Two

Anakin spent the time it took to travel to Tatooine meditating and contemplating his predicament, but acceptance that he was really in the past was the only thing he was able to glean. It was the Force that brought him here and it wasn't merely a gift for his own selfish benefit, which meant he had an obligation to save the Jedi and correct the faults that were renting the galaxy in two, but he couldn't ignore his personal issues. Before anything else was done, he had to save his mother and then, when he was sure she was on the mend, he'd return to the Jedi Temple and attempt to explain the future he'd come from to the council.

The Clone Wars hadn't started yet, so there was still time to prevent Palpatine from getting emergency powers, but Anakin was unsure how to resolve the problem with the seperatists and Dooku. There were too many droids on Geonosis to defeat in a head-on confrontation even if every Jedi available fought and, at any rate, it wouldn't resolve the core issue. Somehow, the republic needed to meet with the seperatists under a banner of peace and negotiate, even though that meant the republic had to be willing to reform itself. It wouldn't be easy to convince the republic it was what needed to done, especially as long as Palpatine was the chancellor- and the only way he'd abdicate that position was death or to succeed it as emperor. Anakin would need the support of the Jedi Council if he were to be overthrown.

Outright assasination, however tempting, was not an option.

A plane of golden sand filled the cockpit window as Anakin descended to Tatooine's surface, landing a moment later twenty yards from the Lars' moisture farm. He remembered coming here the first time with Padmé, his fear for his mother's wellfar and his excitement to know he'd be seeing her again, but those emotions as they'd been were absent now, although he still feared he'd be too late and was still eager to see his mother again after so very, very long. But it was a different anticipation, perhaps because he knew what was down this road or because he was already stained by the grief of her loss.

Exiting the ship, Anakin walked towards the farm, spotting Threepio quickly and heading for him. Not wanting to waste time repeating events, Anakin pre-empted the protocol droid's introduction to the creator he didn't recognize and cut straight to business. "Threepio, it's Anakin. I need a speeder bike to go after my mother." he declared.

The protocol droid was clearly flustered, his metal arms raising slightly, but then excitement overcame him. "Oh, the creator! Master Anakin, how good it is to see you!" he exclaimed joyfully.

"And it's good to see you," Anakin returned, despite his urgency, "but I need to find my mother. I know she's been taken by the Tuskens."

The request finally seemed to sink in and Threepio's mirth withered, regret stalling him briefly before he decided a course of action. "I think we'd better go indoors." he replied, turning and leading Anakin down to the sunken home. Only the knowledge it was necessary to meet the Lars' family before going after his mother kept Anakin from simply taking a bike himself and leaving.

Below, Anakin was surprised to see numerous people of varying species gathered around the dining table, pouring over maps and readouts and deep in heated debate, and Cliegg was standing at the forefront of it all. Anakin had been under the impression he'd lost his leg only days after Shmi's kidnapping but, apparently, it was taking longer to track the Tuskens and organize the party than he'd thought.

"Excuse me, Master Cliegg, might I present an important visitor?" Threepio broke in, bringing attention to him and Anakin. Cliegg straightened from the table and took in the young man, assessing him and easily recognizing that he was a Jedi.

"Hello," Anakin greeted, stepping forward, "I'm Anakin Skywalker."

Something like pleasure washed over Cliegg's face and he took Anakin's hand, shaking it. "Cliegg Lars; Shmi is my wife." he introduced himself. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but I have a feeling that's what brought you here."

Anakin nodded at his accuracy. "I've been having dreams about her. I know she's been taken by the Tusken Raiders and I know how to save her, but I need a speeder to get to her." he said, revealing his mission and needs.

"If you know where to find her," Cliegg replied, "then we'll go with you. We've been forming a rescue party, but tracking those Tuskens has been difficult. A sandstorm blew in shortly after she was taken and wiped away all traces of the band, but they've since been seen by some of the other moisture farmers." he related, glancing at some of the other men gathered at the table as he spoke.

"It's safer if I go alone." Anakin stated bluntly, strength of authority behind his words. "The more people that come, the easier it'll be for the Raiders to spot us. If it comes down to a fight, I can handle myself, but most of your men will be killed."

