Part III

Anakin stared at the food on his plate. Normally he ate with gusto, but today, he just didn't seem to have the appetite. Here he was, sitting alone in the dining hall, when the one person in the Galaxy he most wanted to be with was only a few corridors away. So close and yet so far. And if Master Obi-Wan got his way, it looked like things were going to stay that way. It wasn't fair.

Anakin looked up from his plate, and found himself staring at a blue-gray belted tunic. He looked up further, and grinned.

"How'd you manage to get away?" he asked.

"We had a disagreement. I left," Amidala said simply.

"I'm surprised he didn't forbid you to see me," he said with a grin.

"He tried."

"What?" Anakin asked abruptly, his grin rapidly fading.

"It's all right. Don't worry about it. I'm here, aren't I?"

Anakin’s grin returned. "Yes, you are."

"You haven't touched your food," she commented.

"Well, I think I just got my appetite back. What'd he say to you anyway?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing much," she said, dodging the issue.

Anakin sensed that Amidala didn’t want to discuss her conversation with Obi-Wan, and decided it might be best to try a different tact. "I ran into Master Sah-Jen on my way to the dining room. He said something rather odd."

"Oh? What?" she asked curiously.

"He said that I shouldn't worry too much about Master Obi-Wan, because he's got 'woman problems' of his own."

Amidala frowned. "I'm not sure that man even knows what love is."

Anakin looked at her curiously. "Why do you say that?"

"What? Oh, it's nothing. Just...just something he mentioned," she said.

Obi-Wan decided it was time for some answers. And he could only think of one place to get them. He came to a halt outside Kayla's door, and paused with his finger over the entry chime. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. Sah-Jen hadn't been at all happy to find him in that corridor with Kayla, and if he was still with her...

He lingered on the doorstep, indecisive. He needed to know if Kayla was all right. And he needed to know why Master Sah-Jen had said he'd done enough damage already. Still, maybe this wasn't the time. Maybe...maybe he'd better have a good excuse for being here, since the door was rapidly sliding up...

"Obi-Wan?" She looked surprised to see him. But at least she was seeing him.

"Kayla, I...this was a mistake. I'm sorry...I should go."

"Wait, wait. It's okay, you don't have to go. I feel like I should be apologizing to you - I was very rude to you in the corridor."

"No, no...it's...okay...but, what happened?" he asked with concern.

"I...um, it's...a personal matter," she said quickly.

"But, why did Master Sah-Jen seem to think I had something to do with it?" asked Obi-Wan, genuinely baffled.

"Ah... Master Sah-Jen...I should really apologize for him, too. He gets...protective of me sometimes," she said carefully.

He nodded. "I was...I understand. He was concerned about you..." He paused. "I should go..."

She nodded, and he turned away. She heard him mutter something softly under his breath. It sounded suspiciously like "before I make a fool of myself..."

Kayla let the door slide shut in front of her, cutting him off from her view. She turned, and leaned against it with a sigh. She felt a little silly for breaking down in the corridor like that. She’d let her emotions get the better of her in a big way. It took all of her control to face Obi-Wan just now. That hadn't been easy. But at least now she knew she could face him again.Although she did wonder what he meant by "before I make a fool of myself..." She decided to find out.

Obi-Wan slowed his pace after he was sure he was out of Kayla's sight. He'd felt the need to make a quick escape, for reasons he didn't quite understand. It occurred to him that she'd utterly failed to answer any of his questions. And yet he hadn't noticed the fact at the time. He was too distracted lately, he decided. Maybe he would spend some time meditating after lunch. He needed to get some focus back. But first things first, he decided. He hadn't eaten since yesterday afternoon, and his body was starting to complain. For the third time today, he decided to head to the dining hall. He wondered briefly if he'd actually get there this time. His trip to the dining hall was surprisingly without incident. He paused outside the doors, as he suddenly wondered if fate was actually going to allow him to walk through them. He shook his head. "I really need to eat something," he said, to no one in particular, as he pushed open the door and stepped through. He nearly ran headlong into Anakin and Amidala, who seemed to be just leaving. He frowned at them both in turn, and pushed past them in the direction of the buffet. Anakin and Amidala watched him pass, and exchanged glances.

