Promises in the Light

[Lexie]

Title: Promises in the Light
Author: Lexie
Author's Note: This is a Star Wars story that starts in the middle of Episode 1. Right now I really have no idea where this is going. I generally know what's going to happen up to a point, but not much more than that. I will try for frequent updates, but no promises. I can tell you that this won't be abandoned at all. There won't be months of no updates and it will definitly be finished.

This first post is short, I can't even really call it a chapter. We'll say it's part 1 of chapter 1. The other posts will definitly be longer.


The hangar was eerily silent. It was completely devoid of life besides the solitary being slowly walking through it, the light tapping of his boots on floor echoing. There were signs of a recent battle there.

The man kept walking. This area was of little importance.

As he walked on he noticed scorches of lightsabers marring the floors and walls. The man frowned slightly, but didn’t stop to investigate, his senses urging him farther into the building.

Soon the unmistakable hum of lightsabers could be heard. The man began to run.

The sound grew louder and his sight was soon bombarded with flashes of light.

Red, green, blue…meeting, striking, clashing…again and again.

His eyes fixed upon a figure falling from a high platform.

The man halted in shock as he watched himself land onto another platform with a horrible, resounding thud and roll of the side.

[Lexie]

visions
//thoughts//
--memories--

Chapter 1

Obi-Wan woke with a gasp. Another vision. He sat up and cradled his head in his hands, rubbing his temples to ease the slight ache from the aftermath of the vision. Obi-Wan laid back on the sleepcouch with a sigh.

At 25, Obi-Wan was quickly approaching Knighting and, as with all Senior Padawans, his senses of the Living Force were growing and becoming more attuned. His reflexes were quicker and his lightsaber skills improving more and more each day.

For Obi-Wan the problem was that not only was his strength in the Living Force becoming more attuned, but his strength in the Unifying Force was too. Obi-Wan was one of a select few who were particularly strong in the Unifying Force, frequently getting senses and feelings of the greater picture, not just the moment, and visions of the future.

Lately, the visions were coming more frequently. They were disturbing his sleep and meditation daily. He was even beginning to receive visions when he’s alert, something that had never happened before. Just last week the Unifying Force thought it was a good idea to send him a vision while piloting a ship. If it wasn’t for his Master’s quick reflexes they would both be one with The Force right now. Ironically, the vision ended up saving both their lives.

--Obi-Wan’s body froze and the ship careened out of control as the vision hit him full force. Qui-Gon quickly grabbed the controls to put them back on course. He landed them safely and turned a worried gaze toward his Padawan. Obi-Wan was shaking and shivering to a cold only he felt, an effect that always claimed his Padawan if Obi-Wan had a vision while he was awake.

“Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan, look at me.” Obi-Wan slowly lifted his head to meet his Master’s gaze.

“Obi-Wan, what did you see?”

“We have to leave, Master. It’s a trap.”

“Visions are never clear, Padawan. Don’t focus on your anxieties.” Obi-Wan wanted to cry, ‘How do you know?! You never get them!’ but wisely kept his mouth shut. Seeing Obi-Wan’s shaking subside, Qui-Gon gave him a reassuring smile and clasped his shoulder.

“Clear your mind, Padawan. Now, let’s go. They are waiting.” Qui-Gon stood and pressed the release for the ramp.

“Master, please.” Obi-Wan begged.

“Clear your mind. Keep your focus.” Qui-Gon reminded him as he started down the ramp. Obi-Wan sighed in frustration, pulled himself up and quickly followed his Master. He resolved to wait for his vision to happen, as much as he wished not to. He would then refrain from telling his Master ‘I told you so.’

Obi-Wan had barely taken two steps when a blast rocked the ship, knocking Obi-Wan off his feet. When the dust cleared Obi-Wan saw Qui-Gon lying unconscious half way down the ramp and a giant crater in front of the ramp.

The slight delay they had due to his vision saved them from being a part of that crater--

The whole event worried Obi-Wan so much that he practically ran to Master Yoda when he and Qui-Gon reached Coruscant. Unfortunately, the wise Master wasn’t much help.

--“Along a great path, your Destiny lies, Obi-Wan.” Yoda said with a small smile. He seemed quite pleased about something Obi-Wan couldn’t understand.

