| Tomorrow Can Wait By Jemmiah |
True to their word the healers allowed Jemmiah to return home later that afternoon. Inasmuch as it was a home, she thought as she looked out of the window and across the vast, unending skyline of Coruscant. Home was where the heart was, and that heart had disappeared with Evla. However, she knew that she owed it to her late guardian to look after the place as best she could, for whilst Jedi did not take pride in possessions in the way that Jemmiah did, the crèche master had been extremely fond of the comfortable nest she had created with her 'daughter'. She couldn't bring Evla back but the least Jemmiah could do was to live her life in a way that would make Evla proud. What better memorial would there be than that? She should be resting. Gethin had warned her not to overdo things, but somehow the thought of staying idle made her restless and more inclined to dwell on her losses. There was so much to do before she and Rela could leave on their vacation. Poor Rela had all but bounded away, happy with the idea that she was not only going on a proper excursion but that she was going to be of some use to her friend. Rela's unfailing support continued to amaze and touch Jemmiah, for in her heart of hearts should couldn't begin to fathom why she should be worthy of it, especially given the Kaligari nightmare that had come so close to not only destroying so many friendships but lives, too. She came out of it stronger, though. Jemmiah reminded herself with a sigh. So did Obi-Wan. Now I'm more aware than ever of how weak I am in comparison. The only thing Rela had not been relishing was informing Simeon that she would be going away. In the same way Jemmiah was dreading delivering similar tidings to Obi-Wan. It never paid to get your hopes up where personal aspirations were involved: Jemmiah had long since learned this. The Jedi were not supposed to have any thoughts for ones self, they existed to serve others. Even although the council had, over the years, been bafflingly accommodating where she was concerned - a mystery in itself that left Jemmy extremely wary - they had viewed her relationship with Obi-Wan with a faint degree of tolerance. The double standards from those up high were perplexing and irritating. It was as if there was some secret reason that they allowed them some leeway that perhaps would not have been granted to others in the same circumstance. A jedi did not pledge himself to another. Yet Qui-Gon had changed that when he'd taken on the council regarding her staying at the temple. When he had won, for reasons Jemmiah could not understand, they had accepted to a degree that the inevitable attachment, which the Jedi sought to remove from their life, would follow. Perhaps this was why they had been on the whole benevolent towards Obi-Wan and herself. Yet the reason behind that first decision continued to plague her. What was so special about her? Why had they allowed her to stay? What was it about her future that held their interest? And would it be enough to keep her there? She'd sent a message to Evla's family informing them of her intention to visit, asking if it were okay for Rela to accompany her. The reply had been almost instant and accommodating in the extreme. Collectively they had always welcomed her, treating her with the same affection a real grandchild might expect. In many ways she had played Qui-Gon off against her Uncle Kelik, something that the pair of them had need little encouragement in, but she couldn't bring herself to do the same with Evla's relatives. Jemmiah was still pondering her extended family, their kindness and their consideration towards her, when the door chime sounded. With her suitcase lying open on the floor, various items and articles of clothing lying in plain sight, her visitor could not have chosen a more inconvenient time to arrive. Obi-Wan, she closed here eyes, feeling a mixture of cold dread and guilt creep through her body. It has to be. What was she supposed to say? How did she tell him she was going away without it seemingly like she was rejecting him? Whatever she said was certainly going to hurt him and that was the last thing she wanted… Sure enough the door slid back to reveal the smiling, bright-eyed face of the padawan. It was that very smile that caused Jemmiah's heart to sink further into her boots. Telling him he wasn't going to accompany her to Florizan would be tantamount to kicking a baby cannoid pup. "I came around to see how you were feeling." Obi-Wan's face instantly lost some of the intense sparkle that it had moments before. "But I can see now that you're troubled…" Jemmy closed her eyes and groaned. This was going to be more difficult than she had ever imagined. "Are you okay?" Obi-Wan stepped forward, alarmed. "Do you feel unwell?" His eyes couldn't help but fall on the suitcase that lay upon the floor. "You're not leaving!" His voice became as sharp as the narrow ridges on his brows. "Surely you can't be serious!" Jemmiah waved away his suspicions, half-turning her face towards the suitcase. "It's not what you think, Ben. I'll stay here for as long as the council are prepared to put up with me…however long that is." She gave an indifferent shrug, although gazing round the room with undisguised