Wearing nothing more than his Jedi Robe, Obi-Wan Kenobi
stepped outside onto the balcony and walked toward the
balustrade. He stretched his arms out to his sides and
deeply inhaled the crisp morning air. It stirred his
senses as much as the rising sun warmed his body.
“Ahhhh…” he murmured contentedly.
Sakoya was just beginning to stir from her slumber. She
rolled over and her hand reached out, searching for the
warm body that should have been beside her – instead she
found nothing but sheets. Propping herself up on one
elbow, she rubbed her eyes and glanced around.
“Hmmm, wonder where he went?”
Rising, she threw on her Jedi robe and walked around the
bed. It was then that she noticed the twin doors leading
to the balcony were slightly ajar. A smile curled up her
lips as she strode towards the doors and threw them open.
Sakoya walked up behind Obi-Wan and wrapped her arms
around him, her fingertips tracing random patterns along
his half-exposed chest.
“Sleep well, love?” he asked as he reached up and
began to stroke her hands.
“Mmmhmm,” she replied, nuzzling into his back.
Obi-Wan slowly turned around and hugged his beloved. His
thoughts drifted back to their first meeting – when she
had flown Anakin’s X-wing back from Yavin. It all seemed
so long ago…and in fact, it was. He silently recalled
how his life had been before Sakoya Jade had entered into
it. The solitary days and nights… The iron grip I,
and the Jedi Order, had placed on my capacity to love
another person. I was missing so much…and I didn’t
realize it until this lady awakened my heart and made it
beat as never before.
The Jedi Master embraced the present, as well as the past,
and knew this was where he wanted to be.
Obi-Wan Kenobi had changed…and he couldn’t help
smiling as a result. He and Sakoya had found their piece
of paradise, except one thing was missing.
Life was about to change…again.
“Let’s make a breakfast basket and go for a swim,”
Obi-Wan offered.
Sakoya arched an eyebrow. “Oh?” She looked at him
quizzically.
“I want to spend some time alone with my lady,” he
whispered huskily into her ear, his beard tickling her
neck.
Sakoya giggled and tried to respond but the soft whiskers
continued to tease her. She squirmed in his embrace and
finally broke free. “Okay, you win. Can I at least get
dressed?”
Obi-Wan posed as if in deep thought. “Hmm, I suppose if
you have to…”
Sakoya backed away and just as she was about to go through
the twin doors to their quarters, she cast open her robe
and slowly let it slip to the ground.
She quickly winked and darted inside.
Obi-Wan’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened in
surprise. “I deserved that,” he admitted. Grinning
mischievously, he followed his beloved inside.
************************************
Sakoya laid out a large blanket and set their basket of
goodies down upon it. She glanced up at the bright azure
sky filled with inviting white clouds and admired their
splendor. Smiling, she closed her eyes and allowed the sun
to gracefully warm her face. Nearby, some birds merrily
cooed and sang when suddenly she heard a fluttering of
wings. Sakoya turned toward the noise and opened her eyes.
She witnessed a large hawk in flight swoop down not more
than a few meters from her and pluck an unfortunate mouse
from the meadow before soaring up and into the air again.
“The cycle of life…” she mused. Turning, she saw
Obi-Wan standing at the bank of the lake, surrounded by
magnificent waterfalls, and beckoning her to come over.
Sakoya surveyed her lush surroundings and began to wonder
why she had never visited Naboo before.
“Now I understand why Anakin and Padmé wanted to come
back here. I’m glad we came with them and the twins.
This place…it’s so peaceful…so beautiful…it can
take your breath away.”
Obi-Wan walked up, sensing her wonder. “It is glorious
here.” He held out his hand and asked, “Care to join
me?”
Sakoya beamed and took hold of his hand. “Yes,” she
whispered as he pulled her in close to him.
For the moment, neither of them moved as they stared into
each other’s eyes.
Sakoya slowly reached up and caressed his cheek and he
mimicked her movements. Not a word was spoken – there
was no need – words were insufficient to express what
was in their hearts.
They tightly hugged one another then turned and ran –
hand in hand – toward the lake.
Obi-Wan had already shed his robe and stood in his
swimming trunks at the water’s edge. As he readied
himself to jump in, he saw his beloved toss her robe aside
and reveal a dark blue bikini that clung to each luscious
curve. A sly smile played across his face as he saw her
dip one foot into the lake and shiver from the sudden
chill. He casually walked over and stood beside her.
“Kind of cold?”
Sakoya nodded her head. “Just a little.”
“I think I can cure that.” He grinned fiendishly and
suddenly scooped her up onto his shoulder and ran into the
lake.
“OBI-WANNNNNN!” Sakoya screamed as the cold water
enveloped them both.
“You are sooo going to pay for that,” Sakoya sputtered
as she surfaced.
“I’m counting on it,” the Jedi retorted.
“Scoundrel! You’ve been around Anakin and Han Solo too
much! A few weeks with those two and you’re completely
corrupted.”