Cliegg couldn't deny Anakin's reasoning, but there was another point to be addressed and he was about to voice it when another farmer beat him to it. "Those animals deserve to die; if they remain alive, they'll just come back again, and who's to say it won't be my wife or son they take next time? Those Raiders need to be taught a lesson!" he bellowed angrily, getting nods of agreement from the other rescue searchers.

Anakin could sympathize all too well and he remembered with a pang his first bitter taste of the dark side, slaughtering the Tuskens who murdered his mother in a whirlwind of rage and hate, and he remembered the confusing mealstrom of guilt and anger and grief that had stormed through him long afterwards. He'd dealt out his own justice that day and it had haunted him ever since, the seed that ultimately led him to the dark side planted in the cracks of his shattered heart, and he knew now what a mistake it was- how wrong it was. It wasn't justice, no matter how much the Tuskens might have deserved it; it was revenge, pure and simple. It wasn't the Jedi way, and it wasn't his way.

Not anymore.

"I understand your anger," Anakin began, placating the riled farmer, "and I promise you, they'll never come near any of you again, but there'll be no more killing if it can be prevented." he declared resolutely, his expression hardened as his gaze swept the gathering for dissent, but no one was bold enough to go against the Jedi.

"Alright," Cliegg acquisced at last, releasing a heavy sigh, and he touched Anakin's arm as he walked past him, "the speeders are this way, follow me." he bid, and Anakin did as he was told, walking back up out of the pit and over to a garage. Cliegg opened the door to reveal Owen inside, working on one of the bikes with an expression of great concentration that masked his inner-turmoil for his step-mother. He looked up when they came in and blinked in confusion at the unfamiliar man beside his father, prompting Cliegg to acquaint the step-brothers with eachother.

"Owen," Cliegg instructed when he was done, "I want you to prepare two bikes and whatever supplies Anakin thinks we'll need."

Surprised to realize that Cliegg intended to go with him, Anakin stared at him quizzically. "We?" he repeated.

Cliegg turned, facing him with raw determination on his face and his hands on his hips. "Shmi's my wife. If you don't want a whole group going with you, that's fine, but I'm coming."

"And so am I." Owen piped in, matching his father's firmness, but Cliegg shook his head.

"No, I need you to stay here and look after the farm." he ordered, much to his son's frustration.

"I can help." Owen argued vehemently. "She's my mother, too."

Cliegg sighed but Anakin interjected before he could say anything more, addressing the upset youth. "You can help by going to Mos Espa and getting a doctor and medical supplies. She's going to be in rough shape when we bring her back and she's going to need the best care possible." he cojoled, willing to bring Cliegg along but no one else.

But Owen still wasn't convinced. "I can send someone to do that!"

"I know you can," Cliegg said, closing the space between him and his son and placing his hands on the boy's shoulders, "but I'd prefer it if you did it, that way I can be sure Shmi's getting the best. Please, Owen, do this for me?" he pleaded.

A moment of silence passed as the pair stared at each other, a battle of wills waging, before Owen finally sighed, relenting to his father. "Alright." He glanced at the waiting bikes, recalling his first commision, then regarded Anakin, eager to get the small rescue party going. "What do you need?"


The suns were beginning to set by the time they were ready to leave but Anakin was unbothered by the ensuing darkness, which was more than could be said for Cliegg, who was nervous about traveling in the dangerous desert at night. However, as long as Anakin was convinced he could get them to Shmi and back again safely, he wasn't going to protest and instead gave himself over to the wisdom and protection of the Jedi.

"How are you going to find her?" Cliegg asked as they mounted their bikes, bright orange sunlight spilling across them and causing both to squint slightly.

"I can feel her." Anakin replied, reverence in his voice. "I'm bonded to her through the Force; all I have to do is follow her presense."

Cliegg stared at him in wonder, amazed at his power. "Can all Jedi do that?"

Anakin had never really considered it but, now that he did, he realized what he was doing may not have been possible- or at least it would have been more difficult- if it was anyone else he was trying to find, except perhaps Obi-Wan or Padmé... or Luke. "It helps if you love them." he answered his step-father gravely, thinking with reproof of the Jedi's prohibition against attachment, and then turned on the speeder and he was gone an instant later.

Cliegg quickly caught up with him and Anakin was mindful to make sure he never pulled too far ahead or lost him, although he was a far superior pilot to the farmer and could have gone much faster. Night came and moisture farms fell away, Shmi's presence guiding them deeper into the desert, and Anakin wondered if he'd find her at the same place he had all those years ago or if the Tuskens would be camped elsewhere right now. Would she live this time? He had to hope so, or else what good was being sent back if he couldn't change anything for the better?

