Post by dearben on Feb 12, 2011 1:47:45 GMT -5
Author’s Note: I wrote this as a sort of teaser for my upcoming story ‘Forever Yours’. There are actually more parts to it, but I was unable to finish them in time for the OVOC. I’m really sorry about that. But inspiration hit just a day before admissions were due and it was all I could do to finish this one to my satisfaction.
This part is meant to establish the beginnings of a friendship between Obi-Wan and Padme during the blockade crisis on Naboo. Specifically, this takes place after Padme goes over her plans with the Jedi and Panaka. It might seem a little out of character, particularly on Padme’s part. But please understand that the Forever Yours universe is very much an AU. Also, I think it lends her more of a childlike air, which I don’t feel was explored enough in Episode I.
--------------Beginnings
“This is practically a suicide mission. I hope you realize that.”
Padme turned to find Padawan Kenobi regarding her with a detached air. She knew he didn't approve of this plan to regain control of Naboo. While part of her resented the fact that he would approach her while she was alone, she was also grateful to him for not arguing the point in front of the people she would soon have to lead into battle.
“My people are suffering. My planet is suffering. Would you do any less for your home world?”
“I am a Jedi. It is my job to lay down my life in defense of the innocent should the situation present itself.”
The young queen pressed her lips together in a thin line. What a perfectly maddening response.
“Laying aside the fact that you are a Jedi, what would you do if an army invaded your planet? Would you give up? Or would you do everything in your power to regain control and restore peace?”
He stared at her for such a long moment that Padme began to wonder if his answer would make her think less of him. She saw a flash of something in his eyes...something that almost resembled anger. It was gone as quickly as it came, though, and his Jedi mask fell back into place.
“I would do what I could to protect my family,” he finally responded. She noted with interest that he did not say 'I would do anything'.
“Naboo is my family, Padawan Kenobi,” she stated, thinking that his title sounded very strange coming from her lips. She smiled slightly at a thought that crossed her mind. “In a way, I suppose I am the Honorary Jedi of Naboo. It is my job to lay down my life in defense of my people...should the situation present itself.”
Hearing his earlier answer thrown back at him had a wonderful effect on the young Jedi, Padme decided. A rare grin crossed his features, making his eyes twinkle. He shook his head in amusement.
“Very well then, Padawan Naberrie...do you truly think this plan will work?”
She arched an eyebrow, slightly surprised that he knew her family name.
“I'm a queen. Surely that's at least comparable to the rank of Knight in the Jedi Order.”
He smiled again, sending a surge of happiness through her. In the back of her mind, she felt guilty for turning a serious conversation into such frivolous nonsense. But something in her yearned for a lighthearted moment...something that had been all too rare since she had begun her political career.
“I'm afraid no one can become a Knight in the Jedi Order until they have endured being rapped on the shins with Master Yoda's gimer stick at least once. It's a rite of passage.”
“And here I thought that the Jedi Trials were difficult tests of endurance and patience. What a disappointment,” she laughed.
A silence settled between them for a moment. And in that moment, the weight of their mission came crashing back in on them. Sounds of the Gungans and the Noobians preparing for the battle filtered to their location through the trees. Padme closed her eyes, desperately wishing that there was another way to accomplish her goal. Thoughts raced through her mind and, before she realized it, she was voicing them to the young padawan whom she barely knew.
“I'm well-trained in combat, but I abhor any type of violence. I realize that it is necessary sometimes. As a Jedi, I'm sure you have seen your fair share of such situations. I...became involved in politics to make my world a better place. To make the galaxy a better place. I know I'm young, but I'm not as naïve as you might expect. I understood that there are corrupt governments, corrupt politicians and leaders. You can't study the political history of a planet or of the Republic without realizing that horrible truth. But somehow, even with knowledge of those facts, I just never expected to find it impossible to find a peaceful solution to this invasion.”
