nUnfortunately, the inn’s outwardly-deserted look didn’t hold true with what they found inside. There were people.  And lots of them. What, did everyone walk here? Obi-Wan wondered. There hadn’t been any vehicles outside.

But the World’s End was air-conditioned, which probably accounted for most of its popularity.

Hesitating in the doorway, Obi-Wan could see the restaurant held forty-seven people, either sitting at dark booths,  drinking at the bar or standing about, chatting and watching a holovision display at the other end of the room. They were almost all human-- not surprising, considering the Piraani were a humanoid people. He glanced down at Anakin, who was positively delighted with the crowded scene.

Obi-Wan almost decided to leave, but couldn’t bring himself to disappoint his apprentice. He waited for Anakin to look up at him, and sent a silent message. Be careful, the look said.

Before long, a stout, balding man in homespun brown clothing hailed them. "Ho, strangers! How can I help you?" The man’s voice carried throughout the inn. Several people turned to look at them curiously.

Obi-Wan replied in a low voice, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. "Yes, please. May we have a table for dinner?"

"Dinner! Of course," the man bellowed. "Always room for two more! Hey, you two, scoot! Find somewhere else to sit!"

Obi-Wan started, thinking the man meant him and Anakin. But then he saw the loud fellow gesture with a meaty fist at two boys who occupied a booth along one wall. The culprits vacated their table posthaste, staring at the newcomers.

Uncomfortable, Obi-Wan demurred, mumbling that they could find somewhere else to sit. He was too late. Anakin had already bounced past his master, and perched in the booth, smirking. Obi-Wan had no choice but to follow suit.

The boisterous restaurateur never noticed Obi-Wan’s hesitation. "So! Are you the two new boys out at the old place on Road Five? Kettie tells us you came through town the other day. We’ve been waiting for you to come back, so we could all get a look at you!"

This had definitely been a mistake. "Um, thanks, sir, we’re…flattered."

"You can call me Jame," the man beamed at them. "I’m this heap’s owner, and we know no strangers here. Isn’t that right, everyone?"

To Obi-Wan’s extreme discomfort and Anakin’s just-as-extreme delight, at least two dozen people turned and waved, voicing their agreement. "You’re too kind," Obi-Wan muttered. "I’m Owen Pell, and this is my brother, An-Paj."

"Nice to meet you!" Jame slapped Anakin on the shoulder with a hairy paw. "So, what can I get you to eat? We have menus, but I’ll tell you right now I cooked up a fine toak stew earlier. That’s our special today, toak stew."

"I’ll take that!" Anakin piped in, smiling at the friendly man. "And muja juice, if you have it. Please."

"Of course we do!" Jame turned to Obi-Wan. "And you want that too, dontcha? Don’t tell me you want a menu. I don’t think you could see to read it! Haw Haw!" He laughed uproariously at his own joke. "You young people with your hair, these days!"

Haw haw, indeed. "Yes. I’ll have that as well, thank you." The man was amiable enough, but Obi-Wan just wanted him to go away, right now. "Just water to drink, please."

"Water! Of course! We have lots of that! Haw haw!" He cracked himself up, yet again. "Sit tight. It’ll be out in a flash!" Jame finally strode off, still chuckling to himself.

Anakin was ecstatic. "Wow! This place is really nice. The people are nice. I like it. Thanks for bringing us here, Mas-- Owen."

"I’m glad you’re happy, but it’s unfortunate that it’s so busy. We’re supposed to be keeping a low profile,  remember?"

"Aww. Don’t worry. We’ll never be recognized here." Anakin patted his own head, contentedly. "I’ve got the cap on, see? And believe me, that beard looks so awful, no one would ever know you, either."

"Ahh. My disguise is convincing. How wonderful." Obi-Wan lowered his voice. "I hadn’t realized the extent of their interest in us. I can feel it, you know. They’re looking, without looking." He swung his gaze around the inn, lip curling only slightly. "We couldn’t have attracted more notice if we’d walked in with Jar Jar Binks."

"Ha! That’s pretty funny--"

Anakin was interrupted by the return of Jame, bearing a tray piled with plates and glasses. Out in a flash, indeed. He chattered loudly as he placed the food in front of the two disguised Jedi. He ordered them to enjoy their meal, then thankfully left once again.

Obi-Wan looked dubiously at the substance lurking in the bowl before him. Whatever toak stew was, Obi-Wan had never eaten it before. He picked up a fork, hesitantly. A Jedi does not know fear. He’d eaten Yoda’s lentil paste.  Surely he could eat this.

