“Anakin Skywalker!”

Anakin paused from his packing. When his master used his full name like that it was never a good sign. He poked his head out of his bedroom door. “Yes, Master,” he squeaked. The twelve-year-old cleared his throat. He didn’t want to sound as nervous as he felt. “Yes, Master?”

Obi-Wan was standing in the living area, hands planted on his hips and irritation evident in his eyes. He took a deep, calming breath. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. “I just spoke with Master Ky’Tah at the landing platform to ask when our transport would be here to pick us up, and guess what he said?”

Anakin’s heart sunk suddenly. Oops. Obi-Wan had left the transportation arrangements for their latest mission to him. And he had…forgotten.

Obi-Wan put on a great imitation of Master Ky’Tah. “‘What transport, Knight Kenobi?’”

“Master, I’m sorry! I just plain forgot! I’ve had so much homework and with the extra lessons I’m taking to catch up with the other padawans…” Anakin stopped when he noticed the complete lack of sympathy on Obi-Wan’s face.

Obi-Wan gazed at Anakin pointedly. “If there is too much on your plate, then perhaps I should start paring down your schedule.”

Anakin bit down on his own irritation. “No, Master! It won’t happen again.”

“You said that last time when you forgot to inform me that I had been called by the Council.”

“Are you EVER going to let me live that down?”

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow at that. “Just as soon as certain Council members decide to let ME live it down.” He heaved a sigh. “We’re supposed to be leaving for El Abrell in just a few hours. We probably won’t even be able to hitch a ride on a garbage scow at this short notice!”

“I’ll find us something, Master, I promise!” Anakin was determined to show his master that he could be relied upon in a pinch – especially when he was the one responsible for the pinch in the first place.

“I certainly hope so, Padawan.” Obi-Wan walked over to the desk and picked up what looked to be a small datapad. “I want you to use this personal organizer. It will ALERT you when something needs to be done.”

Anakin’s chin went up defiantly. “I don’t need it.”

Obi-Wan snorted. “Yeah, you’ve made that painfully obvious.” He moved closer to his apprentice. “‘No’ is not an option.”

“Master…” Anakin knew he sounded whiney, but he didn’t care.

Obi-Wan was already heading for his room to pack. “Let me know when you’ve secured our transport.”

Anakin sat down glumly at the desk. He flipped on the communications console and set about his task. He had to find SOMETHING! He would not, could not tell his master that he had failed.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Obi-Wan stood stock-still, gaping at their transport. He had frozen in place as soon as he had seen where his padawan was leading. He finally turned his disbelieving eyes back to his now-fidgeting padawan. “I didn’t think you’d take me literally when I mentioned a garbage scow!”

Anakin tried hard to hold his master’s withering gaze. “It was the only transport I could find that was going anywhere near the El Abrell system within the next few days.” Anakin tried to lighten the moment with a smile. “It won’t be so bad, Master. It’s empty. They won’t be picking up their load until after they’ve dropped us off.”

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. “A garbage scow will always smell like garbage – with or without a load!” Obi-Wan then noticed one of the pilots walking down the ramp towards them. He shot Anakin one last ‘this isn’t over’ glance before putting on his Jedi face. He walked up to the rather unkempt man and bowed. “I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my padawan, Anakin Skywalker. We are grateful for your assistance in getting us to El Abrell.”

The big man shrugged. “Ah, it ain’t a big deal. Not too many people clamoring to ride on a garbage scow!” The man laughed and smacked Obi-Wan on the shoulder.

Obi-Wan smiled politely. Except my forgetful, oh-so-in-trouble padawan!

“My name is Jorgan. I’m the captain of this flea trap.”

Obi-Wan stifled a wince. He fervently hoped that Jorgan was attempting to be humorous and not literal. He fell in step with Jorgan as the man headed back towards the dirty ship.

“We’ll be taking off shortly. My co-pilot and I need to check on a minor problem before we leave.”

Obi-Wan perked up. “My padawan is a very gifted mechanic. He’d be happy to assist you in any way possible on this journey.” He shot Anakin a beatific smile. “Feel free to call upon him at ANY time.”

Jorgan looked pleasantly surprised. “Wow. Thank you, Master Kenobi. I may just do that. My co-pilot, Sam, can show you to your room.” He looked back at Anakin. “Follow me, kid.”

