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The knock on the door was quiet, but insistent. Saloma P'tol looked up from her packing and frowned. It was late. She wasn't expecting anyone.
"Coming," she called out, weaving her way through the scattered shipping crates and furniture. She opened the door and looked up in surprise. "Obi-Wan?"
Her heart fluttered inside her chest at the sight of him. She hadn't seen or heard from him in a week, but she fought the urge to embrace him. The fact that he had finally shown up tonight of all nights seemed suspicious to her. She should have known he wouldn't make this easy for her.
Looking tired and slightly rumpled, the Jedi stood outside the threshold and looked past her into the hotel suite where she had been residing while on Coruscant. Sensing her wariness and noting the distinct lack of a greeting he'd received, Obi-Wan quickly apologized for the intrusion.
"I'm sorry. I know it's late, but I wanted to speak with you. May I come in? It will only be for a few moments, I promise."
Saloma sighed heavily, feeling vulnerable with his sudden close proximity to her. She wasn't sure her willpower was up to being put to the test tonight. She remembered all too clearly what had happened between them back on Aremont the last time she had tried to leave him. But he did say he would only be a few moments. Finally she nodded and stepped aside.
"I was just finishing up and was about to take a break for tea anyway," Saloma replied hesitantly. Clearing her throat, she closed the door behind him, and strode into the living area of the suite putting some distance between them. She smiled indulgently. "You didn't need to come all this way tonight. My transport doesn't leave until midmorning and I wouldn't have left without saying goodbye. You know that."
Obi-Wan locked his eyes on hers and took a deep breath. "I know that."
"So, you've something else on your mind?" She daringly stepped closer to him, her forced smile quivering. "Let me guess. I don't even need to read your thoughts, your eyes betray you. You think I'm making a mistake."
"I wouldn't go so far as to say that," the Jedi countered quietly. "But I do wish you would postpone this." He furrowed his brow, confused by her unexpected cool disposition. "Anakin told me you had called this morning and that you had already made arrangements to return to Aremont. I had to wonder how much thought you've really given this decision, Saloma. Surely you know it won't be safe for you on Aremont right now. It's too soon. It's only been a few weeks."
"Mmm, I guessed right. Why else would you have come here tonight? You haven't tried to see me in the last five days, but then Anakin told you I was leaving, so at the last minute, I must have gotten added to your list of things to do. Oh yes, remember to talk Saloma out of going back to Aremont," she taunted. She paused and waited, but Obi-Wan didn't respond. Saloma swallowed uncomfortably. "You're wasting your time."
Obi-Wan frowned. "Don't combine your anger at me with this irrational persistence of yours. One has got nothing to do with the other. If you would set aside your indignation for the time being, I know you would be a little more open-minded to what I have to say. I wouldn't be here if I thought I would be wasting my time," he said hotly.
Saloma tossed up her hands in exasperation. "Of course not. Look, I didn't decide to leave just to get your attention. I've actually given this a lot of thought. The ports have been reopened to commercial shipping for two weeks now. The government is easing a lot of their restrictions. It's a good time to go. Don't get me wrong, I know it could still be dangerous but truthfully, why should I wait any longer? Aremont never will be safe for me again, I'm afraid." She lowered her eyes briefly and sighed. "I'm going to be discreet, I promise."
The Jedi massaged his temples in an attempt to thwart an oncoming headache. "Please, Saloma," Obi-Wan whispered wearily. "I've been running myself ragged between the High Council and the Senate, and every other bureaucrat who was willing to give me the time of day. This past week has been one appeal after another, but the answer is always the same. All diplomatic options must be thoroughly exhausted before permission to resort to a covert action will be considered. Unfortunately, the tension between Aremont and the Republic remains high. The atmosphere is still too volatile."
Obi-Wan peered up at her, hoping to catch a glimpse of comprehension. Instead she glared back at him, her dark gray eyes piercing his. He sensed her determination and sighed despondently. Clearly her mind was made up. There would be no persuading her to stay at this point. Her defiant expression told him she wasn't going to be receptive to anything he had to say.
Saloma folded her arms across her chest and regarded the Jedi curiously. She knew, despite his efforts to maintain a passive air, Obi-Wan's thoughts were rampant and desperate. Mainly, he was concerned for her safety, but hidden among his fears, Saloma heard poignant thoughts of melancholy. She wondered why he hadn't admitted these more intimate feelings to her.
"Will you at least consider waiting a little while longer?" the Jedi pleaded.
