Oneness

The stars around them blurred into long white lines, and they were finally off to Alameen. Acaciah flipped through her holocards and watched her grandfather, who was gazing at the stars.



“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked.



“Hmm?”



“Alameen,” she said. “You were about my age when you went with Qui-Gon Jinn originally, weren’t you?



Obi-Wan nodded. “I was 17. Your grandmother was 16.” He paused. “It’s been a long time. I haven’t been to Alameen since you were…since before you were born.” He smiled ruefully. “Celianthos told me they were married. You can imagine how I felt to discover that it wasn’t true, and that I had a grown daughter living on Alderaan. Miriam threw things when she saw me walking down her path. I was afraid she’d forgotten me.”



Acaciah laughed. “You must have left quite an impression! Still, it couldn’t have been all bad, she didn’t throw any epaliers at you; your head’s still attached.”



Obi-Wan chuckled. “Now how do you know about epaliers, young lady?”



“I’ve been doing my homework,” Acaciah said. She straightened her back, folded her hands, and recited: “According to Zoruk’s Intergalactic Encyclopedia, epaliers are a small, easily concealed Class A explosive device. They consist of a small, round body loaded into a base that contains four retractable laser points. A Force-wielding Jedi Fiona could use an epalier’s laser points to inflict injury on an opponent, then discharge the explosive to detonate their escape vehicle.”



“Very good,” Obi-Wan said. “Anything else?”



“Yes, Geraint says don’t play with them, or you’ll lose a hand, or worse.”



“And he would know?”



“Yes, he showed me how to make one,” Acaciah replied.



“You have one?”



“Yes, it’s—“



“Bring it here!” Acaciah did as he asked. Obi-Wan inspected the epalier, its wires and crystals. He tested its laser points. It appeared to be in excellent working order. “Zoruk’s Encyclopedia indeed,” he said.



“I started there,” Acaciah said. “I just wanted a living, working opinion on the matter, so I asked Geraint.”



“I rue the day your cousin got kicked out of Savros College and transferred to Coruscant University,” Obi-Wan said.



“I don’t think he does. Janae, his girlfriend goes to Coruscant U. Janae’s going to be home for break while we’re visiting.”



“Lovely,” Obi-Wan replied. “I hope you’re not already making plans that will result in kitchen duties at your Uncle Roge’s house?”



Acaciah sighed. “No sir,” she answered.



“Good.” A small silence followed.



“Sir?” Acaciah began hesitantly. “How did you find out about my mother, anyway?”



Obi-Wan shifted in his seat, considering his answer. He chose his words carefully. “Celianthos sent a member of the House of Sakarte’ to speak with me about the matter.”



“Uncle Roge?”



“No, I believe he would have thrown things at me too, considering what he thought I had done to his sister, more than likely a few epaliers. No, Celianthos sent the only Sakarte’ who would speak to me at the time. You’ll see when you get there.”



Acaciah was not satisfied, and pressed, “Does Anakin know her?”



“Yes, I’m sure he does. He was quite fond of her. And you really should call him Master Skywalker.”



Acaciah stifled a frown as she thought of Anakin enamored of another woman, but couldn’t quite feel jealous, though she expected she should. Didn’t she know this person? “Yes sir,” she said.





Anakin Skywalker re-checked the settings on the new NavComp. Satisfied that all was in good working order, he headed toward the cafeteria. Daelus V was out in the outer rim, and here he was free to run the base as he thought fit, unlike the Jedi Temple. He made certain little things, like the food, were more appealing to personnel on the station. Anakin settled down beside Jaal, his second in command, and Kiros, his Padawan. Jaal and Kiros were both from the same homeworld, and shared the same deep ebony skin and hair. Jaal was a massive sort of man, who looked like he could snap a transparisteel column in half with his bare hands. Kiros, his apprentice, was tall and of a more slight build, though he too looked as if he’d fill out as he matured.



“Obi-Wan and Acaciah should be in the system soon,” Jaal remarked. Kiros perked up at the mention of her name.



“They should visit us, then.” Kiros said.



“Perhaps,” Jaal replied. “I understand Acaciah is going to learn a bit about her Fiona heritage. She’s never really known them, so it should be interesting to see how she reacts to them.” He shot Anakin a meaningful look. Anakin held his poker face. “Obi-Wan keeps her under close wraps,” Jaal continued.



“I have always known Acaciah to be a spirited girl. I doubt that or her curiosity have changed.” Anakin said dryly. “If you’ll excuse me?”