Obi-Wan looked around the dining hall, and chose an unoccupied table at which to sit. He wanted to be alone with his food and his thoughts. He had too many things to think about these days. Did all Jedi Masters have this much trouble with their padawan learners? Anakin was always questioning him, ignoring his advice. Now he knew how Master Qui-Gon must have felt sometimes. He suddenly wished he'd been less trouble when he was a padawan. Still, he thought, things could be worse, and it wasn't like he was the only Jedi to ever have a problematic padawan. Look at Master Sah-Jen for instance...

"Mind if I sit down?"

Obi-Wan looked up. He blinked. Kayla was standing in front of him, waiting for a response.

"Kayla...um, of course, have a seat."

She set her plate on the table and positioned herself in the chair across from him.

"How's the soup today?" she asked.

"The soup? Oh, right, the soup...it's fine. I mean, it's good. Hot, at least..." He paused as a thought occurred to him. "You didn’t tell me you were about to head off to lunch."

Kayla suppressed a grin. "Um, earlier you wanted to know why I was upset...and I didn't really answer your question..."

"Oh...that's okay," he began, "I mean..."

"No, I feel I owe you an explanation," she said. "I feel kinda bad, I mean, first you stopped to see if I was okay in the corridor and I was blatantly rude to you, and then I kept changing the subject when you came to see if I was okay just now. Anyway, I want to tell you. It's a little embarrassing though, so that's why I didn't want to explain before. You see, I had a vision...of losing Master Sah-Jen..." she said, knowing that she was telling him a half-truth.

Obi-Wan frowned with concern. "A vision of losing Master Sah-Jen?"

"Yes, it was very realistic..." she added.

"No wonder you were in that state..." he said.

"Yes, but you see, when Master Sah-Jen showed up, I knew I was wrong. "And that's kinda why I was embarrassed - what I thought was a Jedi vision turned out to be nothing more than a nightmare. I didn't want you to know..."

Obi-Wan had the distinct impression that she wasn’t quite telling him the whole truth, but he nodded nevertheless. "I understand. But Kayla, you don't need to be embarrassed around me...like I said before, I don't want to intimidate you..."

Kayla paused for a second, a strange look in her eyes. "Well...that's why I felt I needed to tell you the truth..." she said finally, with a tinge of guilt.

She looked down at the food on her plate, and reached for her fork, but only succeeded in knocking it off the table. "Oh, there goes my fork..." She looked up at Obi-Wan and smiled slightly. "Back in a second," she said, dropping beneath the table.

"Have you got it?" he asked.

"I can't quite seem to..."

"Hang on a second," he said, dropping beneath the table as well.

Kayla was peering underneath the table leg. "I think I see it..."

"Me too," said Obi-Wan. They both reached for the fork. Kayla reached it first, and Obi-Wan found his hand holding Kayla's a microsecond later. They jumped away from each other as if the fork was electrified. They stared at each other for a second.

"I've, um, got it..." said Kayla.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again, and then settled on a nod. They climbed back up into their chairs. Kayla stared at her food, and Obi-Wan decided that he suddenly found the wall extremely interesting.

Mace Windu had just lost his conversation partner. Master Yarael had finished his food and excused himself, leaving Mace alone at the table with Master Sah-Jen, who was busily slurping his soup and generally ignoring everyone else. Mace glanced at him and suppressed a sigh. Master Sah-Jen had never been very accommodating when it came to small-talk. He looked around the room. Ah, now there was something interesting that might just get Sah-Jen's attention...

He leaned over conspiratorially. "Master Sah-Jen."

"Hmm...?" asked Sah-Jen, without looking up from his soup.

"I've just noticed something rather interesting."

Sah-Jen looked up at him, looking faintly annoyed that he'd been distracted from his soup. "Oh, and what would that be, young man?"

