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Missing Scenes
Pre Revenge of the Sith: Burning the Candle at Both Ends
It had been at least six months since Sabe had fully begun the ruse of playing a member of the Separatists and a little over a year trying to earn their trust enough to find herself in her current position. Acting as one of many contacts, her real mission was to receive pertinent information while posing as a staunch supporter of their cause all the while casting doubts between the members, thus dividing them from within. In truth for the most part this proved to be resounding success. But Sabe was only too aware of the dangers posed in her position and in truth couldn’t help but feel grateful upon learning of her impending arrest.
As she had been informed the attack would be led by members of the Jedi Order. Though she knew better then to hold such thoughts the former decoy secretly hoped the Jedi in question wouldn’t be General Kenobi. She knew how much the Jedi Knight was uncomfortable with deception and the thought she would have to hold the ruse against him left her feeling more then a little uncomfortable herself.
But security demanded that only a bare minimum be aware of her guise. Even amongst the Jedi only a few members of the council knew of her mission. Count Dooku’s role in the Separatists Alliance ensure that the game was played with the highest of security. As such whoever collected her probably wouldn’t be aware of her true mission or identity.
It was disconcerting to say the least and while she dreaded the thought of having a possible run in with Obi-Wan while in such a position she was more concerned about his comrade. Anakin was certain to regard this action as a direct threat towards his wife. If only he knew Padme was aware of the ruse out of necessity for her schedule to coincide with her duties as her principle handmaiden.
Yet despite this Sabe couldn’t help but begin to wonder how much of her ruse was an act and how much had become reality. She didn’t support the Separatist movement, even went as far as to regard the former Queen Jamilla as a disgrace to the royalty of Naboo for her gradual open support for the movement’s views.
But now that she had a chance to see the face of their ‘enemy’ Sabe was loathed to admit that there was far more truth to their words then she was comfortable with.
“Lady Sefa we should be departing right away.”
The man’s voice pulls her back to reality as she glanced back to the burly but well dressed man before her. The sounds of gun fire outside served as a reminder that only too soon things would come to a head and her mission would draw to a close. Nodding slightly to his words she quietly joined him as they departed the now empty command room.
“What of the others? Where are they?”
She asked simply hoping that if things were planned accordingly they would be walking right into the Jedi’s paths.
“We ensured that the leaders are vacating the building as we speak. Thankfully, we were able to make some preparations for the attack.”
The man added with a proud smile to her.
“Had you not warned us of the attack who knows where we’d be?”
Sabe inwardly sighed knowing without question that this commander too had fallen prey to the trap as well. She was instructed to give warning of the attack but not provide them enough time to call in back-up. While it made for a more difficult attack, it ensured that her role would be believable and would buy the Republic enough time to catch all nearby incoming and outgoing messages that would alert them to the other nearby Separatist forces who may be called in as last minute support. But at his words she bowed slightly giving him a polite smile humoring him as best she could for in fact she was only too aware of his interest in her.
“Thank you Commander, I am only sorry I was not able to inform you of this information sooner. I do hope they all make it out safely.”
She says quickly as they briskly make their way down the many halls that would lead to the launching bays where they were to meet with the rest of the Separatist leaders to depart for safer territory. If only we could have managed to get Count Dooku or the ever elusive General Grievous here, what a catch that would have been! She inwardly wishes all the while hoping the Jedi and their armies will not run into too much trouble in their infiltration of the large base.
'R2, lockdown the blast doors for the third tier hallway,' Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker ordered into his commlink. 'R2, do you copy?'
Obi-Wan had already directed his team to the docking bay, hoping to catch what seperatists they could. It was Anakin's idea to come in lightsabers blazing, in hopes of luring all of them into a dead end.
'R2? Come in, R2.' Anakin was getting frustrated with his favourite little droid now, but still felt the little guy would pull through for him. He just needed to give him more time. Patience, Anakin thought. Still need to work on that.
'Anakin, where in the blazes are you?' Obi-Wan asked over the comms.
