Being Human
By Ymasen Argella

The glow of blue and red lightsabers filled the vast room, clashing and hissing through the air as they locked in combat. Obi-Wan Kenobi held onto his lightsaber, blocking, parrying and striking at his opponent. For what seemed like hours, he struggled to win this battle. But she was a formidable advisory, and had a cunning fighting technique that often caught him off guard. He was forced to take the defensive and was pushed back. But she had her weaknesses - and Obi-Wan soon isolated them. He began to push her back, getting the upper hand. Finally, he was able to knock his opponent's lightsaber from her hand.

But she wasn't beaten so easily. Leaping over his head, she landed at behind him and kicked him square in the back. Stumbling forward, he twisted around to face her. She reached out with the <I>Force</I> and called her lightsaber to her hand. He was barely able to bring his own lightsaber up in time to block her blow. Again they fought, forward and backward, neither taking the upper hand. Obi-Wan turned swiftly, and she was caught off-guard and stumbled to the floor. He held his saber at her hand, ready to strike. Slowly opening her hand, letting her lightsaber fall. In mid-air her lightsaber cut itself off, and he called it to his free hand.

"Very good, Obi-Wan!" a voice called from the shadows.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan said, as he turned off his lightsaber and clipped it to his belt. Holding out his hand to his opponent's, he helped her up to her feet.

"But I almost had you there, for a minute," she said as he handed her lightsaber back to her.

"But you lost your footing," he said.

"You are both improving," Qui-Gon stepped from the shadows. "You've always been a close match. Each wins and loses. You won today; Jenelle will win next time."

"Thank you, Master Qui-Gon," Jenelle said, "But Obi-Wan learns my moves quicker than I can invent them. I'm running out of ideas."

"Then you shall spend more time in meditation," another figure emerged from the shadows. She appeared to be Qui-Gon's age, showing similar age-lines and graying hair and her brown eyes were as gentle as his.

"Yes, Master," Jenelle bowed slightly

Obi-Wan walked over to the corner where their robes had been cast off. How long ago? he wondered. Jenelle met him as he was returning to where the Jedi Masters stood, discussing their duel. "Thanks," she said, as she took the proffered robe. "I do think you will be allowed to take the Trials before me."

"No, I don't think so. Against anyone else, you would win. But I've dueled with you for eight years now. I know your fighting styles. That's the only reason I can win. I'm still following Qui-Gon's lead when we fight together."

She pushed her Padawan braid over her shoulder, "I still can't believe I tripped!"

"Well…"

"You <I>Force</I>-tripped me, Obi-Wan?" She laughed, "I didn't even notice. You <I>wil</I>l take the Trials before me."

"I was surprised it worked. You seemed to be concentrating on how to get me on the defensive more than how you were fighting. I took an opportunity - and it worked."

"I won't fall for that one again."

"Jenelle, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon called for them. Rushing to the Jedi Masters, both bowed again - Padawans spent much of their time bowing, both said, "Yes, Master," at the same time.

"Master Renita and I have been summoned to a mission."

"When do we leave?" Jenelle asked.

"We do not," Renita answered. "The situation is very precarious, and very secretive. The Council doesn't want to let a couple of Padawans on this mission. We will have to leave you here."

"Leave us?" Obi-Wan questioned. This was most unusual. Padawans were rarely separated from their masters. It just wasn't done.

"The situation must be very grave for the Council to wish us to stay here," Jenelle answered, her face puzzled. "But it's not like we are new Padawans. We are both 20, and have trained with you for eight years."

"I voiced that to the Council, Jenelle," Qui-Gon answered. "I do not like the idea of leaving Obi-Wan here. But this was a battle I could not win - and believe me, I argued for hours."

"But as usual, Master Yoda had his way?" Obi-Wan looked at his master, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact.

"Master Yoda was the only one who agreed with him," Renita said. "Which makes me wonder all the more."

"And the council didn't listen to Master Yoda?" Jenelle asked, also trying to meet her Master's eye.

Finally looking at each other, Obi-Wan and Jenelle exchanged the thought, <I>This is very odd indeed!</I>

n n n

Jenelle and Obi-Wan stood at the landing platform watching the transport with their masters disappear out of sight.

"Now what are we supposed to do?" she asked.

"I don't know." Obi-Wan said.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Jenelle answered. "A very bad feeling about this. I don't like this at all."

"I don't like it either, Jenelle. To make matters worse, we don't even know where they are going."

"I guess we should go back to the Temple."

"Maybe we can find Master Yoda and get something out of him."

"You are joking? Aren't you, Obi-Wan? Get something out of Yoda? I would dye my hair the color of Yoda's skin, if you were able to squeeze a secret from him."