Mace smiled inwardly to himself. To Sah-Jen, everyone else was "young man"...

"Well, the other day I was saying to Master Obi-Wan that he seemed to have quite the effect on your young apprentice."

Sah-Jen's look of mild annoyance deepened into a frown. "Did you now?"

"Yes. But I seem to have been mistaken...I think it's your young apprentice that has quite the affect on Master Obi-Wan..." He nodded in Kayla and Obi-Wan's direction. Master Sah-Jen followed his gaze, and then frowned some more.

Sah-Jen slowly wiped his mouth with his napkin, and placed it in the remnants of his soup. "If you'll excuse me, young man, I have some urgent matters I need to see to."

Mace glanced up at the old man as he stood to leave, "Of course, Master Sah-Jen." He watched Sah-Jen's back as he made his way to the exit. He noticed Sah-Jen threw Obi-Wan a decidedly pointed look on his way out.

Obi-Wan didn't seem to notice.

Mace sighed and shook his head, and then decided to have a talk with Obi-Wan.

Kayla and Obi-Wan were eating their meal in silence, each being careful to avoid the other's eyes. Obi-Wan decided to try to make casual conversation. "Oh, did you know that the Queen of Naboo is staying with us?"

Kayla looked up, surprised by the sudden question. "Oh, um, the Queen of Naboo? No, I didn't. Why's she here?"

"She has some business with the Galactic Senate, but between you and me, I think she's mostly here to get away from it all for a little while."

Kayla suddenly looked pensive. "I saw a young woman wandering around the Temple earlier. She wasn't a padawan...she was dressed rather plainly for a Queen though..."

Kayla studied Obi-Wan's face closely as he replied.

"Oh, that was probably...Padme."

"Padme?"

"She's one of the Queen's handmaidens."

"Oh."

Obi-Wan noticed Kayla look up suddenly, distracted. He turned in his chair and saw Master Mace approaching.

"Master Obi-Wan, excuse me for interrupting, but may I have a word with you?"

Obi-Wan looked from Mace to Kayla and back again.

Kayla turned to Master Mace. "I should be going, actually. If you'll excuse me..." Obi-Wan stood up as Kayla rose to leave. She nodded to Mace, "Master Mace." She met Obi-Wan's eyes, "Master Obi-Wan." She turned and walked out. Obi-Wan stared after her. Mace looked at them both thoughtfully.

Mace turned to examine Obi-Wan. "Now then, Obi-Wan..."

Obi-Wan turned, half-startled. "Master Mace?"

Mace glanced quickly at the door and then back at Obi-Wan before continuing. "The Queen will be attending the Galactic Senate tomorrow. As I have business at the Senate building myself, I've decided to accompany the Queen."

"Yes, Master."

"So, you and Anakin will have some time off tomorrow..." he paused and looked pointedly at Obi-Wan. "Use it well."

Obi-Wan nodded.

Anakin leaned back in his chair and grinned at Amidala. "So, when are you going to the Senate Building?"

"Tomorrow. Why are you grinning like that?"

"I was just thinking that if I can convince Master Obi-Wan to let me accompany you, we'd have the whole day to ourselves, away from the Temple."

Amidala looked down and then back at Anakin, "Tomorrow is about business, Anakin, not pleasure. I have to address the Galactic Senate, I can't be running around Coruscant all day."

Anakin studied her face. It seemed to him that she was hiding something. He hadn't exactly expected her to jump up and down at his idea, but he had expected more enthusiasm than this. They both looked up as the door chime sounded.

A few moments later Sabe' led Obi-Wan into the room.

He addressed Amidala. "Your Highness, may I speak to you?"

Amidala looked from Obi-Wan to Anakin and back again. Anakin noticed that she seemed slightly tense. "Of course, Master Jedi. Actually, I'd like to have a word with you as well." She paused and glanced at Anakin. "In private," she said gently.

Anakin tried to read the expression on her face, but failed. He stood and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Amidala waited until he had gone, and then turned to Obi-Wan. "What was it you wanted to see me about, Master Jedi?"

