Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars; it belongs to the creative genius of George Lucas. However, anything that you do not recognize does belong to me.


Chapter Two: Shift in Plans

The rising sun peeked through the spire towers of the City World of Coruscant; it peeked into a bright blue and white room. It crept across the floor over to the bed that held two sleeping figures. The dark haired boy, the elder of the two, awoke when the light danced across his face; twilight blue eyes opened and blinked, the room coming into focus. He sat up rubbing at his eye and running a hand through silky spiked black hair, tucking the long braid with blonde tip behind his right ear. This boy was Jedi Padawan Aleyn Tors, Apprentice to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker; he slid out of bed and pulled up the covers around the toddler that was still sleeping in the bed, a brown and black wookiee doll clutched in his arms. It had been a gift from a friend of Master Anakin's, Chewbacca. Aleyn moved to the closet and pulled out his Tunics, pants, robe and boots; he dressed quietly, leaving the toddler to sleep on. Master Anakin and his Life-Mate, Jedi Master and Senator of Phaedos, Obi-Wan Kenobi-Skywalker, would be returning home from a mission. Aleyn was in fact an Eireannach Jedi, himself; he was a tribal member of the Oiche Rothai Tribe from Coineascar Machire in Uru Province. Aleyn hooked his Lightsaber, especially designed to active only for him, to his belt and headed out in the main apartment.

Several members of Master Obi-Wan's Honor Guard were already up. They were busily checking the perimeter of the apartment and readying the apartment for the return of the two. It had been some days since Master Obi-Wan and Master Anakin had left for a mission of great importance; Aleyn had usually gone with Master Anakin when he left for missions but this time he had been left behind. Aleyn moved into the Kitchen and began to prepare breakfast for himself. "Good morning Master Aleyn" came the tinny voice of C-3PO, the Protocol droid that acted as aide to Master Obi-Wan when he was doing in his Senatorial duties. The droid was better called Threepio by everyone.

"Morning, Threepio" Aleyn replied, "Any word on Master Anakin and Master Obi-Wan's arrival?"

"None at all, Sir" Threepio replied, "I would assume that Master Anakin and Master Obi-Wan will return today". Aleyn nodded and sat down, sipping on a ginger flavour tea that both he and Master Obi-Wan seemed to favor. He heard the pitter of tiny feet and looked over the counter to see Qui-Gon peeking out of the hallway; he is a terribly shy child which many Jedi, that were friends to his master and Master Obi-Wan, attested to Obi-Wan being the same way as a child. Aleyn beckoned the child over and he tottered over and lifted his arms, demanding to be picked up; Aleyn obeyed and hoisted the toddler into his arms and perched the three-year-old on his hip.

"Daidi agus Daid?" Qui-Gon inquired. The boy was quite fluent in the native tongue of Phaedos and could speak, brokenly, in Basic even though he understood it very well.

"They'll be home later today, Qui" Aleyn soothed. The boy pouted but otherwise offered no protestation. "Now, what would you like for breakfast?"

"Su talun pancog!" the boy said, happily.

"Su talun pancog" Aleyn nodded.


Obi-Wan leaned against Anakin's good shoulder, tiredly. They were dead tired, and both just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep away the war; the lift's doors opened and they entered a disaster zone.

"Master Qui-Gon put me down this instant!" Threepio demanded from his place on the ceiling. The baby just giggled and shifted his attention to something else to float; Obi-Wan and Anakin looked at each other.

"Right, got it" Anakin said. "Qui-Gon Kenobi-Skywalker put everything down this instant!" Qui-Gon's head snapped and he looked up at his parents with wide blue eyes. Everything would have completely dropped even Aleyn, who had been floating in the air as well, if Obi-Wan hadn't caught them all and set them down gently.

"Sorry, Masters" Aleyn said, "I was just trying to teach him some minor levitation tricks like the ones they teach the Initiates. Guess he got carried away". The dark head bowed but Anakin just ruffled his Padawan's hair and grinned.