They came upon the camp below an outcropping of rocks less than two hours after they'd left the Lars' farm, the Tuskens huddled around fires and roasting meat, and Anakin followed his mother's presence with his eyes until they alit on her form. Instead of being in one of the hovels, she was out in the open, tied to a post and being taunted by the Raiders. Anakin saw one of the Tuskens hit her and his jaw tightened in anger but he reined himself in; he'd learned the hard way it benefitted no one to lash out in fury.

He led Cliegg down the outcropping until they were level with the camp and then began a cautious approach. Just before they breached the camp's border, Anakin stopped in a crouch and faced Cliegg, aware he wasn't going to get the other man to stay put but needing to at least give him instructions that would hopefully keep him out of trouble.

"As long as she's out in the open, we're not going to be able to do this quietly, so listen to me very carefully and do exactly as I say." he commanded, waiting for Cliegg's obedient nod before he went on. "Alright, stick close to me and follow my lead- no rushing ahead and no heroics." he stressed.

Clear that this was understood, they rose and crept into the camp, steathily moving behind the hovels and keeping to the shadows, until they were just outside the central fire. Anakin could see his mother much more clearly now, sitting in a crumpled heap and her head lulling against the post, and her pain screamed to him through the Force, bruises marring her face and cuts splitting her lips. Anakin's anger flared but he inhaled deeply and pushed it aside, centering himself, then unclipped his lightsaber from his belt.

The Tuskens nearest to the hovel they'd been hiding behind never saw it coming and were on their backs, howling in pain and clunching what was left of their legs, before they had any idea that they'd been attacked. By then, Anakin- with Cliegg tailing him- had cut through the Tuskens between him and his mother, Cliegg quickly working on Shmi's bonds while Anakin covered them. The Tuskens' attempts at retaliation and defense were shockingly ineffectual and those that hadn't lost legs had lost arms or hands, but only a couple had actually been slain and, by the time Cliegg had freed Shmi, those still standing were backing off. Yet one was still bold enough to rush them as Cliegg picked up his wife and Anakin thrust out his hand, sending the Tusken flying backwards with the Force.

Then Anakin turned a smoldering glare on the band of Raiders, now standing at a distance with their weapons raised fearfully. "I am Anakin Skywalker and, if you value your lives, you'll heed my words." he proclaimed loudly, projecting his power and authority over them. "I have been merciful this night and acted with restraint, but if you ever come near my family again or any of the good people of this world, I will return; there will be no place you can go I won't find you and nothing you can do to stop me."

The Tuskens were suitably terrified and stood uneasily, shifting back and forth from foot to foot, ready to flee in an instant. When Anakin, with a lingering scowl, turned off his lightsaber and marched from the camp without inhibition, the Tuskens nearest to his path immediately scurried further back from him and Cliegg, holding Shmi. Cliegg, for his part, was stunned at what had just passed but was too concerned with his fragile and badly beaten wife in his arms to think anything more of it than the typical power and demeanor of a well-trained Jedi.

When they reached the speeders and it was clear the Tuskens weren't following, only then did Anakin relax, his features softening as he turned to his mother and saw her injuries. He could feel her pain and knew every wound she had, seen and unseen, and he touched her forehead gently, using the Force to alleviate some of her pain; the journey would be difficult for her, even only half-conscious as she was.

"I'm the better pilot, I'll take her." Anakin reasoned and carefully took her from her husband's arms. Cliegg clearly saw the deep concern and protectiveness Anakin had for his mother and knew the excuse for what it was, but made no objection, appreaciating the indelible bond the two had that neither time nor space had been able to weaken or fray.

Anakin carefully positioned his mother in front of him, leaning her back against his chest and relishing in the warmth of her still-living body and the soft breaths he could hear and see in the fall and rise of her chest. Suddenly reality overtook him- standing in stark contrast to the devastating alternate ending he remembered so well- and tears flooded his eyes, stinging them, but he stubbornly refused to give in to the overwhelming desire to wrap his arms around her and bury his face in her neck and cry, until she was safely at home again.

Desperate to get her there as soon as possible, Anakin took off, trusting Cliegg to be close behind.


