Disclaimer: Read notes in first chapter

---

Chapter Eight

Once they had left several false paths for the Imperial fighters to follow, they set a course for Yavin 4. Indira relaxed in the co-pilots chair next to Obi Wan.

“Home. Oh Obi Wan, I can not wait to be home.” Indira sighed as her eyes filled with tears. Every emotion that she had locked away until then, the fear at being captured, the pain of being tortured and then the joy of being rescued, began to overtake her. She closed her eyes and choking sobs wracked her lithe body.

Obi Wan quickly checked the controls once more. Then he rose and pick Indira up in his arms. He carried her to the sleeping quarters. Laying her on the bed, he walked into the adjoining bathroom and filled the tub inside with hot water. He headed back to Indira and found her sitting up with a look of disgust on her face. Not saying a word, instinctively knowing that it was her false actions towards Palpatine that caused the look, he helped her stand. He gently removed the grey tunic that Indira had been dressed in. She looked at him with a slight start. He was heartbroken to see a trace of fear there, but he kept going.

As Obi Wan removed her clothes, Indira suddenly remembered what her back would look like after the whippings she had received. She did not want Obi Wan to see the scars that had disfigured her body. She looked a him with a small amount of trepidation. She could see he mistook it for a look of fear as he returned to removing the tunic that covered her. She took his hands and looked deeply into his eyes as she spoke.

“I have never and will never fear you, my Obi Wan. What I fear is your reaction to the reminders that the Emperor left me of my time with him.” Indira said quietly.

Obi Wan’s eyes immediately grew hard and he spoke with a deceptively soft voice. “What do you mean. . reminders?”

Indira just shook her head and turned around. As she did she dropped the soft inner tunic that had served as underclothing. As it fell, it brushed against some of the newer marks and caused her to gasp sharply. It was echoed with a growl from behind her.

Obi Wan felt his control on his anger almost slip when he saw what the damnable Sith bastard had done to Indira. At her gasp he growled his displeasure. He slowly traced one of the oldest marks and felt her shiver. She turned around to him and he gripped her arms softly.

“I have potions from Severus. They are specially made to work with the Force to heal your injuries, depending on what they are. I did not expect such marks but I believe he did. He included a topical scar potion. It will not completely heal them but they will be much less notable. Remind me when we get home to buy that man an entire shipment of Coreillian rum and a barrel of spices from Kessell.” Obi Wan whispered.

Indira smiled at him then. “Yes and I will have to find someway to repay him as well.” Her smile grew broader as she felt jealousy flair thru their bond. “Obi Wan, you always have and always will have my body, mind and soul. I meant something material as well.”

Obi Wan’s cheeks reddened slightly at her teasing. He had only just got her back, he wasn’t about to let her go now. “Sorry, I. .” He trailed off as he returned her smile. “I have a bath ready for you. Once you’re finished, I have several potions you need to take and then I will apply the scar cream.”

Indira nodded. She walked towards the bathroom, seemingly unaware of her nakedness. Obi Wan however was not unaware. With each step she took he was painfully reminded of the one night together they had shared so many months ago. But he would not push her into anything. She had just spent the last three months being tortured at the hands of a Sith Lord.

Indira had other ideas. She turned to him as she reached the door. “Obi Wan, I’ll need you to wash my back as I can not see to reach it. And I don’t want to aggravate any of the wounds.”

Obi Wan swallowed audibly before nodding and following her in. He watched as she stepped into the water, hissing slightly at the heat, before moaning in pleasure. The water surrounded her and helped ease her aching muscles. The water lapped at the wounds on her back and though it stung it felt good to have them cleaned.

Obi Wan grabbed the soft cloth he had laid near the chair he sat on and lathered it up with a gel scented of lavender. It was another of Snape’s last minute additions. It would cleanse any open wounds and draw out infection. He carefully washed her body and with fresh water from a jug near him, he washed her long hair.