"Mmmm!" Across from Obi-Wan, Anakin shoveled food into his mouth with relish. "This stuff’s great! Try it!"

Heartened, Obi-Wan took a bite. Mmm. It was pretty tasty. Better than most things he’d ever cooked up.

They were allowed to eat in peace. Almost the moment they put their forks down, however, Jame was back. And he was ready to grill them.

"How was it? Good?" He didn’t wait for an answer before continuing. "So. Where you boys from? And how long you been on Piraan?"

The question was somewhat rude, but Obi-Wan decided that to ignore it would only cause trouble. Nor could he use Jedi Mind Trick to distract four dozen people.

"Tatooine." Obi-Wan picked a planet familiar to Anakin, so any questions could be answered without inconsistency. "We moved to Piraan about three years ago."

Jame looked thoughtful. "Tatooine? Never been there. Don’t hear much about it."

Anakin joined in. "Because there’s nothing there. Nothing ever happens on that planet that people would want to talk about." He sounded almost scathing.

"Huh. So what are you doing here? Kettie said you run a small comm systems repair place, but I don’t know why you’d open one of those way out here. You shoulda gone to Riaga, or something. Only four hours away."

Obi-Wan jumped in before Anakin could reply. "We didn’t like Riaga. We wanted something more…rural. Someplace more quiet. Back to the land, and all."

Jame nodded sagely. "Yep, I know it. Those city people. Think they got it so good, but they don’t know nothin’ about a natural life. They forget that farming’s what made this planet great." He waved a hand expansively around the bar. "Everyone in here, Birk over there, Dogle right there, they’re all farmers."

Obi-Wan’s reply was noncommittal. "Really."

"Yeah, we were all born on this land, and we’ll die here, too. Hey! All except for Kettie here." Obi-Wan turned around and found the woman they’d met the other day, standing behind him. "She’s not from here. But she sells us our machinery, so I guess that’s all right! Haw haw!"

"Hello again." Kettie, wearing a short dress and bearing two ales, smiled at Obi-Wan sweetly. "Can I join you?"

Anakin couldn’t move quickly enough. "Sure! I’ll scoot over. Nice to see you again, Kettie."

"Hello, Ani," she said, sitting down next to the boy. She threw a flirtatious look at his master. "So what are you men talking about?"

Jame answered before anyone else had a chance. "You know. Farming. City people. The usual." He turned back to Obi-Wan to continue their earlier conversation. "So what do you think of this wedding stuff that’s all over the Holonet, with that Ruxian lady and all? Did you hear much about it in Riaga?"

"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan asked, cautiously.

"Aw, you know. How we might join the Republic." Jame put a fist to his chest. "Personally, I think it’d be a good thing for this planet. Our politicians are corrupt. They need shakin’ up."

"Oh?"

"Yep. Those rich people been running this place long enough. Maybe if we join the Republic, we’ll get some good government for a change. One that’ll pay attention to the farmers, you know, take care of the little people."

Obi-Wan couldn’t stifle a reply to that. "Unfortunately, Republic membership can’t guarantee that the rich won’t get richer. Or the poor poorer, for that matter." He’d seen too much of the galaxy to believe otherwise.

"I hope you’re wrong, boy. I sure do." Jame shook his bald head. "But hey! I see Kettie here wants to catch up with you, so I’ll let her. Nice talking to you, Owen." He turned to Anakin. "Come on, kid. I’ll introduce you around. Kettie tells me you know your stuff."

"Sure!" Anakin jumped over Kettie and out of the booth, ignoring Obi-Wan’s stern look. Apparently the treat of sitting next to her wasn’t enough to keep him from a chance to boast about his technical skills to a captive audience. Obi-Wan apprehensively watched him go.

Kettie’s soft voice called his attention back to her. "You don’t sound like a mechanic."

"Oh?" Obi-Wan wasn’t sure how to reply. "Why do you say that?"

"I don’t know. You sound… educated, somehow. You speak wonderfully." Pausing, she brought her mug to her lips and took a long drag from it. Obi-Wan watched in awe as she downed it all without coming up for air, then picked up the other. "Your accent is exotic. Your brother doesn’t sound anything like you."

"Oh." My, he was original tonight. "Well, I traveled a lot before he was born…you pick up things, here and there."

"Really. So. Are you two alone in the world? No mother? Wife?" She peeped at him flirtatiously over her second glass. Or maybe it was her third, or fourth. Who was counting? "Anyone?"