'I'm coming, Master,' Anakin replied, some of his irritation present in his voice. He just needed to wait a few more seconds for R2... Though a Jedi Knight and no longer under Obi-Wan's tutelage, he still retained the habit of referring to him as 'Master'.
Finally R2 responded and Anakin commed Obi-Wan. 'We're set to go.'
Obi-Wan acknowledged Anakin's assent and simultaneously, on opposite sides of the building, came in as Anakin suggested, lightsabers blazing in glory, intimidating the remaining Seperatists who hadn't yet made it to the docking bay.
'You are under arrest for treason against the Republic,' Anakin announced.
Finally they had a nice-sized group cornered.
'Comms are jammed,' Anakin said in a firm tone as one of the members attempted to contact for help. He walked up to the man and ripped it out of his hand, crushing it under his Jedi boots.
Obi-Wan was about to chide his former padawan for his conduct, but reminded himself that he was no longer under his tutelage. He scanned the lot of them, seeing a few familiar faces.
As Anakin began ushering them to their awaiting transport, a familiar face caught his eyes. Sabé Nabish, knock-off clone of Padmé, how you have betrayed her... He didn't say anything to the woman as he had more important matters to attend to.
Obi-Wan sensed her presence before he spotted her. The look on her face confused him. Certainly she knew that he could tell it was all a ruse... Her loyalties to the Republic were so fierce that he would never suspect her to join the Seperatists. And he knew from their previous encounters what sort of jobs she had been commissioned to do. It was no doubt that her mistress knew of it as well, perhaps even ordered it personally. He was, however, thankful she hadn't incurred physical damage in the attack.
As Anakin went on ahead with half they group, Obi-Wan cast Sabé a brief glance as he escorted the rest of them onto the awaiting vessel.
Sabe was one of the first who caught sight of the advancing Jedi and for a moment was lost to the past as she remembered the first time she had encountered the peaceful knights. Frozen in position for a moment the decoy just watched as the Separatist leaders little stopped dead in their tracks. It was a grand entrance to say the least and it took all of Sabe's willpower not to show a hint of a smile. But as she sensed the familiar hum her eyes widen slightly as her heart drops to her feet.
Anakin's public announcement wasn't surprising but his rather harsh course of action to trample the man's commlink almost caused her to roll her eyes. No wonder they think so low of the Jedi she inwardly groused while wondering why Obi-Wan hadn't intervined only to find the answer through Anakin's lack of braid. More the pity. Burying her thoughts Sabe tries not ot look at Obi-Wan feeling the rush of shame creeping into her features. She knew she hadn't done anything wrong but to have him be witness to this was more then a little disconcerting.
However as she tries to keep her eyes focussed elsewhere she felt another burning into her and without thinking she glanced towards Anakin her eyes locking briefly with his. She could almost feel the fury rolling off of him and the obvious disdain. Neither was unexpected and yet to see it so openly sent a chill down her spine and for a moment she almost felt cold.
But as the group seperated into two half departing with Anakin while the other half remained with Obi-Wan Sabe's attention was briefly divided as the commander she had only been speaking to moment ago gave her a barely visible nod. She knew what was about to happen and couldn't help but be a little surprised that they would try this trick on Jedi. Had it been the Clones this would have worked without question but despite this Sabe caouldn't help but feel desperate to find a way to communicate to the Jedi negotiator. She hesitantly considered lowering her guard and sending a message through her mind but her lack of training meant not only would Anakin instantly pick up on it but worse the message may never arrive to Obi-Wan.
Instead she let her eyes drift in the Jedi's direction and as fate would have it he had cast her a brief glance. Without physically moving SAbe made eye contact before sharply letting her eyes move to the direction of the commander who appeard to be moving forward without resistance towards the awaited vessel.
Then without warning the power in the building died out suddenly as the Commander removed a hidden lasor pistol from a hidden compartment on his jacket. Others too whom were members of the Separatist's human army draw their guns and begin to fire while the Commander demanded the leaders leave while they could. They - the militia would cover their escape.
"Lady Sefa join the others! IT is not safe here!"
He barked as Sabe remain frozen in position before remembering her role in all of this, as she nodded casting him a polite look that she hoped would be convincing.