"It's not your fault, Aleyn" Obi-Wan said, "Qui-Gon is just too much like his father". Anakin gave Obi-Wan a dirty look but the Eireannach Jedi just ignored him and gathered up their oldest and headed into the little boy's bedroom. "Come along, Qui, time for your nap". The little boy curled against Obi-Wan and popped his thumb into his mouth, sucking on it. Obi-Wan stopped and turned and looked at Anakin; "Ani, go lay down" Obi-Wan ordered, "you look ready to drop". Anakin saluted his husband and headed into the bedroom; Obi-Wan entered Qui-Gon's bedroom. Aleyn headed off to his own room to study, he had an up coming test in xenobiology and he wanted to be prepared for it.


Anakin woke in the darkness, looking around the dark blue room. He didn't understand what woke him; blinkingly, he rubbed at his eyes and looked at his Mate sleeping beside him peacefully. Anakin smiled a little and pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's face then rubbed his expanding stomach. The baby moved under his hand causing Obi-Wan to stir a bit but otherwise stay asleep. Anakin removed himself from the bed, pulling on his tunic as he exited the bedroom. Anakin peeked into Qui-Gon's room and smiled as he noticed that Qui-Gon fast asleep; the wookiee doll that Chewbacca had given him was tucked under his arm. Anakin turned and peeked into Aleyn's room; the thirteen-year-old was asleep over several data pads. Anakin shook his head and moved in; he gently hoisted his Padawan into his arms, so that Aleyn's dark head rested on his shoulder. The young Eireannach murmured in his sleep and shifted closer to Anakin, his head nuzzled against the broad shoulder. Anakin smiled and pressed a kiss to Aleyn's dark head; he pulled back the covers of Aleyn's bed and rested the small Eireannach down and pulled up the covers. He swept back the Padawan braid and reminisced when he first took the boy, two year ago.

/Anakin heard shouting as he rounded the corner of one of the training Halls in the Temple. He frowned when he saw three human Padawans picking upon an eleven-year-old initiate. "What's matter, Tors, you too stupid to understand Basic?" sneered the leader.

"Maslaigh!" the boy shouted. He lashed out, catching one boy in the shin; he was caught by the other two and held tightly in their grip. The leader snatched something from around the boy's neck and Anakin recognized it as an Eireannach Holy Stone; it was often passed down several generations. Obi-Wan possessed one and wore it around his neck. Holy Stones possessed a significant meaning to Eireannach; Holy Stones were often held images or even the voices of past holders. Obi-Wan's stone held both an image and the voice of his parents. "Aon!" the boy cried, "le do thoil tabhair ar ais. Le do thoil, se is an amhain rud dar mo athair sin me -----!" The leader gained a malicious grin and stepped back and released the Holy Stone from his grip. "Aon!" Anakin reached out and snatched it from its fall and it flew over and smacked lightly into his hand. The Padawans froze, staring up at Anakin with huge eyes. The Initiate broke free and ran to Anakin, reaching out for his Stone. Anakin, with utter reverence, placed it around the boy's neck; the boy almost sobbed in relief.

"Ansin, droim anait se liomsa" Anakin said. He looked over at the Padawans that where trying to sneak away. "Hold it right there you three" he said sternly; he hoisted the small initiate into his arms and walked over to them. "We are going to have a little chat with the Council over your xeno-racial behavior toward some of our non-human members. March!"/

The boys had been severely punished and little Aleyn Tors had been made Anakin's Padawan. Anakin stood and walked out; he moved into the living room and collapsed onto one of the couches there. He stared up at the ceiling for a while until he heard the soft steps from behind. "Ani? What in an Spiorad Naomh's name are you doing up at this hour?" came Obi-Wan's gentle voice. Anakin looked at his Mate, his ginger hair hung free from the day's restraints and he rubbed at his eyes. A light blue sleep robe was pulled around him; he moved on sleepy feet over to Anakin. "Ani?"

"Sorry, nightmares" Anakin said, honestly. He reached up and pulled Obi-Wan into his lap; the smaller man rested his head on Anakin's shoulder and yawned.

"Like the ones about your mother?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Something like that" Anakin admitted, he rubbed the belly again. Obi-Wan smiled and shifted closer.

"What was it about?" Obi-Wan inquired. Anakin looked at the ceiling then suddenly stiffened as the dream came flooding back. Obi-Wan's face torn in pain, the screams in the background that Anakin identified as Padme and himself, and the cries of a baby. "Ani?" Obi-Wan pulled back and looked at his younger mate, with concerned blue-green eyes.