"I'm sorry, I can't do that," Saloma answered with heartfelt remorse. The urge to go to him and comfort him was becoming overpowering. Quickly, she turned away and wandered over to the kitchen area.. "Can I get you anything--something to drink?" She began gathering items for hot tea.
"No...thank you," Obi-Wan murmured. He turned away from her as well and began studying the labels on the crates. Most of them were going in storage to a local facility. He sighed and stroked his beard thoughtfully. At least she had hopes of eventually returning. "Saloma, I'm doing everything I can for the time being. I'm just asking you to trust me, that's all," he continued, quietly. "Hope is elusive, but still within our grasps. All is not lost. Not yet, anyway. Just be patient."
Saloma's temper suddenly flared. "Patient? You say that every time! And every time the result is the same!" She covered her eyes with her hand and shook her head. "I've already waited too long! I'm leaving tomorrow and that's final!" She dropped her hand heavily on the countertop.
Obi-Wan was startled by her outburst. He stood, momentarily frozen, staring up at her with an incredulous expression.
"Your decision to leave Coruscant is based solely on your passions," he replied in a menacing tone. "Not on sense, or logic, or facts."
The Jedi lowered his eyes to the floor and exhaled forcefully, feeling as though he were drowning in desperation. The last thing he wanted to do was argue with her, but the thought of her leaving had sparked powerful emotions inside him which she fanned with her indifference to them. He dragged his hand through his hair in frustration and swore softly under his breath.
"Very well," he continued. "Do what you feel you have to. Who am I to try to sway your conviction? Anakin and I shall see you off tomorrow morning at the pier....Goodnight, Saloma." He bit back saying anything more endearing to her to reprimand her obstinacy.
As Obi-Wan started for the door, Saloma's heart twisted painfully inside her. She didn't want him to leave now as angry as he was. She stepped out of the kitchen area and followed him.
"I'm not indifferent to your feelings," Saloma protested. "I'm well aware of how my decision to leave is affecting you, but just try to understand, Obi-Wan. Aremont is on her own now. We don't have representation in the Senate anymore and our ambassador left Coruscant three days ago. To top it off, you and Anakin are restricted until the inquest next month. So you see. I'VE got to go. I have no other choice."
Facing her, Obi-Wan planted his hands on his hips and shifted his weight to one leg. Sometimes he hated the fact that she could read his mind. He didn't want to discuss his feelings with her and was determined to keep his mind detached and centered solely on the facts of the matter.
"The Council's reasons for denying intervention are sound," the Jedi explained. "I can't argue with them. Yes, the senator and ambassador left Coruscant, but not for Aremont. They went to Corellia. Even they knew returning to Aremont now would be too dangerous. And as for our restriction, I told you before it is just a formality--a way to tie up loose ends. We just need to submit our accounts of the events which transpired on Aremont for the record. The restriction will be lifted as soon as the inquest has concluded."
Saloma took a deep steadying breath. "But you don't know that for certain. You and Anakin could face stiffer penalties if the inquest doesn't clear you of wrongdoing. It could take another month at the least. I refuse to be placated anymore, Obi-Wan."
"...Saloma," the Jedi breathed, his expression softening. "I'm not trying to placate you. I'm telling you the truth. The governor's charges against us are bogus. There's no substance to them. You know that. You're the Republic's key witness. With your testimony, there is little doubt the restrictions will be lifted. Then Anakin and I will go back to Aremont. I promised you we would, no matter what."
"Oh. No matter what? You must be referring to the warrants Vrone issued for the two of you. Still you say stupid things like that as if Aremont will be more hospitable to you and Anakin than me. How incredibly male-chauvinistic of you. I suppose you think it's all right if I'm the one left behind to wonder and worry?"
Obi-Wan's eyes flickered angrily like a wind-whipped flame. "As far as I'm concerned...yes," he answered truthfully.
Saloma's eyes widened. She clenched her teeth and shook her head.
"No. You're wrong. It's not all right." His arrogance was intolerable at times. "I suppose I should thank you," she seethed. "When you suddenly materialized after a week's absence at my door tonight, I was actually worried. Leaving you was going to be hard enough and then I thought I was going to have to fend off your debonair charms on top of that. How considerate of you be quarrelsome and pretentious instead and spare me any regrets. You think you're entitled to still be my first consideration, but your time for that has come and gone. I have to consider my brother now."