"It looks better blond. I wouldn't dye it. Especially green. With your violet eyes you'd look like Dantooine!"

Jabbing him lightly in the ribs, Jenelle once again looked up at the sky, "Think that's where they are headed?"

"No. I didn't feel a <I>Force</I> twinge when I said that. Haven't been able to pick up on anything. You?"

"Not a thing. All night long I kept trying to get into Master Renita's head. But she kept pushing me back out. I think I got on her nerves."

"Qui-Gon told me not to even try to get into his head."

Stepping into the waiting shuttle, Obi-Wan sat down in the pilot's seat, Jenelle slumped over beside him. "I don't feel like going to the Temple, Obi-Wan. It just feels to strange to think of spending the night alone."

"I know what you mean. The few times I have been separated from Qui-Gon, I've always known where he was." In recent years, Obi-Wan could always read his thoughts - or at least feel his moods. To suddenly have his master purposely block this from him hurt Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had been a part of his life since he was almost 13. Now that he was 20, he couldn't imagine life without him. He knew one day he would take the Trials and leave Qui-Gon, but the Master-Padawan bond was very strong. Even when Obi-Wan took his own Padawan, he knew he and Qui-Gon would still be close - and he could treat Qui-Gon more as a friend than a father.

"Heard from your family lately?" Jenelle asked.

"I got a communiqué a few weeks ago from my brother. He's getting married."

"Married! That's so sweet. Sometimes I wish I could have an ordinary life."

"No you don't, Jenelle. I know you too well. You wouldn't give up the life of a Jedi any more than I would."

"When is Owen getting married?"

"In a few months. Her name is Brela…Brue…Be…"

"Beru." Jenelle answered. "You knew her name, Obi-Wan. Why didn't you just say it?"

He cast her a mischievous grin, "I wanted to see if you could get it out of me."

"So, what, I can try that on Yoda? Think again."

"I still say we should give it a go."

"No, Obi-Wan. I don't really feel like lifting stones until Master Renita and Master Qui-Gon return. And that's exactly what Yoda would have us doing."

"I don't know. He might just laugh and tell us to try again some day. He can be so serious at times…"

"And then he's as giddy as Yoda can ever be."

Obi-Wan slowly brought the shuttle down at the Temple. Walking out of the hatch, they burst out laughing.

"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan bowed, struggling to suppress the laugh that was about to escape from his lips.

"Master," Jenelle said on the tail end, a slight giggle escaped.

"Uncomfortable you feel, being left alone," he said, ignoring their laughter. Hobbling toward the Temple he said, "Come. Come."

Obi-Wan and Jenelle followed. Had Yoda picked up on their irreverent thoughts in the shuttle? If so, it would be a lot of stone lifting.

"No stones," Yoda said. "Cover you feelings, you do well. Tell you not, my thoughts, will I."

Obi-Wan cast a sidelong glance at Jenelle. "What are we going to do, Master Yoda?"

"Practice, you need, Master Renita said. Practice with your lightsabers. Watch will I."

Entering a smaller practice room, Obi-Wan and Jenelle cast off their robes. With a nod from Yoda, they began. This time, neither could get an upper hand. Obi-Wan began to wonder how long Yoda was going to let them fight. Then he noticed, Yoda was not in the room.

"Master Yoda?" he called, blocking a parry from Jenelle.

No answer.

Sensing Obi-Wan's thoughts, Jenelle turned off her red lightsaber, "What should we do?"

"He didn't tell us we could stop. But I'm not sure how long we should stay here."

"Continue?" she asked. "He might be testing us to see if we will continue even without a watchful eye."

With a snap-hiss, their lightsabers ignited. For the first round, Jenelle won. The next two, Obi-Wan. Then Jenelle three times. Obi-Wan the fifth. By now the sun had set on the Temple and the automatic lights had flickered on. They had been doing this since sunrise - with no food, water or observance. Nobody had entered the room all day, which was odd. Usually if the older Padawan's were dueling, the Jedi Master's would bring in the younger Temple children to observe and learn.

In the midst of the eighth duel, Yoda called, "Stop!"

Both immediately stopped and turned to the elfin creature, who had reappeared as silently as he had disappeared.

"Come," he said. They both knelt down in front of him.

"Proud of you, I am. To continue on without observance. Until Qui-Gon and Renita's return, interfere with you, I will not." With that, he hobbled out of the room.

"Did we pass?" Jenelle asked.

"I think so. Does he mean for us to have a few days vacation?"

The female Padawan raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders, "He trained you more than he did me. But I think that's what he meant. Either that or he would like us to chose to stay in this room and duel until the nerfs come home."