fondness. "It's just that…well." "Yes?" She swallowed. "About what I was saying to you before…arranging the trip to Florizan to take Evla's ashes home? Things have moved more quickly than I anticipated. An-Paj says that as long as I monitor my condition with more vigilance then there isn't any reason why I can't go…and Qui-Gon's arranging to collect Evla's ashes as I speak. There's no reason to put the trip off, really. I just feel…" Obi-Wan noted the slight break in her voice but said nothing, allowing her to compose herself and gather her thoughts as best she could. Never one for speaking what was on her mind, confession never came easily to Jemmiah. Voicing her inner thoughts and fears happened rarely, and when she did it always left Obi-Wan slightly off guard and uncertain how to respond. "I feel that whilst it will be difficult to leave this place for any length of time, I have to get away. The sooner the better. I've contacted Evla's family and they've agreed to put me up for as long as I want." She took a small, steadying breath. "So I'm leaving in two days time." "So soon?" Obi-Wan frowned. "But I doubt that the council would sanction…" He stopped, nodding slowly to himself. Now he understood the reason for her consternation. The council wouldn't sanction any leave for himself, or indeed for Qui-Gon if they insisted upon it, at such short notice. Jemmiah knew it, too. Which meant one thing: he would not be accompanying her on her vacation. He could see how torn she was by this decision, and whilst he couldn't deny his disappointment Obi-Wan could recognise her unhappiness, and rather than feel spurned took it as a sign of her continuing love and consideration for his feelings. If the Kaligari debacle had taught him anything it was the need to allow Jemmiah her own personal space and not constantly smother her with affection. He was mature enough to see things for what they really were: now it was down to him to make certain she felt no discomfort or disloyalty in putting herself first. "You want to go alone, is that it?" He asked gently, trying to make it easier for her. "If you feel uneasy about doing so then I don't mind in the slightest." "Y-you don't?" Jemmy asked, the relief evident in her eyes. "Oh, Ben…you've no idea how glad I am to hear you say that. I've felt so torn up about this ever since I first got the idea to visit Florizan. Especially since you've been planning to ask the council for leave after we arrived back from Urior. I really don't mean to be so selfish…" Obi-Wan smiled. "I know. It doesn't matter. What does matter to me is your happiness. And," he paused uncertainly, "your safety. I have to admit that I'd rather you didn't go alone." Jemmiah bit her lip. "So," he continued, taking pity upon her, "Maybe you should consider inviting Rela? I'm sure that she will display the right degree of support whilst being aware of your need for privacy at such a time. And she's in need of a vacation as much as anyone else. Besides, capable as you are I'd be happier if you didn't travel alone." Because of her illness, Jemmiah wondered, gazing into his eyes once again in search of the truth, or because of something else? Not for the first time she wondered what had happened to make Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan so jumpy about the idea of her travelling off planet. Conversely, for reasons best known to themselves, the pair of them seemed more relaxed with the notion of her exploring Coruscant. It was so tempting to demand he tell her what he was hiding from her…but common sense and understanding stayed her hand. Who didn't have secrets of their own? The force knew her own weighed heavily upon her heart… The difference is that my secret won't harm him. He doesn't need to know about my medication. I'm sure he'd want me to tell him, but it isn't necessary that he know. If there's something he and Qui-Gon are protecting me from then there must be a reason - a danger - that I'm unaware of. But then if it were that serious surely they would tell me? Would they hold my safety so cheap? No: the fact Obi-Wan wanted Rela to go told her that any danger there was to her couldn't be so very serious. She couldn't begin to put in words how grateful she was to him not only for understanding but also for allowing her to extricate herself from the difficult situation with a degree of dignity. Had he then guessed she had asked Rela? Whilst she couldn't say for certain she suspected that he had, but Obi-Wan's face revealed nothing except a sincere wish for her happiness. "Thank you, a thousand times." Jemmy launched herself into an embrace, throwing her arms around the padawan's back. "Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being my best friend…" She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling his hands tighten supportively around her back. "I hope I always shall be." Obi-Wan laughed briefly. "Especially when I have an incentive like this to encourage me!" He reached up, and with one hand began to stroke the long strands of chestnut hair that hung loosely down her back. "Don't feel guilty about this vacation, Jemmy. I admit I should have liked to accompany you, but I understand if you feel you need time to come to terms with all that has happened