Indira relaxed as she felt Obi Wan wash her carefully. After washing her hair, he retrieved a towel and helped her stand. Drying her quickly so she wouldn’t be cold, he wrapped her in another large towel that he had warmed with the Force. Then he lead her back to the bed. He used the force to summon the scar cream and applied it gently to her back. When he was finished, he reached into one of the nearby cupboards and took out a white silk sleep-shirt. She raised her arms and he slipped it over her head and down her body. Drawing back the blankets, he helped her in and made her as comfortable as he could. He reached down and kissed her forehead.

Indira watched as Obi Wan straightened up. She thought he was going to leave until he started to remove his own clothing. As each piece of clothing came off, her breath grew shallower and she knew that a flush was now covering her face. As he turned toward her, she let her gaze travel up his body slowly. Reaching his eyes, she could see the lust there and knew it mirrored what was in her own eyes.

Obi Wan smirked as he saw the lust in Indira’s eyes. “I am going to get a shower. When I’m done, I’m going to crawl into this bed and hold you while you tell me everything that happened to you from the minute you let Yavin 4.” He saw a look of argument coming over her face. “No arguments, Indira. You need to talk about it. If you don’t it will fester inside you and cause you to lose control.”

Indira sighed and nodded her head in agreement. “Alright Obi Wan. How long until we get back home, by the way?”

Obi Wan was suspicious of her acquiescence. He wondered if she was just agreeing now, only to disagree later. He hoped not because she really did need to talk about things. “We are about 4 days from home. I was another system away when Harry contacted me and told me of your exact location. I don’t know how he knew but I set course right away and pushed the Marauder to speeds that I didn’t know she could do. It’s surprising that Sidious is so close to the Jedi and yet can not sense us.”

Indira nodded. “He complained several times that with the number of Jedi he suspected had escaped, he should be able to sense us. But never has. Perhaps Yavin 4 has a shield or barrier of some sort.”

Obi Wan nodded. “Perhaps. Okay, I’m going to bath and you rest and let those potions I gave you work. Then we talk. Right?” He asked with a raised eyebrow and a half smile.

Indira looked him right in the eyes as she answered. “Yes Obi Wan. I promise I will tell you everything. You are right, I need to tell you. It will make telling the Council easier.”

Obi Wan smiled genuinely then and walked to the bathroom. Indira watched he go and wondered what seemed different about him. He was more relaxed with her. He hadn’t seemed at all uneasy when helping her undress and then bathe. Something was definitely different and she would find out what as soon as he returned.

Obi Wan thought about how to tell Indira about his retaking the Oath and swearing the old Code. He didn’t know how she would react. She would most likely feel that she had forced him to do so. Perhaps she would be upset. He didn’t know what would happen. But he knew that now that he had sworn the old Code and had rescued her, nothing would stand in their way again.

Finished with his bath, he walked to the bedroom to find Indira sound asleep. Not having the heart to wake her, he pulled on some sleep pants and slipped into bed beside her. She deserved a rest and they would have plenty of time to talk tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Indira did not wake for the next three days. Her body had recognized the need to heal and she had slipped into a healing coma. That along with the potions Severus had given to Obi Wan had kept her from waking. Obi Wan at first had panicked. But a com-call to Ginny had reminded him of the times he had spent in healing comas. Ginny assured him that Indira would be fine and to just let her rest. He spent the next three days wondering if they would get a chance to talk before reaching home.

Indira woke just hours before they arrived on Yavin 4. They were arriving ahead of schedule and wanted to make do without a welcoming committee. Unfortunately, Luke sensed his master’s arrival and wasted no time in announcing it to everyone within earshot, before Obi Wan could ask him not too.

So, when they landed, it was to a crowd of their family and friends. Indira stepped out shyly as Obi Wan held her hand. Master Yoda was the first to step forward. “A welcome site, you are. Missed you, the others have.”

Indira smirked at her mentor. “Only the others, Master. Missed me too, have you not?”

Yoda gave her a mock glare before winking at her. “Miss your pranks, I did not. Your keeping Potter in line, I did.”

Harry called out an indignant, “OY”. But he laughed with the others at Yoda’s jest.

It was only when Obi Wan tugged at her hand, did Indira realize he still held it. She tried to let go, but he griped it tighter and smiled at her.

Obi Wan, what are you doing? The Council will see you. Indira projected anxiously.