"No, it’s just us men." Obi-Wan was beginning to feel distinctly uncomfortable. She was being very obvious, but he wasn’t interested. Not much, anyway. "Traveling the galaxy, trying to gather a fortune. Going where the Fo-- fate wishes us to."

She looked disappointed. "Oh. You’re not planning to settle here?" She took another long drink to console herself.

"No. It’s very nice here, but it’ll probably be temporary." He gave his arms a good stretch. "Which reminds me. We should be leaving here, as well. We have a long drive home. It was nice see--"

She interrupted him by reaching over the table and wrapping her fingers around his arm. She ogled him with her dark eyes, boldly. "You don’t have to drive home. I live close to here. Very close," she emphasized. "You could…come home with me. I have an extra bed Ani could use."

Obi-Wan gaped at her, stunned. She’d wasted no time whatsoever in getting to the point. He wondered how to refuse her, delicately. She was obviously drunk.

"Miss Selva. Kettie." He peeled her hand from his wrist, gently. "I appreciate the offer. I really do. But An and I have to be getting home. And so should you."

She was disappointed, but she wasn’t giving up yet. She stared him down, desire written plainly in her eyes. "Please reconsider. It gets very lonely out here."

Isn’t that the truth, Obi-Wan thought. The entire galaxy gets very lonely. But to accept her offer was out of the question. "No, thank you," he told her, quietly. "I have a responsibility to my brother."

So speaking of his apprentice, Obi-Wan stood and slid out of the booth to walk up to the bar. Time to pay the bill, collect Anakin, and get out. "Thank you again for your…kind offer," he told the still-seated woman before walking off. "Please be careful going home, Kettie."

Soon they were gone.



****



"Calm yourself. Concentrate."

"Errrgh! I’m trying!" Anakin, flushed and sweaty, held his blue-bladed lightsaber two-handed before him, pointing it directly at Obi-Wan, as if he wished to stab his master through the heart.

"No, you’re not." Obi-Wan was sweating too, hair dripping in his eyes, but from the heat and not exertion. Casually, he waved Qui-Gon’s green lightsaber round and round the tip of Anakin’s outthrust blade, almost as if he were taunting the boy. The blades, even at low practice power, hissed sharply at every minor contact.

"I don’t understand how you can even see! You must just be lucky." Anakin was getting frustrated. No matter how hard he tried to nail Obi-Wan, he never even came close.

"I don’t need my eyes to see you. I’m using the Force, as you should be doing." Obi-Wan spoke calmly, waving his saber with practiced nonchalance. "At Temple, I had to fight other boys blindfolded. In a room with obstacles. Be glad I don’t slap a blindfold on you."

"I’ll bet you were a showoff," Anakin mumbled under his breath. He took a swipe at Obi-Wan’s left side.

"As a matter of fact, I was. Yoda used to give me extra meditations because of it." Obi-Wan blocked the blow easily, using the sideways momentum of Anakin’s swing to knock the boy’s blade past his cheek, nearly singeing his ear.

"Whoa!" Angry at the near miss, Anakin blindly slashed out, one-armed, at his master’s legs.

Obi-Wan leapt the blue arc easily. "No, An. Don’t attack. I’m the stronger fighter. You must be defensive. Try to wear
me down." Suddenly, he swooped his blade straight down at Anakin’s head, as if he were trying to cleave it in half.
Anakin barely blocked it, holding with all his physical strength, as the blades sparked and sizzled off one another.

"Good. Strong wrist out, other wrist supporting." Obi-Wan backed up and switched off the power to his weapon. "But
you’re not using the Force. Power down for a moment. Breathe."

Fuming, Anakin did as he was asked. He knew the routine. Arms down, eyes closed, deep breaths. As the pounding
of his heart slowed, the red haze behind his eyes began to clear away.

"That’s good. Breathe. Calm." Obi-Wan spoke the words softly, wanting Anakin to feel, rather than hear them. "You can’t let yourself get so frustrated. You’re learning very well. Accept the speed of your progress. A Jedi knows his own strengths and weaknesses."

Anakin opened his eyes at that. "I want to do better."

"You will."

"Will I ever be as good as you?"

"Of course. But you must be patient. It took many years of practice to get where I am today. And I still have room to improve."

