Its
Just a Kiss
Weve entered hyperspace, Master. We should reach Coruscant in approximately
ten hours. Anakins voice announce over the com.
Thanks, Padawan, Obi-Wan replied. Ten hours. Obi-wan only hoped that wasnt
too long, but he had no way of knowing.
Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi had just finished another mission when they
were contacted by the
Siri and Ferus had been sent to investigate a rumored Sith cult and their
mission was to gather information only. A series of mishaps had resulted in
their capture, but not before Siri had managed to get out the call for help.
By the time Obi-Wan and Anakin had arrived to assist, they found Ferus being
held in a archaic prison cell and Siri had been removed from him, possibly for
questioning. Ferus didnt know for sure.
Once they managed to free Ferus from the cell, they went to look for Siri. It
took some searching, but the three found Siri laid out on a slab of stone in
what looked like a crude temple, of sorts. She was completely unconscious,
guarded only by a single being, who was dozing off as Obi-Wan was looking for
his opening to grab his friend and take her off planet.
The three Jedi had managed to rescue Siri without engaging in any
confrontation, however, the only problem was that Siri would not regain
consciousness. Once Obi-Wan had pulled her off the stone table, which, it
occurred to him was most likely some sort of alter, he had to carry her all the
way back to the ship. Obi-Wan hadnt realized before how slight his friend
really was, since she normally had such a strong presence, so she wasnt a
great burden to carry. What began to worry Obi-Wan was that Siri just wasnt
waking up.
Once on board ship Obi-Wan instructed the Padawans to get them off the eerie
planet and on a course towards home. He knew Anakin was more than capable of
this request and so he left him to the ships controls while he took Siri to the
back cabin and began an examination to try to find out what was wrong with her.
He carefully laid her flat on her back on a pull out bunk and sat on a seat
next to her. He knew she was still alive, but that was all he knew. Her body
was limp and there didnt appear to be any blows to her head. Obi-Wan pricked
Siris finger for a blood sample so he could run a test for drugging agents.
The test was negative. Not satisfied, he decided to put a needle in Siris arm
to take a larger sample of blood and run more tests. Again the tests were negative.
Obi-wan managed to communicate with one of the
I dont know what I can tell you at this point, Obi-Wan. Ill have to have her
here to examine her myself and run more tests, the healer said. She doesnt
appear to be getting worse does she?
I dont think so, but I havent been with her long enough to know, Obi-Wan
reported. Its very strange. Her presence in the Force is very muted. Shes
breathing, but barely, and her pulse is very weak. However, she is with us.
Stay with her and make note of any significant changes in her condition. Bring
her to me as soon as you arrive here at the
So Obi-Wan had no other choice but to wait and watch over his friend until they
reached Coruscant. He only hoped that ten hours wasnt too long for Siri to
wait to get the help she really needed.
Master Kenobi, how is my Master doing? Ferus asked as he entered the doorway
of the small cabin.
I am sorry to say, there is no change, Ferus. However, the good news is that
she is not worse. Obi-Wan tried to sound positive for Siris Padawan as he
released his own worry into the Force. We just have to be patient and wait.
Anakin entered the cabin behind Ferus and detected his Masters worry through
their bond. He knew that Master Siri was a longtime friend to Obi-Wan and he
even suspected that their friendship was deeper than the two would ever admit.
The two were devoted Jedi and the Code frowned on strong emotional attachments.
The Jedi Code on love was a topic Anakin had approached his Master about on
several occasions and still he wasnt satisfied with the conclusion the
discussions resulted in. Finally he decided he simply would never see
eye-to-eye with the Jedi on this subject and maybe one day he would find a way
to change this particular code.
Can I get you anything, Master? A cup of tea? Anakin asked Obi-Wan, as he
moved towards him.
No thank you, Anakin, but perhaps you and Ferus should take this opportunity
to eat something. Obi-wan gave Anakin a look that indicated he should offer to
get something for Ferus; especially since it was entirely possible Ferus hadnt
had any sustenance for some time.
Ferus Anakin began, but was cut off when Ferus muttered something about
being fine and not possibly being able to eat anything.
Having his offers summarily refused, Anakin sank into a chair at the table
across from his Master and rested his elbows on it as he ran his hands through
his hair. He realized he was feeling a bit tired.
Dont worry, Master Siri will be fine. She always has a way of being just
fine. Anakin tried to boost the morale of the other two, but he had to admit
he was worried, too. He liked Siri from the first time he worked with her to
bring down the pirate Krayn. She was special to Anakin and he knew she was
special to his Master, a very good friend of many years. Obi-Wan always seemed
to lighten when she was around.
Anakin noted how very still Siri was, how pale her skin was and how her life
Force seemed so distant. Even in this state, Anakin thought Siri was very
beautiful.
You found no drugs in her system, Master? Anakin asked.
Nothing, Anakin. It is more like she is in a trance or
Under a spell. Anakin finished his Masters sentence.
Exactly, Obi-Wan replied.
Is that possible, Master Kenobi? Ferus inquired.
I suppose anything is possible, Ferus. Its just that Ive never seen anything
like this before and I have no clue as to what to do about it.
Suddenly, Anakin jerked up his head and shot a look directly at his Master.
Before he had time to consider what he might be saying he blurted out.
Kiss her!
What?! Both Obi-Wan and Ferus looked at Anakin incredulously.
Anakin cleared his throat. Sorry, Master. I was just thinking that this
reminded me of an old childrens story, you know, the one where the knight
saves the maiden in distress.