“The Force, guide you it will. Allow it to, you must.”--

Obi-Wan shook his head and sat up again. This was no time to dwell on the past. His latest vision was troubling him and not just because he saw himself falling to possibly his death. It was the red lightsaber that stuck on most, and the Darkness he could still sense. Something was coming closer.

Obi-Wan sighed and reached for his comlink, but pulled his hand back. There was no need to tell Qui-Gon of his vision at the moment.

//Not like he would care anyway//

Qui-Gon Jinn was notorious for brushing aside Obi-Wan’s visions and senses if they didn’t completely coincide with his own.

//”Keep your focus here and now, where it belongs.”//

Obi-Wan released his bitter thoughts into The Force and settled down to meditate on his vision.

~*~

Obi-Wan pulled out of his meditation with a sigh. The only thing he gained was a certainty of what he already knew: something was coming, something dark.

He released his anxiety the best he could and pushed his vision into the back of his mind. The something wasn’t coming yet. For the moment he had to focus on his duties, which was guarding the ship and making sure the handmaidens were accommodated. He laughed to himself.

//The decoy thinks she has me so fooled//

The first time he laid eyes on her he knew she wasn’t the queen. The Force almost screamed it at him. It’s not that she wasn’t a good actress, the decoy did her job well, but it’s not easy to fool any Jedi, especially one very strong in the Unifying Force. He briefly wondered if his Master knew that it’s actually the queen, not a handmaiden, with him, but put it aside as not important.

As if his thoughts triggered it, his comlink went off.

“Yes, Master?”

“Padawan, we have run into a…situation.” Obi-Wan sighed.

“A situation, Master?”

“The traders will not accept credits. Is there anything on board that can be used?”

“Not much. The queen’s wardrobe, maybe, but nothing in the amounts you’ll need.”

“We will wait for another solution to present itself, then.” His Master cut off their communication. Obi-Wan shook his head.

//It seems we’ve hit more complications//

He stood and made his way through the ship to the “queen’s” quarters.

Obi-Wan hit the chime and stepped back, folding his arms in his cloak and adopting a calm Jedi stance. It was something he picked up from his Master and perfected over the years. It wasn’t long before one of the handmaidens answered. He bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Jedi Kenobi. What can I do for you?”

“I would like to speak with the queen. Is she available?”

“One moment please, I shall fetch her. Please, come in.”

Obi-Wan nodded and entered the room. As he waited for the queen, wondering what could possibly be taking so long; he couldn’t help but notice the looks he was getting from the other handmaidens. He tried not to shift on his feet. Obi-Wan was no stranger to the opposite sex and was far from celibate, but the gazes he often received from females and males of various species never ceased to make him uncomfortable.

//You’d think I would be used to it by now//

Thankfully, the decoy chose that moment to enter, in all majestic glory, of course.

//I still have no idea how she gets those headdresses on. And how can she possibly be comfortable in those gowns?//

“Jedi Kenobi?”

“Your highness.” Obi-Wan bowed. “I wanted to make sure that you and your lovely handmaidens,” he gave the handmaidens a charming smile and immediately regretted it when he heard some stifled girlish giggles, “are satisfied with the accommodations.”

“We are just fine, Jedi Kenobi.”

“I’m glad to hear so. I also have some…unfortunate news.”

“Yes?”

“It seems my Master has been delayed. None of the Tattoine traders are willing to accept credits.”

“Oh dear.”

“I’m sorry about this and I assure you my Master will find a solution. I would also like to remind you that I will always be available for any needs you may have.” He cursed himself again when the girlish giggles began again.

“All you have to do is ask.”

“Thank you, Jedi Kenobi.”

“No problem at all. Good day ladies.” Obi-Wan gave them one of his famous charming smiles. He saw some flirtatious smiles thrown in his direction as he bowed and made his way back to his own quarters.

//Force, I did it again//

[Lexie]

visions
//thoughts//
--memories--

Chapter 2

Chapter 2
The world disappeared as he moved through his katas. The whir of the engine of the ship, the footsteps of passersby, the breathing of the handmaidens peeping in…it all fell away. It was only him and the Force. For the first time in days, Obi-Wan felt calm.

