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In This Solemn Hour.

Chapter I: At Sunset.

The sun was setting in the always frantic Coruscant City, ending another day, and one could feel the boiling life in every street, in every house, in every person. There was never a pause from the agitation in the most important planet in the galaxy. But, in the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan Kenobi was sitting on the grass in the middle of the garden and he was meditating. He cleared his mind of all thoughts as every fiber of his being connected him to the Force and nothing could disturb that moment of peace. Through meditation he tried to achieve wisdom and eliminate his flaws. But, sometimes, the Force would not give him answers to his questions, for it was not its way to teach the meaning of the existence of things.

He opened his eyes to see the remains of sunlight and sighed: it was the kind of moment Obi-Wan felt some questions would always be left unanswered, which did not stop those searching for wisdom from asking them. Standing up, he returned to the temple and headed to the dormitory floor. Once he arrived in the chambers he shared with Anakin Skywalker, his apprentice, he saw the small living area was empty and so was Anakin's bedroom, as he could see through the open door. Taking off his robe and throwing it on a chair, Obi-Wan entered the bathroom and washed his face with cold water. He then dried it with a towel and looked at the image of the Jedi Master in the mirror: long, light brown hair at the level of his chin framed a face which contained a pair of wise blue eyes and a beard. He had grown older.

In that moment, Obi-Wan started feeling nostalgic as he thought about Qui-Gon Jinn. He often missed his Master, his guidance and his friendship and he was not sure he would ever be a good teacher like Qui-Gon had been. Even though he knew the Force had a mysterious reason for everything, Obi-Wan still felt guilty for not saving Qui-Gon from the deadly hand of Darth Maul. After seven years, the shadow of grief still haunted him and he was sure it would never leave him, not completely.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Obi-Wan reminded himself he had to walk alone now: he had to be the guide. He then heard someone enter the living room and opened his eyes. Leaving the bathroom, he found a rather upset Anakin waiting for him with his arms crossed.

-You forgot, didn't you? –the young padawan asked.

-Forgot what? –Obi-Wan asked back, raising an eyebrow.

-The light saber practice you demanded for this afternoon! –Anakin answered furiously. – I had to "fight" a thirteen year-old in a duel. I'm good enough to be his Master already!

-Don't be so arrogant, Anakin. –Obi-Wan warned. –I'm sorry I forgot. I'll make it up to you tomorrow.

She sat down at her desk to resume her studies on some documents concerning the All Planet's Relief Fund after a long day spent in the middle of the falsity and corruption of the Galactic Senate. But, even though she tried her best to comprehend the words, her mind couldn't focus on what she was reading. So, she stood up from the chair and went to the kitchenette to make herself some tea. After boiling the water and choosing some herbs, she mixed them in a mug and walked to the large window of the living room of her small apartment and saw the sun setting behind dozens of buildings.

Anixia Nayade was twenty four years-old and she had graduated from the University of Coruscant two years before that day; she was currently the assistant of Senator Uta S'orn. Having studied Political Science, she hoped her hard work and dedication would some day grant her a place in the Senate so she could make a difference in the galaxy. She longed for a moment of peace among the tumultuous political problems, but she knew she was far from it. Senator Uta often had once told her she would have to learn to put other people's needs above her own so she could be a respectable representative of her planet, even if it meant personal sacrifices from her.

Finishing her tea, Anixia went back to work on the documents. Being a wealthy planet, Belasco had a very important position in the All Planet's Relief Fund and its senator held one of the most important votes in every decision. But Uta S'orn couldn't limit her attention to only one topic, so she already entrusted Anixia with the important matters she knew she could handle. And there was young Anixia, giving up her rest as she dedicated her time to what she believed to be the greater good.

She always wondered what the next day would bring because the current situation of the galaxy was becoming very delicate: several political factions strived for power and the Supreme Chancellor did nothing useful to appease the conflict. There was a constant feeling of insecurity among the members of the Senate and it was difficult to know who they could trust and who would stab them in the back.

Sighing, she started taking some notes for the meeting with the Senator the next morning; she knew Uta would know if she didn't entirely understand the subject and Anixia feared she would question her competence. So a long sleepless night awaited her, even though she was already very tired: a day at the Senate could exhaust even the strongest will.