As soon as those words were spoken, Saloma regretted them. She looked apologetically up at Obi-Wan, but he dropped his eyes and wouldn't meet her gaze. She opened her mouth to speak, but her throat tightened uncomfortably and nothing came out. Maybe it was better this way. She finally stalked back into the kitchen area and resumed her pretense of brewing tea.
"You better go now," she mumbled, knowing the damage had been done. Her eyes filled with tears as she mechanically puttered around the kitchen area.
Stung, Obi-Wan found himself unable to move for a moment. His pulse was racing in his ears as her words echoed over and over in his mind. He glanced up at her, but her back was to him. The Jedi bowed his head, then turned on his heel, his cloak swirling out behind him. He slammed his hand into the door lock.
"Fine. I have nothing left to say to you anyway," he grumbled.
Saloma turned around. The tone of his voice jabbed at her heart. She knew she had hurt him.
"You could tell me how much you are going to miss me," she offered. "You should know by now I can't resist your tenderness." She sniffed and dabbed her fingertips at her watering eyes.
The Jedi paused. "Of course I'll miss you," he told her quietly. He slowly turned from the door to face her and let it slide close. "I'll tell you a thousand times if it will help chip away some of the block you've sealed your heart up in." He took a deep breath and peered into the kitchen. Saloma was leaning against the cabinetry, tears streaming down her face. Obi-Wan sensed her remorse and took a tentative step towards her. "I didn't tell you before because I didn't think conveying my personal feelings would be appropriate tonight."
Saloma approached him. "Obi-Wan." She reached up and lay her hand on his cheek. "I'm sorry I said what I did. And I'm sorry if I've been a little callous tonight. It seemed my only hope of defense. After all, you have sensibility and rationality on your side. I only have foolhardiness."
Obi-Wan covered her hand with his and closed his eyes, reveling in the reassurance of her touch. He turned his head and kissed her warm palm.
"I need you to understand," Saloma whispered. "Please tell me you do."
"I wish I didn't.....but I do," the Jedi admitted, leaning forward and softly kissing her tear-filled eyes. He gathered her in his arms and cradled her head against his chest. "I only wish I could go with you--to watch over you and keep you safe. Worrying about you when you've gone will torture me every second of every hour." He buried his fingers in her thick hair and sighed. "I've never felt so powerless before. My hands are effectively tied by bureaucratic red tape."
Saloma looked up at him, her eyes glittering with adoration. His anguish told her what she had been longing to hear. "I do love you," she breathed softly.
Obi-Wan tightened his arms around her. "And I love you." He stared into her eyes, absorbing her sentiments with empathy. "I'll go now...if you want. It's all right, really."
Shaking her head, Saloma locked her eyes on his. "No. I don't want you to go."
Feeling himself drawn to her, the Jedi lowered his head to meet her upturned face and slowly slid his lips over hers, urging her mouth open further with the gentle grinding of his jaw. He deepened the kiss and slipped his tongue between her teeth, tasting the hot sweetness of her saliva with sensuous intimacy. He felt the tension between them slowly melt away.
Saloma's passion ignited as he continued to kiss her. Her hands began to stray over his torso, feeling hard muscle underneath her palms. She could also feel the heat from his body through his clothes. His skin must be hot to the touch, she surmised and longed to feel more of him. She took hold of the collar of his cloak and pushed the heavy garment off his shoulders. It fell to the floor with a soft rustling sound.
"I missed you these past few days," Obi-Wan murmured and kissed her harder. He stroked her long neck with his hand and trailed his lips down her chin and along her jaw.
Saloma whimpered and encircled his waist with her arms, urging him closer. "I was lonely without you," she whispered and kissed his eyes and brow, running her fingers luxuriously through his silky hair. "That's part of the reason I was so grumpy earlier."
The Jedi smiled. "Let me make it up to you," he told her, his voice breathy and thick with desire. He unfastened his utility belt and let it fall to the floor on top of his discarded cloak.
Saloma reached behind him and untied the sash from around his waist. "I don't know how I'll manage without you after tomorrow." She brazenly pulled open his tunic and dragged her nails through the downy hair on his chest. "This sort of persuasion is much more to my liking."
Obi-Wan placed his hands on her hips. "You should know my integrity forbids such coercion. This isn't persuasion--this is lust," he corrected. He felt her hands slide up his bare back, her fingertips tracing tiny circles on his skin, making it tingle. He sighed forcefully and closed his eyes. "But if you should change your mind about going, I promise I'll make love to you everyday. Bureaucracy be damned."