"Good-luck."
"Go while you can!"
Without another word Sabe ran hoping somehow that because of her connection to Obi-Wan that the Jedi would be able to use this as a beacon to learn of the escaping leader's direction and destination.
Of course as fate would have it, just when everything seemed to be going seemlessly, the power went out and all hell broke loose.
Obi-Wan didn't pick up on Sabé's hint until it was too late.
He deflected the blaster shots like it was child's play, even in the darkness he could still sense it.
Everyone took off in different directions, Obi-Wan went to disarm and arrest the easiest of them first, knowing quantity of arrests was just as important as whether or not they detained the leaders. Blaster shots continued to fire from the pathetic band of militia. Though he preferred to disarm instead of kill, there were a few instances when he didn't have a choice. One of the casulties was the seperatist commander.
Meanwhile, Anakin's group faired better. The seperatist members were hand-cuffed and under guard of some armed clones. He saw the electricity go out from the ship's deck and sensed Obi-Wan needed his help. He dashed down the landing platform, lightsaber blaring through the darkness. He found himself chasing after a small group of seperatist leaders, including Padmé's so-called "friend". Part of his thought it was just be easier to elliminate the leaders instead of arresting them, but as it was...
Obi-Wan took two more people back to the ship, leaving them under the guard of the clones before resuming the search which was by the minute losing optimism. The more time that went by, the less chance they had of making further arrests.
Anakin was not impressed by their attempt to escape. He used the Force to retract their weapons. 'Most uninmpressive,' he stated as if they were dirt beneath his boot.
Sabe sighed in frustration to herself as she slipped away with the escaping Separatist's who were ahead. So much for Obi-Wan catching her cue but then again it shouldn't have been expected the Jedi after all wasn't trained to understand the body language exchanged between decoy and queen. Leaving her to her own devices and hopeful wish that he would be able to locate her and the others through her force signature.
Sabe tried to keep the group together taking on the role of leader for the moment as she drew her own pistol to keep up appearances. Fortunately it worked and while some still managed to escape for the most part they were together. However even as they rushed forward Sabe could sense another nearing and to her dissapointment it wasn't the familiar hum she had hoped for. In fact it was anything but.
But within moments Anakin was within range and the remaining guards fired their weapons seeking to protect their commanders and leaders. Ironically Sabe was one of them. However though she herself had yet to fire a shot the former decoy suddenly found the weapon in her hand slipping through her fingers and falling to the floor in a clatter. Instinctivally she almost drew her blade but refrained remembering he was her 'rescue' plan.
At his remarks Sabe posing as Sefa raised a brow slightly playing the role of protectorate once more. Only this time once more she was the decoy.
"You didn't seriously expect us to stand down without some sort of fight?"
It was a foolish line to use but she hoped it would buy enough time for Obi-Wan to join Anakin. The more time she spent alone with the angry Jedi the more her patience wore thing and with it the faltering of her cover. She couldn't explain why but for some reason he always seemed to know just what to do to completely infuriate her.
'You call this a fight?' Anakin sniffed, slicing his lightsaber through the retracted weapons. 'More like a retreat, if you ask me.'
He stared the handmaiden down, her tone of voice always lacked the respect he felt he deserved. After all he was a Jedi and she was nothing more than a servant. And once he informed Padmé of her ruse, she would be an unemployed servant.
Aiming his lightsaber at her, he dictated, 'You're coming with me.' He eyed the other now unarmed Separatist cohorts. 'All of you.' When they were reluctant to follow his orders, he said, 'Now.'
Obi-Wan sensed the location of his former padawan, which happened to be quite near to that of Sabé. 'I have a bad feeling about this,' he said, dashing through the adjacent hallway, hoping to get there before anything bad happened...
Sabe casted him a scathing look as she raised a brow.
"And I suppose your childish display of destroying property is your idea of a Jedi's diplomatic solution?"
