Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by the head honcho, George Lucas and LucasFilmsLtd.

Author: The Secret Life of Obi-Wan Kenobi is written by ChorusGirl/HeKilledYounglings.

Story: This is thePREQUEL to my original story, a novella called "Secret of The Red Orchid" the Obi-Wan Kenobi love tragedy.Genre: Romance/Adventure

Chapter I

Senators gathered in a hub around the ever questionable Chancellor's office, discussing politics Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi could care less about. He was too busy wondering why he'd been summoned to Chancellor Palpatine's office in the first place. His padawan, Anakin Skywalker dawdled behind him. He was friends with the politician. But today, his mind was on other things. Likely the whereabouts of Senator Padme Amidala. He asked about her constantly.

"Have you seen her, Master? What did she wear today?"

Obi-Wan was careful to keep Anakin as far from the senator as he could get. Sure, the boy's admiration was understandable. But it was time he understood that admiration was as far as his feelings could ever go.

"I don't know Anakin, I wasn't looking. Why?"

He already knew the answer, but wanted to hear Anakin try to squirm his way out of answering.

"Well..."

The door to Chancellor Palpatine's office sprang open. On the other side the feeble, kindly looking politician stood before them. He wore a long black cloak and a black and grey alb beneath it. He clasped his hands together in earnest delight, a tender smile spreading across his wrinkled face.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi!" he exclaimed "Anakin, my boy... Good to see you, do come in." He motioned the Jedi and his padawan inside.

"I'm sorry to disturb you but I thought it would be best to explain the details of your assignment personally. Don't worry, I spoke to the Jedi Council and they've given me their blessing as they understand what's at stake-" he paused. "The dangers that lie ahead of us if we don't act swiftly."

"Understood, Chancellor Palpatine. What can I do for you?"

The chancellor laid a hand on Anakin's shoulder, sighed thoughtfully, then released him. Anakin followed the old man with his eyes.

"The Confederacy of Independent Systems are at it again." The old man sighed once more, a tiny frown creasing his forehead. "They're targeting a planet just outside of our Jurisdiction. Strategically however, it's much too close for the Republic not consider their actions a threat. They're doing their best to bully this tiny defenseless system into joining that awful rebellion. We have to do something. We simply can't take this risk. Oh..." The chancellor's shoulders sagged.

"Which system?" Anakin asked.

The chancellor paused, walked toward the window, then pointed. "Runei. In fact, Anakin, if you look into the distance you can see the planet from here. Among the stars, just west of us."

Anakin met the chancellor at the big viewing window and looked toward the sky.

"Stars? That's an asteroid field. It's just outside of the planet. The Confederacy wouldn't be able to properly protect a military base from air," Anakin answered. "So why would they go there?"

The chancellor smiled at Obi-Wan. "You've taught him well."

Pleased with himself, Anakin drifted toward Obi-Wan again and pressed both arms behind his back.

"But that's precisely what the separatists want us to believe. In fact, they're banking on it."

"So what exactly would our assignment be?" Obi-Wan asked. Politicians had a way of going on and on without saying much of anything. It was better to get the chancellor to focus so they could go about their business.

"I've assembled a team of senators who will be going to Runei , perhaps to provide a little intervention. Of course, the planet is a bit on the seedy side and we can't put our senators at risk, can we? I've asked Council to send their very best. And of course, you came to mind, Master Kenobi."

"He's not a master yet," Anakin interrupted.

"I meant it as a term of endearment, an honorific, Anakin. I'm well aware of master Kenobi's status in the Jedi Order. Don't worry friend," he said, looking at Obi-Wan. "It will only be a matter of time before the council is no longer overlooking your service and are officially bestowing upon you the rank of master."

Kenobi smiled. "I'm not concerned with such things, chancellor. I much prefer to leave the politics to politicians."

"Speaking of such," Anakin inserted coyly. "Will Padme Amidala be with them?"

Obi-Wan's lips pressed into a thin white line. He gave the padawan a look of utter disappointment then returned his gaze to Palpatine, who opened his mouth to speak.

"As a matter of fact, Senator Amidala will be joining you. Along with Senator Organa, and Tuf Zul."

"I'm sorry Chancellor," Obi-Wan said. "Anakin won't be going to Runei. He's being left at the temple. To mind his studies."

"Oh, surely you need the help!" Chancellor replied.

"I'm more than capable of handling the assignment on my own. Anakin and I are working hard to make sure he's ready for the trials. Which could be any day now."

"I'm sure he'll do just fine."

"If he manages to keep his mind on his studies," and not on beautiful young senators.

"If you say so," the chancellor snapped.

Obi-Wan stared at the politician, slightly taken aback.

"Master, please, I must go, you have to let-"

"Anakin, we'll have this discussion later. For now, it's time to tell the chancellor goodbye."

Anakin groaned, paced a step ahead of his master and bowed before Palpatine.

"Good day, sir."