It does not matter any. . He started to reply.

“What do you mean it doesn’t matter Obi Wan Kenobi!!” Indira spat loudly.

Before he could reply Yoda spoke again. “Ah. Told her yet, you have not? Not enough time, four days is not? Time you found, for other things?”

“She was in a healing come for three and a half of those days.” Obi Wan replied defensively.

“Tell me what, Obi Wan Kenobi?” Indira asked impatiently.

Obi Wan’s face was suddenly flushed and he looked hesitant. “I. .um. . I told the entire Council of breaking my Oath and the Code. Then Master Yoda had me restate the Code, the old one this time, and swear a new Oath.”

Indira was speechless. He had told the Council, took a new code and Oath and was now free to be with her. She had no idea what to say. Except, “OBI WAN KENOBI! You couldn’t have mentioned that in the time I was awake on the trip home?” She finished her rant breathlessly.

Obi Wan took a step back and then looked indignant. “And when was I going to tell you? When we were fighting the Sith? When we were running for our lives? When you were taking potions for all the pain? When I was putting the scar cream on. . .” Obi Wan stopped there as Indira’s face had turned pale and sweat had formed on her forehead. “I’m sorry Indira.”

She looked at him with no emotion in her eyes. He thought that he had ruined everything until Anakin spoke up.

“What did you need scar cream for?” He asked softly.

The color came back to Indira’s face as she took a deep breath. She looked over to lock eyes with Severus. He raised one eyebrow and she nodded minutely. Empathy almost radiated off of him as she smiled her thanks. She turned back to the others. “I will make a full report to the Council, once we leave here. For the rest of you, I will explain once I am finished with them. Okay?”

Noises of agreements met her ears and she smiled again. “Thanks everyone. I am glad to be home and have missed you all.”

After several hugs of greeting from Ginny, Padma, Leia and Tamsin, Obi Wan intervened and took her hand again as they walked to the Council chambers. She was starting to feel nervous and right away Obi Wan sent feelings of calmness and strength to her. It will be alright Indira, he mentally comforted her.

I know but what if they look at me differently because of what happened? These scars are hideous and, she started to reply. But Obi Wan cut her off.

They are not hideous. They are a testament to your courage and bravery. Do not ever let me here you say that again. And don’t get it in your head that I think any differently. You are still the same beautiful woman I attacked the first time I saw her. The same woman who has haunted my thoughts and dreams for nearly four years. I love you Indira. Obi Wan was a little shocked by his rather forward admission of his love for her. However it had felt so right to say it. And when he saw the smile that graced Indira’s face, he knew that he would say it as often as he could just to receive that smile.

“You love me, Obi Wan?” Indira asked breathlessly.

The Jedi Master gave her a smile so full of love that it left no room for doubt in her mind. “Of course I do. I have loved you since I meet you. It just took some time for me to realize it. I hope you can forgive me for taking so long.”

Indira laughed as she stopped walking to take his face in her hands. She leaned up to him and placed her lips on his in a sweet gentle kiss. When she pulled away, she saw that his eyes were closed. What are you thinking of, Obi Wan?

He did not open his eyes as he answered. I’m thinking that I am such an idiot for making us wait for this. And I’m hoping that Ginny and Padma still haven’t found out about the night before you left. He opened his eyes as she laughed out loud.

Several minutes later, they were standing in front of the Council. Obi Wan had described his mission from start to finish. He explained how Indira had thought of a plan already and communicated it to him. Once he was finished Mace called Indira to stand and give her report.

“Master Windu. Might I request a chair to sit in? This will be rather long and,” she stopped as Harry stood.

“Masters. If Indira is willing, I know of a charm that will project her memories so we can see them. It will save her the trouble of trying to remember everything. This way we can watch for things that she might have missed.” Harry proposed. He wanted to spare Indira as much trauma as he could. He remembered the potions that Severus had given Obi Wan before he left and when Obi Wan had reported that he had used them all on Indira, Harry knew that she had been in a bad way after being rescued.

While the Council conferred, Obi Wan stood by her and she felt waves of comfort rolling toward her. She took his hand and smiled. When the Council asked if she was alright with Harry’s idea, she replied that she was.