"It was nothing, just stupid old nightmares" Anakin said.

"Anakin Skywalker, you don't need to hide behind that macho front with me" Obi-Wan said, sternly. "I thought we were passed all this; Ani, please, I just want to help".

"It was about you" Anakin said, not looking at Obi-Wan in the face; "you were in pain, so much pain. I could hear myself and Padme screaming in the background then suddenly you were gone". Obi-Wan blinked his eyes shocked; he hadn't been expecting that remark.

"Gone? You mean ----?"

"Yes".

"And what of our baby?" Obi-Wan asked, his hands snaking down to his stomach. Anakin gripped one and looked up at the Eireannach Jedi.

"I don't know, Obi, I honestly don't know" Anakin said. Obi-Wan leaned back against Anakin, staring dazed at the opposite wall. "These dreams could mean anything, Obi, and I could be having them because I'm anxious about the baby being born during the war".

"It's possible" Obi-Wan said, "but what if it means something else?" Anakin pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's head.

"I'll speak with Master Yoda tomorrow" Anakin said, "he'll know what to do". Obi-Wan nodded, resting his head back on Anakin's shoulders; the two Jedi stayed there until morning and watched the sun peek itself over the Spires of Coruscant.


Yoda sat before Anakin as the two had come to discuss Anakin's dream. "Troubling this is, very troubling" Yoda said, "sense the darkness growing I do. I vision I had of Obi-Wan; death I saw, terrible fate".

"Well, that makes me feel better" Anakin said, sarcastically, "thanks Master; you really know how to lift a guy's spirits about the impeding death of his Mate". Anakin scowled at the Master; The Kenobi-Skywalker family and Master Yoda had become rather close after Qui-Gon's birth.

Yoda gave the much younger Jedi a annoyed glared. "Defiance my line has sired" Yoda said.

"Don't blame us Padawans" Anakin said with a smile, "you pretty defiant yourself, Master". Yoda hmphed and tapped his cane against his seat.


Anakin caught up with his Lifemate at the end of the Intelligence Report. "What did I miss?" Anakin asked. Obi-Wan looked at his mate from the display feature; his face was strained. "Obi?"

"It's nothing" Obi-Wan said, "I just been feeling a little unwell since this morning. What you missed . . . The Separatists have invaded Troika IV and Kasseri VII. And still no sign of General Grievous". Anakin sighed and sat down on a nearby chair and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Are we being reassigned?"

"No" Obi-Wan replied, "the Council is a little concerned by these recent developments. They've recalled all Master and Padawan pairs and stationed them permanently at the Temple". Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan shocked.

"What about you? You don't have any Padawan?" Anakin said, his heart leaping up in his throat. He was terrified that Obi-Wan would be reassigned.

"I am permanent Desk duty" Obi-Wan said, "until a year after I have the baby". Anakin gave a sigh of relief; Obi-Wan couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, we're finish here for the day and I really want to put my feet up". Anakin stood and wrapped his arm around Obi-Wan's waist, allowing the smaller man to rest his head on his shoulder. "oh, by the way, I stopped by the infirmary. Just to check in".

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan, curiously. "Look what Bant gave me" Obi-Wan said, revealing a small black and white picture; "it's the baby . . . a little boy, just as we guessed". Anakin took the picture and smiled at it.

"Qui-Gon will love this" Anakin said, laughing. "Probably show it to everyone that comes to the apartment". Obi-Wan laughed and snuggled closer to Anakin.


Padme sat with Obi-Wan as they looked over colors to paint the baby's room. Qui-Gon played before them, content to moving his blocks around with his mind. "He's a quick learner, isn't he" Padme said, referring to Qui-Gon's levitation ability.

"Anakin was remarkably quick when I taught him the basics" Obi-Wan replied "and according to several of my teachers, I surpassed much of my year-mates because of my quick learning". Padme smiled and looked at her friend.