She felt the tears forming behind her eyes and fought them. But she couldn't stop the flow of words. All her anger, her fear, and her sorrow demanded release.
“I marched into the Senate, into a building full of men and women who have been senators longer than I've even been alive, and fully expected them to listen to a newly elected queen. A little girl hiding behind ornate clothing and elaborate makeup. I must have seemed like such a fool to them. A joke. It's no wonder they didn't listen to me. What's more amazing is that they didn't all laugh in my face.”
Padme turned to face her audience of one and saw the compassion and the sadness written plainly on his face. But he said nothing, allowing her to continue without interruption.
“I've failed my people. That hurts worse than any derision from someone in the Senate. So much worse. It's my job to protect their livelihood. I didn't succeed. It's my job to protect their land. I was unable to do so. It's my job to protect their families and their lives. I've heard rumors of people in the capital being injured during our absence. The Viceroy can claim there have been no injuries or lives lost all he wants. I know that somewhere, someone has been hurt. We're a peaceful planet, but I know even my own father would fight to protect his family from any perceived threat.”
A tear did escape now and Padme suddenly felt utterly helpless. She wanted her parents here. She wanted her sister. For a moment, she stopped being a queen and was simply a frightened young girl. Her family wasn't here, but she needed someone. And without further hesitation, she practically flew into the arms of the stunned Jedi. Holding him tight around the middle, it was only a few seconds later when she felt his arms encircle her as well. One of his hands made a soothing pass over the top her hair as she cried.
“I don't want to fight,” she choked out. “But-”
“You will do what you must to protect your family,” he finished for her. Padme clung to him even tighter, filled with a sense of relief that he wasn't lecturing her for not wanting to fight. She had felt like a coward with those thoughts lingering in her mind.
“I'm no politician,” he continued, “but I have to confess that you have never struck me as a little girl hiding behind clothing and makeup. Your planet has a long history of young queens and it is not the only one in the Republic with that tradition. Most importantly, the thought that you failed your people is one of the craziest things I've ever heard. A lesser ruler would've signed the treaty. Or remained on Coruscant while the Senate prattled on about everything except a solution to the blockade. You did neither of those things. And when this is all over, when we've seen peace restored to your planet, I think you will be one of the most celebrated queens in Naboo's history.”
She stepped back from him, regaining most of her senses and desperately trying to crush down the embarrassment over her outburst. He smiled at her, making her feel slightly better about almost tackling him to the ground.
“You said 'when',” she noted. “Are you saying that you suddenly approve of the plan?”
“Oh no,” he responded. “I think it's utterly insane.”
Padme frowned at him, slightly irritated by his persistence in disapproving of her plans.
“Luckily for you,” he smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, “insane plans are my specialty. So I think our odds of success are relatively high.”
She laughed then and shook her head.
“Thank you...for what you just did. I'm sorry for, um, flinging myself at you like that. I'm surprised you didn't push me away, to be honest.”
“I have a younger sister,” he replied, as though that explained everything. “I've grown used to unexpected tacklings. Although she usually winds up pinning me to the ground.”
Padme stared at him in surprise and found herself wishing that she could stay hidden away from everyone else for a while longer. The younger Jedi was nothing like she had expected him to be and she wanted to get to know him better. But she could not remain here forever. It was almost time for everyone to depart for their designated locations. She saw him come to the realization at the same time she did and they began to walk back to the others together.
“So you have a sister?” she finally inquired as everyone else came into sight. “What's her name?”
“Lea, Your Majesty.”
A second of silence passed in which Padme made the decision to utter a sentence that, although she didn't know it at the time, would ultimately change the entire course of her life.
“My friends call me Padme.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise before smiling at her.
“And mine call me Obi-Wan.”
She returned his smile with one of her own and they arrived back at the temporary camp, neither of them aware of how much their lives would be affected by the words they had just spoken.
~~~~~~
Great beginning Mel!! ;D
Be sure to leave the author some kind reviews.