of late. Go to Florizan with my blessing and come back well and safe. Take Rela with you. And most of all do whatever you feel you need to do to bring peace and closure." It was as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Jemmy relaxed in his firm embrace, glad of his warmth and support. Briefly her thoughts turned back to Evla, and the realisation that she would never again share a similar moment with her, or be held or comforted in her guardian's arms. It only served to make the moment with Obi-Wan more bittersweet than before. She didn't know what life held for her: what pleasures or traumas awaited down the line. The one thing of which she could be certain was that change was inevitable. Life never stood still for a moment: people would come and go, and face their own mortality, as they always had since the dawn of time. One day, perhaps, if the galaxy was cruel enough she could lose Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon the same as she had Evla, and her family - and she was powerless to stop it. That was the very nature of existence. It was not in her abilities to hold back death or to challenge the will of the force. The one thing she could do was to make the most of every precious moment given to her, and live life to its very fullest, just as Nadine had advised her to do. When she returned to Coruscant she would make it up to Obi-Wan, and truly thank him for his understanding. And maybe, just maybe, she could start to live again. It had been a rather understated, simple farewell. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had accompanied both girls to the spaceport and waited with them until it had been time to depart. As the final hugs and pleasantries were exchanged the padawan had whispered in Rela's ear for her to keep an eye on Jemmy as best she could. Rela for her part, delighted that Obi-Wan had stepped aside to put Jemmy's wishes first, had readily nodded her agreement. The red haired girl was still palpably thrilled at the prospect of a real vacation but was suitably mindful of the real reason behind their journey, and resolved to be as subtle and unobtrusive a presence as she could possibly be. As Jemmiah had walked up the ramp to the transport she'd glanced uncertainly over her shoulder towards Obi-Wan, bidding him a silent goodbye. In reply he had raised a single hand, offering both Rela and Jemmiah a reassuring wave before the doors had closed behind them: the transport slowly lifting on its repulsars, heading gradually towards the skies. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon followed the vehicle with their eyes until it became nothing more than a small dot upon the horizon…and then finally faded from sight. Obi-Wan pondered a moment upon that last, haunted look that Jemmiah had thrown him. What had she meant by it, he wondered? Had it been a final moment of regret that he was not accompanying her? Was the true enormity of Evla's loss slowly starting to sink in at long last? Or was it something else: a silent plea for him to be constant…to be there for her when she returned? Grimly, Obi-Wan's thoughts returned to Lauria, and what had very nearly happened that dreadful, alcohol-filled evening in her father's cantina. He'd made a vow to the Jedi, to Jemmiah and to himself. He would never allow anything like that to happen again. It wasn't the first time he'd felt something for somebody. There had been others before Jemmy, although nothing of a lasting nature to make the council feel so much as a twinge of anxiety. There had been Siri, although only in terms of thought and not deed: her strong personality and firebrand wit captivating him as they had grown and found their feet as padawans. Jemmy was different in many respects. He sometimes felt as if he had known her from before they had even met, as if the force had somehow connected them and destined that they be together. Above all things Obi-Wan wanted to make sure she was protected and safe, just as he had when she had been little more than a child. Rela would do an admirable job in his absence, he had no doubt. And she wouldn't interfere or cloud Jemmy's thinking the way that his presence might have. He sighed, wondering if he would ever be able to strike the correct balance between friend, companion, protector and lover. No wonder the Jedi had forsworn attachments… A hand fell upon his shoulder. "Come, padawan. It's time to leave." Qui-Gon's voice stirred him from his reverie. "I have an errand to run of sorts. You may return to the temple if you wish." Obi-Wan frowned. "An errand? Where?" "A visit to the Chancellor. He was good enough to grant me some of his time before more pressing matters of state needed his attention. I fear that you might find the conversation a touch dull, given your dislike of politicians, but if you wish to attend then by all means you may accompany me." Distasteful as the prospect of political dialogue seemed, Obi-Wan smiled at Qui-Gon. "I'll go with you, master." He replied dutifully. "As I always do." Finis Valorum offered his friend a seat, gesturing with his hand at the comfortable looking black leather chair opposite him. His hair was beginning to grey rapidly now, Qui-Gon thought as he sat down, regarding his friend with a casual