"You, I can understand" Padme said, "Ani, I find that hard to believed". Obi-Wan laughed; Padme was so right. Not many people could see Anakin's quick mind underneath his lazy exterior. Padme sat back, her hands coming to rest upon her large stomach; she looked over at Obi-Wan, who decided to do the same thing. "Have you and Ani decided on a name, yet?"

"As soon as we learned that it was a boy, Anakin insisted on the name Luke" Obi-Wan replied. Padme looked at him, surprised.

"Luke? Why does that name sound so familiar?" Padme said, curiously. She tapped her chin, trying to remember where she had heard the name before. Obi-Wan rested his head against the back of the couch watching her with an amused look; she huffed and glared at Obi-Wan, demanding an answer by her glare. Obi-Wan grinned.

"Luke was one of the Jedi Knights that founded the Temple here on Coruscant and the Uisinn dar an Siorai Lochrann, Temple of Eternal Light, on Phaedos" Obi-Wan replied. "And it's Eireannach for Bringer of Light. Anakin like the pun on that".

"Oh, I remember Ani telling me that Legend" Padme replied, "well, he was really telling it to Aleyn and Qui-Gon but I was there, so . .." Obi-Wan nodded, his eyes closed.

"Have you decided on a name?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"Alika and I like the name Leia" Padme replied, "it's Nabian for royal child of heaven".

"It's pretty" Obi-Wan said, smiling. "Could you imagine if you and I had Luke and Leia on the same day?"

"Poor Ani and Alika" Padme laughed. The door of the apartment opened and the two looked over the couch to see Bail Organa, Alika's elder brother, standing there with several members of the Alderaan Honor Guard. Immediately, Obi-Wan and Padme stood; a half-sinking feeling rose in the pit of Obi-Wan's stomach. To quote himself and Anakin, he had a really bad feeling about this.


Anakin entered the office of Chancellor Palpatine as the Chancellor had requested to see him. Anakin couldn't help but note that the Chancellor looked a little worn down. Probably from the amount of strain from the war and his recent kidnapping. "Ah, Anakin, my boy, how are you?" Palpatine said, cheerfully.

"As well as can be expected, Your Excellency" Anakin said, approaching the man.

"Good, good" Palpatine said, "and how is Senator Kenobi? And little Qui-Gon? That boy is growing so fast. Why it seems only yesterday when he was only an infant". Anakin nodded and took the chair that Palpatine gestured to.

"Yes, Qui-Gon is growing up rather quickly" Anakin replied, cautiously.

"How are his Force abilities coming along?" Anakin did not like the way that line of question was going. Obi-Wan always joked that when the time came for Qui-Gon to start his Padawan training and he became older, Anakin was going to become the Father from Hell. Anakin didn't want to think of when Qui-Gon decided that he wanted to mate; Yoda and Obi-Wan, not to mention several Healer Bant, Padme and several of Obi-Wan's honor guard, got a good laugh out of that. "Anakin?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry, Chancellor, I must have slipped off" Anakin said.

"Oh, it's quite alright, My boy" the Chancellor said, with a twinkle in his eye. "I do that as well. It's the strain of the War; course, I'm not surprised, the Jedi have been under a lot of strain recently". Anakin nodded in agreement.

"How are the Jedi handling this?" the Chancellor asked in concern.

"As can be expected" Anakin replied, evasively. Every time he talked with the Chancellor, he asked question. Questions that Anakin did not like; "I really must be going, Chancellor".

"Oh, yes, of course, I'm sorry that kept you" Palpatine said "before you go, Anakin, there's something I like to tell you. I would like it, very much, if you would become my representative on the Jedi Council". Anakin looked at the man shocked.

"With all due respect, Your Excellency, the Council chooses its own members" Anakin said, "and there is already a Representative from the Council in the Senate".

"Oh, I know, but I thought this might lift Senator Kenobi's load" Palpatine replied.

"I will speak with the Council about this" Anakin said, "I make no promises, Your Excellency". Anakin bowed to the man and walked out; he did not notice the dark look that came over the usually kind man's face. Anakin felt the doors behind him close and couldn't help but give a breath of relief; he saw his Padawan sitting on the floor in a mediation stance common amongst his people. The cross-legs and bowed head and folded hands; Aleyn's eyes opened and he looked over at his Master.

"Finished?"