It was still dark when they arrived but there were lights emenating from within the domes topside as well as the sunken courtyard, and Anakin and Cliegg were dismounting and lifting Shmi when Owen, Beru and several others came rushing to them. Questions were launched at them about the Tuskens and Shmi's health and Anakin left Cliegg to answer, his concentration focused solely on getting his mother inside and taken care of. Owen hadn't disappointed and a doctor was waiting for them as well as every kind of medical equipment he could get his hands on, many of which Anakin was grateful wouldn't be needed, and he laid her down on a bed gingerly. His hand lingered on her face, lightly caressing her bruised cheek with his thumb as he stared down at her, filled with wonder and appreaciation for this second chance he'd been given. Again, tears stung his eyes and it was with great reluctance and a force of willpower that he was surprised he had that Anakin stepped back to give over his place at her side to the doctor, who immediately began working on her in a flurry of action and running commentary to the concerned family members.

"I can't believe we got her back, and she's alive..." Owen uttered softly, drawing Anakin's attention to the man standing next to him, their shoulders almost touching, and Owen's stricken and teary gaze suddenly moved from Shmi to Anakin. "Thank you."

The earnestness of his emotions surprised Anakin and only then did he remember that Shmi was the only mother Owen had ever known and he loved her deeply as a son. Of course, Anakin hadn't done it for Owen and was on the verge of silently dismissing his gratitude when he also recalled that this man had raised Luke and Anakin's reward to Owen for raising his son after his fall to the dark side had been to let the stormtroopers kill him and his wife. Suddenly realizing just how much he owed Owen, Anakin swallowed hard and looked away, his gaze resting on his- their- mother and knowing he still had a lot to make up for.


Chancellor Palpating stood at the glass window of his office, staring out at the expansive city sparkling with lights and hurried activity that blended into a flow of orchastrated and unending chaos, his hands clasped behind his back and his lips pressed into a thin line. The city never slept and Palpating rarely did, especially as the next stage of his plan drew nearer to implimentation. It was a critical time and he couldn't afford any mistakes or oversights, mindful of the unforseen events and actions that had taken place while he'd been positioning himself as chancellor and that, even though those events ultimately hadn't damaged his plans too severely, he couldn't trust the same outcome if something interferred again.

Which was why Palpatine was not happy right now.

He'd felt a tremor in the Force- an incredibly strong disturbance he couldn't identitfy- and he'd spent a great deal of time since meditating and seeking out answers, only to come up empty. He had, however, learned through his various sources that Anakin Skywalker had left Ansion, his mission there, and his master to go to Tatooine far earlier than Palpatine had foreseen, and he felt fairly certain that the young Jedi had managed to save his mother- without giving in to the darkside. It was his first taste and Palpatine had planned for it meticulously, needing it to come at the right time under the right circumstances in order to feed it and prey upon his other passions, but now he'd been foiled and Palpatine felt the blood in his veins simmering with rage. Ready to explode, it took all of his self-control to focus those energies into rethinking his plans for Anakin and the problems now presented. He hadn't worked this long and this hard on the boy to lose him- and especially the war with the Jedi- now when he was so close.

It was unlike Anakin to blatantly disregard Kenobi and the Jedi Council; he needed their approval and recognition too much to follow his instincts and forge his own path, even for the sake of his mother, and Palpatine knew he'd have to get to the bottom of this sudden change if he was to regain control of his future apprentice. After all, it was those same weaknesses and insecurities that he'd been exploiting to get Anakin's trust and favor and coax him along on his path to the dark side, the wedge between him and the Jedi driving him closer to Palpatine for him to mold, but if Anakin had somehow gained the confidence to break away from the Jedi and pursue his own course, then it would be much more difficult to keep him close.

There was a chime from the long-range transmitter sitting on his desk, and Palpatine slowly turned away from the window and withdrew a cloak from a nearby closset, putting it on and raising the hood to cover the upper portions of his face before answering the call. Normally, he'd have Dooku handle this kind of business, but Palpatine was agitated and needed an occupation to reaffirm his sense of control and his power. On his desk, a miniaturized holograph of a man suited in silver armor appeared before him and Palpatine wasted no time on pleasantries.

"Bounty-hunter, I have a job for you." he stated bluntly.