"Yeah, right. How could you get better? You killed a Sith lord! Sliced him up. Whoosh!" Anakin swung his non-ignited handle in a wide arc.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan was so appalled, he forgot his apprentice’s nickname. "I almost died! Qui-Gon did die! That wasn’t glorious! That was the most horrible thing I ever faced in my life!" He felt ill. Hadn't Anakin learned anything? Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. If he ever needed to be calm, it was now. "You must
understand. I have only the Force, and my training, to thank for my survival."

Anakin was chagrined at his own outburst. The look on Obi-Wan's face had frightened him for an instant. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…bring up…you know." He peered up with a contrite expression. "I really did understand what you said, about training. I’ll try to be more patient."

Obi-Wan wanted to forget the whole thing. "I accept your apology. Let’s sit for a moment, and we’ll both calm down."

"Yessir."

A few minutes passed while the two Jedi sat in the grass, cross-legged, eyes closed and silent. Anakin did as he had been taught, relaxing his muscles, letting his anger and frustration slip away into the breeze. He was truly sorry to have upset Obi-Wan. But sometimes his master could be so…so…humble. Having been a slave most of his life had given Anakin a distaste for humility. He was determined to learn how to do it right, though, if it meant being as strong as Obi-Wan. Anakin inhaled, and exhaled, slowly, pulling the breaths deep. As he relaxed, he could sense the Force,  returning to him, filling him with strength.

Obi-Wan felt Anakin’s focus returning. He could feel the gathering Force, breaking from the boy in waves. The incredible power of it sent shivers up his spine. Oh, Master, what did you get us into? he wondered briefly.

He shook the thought away. He knew Anakin was ready. Without warning, Obi-Wan leapt to his feet, igniting his lightsaber and swinging the green blade hard.

In tune with the Force, Anakin anticipated his master’s move an instant before he made it. The boy was up already,  blade in hand, blocking Obi-Wan’s swing. Without conscious thought, he spun on one small heel and deflected two more swift blows from Obi-Wan’s sudden attack.

At that, Obi-Wan broke off his assault and stepped back, powering down his blade once more. He looked upon Anakin approvingly. "Verrrry nice. I really went for you there. See what you can do when you concentrate?"

Anakin only grinned in reply.

A beeping from Obi-Wan's communicator, laying in the grass a few feet away, startled them both. Obi-Wan moved to shut it off.

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Perimeter alert. Again."

Obi-Wan stretched out his awareness. "Nothing much. Animal. Mmmm. Large rodent, I believe."

"Yeah. Like you could know that."

"I can. Why don't you go check, if you don't believe me. About forty-two yards due southeast."

"Nah." Anakin was somewhat afraid to actually find out if Obi-Wan really could do that or not. "I'll trust you. Huh.  Guess I'll have to adjust the detection frequency again. I'll turn it up so high, we won't know if a bantha comes through."

"Not that high, please."

"Yessir. Oh. I was going to work on your cooling unit today, too." Anakin still felt bad about what he'd said and wanted to make it up. "Sorry it's taking so long."

Obi-Wan assumed an innocent air. "Oh. I was going to send you on an errand, but if you'd rather do that instead…"

"An errand?" Anakin was surprised. "What kind?"

"Well, we arrived in town too late last night to buy supplies, so we still don't have any food. I was going to send you to buy some, but I think I'd rather starve if it means I get a cooling unit."

Anakin barely noticed Obi-Wan's mild joke. "You were going to send me by myself? How?"

"In the speeder, of course."

"You were going to let me drive the speeder to town, by myself?" Anakin couldn't believe his luck. Or near-luck.  "Ummm…can I, still? I promise to work on the unit, later."

"Well, I suppose. I can suffer for another few days or so." Obi-Wan shook his sweat-drenched head for emphasis,  spraying Anakin slightly. "Ooops. Just promise you'll be careful, and please try to avoid being overly social with the locals."

Anakin jumped for joy. "Yippee!"

"Ugh. What did I tell you?"

"Jedi don't say 'yippee.'"

"Right. Here's the credit chip. You know what we need, so get it quickly and come back."

"Yes, sir!"



****



Anakin, cap on head, skillfully if somewhat speedily piloted the ancient speeder down the road to town. He was glad to have gotten out by himself for once.

He didn't mind Obi-Wan. Mostly he really liked him, but Obi-Wan could be so…boring. Around his apprentice, the man was invariably calm, humble and meditative. Occasionally cranky. But overall, Obi-Wan presented the very picture of mildness. To be truthful, almost all the Jedi Anakin had met were like that.

Obi-Wan should be different, though. He was a Hero. One who strangely seemed to hate it.