This part is meant to establish the beginnings of a friendship between Obi-Wan and Padme during the blockade crisis on Naboo. Specifically, this takes place after Padme goes over her plans with the Jedi and Panaka. It might seem a little out of character, particularly on Padme’s part. But please understand that the Forever Yours universe is very much an AU. Also, I think it lends her more of a childlike air, which I don’t feel was explored enough in Episode I.
--------------Beginnings
“This is practically a suicide mission. I hope you realize that.”
Padme turned to find Padawan Kenobi regarding her with a detached air. She knew he didn't approve of this plan to regain control of Naboo. While part of her resented the fact that he would approach her while she was alone, she was also grateful to him for not arguing the point in front of the people she would soon have to lead into battle.
“My people are suffering. My planet is suffering. Would you do any less for your home world?”
“I am a Jedi. It is my job to lay down my life in defense of the innocent should the situation present itself.”
The young queen pressed her lips together in a thin line. What a perfectly maddening response.
“Laying aside the fact that you are a Jedi, what would you do if an army invaded your planet? Would you give up? Or would you do everything in your power to regain control and restore peace?”
He stared at her for such a long moment that Padme began to wonder if his answer would make her think less of him. She saw a flash of something in his eyes...something that almost resembled anger. It was gone as quickly as it came, though, and his Jedi mask fell back into place.
“I would do what I could to protect my family,” he finally responded. She noted with interest that he did not say 'I would do anything'.
“Naboo is my family, Padawan Kenobi,” she stated, thinking that his title sounded very strange coming from her lips. She smiled slightly at a thought that crossed her mind. “In a way, I suppose I am the Honorary Jedi of Naboo. It is my job to lay down my life in defense of my people...should the situation present itself.”
Hearing his earlier answer thrown back at him had a wonderful effect on the young Jedi, Padme decided. A rare grin crossed his features, making his eyes twinkle. He shook his head in amusement.
“Very well then, Padawan Naberrie...do you truly think this plan will work?”
She arched an eyebrow, slightly surprised that he knew her family name.
“I'm a queen. Surely that's at least comparable to the rank of Knight in the Jedi Order.”
He smiled again, sending a surge of happiness through her. In the back of her mind, she felt guilty for turning a serious conversation into such frivolous nonsense. But something in her yearned for a lighthearted moment...something that had been all too rare since she had begun her political career.
“I'm afraid no one can become a Knight in the Jedi Order until they have endured being rapped on the shins with Master Yoda's gimer stick at least once. It's a rite of passage.”
“And here I thought that the Jedi Trials were difficult tests of endurance and patience. What a disappointment,” she laughed.
A silence settled between them for a moment. And in that moment, the weight of their mission came crashing back in on them. Sounds of the Gungans and the Noobians preparing for the battle filtered to their location through the trees. Padme closed her eyes, desperately wishing that there was another way to accomplish her goal. Thoughts raced through her mind and, before she realized it, she was voicing them to the young padawan whom she barely knew.
“I'm well-trained in combat, but I abhor any type of violence. I realize that it is necessary sometimes. As a Jedi, I'm sure you have seen your fair share of such situations. I...became involved in politics to make my world a better place. To make the galaxy a better place. I know I'm young, but I'm not as naïve as you might expect. I understood that there are corrupt governments, corrupt politicians and leaders. You can't study the political history of a planet or of the Republic without realizing that horrible truth. But somehow, even with knowledge of those facts, I just never expected to find it impossible to find a peaceful solution to this invasion.”
She felt the tears forming behind her eyes and fought them. But she couldn't stop the flow of words. All her anger, her fear, and her sorrow demanded release.
“I marched into the Senate, into a building full of men and women who have been senators longer than I've even been alive, and fully expected them to listen to a newly elected queen. A little girl hiding behind ornate clothing and elaborate makeup. I must have seemed like such a fool to them. A joke. It's no wonder they didn't listen to me. What's more amazing is that they didn't all laugh in my face.”