air. Burdened with the cares of the galaxy, as in many ways he himself was in his capacity as a Jedi, Qui-Gon reasoned that the premature ageing of the sharp-witted and intelligent Chancellor was in no small part down to pressures of office. Success usually came at a price and there was no doubt that whilst Finis Valorum had been an extremely successful chancellor overall, his personal life was a well-documented disaster. His wife had died some time ago, leaving him with two headstrong children to look after. Since that day a veritable string of young, well-bred feminine beauties were to be seen in his company at official state functions. And for those not-so-official moments there were also those highly available ladies who worked in establishments of a less than senatorial reputation. One of these hangers-on had ensnared Obi-Wan in the chamber outside, much to Qui-Gon's surprise. It didn't seem to have taken him long to have gotten over Jemmiah's departure some mere hours before, for he had eagerly engaged her in lively conversation. Fickle as his padawan's behaviour was it relieved Qui-Gon that the boy was not going to be a witness to the conversation between himself and Valorum, which he had a suspicion might bring some rather nasty facts to the surface… "It's an honour to see you again." Finis smiled warmly, dropping his slightly stiff-shouldered and rigid posture in the presence of his friend. "I was sorry to see you leave so early the other night. Official business, was it?" "Not exactly." Qui-Gon allowed his head to rest against the high back of the chair, his sights trained directly upon the chancellor. "I had a message from the infirmary requesting that I return to the temple with due expedition." "The infirmary?" Valorum rubbed subconsciously at his collar, running a finger beneath the chafing fabric. "Not your young ward, I hope? You mentioned she was ill…" Qui-Gon nodded. "So I did. But no, it was not Jemmiah. It was her co-guardian, Master Sovalla who was taken ill. Not surprisingly with things as they are with Jemmiah my apprentice and I left your assembly as quickly as we could. I apologise for the lack of courtesy…" Valorum dismissed the need for any apology. "And how is Master Sovalla now, if I might enquire after her health?" "She's dead." Jinn said simply. The blood seemed to drain from Valorum's face, and Qui-Gon couldn't help but wonder if he were remembering his own beloved wife, and the reactions of his own children on hearing the news. Sympathetic as he was to the man's grief Qui-Gon could not help but feel, as he had done for some time now, that there was more to his behaviour than initially warranted a second thought. "I'm…" Valorum's face became grave once more. "I'm truly sorry to hear of it. Please pass on to the young lady my condolences and my sorrow at her news. Especially after what has happened…" Qui-Gon's eyes, as sharp and as intense as they had ever been, bored straight through the chancellor, registering every twitch and move he made. In part he had an answer now to something that had long plagued him: the problem was he didn't know whether he should be relieved or bitterly disappointed by the revelation. He knew that Valorum's greatest flaw had been loneliness, hence the succession of teenage followers that flattered his ego: it would not have surprised him if he had shown interest in one who was as beautiful as Jemmiah. But his response left him with a more troublesome conclusion. "Ah, yes…the Kaligari business. A terrible time for everyone involved." Jinn nodded slowly, deciding to change tack to see if he could throw the man. "Jemmiah got your flowers, by the way." He added with a wry smile. "I take it was you who sent that impressive array of foliage to the temple, yes?" "Ah…indeed." Finis' face began to regain some of the colour it had lost earlier. "I felt that given the circumstances they might cheer her up a little." "A noble and worthy gesture." Admitted Qui-Gon, squinting in puzzled fashion at the Chancellor. "Although they were clearly not your way of saying you were sorry for her grief at Master Sovalla's death, seeing as by your own admission you've only just found this out." He saw Finis breathe in sharply, never taking his hawk-like eyes from the man's face for even a second. "I have to admit that I am therefore puzzled as to why someone as busy and preoccupied with state business would spare even a passing thought for Jemmiah, let alone be kind enough to send her flowers…" Finis swallowed, but to his credit recovered his nerves well. "Qui-Gon, my friend." He stood up, hands upon the desk that lay between himself and the Jedi. "I have to confess that I do feel a certain…responsibility towards your young ward. I mean, she's a very engaging young lady. Few would not feel moved by the dignified way in which - with your help - she has attempted to rebuild her life. And then with the Kaligari…my own ship…" He lowered his eyes towards the ground. "Well I admit that I feel a modicum of guilt." The Jedi folded his arms, presenting the image of a man who was not going to be content with half-truths and white lies. "Hardly the feelings of a rational man." Qui-Gon continued doggedly. "I find myself asking why a person such as yourself, who merely put his