Anakin knew he sure wouldn't hate it. He wanted to fight. He wanted to get a lightsaber in his hands and cut a swath in the galaxy so wide, no evil would dare oppose him. Slavers, Sith, smugglers, all would cringe in fear before Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight.

But no one was likely to cringe in fear before Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Padawan. Especially if he never learned any nasty moves, or saw some serious action.

As if confirming the dullness of Anakin’s existence, he roared the speeder into a deserted town. No one walked the streets, and he passed no other vehicles, coming or going. Somewhat disappointed, Anakin stopped before the food market he and Obi-Wan had patronized a week ago.

It was not open. Anakin felt his stomach rumbling as he surveyed the "Closed" sign on the store’s dirty grey door.  Stale bread and leftover cheese tonight for sure, he thought.

Life was so unfair. The one and only time he had the speeder, the credits, and the freedom to buy, and fate had to thwart him. Anakin decided to pay a visit to Kettie, to console himself. Surely she would commiserate with him for a few minutes before he had to head home empty-handed.

He backed the speeder down the deserted stone street the block or so to Kettie’s place, carefully avoiding the junk piled out front. Obi-Wan would kill him if he added new dents to their already-pathetic transport.

Stopping, he jumped out. He barely made it a few steps before he noticed the closed sign that adorned her door as well. So unfair. Sighing, he decided he may as well head on back, and hope Obi-Wan would let him try again tomorrow.

Anakin had almost restarted the speeder yet again when he heard faint voices. Kettie’s voice, and others, male. He stretched out with the Force, and felt several presences nearby. Behind the store. He felt danger, as well.

Peering around cautiously to be sure no one watched, he jumped out and slipped down a narrow space between Kettie’s store and the next building. It was hard going. Leafy vines crawled from the roof down into the crevasse, and sharp pieces of discarded machinery waited underfoot to trip him up. As he carefully wedged his way to the back, the voices became louder. Nearing the rear corner, he stopped and pressed himself to the overgrown stone wall. He brushed cobwebs from his face and tried to hear what was happening. He stretched out again, with the Force. Fear, anger, assaulted his senses.

"I don’t care what your sources told you. My father’s dead, he’s been dead for years, and I didn’t carry on dear old Dad’s business. So go the hell away!" Kettie’s voice, rising shrilly as she spoke, carried back to Anakin’s Force-enhanced hearing.

"Give us his list of contacts. Then we'll go away." The speaker managed to sound menacing without raising his voice. He spoke low and with obvious threat. "I don't want to hurt you, little girl. I just want the ixolidium."

Ixolidium, Anakin thought. He'd heard of it, on Tatooine. Highly explosive, and highly illegal. Who were these people? Smugglers, weapons merchants, mercenaries?

"I told you, Stupid. I didn't keep his contacts."

"Well, what did you do with 'em, then?" The man spoke as if he held his patience in check, barely.

"I burned 'em. I threw 'em out. Why does it matter? I can't help you, so leave me alone."

"Find 'em. Now. We'll make it worth your while. We got big clients, the biggest." His voice assumed a fake wheedling tone. "I don't want to have to kill you. Really. I will, though--"

"What?" Kettie interrupted him. "Are you insane? I don't have them, I don’t have anything, I swear--" A loud smack stopped her frightened tirade.

Anakin had to restrain himself from bursting out from behind his corner to help. He reminded himself he was powerless. He didn't have his lightsaber, and he was too frightened to focus his powers to use the Force, even for a Mind Trick. He could only hide, fuming and silent, hoping an opportunity to help Kettie would present itself. He wished Obi-Wan were here. Obi-Wan would know what to do.

"She don't have it, Deiss. This was a waste of time." This was a new speaker. "Stupid farmers, don't know frak out here, let's just head back to Riaga--"

"I ain't heading back without the stuff." Deiss's tone was harsh, final. "She's lying through her teeth. She knows where we can find it."

"I can see you're too idiotic to know the truth when you hear it." Kettie was past being afraid.

"You don't care much for your own life, do you?" Deiss sounded disgusted. "I'd be only too happy to kill you now, but I need the stuff more. Tell you what. We'll be back tomorrow. In the meantime, why don't you find that list of contacts? You don't have 'em tomorrow, we'll take, oh, say, an arm or something."

Behind the wall, Anakin smothered a gasp. Whoever these guys were, they were serious. Oh, why couldn't he help?

Deiss continued. "Then we'll be back the next day. And the day after that. Until we have something we can use, or you're dead."