"I guess we can come back in the morning. It will do us both good to spend a lot of time dueling. And I'm starving and really need a refresher," Obi-Wan wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Well then, until morning?"

"Until morning."

n n n

The next morning the two Padawans once again found themselves in combat. Equal in cunning and endurance the duels could last for hours until - by a stroke of luck - one would gain the upper hand. Soon word of these duels spread through the Temple. Almost every day thereafter, several observers would come and watch the matches - occasionally a Jedi Master or Knight would tell Obi-Wan that he was holding his saber out too far or that Jenelle was leaving herself open. They improved dramatically. After a couple of weeks the battles could not be won. For hours, sometimes from sunrise to sunset, they would struggle - never losing or gaining ground. Eventually they would catch each other's eyes, exchange a <I>Let's stop,</I> laugh and turn off their lightsabers.

One evening, after a month of being left behind, they departed the practice room in the dead of night. Both smiling and completely oblivious to the Jedi Master standing down the hall.

"Obi-Wan, Jenelle," Depa Bilba called out.

The Padawans paused for a moment before quickening their pace to reach the Council member.

"Yes, Master," Jenelle bowed deeply.

"The Council received a communiqué from Master Qui-Gon and Master Renita," she began. "Although I can not tell you anything about their mission, I felt you should know that both seemed anxious for their return - and hoped that their Padawans were fairing well."

"Thank you, Master Depa," Obi-Wan said. "Is there any idea of when they will return?" he asked, knowing the answer as soon as it escaped his lips.

"No…" she said, "We do not have information on that at this time. But we do hope the mission will not last too much longer. I know this must be very hard on you. I was never separated from Master Windu this long when I was his apprentice. If you feel a need to talk to us, please, don't hesitate. The Council is responsible for this separation - and we will do our part to help ease the time."

"Thank you, Master," Jenelle bowed, sensing the warmth from the Jedi Master. "It was kind of you to tell us what you could."

"Yes, thank you, Master." Obi-Wan added.

"On a personal level, I watched you duel the other day. I know Qui-Gon and Renita will be very pleased to see your improvement," with that she turned and disappeared down the hall in the manner only Jedi Masters can.

"Well," Obi-Wan said, "By the time Masters Qui-Gon and Renita return, we shall be excellent swordsmen."

Showing a half-smile, Jenelle tried to not let him see how disappointed she was. But as usual, he was able to pick up on her thoughts and feelings.

"I want Qui-Gon back too. I think the only thing that has kept us from moping around the Temple is dueling day in and day out."

Jenelle turned and began to walk back toward the practice room. "If it's a choice between moping and dueling, I chose dueling. Coming?"

Pulling out his lightsaber, his eyes lit up. "This time, I'm going to win."

"So certain are you?" she asked, mimicking Yoda's voice. Their laughter echoed down the silent halls.

n n n

After an exhausting duel, Obi-Wan and Jenelle leaned back against the wall, chatting about nothing and everything. Sunlight was beginning to filter through the windows. Outside, Coruscant was coming alive. Standing up slowly, Jenelle held out her hand for Obi-Wan to take.

"Now, don't pull me down. If you do…"

Despite her small stature, Obi-Wan knew full well that she could probably land him flat if he did try anything funny. <I>Lower center of gravity,</I> he thought. Taking her hand, he let her pull him to his feet. her muscular arms didn't balk at the extra weight.

"It comes in handy," she said. "Most people underestimate me."

"Foolish people."

"I was thinking we could join the little kids for their breakfast today. They seemed so giddy yesterday after watching us. I hope we don't get big egos with all this popularity we've gained the past few weeks. Do you feel sometimes you belong in the circus?"

"With this hair?"

"Bad question - worse answer," she turned to press the door lock, shutting the door behind them.

"Worse answer?"

"Yes, at least you are a guy and shorn hair is normal, but every time I get around a group of Alderaanian ladies, I feel out of place."

"You'll be able to grow it out as soon as you pass the Trials."

"The Trials. Is that all Padawans talk about, Obi-Wan? Every conversation I seem to have, taking the Trials comes up."

"Before you were apprenticed, didn't almost every conversation involve becoming Padawan?"

"Mmm," she nodded, stepping in to the turbo lift. "But aren't Jedi supposed to feel in the here and now. Why then are we always rushing to the next level?"

The lift stopped, the doors slid open revealing a bright warm room full of children, rushing around, waiting for breakfast to be served. The <I>Force</I>-sensitive children soon noticed the presence of Obi-Wan and Jenelle and rushed forward to greet them.