Intrigued, Jango Fett cocked his helmeted head. "Yes, Lord Sidious?" he prompted, his tone perfectly cold.

If Palpatine had had any consideration of the bounty-hunter beyond that of an insect, he would have killed him for his insolence but, as he was nothing, it wasn't worth his time or effort. "It requires contracting out... to a master assasin." he informed. "Can you do that?"

It wasn't Jango's job to hire assasins on someone else's behalf but, on the other hand, money was money. "Who's the target?"


"You should get some rest." Cliegg told Anakin, walking up behind him with a cup of Jawa juice that he placed on the endtable beside him, knowing full well that Anakin wouldn't be seeing to any of his own needs until Shmi was awake.

Anakin didn't even look up from his mother, his hand on hers just as it had been since the doctor had finished and Anakin had taken vigil beside her in a wooden chair. "I'm not tired." he replied truthfully, his mind racing too much with questions and shock and joyful wonder to be the slightest bit drowsy. He knew he'd been aloof and unresponsive to the Lars' attempts at conversation, but it was hard to focus on anything except his inexplicable travel through time, and he wasn't about to discuss that with them. Still, he didn't want to seem rude and he made another effort to drag his mind from the mire of his thoughts, looking up at his stepfather.

"You've made a good life for her here." Anakin awknowledged gratefully. "Thank you for freeing her."

Cliegg smiled and took a seat in another chair that had been pulled up alongside the bed, glancing at Shmi affectionately. "Shmi is a good woman; I fell in love with her right away, something I didn't think was possible after my first wife died in childbirth." he related, becoming whistful as he recalled meeting her for the first time. "I walked into Watto's shop and there she was, this gentle, strong and unbelievably beautiful woman, and I'd just about swear that time actually slowed down for an instant just so that I could realize what an incredible creature she was and how blessed I was to be near her. In that moment, I knew my life would never be the same."

As Anakin listened, he found himself thinking of Padmé and how much Cliegg's story and its sentiments were like his, and his heart swelled with her memory, her smile radiating behind his eyes and her soul filling him with everything she was. He'd known no joy like that of being with his Padmé, his beloved wife, his other half and, even after so many years, Anakin still felt- and knew he'd always feel- incomplete without her, a hole gaping inside him where she would always be. Her death was indelible in his mind, made all the worse because it was at his hand, and her desperate pleas for him to come back to her and her tears of grief would never fade from his heart.

It didn't happen, Anakin reminded himself sternly when tears began to burn his eyes, not here, not yet. And it won't happen. I'll keep Padmé safe this time, I swear- even from myself.

Aware that he'd been caught drifting again and had missed the rest of Cliegg's story, Anakin could only smile apologetically at the obviously worried older man, who was staring at him questioningly, and shrugged dismissively. Returning his gaze to his battered mother, he hoped Cliegg wouldn't pry, however the concern was instantly forgotten when he felt his mother stirring through the Force and saw her eyelids fluttering.

"Mom?" he encouraged, rising to stand over the bed and squeezing her hand gently.

"Shmi?" Cliegg repeated, joining Anakin, and both men looked down at her anxiously, afraid to push her to awaken but eager for evidence of her recovery.

Shmi moaned softly and turned her head before her eyes finally opened and Anakin waited with bated breath as her vision focused on him. He felt her disbelief and her joy, felt the love directed at him when she smiled and raised a hand to touch his face, just as she'd done in another life. "Ani? Is it really you?"

Her voice, although cracked and weak, was like music to Anakin and tears slipped down his cheeks, catching on his lips as he grinned. "It's me, mom." he assured. "I'm here."

"I knew you'd come." she whispered, stroking his hair. "My son, oh, my grown-up son! You're so handsome." Her gaze shifted and she acknowledged Cliegg's presense for the first time, smiling anew at her husband. "Isn't he?"

Cliegg's relief was palpable and he reached out, brushing her cheek affectionately and letting his hand linger there. "Sure is, darling. He comes from good stock." he replied genuinely, turning the complement on her.

Shmi's eyes slowly returned to Anakin, exhausted but unwilling to go back to sleep without a few more minutes with her son, whom she hadn't seen in ten years, and she radiated happiness and affection as she admired him. "I'm so proud of you." she told him, carresing Anakin's face and prompting him to turn into her hand so he could press a kiss into her palm. Behind him, he was aware of Owen and Beru eagerly approaching, although they were silent in their concern of disturbing her, and they stopped next to Cliegg at the head of her bed.