Anakin shot an unhappy look at his evil, grinning master. He obediently followed Jorgan towards the aft underbelly of the ship. He had the distinct impression that he was going to regret his choice of transports.

Obi-Wan walked up the ramp, still smiling from the emotions he was sensing from his padawan. His smile faded as the expected unpleasant odor assaulted his nose. When he was fully onboard, the stench was almost enough to make him gag. He resisted the urge to plug his nose as a stocky, gray-haired man stepped out of the cockpit to greet him.

“Ah, Master Jedi. I must say, it’s an honor to be of some service to the Jedi Order.” He offered a pleasant smile.

Obi-Wan bowed. “Thank you, Sir. We appreciate your assistance.” He found himself wishing there was a Force-trick for turning off one’s sense of smell.

“My name is Sam. I guess you can say I’m Jorgan’s right hand man.”

Obi-Wan smiled. “I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi. My padawan, Anakin Skywalker, is currently assisting Jorgan on a mechanical matter.”

“Ah, yes. I was just about to lend him a hand myself. Let me show you to your room.” He gestured down the short hall. “I’m afraid it isn’t much. You and your padawan will have to share.” He motioned for Obi-Wan to enter through one of the doors.

When Obi-Wan did, he had to work to keep his face neutral. ‘Not much’ was putting it nicely. It actually looked to be a storage closet. It was tiny. And shelving had been transformed into makeshift beds. “This will do nicely, thank you.”

“The fresher is the next door to your left. Now, I better go see if I can lend your padawan and Jorgan a hand.” He turned and left Obi-Wan in the confined space.

Obi-Wan threw his pack on the top shelf. He wanted to be as far away from the floor and any creeping, crawling things as he could.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Anakin walked into their room and stopped short. He looked up to see Obi-Wan sitting on the top…shelf in his meditative position. “THIS is our room?”

“For the next two days, yes.” Obi-Wan opened his eyes and couldn’t help but smile at the sight that greeted him. His padawan was covered in grease and grime from head to foot. The smell that emanated from him, however, wasn’t exactly pleasant. “Were you able to fix their little problem?”

Anakin grimaced. “Yes, after having to climb into the dirtiest innards of any ship I’ve ever seen. I’m really surprised this thing can still fly!”

Obi-Wan’s smile quickly faded. “Are you telling me this thing isn’t safe?” He didn’t exactly enjoy flying when a ship was in pristine condition – much less this filthy, stinky, rusting bucket of bolts!

Now it was Anakin’s turn to smile - inwardly. He decided to have some fun at his master’s expense. Anakin put on a concerned look. “Well, I don’t know, Master. With the way this thing looks, I’d say it’s a miracle it hasn’t blown Jorgan and Sam to bits a long time ago!”

Obi-Wan gazed down at his apprentice – a picture of emotional neutrality. “There is a rather unpleasant punishment in store for any padawan who deliberately tries to frighten his master.”

Oh, boy. I should have known better than to try that with him. Anakin endeavored to appear unconcerned. “And that is?”

“When I think of something heinous enough, you’ll be the first to know.” Obi-Wan paused as the ship’s engines roared to life. The ship began to vibrate violently as it took off. Obi-Wan grabbed onto a shelf-support to keep from falling onto the floor. He worked to keep himself calm as the ship creaked and groaned in protest.

The ship finally settled down a bit several minutes later. Obi-Wan looked around warily. “That was not very…comforting.” On top of everything else, he was now feeling quite queasy.

Anakin peeled himself off the floor. “That’s the understatement of the century!” He had the feeling that this was going to be an extremely LONG two days. “I’m going to go take a much-needed shower, Master.”

“Alright.” Obi-Wan was grateful that he’d have some more time to meditate. He really needed to release his apprehension and hopefully his nausea into the Force.

When Anakin came back in, hair wet from his shower, Obi-Wan climbed down off his shelf. “I’ll think I’ll take a shower as well.” He stopped when he noticed his padawan’s wicked grin. “What?”

“Oh, nothing, Master. I just have a feeling that you may not really want a shower.” Anakin worked to keep from laughing.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin a mildly confused look and walked out of the room. He stopped in his tracks as he entered what was undoubtedly the dirtiest fresher he’d ever seen. Obi-Wan’s disgust turned to horror as he looked into the shower. The self-admitted neat-freak shuddered in revulsion. A herd of wild banthas could not get me in there!