"Master Ienqyaho, we came to join you for breakfast," Jenelle called over the cacophony.

"We welcome you, Padawans," the blue-skinned Jedi Master in charge of the floor answered. "After we left the training room, many of the children began begging to be allowed to make their own lightsabers."

"I want mine to be blue!" a little girl answered.

"You do?" Obi-Wan knelt down to face her. "And why is that?"

"'Cause it's pretty," she answered, blushing.

"Pretty? You should know that a lightsaber isn't meant to be pretty…"

"Chinera" she filled in her name.

"It is a Jedi weapon, and you should not rush into making one. When you are ready, you Master will let you construct your own."

"But she won't let us," Chinera took a long look at her Master.

"And she is wise not to," Obi-Wan said. "But if it is acceptable," he turned to face Master Ienqyaho, "I will let you hold mine until I leave" sensing an approving nod from the Master "if you promise not to turn it on."

"I promise!" she answered, jumping up and down in pure joy. "But will you cut it on so I can see it?"

A torrent of "Please! Please!" flooded the room.

"Children!" Master Ienqyaho's voice silenced everyone. "Obi-Wan and Jenelle have dueled all night," she answered. "Let them enjoy their breakfast."

"It's alright," Jenelle answered. "We came here so we wouldn't mope about the Temple. Try to remember happy pre-'left-at-the-Temple-and-don't-know-where-your-Master-is' days."

"No word yet on Master Qui-Gon and Master Renita's return?" Master Ienqyaho's voice registered concern. Obviously she knew no more than Obi-Wan and Jenelle, which caused them a moment's worry. Sensing this, she quickly added, "But I'm sure they will arrive back soon."

Wading through the sea of children, the adult Jedi sat down at the table, Ienqyaho at the head, Jenelle to her right and Obi-Wan to her left. Knowing if they didn't behave they would get reprimanded, the children calmed themselves, but that didn't stop the constant string of questions.

"When did you become a Padawan, Jenelle?" one little boy asked.

"When I was 13? How old are you now?"

"Ten. Do I really have to wait until I'm 13?"

"I'm 12!" another child spoke up. "I will soon be a Padawan!"

"I've gotta wait a long time," said one little child. "I'm only seven," disappointment filled his face.

"Oh, the years will fly by. Study hard and always obey Master Ienqyaho," Obi-Wan answered. "And one day a Jedi Master will take you as Padawan learner."

"But it is so far away," he whined again.

"Patience," Obi-Wan said. "We should all remember that lesson."

Jenelle looked up into his eyes and smiled. <I>We should be patient too, Obi-Wan. Thanks for the reminder</I>.

Returning her smile he replied, <I>We should - and we will - be patient.</I>

"How many planets have you visited?" a yellow furred child asked, interrupting Obi-Wan's thoughts.

"Oh, quite a few. It seems very odd to have been a the temple for more than a month now."

"And you?" the child leaned across the table and showed lots of his pointed teeth.

"About as many as Obi-Wan. Never in one place for too long. The longest I've spent on a planet was six months during a terrorism spree."

"Terrorists!" his eyes grew wide. "You fought against terrorists? That must've been exciting"

"Yes," Jenelle said, suddenly somber, "But it wasn't exciting in a fun way. It is very hard work. Being a Jedi is not easy."

"We know," he answered. "Master Ienqyaho always tells us that."

"And she is a wise Jedi," Obi-Wan said. "A very wise Jedi."

Smiling, Ienqyaho said, "There is no such thing as a foolish Jedi, Obi-Wan."

"I don't know," Jenelle smirked, "Sometimes he really is a bit foolish."

"He's young," Ienqyaho looked Jenelle square in the eyes, a note of scolding in her voice, "as are you, Jenelle. It will take several more years before you are both Jedi Knights. When you are granted Knighthood you will find yourself under considerable strain to always do right. If a Jedi fails, the entire galaxy pays the price."

"Yes, ma'am," Jenelle answered.
"You both have been under much stress lately," Ienqyaho voice was once again soft. "How long has it been since you just acted like two 20-year-old humans?"

"Not human Padawans?" Jenelle asked, baffled at this question.

"Not as a Jedi apprentice, but just as two young humans."

"Never," Obi-Wan answered. "I know I haven't."

"Me either," his confidant answered. "Never had the time."

"Then make time," Ienqyaho commanded. "When you were children, did we not let you run and play like ordinary children?" The Padawans gravely nodded. "To be a Jedi Knight you must realize that you are still a human being. To do the most good as a Jedi Knight, you must understand yourself and who you are. We are not a society of droids. We are living creatures." The children sat quietly, taking in this important conversation. This wasn't the Master Ienqyaho they had always known. But then again, they were not Padawans; Jenelle and Obi-Wan were. They played a different game - the rules were different.

