that anger determined his defeat. Anakin would have to relearn this lesson.
Anakin paused and stepped back, removing his outer tunic and tossing it away. He wiped his sweat off on it and gripped the hilt of the lightsaber. Obi-Wan followed his example, shedding his tabard as well and tossing it to where his robe lay on a bench. Empty cargo holds on starships proved most excellent for a sparring session. He nodded to Anakin, allowing him to make the first move.
The young man took a deep breath, his abs tightening for a moment before he leaped at Obi-Wan. He somersaulted over his Master’s head and brought the blade hissing down. Obi-Wan dropped to his knee and parried the blow, smiling his approval at the apprentice. Anakin had mimicked his own move awhile ago. The boy then began pressing Obi-Wan into a tight combat stance, never letting his blade fall far back. The strokes were quick and short, twisting and switching directions. Obi-Wan nodded, a silent signal that he was improving.
Then Anakin suddenly swooped around him, bringing the red blade out long and fast. Obi-Wan leaped away, feeling the heat of the burning blade singe his undertunic. Had it not been there, he would have been burned severely. Even a lightsaber at low setting was very hazardous.
Sweat ran down their back and faces, mixing with the aroma of ozone and scorched paneling and cloth. They continued for some time, Anakin showing his weariness as his Master pressed him relentlessly. Obi-Wan left himself open at random times, testing Anakin’s sense of opportunity. The Padawan only attacked an opening once, while leaving himself open. Obi-Wan gave a careless swing into the opening, flicking his wrist and bringing the blade around to singed Anakin’s tunic near the neck.
Then he switched his blade up. Anakin glared at him before turning his off as well. “I almost had you, Master. Just a few seconds more.”
“A single second can make all the difference,” Obi-Wan said, his voice a little breathless. He had managed to stress a back muscle, and as he bent down to grab his robe and tunic, he grimaced slightly. Maybe he was getting old already. Having Anakin around for almost eleven years was probably costing him some of his youth.
Anakin was not pleased with his performance. The Jedi apprentice snatched up his robes and then muttered something about a shower. The young man had developed quite and ego and didn’t take defeats too easily. Having been such a successful fighter pilot during the war had done that to him, Obi-Wan was sure. Had he not been an officer responsible for some many lives, he might have become cocksure of himself as well.
Rubbing the small of his back, Obi-Wan ambled over to the crates that had been stacked as benches and sat down. He was more than glad that the war was finally over. He couldn’t wait to be back on Naboo and he silently cursed the hyperdrive to push faster. They would be arriving late anyway, and Sabe was more than likely to be asleep. She didn’t know when he was coming back. He hadn’t known for sure himself until about twelve hours ago when he had been officially and completely freed from the Republic military fleets. Force, he was tired of them.
The Jedi Knight frowned, rubbing his light beard thoughtfully. Another result of the stress of war. Too busy pondering strategy and helping the innocent, he hadn’t taken the time to worry about facial hair. He had let his beard grow, but had kept it fairly trimmed. He scratched it as he thought over the war. It was unusual for the Jedi to be active in a war, but it had been a galactic threat. Many Jedi Knights had died, not to mention all of the other species falling victim to the onslaught.
But he did not want to dwell on darker moments right now. When Anakin finished using the ship’s facilities, he would shower and perhaps shave. He smiled again and rubbed his chin. Sabe had always said he looked better without the beard. Obi-Wan still wasn’t sure what he thought of it. Another smile reached his eyes and he closed his eyes, silently urging the ship to go faster.
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