Saloma smiled and began kissing his ear. "Shame on you, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan laughed lightly. "I'm a desperate man." He covered her mouth in another devouring kiss, his arms around her shoulders, pressing her tightly against him.
Clinging to his neck, Saloma nuzzled his cheek, her mood growing somber. "I don't want to think about tomorrow anymore," she sighed. "I don't want you to either. We have tonight. Let's just love each other....Live in the moment, remember?" She pressed a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth.
Nodding his consent, Obi-Wan took a deep steadying breath and looked down at her, summoning a small reassuring smile. "I always do," he whispered.
***
Anakin knelt before the R2 droid and made one last final adjustment. He sat back on his haunches with a satisfied sigh and smiled.
"There, that should do it," he announced. "Let's try it again now, shall we?"
The R2 beeped in agreement as Anakin rose fluidly to his feet. Another beeping of a different tone drew Anakin's attention away from the little droid. He glanced over at the correspondence console on his desk and saw the yellow "incoming message" light blinking.
Anakin broke into a huge knowing smile and jumped over to the console, almost knocking over his chair in his haste to retrieve the message. He quickly righted the wayward piece of furniture and slid into it as his hands typed up the necessary data to bring up the message he was receiving.
The little R2 droid whistled in protest and hobbled over to Anakin's desk, apparently feeling neglected.
"Just a minute," the young Jedi chided. "This is important, all right? Be quiet." He turned on the monitor, his heart thumping madly at the sight which greeted his eyes, and sat back with an appreciative sigh. "Padme'."
The young woman on the monitor's screen squinted at him, then smiled. "Anakin! It works! This is wonderful!" Padme's three-dimensional image hailed with a high-pitched girlish laugh.
"Your Majesty," Anakin formally greeted with a slight bow of his head. "I told you it would. And the reception is better than DDS. I knew I could improve the audio too."
"Thank you for making it and sending it to me," she continued. "Now we can see each other everyday if we like."
Anakin grimaced. "Well, whenever I'm here anyway." He cocked his head and pursed his full lips. "You know, there may be a way to convert the transmissions and make it more mobile." He paused and grinned. "That'll be my next project. I could start on it tomorrow as a matter of fact. I really don't have anything else to do...."
Padme's smile faded. "You seem to have a lot of time on your hands under this imposed restriction. How are you holding up?"
The young Jedi shrugged. "Oh, I'm all right. I get a little restless sometimes. I'm not used to this kind of inactivity." He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "At least I get plenty to eat and plenty of sleep here. Which is more than I can say when I'm hyperspacing across the galaxy with Obi-Wan. That man lives on oxygen alone. I think he forgot what it's like to be sixteen."
Padme' laughed lightly. "Be careful," she teased. "He might hear you."
Anakin shook his head. "No, he's gone again. He didn't say where he was going, but he didn't need to. He got more bad news today." The Jedi paused and frowned. "The Flaro woman I told you about, Saloma, is leaving tomorrow morning. She's going to try to find her brother on her own. We can't go with her like we had planned to and the senate refuses to budge on this issue. To appease the governor of Aremont, the chancellor has ordered an inquest to look into the charges that were brought against us on our last mission. To appease the chancellor, the High Council has temporarily grounded us." The young Jedi shook his head and sighed deeply. "Naturally it takes the senate three weeks just to decide when to have this inquest. It's just not a priority to anyone but Saloma and Obi-Wan and myself."
"And to the poor people suffering back on Aremont," Padme' added. "I just don't understand any of this. Why can't the senate see the urgency? It's as plain as day. And why does Chancellor Palpatine allow them to sloth through such proceedings?" She paused, noticing Anakin's amused expression. "Why are you smiling? You should be outraged," she reprimanded.
"I'm not smiling at our situation, I'm smiling at you," Anakin amended. "None of this concerns you in the least, but there you are, ranting injustice and raving about oppression." He licked his lips slowly and gazed warmly at the young queen.
Padme' sighed, her expression softening. "It concerns me because it concerns you, Anakin." She placed her hand over her heart. "And I feel so sorry for Obi-Wan. What's he going to do?"
"What can he do? What can any of us do that hasn't already been done? To no avail, I might add." Anakin folded his arms across his chest and sat back in his chair. "After Saloma leaves, this confinement will greatly tax Obi-Wan's nerves. And may the Force help us all if she doesn't return by the time the senate concludes the inquest. He'll have gone mad by then."