Harry cast the charm and it began. The reactions to her treatment ranged from shocked to horrified to rage. When she remembered the whippings and the crude remarks of the commander, she shivered. Obi Wan had gone still beside her and she knew that he was furious. She was sure that had he known of the true extent of her torture, he would not have left until Sidious was dead.

Harry and Anakin were just as enraged. In their minds, they could see Tamsin or Leia in the same position and it fueled their anger. When the memories were finished, Mace looked to the female Jedi.

“Indira Parmida Kaliste. You have my utmost respect for surviving the past three months. Very rarely have I seen such strength in someone so young or such courage. What you suffered to keep our existence a secret was unimaginable and the entire Order as well as the Rebellion owe you a great debt. Thank you.” He bowed to her as he finished. Several other Masters bowed to her as well as she blushed at their actions.

“Please, don’t. I did what any of you would have done in the situation. It is what makes us Jedi.” She said modestly.

“Even so, I believe a reward is in order. You are to have the next month off. Oh and,” Mace grinned evilly, “Obi Wan will have a month off as well for bringing you home safely.”

The two Jedi smirked at the older man. “I do believe that I will take that reward, Master Windu.”

Yoda rolled his eyes. “As if disagree, she would. Getting old, she thinks we are.”

Indira walked over to her mentor and knelt before him. She looked him right in the eye, communicating silently with him. I thought I might not return either, Master. But I have. Thanks to Obi Wan. When she was finished she hugged the small Jedi gently.

Standing, she walked back to Obi Wan as Yoda said she was dismissed. Obi Wan took her hand and said his own goodbyes. They left quickly and started on the path that would take them to where the others would be gathered. Indira knew she had no hope of getting out of meeting them tonight. She just wanted it over with. As they reached the door, a thought crossed her mind.

“Obi Wan. What about Luke? I mean, he knew about this but will he be able to accept it. I do not want to cause tension between you again.” She asked worriedly.

“I do believe that dealing with my Master’s feelings of love will be easier to deal with then his feelings of guilt because of his love.” Luke had been waiting outside the door and had overheard Indira’s question. He hugged Indira as he welcomed her back.

Obi Wan looked at his padawan closely. “Are you sure, Luke?”

Luke nodded as he grinned happily. “Yes Master. I know that I will still come first and that my training is your first priority. But I know that you love Indira. I’m glad you have each other. I only hope that one day I can find a true love like that.”

Indira ruffled his hair as he mock glared at her. “You are a wonderful young man, Luke. That was a very mature answer.” She teased.

Luke smirked slyly. “Oh but this is to my benefit as well, Knight Kaliste. You two being together gives me an advantage over the other padawan. You two will be spending time together and in essence I will have two Masters training me. One of the best Masters and one of the best Knights as my personal trainers. Looks like this is a win-win situation for everyone.”

His Master reached around and smacked the back of his head as Indira laughed at his reasoning. “Ah, but that will mean that you get trained and evaluated twice as hard and twice as often.”

Luke’s face fell at her reasoning. “Hmm, didn’t think that one thru enough, did I?”

The other two laughed at him before opening the door. Inside held more people than either thought possible. Ginny, Harry, Padma, Anakin, the other two third of the trio, most of the people from Earth including Severus, as well as a few others. Again Indira held back shyly, until Severus approached her.

“Knight Kaliste. I trust that you took all the potions and applied the cream several times?” He asked. At her nodding, he continued. “If there are older scars that do not seem to be fading, please let me know and I will adjust the formula. I have had to strengthen it for myself several times over the past 40 years. It would be no problem.” He finished with a look that had her promising to talk to him soon. She nudged his mind shields just as he turned to go.

I can not thank you enough for giving Obi Wan the cream and potions. If not for them I would have been in a coma a very long time. Perhaps, not even been able to survive the coma if not for you. It is a debt that I will try to repay. She kept eye contact as she expressed her thanks mentally. She knew he would not want her saying this out loud in front of everyone.

He nodded his head slightly as he replied. It was nothing. I am glad to have been of service. And as for repaying your debt, if you could prank both Potter’s at once while I am around to see it. . .we will consider it repaid.

