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"I don't see why I can't come," Peel did not whine as he made sure Obi-Wan's pack was ready to go.
"It's your job to make sure Wooley doesn't stow away again," said Obi-Wan with a laugh, hefting his pack. The bag was quickly grabbed by Vonty as he passed by and taken into the Lucky Jedi. "Ah, thank you, sweetheart."
"No problem, hot stuff," called Vonty from inside his LAAT.
"Besides," continued Obi-Wan, turning back to Peel. "This is going to be a delicate mission. The Separatists leaders who agreed to meet for peace talks were very insistent about the most minute details."
"Well, I'll sit on Wooley if I have to," replied Peel glumly. "But I'd rather be going with you."
"Thank you, sweet love," replied Obi-Wan. "I wish I could take more of you, truly. But I'm limited to six escorts." He rested a hand on Peel's shoulder as he explained. "Of course, Cody is going because…."
Obi-Wan trailed off as Cody walked by and interrupted, "Because I'm your favorite."
Laughing, Obi-Wan tried to explain, "No, my love, that's not why—"
Cody turned back to lean on Peel and said, "It's because I'm the boss, and I make the decisions. Sorry, Vod'ika, that you didn't get the invite." Rolling his eyes, Peel shrugged off Cody. With a smirk, Cody strode toward the Lucky Jedi, giving Obi-Wan's rear a pinch as he walked by.
Obi-Wan gave him a half-hearted glare before turning back to Peel. "Stars, he's in a cheery mood today."
Knowing the Marshal Commander had had their husband all to himself last night, Peel had a few guesses as to why. He rolled his eyes again.
Obi-Wan smiled to himself and continued, "Busy and Truff are going to keep notes and help read over documents. Tracker is coming because he's got a knack for spotting trouble. Threepwood is coming because he's the best at figuring people out. And Overtopp will be coming just in case we need a medic."
"Naw, I get it," replied Peel. "I'll just miss you, angel."
Obi-Wan tugged him into his arms for a hug. "I'll miss you too, sweet love." Then, after a few moments, Obi-Wan shifted and whispered, "Do you think we have time for a quick—?"
"No, you do not," said Tracker, apparently close enough to overhear as he walked onto the LAAT.
"Sorry, my sweet Peel," said Obi-Wan, pulling back with a blush. "I suppose this is goodbye. But only for now. Besides, the Negotiator will remain in orbit nearby if we need you."
Peel leaned forward and kissed Obi-Wan. Then, after they pulled apart, he walked Obi-Wan over to the transport. Though the Jedi certainly didn't need it, Peel helped Obi-Wan climb aboard after one more quick kiss.
"Bye, sweet love," called Obi-Wan as the side doors shut. Peel stepped back and waved at the leaving ship.
Onboard, Obi-Wan settled in, buckling his own restraints; thank you very much, Overtopp. The medic huffed as he sat next to Obi-Wan. Cody had already claimed the other seat beside Obi-Wan. Busy and Truff sat across and started going over the dockets provided by the Senate. Obi-Wan leaned back against Overtopp and let the explanations and questions of his loves surround him. Force-willing, the peace talks would go well.
The peace talks were not going well.
Obi-Wan sighed. He supposed that it was to be expected. You can't undo decades of distrust that had led to years of war in a single afternoon. But it would have been nice to make some progress.
Well, Obi-Wan thought, almost every group did want an end to the conflict. That was progress. The dozens of officials just disagreed on how it would happen, what they would have to give up, what reparations would be made, or what treaties and tariff agreements would be signed. And so on. Endlessly.
To be fair, several planets were willing to forgive and forget as long as they were allowed to be independent, Serenno leading them. Unfortunately, the corporations and unions were entrenching and demanding ridiculous concessions from the Republic. The Techno Union and the InterGalactic Banking Clan were being especially absurd. (A galaxy-wide holiday celebrating the courage of the Separatists Heroes? Not going to happen.)
On the other hand, the Trade Federation was acting surprisingly gracious and helpful. The young Neimoidian newly in charge appeared to want everything to be done as quickly as possible. Perhaps he wanted everyone to forget just how the war started not that long ago.