The queen's fair brow furrowed in confusion. "But she has to be back before the inquest. She's your witness."
A light of realization suddenly sparked in Anakin's mind. "You know, you just may have something there," he murmured. "She's a key witness in an intergovernmental inquest. The Republic would be foolish to let her fly off unescorted on a perilous pursuit." The Jedi sat forward again, his enthusiasm growing. "It certainly wouldn't be in the Republic's best interest."
Padme' smiled widely. "I think this oversight needs be brought to the immediate attention of the senate, don't you?" she inquired in a gratified tone. "As much as I hate the thought of ending our transmission, I think you need to go find Obi-Wan, and I need to make an official sovereign request for urgent communication with my friend, the chancellor."
Anakin leaned close to the monitor. "I hate the thought of ending this transmission as well, but I have to agree with you." He sighed heavily and offered her an affectionate smile. "You're absolutely brilliant, you know that? It's times like these I wish I could hug you. I'd pick you up and squeeze you and twirl you around until we crashed into things." His expression grew somber and his eyes darkened with longing. He slowly reached up and touched the screen with his fingertips.
Padme' touched her screen, meeting his hand in the illusion. They pressed their palms together and held them there as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes.
"Be careful, Anakin," she whispered. He nodded slowly. "I will. I promise."
***
His head pillowed upon the thick locks of his lover's hair, Obi-Wan raised his eyes to the hazy shadows just beyond the open bedroom door. Soon the morning's light would fill every angle and corner of the room, heralding the start of a new day.
The Jedi turned away in denial and buried his face deeper in the silky blackness beneath his head. He pressed his body tighter against the side of the woman he clung to and sighed heavily.
Saloma stirred. She reached up and absently stroked the sinewy masculine arm which lay across her breasts. "That was a rather wistful-sounding sigh," she murmured.
Obi-Wan squeezed her shoulder. "It's morning," he told her in reply.
Turning her head, Saloma opened her eyes and smiled slightly. The Jedi Master's handsome face filled the scope of her vision. His long fair hair was attractively tousled and several strands crisscrossed in front of his clear, piercing blue eyes. His lips were set in a slight pout and his brow was creased with the intensity of his gaze.
"I never imagined waking up beside someone could be so easy on the eyes," she purred. "We really must try to do this more often."
Obi-Wan leaned forward and delicately brushed his lips over hers. "Yes," he breathed, trailing his hand down the length of her arm. Her black skin was warm and comforting to touch. Her pulse throbbed heat beneath his fingertips as he traced the web of blue veins to her wrists.
Saloma caught his hand in hers and kissed his knuckles, then rolled over on her side to snuggle closer to him and kissed his forehead.
The Jedi encircled her in his arms and posessively wrapped his leg around her thighs. He smiled at her as she lovingly stroked the side of his face, her eyes sparkling with his reflection.
"Don't get up just yet," Obi-Wan pleaded softly. "Let me hold you a little while longer."
Saloma settled into his arms and sighed with contentment. "I won't. It's still very early," she whispered. "The dawn's hours away."
"Mmm, you think so?" Obi-Wan asked in an insinuating tone, his gaze fixing on her dark, glossy lips. He turned his head and kissed her, savoringly moving his mouth over hers, closing his eyes to fully absorb the sweetness of the sensation kissing her gave him. His arms tightened around her back, holding her against him; his desire growing with every move he felt her body make.
"....Yes," Saloma said in an exhaled breath as Obi-Wan began sensually gnawing her neck. She grinned, catching the Jedi wondering if she was urging him on or answering his question. "Both," she gasped.
Obi-Wan chuckled and rolled over on his back, shifting his position until her body was lying over his. Saloma leaned forward and kissed him again, veiling his face with her long hair. She pushed it back over her shoulders with a sweep of her arm.
"You've such beautiful hair," the Jedi murmured, his hands delving into the depths of her shiny black curls.
"I hope you still think so after I've gotten rid of it," she replied, her own hands wandering slowly over his chest.
Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed. "Gotten rid of it?"
Saloma nodded. "I'm cutting it off before I go to Aremont. I told you I didn't want to broadcast my arrival. It'll only be in the way and it makes me too recognizable."
"Oh, I see," Obi-Wan said, struggling to surpress his dismay. He forced a reassuring smile and rubbed a strand between his fingers. "Will you....save a lock for me?"