She remarked forcing herself to ignore his insults while refering to how he destroyed the man's commlink and now the guns. By the gods I can't believe we are both on the same side. But almost as soon as she spoke Sabe instantly regretted it. Had Obi-Wan been there she'd have nothing to fear, he would have at worst silenced them both. But without the boy's former master to keep a tight rein on Anakin anything was possible and none of the possibilities good.
As he pointed his lightsaber to her it took Sabe all her willpower not to step back. She'd be damned if she cowed before this farce of a Jedi Knight. At his intructions she remained still a silent defiance she knew she didn't have to do that was no longer necessary. But with him it was too hard to resist and as a result the others remained until he growled his demand, then they moved and swiftly.
She too followed her expression now dark and guarded. She had to keep up the ruse but inwardly she prayed the negotatior would arrive soon before either Anakin or herself lost all semblance of control over their eroding excuse of calmness.
'No,' Anakin replied, an arrogant smirk forming on his face when she nearly faltered to take a step back. 'I like to call it aggressive negotiations.'
His smirk stayed plastered on his face as she and the rest of their pathetic band began to move according to his direction. He could tell she was nervous, as well as angry. He found he liked making her angry, it made him feel powerful. 'Not only am I going to see you rot away in your incarceration, but I'm going to have the pleasure of informing your mistress of this deception...'
She curls a lip in disgust. You little arrogant...She takes a deep breath trying to calm her thoughts but to no avail as he continues.
"Oh you do that Jedi Skywalker, I'd pay to see her reaction."
She hissed under breathe her eyes turning to fire as she remarked quietly.
"Just don't forget my dear friend I'm the one with the wild card up my sleeve and you know it. One wrong move and I will not hesitate to show you up in this clever game of yours."
Of course she knew in truth she wouldn't not for Anakin's sake but for Padme's. Gods knows what she sees in this little cretin she inwardly fumed.
'You forget that I am the one armed, and I might add, not being incarcerated. Who do you think they'll believe? You're a spy and a liar, not to mention a Separatist,' he hissed back at her.
'I hold all of the cards now.'
Obi-Wan found the group, but missed Anakin's remark. He did not, however miss the fury that seemed to be boiling from Sabé. 'Is this all of them?' He did not like the way Anakin was intimidating the unarmed prisoners, but held his tongue.
'Yes, I didn't let any one of them get away,' Anakin replied loftily.
Obi-Wan reattached his lightsaber to his belt and walked behind the group, so as to make sure none of them tried to bolt. He sent Sabé calming thoughts as the group made it back to their awaiting ship.
She tries to bite her tongue and refrain but her temper was far too gone now as she hisses through gritted teeth.
"Hmph. Takes one to know one doesn't it? AS if your in any position to talk. You an even bigger idiot then I thought."
At Obi-Wan's presence she almost exhaled in relief. Thank the gods she inwardly sighed before catching Anakin's remark which once more forced her to almost bite her tongue off as she remained silent with the other prisoners. I'm the reason you got them all you fool!! She inwardly hissed. As they were led onto the ship she could feel Obi-Wan sending calming thoughts and it almost made her smile. Had it not been to risky she would have sent hima glance and a grateful look but it wasn't possible so she remained face forward and in the guise demaned of her.
During the flight back to Coruscant, Anakin kept figetting with his lightsaber hook as if he couldn't sit still for a solid minute. Obi-Wan took this as a sign that his former padawan had something on his mind, but did not want to talk about it.
'I'm going to check on the prisoners,' Anakin remarked, getting to his feet and walking off.
Obi-Wan shook his head. He had better not start anything... He was about to follow when one of the clone commanders informed him there was an incoming message from the Supreme Chancellor.
'Enjoying the view?' Anakin remarked casually as he approached Sabé.
Sabe was thankful that she was 'forced' to be seperated from the rest of the Separtatist leaders. She knew for all appearances it was meant to look sa though her volatile actions serving as the ring leader in the escape was the cause of it. But all the same she was grateful for the privacy and took the time to clear her thoughts of the fiery haze that existed only a short time ago. Sabe sighed softly as she glanced out the small window of her brig grateful to be able to return home. She had a lot of information to pass along and would be only too happy to have it taken off her shoulders.