personal leisure ship at the disposal of the Jedi, should feel any compunction at what befell those onboard? Did you order the attack? Did you tip off the pirates as to our destination? You have done all that you could to help the survivors and track down the miscreants responsible for this outrage. So," he paused momentarily before continuing on the attack, "I can only assume that if you feel any guilt at all for what has happened to Jemmiah…that it's because of something that happened many, many years before the Kaligari disaster occurred." "I've always felt a great affection for the young lady, ever since we were first introduced at the temple." Valorum had now left the safety of his desk and was starting to pace the room like a snared sand panther. "And have taken an interest in her welfare ever since that day…" "Which is most gratifying." Qui-Gon agreed, his voice becoming suddenly darker. "So, I ask you once more - why???" Valorum didn't answer. "You knew, didn't you?" Jinn raised himself from his chair. "About Nargotria. You knew about that nest of vipers long before Inga Calton vanished there. You knew…and did nothing!" Finis Valorum ran a shaking hand over his face, as yet unable to look Qui-Gon in the eye. "No wonder you feel guilt for what befell Jemmiah." The Jedi's words were as cold and ice. "You could have done something about that place long before she even ended up there! There were innocent people there, Finis! Real people who could have done with your help! One word from you - just one - and that settlement could have been destroyed!" "The woman would still have died." Valorum sounded audibly shaken. "If all the facts were made known the place could have been infiltrated over a period of months. A near bloodless coup would have occurred: tens of lives would have been spared. And Rufus Merdan would not be free now to cause similar havoc on the galaxy. He's still making Jemmiah's life a living hell. Not a day goes past when she steps out on the streets of Coruscant and wonders if she's going to return." "Please, Qui-Gon." Finis turned to face the window. "You have to believe me that this has weighed heavily with me ever since I learned of Nargotria's existence. I confess that I have…visited establishments of a nature that some might disapprove of. Many might then think that my condemnation of the evil on Nargotria smacks of double standards. But I don't hold with kidnap or torture. I don't support forcing women against their will into prostitution and vice. If I could have wiped the stain of that place off the surface of the planet then I would have done so, long before. But my hands were tied!" "How so?" Qui-Gon snapped. "Because," Valorum spun around, "there are many senators who have visited Nargotria! Senators, whose support, for better or worse, is needed for the continuing welfare of the galaxy! If I expose them, the whole roof will come off the senate - and pave the way for anarchy and treachery! Qui-Gon," the chancellor took a few steps forward, "there is corruption at the highest level here in the senate and there's nothing I can do to stop it! If I cut out the disease at its source the cancer will still spread! For the sake of the galaxy we have to let these things lie…challenging these people will only make things worse. I have to do what is best for the Republic!" "I cannot believe that you would allow this vile and debase behaviour to continue under your very nose!" Shaken, Qui-Gon found that his hand had automatically strayed down towards his lightsabre, even although he made no attempt to use it. "I for one do not care if you or anyone else chooses to visit a legalised brothel. That's your affair: not mine, or the public. But to do nothing about the settlement on Nargotria - worse to allow your senators to visit and encourage the abuse that happened there - is condoning mass slaughter! Have you ever thought what it must have been like to live there?" Jinn demanded, finding it increasingly difficult to control his emotions. "To suffer, as Jemmiah did? To see innocent people murdered and disposed of like animals? To be forced into actions so abhorrent that it would turn the stomach of a normal human being?" "Of course I have." Finis whispered, pointing at the holo on the wall. "Every time I look at that picture of Inga Calton. Every time I look at my children, and think how lucky they are that nothing like that will ever touch them. Every time I set eyes on your Jemmiah. Now do you understand why I feel guilty?" Qui-Gon somehow managed to mask his revulsion, consoling himself that Obi-Wan was not privy to the conversation after all. He somehow doubted that the padawan would have shown the same restraint that he himself had displayed under the circumstances, shocking as they were. Valorum for his part looked wretched, indeed heartbroken, and his eyes spoke of a man who knew that his grasp on power was already beginning to slip. Did he really believe he was acting in the best interests of the Republic in not shaming the senators involved, or was this - as Qui-Gon was beginning to believe - the tip of the iceberg? "Corruption is spreading outwith my control." Valorum admitted, sinking once more into his chair. "My hands were tied over Nargotria - and my mouth is