Love In A Faraway Galaxy-AnakinxOC

Chapter 18-Return to Coruscant

The morning sun slanted through the windows of the Senator's bedchamber. Groaning, Obi-Wan rolled onto his back, the silk cool beneath his bare skin. "I can't believe it's already morning."

"The sun rises whether we like it to or not." An amused female voice issued from the corner of the room.

Obi-Wan sighed exasperatedly and ruffled his hair. "I'm well aware of that, my dear."

Dorme sat in chair by the window in a robe, her bare legs crossed at the knees. She arched a dark brow at the Jedi. "I must admit I didn't expect you last evening. It's been a while since we engaged in a tryst."

Rising from the bed, Obi-Wan fastened the sheet around his waist. It was true. Jedi were forbidden attachment. This thing with Dorme was rare, a way to burn off some of the tension for both of them. He had no feelings for the Senator and neither did she have them for him.

Some of the other Jedi visited the brothels on the lower levels of the Capitol but he could never lower himself to pay for sex. There was something distasteful about it. Obi-Wan confined his affairs to the upper-classes. Dorme was a lovely woman, entirely suitable for an occasional partner.

Dorme poured a cup of Caf into a delicate cup. "Today, I'll be meeting with the Chancellor to discuss my diplomatic trip to Ansion."

"Of course." Obi-Wan responded politely, donning his robes. He had overstayed his welcome. "A critical endeavor. We cannot allow the planet to join the Separatists."

Smirking, the Senator crossed her arms. "Are you aware, your former apprentice will be at this meeting?"

"Anakin?"

"The Chancellor has ordered he and Master Pierce return. Apparently, Ani discovered some sort of conspiracy at the Caranda trade port. The communications' officer was involved with spying on the sorceress." Dorme's lips pursed at his surprised expression. "Didn't you know?"

"Unfortunately, no." Obi-Wan swiped a thumb over his bottom lip. He hadn't spoken to Anakin in days.

This isn't the first time Palpatine had commandeered Anakin for his own purposes. His former apprentice was extremely loyal to the Chancellor and spent too much time in the politician's company.

"What's interesting is that Master Pierce will also be in attendance." Dorme added.

"That's a word for it." Obi-Wan said politely.

What game was Palpatine playing? Cassandra was not a politician or a Jedi. What purpose did it serve to have her attend this diplomatic meeting?

Dorme's forehead wrinkled. "Obi-Wan, are you listening?"

Obi-Wan realized he had zoned out and apologized for his rudeness. "Forgive me, my dear. I was lost in thought."

She smoothed a hand over her dark hair. "Not at all. These are worrisome times for us all. Speaking of, do you have any advice for handling Master Pierce? When we met, I got the impression she didn't like me."

That did not surprise Obi-Wan in the least. Cassandra was extremely mercurial. Her moods shifted with the breeze, turning a simple conversation into a field filled with hidden landmines. "I am barely acquainted with Master Pierce. What I can say is that she is not someone you 'handle'. The best advice I can give, is think on your feet. Be flexible. Understand, Cassandra is not malicious at heart. She comes from another galaxy and does not always comprehend our ways."

Dorme sipped her Caf, politely refraining from comment. She was the consummate Senator. If anyone could break through Cassandra's brand of chaos it was Dorme. "For now, I'll have to ask you to depart. I must prepare for the meeting."