She'd only be too happyto have a great deal of things removed from her shoulders in this moment but she would not complain for Obi-Wan's presence served to keep her seperate from his volatile former Padawan and she couldn't be more grateful for it. However she senses another approaching and instantly is on guard. Pretending not to notice she was not alone she tried to listen' for the familiar hum that would be Obi-Wan and found it some distance away. Damn she thought inwardly in concern, till the only too familiar voice of her bestfriend's husband caused the hair on the back of her neck to raise.
She would not look at him. She would not give him the satisfaction of letting him having the upper hand. Not this time. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her thoughts while praying Obi-Wan would soon join them or at the very least someone could call away the edgy Jedi behind her.
"It's beautiful as always. I enjoy watching the stars."
She said in careful tones trying to sound as neutral as possible but already feeling the storm brewing within.
"ARe you here to interigate me?"
She then asked simply.
Anakin folded his arms, amused that she refused to look at him. That just meant he had power over her and she knew it.
He chuckled dryly. 'No,' he said, opening her cell door.
Anakin walked straight over to her, grabbed her by the hair and slammed her against the wall. 'I came here to warn you, Sabé Nabish.'
She heard the cell door open as he chuckled. The sound wasn't pleasant and Sabe could feel her heart dropping to her stomach. Her hand instinctivally moved to where her blade should be but she remembered it was removed to upkeep appearances. Closing her eyes she breathes deeply and inwardly plots. But before she had a chance to act further she feels her long braid being yanked sharply. A sharp gasp escaped her lips before she is physically slammed against the wall so hard it caused stars to dance before her eyes.
"!!!..."
She couldn't reply eyes now a light with a new fury as he spoke. Animal instincts prevail as she struggles to draw her head back sharply to butt his. But the grip is too tight and so she attempts another course of offense. Jutting her arm back she attempts to elbow him in the face as hard as she can her mind no longer thinking in terms of coherance but rather following the need to take control to end teh threat at hand.
But even the strongest of metals will bend, when placed in the presence of a mighty inferno.
'Don't even try it!' he hissed, dodging her attempt to knock him in the face. He slammed her head against the wall with his metallic hand tangled in her hair. 'You listen to me, you little witch--
'You pull that again, and I will kill you.' His concern was about Padmé. Should their marriage be revealled it would ruin her career and he would not have that. Nor would he have Sabé's threats hanging over him.
He forced her to look at him as he added, 'And stay away from Obi-Wan. Do you understand me?'
He dodged the attempt with incredible ease and this seemed to only add to her panic as she tries to kick him only to fail as he slammed her head against the bulkhead causing her eyes to almost roll back as the inky blackness of unconciousness threatens to consume her. Blood now trickles down her nose as she tries to focus on the pain to keep herself from succumbing to her wounds.
His words causes a chill to run down her spine but she doesn't respond. She would not dignify his threats with a reply. But as he jerked her head back to force her to look at him she cried out in pain before forcing herself silent as the animal rage takes control once more.
"...I am...only...doing my job..."
She wanted to attack to spit on him to do anything to put this beast in his place. But while his rage rivalled her own his power surpassed hers in every way. Survival instincts told her to refrain and so she could only glare at him with curled cracked lips as she tried to ignore the blood that now dribbles over them.
'Your job?! Your JOB?! You call betraying your mistress, your so-called "best friend" your job? You make me sick,' he spat, releasing her.
Anakin was surprised he didn't feel bad to see her blood. She deserves it, threatening Padmé like that. Never. She will die before she attempts such a thing again.
Something inside of her snapped and the fear that once gripped her spirit suddenly turned into the siren's call of blind rage.
"You dare call me a traitor!? You who is living the lie of being the loyal JEDI! Gods the only reason the Order hasn't casted you out for your brutish behavior is because they are so damn scared the Sith will take you under their wing instead.
Chosen one indeed. This is worst form of a farce if i ever saw one!"