bound, too. I cannot expose the senators involved because too many of them have knowledge of that place…and because they have a hold over me that would jeopardise my family." He looked squarely up at Qui-Gon. "I know exactly what it must have been like on Nargotria because I visited there, once. In the beginning. Before I knew what it was or rather…what it involved. It's enough to let the likes of Rufus Merdan have leverage over me. If I had exposed the senators then they in turn would have exposed me - and Merdan would have let it be known that I too had visited his establishment, and seen the pain and suffering that went on behind closed doors. For the sake of my family, who I protect by remaining in office," Valorum raised his chin haughtily; "I did nothing. And the answer to your next question is yes: I regret it every day of my life." "Your term will soon be up." Qui-Gon replied a touch unmercifully. "What will you do then? You can't hide from Merdan forever. He's been active in the nearby systems recently: he was on Coruscant immediately after the Kaligari survivors returned. You must give priority to tracking this creature down before it's too late!" Valorum closed his eyes, then wearily rested his face within his hands. "I am doing so." His muffled voice replied. "And as for my term being at an end: I welcome it. I had thought to do good with my time in office, Qui-Gon. I believe that in many ways I have. This business with Nargotria is the thorn in my conscience…the thing that plagues my sleep at night. A little thing, in many ways as far as the galaxy is concerned. But devastating nonetheless. I want Merdan destroyed as much as you do. Like you, I saw the horror with my own eyes - and can never be free of it. And I will do what I can, for as long as I have left as chancellor, to put right what has happened and make amends to Jemmiah in whatever way I can." This time the warning bells did sound in Qui-Gon's head. He reluctantly held out his hand to Valorum, who shook it with much gratitude and relief: delighted that his friend was being so tractable. Still, magnanimousity aside, Qui-Gon knew he had one parting shot he could yet deliver. "I'm sure she will be grateful for your tacit support." Qui-Gon shouldered his way into his robes. "Because I really doubt she'd be so happy to know that you had visited Nargotria…don't you agree?" It was a threat, clear and simple, and Valorum recognised it as such. A warning not to get too close to Jemmiah, or take any liberties with her the way he might any of his other 'kept women'. If he had any thoughts about adding Jemmiah to their number he had better forget it, for his own sake. Valorum smiled. "Even the Jedi aren't above blackmail." He noted much to Qui-Gon's discomfiture. "Nevermind, we're all human at the end of the day. Oh, it might interest you to know that they are thinking of amending the constitution to allow me to continue as Chancellor for the next few years. I was thinking of turning it down, in all honesty. I have no wish to go on forever, surrounded by lies and scandals, despite what you may think. The core of this rotten fruit has long since vanished, Qui-Gon. Scavengers are lining up as I speak to pick away at the bones of democracy. But I will do what I can to protect the Republic. I will not put myself forward to serve again, but if it is the will of the people…" "You must do as you will, Finis." Qui-Gon sighed; feeling completely overwhelmed by events outwith his control. He stepped up to the office doorway, preparing to leave. "You usually do." "I'm truly sorry to have left you like that." Obi-Wan apologised as Corrine seated herself next to him. The lounge was comfortable and private, and some distance away from the security personnel that remained outside the chancellor's office. However, even although he was unable to hear any conversation from outside the room Obi-Wan felt certain that Qui-Gon was engaged in a heated debate with Valorum, something that caused him considerable concern given that he had finally discovered the identity of the pretty red haired girl. Corrine, her name was. Corey for short. Corrine Valorum, to be precise. The female in question shrugged. "It hardly seems important, now that you've mentioned why. I admit at the time I wondered if I'd been stood up, but the explanation is satisfactory - if distressing. I'm sorry for your girlfriend's unhappiness, really I am. I lost my mother many years ago," she twisted the jewelled Corusca ring on her finger as she spoke, "but I can still remember how it felt. If there's anything I can do to help…" Corey's generosity surprised Obi-Wan, given that she had never met Jemmiah before or even learned her name, but he took it to be a sign of a caring and compassionate individual, one which the Jedi would be proud of. He supposed that being brought up as the Chancellor's daughter would bring her in to contact with some of the galaxy's less wholesome aspects; of wars, plagues and suffering…things which he knew he could never discuss with Jemmiah. Corey however seemed to understand and deliberate all manner of topics. "That's very kind of you." Obi-Wan smiled, shaking his head sadly. "Alas, she's gone to Florizan to visit her guardian's family, and to scatter Master Sovalla's