"Your Highness, I understand you are visiting the Senate Building tomorrow. It has been decided that Master Mace Windu shall accompany you, as he has business of his own to attend to there."

"I am sure Master Windu will be excellent company, thank-you Master Jedi..."

"Your Highness, you mentioned a matter you wished to discuss with me."

Amidala glanced at the door. "I don't want Anakin to know what I am about to tell you. Promise me you won't tell him."

"Your Highness..."

"Promise me."

Obi-Wan studied her face for a second. Her eyes seemed to plead with him. "I promise."

She exhaled softly. "Thank you, Obi-Wan."

He looked at her with some concern. "Now will you tell me what this is all about?" he asked gently.

She glanced at the door again, and then met Obi-Wan's inquisitive stare. "Someone's trying to kill me," she said plainly.

Obi-Wan's expression hardened. "I think you'd better start at the beginning."

"My security team on Naboo uncovered two separate plots against my life. There may have been others that were accidentally foiled by changes in my schedule. For a while now, I've had the feeling that someone in my own government was working against me, and now I believe this same individual has been making attempts on my life."

"And so you decided to flee Naboo for Coruscant?"

"And the safety of the Jedi Temple, yes. Chancellor Palpatine advised me that it would be the wisest action. I was reluctant to leave, but under the circumstances, he managed to convince me."

"I think you made the right decision, Your Highness." Obi-Wan folded his hands together and sat back in his chair. One more thing to worry about. "We shall need to inform Master Mace...in case your assassin managed to follow you from Naboo. Outside the Temple, he will be your only protection."

"I have my body guards, as well."

"With all due respect, Your Highness, it sounds to me like you have some rather determined enemies. Your handmaidens may not be able to protect you. I would feel much better if Master Mace knew of the situation."

Amidala sighed. "Very well. Master Mace may be told. But remember, you gave me your word that you would not tell Anakin."

Obi-Wan looked at her curiously. "I shall keep my promise to you, Your Highness, but may I ask why you don't want him to know?"

"Because of something you said to me earlier, Obi-Wan."

"Something I said?"

"You said that there was a danger for Anakin in his emotions. I know that if he thinks my life is in danger, he'll try to save me, no matter what the cost to himself. And I...I just couldn't bear to lose him like that."

Obi-Wan watched Amidala as she spoke, noting the fear in her eyes as she finished her last sentence. He softened his expression and took her hand as he spoke softly to her, "Amidala, if there's anything I can do to stop that from happening, I'll do it." He gently raised her chin with his other hand so that he was looking into her eyes..."Do you believe me?"

"Yes, I believe you" she said softly.

Anakin was getting tired of waiting. What were they talking about in there? And why didn't Amidala want him in the room? What was going on lately? He kept getting the feeling that Amidala and his Master were keeping something from him. And now they had physically shut him out of the room... This was going to drive him nuts. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to find out what they were talking about. He moved silently to the sitting room door, and cracked it open just wide enough for him to see and hear what was going on. Where were they? Oh, there, on the couch - sitting next to each other. That was odd. Obi-Wan was holding her hand. Why was Obi-Wan holding her hand? He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.

"Do you believe me?" he asked.

"Yes, I believe you..." she said softly.

Anakin closed the door. He felt sick, like something inside him had died. Amidala and his Master? No, it couldn't be. They wouldn't...They couldn't betray him like that...could they?

Obi-Wan squeezed Amidala's hand and nodded.

"Are you going to be okay?" he asked. She took a deep breath and nodded. He looked pointedly at the door and asked "Ready?"

"Yes."

They left the sitting room and found Anakin sprawled in a chair outside, staring through the viewglass at Coruscant. He didn't turn around. "So, have you decided if I'm accompanying the Queen tomorrow?"

Obi-Wan glanced quickly at Amidala. She spoke for him. "We've made other arrangements, Anakin. Anyway, like I said, I'm going to be tied up in the Senate most of the day. You wouldn't have enjoyed it."