He should have known it wouldn’t last.

Obi-Wan grabbed his head as the vision hit him full force.

Darkness. Darkness everywhere. It was clinging to him, suffocating him. There was no escape. Still, he fought with everything he had. The struggle seemed to go on for hours, but there was no relief. The Darkness closed in on him, holding him tighter.

Distantly he heard a chilling laugh.

“You can’t stop it.”

When Obi-Wan finally regained consciousness he could safely assess that he never felt worse. Considering his track record, that was saying something. His entire body hurt. His back and leg ached from what he assumed was a fall on the ship’s metal floor. He was covered in sweat and horrible shivers assaulted him. His breathing was erratic and his heart was pounding in his ears. His head ached like never before. His sight was blurry, he couldn’t hear and all he could feel was pain.

Obi-Wan tried to reach out to the Force to calm himself and was horrified when he sensed that it was muted…unreachable. He was alone.

Panic set in and his body started to seize. Long minutes passed before blessed unconsciousness descended on him again.

~*~

It was several hours later when Obi-Wan was finally released from the aftermath of his vision. He sat up gingerly, thankful that his body and mind no longer ached. He immediately reached out to the Force and sighed in relief as the comforting light and warmth wrapped around him.

He looked around and his eyes met white walls and the distinct smell of medicine drifted to him. He sighed.

//Since when do ships have infirmaries?!//

One of the handmaidens, //Rabé? Sabé? Eirataé? Something ‘é’// hurried to him.

“How are you feeling? You gave us quite a scare!”

“I’m fine.” Obi-Wan tried to disguise the tiredness in his voice. He no longer ached, but the aftermath took a lot of his energy.

“What happened?”

“That, I can’t explain. Has my Master made contact?”

“No, we haven’t heard from him.”

“No?” Obi-Wan looked at her in disbelief.

//Didn’t he sense it?! That wasn’t exactly an ordinary vision and it defiantly wasn’t a passive aftermath! //

The handmaiden shook her head. She looked slightly confused about his reaction.

Obi-Wan sighed sadly, but was determined not to dwell on it. He jumped off the bed.

“I must go. Thank you for your concern. Good day.” Obi-Wan bowed to her and began to leave.

“Wait! Shouldn’t you stay? That was-“

“I’m fine.” Obi-Wan stressed to the handmaiden, trying not to snap. He offered her a reassuring smile and tried to hide a grimace when she blushed and looked at her feet. He used the slight distraction to slip away. Truthfully, he was feeling a little weak, but he couldn’t afford to lay in a bed all day.

~*~

Obi-Wan plopped on the sofa the moment the doors of his room slid closed. He closed his eyes and let his memories of the vision come to him. It was confusing, disturbing and downright scary. Obi-Wan rubbed his temples as he began to get a slight headache from trying to figure out what it meant and quickly decided it could wait. No matter how disturbing, he could sense it wasn’t a vision of the very near future and there was no harm in waiting until after he got some rest.

Still, Obi-Wan felt he should inform his Master about it. He pulled out his comm.

“Master?”

“Obi-Wan? Is this important? I’m busy.”

//Busy?! What could he possibly be doing that he can’t spare a minute for his Padawan!//

Obi-Wan took a deep breath to calm himself and pushed away his confusion and frustration over his Master’s behavior of late.

“I’m sorry, Master. It can wait. Have you made any progress?”

“Not for our present predicament, no, but I have faith a solution will present itself.”

“Yes, Master.”

“I am sending you a blood sample. I want you to test it for midi-chlorines.”

“Master?”

“There’s something about this boy.”

“Boy?” Obi-Wan asked, confused. He recieved no answer. Qui-Gon had already cut the transmission.

[Lexie]

visions
//thoughts//
--memories—

Chapter 3

Obi-Wan lay on the sofa, tossing a ball in the air. He finally gained his strength back after a much-deserved nap and he was settling down to think about his visions. The first one wasn’t really that difficult to understand. Since he saw himself in the vision he could safely assume that the blue lightsaber belonged to him. Logically, that would mean the green lightsaber was his Master’s, but he couldn’t say for certain. He hadn’t felt any particular Force signatures during the vision. The third lightsaber was what worried him. The red was obviously used by an agent of the Darkside, but the presence seemed darker and more dangerous than any fallen Jedi he had met in all his years as a Jedi Padawan. He also wasn’t too pleased with witnessing his fall, but his senses told him that he survived the fall, but it was a pivotal part of the fight. He just didn’t know why yet.

