by Jude Watson
"They are quite a pair," Siri said, grimacing.
Astri got up to fix the lunch she had promised to the Jedi. Siri
beckoned to Obi-Wan and drew him into a quiet corner.
"I just wanted to say I was glad to see you turn up on the roof to
help me fight Ona Nobis," she said. "I guess I thought less of you for
fleeing the battle on Sorrus. I did not understand how powerful she was.
She could have killed me, Obi-Wan."
"I cannot imagine that," Obi-Wan said. The embarrassment on Siri's
face made him want to smooth over the situation. "You are the best Padawan
fighter I've ever seen."
"Except for you," Siri said. "I have fought you in Temple exercises
many times, Obi-Wan. I should not have questioned your ability or your
nerve. I was wrong." The words seemed torn from her reluctantly.
"I have been wrong myself," Obi-Wan said lightly. "As well you know."
"Adi says I have learned an important lesson," Siri went on. She made
a wry face. "And I hate learning lessons. I thought too much of my own
abilities. Even though I'm a Jedi, I am not invincible. There are many in
the galaxy who can defeat me. Now I understand why we were taught over and
over that our motive must be sure, our concentration total. I
underestimated the dark side of the Force. I will try not to do that again.
And I know now that I will not always be strong. I will not be afraid to
recognize when I am weak."
"An important lesson for Padawans," Adi said, overhearing them.
Obi-Wan threw a glance at Qui-Gon. "And for stubborn Jedi Masters."
Qui-Gon took a placid sip of tea. "I have no idea who you mean," he
said, his eyes twinkling.