However, when Obi-Wan suggested a short recess, the representative from the Quarren Isolation League took offense. "Since the Republic is so bloated and lazy, I'm not surprised that their emissary is already tired and ready to give up."
Obi-Wan smiled politely. "I believe a break would do all of us some good. Perhaps some refreshments?" A few attendants stepped in and began refilling drinks.
The Quarren scoffed, "Like I said: fat and lazy!"
Cody and the Vode snarled, silent because of their helmets. Obi-Wan placed a hand on Cody's forearm, calming him instantly. "Here, my dear," he said to the Chiss delegate from Serenno on his left, "you must try these honey cakes. They are quite good."
"Thank you," murmured the young woman. "I've been hoping to explore Raxus Secundus while I'm here. I've heard it's lovely. It's actually the first time that I've left my home."
Cody relaxed as the tension in the room eased, and conversations began around the room. The Quarren looked annoyed that his rudeness hadn't affected Obi-Wan, but everyone else seemed at ease. Cody kept his helmet on, not really interested in the food. Overtopp and Tracker were busy sampling the offerings over in a corner. Threepwood was milling around, chatting to various representatives. And Busy and Truff were going over their notes, organizing everything for Obi-Wan.
After a short hiatus, the talks continued. Or, to be more precise, the quarreling continued. Obi-Wan did his best to bring some order and civility to the process, but after a few hours, it was apparent that this whole endeavor might be a lost cause.
All the conversation stopped when the angry voice of an aged Koorivar broke through the din. "I care not for all of your petty squabbles! If the meat droids are not destroyed, the Corporate Alliance will leave and be done with this idiotic nonsense."
No one breathed.
"I beg your pardon?" Obi-Wan hissed, his tone cold and unflinching.
"He didn't mean—"
"I did mean it!" snapped the Koorivar. "These disgusting vermin you call Republic soldiers murdered my people, and I will have them all obliterated. Or the Corporate Alliance will return to war."
"No one will support you!" shouted a delegate over the other mutters of protest.
"They are sentient human beings! How dare you speak to them in such a way? You are a fool to threaten them so!" The young woman from Serenno rose and moved in front of Threepwood in a protective gesture. Threepwood quirked his head in puzzled amusement.
Obi-Wan raised a hand. Silence fell. "You may leave, Representative, if you feel that is best for you people. But you will not ever threaten my men again." Very calmly, he placed his lightsaber on the table. "If you do, I will collect your fucking head. Does anyone have a problem with this?"
No one said anything. The Koorivar and the Quarren both looked extremely regretful of their previous nastiness.
After a moment, Overtopp broke the silence with a laugh. "Idiot," he chuckled.
"Never threaten a Jedi," added Tracker, grabbing another hors d'oeuvre and popping it in his mouth.
"Kriffing hot," whispered Threepwood in admiration.
The Koorivar jumped to his feet, shaking with rage. "How dare—"
"Either sit down and shut up or get the kark out of here," drawled Cody.
The delegate froze, sensing something dangerous in the relaxed tilt of Cody's helmet. He sat down, trembling and pale green.
Cody stared for a moment longer before turning to Obi-Wan and giving him a nod.
"Thank you, my dear," said Obi-Wan. "Ladies and gentlemen, since cooler heads have prevailed, I believe we should retire until dinner."
Everyone agreed and filed out of the room, some more swiftly than others. Threepwood made sure to sincerely thank the young lady for her kind protection.
Obi-Wan and the Vode left the room last and hurried to the chambers set aside for their stay. However, before letting Obi-Wan in past the doorway, Tracker, Busy, and Truff did a quick sweep of the rooms looking for anything dangerous. "We're still in enemy territory," Threepwood explained.
"If you insist," replied Obi-Wan with an eye roll, but he gleefully took the opportunity to rest against Cody. "I'm sorry about what that rude boor said about you and the Vode."
Cody chuckled. "I'm sorry about what that other rude shabuir said about you."
"I have put on some weight," teased Obi-Wan, petting Cody's arms that were wrapped around his waist.