His latest vision was troubling him more, though. He had no answer to what it meant. Where did the Darkness come from? Why was it so strong? Why couldn’t he escape? Who was the owner of that spine-chilling laugh? Obi-Wan shivered from just thinking about the vision. Something told him that whatever the catalyst for the vision is would start soon. But how? When? What is it? Could he really not stop it? Was there nothing he could do?

The more Obi-Wan thought about it, the more questions surfaced. He had to admit that he had no answers right now. He could only hope he would receive more visions that would give him those answers. He had no desire to have a repeat performance of the vision and it’s aftermath, but if there was no other way, then there was no other way and he would have to endure it. It was too important.

Then, there was the matter of the blood sample. When he tested it for midi-chlorines he was shocked to find the results to be well over twenty thousand, even higher than Master Yoda. He frowned slightly. Every time he thought of the results he felt that there was something not right. He just couldn’t put his finger on it.

Obi-Wan released a startled gasp as he felt himself pulled from reality.

He was falling. He twisted, trying to grab on to something to stop himself, but there was nothing. He tried to stem the instinct to fight the fall and let himself go limp, waiting for the dreaded landing. The fall seemed endless. Suddenly, it stopped, but instead of the harsh, painful landing he expected he found himself resting comfortably on the softest surface he had ever felt. He ignored the urge to snuggle in and sat up, examining his surroundings. All he saw was light.

//Where am I?//

“You are where few have been able to visit.”

“What?” He asked, confused. Before he could get an answer he was pulled again, back into free fall. He closed his eyes and waited. This time, the landing wasn’t so soft.

Obi-Wan groaned softly and opened his eyes. He found himself on a hill looking over the most beautiful landscape he had ever seen. The grass beneath him was a perfect shade of green. There were beautiful and exotic flowers of all varieties as far as the eye could see. A wonderfully clear blue sky completed the scene. It was breathtaking.

He stood and began to explore, eager to see more. It wasn’t long until he saw a man sitting in a field of flowers. His eyes were closed in meditation. At closer inspection, Obi-Wan realized he was looking at himself. The only difference was his other self was lacking a Padawan braid. He stood watching his double for a few minutes. He looked so peaceful. Against his will Obi-Wan felt some envy seep into him. How long had it been since he felt that kind of peace?

He was startled by the sudden sense of a dark presence. He glanced over at his double and saw him stiffen and rise from his position in the field of flowers. Obi-Wan frowned as the dark presence drew closer. The signature felt…familiar. It almost felt like…Obi-Wan shook his head and focused on his other self. From the slight frown and change in stance Obi-Wan could tell that he felt it as well. Both Obi-Wans tensed as they felt the dark presence come closer. Suddenly, Obi-Wan felt himself pulled deeper into the vision. When he opened his eyes again he was in his future self’s body, participating in the vision. The dark presence finally came into view and Obi-Wan stared in shock.

“Hello, Obi-Wan. It’s been a long time.”

Obi-Wan jolted awake as he was released from his vision.

//No. No way. It’s impossible.//

This he had to tell his Master. He reached for his comlink, but paused before he opened a transmission.

//He’ll never believe me. Even if he does, it will distract him from the mission. But I have to tell him something! It’s too dangerous for him not to know.//

Obi-Wan quickly tried to think of a way to warn his Master, but also to not tell him everything.

//Maybe I should tell him…no, it will distract him. It can wait until we’re someplace safe, away from this mission.//

Obi-Wan nodded as he decided and opened a transmission to Qui-Gon.

“Master?”

“Ah, Obi-Wan. Have you tested the blood sample?” Obi-Wan was startled for a second. He was so preoccupied about the vision he almost forgot.

