Princess. | obi wan kenobi

*°•*°•*° f o u r *°•*°•*°

After years of training alongside each other, Obi-Wan and Zara have grown closer than many would deem appropriate for Jedi. Nobody mentions it, they complete their missions to high standards almost every time and there's no evidence to prove that anything is happening that is against the Jedi Code. And there isn't. Not really.

However, this mission is one that Zara doesn't feel particularly confident about, even with her best friend and partner with her. The Republic cruiser that they're on approaches the Trade Federation blockade slowly. All three Jedi have their hoods up.

"Captain," Qui-Gon says calmly.

"Yes, sir?"

"Tell them we wish to board at once."

The captain turns and presses a button uncertainly. "With all due respect, the Ambassadors from the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately."

The voice of Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, is the one that responds. "Yes, yes, of course. As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal and we'd be happy to receive the Ambassadors.

A half-step behind Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Zara exchange amused looks. The legality of the blockade is exactly what's in question. The battleship looms ever closer once they've got the approval to land.

The small, unarmed Republic ship looks tiny in the large Federation docking bay. As the three of them step off the ship, a silver Protocol Droid greets them.

"I'm TC-14, at your service. This way, please."

They follow the droid silently as it leads them down a small hallway and into a conference room.

"We are greatly honoured by your visit, Ambassadors. Make yourselves comfortable. My Master will be with you shortly," TC-14 says before retreating.

Once the doors are closed, they all remove their hoods.

"These cloaks always mess up my hair," Zara sighs, running her hand through her recently shortened dark hair. Obi-Wan raises an amused eyebrow in her direction. "I'm just saying, is there really a need for the hoods? Or is it just for the dramatic effect?"

"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan says, his eyes drawn to the windows.

"I don't sense anything," Qui-Gon says casually.

"It's not about the mission, Master. It's something elsewhere... elusive," he replies.

"Don't centre on your anxieties, Obi-Wan," he warns. "You both need to keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs."

"But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future," Obi-Wan points out, the two men walking towards the window as Zara takes a seat at the table.

"But not at the expense of the moment," Qui-Gon reminds him. "Be mindful of the living Force, young Padawan."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan nods. Zara can tell by the look in his eye that he hasn't quite let go of the bad feeling. "How do you think this trade Viceroy will deal with the Chancellor's demands?"

"These Federation types are cowards," Qui-Gon says confidently. "The negotiations will be short."

After a few more minutes of waiting around, with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan now settled at the table with Zara, TC-14 comes back through the door just as Obi-Wan questions the waiting.