"Solid, sexy muscle," whispered Cody. "Karking hot. Wish you could be lazy, though. That'd be real nice. Just laying in my arms all day long. The Vode fighting over who gets to feed you chilled grapes and wave fronds to cool you." Obi-Wan snort-laughed at the picture that made.
"General Vod, you were pretty sexy defending us like that," commented Tracker, finishing up his search.
"Ah, thank you, my clever love," said Obi-Wan, only slightly embarrassed.
"Come on in, you two," said Busy. "Room's clear."
"We don't have time for anything other than quick showers before dinner," added Truff. "The schedule is packed."
"I call the first shower and General Ori'Vod!" yelled Threepwood.
"No!" came several voices at once.
"We really do not have time," said Truff, crossing his arms. "Shower alone."
"Kark it," muttered Threepwood. Overtopp smacked the back of his head. "Kark you." Overtopp smacked him harder. Threepwood stuck out his tongue but was quick enough to duck and scamper into the refresher before Overtopp could slap him again.
The party that gathered for dinner was small. Obi-Wan and the Vode made up a solid third of the group; most of the representatives chose to eat in their own rooms. Obi-Wan felt relieved. Everyone found seats around four round tables. Obi-Wan by Cody; next to him was Threepwood. The Vode would have all squeezed in with him, but at Obi-Wan's nod, they found spots around the room and prepared themselves for small talk. And hopefully good food.
The food was good, with many dishes to compensate for various species and cultures. But, unfortunately, the conversation was less good.
The older Togruta woman from some planet that Cody hadn't bothered to learn was trying to dominate Obi-Wan's attention. Obi-Wan, Force bless him, of course, had no idea that she was flirting and honestly thought her questions about Jedi abstinence were actually about Jedi culture and not increasingly transparently veiled references to sex.
When the woman asked, "Do you never seek any… sort… of pleasure?" Cody only snorted. Obi-Wan explained about different games and leisure activities they taught the padawans.
When she commented, "I guess things must get so… hard for you," Cody rolled his eyes. Obi-Wan explained that things had definitely been more difficult during the war, and the Order was ready for peace.
But when she placed her manicured hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, nails scratching the edge of his beard, Cody had had enough. Cody wrapped his arm around Obi-Wan's shoulder with a pleasant smile, dislodging her hand. "Don't worry, ma'am, the Vode all look after the well-being of the Jedi." He dropped his voice to a whisper and leaned toward the woman, "I personally make sure our Jedi is… well... taken care of." He leaned back with a smile that would have made Wolffe flinch and squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder.
Obi-Wan stilled looked confused, poor dear.
The woman looked taken aback, and a flush had risen on her dark cheeks. "Ah, yes, I see, no offense meant."
"None taken," said Cody, grin softening into a less feral smile.
After a beat, one of the other guests cleared his throat and asked, "So, um, I have heard that word before – 'Vode.' May I ask what it means?"
"I can explain that," piped Threepwood and carried on the conversation.
After dinner, when the other guests had left the room, Cody explained to the other Vode about the flirtatious woman, much to their amusement. That led Obi-Wan to exclaim, "Oh, that's what was going on! Honestly, I never notice that sort of thing anymore. I'm so busy with all of you, my darling dears."
"I somehow doubt that you noticed before," commented Overtopp with an eye roll.
"Yes, well—I don't—yes, you might be right," stammered Obi-Wan in defeat.
"That's why it took us so long to catch you," said Tracker with a smile and a hug.
"We had to take drastic measures," said Busy with a shrug. "Otherwise, you would have remained oblivious to our perusal."
"Well, I am glad you did."
"Ha!" laughed Threepwood, "Remember Cody stripping down to his shorts!? I think you finally caught on then!"
"Don't remind me," complained Cody. "I was desperate."
"Aw, best beloved, I'm so sorry," Obi-Wan teased.
"It's a good thing you're pretty," laughed Overtopp.
"Too pretty for your own good," Cody remarked, kissing Obi-Wan on the cheek.