Kiros looked at Jaal. “Why is he so touchy about her? “



“Obi-Wan was Anakin’s Master.”



“I know. Acaciah says they argue.”



Jaal nodded an assent. “I suspect Acaciah is the reason they argue, though she doesn’t yet know why.”



Kiros frowned. “Does that mean they won’t visit? I was hoping for news of Coruscant.” And of Maris, he thought privately. Acaciah was one of the few people he trusted to know why. Love was forbidden among the Jedi, and though Acaciah had sensed their relationship, she had never judged them for it.



“I will invite them, Kiros, that is all I can do,” Jaal said.





Alameen was everything she hoped it would be, lush and green. Acaciah wanted to wrap its sensation around her like a warm blanket and roll around in it. She felt free from the prying eyes that surrounded her on Coruscant. There she was an unusual, some even said heretical Jedi. Here she would be just another one of Sakarte’s Daughters, she hoped. Anonymity was something she craved at the moment. Her eyes widened as they reached the landing platform. There was a reception party waiting for them. Each of the Five Houses of the Fiona had set up a banner and a representative to receive them. The Savros were currently the ruling House of Fiona. They were the first to greet them on the platform.



Typically pushy, Obi-Wan thought to himself.



Etos Savros, the current High Priest of the Temple at Parthenia, kissed Acaciah’s hand. “ We are please to have Sakarte’s Daughter finally return from Coruscant.”



Obi-Wan and Acaciah both gave a Jedi bow, and moved on. The House of Sakarte’ was next, and its representative wore emerald and gold robes that resembled that of a traditional Jedi style in cut and shape. The representative took off her hood to reveal red curls streaked with gray. Acaciah lost her Jedi propriety and bounced into Miriam’s arms. “Grandma!” she cried.



“Acaciah,” Miriam sighed. “The last time I saw you, you were but a wee babe. Now look at you! You’re nearly a woman.” She turned her gaze to Obi-Wan. He bowed deeply.



“Hullo, Miriam,” he said, and cleared his throat.



“We should go,” Miriam said, and the trio moved on through the dignitaries. Among the House of Ravenas, Acaciah recognized Janae, Geraint’s fiancée, who gave her a wink. The landing party traveled on to the dinner being held for Acaciah’s arrival.



The dinner was unlike anything Acaciah had ever seen. Political dinners on Coruscant were boring affairs, accompanied by long-winded speeches. No one was quiet here. The whole hall seemed a buzz with chatter. The Fiona had decorated the Great Hall in grand style. The tables were decked out in lush floral arrangements, flanked with crystal glasses and plates. The Great Hall was covered in banners of deep violet velvet and royal blue, all decorated with gold embroidery. There were servants everywhere, and even they were dressed in crisp, bright outfits, denoting t! he special occasion. Etos Savros stood.



“On this most special occasion, we are here to honor one of our own coming home. I would like to toast our daughter, may she add to her family’s honor and wisdom.” Etos said. Everyone stood, raised their glasses, and drank, and drank, and drained their glasses. Another toast followed. “To Sakarte’s daughter, may her children rival the stars!” The glasses were drained again. Acaciah glanced over at Obi-Wan, eyebrow raised. ‘Are they always this merry?’ she telepathed. Obi-Wan nodded. The glasses clanged to the tables, and were promptly refilled. More toasts followed. Finally, when Acaciah was beginning to wonder how anyone could stand up long enough to make a toast, the head chef came out and announced that the first course of dinner was to be served. He began to describe the course to be served when he was interrupted by the sound of the backdoor of the Great Hall swinging open.



All eyes traveled to the back of the Hall. There were a few audible gasps. A tall, broad shouldered warrior strode across the room, dressed in Jedi robes. His long blond waves were captured at the nape of his neck with a small tie. “Of all the nerve…” Etos whispered.



Acaciah was delighted. “Anakin!” she exclaimed. He bowed and kissed her hand. “Sorry I’m late, M’Lady. I’m afraid I received the news of your arrival late.” He eased into the chair across from Acaciah. Obi-Wan bristled slightly.



“Never mind that,” Miriam demurred. “You’re here, that’s what’s important. It’s good to see you, Anakin.”



“And you as well, Lady Miriam,” he answered. The dinner began, and the servants brought around the first course. Many of the Fiona in the room seemed to care less about the food than the free-flowing lager and wine in the room.