Obi-Wan picked up what he prayed was a clean wash cloth and went over to the sink. He would take a very quick spit bath while trying not to touch any surface within the squalid little room.

Anakin lay on his shelf, trying to get to sleep. He was almost there when he heard a squeaking sound. His eyes popped open. He listened intently for a while, but heard nothing else. When he decided that he had probably imagined it, he heard it again. He then heard what sounded to be scampering little feet.

Anakin shot up and promptly hit his head on the shelf above him. “Ow!” He massaged the spot where he knew there would soon be a lump. “Master? Master, are you awake?”

“Yes, Anakin.” There was a hint of amusement in Obi-Wan’s voice.

“Did you hear those noises?” As if in reply, another squeak and more sounds of movement immediately followed. “THOSE noises?”

“Yes, I heard them.” Obi-Wan sounded completely unconcerned.

“What do you think it is?”

“I would assume we have been joined by a rodent of some kind.”

“Oh, great! Don’t most rodents have extremely sharp teeth and carry nasty diseases?”

“Yes.”

“NOW I know why you took the top shelf.”

“Exactly.” Obi-Wan tried to keep the smile out of his voice. “I suggest you keep your hands and feet securely on the shelf.”

“Thanks, Master.” Anakin sounded anything but thankful.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

“Anakin?”

Anakin woke up slowly. It felt like he’d just fallen asleep five minutes before. “Hmm?”

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Anakin.” It sounded like Jorgan’s voice. “Our food dispenser isn’t working. Would you mind taking a look at it?”

“Wh-what time is it?”

“It’s 6:00.”

Ugh. What kind of people voluntarily get up at this hour? Anakin slowly got up. The stream of light coming from the open doorway showed an empty top shelf. Typical.

Anakin shuffled into the small eating area to find his master sipping a cup of coffee and chatting with Sam. It amazed him how Obi-Wan always seemed to be able to wake up in a pleasant mood. Anakin sincerely hoped to learn that ability someday. As it was right now, his mood was anything but pleasant.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin a smile. “Good morning, Padawan.” He could easily sense the boy’s foul mood.

“Morning, Master,” Anakin groused.

Sam shot Obi-Wan an amused glance. “We really appreciate your help with this, Anakin. The food dispenser’s been on the fritz for a while, but this morning it completely gave up the ghost.”

Anakin didn’t really feel like replying, but at the look Obi-Wan sent him, he decided that he’d better follow etiquette. “I’m glad to help, sir.” He walked over to the unit and immediately started tinkering.

Jorgan sat down at the table with Sam and Obi-Wan. Sam picked up the conversation where he’d left off. “Well, I for one am fascinated by the Jedi. I remember as a little boy the Jedi coming between my planet and disaster. It truly amazes me what you Jedi are willing to give up for a life of service.”

Anakin perked up his ears to hear Obi-Wan’s response. It amazed HIM the sacrifices the Jedi willingly made in order to serve. He often wondered if he could ever truly be that committed – especially when he thought that the Jedi Order required too much sacrifice of its members. It was a thought that went unmentioned to his master, who was completely committed to the Jedi Order and its Code.

Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders. “Any time someone truly believes in something and is dedicated to living according to that belief, it requires some sacrifices and a determination of priorities. It is no different for the Jedi.”

Sam leaned forward. “Ah, but it is. Because your sacrifices are things most people treasure and even take for granted – getting married, having kids, making decisions for oneself FIRST.”

Obi-Wan looked at both men. “Are either of you married with families?”

Sam glanced at Jorgan. “Well, no.”

“Why not?”

Jorgan piped in. “We’re both wanderers – traveling constantly. It just wouldn’t be right to have a family and never be there for them.”

“Do either of you regret that decision?”

Sam and Jorgan both shook their heads. “Not really, no.” Sam put up his hand. “But that’s not the same thing.”

Obi-Wan smiled gently. “Isn’t it? You’re both serving the galaxy in your own way. You’ve made sacrifices in order to do that.”

Jorgan looked dumbfounded. “Surely you’re not comparing what we do to what you do! Even though we both made a choice not to have a family, we can still do whatever we want. We can put ourselves first.”

Anakin had to agree with Jorgan. Hauling trash across the galaxy could not be equated with the work of the Jedi!