“Yes. It’s quite shocking, Master. The midi-chlorine count is well over twenty thousand. Master Yoda doesn't even have a count that high!” As soon as Obi-Wan said the words he felt the whisper from the Force again. There was something about the results that just wasn’t right…

“No Jedi does.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m not sure yet.” Obi-Wan sensed Qui-Gon was about to cut the transmission.

“Wait! Master, there’s something else.”

“Yes?”

“I’m having visions, Master. I keep feeling dark presences. They’re coming closer.” Obi-Wan held his breath, hoping his Master wouldn’t dismiss him.

“I understand. Don’t dwell on it, Padawan. Keep your focus here and now.”

“But, Master!” Obi-Wan protested. This was important, it couldn’t be brushed aside!

“Padawan.” Qui-Gon let a stern edge creep into his voice.

“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan tried to keep the sulking tone out of his voice. This was beginning to get frustrating. Every time his Master didn’t take it under consideration a sense of darkness and danger flowed over him.

“You’ll be pleased to know that I have found a way to get the parts we need.” Qui-Gon abruptly changed the subject. The stern edge in his voice was gone, replaced with a more pleased tone.

“That’s great. How?”

“A pod race. I have placed my bet on the boy. If he wins we get the parts.”

//A pod race?! Is he insane?!//

“And if he doesn’t?” Obi-Wan closed his eyes. He was certain he didn’t want to know.

“He gets the ship.” Obi-Wan stared down at the comlink in horror.

“Master, is this wise?”

“You should trust my judgment, Padawan.”

“Of course, Master.”

“Good. I will contact you soon.”

Obi-Wan put his head in his hands after the transmission was cut.

//Master has had a lot of crazy plans over the years, but this!”//

Obi-Wan shook his head and settled down to meditate on everything.

Unfortunately, all the commotion caused him to completely forget about the first part of his vision…

[Lexie]

Just to let you know, Chapter 1 takes place in the morning of the day after Qui-Gon left. Chapter 2 , 3 and 4 take place the day after that, with 2 starting in the early morning and 3 and 4 starting around 3 in the afternoon.

visions
//thoughts//
--memories--

Chapter 4

Obi-Wan sighed and let his body fall back on the floor. His meditation had been interrupted by physical effects from his vision, which finally made themselves known after the shock wore off. It was a rare occurrence, but had happened before.

//And here I thought I wasn’t going to have any. How naïve. //

Obi-Wan pulled his robe closer to his body as shivers assaulted him. He curled into a fetal position and tried to cage his body heat. There was also a dull throbbing in his head that couldn’t be ignored. Obi-Wan groaned softly as he attempted to release his pain into the Force. It worked slightly and he allowed himself to relax.

//This is getting ridiculous. //

Obi-Wan didn’t know how much more of this he could take. The constant visions were beginning to adversely affect him in the long term now. The pain of the aftermath usually subsided somewhat quickly, but the weakness remained for much longer, especially if he was unable to rest. The visions were simply too intense and had been happening for too long. He felt ashamed that he was losing control and not able to completely cleanse himself of the effects.

They were also beginning to distract him, especially the latest ones. Not only were they confusing and disturbing, but the darkness he had been sensing never completely left his mind. He could always sense it.

It was all building up and he worried that some day it might be too much. He didn’t even want to think about what would happen then.

//I need answers. Maybe if I understand why this is happening I can stop this…or at least lessen the frequency and effects. And if I talk to someone about the visions they won’t distract me.//

There was only one person who could help, but he couldn’t send any transmissions because it would give away their location.

//Once we’re off this rock I can contact him. If all goes well, that will be soon.//

Obi-Wan sighed softly and stood. He walked across the small room and retrieved his travel bag from the storage cabinet. He settled on the sofa and rummaged through the bag. He pushed aside fresh tunics and pulled out his vision journal. He recorded his visions and his thoughts about them, careful to not leave out even the smallest detail. When finished he tossed the datapad into his bag, rummaged through it again and pulled out his drawing pad and pencil.