Leaning forward slightly, Obi-Wan said, "Master Ienqyaho, I'm not sure if I know how to act like an ordinary human."

"Answer me this, Obi-Wan, why are you and Jenelle so afraid to let your humanity out?" She cast a glance at Jenelle.

Opening his mouth to answer, he stopped. He didn't know why, but she was right. He was afraid to act human. And fear was the path of the Dark Side. He could sense Jenelle felt the same way. "I don't know," he answered.

"Can you let it out?" Ienqyaho asked.

"How do you let something out that you-" Jenelle began to ask.

"You are Jenelle," Ienqyaho cut her off, "No matter how much training you have had, you would still be Jenelle. If you had not been Force-strong and had led a different life you would still be Jenelle. And Obi-Wan, even if you had not been apprenticed to Qui-Gon, you would still be Obi-Wan. You are who you are. It wasn't changed; it can't be changed; it won't be changed. The ability to be that person is there. Just let it out." She paused for a moment. "Children, please go to the classroom. I would like to talk with Jenelle and Obi-Wan privately for a moment." The children rose and quickly left the room.

Rising from her seat, she motioned Obi-Wan and Jenelle to join her. She walked toward the large window overlooking Coruscant. "There," she pointed out the window, "is a world of humans and other sentient beings. Are they less of a person because they are not trained as Jedi?"

"No," Obi-Wan answered quickly. He had been taught at an early age to not think of sentients without Jedi powers as less than him.

"So then, why won't you act like them?"

"We aren't supposed to," Jenelle answered.

"Wrong," Ienqyaho said. "You aren't supposed to give into human vices. That does not mean you are not supposed to act human. Humans possess many wonderful traits." Silently the Jedi Master slipped away, leaving Jenelle and Obi-Wan gazing out the cafeteria window.

n n n

The remainder of the day, Obi-Wan and Jenelle sat quietly beside each other in front of one of the Temple's many fountains, meditating on Master Ienqyaho's words. Both were deeply troubled that they had been so far off the mark. Why hadn't their Masters told them this? Why hadn't Yoda told them this? They had tried so long to be the perfect Padawans - the two Padawans who would become Jedi Knights without a faltering step. Someone that the children would be taught about for years to come.

But they both realized that was wrong.

"Selfish," Obi-Wan said.

"Arrogant," Jenelle answered.

"Egotistical."

"Conceited."

"We really messed that one up, didn't we, Janelle?" Obi-Wan looked at her and saw a few tears in the corner of her eyes.

"That we did," she answered, choking back tears.

"I feel like such a fool," he answered. "The biggest fool in the galaxy."

"No, that's my spot. You can have the second biggest fool award."

Obi-Wan couldn't stop laughing at that. He was relieved to see her tears subside and despite her best efforts she joined him in laughter. Several Jedi walked by and incredulously looked at the Padawans. But for once in their lives, they didn't care about the disapproving looks. They enjoyed their laughter to the fullest. All barriers seemed to break down in milliseconds. They were simply Jenelle and Obi-Wan - humans - not Jedi Padawans. And there was something more there, something that had been hidden for a long time. Hidden or laying unknown in the backs of their minds.

"Jenelle," Obi-Wan asked, "do you?"

"This is too weird," Jenelle leaned forward. "I didn't know - until now."

"Me either. But it seems I've always felt something, just thought -"

"- it was friendship."

Leaning to his side, Obi-Wan rested his head on her shoulder, "What do we do now?"

"I don't know. Master Ienqyaho said to 'act human' - what ever that means."

"Okay, what would two ordinary humans do now?"

Taking his hand in hers she whispered back, "I doubt they'd be sitting in front of a fountain while a bunch of Jedi Masters look upon them."

"They wouldn't even be in the Temple."

"What did Owen and Beru do, when they realized they were in love?" she asked.

"He didn't say."

"But you know how he felt, didn't you."

"I'm not sure if I <I>really</I> know how he felt - and feels. I've only seen him a handful of times. We send letters back and forth, occasionally talk on the holonet. But it is always more like we are just two people who just happen to share the same parents. We have never acted like brothers."

"And your parents?"

"That's a bit more confusing. I do love them, but I don't spend every waking moment thinking about them - or Owen. Is that wrong?"

"You've never really been around them, Obi-Wan. Almost your entire life has been spent here - or with the Jedi."

"With you," he smiled, turning to Jenelle.