“Who’s to say which service is greater or which sacrifice is harder?” Obi-Wan smiled at the looks on the other two men’s faces. “We all have our roles to fill in this galaxy. The so-called smaller, less significant roles are still vital to the galaxy functioning as a whole. And thus, they are equally important in the scheme of things.”

Sam gave Jordan an ironic look. “I think that is what’s known as ‘Jedi wisdom.’”

Jorgan laughed. “I guess so! I have the feeling it would be down-right impossible to win an argument with you, Knight Kenobi.”

Anakin snorted. Jorgan didn’t know how right he was!

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Anakin watched as the dirty ship lifted off and headed back into the atmosphere. He and Obi-Wan were standing in a clearing amidst the jungle that was El Abrell. His master had given him the details about their mission onboard the garbage scow – what details there were, anyway.

El Abrell was an uninhabited planet, save for one, well-hidden research station. The scientists at this research station were working on a cure for some devastating disease, which had not been named to the Jedi. All the Council had been told was that the research being done here was of vital importance to the Republic. That research was now in danger. The Republic had received word that this particular research station was a target. Someone wanted to stop the work being done by these scientists. Even though the research station was hidden – its whereabouts only known by a select few – the Chancellor had decided to err on the side of caution and send in the Jedi for protection. Their mandate: protect the station and it’s researchers; and if possible, find out who might be behind the threats.

“Is there a reason we have to journey to the station by foot?” Anakin was not at all pleased by the mystery surrounding this mission.

“Yes, Anakin,” Obi-Wan stated patiently. “A ship landing near the station would be a neon sign to anyone who might be watching. We want the research station to remain hidden for as long as possible.”

“But don’t you think that walking across half the planet to get there is a bit much?”

Obi-Wan smiled. “It’s a small planet.”

“Not small enough,” Anakin grumped.

“You’ve never been in a jungle environment before, Anakin. Actually, neither have I. This will be a new experience for both of us. This might actually be quite interesting.”

“I suppose. It certainly is different than Tatooine!”

“It is that.” Obi-Wan stretched out with his senses. The jungle was teeming with life, though none of it sentient. That’s a good sign, anyway. Not sensing any danger, he slung his pack over his shoulder. “Ready?”

“Ready.” Anakin fell into step behind his master, who was scanning the detailed directions on his datapad. “How long do you think it will take us to get there?”

“A day and a half at most.”

“A DAY AND A HALF?” Anakin looked around the thick greenery they were wading through. All around them were sounds emanating from many different creatures. “We’re out of our element here, Master.”

“We’re never out of our element as long as we have the Force.”

Anakin gritted his teeth. Why did every comment he made have to be turned into lecture? Besides, that answer sounded too…simplistic. “Do you really believe that?” He ran into Obi-Wan’s back as his master stopped abruptly.

Obi-Wan turned and looked down at his apprentice. “I never say anything I don’t mean, Padawan.”

“I…I didn’t mean any disrespect, Master. I just don’t understand what you meant.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes softened. He nodded as he continued the trek. “Jedi, by nature of our job, are placed in a huge variety of settings and in many cases, the most complicated of situations. We can never be out of our element if we are to perform our duty. We must expect the unexpected and do our duty to the best of our ability, no matter the environment or situation. We have our duty and we have the Force. Those are our constants.”

Duty, duty, duty. Is that ALL Jedi are supposed to think about? Anakin hoped his mental shielding was up enough to block his thoughts. So many of the things his master and Council members like Yoda said felt out-of-reach and beyond his ability to truly grasp. Would he ever be able to understand these concepts?

Obi-Wan could sense his padawan’s frustration. The deeply-buried reservations he still had about Anakin’s training crept up a bit. The core beliefs and standards of the Jedi Order could be hard to grasp at that age, even having been raised at the Temple since infancy. But with nine years in the outside world and the harsh realities of slavery as the foundation, it could be a nearly impossible task. Obi-Wan pushed his doubts back under the heavy armor of his shielding. He couldn’t focus on his doubts and he certainly didn’t want Anakin to sense them.

“Ow!”

Obi-Wan glanced back at his padawan. “What’s the matter?”

“I keep getting smacked in the face by the branches you push aside!”

Obi-Wan covered his smile. “Then don’t follow so close. We can’t hack through the bushes with our lightsabers. We’d be leaving a trail a blind man could follow.”

“Yes, Master.” Anakin eased back from his master. But he focused on their master/padawan bond. He certainly didn’t want to fall too far behind and get lost.