Padme turned to face her audience of one and saw the compassion and the sadness written plainly on his face. But he said nothing, allowing her to continue without interruption.
“I've failed my people. That hurts worse than any derision from someone in the Senate. So much worse. It's my job to protect their livelihood. I didn't succeed. It's my job to protect their land. I was unable to do so. It's my job to protect their families and their lives. I've heard rumors of people in the capital being injured during our absence. The Viceroy can claim there have been no injuries or lives lost all he wants. I know that somewhere, someone has been hurt. We're a peaceful planet, but I know even my own father would fight to protect his family from any perceived threat.”
A tear did escape now and Padme suddenly felt utterly helpless. She wanted her parents here. She wanted her sister. For a moment, she stopped being a queen and was simply a frightened young girl. Her family wasn't here, but she needed someone. And without further hesitation, she practically flew into the arms of the stunned Jedi. Holding him tight around the middle, it was only a few seconds later when she felt his arms encircle her as well. One of his hands made a soothing pass over the top her hair as she cried.
“I don't want to fight,” she choked out. “But-”
“You will do what you must to protect your family,” he finished for her. Padme clung to him even tighter, filled with a sense of relief that he wasn't lecturing her for not wanting to fight. She had felt like a coward with those thoughts lingering in her mind.
“I'm no politician,” he continued, “but I have to confess that you have never struck me as a little girl hiding behind clothing and makeup. Your planet has a long history of young queens and it is not the only one in the Republic with that tradition. Most importantly, the thought that you failed your people is one of the craziest things I've ever heard. A lesser ruler would've signed the treaty. Or remained on Coruscant while the Senate prattled on about everything except a solution to the blockade. You did neither of those things. And when this is all over, when we've seen peace restored to your planet, I think you will be one of the most celebrated queens in Naboo's history.”
She stepped back from him, regaining most of her senses and desperately trying to crush down the embarrassment over her outburst. He smiled at her, making her feel slightly better about almost tackling him to the ground.
“You said 'when',” she noted. “Are you saying that you suddenly approve of the plan?”
“Oh no,” he responded. “I think it's utterly insane.”
Padme frowned at him, slightly irritated by his persistence in disapproving of her plans.
“Luckily for you,” he smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear, “insane plans are my specialty. So I think our odds of success are relatively high.”
She laughed then and shook her head.
“Thank you...for what you just did. I'm sorry for, um, flinging myself at you like that. I'm surprised you didn't push me away, to be honest.”
“I have a younger sister,” he replied, as though that explained everything. “I've grown used to unexpected tacklings. Although she usually winds up pinning me to the ground.”
Padme stared at him in surprise and found herself wishing that she could stay hidden away from everyone else for a while longer. The younger Jedi was nothing like she had expected him to be and she wanted to get to know him better. But she could not remain here forever. It was almost time for everyone to depart for their designated locations. She saw him come to the realization at the same time she did and they began to walk back to the others together.
“So you have a sister?” she finally inquired as everyone else came into sight. “What's her name?”
“Lea, Your Majesty.”
A second of silence passed in which Padme made the decision to utter a sentence that, although she didn't know it at the time, would ultimately change the entire course of her life.
“My friends call me Padme.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise before smiling at her.
“And mine call me Obi-Wan.”
She returned his smile with one of her own and they arrived back at the temporary camp, neither of them aware of how much their lives would be affected by the words they had just spoken.
~~~~~~
Great beginning Mel!! ;D
Be sure to leave the author some kind reviews.
I nearly started to cry when Padmé was thinking of how she felt like she failed everyone 
and I love the sweetness between her and Obi. 
And she has my middle name... ;D Interesting concept. 
This was wonderfully sweet and well-paced; they really seemed like youthful characters, doing their best in spite of the dangerous situation -- great!!