Squeezing his hand tight in hers, she whispered back, "with you." Together they sat in silence, sharing each other's thoughts. Obi-Wan, Jenelle called, <I>Do you think we can stay here all night? In front of this fountain.</I>

<I>Nothing waiting for me in my room but silence,</I> he replied, <I>and reminders of Qui-Gon.</I>

She rested her head on his, slowly, they drifted off.

n n n

"Obi-Wan," Jenelle whispered, "did you sleep well."

Even with his eyes still closed, Jenelle knew Obi-Was was awake. He had been awake for quite a while and he knew she was awake. But neither wanted to open their eyes. To most humans, a night spent sitting on a marble floor would not be a pleasant memory, but for Jenelle and Obi-Wan it was a highlight in their young lives. The simple act of being with each other was more precious than either could have imagined.

"Very well," he answered. I don't guess we can sit here for another day."

"Probably not," she stretched her lets out, flexing her feet. "One day sitting by the fountain I can see being overlooked, but two. Even the most lenient of Masters would frown on that."

"Dueling again just doesn't seem fitting. Is there anything in the Temple for us to do?"

"No. Not that I can think of."

Eyeing the door leading out to Coruscant, Obi-Wan grinned, "I know what we can do."

"What?"

"Act like two natives of Coruscant out for a holiday."

"Do what?"

"Be Human," Obi-Wan's hand traced her fingers on his thigh.

"Be Human," she repeated. "Master Ienqyaho did tell us to do that."

"Then let's go."

Together they rose to their feet. Once outside the door, they looked around. Such a large city, where to start? Although many would not say that Jedi Padawan's led a sheltered life, they were not exposed to many subtleties in normal life. Deciding to turn left, they began to mingle with the crowds. Stopping when they felt and running when they desired it. Many were shocked to see two Padawan's roaming through the city with no Master in sight. Enjoying the simple pleasures, they saw how real the outside world was. Although the city was made up of duracreet and transparisteel, it seemed to live. As the day began to ebb, they returned to the Temple.

As Obi-Wan walked Jenelle to her quarters, he began to slow his pace, not wanting the day to end. Reaching out to open the door, Jenelle backed up against the wall.

"For the first time in a month I didn't worry about Master Renita. And you didn't worry about Master Qui-Gon. And even though I miss her, I don't feel sad."

"I don't feel sad either, Jenelle." Leaning into her, he hesitated for a moment. She turned her face up, sensing his thoughts. Sending an "okay," she soon felt his lips on hers. A quick peck, barely a second in duration. But it immediately reset the board. "Good night," he said as she disappeared into her quarters.

Settling into his own room, he removed his cloak and laid down on his bed. Jedi almost always slept in their tunic. If a crisis arose, valuable time would be saved. Minutes turned to hours. He laid there. Unable to sleep. Unable to do anything other than think about their kiss. Reaching out, he could feel Jenelle's presence. She seemed calm, but she wasn't asleep. Quietly he rose from his bed and left the room.

Stopping in front of her door he hesitated. Before he could ring the chime, the door slid open. She stood their, in her own tunic, the soft glow from the hallway lights sparkled in her violet eyes. Stepping into her room, he wrapped his arms around her. Passionate kisses erupted. Clothing began to scatter. Obi-Wan's kisses began to wander, past her neck to her breasts. Kneeling before her, he showered her stomach with his warm kisses. He caressed her navel with his tongue.

Letting out a sigh, Jenelle knelt before him. Once again face to face, he traced her lips. As they opened, he let his tongue explore her mouth once again. Her hands reached around him, massaging his back. Pressed together, the lovers moved as one, falling to the floor. Obi-Wan's hands slid down her sides and her legs. Taking hold of one foot, he gently rubbed it. Jenelle took the opportunity and reached out and touched his manhood with her free foot.

In response, he brought her foot to his mouth and began suckling on her toes. As she increased her maneuvers on him, he intensified his ministrations on her foot. His rough tongue tickled her, causing a light giggle to emerge from her lips. He slowly licked the arch of her foot and circled her ankle. Tracing up legs to her inner thigh, Obi-Wan found the soft pink flesh of her womanhood.

Nibbling softly on the delicate skin, he heard Jenelle gasp in amazement. She reached down with her hands and rubbed the back of his head and arched ever so slightly. Taking the cue, he entered her slowly with is tongue. Her breathing quickened and grew husky. Her fingernails scraped across his back, pulling his face to hers.

Locking in a fiery kiss, they rolled over. Straddling him, Jenelle lowered herself onto him. Mentally linking, the lovers knew instinctively what the other wanted. There was no virginal awkwardness. As she rose and fell on him, he rotated his hips. The very heart of her being melded with his soul. She could feel his hardness in her as he could her softness around him.