He nodded, and stared out at the skyline. Obi-Wan frowned at the back of his head. He exchanged confused glances with Amidala, and then said,

"If you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I have other matters to attend to. Anakin will stay here to make sure...all is well."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan." She smiled. Obi-Wan made his way for the door. Anakin turned to watch him leave. The fact that Amidala had called him "Obi-Wan" and not "Master Jedi" hadn't escaped his notice.

Obi-Wan needed to find Master Mace. It was vital he be told about the attempts on the Queen's life before their excursion tomorrow. He headed towards Master Mace's private meditation room, where he was often to be found in the evenings. He found Master Mace sitting cross-legged on the floor, a lit candle in front of him, and three small stones slowly circling around him in mid-air. Obi-Wan folded his hands, and waited in the doorway.

After a moment, Mace opened his eyes to look at Obi-Wan. "I thought that was you," he said. "What is it that's troubling you, Master Obi-Wan?"

"Master, we have a problem. Queen Amidala has just informed me of the real reason for her visit. Apparently, at least two attempts have been made on her life."

"On Naboo?"

"Yes, Master. But I fear her enemies may have followed her here."

"Of course." Mace nodded. "She is safe while she is in the Temple. And now I'll know to be on guard tomorrow at the Senate Building. Don't worry, Obi-Wan. I'll make sure she comes to no harm."

"Thank-you, Master." Obi-Wan bowed slightly and turned to leave. Mace closed his eyes and returned to his meditations.

Obi-Wan headed back in the direction of his own quarters, lost in his own thoughts. He very nearly jumped at the sound of Sah-Jen's voice.

Sloppy. He should have sensed Sah-Jen behind him. What was wrong with him lately?

"Ah, Master Sah-Jen. Is there something I can help you with?"

"On the contrary, Master Obi-Wan. It is I who intend to help you."

Obi-Wan looked confused. "I'm sorry...what...?"

"I intend to help you see that you have been letting your emotions get the better of you lately, young man."

Obi-Wan sighed inwardly. He didn't need this right now. But then again, if he really was letting his emotions take over, perhaps Sah-Jen was just the one to point it out to him.

"How so Master Sah-Jen?"

"I think, young man, that you know perfectly well what I am referring to."

"Master?"

"Kayla, you young fool, Kayla!"

Master Sah-Jen seemed to be letting his own emotions run away with him, Obi-Wan decided. He'd best handle this with a delicate touch."Master...I'm not entirely sure exactly what it is that you think has happened between myself and your young padawan, but I assure you that for my own part I've done nothing to encourage any notion she might have with regard to me."

Sah-Jen gave him a look that could have turned water to ice. "Whatever you think you may or may not have done is beside the point, young man. The point is, I want you to stay away from Kayla. If you've no feelings for her, then that shouldn't be a problem. And if you do, then I suggest you get them under control. Starting now. Because if I find you near her again, I will bring this matter before the council. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." he said, as he pushed his way past Obi-Wan and continued down the corridor.

Obi-Wan could only stand there, staring after him, agape. Well, that had gone well...

Kayla laid in her bed, staring at the ceiling. Today had Ibeen...interesting. She just couldn't figure out Obi-Wan. Was he interested in her or not? Talk about conflicting signals. One minute, he's staring deeply into the eyes of one of the Queen's handmaidens, and the next he's dropping by to see her. And then there was the fork...why did he jump back like that when his hand brushed hers? Was it because he was afraid to betray his own feelings, or because he didn't want to encourage hers? That man was so confusing. And of course, Sah-Jen hadn't helped matters any. Poor Master Sah-Jen...he was afraid he was going to lose her to Obi-Wan. She didn't know how to get it through to him that she'd always love him and be his padawan, even if she was in love with Obi-Wan. Still, she wished he hadn't been so harsh with Obi-Wan earlier. He was only trying to help her after all...even if he had been the cause of her pain...

She yawned, and rolled onto her side, closing her eyes as she did so. Maybe tomorrow would be less confusing.