She growls back ignoring the blood that spits from her lips. Somewhere in the back of her mind Sabe could hear her instincts crying out warning her that she was going to far. To back down this was no battle she was meant to win. But all she wanted now was Anakin's blood on her hands, her loyalty to Padme didn't matter, nor did Obi-Wan's dissappointment. She had enough and the previous attack had on him before no longer was enough. In fact the thought of beating him senseless was almost intoxicating as she tries once more to slam her boot into him before attempting to swing a punch.
Her words ran through him like molten lava. Rage burned within him and he just let her rant continue. 'You know nothing!'
And then Sabé lunged, growling like some rabid animal. He used the Force to toss her back against the bulkhead again and ignited his lightsaber.
The message from the Chancellor wasn't long, merely congratulating them on their success and requesting Anakin's presence upon arrival. Obi-Wan said he would relay the message. The Chancellor thanked him again and the holo image disappeared.
A fierce pain seized him, Obi-Wan felt it...from Sabé... He rushed through the ship, passing the other people they arrested. One of the clone troopers tried to stop him to ask a question, but he ignored them. His thoughts were preoccupied with the ripping pain centering from Sabé.
What Obi-Wan found when he got to Sabé's cell was something out of nightmare.
About to retort something fierce before attacking Sabe suddenly found the ground lifting up from her feet. Her eyes widen in surprise and realization of the futile cause of her actions before she is slammed hard against the bulkhead behind her.
She cries out now in pain before falling limply to the floor in a heap as though she were but a ragdoll. Yet for some reason she remained semi-concious as through sheer willpower and the swirling rage of her thoughts causes her to attempt to stagger to her feet as she sways slightly the room now spinning violently as she blinks.
She catches sight of Anakin's lightsaber now ignited as she tries to speak, but only a weak gurgled reply escapes her throat as blood now flows freely from her mouth as well.
"...So be it...Do it...then...Show them....what you know...you are...Sith...not...Jedi..."
She tries to say her thoughts now a mish mash of rage, blinding pain and underlying panic. She moves forward slightly but collapses to her knees in pain just as Obi-Wan enters causing her to blink weakly in surprise. How did she miss the hum of his presence.
Anakin!' shouted Obi-Wan.
It was his former master's words that tore him out of his rage. 'I'm sorry, Master,' he mumbled, deactivating the lightsaber. He stood there, numb, immobile, only then realising how far he'd let it go.
Obi-Wan was not listening to Anakin's apology, nor wanting to hear any excuses. He moved past him, kneeling next to Sabé only to see blood. He would not panic. Panic would not do any good. Anger would cloud his thoughts, so he would not be angry with Anakin. He needed to help her. 'Sabé?'
She could hear Obi-Wan calling out as though it were coming a million miles away as her head is bowed her thoughts sporatic as she feels the powerful urge to just answer the inky blackness and slip into unconciousness.
Sabe tried to glance up to focus her eyes on the powerful hum nearing her but animal instincts were on full alert. Though the signature before her was warm, inviting like a blanket on a cold day Sabe's need to escape was overpowering and she shrank back as he said her name. Anakin's warning was ringingin her thoughts as was the sight of his blade and the pounding pain that was his handiwork.
i must leave now. I can't stay here. He will hurt him, he will hurt her. I have to get out. I'm only going to make him angry and then he will hurt them because of me. Her thoughts scream in tune to the pounding of her head as she continues to weakly skitter away her eyes now wild with fear, concern and panic.
"...Dont...come....near...me...please!"
She tried to say but the barely hushed whisper hardly seemed coherant even to her own ears as she tries to wipe the blood from her mouth her mind only not registering it's presence.
'Anakin, the Chancellor requested your presence upon arrival. Why don't you go and prepare for landing,' Obi-Wan ordered him.
It took a moment for Obi-Wan's command to sink in. When he finally got ahold of himself, Anakin backed out of the cell, without taking his eyes off that woman. When he finally turned away, he couldn't help feeling a bit satisfied with himself, despite the guilt Obi-Wan made him feel. Damned witch...
Obi-Wan put a hand to her forehead, reaching out to the Living Force to begin a healing trance.