He had always loved to draw, even as a young initiate. Many times Creche Masters would find young Obi-Wan sitting in a quiet corner, completely focused on his art. One day his solitude was interrupted by one of the Padawans on Creche duty. The Padawan had recognized his raw talent and took it upon himself to teach the young initiate how to utilize his natural skill. Obi-Wan had eagerly soaked in the lessons, pleased to be developing his talent. The Padawan presented the young one with his first set of pad and pencil and Obi-Wan immediately decided he preferred using them.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes tightly as the pain that always came with the thought of that Padawan rose inside him. For some reason it never left him. It didn’t haunt him anymore, but it still hurt to think about.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and released the feelings into the Force. He cleared his mind and started the sketch.
As he grew older he not only drew for fun, but also as a calming technique. Something about it always made him relax. His friends teased him for drawing with such archaic materials, but he insisted that drawing on a datapad just wasn’t the same as drawing on a pad with pencil or charcoal.

Obi-Wan leaned back into the cushions and concentrated on drawing his favorite subject; a small smile graced his face as the most beautiful woman in the galaxy started to appear.

~*~
It was several hours later when Obi-Wan finally put the finishing touches on the drawing. He held it up for inspection, deciding he was quite pleased with it. He would have loved to have a visual aid, but made due without it. Honestly, he didn’t really need one. He had memorized every little thing about her.

Obi-Wan sighed softly as various emotions crept up on him. Mostly love, but also sadness that the code forbids him from pursuing a relationship. A small part of him held onto hope that once he was a Knight it wouldn’t be so forbidden. He shook his head; it was no use dwelling on that.

He caressed her cheek as if she was there with him; then packed the pad and pencil away.

Obi-Wan stood and stretched. The drawing had relaxed him and part of him wished to continue, but he knew he had duties to attend to. He had lingered in the small quarters long enough.

He stifled a sigh. He could safely say that he had never been more bored on a mission. He knew that he shouldn’t crave adventure, but babysitting a group of handmaidens was starting to wear on him and it made him feel useless.
However, he was spared the added stress of worrying that his visions would compromise the mission.

Obi-Wan glanced at the time and was surprised to notice that it was already time for evening meal.

//At least I don’t have to go searching for them. There’s only one place where’d they be.//

His comlink beeped before he could take a step.

“Kenobi.”

“Obi-Wan, you will be pleased to know that the boy won the race. We have obtained the parts needed. We will be on our way back to the ship after I have secured the boy’s freedom. I plan to be there early tomorrow morning. Continue to watch the ship.” Qui-Gon relayed his news quickly and cut off the transmission before Obi-Wan could respond.

Obi-Wan stood perfectly still for several moments, mouth open in shock.

//What in the galaxy...? //

Obi-Wan rubbed his temples to stem the headache that was beginning to build. He really didn’t need something else added to his extensive list of questions.

//And this was supposed to be a routine mission. //

Obi-Wan shook his head, pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and slowly made his way to the galley, hoping that he wouldn’t be forced to serve them dinner. He was their protector not their waiter!

When he reached the galley he noticed that all the handmaidens were sitting around a table, plates full and talking animatedly. Seeing that they were in no need of assistance, Obi-Wan tried to slip out unnoticed. He almost made it too, but he was seen when he was just inches from the door.

“Padawan Kenobi!” One of the handmaidens called to him. “Won’t you join us?”

“Oh, I do not want to intrude, ladies. I just wished to see that you were well.” Obi-Wan replied politely, hoping that he wouldn’t be forced to sit with him.

“It’s no intrusion at all! Come and sit!” Obi-Wan cringed inwardly, knowing that it would be a very uncomfortable meal.

~*~
Obi-Wan watched the handmaidens file out of the galley, sighing in relief as they vanished from his sight. It had been a long and trying meal. He had to continually dodge questions about his personal life and endure their girlish stares, which they didn’t even attempt to conceal. Obi-Wan found himself wishing he had tried harder to charm them, at least then he would have had the upper hand.

A sharp pain in his head interrupted his thoughts and Obi-Wan slumped onto the table, unconscious.

Obi-Wan was in the cockpit of a ship gazing out at the strange color of hyperspace. Instead of Jedi robes he wore a uniform of black pants and shirt. His arms were crossed in front of him, the perfect image of a calm Jedi.

The pilot turned around in his seat to face him.

“General Kenobi. We are coming up on the Cadell system. We will be exiting hyperspace in 6.7 standard minutes.”

“Very good, Cody. Prepare for aerial assault.”