"Tell you what." Kettie put on a show of bravado, but Anakin could sense her fear. "Don't bother. Why don't I call you if I find something? Save you the hassle."

"You're too kind. But no transmissions. No communications. Client's rules. Sorry, Honey." He sounded real sorry, too. "We'll be back. Start lookin'."

They came Anakin's way. He crouched down among the vines and debris, trying to stay hidden in the alley.

But they walked right past him. There were five of them, large, human men, scarred and raggedly dressed, as well as heavily armed. The largest one, whom Anakin thought must be Deiss, wore heavy, blaster-resistant armor on his torso and legs. Straining to see without revealing himself, Anakin watched them board speeder bikes and start them with simultaneous explosions of exhaust that pierced the stillness of the day. With a revving of engines and screeching of air brakes, they were gone.

Anakin took a deep breath and tried to still the pounding of his heart. He felt so useless. Only minutes ago, he'd wished for nothing more than to destroy evil. Well, evil had stood not ten feet from him, and what had he done?  Nothing.

He told himself he'd done the right thing, by staying hidden. He'd been able to listen, undetected, to what was going on. And even if Anakin couldn't do anything about the bad guys, he knew someone who could.

But he wanted to make sure Kettie was all right, first. He waited until she went back inside, then slipped down the alley to the front of the store. He had a sudden shock as he saw his speeder, sitting out front. Had Deiss and his gang seen it? He quelled his panic. No, they'd left through back streets. No one knew he was there.

He brushed himself off. He opened and slammed a door on his speeder, to make it sound as if he'd only just arrived. He then went up to the store window and tapped.

Soon Kettie appeared, looking slightly frazzled but remarkably composed, considering her harrowing experience. Her eyes widened slightly as she recognized Anakin, but she opened the door and smiled in greeting. "Hi, Ani! What are you doing here, today?"

Anakin decided it would be best to tell her nothing. He needed to talk to Obi-Wan first. "Well, I was going to the store, but it was closed, so I thought I'd drop by. I just got here," he added, unnecessarily.

"Oh." She stepped back, holding the door for Anakin to come in. "Well, today is Venniday. You're lucky you caught me here. I just came by to check up on some stuff," she said, with a perfectly straight face.

Anakin was impressed by her composure. But confused. "Venniday? Is that some kind of holiday? Why is everything closed?"

She gave him a strange look. "No. The whole town is closed on Venniday, every week. That's why the inn was so crowded last night. Day of rest today." She asked, almost suspiciously, "Why? Don't they observe it in Riaga?"

Ooooops. Anakin realized he should have kept his mouth shut. He tried to cover up his gaffe. "Umm, no, not everywhere."

"Oh. So. Where's your brother?" she asked, nonchalantly. "He come into town with you?"

"No. He sent me after food. Course, I couldn’t find any.   Breadancheeseanwateragain tonight, you know." He sighed, pathetically. "Wish I could have some more of Jame's toak stew. That stuff is tasty!"

She grinned. "It sure is. Hey, I bet he has some leftovers. I took some home with me, last night, so I wouldn’t have to cook today." She looked as if an idea came to her. "Why don't you go by and ask? He lives behind his inn-- he won't care if you stop by."

"Oh. OK. That sounds like a good idea." She must want me to leave, Anakin thought. He needed to get home and talk to Obi-Wan, anyway. "Well, I'll see you later, Kettie. Thanks." He turned and headed for the door.

"Wait!" On the contrary, she very much looked as if she didn't want to be alone. "I'll go with you. Just let me lock up." She headed to the back of the store, returning in moments.

Anakin put on his most innocent face. "You need some more stew yourself, huh?"

"Yes, something like that."

An idea began to form itself in Anakin's brain. Kettie sure seemed scared. Maybe she was afraid that gang would come back, tonight.

And Kettie was nice. Anakin liked her. Obi-Wan wouldn't mind, surely, especially after Anakin explained the whole situation to him.

He came to a quick decision. "Kettie, why don't you come and have dinner with us, tonight?"

She looked startled. "That's very nice of you, but…won't your brother mind?"

"Nah. He'll be happy to see you."

I bet he will, she thought. She was somewhat embarrassed over her behavior last night. But, still, a chance to get away from town, and to see Owen again, was not to be missed. "Well, then, sure, Ani. Thanks."

"No problem. Want me to drive you? I have the speeder!"

"Thanks, but I'll drive myself. I'll follow you on my bike."