After another hour of walking, Anakin knew he needed to stop. I shouldn’t have drunk that Correllian tea right before starting this hike. “Master, do you mind if we stop for a minute?”

“Go ahead, Padawan.” Obi-Wan patiently waited as he heard his apprentice move off to the side a ways.

Anakin moved back out of the bushes and towards his master’s Force signature. “Okay, Master.” He looked around as he followed behind Obi-Wan. El Abrell really was a pretty planet. This hike might not be so bad after all.

Anakin scratched an itch on his leg. He idly scratched the back of his hand. Then his neck began to itch. He scratched at his legs again. This itching was starting to get…unpleasant. His rear-end was even starting to itch! Anakin looked at the back of his hand and saw that it was covered with red splotches. Oh, no. He scratched some more. “Um, Master…”

Obi-Wan dug through his pack for the med kit. “Anakin, stop scratching!”

“I can’t! I’ve never itched so bad in my life!”

“Out of all the plants in this jungle, you had to pick the poisonous one!” Obi-Wan picked through the med kit, looking for something that might help his padawan.

“I didn’t do it on purpose! Believe me, this in NOT my idea of a good time!”

Obi-Wan threw Anakin a bottle. “Put that on. It should help with the itch.” While his padawan lathered himself with lotion, Obi-Wan took the opportunity to scan through the directions again. They were on track, but were not making good time.

“Alright, Master, I’m done.” Anakin did feel better, but the urge to scratch was still strong.

“Do not scratch anymore. You’ll just make it worse.” Obi-Wan had to work really hard not to smile at the sight his padawan presented. His face, neck and hands were covered by a nasty, red rash. On top of that was a chalky-white layer from the lotion.

Obi-Wan put the lotion back into the med kit and shoved the kit into his pack. “Before we go, look around and see if you can find the kind of plant that did this to you.” He followed behind Anakin as he searched.

“There, Master. That big bush.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Good. Now I know what to avoid. Let’s get going.”

Anakin suppressed a groan. All he wanted to do right now was take a bath in anti-itch lotion. I hate the jungle!

A couple of hours later, they stopped to eat. Obi-Wan suddenly felt a tingle of a warning from the Force.

Anakin’s eyes went wide as a snake seemingly came out of nowhere to hang right behind his master. He didn’t even have a chance to let out a warning. Instantly, there was a green flash as Obi-Wan whipped his lightsaber around in a graceful arc. Anakin blinked in wonder. Obi-Wan hadn’t so much as glanced behind him or changed his seating position by an inch!

Obi-Wan now took the opportunity to look behind him. A green, headless snake now lay in a large pile of coils on the ground. He let out a breath. That’s the biggest bloody snake I’ve ever seen!

Anakin scooted over to take a look. “Look at the size of that thing! He was big enough to eat you for lunch!”

“So I see.”

“That snake didn’t stand a chance, though, fast as you moved!” Anakin grinned proudly.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin an ironic smile. “It might have if the Force hadn’t of warned me.” He glanced back at the deceased creature. “Snake meat, anyone?”

Anakin threw Obi-Wan a horrified look. “No, thank you, Master!”

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Obi-Wan wiped the sweat off his forehead for the umpteenth time. His damp clothes were plastered to his skin. The late afternoon sun was mostly blocked by the foliage, but it was still hot and extremely muggy. He yearned for a nice, cool shower in a nice, clean fresher.

After walking a while longer, Obi-Wan entered into a clearing. A smile crept onto his face to see the small pond settled into a rather idyllic setting. The pond was being fed by a trickling stream. All around it were blooming flowers and hanging vines. Birds chirped happily and other creatures seemed to make sounds of contentment. “Thank the Force!”

Anakin came to stand beside Obi-Wan. “It’s beautiful here! I haven’t seen anything so pretty since leaving Naboo.”

“I agree. Are you up for a swim?”

“No, thank you, Master. I don’t want to wash off the one thing that’s keeping me from tearing off my skin.”

“Suit yourself. While I’m cooling off, why don’t you fill up our canteens from that small waterfall?”

“Alright, Master.”

Obi-Wan pulled off his boots and his tunic. He waded into the water and quickly went under. The water felt wonderful! He came back to the surface and floated for a while. There wasn’t much time to dilly-dally, but he was going to savor these few moments.

Obi-Wan reluctantly stood up and walked back onto the shore. He noticed Anakin studying him, wide-eyed. “What?”