Indira shared a smirk with him before chuckling evilly. Her mind already running thru scenarios. Severus nodded again as he moved to sit down next to Anakin.

Obi Wan held up his hand as others started to move forward. “I know you want to greet Knight Kaliste but she has had a long three months. Please give her some space.”

Indira glared lightly at his taking control of things but she grinned as it worked rather well. “Okay. I am going to use a charm that Harry showed us to project my memories. I will only do this once and then I want to forget it for a while. Alright?”

Everyone nodded and Harry cast the charm. An hour later the same feelings that were evident in the Council room were being felt in the smaller room. Obi Wan was angry all over again. Harry and Anakin were ready for a fight, with anyone. Severus and surprisingly Draco were looking over at her with understanding in their eyes.

Wanting to end the overload of emotion, Indira rose. “Enough! What happened, happened. I am a Jedi. I know that these things can and will happen. I will be alright. We need to concentrate on other things now. Like kicking his ass before this happens to someone else.” She took a deep breath. “I am going back to my rooms to sleep and I will see you all in the morning.”

She smiled at everyone and stood to leave. Obi Wan followed her. He echoed the goodbyes as he watched her walk down the hall. Just as he was catching up to her, he felt Luke call out to him thru their bond. Master, stay with her tonight. She will need you. I will be fine by myself for tonight. Please tell her that I care about her and if either of you need anything, call for me.

Thank you padawan. That means so very much to both of us. I will see you early in the morning. We need to get back to your training. Obi Wan sent back.

Anytime Master. I will see you in the morning. I love you.

For the first time Obi Wan could return the sentiment without wondering about it. I love you too, Luke.

As he caught Indira, he relayed the message. She asked him to send her thanks as well. He did and by that time they were at her quarters.

She opened the door and waited as Obi Wan walked by her. As he did, they both recalled the last time he had been inside. Indira burst out laughing, startling him.

“What’s so funny, Indira?” He asked.

“Just remembering our conversation when you were drunk, that night.” She replied. She laugh again when she noticed his blush.

“I was not really to blame you know. If Fred and George hadn’t given me that bottle at Luke’s urging,” he tried to defend himself as she stopped him.

“If they hadn’t, then we would not have made love. You would not have broken your Oath. You would not have then taken it again. And we wouldn’t be here now.” She reminded him.

He pulled her close when she finished. “That is very true. So in a way we owe it all to Luke. Perhaps we will take it easy on him for the next week or so?”

Indira grinned. “I think that we can do that.”

Obi Wan held her closely as she snuggled her face into his neck. He breathed in the smell of her vanilla shampoo. The faint scent of lavender reminder him of what she had just been thru at the hands of the Sith Lord. He growled lightly stopping with a undignified squeak.

Indira had sensed that he was remembering her torture and had pinched his rear. He glared at her lightly before returning the favor. “I do believe it is time to see who is better.”

Indira pretended to look confused as she asked innocently. “Better at what Master Kenobi?”

Parts of Obi Wan’s anatomy were suddenly very interested at the way she had purred Master. “No need to be afraid my love. I am going to teach you everything that you do not know and give you extra tutelage where needed.”

Indira laughed as they headed for her bedroom. The last thing she heard was Obi Wan chuckling softly as he reassured Luke that he would close the bond until the morning.

After their month of vacation was up, both Indira and Obi Wan returned to active duty. Obi Wan and Luke were headed to Tantooine to check out some rumors about the Hutts and Force sensitive slaves. Leia had her first solo mission. Anakin and Tamsin were meeting with some smuggler’s from the outer systems. Harry had been given some time off seeing as Leia was to be gone for a little while. And Indira was going on a recruiting mission to a few of the lesser known Rebellion sympathetic systems. Hopefully, while there she could form better relationships and stronger ties.

Before Obi Wan had left, he had given her a ring and a promise. Once they both returned from their missions and had more than a few days off together, they would be married in a traditional wedding of her planet. She had happily said yes to the spontaneous proposal. She just wondered if Obi Wan knew that on her planet, traditional weddings included the bride and groom standing naked in front of their guests. . . the whole time.