"Wow! You have a speeder bike?" Kettie's coolness factor had just risen by ten.

"Yep. A four-four-ex-dee. Silver. Come through to the back, we'll get it." She opened the door again.

"All right!" Anakin didn't need to be told twice.



****



Obi-Wan was in a pretty good mood. Getting rid of Anakin for an hour or two had given him time to think. And he’d just taken a midday swim, which left him feeling refreshed both physically and mentally.

He’d been more upset with Anakin, earlier, than he’d let on. The boy was too aggressive-- much more aggressive than Obi-Wan had been at that age. Obi-Wan reminded himself that Anakin had grown up amid slavery and adversity, whereas he himself had known only patience and attention at the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan was no stranger to hard work,   but he’d never had time to form grudges against the Galaxy, or had to worry about gaining his own freedom.

As he lay on the grassy banks of their pond, idly watching the sunlight filter through the leafy jungle ceiling, he decided to have a long talk with Anakin that very night. There was no use trying to ignore the boy’s feelings of aggression because they’d have to deal with them sooner or later. Obi-Wan only hoped he would have all the answers he needed. Surely, the Force would guide them.

Having made up his mind, his mood lightened. He took one last dip in the pond, washing away the sweat, grime, and worries. Then he decided to go back inside, where to be extra nice, he’d take Anakin’s shift at the conn.

He was about halfway to the house, drying his hair and whistling, when he sensed a presence nearby. Actually, two presences.

He pulled the towel from his head to find one young boy, and one young woman, staring at him in shock. Well, the boy was staring at him in shock, anyway.

"So, you do wash that hair, after all." Kettie sounded amused, but made no pretense at looking anywhere near his hair.

"What are you doing here?" Obi-Wan moved faster than light to wrap his towel around his waist. Then, just as quickly, he shot a look of murder at Anakin. "Well?"

"I…that is, I…"

Kettie jumped in to rescue him. "Ani asked me over for dinner. I accepted. But I can leave, if you wish."

Anakin found his tongue. "No! Please stay. It’ll be all right, won’t it, Ob-- Owen?" He looked at Obi-Wan beseechingly. "We’re already here, and the food’s all made, and…well…"

Having overcome his first shock at seeing them-- mind elsewhere, he hadn’t sensed their approach-- Obi-Wan found his composure. As much composure as he could possibly have while naked, anyway. "I’m sorry. You startled me. I wasn’t expecting guests." Another speaking look at Anakin. "But welcome. Let me just…go put on some clothing. I can’t host a polite dinner party dressed like this."

Kettie smirked at him shamelessly as he walked towards the house. "Thank you, sir. But please don’t hurry on my account."

Anakin, somewhat recovered, looked questioningly back and forth between his master and Kettie. They were acting weird. But at least she was staying. "C’mon, Kettie, let’s go inside too. I’ll show you our kitchen."

She tore her gaze away from Obi-Wan’s retreating back to smile down at Anakin. "Thank you too, kind sir. Lead the way."

Anakin looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Hey, Kettie, I’m sorry, about…you know…he goes swimming every night, but almost never during the day. I didn’t know, I swear."

"Hmmm? Oh, that’s no problem." She was staring off into the distance, running a hand through her straight, dark hair as if tidying it. "Did you say every night?"

"Yeah. He likes it ‘cause it’s cold. I don’t know what his problem is. He’s hot all the time."

"He sure is. I mean, why?"

Anakin stared at her. She sure was acting strange. "He doesn’t like the weather, I guess. Personally, I think it’s fine."

She brought herself back to the present to grin down at Anakin. "You’re right. The weather is the only good thing about this planet."



****



Once inside, Anakin deposited Kettie in the kitchen, where she offered to heat up their leftover stew, and went to find his master. The boy knew he was in for it, but decided he might as well get the unpleasantness over with quickly. Plus, Anakin had important things to discuss. He located Obi-Wan in his bedroom, getting dressed.

"Owen, I’m sorry, but I have to tell you--"

Obi-Wan interrupted him harshly, a look of extreme perturbation on his normally calm countenance. "What were you thinking? Please tell me. I can’t wait to hear why you thought it necessary to bring a stranger to our home, the very place we are conducting a mission, which by the way is supposed to remain secret!"

Anakin hated sarcasm. He immediately went on the defensive. "She’s not a stranger!"

"Well, neither does she belong here. You could endanger our mission. What if we’d left something lying around, like lightsabers or blueprints? What then?"