The duet could perceive the climax before it exploded. Letting their pent up desires and wishes out, Jenelle and Obi-Wan held onto the pinnacle as long as they were able to. Slowly they pulled apart from their most intimate embrace, but their arms and legs were still entwined.

Throughout the night and into the day, they coupled - sometimes fast and furious, other times soft and slowly, resting for short intervals between. Eventually the young Jedi lay beside each other, spent and exhausted.

<I>Are we going to continue this all day?</I> Jenelle asked.

<I>I would love to, but I don't think I can do anything else today but lay on this floor.</I>

Rolling over on top of him she smiled, <I>Are you sure you can't do anything else but lay on the floor?</I>

<I>Perhaps I should have said I don't want to do anything else today but lay on this floor.</I> Kissing her forcefully, Obi-Wan looked up into her eyes. His hands caressed her back and hugged her close.

n n n

The sun was high in the Coruscant sky before Obi-Wan and Jenelle emerged from her quarters and made their way to the practice room. Inside the room Master Ienqyaho stood tall from the children around her.

Casting looks at each other, Obi-Wan and Jenelle bowed deeply.

"We have come to observe you duel," the Jedi Master said.

"Have you been waiting long?" Obi-Wan asked.

"We only just arrived. I knew you would not be here until mid-day," she turned to meet Jenelle's downcast eyes. "You had better tasks ahead of you this morning."

Struggling to understand the Jedi Master's acceptance, Obi-Wan and Jenelle began their duel. Much like ones held days before, neither could get the upper hand. The children cheered and cried out for the Padawans. But Obi-Wan and Jenelle never heard their high-pitched squeals. Concentrating only on the lightsabers and each other, they fought until the sun began to set. Sensing a <I>Stop!</I> from Ienqyaho, they turned off their lightsabers and strode over to where the children and their Master was.

"Very good, Jenelle, Obi-Wan. I am very pleased that you took my lessons to heart." With that the blue-skinned Jedi turned and left the room, the Temple children on her heals.

Just as the door had closed behind the last child, Obi-Wan dropped his lightsaber; it clanked on the hard floor. The way her face was flushed from battle, the way her short blond hair seemed reddish in the sunset, the way her smile lit up the entire room beckoned him to her. His lips touched her forehead; Jenelle went numb, her own saber clattering to the ground. His kisses slowly descended her face, eventually covering her lips, he slid his tongue into her inviting mouth. Her hands quickly made their way to the back of his neck and up the base of his head. His hands began to slide down her back.

Moving as one they backed up against the wall. Hesitation was set aside. Removing only the necessary clothing, she pushed herself flat to the wall. Sliding a hand down to her thighs, he lifted her legs up. Knotting her feet around him, Jenelle felt him enter her hard. The sweat of passion mingled with the sweat of battle. She could feel him sliding in and out of her. Her nimble body reacted his in ways only two Jedi could. The climax came upon them suddenly. Before either could react, they found themselves sitting on the ground; Jenelle's legs still wrapped around Obi-Wan.

Reaching out with the Force, Jenelle called the lightsabers to her hand. "We should go," she said. "It would not be in our best interests to be found here in this position."

Looking down at her and himself, he laughed, "No, this is not the kind of position that Jedi Masters usually ask Padawans to take in this room."

n n n

The next month was similar to the previous. Jenelle and Obi-Wan spent the daylight hours locked in combat. But during the evenings they were locked in passionate embraces. Sometimes they would spend the night in Jenelle's quarters, others in Obi-Wan's.

The Padawans knew that their actions must not be a secret in the Temple - it was almost impossible for a Padawan to keep his thoughts and feelings from the Jedi Masters. Surreptitiously avoiding Jedi Masters and Knights. If they were to be chastised for their actions both wanted only two persons to chastise them. But no word came from Master Qui-Gon and Master Renita. Perhaps the Jedi could sense this and would tell Qui-Gon and Renita of their Padawans' actions during their absence. But perhaps the Jedi felt it was not their place to interfere.

Returning to Obi-Wan's quarters one evening, they noticed the door ajar. Immediately sensing Qui-Gon's presence, Jenelle stopped. But then she sensed Renita's presence and hurried to join Obi-Wan.

The Jedi Masters both looked up and smiled as their Padawans entered the room.

"Welcome back, Master," Obi-Wan bowed deeply.

"Was the mission successful?" Jenelle asked after straightening from her own bow.

Master Renita's eyes locked with Qui-Gon's.

"It was," he said. "We have been discussing whether or not we should tell you about our mission. Now that it is over, the Council can not prevent us from telling you, but they doubtless will not like if we do tell you."