“A pity your people haven’t outgrown the need for such childish behavior,” Obi-Wan remarked, indicating a drunken couple who were making out at another table.



“I seem to recall you and Miriam having about the same level of restraint after the same amount of alcohol,” Celianthos retorted. Obi-Wan reddened under his beard.



“He had a nice bum,” Miriam teased, her eyes twinkling.

Anakin and Acaciah both laughed. “Master Qui-Gon encouraged me to get to know more about the local culture,” Obi-Wan offered.



“If I could go back in time, I’d like to see that,” Anakin remarked. Obi-Wan shot him a dirty look.



“If you could go back in time, there would be better things to see rather than Grandpa’s bum, no offense, Papa.”



“I’d rather you didn’t,” Obi-Wan remarked dryly.



Anakin was studying Acaciah intently. ‘All things are one through the Force…’ he 'pathed to her.



‘All places, and all times,’ she replied, startling herself. Where did that come from?



Obi-Wan eyed the two of them. “Do you have something you feel you should share with the rest of us?”



“No,” Anakin rejoined. “Not at all, Master Kenobi.”



“Acaciah?” Obi-Wan prodded. Acaciah recovered quickly. “Sir? I’m sorry, I was trying to get that image of you and grandma out of my head. What did you say?”



“I think you’ve had enough excitement for one night, my little Padawan,” Obi-Wan replied curtly. “Perhaps it is time for us to take our leave.”



“The guest of honor can’t leave this early,” Miriam interrupted. “You know everyone would be offended.”



“Miriam, it’s been a long trip and she ought to rest.”



“I’m fine,” Acaciah interjected. Miriam gave her an encouraging smile before turning to Obi-Wan.



“If you’re tired, you retire. I’ll stay and watch her. I’m just as much her kin as you are,” Miriam offered.



“Very well,” he said. “But I warn you, Acaciah, I shall expect you to be ready to work bright and early in the morning.”



Acaciah nodded. “Yes, sir,” she answered.



She wondered if Grandpa Kenobi left to save public face, or if he was simply not comfortable dealing with Miriam yet. Probably a bit of both, she reflected. Here everyone viewed him as Miriam’s estranged husband. The Fiona didn’t care much for those who broke family bonds.



Dinner was winding down, and the servants were clearing off a space for a dance floor. Some of the Fiona were already pairing off and going down to dance. She shook her head, bemused. There was nothing at the Jedi Temple that had prepared her for this drunken, jubilant revelry. She noticed Anakin was still watching her. Acaciah had always had a terrible crush on him when she was a little girl. Every time he came to Coruscant, she would run to him and smother him in a hug. She curled her tiny fingers into his hair and asked him when she could go with him, far away. She cried fiercely every time he left again, to the point where Papa Kenobi once used the Force to calm her down. Maybe that was why Papa seemed uneasy about leaving her alone with him.



‘Maybe,’ Anakin interrupted telepathically.



‘You’re not supposed to read my thoughts!’ Acaciah was indignant. Goodness, what if she had been thinking about her dreams about him! Rarely did anyone get through her thought-shields. It was a matter she prided herself on.



‘You eavesdrop when it suits you,’ Anakin said.



‘How do you know that?’ she asked.



Anakin rose and offered her his arm. “Dance with me,” he said. Acaciah was too curious to say no. They glided across the dance floor.



“How do you know?” she asked again.



Anakin smiled. “I’ve known you a long time,” he answered.



Acaciah shot him a quizzical look. “But I’ve hardly seen you since I was…” she paused, “Eleven or twelve, I think.”



“You know,” he offered, “you really should look into your history here. You’d find it very interesting.”



“My history? I’m only a quarter Fiona,” she demurred.



“You have more of your past here than you think,” he answered, and Acaciah shivered, in spite of herself. “You will understand much more of your life for having lived here.” She suddenly felt dizzy, as if she might drop into his arms without making so much as a ripple in time. Anakin pulled her closer. “It’s alright,” he whispered. The sensation strengthened, shimmering like the desert in her dream. Unnerved, she buried her head in his neck, like she did when she was a little child.



Miriam Sakarte’ observed the pair from a short distance. Celianthos sat down beside her. “She’s ready,” he said.



“Indeed,” Miriam replied. “I’m afraid I must give Obi-Wan some credit. He said Anakin exaggerated those tendencies in Acaciah. He was right, their bond is strong. It was wise to keep them apart.”



Celianthos assented. “I will begin working with her tomorrow,” he said.