She closed her eyes for a but a moment or so it felt as she tried to center herself. But it was to no avail as she drifted between unconciousness and conciousness while struggling to regain some semblance of control. Though it appeared like a failing cause as her breath is still ragged and her body so tense she is almost shaking. As Obi-Wan placed a hand on her forehead her eyes snapped open in fear but after quickly letting them shift around her Sabe couldn't be sure if Anakin was still near.
Casting Obi-Wan a frightened look she tries to speak but coughs weakly instead before trying once more as the soft warmth of his touch begins to calm her shattered nerves.
"...Is he gone? Is it safe now?..."
She asks in a weak shakey voice. The words weren't nearly what she wanted to say but in her instinctive state of mind all that seemed to matter was survival. If the threat was near she would have to go, there was no other way around it.
Her words tore at his very soul. Had Anakin really-- No, no, he couldn't have. He wouldn't let himself believe it.
Obi-Wan continued doing his best at healing, though it was by far not his most talented area of the Force. 'Save your strength,' he whispered, still concentrating hard on repairing damaged cells.
He didn't know how long he stayed in the trance as his thoughts wandered. He should have been there. He shouldn't have let Anakin go alone. He ought've had them take a recording of the Chancellor's message, but instead, he went against his feeling and wasn't there to prevent this from happening...
The ship landed and he wasn't aware of the troopers ushering the detainees off to their new cells, nor did he pay heed to Anakin telling him he was off to see the Chancellor. His sole concentration was Sabé.
A medical unit arrived, but it was like buzzing in the background to Obi-Wan. It wasn't until they prodded him that he was jarred out of his trance. He helped them place her semi-conscious form on a repulsorlift bed and followed it to the medical bay.
She didn't respond to his words for her thoughts had now become only aware of the healing warmth of his trance. She felt so cold only moments ago, as though she was outside in the midst of the Naboo winter without a coat and then suddenly as though by some miracle a warmth had filled her very spirit wrapping itself around her. It was wonderfully peaceful and so comforting. It reminded her of everything that was the Jedi Knight she called friend, but far more intence. But in her semi-concious state she couldn't quite remember that it is thie very Knight who was healing her. All she could register is that something gentle and soothing was pouring over her very soul. Literally healing the wounds and pain caused by the danger that she can't quite put a name on anymore.
In silence she remained still with eyes closed, her head bowed in shy acceptance to his touch. She didn't feel worthy of the gift that is being bestowed upon her and yet Sabe couldn't find the strength to resist it. It was just too beautiful not to embrace.
Though she couldn't quite tell if she was in a dream or a wakened state but she could feel someone lifting her form up. She tried to help them by moving to her feet but she wasn't sure if her feet were on solid ground or if she was still in the peaceful ocean that was the healing blanket. Still she made herself try telling herself in sporadic thoughts that the gentle soul that was helping her deserved as much at the very least.
Once on the repulsorlift bed she forced herself to open her eyes weakly and was rewarded with the sight of Obi-Wan watching her. So it was him after all she vaguelly thought registering his signature and matching it to the warm energy she felt moments ago.
With cracked lips she tries to smile forcing her hand to move slightly as she felt the need to hold his hand. Her body still ached as though it had been through an incredible beating. However it was not nearly as bad as before and for that she was most grateful.
"...You...protected...me...thank-you..."
She tried to say but only a soft whisper managed to escape in reply for it hurt too much to speak now; a pain that had been there earlier but not registered in her panic.
Concern ridden in his expression, Obi-Wan continued his vigil for many hours. He lost track of time, but was finally rewarded when she opened her eyes and spoke to him.
He would speak with Anakin about this, that was certain. What could she have possible done to provoke him like that? And why had he reciprocated? It was possible that another prisoner had found out that she was a spy and Anakin had been there to break up the fight... Yes, that was probably what had happened. Obi-Wan had just misinterpreted the confrontation.
The main thing was that Sabé was going to be all right and no doubt after a round of bacta, she would be right as rain. He only wished he could have done more.
Seeing only droids in the room with them, he bent forward to place a kiss on the uninjured part of her forehead, sthed her hair and sat back again. He knew he needed to leave soon so it would not appear dishonourable to her.