"Now, I finally have all my family together." Shmi rejoiced, Owen placing a hand on the crown of her head.

"Hey, mom." he greeted softly.

Her strength fading, Shmi didn't speak but smiled gently at her stepson and his girlfriend, then her eyelids began to droop.

"It's okay, mom," Anakin soothed, taking the hand that been on his cheek and clasping it in both of his, "you can sleep. Everything's going to be alright; we'll be right here when you wake up."

"Just rest now." Cliegg seconded the encouragement, bending over and kissing her forehead.

Her eyes flickered open one last time, looking up at Anakin for reassurance he was really there, then closed again and, almost instantly, she fell into a peaceful sleep, surrounded by those she loved. A burden Anakin hadn't known existed lifted from his heart as he sensed her life in the Force, still strong and growing stronger, after their reunion- the promise she wasn't just holding on to see him one last time but that she was going to survive.

That's when it finally struck home; he'd done it; he'd save his mother. He'd proven he could change the future- and now he had to save Padmé, the Jedi and the Republic from Sidious. To do that, he had to destroy the Sith.


Obi-Wan was anxious; anxious to end the border dispute, anxious to leave Ansion, and anxious to get back to his padawan, and all the anxiousness was making him irritated, which was a fine distraction from the concern brewing in him for Anakin. A Jedi was supposed to be the epitomy of serenity, not anxious or concerned, and certainly not irritated, but Anakin had a knack for making Obi-Wan all three on a regular basis, so he should hardly be surprised that he was yet again trying to contact his wayward apprentice.

He'd left several messages for Anakin since he'd left the previous day but had failed to reach him, being forced instead to wait for Anakin to call him back while Obi-Wan's consternation made each hour far longer than it really was. So, when his com finally chimed, indicating Anakin was contacting him, he'd immediately headed for his quarters despite the fact that he'd been in the middle of a negotation and had needed to excuse himself from the insulted delegates. He'd worry about that later; right now, knowing how and exactly what his padawan was doing was more important.

Standing in front of the com, the holographic image of Anakin flickered to life, and Obi-Wan felt an instant of small relief upon seeing him and discerning that nothing was immediately wrong with him in either body or mind. "Anakin," Obi-Wan adressed, his tone a mixture of reprimand and concern, "I've been trying to reach you. I take it you're on Tatooine?"

Anakin tipped his head slightly in confirmation. "Yes, and my mother's been rescued." he informed dociley.

Obi-Wan's indignation faltered, acknowledging with a pang of guilt that he'd been wrong about Anakin's dreams but still uncertain how much it justified his padawan going off-mission and his insubordination. "How is she?" he asked sympathetically, hoping for Anakin's sake that her trauma hadn't been too severe.

"She's been badly beaten and is malnurished, but she should make a full recovery in time." Anakin replied.

Well, that was one problem down, Obi-Wan quietly sighed in relief. "The Council has dispatched Kit Fisto to meet you on Tatooine and stay with you until your return." Obi-Wan appraised to his apprentice, eager to get back to matters more comfortable to discuss.

On the starship's bridge, Anakin was less pleased with this news and his brow furrowed in surprise. "Why?"

"Because," Obi-Wan blinked, thinking it should be rather obvious, "you were in some coma-like state for nearly a week and then, the instant you woke up, you started babbling nonesense and ran off to Tatooine. Whatever happened to you, you need to be looked after to make sure you're alright and that it doesn't happen again."

"With all due respect to you and the Council," Anakin countered, "I don't believe that's necessesary; I'm among family here and, because of my mother's condition, there is a strong medical presense as well, should anything happen, which I'm quite confident it won't." he reasoned, then paused to consider his next line of arguement, knowing Obi-Wan wouldn't be easily convinced. "I need time alone to proccess and understand what happened to me, to figure out what it means and what I have to do. Please, Obi-Wan," he pretitioned earnestly, "I promise I won't do anything foolish and that I will meet you on Coruscant in two-week's time when you're finished with the dispute on Ansion; just give me this time alone to meditate."

Obi-Wan eyed him uncertainly, as suprised that Anakin would want solitude to meditate for two weeks as he was by his certainty that the border dispute would be over by then. "And you promise that you won't go anywhere else?" he questioned, the likelihood that his brash padawan would do just that not small.