Taking a seat beside Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan could tell his master was worn from the mission. "No one here knew, did they, Master?"

"Apart from the Council and us," he glanced over at Renita. "No."

"It was something bad, wasn't it?" Jenelle asked, taking a seat across from Obi-Wan.

"Yes," the aged woman answered. "An evil relic of a time long past."

Obi-Wan could pick up on Qui-Gon's feelings. "A Sith holocrom?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon nodded gravely. "An archeological team found a holocrom. They recognized it, but couldn't activate it. The scholars thought it was a Jedi holocron."

"It was supposed to be sent to the Temple," Renita took over, "but it never made it here. Somewhere mid-flight the transport vanished. The ship was loaded with several valuable relics and artifacts, so the hyperspace patrols assumed that space pirates hit. A week later the dig team found a tablet with the name of a Sith Lord engraved on it. They immediately contacted us."

"I see why this was so secretive. Even the Jedi would have become unnerved knowing a Sith holocrom was floating about in hyperspace," Jenelle's voice was grave.

"You found the ship?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, about two weeks ago. Everyone on board was dead, killed by a reactor leak. We found the cube - it was activated. Apparently one of the crew was Force-sensitive enough to turn it on. We did not risk brining it back to normal space until the cube was destroyed. If that cube had fallen into the hands of a weak Jedi..."

"There would have been war," Renita finished Qui-Gon's sentence. "But it is destroyed. The council has what's left of it. They've also sent a team of Jedi historians to the dig, in case more are found. Pure evil must not be allowed to flourish ever again." She sighed deeply. "Now, we heard upon our arrival of what you were up to."

Blanching, Obi-Wan struggled to speak; Jenelle beat him, "Hopefully our skills have improved." Using all of her abilities to block the vivid memories of her and Obi-Wan's nighttime doings from her master.

"From what Master Ienqyaho said, you have more than improved," Qui-Gon's soft smile emerged for the first time that evening. "She also said you both made great personal advancements."

"She flatters us," Obi-Wan said, his face was beginning to turn from white to a bright red. From the conversation held in the practice room, Ienqyaho must know about he and Jenelle. How much did she tell? And the other Jedi, they must know as well. Was Qui-Gon and Renita bating them, seeing if they would confess? Reaching out to touch his Master's mind, he could feel nothing reproachful.

"We would be very interested in seeing your battle improvements," Renita stood up. "If you are not too tired, that is?"

"No, Master," Jenelle stood. "We are not too tired."

"We are very relieved to have you back, Masters," Obi-Wan rose from his chair a split-second before Qui-Gon. "We would be honored for you to see us duel."

n n n

The next morning, after an exhausting duel, Jenelle and Obi-Wan readied themselves for their missions. Both Jedi Masters had been given assignments - simple assignments - but assignments none the less. Barely casting looks at each other, they shared their love silently. Renita and Qui-Gon had left together for one final meeting with the Council on the Holocrom. The Padawans were to meet them at the shuttle-pad. Each were heading to a different world. Each did not know when they would meet again.

Glancing around the city, Jenelle took Obi-Wan's hand. "I love you," she kissed him lightly on the lips.

"I love you, too, Jenelle."

"And we both know our paths are different. I'll go my way; you will go yours."

"But that doesn't mean they won't cross again," he smiled at her.

"Did you tell Qui-Gon about us?" she asked.

"No, you?"

"I couldn't pick anything up on Master Renita. Either she knows and has chosen to ignore it, or she doesn't know."

"Same here," Obi-Wan answered. Sensing the Jedi Masters, they both turned and bowed. Following their respective masters to the opposite shuttles, Qui-Gon and Renita suddenly stopped and turned to face each other. Sharing a mental thought, both looked down on their apprentices.

"Go to her, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon commanded.

Turning around, he saw Jenelle walking his direction, glancing every so often back at her master. Meeting halfway between they wrapped each other in their arms and kissed. Renita and Qui-Gon exchanged amused looks. Slowly pulling away from each other, the Padawans let their fingers slide away. Turning sharply, they returned to their masters.

"Master, how long have you known?" Obi-Wan asked as he boarded the shuttle.

"We have known for about six years, Obi-Wan. Renita and I knew eventually you would both realize it when you accepted your humanity. We were both more proud of your improvement in that field than the improved prowess with the lightsaber."

As the shuttle lifted off, Obi-wan glanced out the window at the shuttle holding Jenelle and her master. He could feel that the same conversation had just been held aboard her shuttle.

<I>Obi-Wan,</I> she sent, <I>I love you!</I>

<I>I love you, Jenelle, always!</I>