“Possibly…”
Sakoya splashed him full in the face with water and the
battle ensued…
Obi-Wan dove under the water and swam toward Sakoya,
moving in behind her. He surfaced just as she turned to
face him and their lips met in a passionate kiss.
“Let’s go over there,” he said as he pointed to the
surging water.
They swam over to the waterfall and Obi-Wan jumped up onto
the rocky ledge then turned to help Sakoya out. However,
she was already using the Force to propel herself out of
the water.
“Sorry, love,” she commented shyly as she landed
beside him. “Sometimes I forget to let you help me.
Force of habit, I guess.
His slight frown turned into a smile as he said, “But I
love your sense of independence.” Tenderly, he took her
hand and led her behind the wall of water.
He hesitated momentarily then turned around and took hold
of her other hand. The sound of the waterfall filled their
ears and Obi-Wan was suddenly at a loss for words. He had
prepared for this moment in his mind over and over – he
knew what he wanted to say and now…he couldn’t think
of a single word.
Sakoya sensed his conflicting emotions and looked at him,
puzzled by his actions. The Jedi Master was always
prepared and calmly collected. Now, however, he was…a
mess.
“Mon aimé, what’s wrong?” Sakoya inquired.
“I-I…”
Sakoya looked absolutely bewildered. Obi-Wan’s thoughts
were so erratic she couldn’t decipher them. Beloved?
she asked through their bond.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Relax,
he told himself. This is nothing compared to the battle
we just fought… No, he reconsidered, it’s more.
Sakoya reached into the Force and let it surround them,
hoping to alleviate his anxieties and breathed a sigh of
relief when she saw his tense body begin to unwind.
“Mon aimé,” Obi-Wan began, his voice barely audible,
“I-I don’t know where to begin… I had rehearsed this
and now…I feel foolish.”
Sakoya realized that whatever he was struggling to tell
her wasn’t bad news, but what other type of news it was,
she couldn’t be sure. “Obi-Wan, tell me.”
He took another deep breath and began to shake nervously.
He opened his eyes and stared at the woman before him. Her
green eyes sparkled and her wet, fiery hair dripped down
her tantalizing shoulders. “I-I’m…”
Sakoya moved closer and encircled her waist with his arms.
“Is that better?” she queried, as she then placed her
hands upon his wildly beating chest. “It’s me, my
love. There’s no need to be so edgy.”
Alright, I’ll try this again, he told himself.
“Years ago…you entered my life. A day I’ll never
forget… You mesmerized me then, just as you do now…
The emotions inside me that had been suppressed…began to
return from their self-imposed exile. I began to feel in a
way I never thought I could and my life – I knew it was
changing… You were the catalyst that helped me to grow
in a way I never dreamt possible.”
“Ohh, beloved –” Sakoya started to speak but Obi-Wan
silenced her with a deep, tender kiss.
“Ssshhh,” he teased. “Let me continue… I am no
longer blind, Sakoya, I can see more clearly…and I have
you to thank for it.” Obi-Wan paused and licked his
lips. It’s now or never, he silently groused.
“Sakoya Jade, will you do me the honor of becoming my
wife, my soulmate for all eternity?”
Sakoya gasped and her entire body began to tremble. She
was thankful that Obi-Wan was holding her. If not, she
surmised that she would be on the ground right about now. YES!
she ecstatically exclaimed through their bond.
Obi-Wan smiled broadly and amorously kissed his fiancée.
“Sakoya Jade Kenobi. I like the sound of that.”
************************************
Sunlight etched through the thick transparisteel of
the Senatorial suite, casting a hazy glow throughout the
room. The dark paneled walls encircling the chamber cast a
foreboding presence its occupant never considered to
acknowledge. Pictures depicting scenes of natural beauty
hung throughout, pleasing to the eyes that beheld them.
Next to the enormous bed stood a nightstand, a single holo-image
graced its smooth surface and brought comfort to the
room’s occupant on numerous occasions. Unfortunately,
the image was only visible when a woman of incredible
beauty and intelligence happened to occupy the room –
her room – and her memories…
The door opened and a woman slowly walked into the
expansive chamber. Pausing for a few moments, she
thoughtfully cast her gaze throughout the room. Ever so
slowly a smile crept across her face and she strode
forward. Dust had long settled upon the ornaments that
decorated the room, but she wasn’t interested in those.
She continued to walk through the chamber until she
reached another door. She stopped in front of the entrance
and hesitated, as if she were too apprehensive to
continue.
So long…it’s been so long… she thought
wistfully as images from the past began to form in her
mind’s eye. For over two decades she had waited to look
upon this room again – one that held precious memories
and served as a reminder of her labors in the Senate.
“The Senate…” She shook her head as a combination of
dismay and disbelief entered her thoughts. “The old
remnants were obliterated due to the Empire, that evil
incarnation.” The bitterness in her voice also resonated
in the expression on her face.
She thought of her old colleagues and how even after all
these years, it still pained her to think about how
Palpatine had undermined the Old Republic and its Senate.