“Yes, sir!”

Obi-Wan didn’t even attempt to lift his head off the table when he opened his eyes. He held himself still and waited for the aftermath to pass.

Long minutes later, Obi-Wan dragged himself out of the chair. He felt shaky on his feet and weary mentally. The vision seemed to have triggered a return of his worries and frustration.

He moved to leave and head back to his quarters to record the vision and attempt to meditate when he suddenly became aware of how hungry he was; he hadn’t eaten in two days.

Obi-Wan opened the refrigeration unit, looking for something to satisfy his hunger. As he glanced around his eyes landed on a bottle of some kind of Nubian alcoholic drink.

He knew he shouldn’t, but a need for a drink snuck up on him.

//One drink can’t hurt. //

He reached in and grabbed the bottle. He found a glass, sank into one of the not-so-comfortable chairs and poured himself a generous amount. He downed the drink in two large gulps and poured himself another before he could talk himself out of it.

After the third he began to sink into a drunken calm, his worries slipping away. Somewhere in the back of his mind a voice told him getting drunk would not be a good thing right now and he should use the Force to metabolize the alcohol.

Obi-Wan ignored the voice and poured himself a fourth glass.

There was noise near him. It took several seconds for him to realize it was giggling and he quickly turned around to find the source. That proved to be a bad idea because his current lack of balance had him falling out of the chair. The giggles grew louder and he looked up and saw the handmaidens in the doorway.

Obi-Wan groaned.

//Can’t they just leave me alone?//

To his dismay, one of the handmaidens boldly strode in the room and sat right across from him.

“Is it really wise to be getting drunk Padawan Kenobi?” She asked him in an innocent tone. Obi-Wan wanted to shout at her to leave him alone, but he held his tongue. It seemed that even in an inebriated state Obi-Wan couldn’t be rude.

“Probably not,” He answered curtly as he pulled himself back on the chair. The handmaiden smiled at him.

“What would your Master say?” There was definitely a taunting tone in her voice now.

Obi-Wan ignored her, downed the rest of the alcohol and poured himself a fifth, long past caring that he shouldn’t be.

//I need this. I deserve a break from everything. Wait…what’s everything?//

The handmaiden was still talking, but Obi-Wan completely blocked her out, lost in his drunken thoughts.

//Oh, right, visions and…stuff…Does this girl ever shut up?!//

“You know, there are a lot of rumors about the Jedi. I always wondered if they were true.”

“I see,” Obi-Wan said, slurring his words, “You want to play Quiz the Drunk Jedi. Fine. Bring it on.” The handmaiden laughed loudly, causing Obi-Wan to grow more annoyed.

“Well… can Jedi really read minds?”

“Yes, if the person lacks proper mental shields, but we usually don’t go around reading everyone.”

“Usually?” The handmaiden questioned, raising her eyebrows. Obi-Wan ignored her and drank some more of the Nubian alcohol. He was dimly aware that the other handmaidens were still listening at the door.

“Are Jedi really celibate?” The handmaiden’s voice was surprisingly not hesitant. Obi-Wan assumed it was because he was drunk. The galley was suddenly silent, all the handmaidens anxious for his answer.

“What? Why would you think that?” Obi-Wan stared at her incredulously.

“Well, you’re all calm and stoic.”

“You’re saying that since we’re calm we can’t get laid?”

“Umm…well…ah…of course not. ”

“Jedi are not celibate. In fact, I can assure you, young handmaiden, that I am very skilled in bed.” Obi-Wan stated plainly. He took another gulp of his drink, barely registering what he said. When he placed the empty glass on the table he looked up to find the handmaiden had moved right next to him, invading his personal space.

“Really?” She whispered, voice low.

“Re—“ His response was cut off by her lips on his.

~*~

Obi-Wan groaned as he woke. He sat up and grabbed his head as pain shot through it. His throat was dry and he felt nauseous.

//What happened?//

His thoughts were muddled. Suddenly he felt the bed move slightly as something shifted next to him. He glanced over hesitantly and saw one of the handmaidens on the other side of the bed. It was quite obvious she was naked beneath the covers and he belatedly realized he was too. He stared in horror.

//Oh. My. Force.//