"Incoming," warned Tracker as a group of five of the representatives walked towards them. He pulled off Obi-Wan, and Cody took a respectful step back.
"Hello," said the Serenno envoy. "We were wondering if you'd like to join us for a walk before we retire."
"Everyone says the sunsets on Raxus Secundus are the best," added a Gossam from the Commerce Guild.
"Sounds lovely," replied Obi-Wan after doing a quick check with Cody. Cody stayed by Obi-Wan's side while the other Vode moved to encircle the rest of the group. Force, but Obi-Wan loved his darling, protective men.
As they walked, Obi-Wan chatted to the various delegates as they enjoyed the scenery of the gardens.
"Our hosts mentioned that we can follow this path for a nice view," mentioned a sturdy-looking Koorivar woman.
"Oh, yes, replied the Gossam woman. "Apparently, it's not a long hike, and we can see the sunset."
"Let's get moving then," said Overtopp, nodding at the young Neimodian, who ducked his head bashfully.
After a few minutes uphill, they came to a narrow pass, where cliff walls rose high on either side. "We're almost to the top," explained the Koorivar woman, taking the lead.
"Hold up," said Cody, and the woman slowed down with an annoyed look. The other hustled to catch up.
"Good place for an ambush," Tracker mentioned as he passed Cody.
"Eyes open," commanded Cody.
As the group hurried, the Serenno woman stumbled on a loose rock. Busy grabbed her arm to steady her. Just as that happened, a warning flashed in the Force, but before Obi-Wan could say anything, Tracker shouted. "Incoming!"
Quick as lightning, Obi-Wan had his lightsaber out and ignited. He pushed past Cody and leaped to the front of the group, blocking a blaster bolt just in time. "Get them back!" he shouted. Cody formed up in front, while the other Vode grabbed a civilian each and yanked or carried them to safety. The assassin had only time to fire twice more. Obi-Wan blocked the bolts quickly, for Tracker scrambled up the cliff wall and tackled him to the ground. A quick stun bolt, and the assassin was unconscious.
"All clear!" shouted Tracker down to them, kneeling to check the assassin for additional weapons.
"I'm coming up," called Cody back to him. "Check for others on the ridgeline. Busy and Truff, go ahead and—"
Obi-Wan interrupted, "I'll go; get everyone back to the building."
Cody nodded and scaled the cliff. Tracker had already left, dashing along the cliff wall the check for other dangers.
Obi-Wan sprinted up the gorge. The ground rose dramatically and connected with the top of the ridge. He stopped short as the land dropped out before him; it really was a beautiful view. Pity.
Tracker met up with him at the edge. "No sign of anyone else. Only his tracks."
"Good eyes," replied Obi-Wan. "Let's head back and meet up with Cody." So they traveled back on the heights to where Cody was cuffing the Koorivar assassin.
The man appeared unconscious, but when Obi-Wan and Tracker arrived, the assassin twisted in Cody's grip and rolled to the side, scrambling to his feet. He turned toward them with a snarl and a knife. Immediately, Obi-Wan jumped forward and, with a quick upward thrust, knocked the knife out of his. Next, he swung his lightsaber toward his neck. "Surrender, my dear," he said, bored.
The man spat, saliva fizzing against the blade. Obi-Wan frowned and said, "Really? That seems unnecessary." The man looked around desperately, perhaps for a weapon or help. Cody stepped behind him, and none too gently finished putting on the cuffs. The man struggled a bit, but he wasn't so foolish to do much with Obi-Wan leaning aggressively closer.
Once the man was secured, Cody gave a status report. "Truff radioed: the civvies are safe indoors, our hosts have been informed, and the local police force are on their way."
"Well done, my dear," said Obi-Wan. He turned back to the man. "I'd ask who put you up to this, but I doubt there's much point. Revenge? Hatred of the Republic or the Jedi? Hatred of a fellow Separatist? Stopping the peace talks? Someone who still wants to make money off of war? Doesn't really matter to me, my dear. The only thing that matters is: did the Corporate Alliance agree to this, or are you acting on your own?"
The man glowered at him. "I was not sent by the Corporate Alliance."