Obi-Wan groaned inwardly. Of the many challenges of having a padawan, who was
raised outside the
Im sorry, Padawan, but I am not familiar with that story. Why dont you
enlighten us?
Great! Anakin thought. I just walked into another lecture about how many of
the things I learned as a child have no basis in reality.
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan and noticed he was waiting for him to tell the tale.
Anakin let out a heavy sigh. Well, it goes something like this. A beautiful
maiden is kidnapped by an evil witch and put under a spell, which puts her into
a very deep sleep. The sleep is so deep that if you dont look closely, the
maiden appears to be dead. There is only one way the spell can be broken and
that is with a kiss on the lips by a fearless, handsome knight.
You can see why this situation reminds me of the story. Master Siri is
beautiful and, well, Master, you are fearless and handsome. Thats all. Anakin
continued, of course, there is no basis in reality. Anakin thought he might
have sensed his Master smile through the Force.
That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard! Ferus blurted out. My Master
could be dying and youre talking about stupid childhood stories!
They arent stupid! I know a lot of kids that face another day just because
those ridiculous stories give them some measure of hope in their lives. What
would you know growing up in a
Padawan. Thats enough! Obi-Wan cut in. Do we really need to get into any
arguments right now?
Im sorry, Master, Anakin said and as he looked at Obi-Wan he noticed his
Master inclining his head towards Ferus.
Anakin groaned inwardly. I apologize, Ferus. I never meant to make light of
this situation with my story. Im worried about Master Siri, too.
Still Anakin continued, and then paused.
Still what, Anakin? Obi-Wan asked.
Still, Anakin took a deep breath and pushed the issue forward, its just a
kiss and it couldnt hurt to try it.
I dont believe this! Ferus interjected. Youre actually suggesting that
your Master kiss my Master. Thats totally improper!
Not if it works! How would you know if you dont try it?
Youre talking about a childrens story. It isnt real! Ferus was clearly
losing his patience now and Obi-Wan was not amused. Obi-Wan looked at his
apprentice trying to sense his intentions. He realized that Anakins thoughts
on the subject were strangely sincere. He was not suggesting anything improper,
just suggesting the possibility. Sometimes Anakins simple faith in his
childhood beliefs was touching, really. Along with being frustrating.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat. I think its time to close this discussion here.
Perhaps you two should go back up front and check to make sure everything is on
track. Ill stay back here with Master Siri and watch for any changes in her
condition.
Anakin gazed at Obi-Wan and suddenly realized that his Master just might try
it. He just might try to kiss Master Siri.
Ferus sensed that Obi-Wan wanted to have a word with Anakin alone and he darted
out of the cabin. Ill meet you up front, Anakin, he smirked.
Right, Anakin responded as he stood to leave.
Obi-Wan motioned to him. Anakin, enough with the stories. Now is not the time
to annoy Ferus. Please.
Master, I didnt mean any harm.
I know you didnt Anakin. Obi-Wan gave him a little smile. I admit Im
flattered that you think I am fearless and handsome, and Siri is, of course,
beautiful, but a kiss is not going to solve this problem.
Yes Master, Anakin started through the doorway, and then paused. However,
Master, if you decide to give it a try, dont spend too much time analyzing the
situation. Anakin knew that Obi-Wan had a tendency to overanalyze everything
and it was sometimes very frustrating. Just pucker up and gently press your
lips to hers.
Anakin! I dont need a lesson on how to kiss a woman. Especially, not from my
apprentice. Since when do you know anything about it anyway?
Since I kissed Aimee behind Wattos shop. Oh, and Master, if you do decide to
kiss her, do yourself a favor and enjoy the moment. There is nothing sweeter
than the taste of a girls lips.
Obi-Wan turned and glared at Anakin. Too many thoughts whirled in his mind to
reply at just that moment. Instead he just gave Anakin that go on look.
Anakin hustled his way out of the cabin and joined Ferus at the controls of the
ship.
The moments passed as the two apprentices sat there in silence.
Then, suddenly there was a surge in the Force. Ferus jerked his head up from
staring at the ships console of controls. Shes back! The bond with my Master
is back. She must have come out of the trance!
Both Ferus and Anakin raced back to the cabin of the ship to find Obi-Wan
quietly talking to Siri, who was still lying on the bunk.
Master! Ferus exclaimed. Master are you all right? What did they do to you?
Obi-Wan stood and put a hand on Feruss shoulder. Master Siri is just now
coming back to us and it appears she needs a little time to recover fully.
Of course, Master. Ferus looked at Obi-Wan and then to Siri. Im sorry,
Master. I didnt mean to be so bold.
Its fine Ferus. Its good to be awake and Ill be glad to get back to the
Anakin moved towards his Master with a wide grin on his face.
What is that look for, Padawan?
You took my advice, didnt you? You kissed her! Anakin lowered his voice to a
whisper so only Obi-Wan could hear him. You kissed her and it worked!
I hate to put the brakes on your podracer, Anakin, but Master Siri opened her
eyes on her own.
Yes, after you kissed her. You might as well confess now, Master. Ill find
out the truth when you report to the Council.
Obi-Wan just shook his head and groaned.
You took my other advice, too, didnt you?
Im not sure what you mean, Anakin.
You enjoyed the moment! You actually did it! Congratulations Master!
Padawan, you had better get a hold of yourself.
Anakin, however, only grinned all the more.
I know I am going to regret asking this, Anakin, but now what has you so
amused?
There is a part to the story that I left out.
Which is?
The kiss from the knight, Master. It was a kiss of true love!
Jedikma