“Master, there’s something on you – or should I say, some THINGS.”

Obi-Wan looked down at his arms and his chest. He was covered in little, black, slimy creatures. Leeches! He tried very hard not to panic. He quickly started picking off the little parasites. “Padawan, will you kindly pull the unwanted guests off my back?”

“Eeew, Master! How can you be so calm with those things sucking on you like that?”

Because somehow, I think that my running around and screaming for you to get them off of me just might diminish me in your eyes. “Discipline.” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at his own answer. I’m really beginning to hate the jungle.

Anakin quickly brushed the leeches off his master’s back and neck, trying not to touch them any more than necessary. “I think that’s all of them.”

There were red marks all over Obi-Wan’s skin where the leeches had latched on. Obi-Wan grimaced. “I better go make sure there aren’t any more hiding anywhere else.” As he walked into the surrounding greenery, he sincerely hoped that the start of this mission was not an indicator of how the rest of the mission would play out.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

“Master, can we stop for the night?” Anakin was tired, itchy, cranky and wet. It had been raining for the last hour and all of the anti-itch cream had been washed away.

“We will soon, Anakin. We need to find the right spot.” Obi-Wan was grateful for the rain. It was helping to keep him cool and refreshed. He certainly had no intentions of entering another body of water on this planet, so rain was his best bet. Obi-Wan brushed his wet hair out of his eyes. He kept his eyes peeled for a good place to bed down.

“This will do.” Obi-Wan pointed out a spot underneath a huge tree. The large leaves created a kind of canopy that helped to keep the rain at bay.

“Finally!” Anakin threw himself down on the ground. “May I have the anti-itch lotion again, Master?”

Obi-Wan dug the lotion out and handed it to his apprentice. Mirth now danced in his eyes. “This has certainly been a memorable mission so far, hasn’t it?”

Anakin couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, it has! I just hope we can have an uneventful night’s sleep.”

Obi-Wan grinned. “Agreed.” While Anakin went off to find a hopefully non-poisonous bush, Obi-Wan made up a bed of leaves. He laid his cloak over the leaves and nestled in for the night. He had the feeling that he wasn’t going to sleep well. The humidity was stifling. Eyes closed, Obi-Wan could hear Anakin gathering leaves for his own bed. His eyes popped open as his padawan’s weight landed on his arm.

“Oh, sorry, Master.”

“Anakin, is there a reason you are sleeping so very CLOSE?”

“This jungle is not friendly, Master. We should stick close together.”

“Close does not have to mean ATTACHED.” Obi-Wan inched away from his skittish apprentice.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and tried to relax. Within just a few minutes, he could sense Anakin was asleep. He steadied his breathing and welcomed the hazy feeling of nearing slumber. A sharp, snorting sound brought Obi-Wan promptly back to alertness. He turned to find his padawan in a deep slumber, mouth partially open.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes as Anakin snorted again loudly. Anakin then settled into a more steady and exceedingly annoying snore. Obi-Wan moved onto his side, back towards his noisy apprentice. He tried covering his exposed ear. That barely even muted the cacophony.

Obi-Wan had managed to get to sleep before Anakin on both nights while onboard the garbage scow. That had been the only way he had gotten ANY sleep. And even then, he’d been woken up a few times. Obi-Wan now lay wide-awake, sleep an elusive wish. He turned to lie on his back again. I need to add earplugs to my list of things to pack for a mission.

Obi-Wan finally, finally started to drift off. He had been asleep for no more than five minutes when, SMACK! His eyes flew open and focused enough to show Anakin’s arm flung across his chest. Grumbling quietly, Obi-Wan not-so-gently moved the arm back over to its owner. Unfortunately, it didn’t wake the slumbering apprentice.

Still grumbling, Obi-Wan turned back onto his side. After Force-only-knows how long, he was finally able to get to sleep. “Umph.” Obi-Wan came awake at a sharp pain in his back. He turned to find Anakin’s knee nearly imbedded in his spine. “That is IT!” He got up, picked up his cloak and tossed it to the side. He grabbed his leaves in a big wad and moved them over to another nearby tree. He laid them out, threw down his cloak and plopped himself down.

Fully awake and now very irritated, Obi-Wan decided to reach out to the Force and release his emotions. He paused as an even louder chorus of snores filtered through the air. One. Two. Three. Four. Five…