"Then who sent you?" The man said nothing. "Ah, well," replied Obi-Wan, leading the way back. "I only hope your people don't suffer because of this, because I assure you, your foolish actions failed, and we will figure out who hired you." The man remained silent.
Cody joined Obi-Wan up front, speaking softly but not caring if the man overheard. "Do you think any of the others were involved?"
"Possibly," stated Obi-Wan. "We should start with everyone who went with us on the walk. They may be guilty, or they may, in fact, be the target. I'll ask our hosts to gather everyone together."
Back in the conference room, all the representatives and their aides had gathered in various states of agitation and confusion. The troopers had placed themselves around the room, and the police had arrived. Obi-Wan introduced himself to the police captain, who was more than happy to let a Jedi handle the interrogation. The officer sat the assassin down in the front of the room, where everyone could keep a close eye on him.
However, instead of questioning the would-be assassin, Obi-Wan turned to Threepwood. "My dear?"
"You got it, General Ori'Vod," replied Threepwood, pulling off his helmet with a wicked grin. "I have just a few questions." Threepwood turned to the young Serenno woman, whose blue skin was still pale from fright. "How are you, ma'am? Still shaken up?"
She nodded but murmured, "I'll be all right in a bit."
"'Course you will, ma'am. I just have one question for you: who invited you for the walk?"
"Oh," puzzled the woman, thinking back. "It was her – the emissary from the Commerce Guild." The Gossam blinked but said nothing.
"And you, sir?" Threepwood asked the young Neimodian.
"Same," he answered.
Threepwood turned to the fifth person who had gone with them on the walk, an older Ualaq Aqualish from the Hyper-Communications Cartel. The man nodded in agreement.
Everyone turned to look at the older Gossam woman. She hissed, "Obviously, it's wasn't me! The assassin was a Koorivar! So it had to be the Corporate Alliance!"
The woman from the Corporate Alliance snarled and said, "How dare you!? It was you and the Commerce Guild who want these peace talks to fail!"
"Why?" asked Threepwood.
The Koorivar snapped, "The Commerce Guild has made a lot of money off the war!"
"As has the Corporate Alliance!"
"Traitor!"
"Bitch!"
Before the two women could come to blows, the police pulled them apart. "Well, who was it?" the captain asked Threepwood.
"Both, working together," Threepwood said confidently. "They've been ignoring each other during all the meetings and gatherings, pretending like they don't know each other, but I saw them talking in the hall earlier. The Gossam woman invited all of us on the walk, and the Koorvivar woman tipped us off by knowing the route and trying to hurry ahead to avoid the danger of the assassin. Whether or not the assassin was there to kill or just disrupt the proceedings, I'm not sure."
Threepwood turned to the assassin, who shrugged. "I've already been paid, and my family has the money," he said. "Guess it doesn't matter. But, yeah, you got it right." He looked impressed. "They said they didn't mind a dead Jedi. But I told 'em they'd need to high a much more expensive assassin to make that happen. So they said making people afraid was enough. There were supposed to be a lot more people on the walk." He shrugged.
The other emissaries began talking excitedly as the three were dragged away by the police. "We'll have to confirm all of this," the police captain said, giving Obi-Wan and Threepwood a grateful nod.
"Well done, Threepwood," Obi-Wan praised as he clasped Threepwood on the shoulder. "And well done, Tracker," said Obi-Wan, turning to the other trooper, who took off his helmet to give everyone a quiet smile. Obi-Wan's face was a bit flushed, and his eyes shone with admiration.
"Yes, thank you very much, sir," said the young Neimodian with wide eyes. "If you hadn't been so quick – well, I thought we were going to die."
"Yes, thank you," chorused the other two that had been rescued by the troopers' quick thinking. Busy and Truff nodded, safe behind their helmets.
Overtopp took off his helmet and said, "I think that's enough excitement for tonight. I'm giving everyone a once over – especially your rolled ankle, young lady – and then everyone should get some sleep." The young Chiss woman giggled but gamely lifted her foot for Overtopp to gently examine. He was as quick as he usually was, and within twenty minutes, Obi-Wan found himself back in their rooms, he and his men safe and sound.