ashes." His eyes seemed to mist momentarily, as if seeing something far away. "I hope she finds closure, at last. Force knows she deserves it…" "Obi-Wan?" Corey shook the padawan on the sleeve. "Are you okay? You looked sort of…distant." He grinned lazily at her, his cheeks dimpling. "Please forgive me. It's an irritating habit I have of looking ahead, rather than focusing on the here and now. My master would rebuke me for it. Although between you and me I've always thought that was because he's frustrated he can't sense the future like I can." Obi-Wan's expression became more sober. "I'm not sure he'd want to, sometimes." The door to Valorum's office opened, and Qui-Gon could be seen making his way towards them at a casual walk. Corey nodded towards him. "Time to go, I think." She smiled at Obi-Wan. "I hope that on this occasion you will keep in touch, if you can. At least to let me know how those dancing lessons go…" "Oh." Obi-Wan looked embarrassed at the very mention of the word. "I will, thank you. Although you'll probably hear the screams of pain from the temple as I tread on everyone's toes…" "You have my number, now!" Corey warned him. "I demand to hear from you! You're about the only interesting person I've spoken to these last few years. Everyone on Coruscant seems to be dead from the nose up! Society is such a terribly dull thing…" Spoken like Jemmiah, thought Obi-Wan admiringly, approving more and more of Corrine. I think the two of them would like each other if they were to meet. Still, that's not very likely at the moment. I wonder if Jemmy's okay? Will she even think of me at all when she's away? I just wish she felt able to open her heart to me the way that Corey seems to… "It's time to leave, padawan." Qui-Gon nodded a respectful greeting to Corrine. Obi-Wan stood up and similarly bowed to Corrine. "Did your errand go according to plan, master?" He asked, puzzled by the man's indignant, almost wounded expression. "Unfortunately, yes." Qui-Gon replied. "Let's just say that I am rapidly coming around to your way of thinking as regards politicians and politics in general." He eyed Corrine warily. "And I wouldn't want you to jeopardise that by remaining too long in the presence of the more attractive aspects. Come, let us return to the temple where we belong." Obi-Wan smiled at Corrine, clutching at the freshly written contact details scrawled upon pink flimsy. This time he wasn't going to lose them. "Goodbye." He bowed once again, feeling Qui-Gon's arm spin him around. "Goodbye, Obi-Wan." Corey waved, although he was facing the wrong way. She watched him leave and felt a curious emptiness develop within her. Loneliness had plagued her father's life since her mother had died and it had left its mark on her, too. She had few friends of her own that were considered suitable, or would even speak to her bearing in mind her elevated position as the chancellor's daughter. Her brother was unmanageable and obnoxious at best. And her boyfriend was wearisome. What Corey needed was a companion: someone with whom she could talk to about anything from galactic affairs to the Gabali championship finals. Perhaps, in Obi-Wan, she had finally found that someone. Corey was eventually admitted to her father's office, noting that the man looked distinctly exhausted and unaccountably troubled. Politics, no doubt. Whilst she admired her father's desire to help those in the Republic there remained a small, resentful part of her that hated what it had done to him and to those who loved him. Days would go by on occasions without her seeing him. Sometimes she wondered if she really knew who the true man behind the chancellor's mask was. Yet she knew that he was even lonelier than she was… "What did the Jedi want?" Corey asked dutifully, clasping her hands behind her back. "Hmm?" Finis looked up at his daughter. "Oh, nothing much. Just getting a few things sorted out, that's all. Master Jinn and I are old friends from years back." "You look tired, father." She peered into his face. "I wish you would take a little time off every now and again. You can't serve the galaxy if you're making yourself ill in the process. And you are due a vacation. Master Jinn's padawan said his lady friend has gone to Florizan. Somewhere like that would be really nice, wouldn't it? Somewhere with beaches and blue skies?" Finis Valorum drummed his fingers on the desk for a few minutes, deep in thought. "I'm sure that my deputy could look after matters well enough in my absence." He agreed after a moment of deliberation. "I have to admit that Florizan does sound ideal, in many ways." Corey blew out a deep breath of relief. She thought it would take much more arguing to persuade him: maybe he was feeling more exhausted than she had thought. "It will do you the power of good." She grinned, watching her father's features relax into moderate contentment. "Even chancellor's need down-time! Maybe you'll find what you've been looking for." Finis felt his mouth twist upwards into a satisfied smile, recalling the com-code that Jemmiah had given him one carefree, happy moment at the debutantes ball. Florizan wasn't so very far away… "Perhaps," he nodded his agreement, "I already have." |
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