She didn't know how long she had been out for but for the moment she was only too grateful to find herself far away from danger and to her immense relief in Obi-Wan's presence.
She offered a weak smile as he leaned over to kiss her forehead as she shudders a soft sigh of relief.
"...You're here...thats all that...matters..."
She whispers softly her eyes now filled with gratitude and relief as he sthed her hair.
"...But you should go...Before...he finds out..."
She continued struggling to form her words as she winces in pain her eyes soon turning fearful. She would not let Obi-Wan or Padme suffer unnecessarily because of her selfish need to be near them.
'Who, Sabé?' he asked, wondering if she would name her attacker. Certainly Anakin had seperated them and that's why he found them in the private cell.
If the healing trance hadn't taken so much out of him, Obi-Wan would have felt the shift in ds from relief and gratitude to apprehension and fear.
'Sabé, please tell me what happened.' He should have censured himself and waited until she had fully recovered, but his concern for her overtook the rest of his reserved self.
She tried to clear her thoughts forced herself not to dwell on the past. She was safe now and that was all that mattered didn't it? But as soon as this weary thought passed through her mind a new fear took hold. Sabe had to warn them, she had to say something both Obi-Wan and Padme deserved to know the threat she now posed to them.
But how could seh remain out of their presence when both of her duties and loyalty ensured that she would have to cross their pathes? Her head throbbed too much for her to formulate an answer and so she focussed on Obi-Wan's question. Closing her eyes briefly she takes a pained breath and replies carefully.
"...you know...who...I speak...about..."
She said softly wincing as she did so.
At his question her eyes turn fearful as she weakly shook her head. She'd rather not discuss the matter, knowing if she did Obi-Wan was certain to speak to Anakin which could prove disasterous. She would not be able to live with herself knowing that she had placed Obi-Wan and Padme in danger. While dying while performing one's duty was considered the highest honour for her; dying while placing her mistresses safety and life in danger in the process was not. She had to remain silent whether she liked it or not.
"...I can't...You don't understand...To speak...will place you...and my lady...in grave danger..."
She rasped softly before coughing weakly as a whimper escaped her lips, her jaw felt raw as though it had been torn or cracked leaving her helples to speak properly.
"...I'm...sorry..."
I just want to save you. I can't do that if you won't tell me who did this to you.
Her pain overwhelmed his exhausted form. He ached for her and she wasn't able to tell him, only that he knew.
Anakin? No, it couldn't be...but Anakin had apologised for something...
'Don't be sorry. You haven't got anything to be sorry about. I just wish there was more I could do to--'
'Master Kenobi,' one of the medical droids warbled.
He turned slightly to look at the metallic figure. 'Yes?'
'Master Windu is waiting for you outside.'
Obi-Wan nodded. 'Thank you.'
He turned back to Sabé saying, 'I am so sorry I wasn't there for you.' He felt like it was his fault since he should have been there sooner. He moved to leave to meet up with Master Windu.
She shook her head weakly at him as a tiny smile played on her bruised features.
"You...have done...so much...already my friend..."
She murmured quietly before falling silent as the medical droid called to Obi-Wan at it's remarks she tried to hide her fear. She'd rather not be left alone, should for some reason the fiery Jedi decide to return and complete his task. However she understood that the Order needed his presence and she would not interfere.
At his final remark Sabe weakly reached out once more to take his hand as she tried to give a light squeeze.
"You...were...now...that...is what really matters...I am safe...because of you..."
She says softly before closing her eyes as the smile continued to play a hint on her lips.
He tenatively squeezed her hand back, not wanting to hurt her. AS much as Obi-Wan wanted to stay by her side, he knew to linger any longer might bring her dishonour. He kissed her hand and let it go, starting to the exit. He did take a second look back before leaving. She looked worse than she really was. He knew she would be fine. He couldn't, however, erradicate the sense of guilt that encompassed him, feeling that he should have done more. He never wanted to see her hurt, not if he could help it.
'Master Kenobi,' said Mace once the Jedi exited the medical center.
Obi-Wan greeted him and the two of them walked down the hallway.