"I thought of that. You never leave stuff like that lying around. You’re too careful."

"One of us has to be!" Obi-Wan decided he didn’t want to discuss it now, after all. He would only get angrier. "Leave me, and take care of your guest. We’ll discuss it later."

"But there’s something else I needed to tell you! Something really import--"

"Later."

"But--"

"Go!" Obi-Wan yelled it, stabbing a finger at the door.

Obi-Wan never yelled. Anakin went.



****



The tension in the house had lessened by the time the three finished their dinner. They had set up a table in the living room, where the windows could be opened to let in the slight breeze. The light filtering in from the setting orange sun and rising purple moons played upon the stark white walls, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

The delicious meal and Kettie’s amusing conversation had lightened Obi-Wan’s mood considerably. Almost as if she knew the two were quarreling, she had made it her mission to smooth things over. It worked.

"So, Kettie, where are you from?" Obi-Wan idly picked up a piece of cheese-- their only dessert-- and popped it into his mouth. "Jame says you’re not from here?"

"No. I moved here with my father when I was very young. I’m originally from Tarellia."

"Really?" Obi-Wan was surprised. Despite her dark hair and eyes, she didn’t look Tarellian. "Who’d have thought?  I’ve been there, once. Before An came along." It wasn’t a lie.

"Have you?" She leaned forward, fluttering her eyelashes across the table at him. "What could you possibly have been doing there?"

"Traveling. With my father." His blue eyes sparkled at her in humor. "Very decadent place, Tarellia."

"Mmmm. Yes. It’s in the blood, I’m afraid." She rocked back in her chair languorously, stretching her arms, watching the violet and orange light dance across them. "Which reminds me. Do you have any wine?"

"No, I’m afraid not. We’re rather dull here."

"Oh. That’s all right. I don’t really need it." She threw Obi-Wan a sultry gaze.

Anakin switched his curious gaze back and forth between the two adults. They were acting weird again. And they were leaving him out. He couldn’t have that. "We have more water. And I think we have some juice. I can look, if you want."

"Thank you Ani, water would be lovely."

"Okay. I’ll be right back."

As the boy left the room, Kettie shifted suddenly in her chair and stared through the window into the darkening night. When she spoke, her voice was low. "Yes, my father was a Tarellian through and through. He treated me all right, after my mother died, but he ran with an unsavory crowd. He’s been dead five years, and I still have to clean up his messes.  I can’t escape ‘em." She turned to gaze at Obi-Wan, seriously. "So. Is that why you two roam the galaxy, rootless?  Did your father leave you a legacy, too, some mess to clean up before you get on with your life?"

The bitterness and seriousness of her words startled him. She’d been so light and flirtatious before. But strangely, he felt compelled to answer.

"An. That is the legacy he left me." But was he a mess, left behind by Qui-Gon for me to clean up? Obi-Wan searched his soul. The answer was surprisingly simple. No. "But I don’t regret the responsibility. I care about him, a great deal."

"Yes. I can tell."

"Can you?" Obi-Wan leaned forward.

"Mmm-hmm. You’re proud of him. It shows." She shook her dark head suddenly, as if to clear it. "Enough of this deep talk." She bent forward, reaching out a hand to gently grasp Obi-Wan’s bearded face. "So, by the way, how long have you been a blonde?"

She’d shocked him yet again, with her quick mood change. But he let her stroke his chin for a moment, while he answered. "Oh, not long--"

Obi-Wan was interrupted by the return of Anakin. The boy stood in the door, holding a pitcher of water and wearing a look of disgust. "Ewww. How can you touch that?"

Kettie laughed, releasing Obi-Wan. "It’s not so bad. Why? Don’t you like it?"

"Not really. I guess I’m just not used to it yet."

Kettie eyed Obi-Wan with new interest. "So, you’re normally clean-shaven? I think I’d like to see that."

"Sorry to disappoint you both. It stays."

"Pity." She stood, suddenly, stretching yet again. "Well. I don’t know about you, but it’s a beautiful night, and I’d like to go outside. Why don’t you join me?" She gazed directly at Obi-Wan, so he wouldn’t mistake her meaning.

"I’d be pleased." He turned to shoot a speaking glance at Anakin, who still stood in the doorway holding the pitcher of water. "An, why don’t you clean up for me? I’ll be back in a bit."

Anakin wanted to say, what about your water? But he got the hint. He plopped down at the table, head in hands, watching them walk out the door. Adults.


On to Part 3