Saloma smiled broadly. "Of course, Obi-Wan." She drew little circles on his chest with her index finger and brushed her palm provocatively over his nipple. "It's the very least I could do for you," she purred seductively, locking her eyes on his. She nuzzled his cheek, making the coarse hair of his beard tickle her face before capturing his lips in a seeringly passionate kiss.
A loud banging knock suddenly broke through the delicate silence of the bedroom. The lovers parted and looked at each other in confusion.
"The cleaning service, perhaps?" Obi-Wan guessed.
"No, they know I'm checking out today," Saloma responded and frowned. The knocking persisted. "Maybe the movers...."
Suddenly, Obi-Wan groaned and covered his eyes with his hand, recognizing the presence he suddenly sensed. "No, it's my padawan," he announced with frustration. He wriggled out from beneath Saloma and slid off the bed. "I told you his timing is always impeccable." The Jedi bent and snatched his clothes off the floor on his way out of the bedroom.
***
"Something told me to look for you here first, but I didn't listen," Anakin began as soon as Obi-Wan had opened the door. "Consequently, I've been searching for you practically all night. I don't think your comlink is working." The younger Jedi didn't wait to be invited in. He strolled past his master, spying Obi-Wan's cloak and belt on the floor and slowly picked them up. "Ah, here's the problem."
"Anakin....is there something you want?" Obi-Wan inquired, overcoming his incredulity and finding his voice. He faced his padawan and put his hands on his hips.
"Good morning, Anakin," Saloma greeted walking into the living room. She smoothed down the collar of her bathrobe and drew up beside Obi-Wan.
"Good morning, Saloma. Please forgive me," the young Jedi apologized with a slight bow. He paused and glanced over at his master. "I came to get Obi-Wan. We've been summoned to appear in exactly one hour before the Council. It's of the utmost urgency I'm told. Otherwise, I wouldn't have considered intruding on you like this. You do understand, don't you?"
Saloma lowered her eyes and swallowed down the lump forming in her throat. "Of course. There's no need to apologize." Her eyes drifted up to Obi-Wan.
He gazed back at her longingly. "I have to go," he told her sadly. He reached down and took her hands in his and squeezed them tightly. "But don't worry, I'll be at the pier to see you off. I promise."
Her large eyes watered and she sniffed softly, but managed a smile. "I'll hold you to it."
Obi-Wan leaned over and kissed her, then reached up and touched her hair. "Don't forget," he whispered. He turned away from her and took his cloak from Anakin and slipped it on. "Let's go get this over with, shall we?" he grumbled and reluctantly faced the door.
Anakin turned and gestured at Saloma's robe. "Um, you may want to get dressed. The police are on their way here to serve you with a court issued warrant of travel restriction."
Saloma's jaw dropped. Stunned, she staggered back a step, and then shot Obi-Wan a scathing look. "What do you know about this?"
Obi-Wan was staring up at Anakin as if he didn't recognize him. He glanced back at Saloma, then shook his head. "I had nothing to do with this, I swear."
"It's my doing," Anakin confessed sheepishly. He lowered his eyes briefly then glanced up at Saloma. "Mine and Padme's."
Saloma gazed at him angrily, ready to demand an explanation, but the young Jedi stared back at her with genuine warmth, his soft blue eyes red-rimmed with fatigue. His mind was purposefully clear and open to her. He had been up all night long. He had met with some prominent beings. He had accomplished quite alot in a matter of hours. His thoughts were detailed and well-organized and easily understandable. A slow smile crept across his face as Saloma's betrayed expression steadily changed to one of euphoric disbelief.
"Oh Anakin.....You're wicked!" She suddenly threw herself at the young Jedi, flinging her arms around his waist, and embracing him in a mighty hug.
Laughing, Anakin caught her up in his arms and kissed her cheek. "I know," he said, somewhat breathlessly.
Obi-Wan took a deep steadying breath and folded his arms across his chest. He couldn't make sense of anything he had just witnessed. When Anakin and Saloma finally faced him, Saloma was wiping away tears, and his padawan was grinning from ear to ear.
"Would someone care to clue me in on just what the hell is going on here?" he growled.
Anakin nodded. "Let the lady go get dressed," he began. "You'll be seeing her again soon enough. We have to get going. We have a High Council appearance in less than an hour. I'll explain everything on the way, I promise." His expression softened at his master's bewilderment. He slung his arm around Obi-Wan's shoulders with brotherly affection and urged him towards the door. "Trust me," he whispered in his ear.
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