Andriya was a little late getting the children to the loading area. Obi-Wan didn't have a chance to even introduce himself as the six students were herded onto the ship. In fact, Andriya concentrated so much on the children that the adults weren't even able to greet one another until they were both seated in the cockpit.

"Hi," Andriya said nonchalantly as she began the initiatory sequence. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Andriya Delvee."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"The kids are Rika Allmyac, Veya Kareel, Siydo Pradivi, Tigo Baylind, Wherkane Awestat, and Kinter Vosay."

Obi-Wan said nothing.

"Don't worry, it'll come."

Obi-Wan wracked his brain in search of some topic of conversation. He'd planned on asking her about her recent appointment to the Jedi Council, because she was only twenty-two, after all, but once he was in close quarters with her, her strong presence and command of the Force silently quelled any questions. It was just as well, however, since she appeared to be totally engrossed in piloting until they hit hyperspeed.

Sighing as she slid back in her seat, Andriya finally relaxed. "So," she began, turning to Obi-Wan. For a moment, it didn't seem like she had anything else to add, but Andriya was only pausing. "Don't you have a Padawan?"

How does everyone know-- Obi-Wan didn't finish the thought, remembering the fact that both people who'd guessed that were Jedi. "Yes," he answered, nodding.

Andriya just looked at him, waiting for him to continue. After a long pause, she continued instead. "How's training going?"

"Pretty well. Anakin is very strong in the Force."

"Didn't he want to come along?"

"No."

Andriya raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't tell him he could. I thought it would be better for him to stay and study under Master Yoda for a few days."

"Yes, that should be beneficial. Where are you training him?"

"On Mirnka."

"Where's that?"

"It's an Outer Rim Territory."

"Does it make a good training site?"

"Fair enough. It's basically just a vast desert."

Andriya contemplated his words. It was clear that she was considering mass training options for Jedi with his description. "What do officials say? Do they know you're training there?"

"Not really. But it's . . . not a part of the Empire, exactly."

"Oh. Why there?"

"It's like Tatooine--the planet we found him on."

She dropped the idea of training options. "So I take it he's--what did you say his name was?"

"Anakin. Anakin Skywalker."

"And I take it Anakin is doing well."

"Definitely. He's quite eager to learn."

"Eager?" Andriya said skeptically, sensing that the word choice wasn't quite case-appropriate.

"Perhaps a little impatient."

"To the point of being angry?"

"He was upset when I told him I was leaving."

"That's not good."

"I know."

Rather than pressing the matter, Andriya hoped Obi-Wan would be concerned enough to take care of it when they returned.

"Well," she yawned, "I'm tired. How about you?"

Obi-Wan shrugged.

"I haven't gotten any sleep in days--or has it been weeks?"

"Have you really had no sleep?"

"None. Look at my eyes."

Of course, Obi-Wan obligingly leaned closer to her. He could see that her eyes were very bloodshot. He could also see that her eyes were a very pretty shade of blue. But before he noticed anything more, she closed her eyes and sat back in her seat. She sighed and covered her eyes with one hand. "What do you think of that supposed Sith attack?" she asked in a low voice.

"What happened?"

"The Jedi guards were killed--you didn't know Tetch-Com Nabtom and Roc Klephra, did you?"

"I don't think so."

"Roc was my Padawan. For a little while, anyway," she murmured, barely audible. "Anyway, whoever it was broke into my room and ransacked it. They also got into some of the other Councillors' quarters, too."

"What were they after?"

"I don't know. All I could find missing were a few holographs. They only had sentimental value. I don't know about the other council members."

"And you have no idea who or why?"

Andriya shook her head. "I have repeatedly recommended some form of automated security, but my requests are always ignored or shot down."

"Even now?"

Andriya nodded. She suddenly pulled out two lightsabers.

"Two?" he asked.

"Mine," she said, turning on the white lightsaber in her right hand, "Roc Klephra's," she finished, turning on the orange one in her left hand.

"Oh," Obi-Wan murmured. He opted not to mention Qui-Gon's lightsaber, which he'd kept even after constructing a new one for himself.

Andriya switched them both off and put them away. "Well, I'm ready for bed." She stood and exited the cockpit.

Obi-Wan sat back in his seat, pondering what little he knew about Andriya Delvee. Within a few seconds, Andriya's presence in the Force, which was impossible to ignore, suddenly . . . stopped.

Is she . . . dead? he barely dared to think. But that was the only explanation for the sudden end of the powerful Force concentration.

Only Sith. Obi-Wan drew his lightsaber, but didn't switch it on. Slowly, he made his way to the cockpit door. It slid open. "Master Andriya?" Obi-Wan hissed into the shadows which met him.

"What?" she mumbled sleepily.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes; I was just getting to sleep."

"Sorry. . . . What happened?"

"What do you--oh, yeah. Look at it this way. You can turn that lightsaber on and off, can't you?"

Obi-Wan nodded, not quite following her.

"I can do that with the Force."

"But . . . how?"

"Neurology training."

Obi-Wan remained silent as he probed the darkness to see if he could sense her at all. Finally, after a few moments of searching, he was able to detect a very faint presence. She was there all right, but Obi-Wan had to strain to perceive that. In fact, it was easier to tell by her breathing, which was becoming more even and slow.

"Go to sleep," she whispered. "Ease your mind and get some rest."

As disconcerting as this had been, Obi-Wan had to admit that he was tired. He found an empty bunk and laid down.

"Oh, and please wake me if anything goes wrong."

"Yes, Master Andriya. Good night."

"Good night, Obi-Wan."

They were both silent for a moment. "Obi-Wan?" she ventured.

"Yes?"

"Don't ever call me Master again."

"All right . . . Andriya."

"That's better. Good night."

"Good night." Well, he thought, at least she can't read my thoughts now. He smiled self-assuredly before drifting off to sleep.