"You all did very well," said Obi-Wan, tugging Truff and Tracker into a hug. "I'm so proud of you all."
"You did very nicely yourself, boss," said Busy, pushing his way in for a hug.
When Threepwood hugged Obi-Wan behind, he started nibbling on Obi-Wan's neck. Finally, at Obi-Wan's moan and drooping eyelids, Overtopp broke in. "Enough of that now, boys. Our sweet dove needs rest. So I'm pulling medical rank; no shenanigans until after a solid eight hours."
"When have I ever slept eight hours?" Obi-Wan questioned with a laugh. He leaned forward to kiss the underside of Busy's chin but stopped and sighed at Overtopp's raised eyebrow. "I mean when I wasn't drugged?"
"Or in a coma?" chided Overtopp. "It's been too long. You need sleep, and I'm making sure you get it."
"Maybe I need to be worn out?" Obi-Wan wheedled, slowly rubbing himself against Tracker's thigh armor. "There's still a lot of adrenaline running through me."
"Oh, no, you don't!" said Overtopp, pushing his way through the cluster and tugging Obi-Wan out towards him. "Enough of that, my dove. You going to be plenty tired after today."
Obi-Wan looked over at Cody for help. "Don't even try," said Cody with an indulgent smile. "You know, I would if I could, but Overtopp's right. We need our negotiator sharp for tomorrow."
"Spoilsport," grumped Obi-Wan, allowing Overtopp to tug him into the refresher.
Cody shrugged and added, "Take a quick shower. I'll comm Fox and give him a sitrep in the meantime."
"You'll feel better once you get all this dust off," Overtopp cajoled, finally getting Obi-Wan inside the refresher. Then, he turned to the rest of the troopers. "You lot get the bed situation sorted – make sure Vod'ika has enough room. I'll make sure he doesn't slip in the shower." With that, Overtopp followed Obi-Wan into the refresher and locked the door behind him.
The other troopers stared after him.
"'Trip in the shower?'" repeated Threepwood incredulously. "Who does he think we are?"
"Karking bastard," hissed Truff.
"That little sneak," said Cody, sounding impressed. He turned to Busy and said, "Well, you heard the doc – let's get the beds situated."
"All mattresses on the floor?" asked Busy.
"You got it." Cody helped Threepwood lift a mattress onto the floor in the living room area as Tracker pulled back the settee. "Oh, and make sure you dock Overtopp's time with Ob'ika."
"You got it," said Truff with a grin.
The following day, Obi-Wan was well-rested, and the Vode were satisfied with the renewed security. (And if Overtopp was perhaps obnoxiously smug, he knew he'd pay for it later.)
Replacement officials from the Commerce Guild and the Cooperative Alliance had arrived, expressing hopefully sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident. Obi-Wan graciously accepted their apologies. Fortunately, the other envoys followed his example with perhaps less grace and more resignation.
The peace talks were making headway, much to everyone's surprised pleasure. Everyone was minding their manners and keeping calm. Surprisingly, the nastier (though not murderous) representatives were the politest. In fact, not a single quarrel had erupted all day.
Obi-Wan found out later from Threepwood that when Cody had sent his report of the incident to Commander Fox, he had also included a few juicier details. Fox had told Commander Gree, who was on leave, and told Master Luminara Unduli, who brought it to Master Yoda's attention. Yoda casually mentioned it in front of the Temple Guards, who told Feemor. Without hesitation, Feemor took the slow elevator down to the holding cells and explained everything to Dooku. Dooku frowned, asked for a datapad, and wrote a scathing and terrifying message to his former Separatist subordinates. Yoda approved the communique and sent it off to Cody, who gleefully passed it on to the more obstinate delegates. All this happened before Obi-Wan woke.
Everything had gone much smoother then.
Obi-Wan was a little miffed when he found out that like ten people had countermined him. But, by then, he was already heading back to the Negotiator so he didn't stay mad for long.
How could he – wrapped in the arms of the men who loved him?
There wasn't a much more peaceful place in the galaxy than that.