"I promise." Anakin replied with a hint of irritation; although Obi-Wan couldn't know that for the past twenty-five years he'd been a dark lord of the Sith and had answered to only one man in the entire galaxy, it still was chaffing to be treated like a child who needed a nanny.

Despite his misgivings, Obi-Wan felt Anakin's desire to be with his mother and accepted the promise. "I'll speak to the Council," he told his padawan, not giving any assurances whether his request would be granted or not, but at least willing to vouche for him. Obi-Wan just hoped he wasn't making a mistake.

"Thank-you, Obi-Wan." Anakin said gratefully.

"But, whatever they decide, I want to have regular, schuduled contact with you." Obi-Wan added strictly, not about to go through the stress of waiting for news about Anakin again.

Although Anakin didn't consider himself Obi-Wan's charge anymore, he was still his friend and appreaciated the other man's position and so acquisced to what, in his mind, was a request- not an order. "I'll give you a daily update first thing in the morning, your time." he told his old master, knowing that it was the time Obi-Wan would most likely be in his room.

Sensing Anakin about to terminate the conversation- and even knowing that he should, considering the disgruntled delegates awaiting him- Obi-Wan couldn't help interjecting as Anakin reached to turn off the holocom. "Anakin," he addressed, halting his padawan, but Obi-Wan didn't continue until Anakin had lowered his arm back to his side, "how are you feeling?" he asked, dropping all pretenses of formality as he regarded the younger man with tender concern.

Anakin hesitated as he considered his answer, searching his feelings and trying to put a suitable name to them that Obi-Wan could understand, but in the end there was too much and so he settled. "Confused," he replied, "but a lot better than I've felt in a long time."

While Obi-Wan was pleased that Anakin's condition seemed stable for the moment, it was disconcerting that his padawan was still under the impression he'd lived a life that had never happened, and the small hope that Obi-Wan had harbored that Anakin's mind would clear with a little bit of time was dashed. He wanted to inquire further of Anakin's wellfare and discuss what had happened from his protogee's point of view, to get to the bottom of what was going on, but the border dispute and the delegates demanded his attention and, reluctantly shoving aside his personal feelings, Obi-Wan let the conversation come to its natural conclusion.

"May the Force be with you." he bid Anakin, meaning every word, and Anakin tipped his head and repeated the familiar farewell. The holographic display flickered briefly as it was turned off and then the image of Obi-Wan's apprentice disappeared, leaving him alone in his suddenly silent and barren room. It had never occured to Obi-Wan just how bereft the room was but, in the wake of his meeting with Anakin, he felt acutely the presense that was missing there and he stood for a moment, considering the conversation and feelings he'd sensed from Anakin. There was a storm in the young man's mind, shadows of some horrible darkness and stabs of unspeakable pain but then flashes of bright hope and incredible love, and all Obi-Wan could truly glean through the overlapping waves of grief and joy was an overriding determination and an odd sense of peace. Obi-Wan had no idea what could have caused such things to arrise in his apprentice but knew that something, indeed, had happened to him and effected him profoundly, changing him.

As he left his room and walked down the halls that would lead him back to the waiting delegates, Obi-Wan continued to puzzle over the mystery and he recalled the brief image in Anakin's mind that he'd glanced; a man with blue eyes and sandy hair, looking at him- Anakin- resolutely. The emotions that came with that image were just as jumbled as everything else, but there was one feeling more predominant than the others, proud, affectionate protectiveness. In a word, paternal, and Obi-Wan recognized the feeling as being closely assosciated to what he himself felt for Anakin. Perhaps the young man was supposed to be Anakin's future apprentice...

Luke. Obi-Wan knew instinctively that was the boy's name, the name Anakin had spoken when he'd first awoken, and the boy was somehow very important to Anakin. Much was tied to the boy's image, thoughts and memories and feelings, but they were beyond Obi-Wan's reach and, as the doors to the conference room opened before him and admitted him to the delegates, he came to the steely determination to uncover Luke's identity and his involvement with Anakin's illness.

So, I'm not an expert in the Star Wars universe and I'm sure that's apparent; any info/corrections are greatly appreaciated. Sorry for all the spelling errors and thanks so much for the reviews! Please keep them coming!