However, she decided that the time had come to bury the
painful memories and dwell on the happier ones. The woman
smiled as thoughts of that dictatorship dwindled away
toward non-existence. The Rebel Alliance had triumphed and
destroyed that system of government. Peace and freedom now
reigned over corruption and oppression.
Poised and ready to face anything set before her, she
opened the last door and walked in.
In a rush, the memories inundated her mind and she
welcomed each one. She slipped back into time and saw
herself as a young, idealistic queen who was wise and
astute beyond her years, but also a bit naïve in her
efforts to maintain peace. Long ago she had reigned over
Naboo – a verdant, prosperous planet filled with
picturesque waterfalls, green, rolling hills…and her
family. A most determined lady, she had used her courage
and cunning to rid her planet of the Trade Federation who
invaded her paradise and threatened to enslave her and her
people. It was during that crisis that she met a boy who
would forever alter the course of her life. As she thought
back to that fateful meeting, she realized she wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Ten years passed between them before they saw one another
again. They were reunited when, at the behest of
Chancellor Palpatine, the Jedi Council assigned him to
protect her after a failed assassination attempt. The
feelings of friendship they had for each other as children
resurfaced and deepened into something more.
The lady quietly chuckled as she reminisced about that
day…
Ani? My goodness, you’ve grown.
So have you... More beautiful, I mean. For a Senator, I
mean.
The japor snippet, a token of affection he had made for
her when he was just a boy, graced her neck beneath her
elaborate dresses then just as it did now – so many
years later. Even as time continues on, some things
never change, she thought and smiled as her hand
reached up and touched the necklace. She couldn’t
imagine life without her soul mate or their wonderful
children and the blessings involved in such a union.
As she stood in her old Senatorial chamber on Coruscant,
she remembered her final flight from the city-planet years
before. Palpatine had just declared himself Emperor, she
and Anakin had discovered her pregnancy, and the Jedi
Council had been decimated due to Count Dooku’s
treachery.
In spite of all the horrible events that day and since,
she had been a beacon to others. A light in infinite
darkness and that light had never dimmed. She led the
Rebel Alliance through its infancy and held the highest
title in the great organization it had become. Her own
daughter followed in her footsteps politically and would
be an exceptional Senator one day – her strong will an
asset to the fledgling New Republic. Her son, so much like
his father – compassionate and courageous – followed
Anakin’s path and became a Jedi. The way she delighted
in her family’s legacy couldn’t be formed into words.
One had only to look at her graceful features and proud
stance to know.
To his detriment, Palpatine underestimated his formidable
foe. It was a lesson that would never be forgotten in the
new Senate that would soon be in session.
Even the Jedi Order had been profoundly influenced by this
lady’s resolve to love a Jedi unconditionally. She had
exchanged vows of marriage with the Jedi Order’s Chosen
One of prophecy shortly after the Clone War began and
proved to the Jedi that love was not something to cast
aside, but to embrace and understand what such a powerful
emotion encompassed.
Long chocolate tresses hung loosely, cascading over her
shoulders and down her back. Soft curls framed her face as
she turned and walked toward the nightstand beside the
bed. Clutched in both of her hands were two holo-images
that she tenderly set down, one beside the other, on the
smooth surface.
“Let the dust settle while it can – it’ll soon be
removed,” she commented as her smile brightened the
room. Bringing a finger to her lips, she kissed it then
touched the finger to each picture – one containing
Anakin Skywalker, the other Luke and Leia Skywalker.
Turning, she left the room and walked into the inner
chamber and toward a large window. She pressed the button
that would give her access to the outside city of
Coruscant and the renewed activity of the city-planet.
Casually, she walked out onto the balcony and rested her
hands on the smooth railing.
“A new day has dawned. The Republic is born again…”
she stated as her heart pounded in her chest.
Padmé Naberrie Amidala Skywalker – a remarkable woman
who left an indelible mark on history…and more was yet
to come.
A closing note:
Master Yoda – a Jedi of great wisdom and intelligence, a
compassionate being and a gift to all who knew him. Within
days of the liberation of the galaxy from the Empire, the
esteemed Jedi Master yielded to the irresistible calling
from the Force and became one with the mystical entity.
“Master Yoda, you can’t die!” Luke pleaded sadly.
“Strong am I with the Force, but not that strong,”
came the reply.
It was the last words spoken from the Master as his body
exhaled its last breath and lay still. Surrounding him
were the people who had spent a better part of twenty
years in exile with the renowned Jedi. These same people
also bore witness to friends of old who materialized from
another plane of existence to usher Yoda to their realm.
The ethereal forms of Qui-Gon Jinn and Mace Windu, among
others, stood by and waited as the body of the Jedi
Order’s greatest member slowly faded and disappeared –
only to reappear shortly thereafter as he took his place
beside his otherworldly brethren.
For an evanescent moment, the ghostly Jedi smiled then
vanished altogether.