"Oh, yes, how did your talk with Chancellor Palpatine go?" Aleyn asked, rising to his feet gracefully. Anakin was quite jealous that his Padawan and husband were so graceful but Anakin knew that it was common amongst the Eireannach Tribes to be graceful.

"Fine" Anakin replied, "come along, Aleyn, I want to have a chat with the Council". Aleyn raised an eyebrow and Anakin could feel his confusion but didn't comment on it. Anakin grasp his Padawan's hand and pulled him close as they walked past several Clone Troopers. Aleyn noticed his Master shooting nervous looks at the Clone Troopers and couldn't understand why.

"Commander Skywalker" called a voice. Anakin stopped and turned to see Commander Cody and Lieutenant Kasey and several other of Obi-Wan's Troopers heading towards them. Anakin relaxed and greeted them with a smile; "we wanted to give this to you" Cody said, lifting the stuff blue teddy bear, "for your new baby when he arrives. The Boys and I thought it be nice for the little fella to have it". Anakin accepted the teddy bear and thanked the Troopers. "Give my regards to General Kenobi-Skywalker". Anakin nodded; Cody reached in and ruffled Aleyn's black hair; "See you, Commander . . . Kid". Anakin wave goodbye and grasp Aleyn's arm and they hurried off.


The Council chambers were at the very top of the Jedi Temples. Circle and open; Obi-Wan loved the Council Chambers, even if he hated standing before the Council when he was younger. There were Twelve Council members all arranged in a circle so there would be no rank and no competition. Of course, everyone deferred to Master Yoda; who could not? Obi-Wan listen to his fellow Council members talk amongst themselves over the recent events. Alika Organa, husband of Senator Padme Naberrie-Organa, had just been killed; his ship had been targeted by Separatist and destroyed. Padme was in her suites mourning with her brother-in-law, Bail. Alika had been a prominent member of the Senator, his brother's Representative and a very vocal Pacifist.

"Terrible this is, terrible, terrible" Yoda said, shaking his head. Suddenly the doors opened and a very agitated Anakin walked in with Aleyn trailing behind.

"Masters, I must speak with you" Anakin said. Mace Windu nodded and gestured for you to continue. "I just came from the Chancellor's office".

"Is that the cause of your agitation?" Mace asked, gently. Anakin nodded and shoved his hands up in sleeves as he crossed his arms.

"The Chancellor has been asking questions" Anakin said.

"Questions hardly seem dangerous" Enola Adamdh replied.

"I suppose you are right, Master Enola but these questions I did not like" Anakin replied. "He has been asking about Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, I don't like it. Not to mention He has been asking questions about the Jedi".

"That is concerning" Leilani Uuda replied, "what does he ask?"

"About my son's progress with the Force, how we are handling the stress of the war" Anakin replied, shifting. "And general questions concerning Obi-Wan". The Council could see that Anakin was very agitated and they knew that it was very hard for him to get that way. Obi-Wan looked at Mace, who nodded; he stood from his chair with a little help from Leilani and moved to Anakin. Obi-Wan grasped his Mate's arm and sent off calming waves, soothing away Anakin's agitation. Anakin looked at his Mate and smiled before turning back to the Council. "The Chancellor has also expressed wishes for me to become his Representative on the Council".

"The Chancellor cannot decide who is elected on to the Council" Mace said, sternly. Anakin raised his hands in surrender.

"Personally, I think I too young and too hard headed to be making any important decision that could affect the Order" Anakin said, "and I told the Chancellor that I would just speak with the Council. And I've stated that Councilors elect who is on the Council and not to mention Obi-Wan is already the Senate Representative".

Yoda chuckled and looked at the dark-skinned Jedi Master. "Has you there, he does" Yoda said. Other members were struggling to contain their laughter; Obi-Wan had buried his face in Anakin's shoulder to muffle his laughter. Obi-Wan waited a couple of minutes to compose himself and raised his head that was when he was hit. He gave a startled cry, alerting everyone. Anakin grabbed Obi-Wan as he slipped downwards; the Councilors moving to aid.

"Obi, Obi!" Anakin said, gently shaking his Mate's shoulder but Obi-Wan did not him just stared off into space; his Blue-green eyes turning a milky white. No one could anticipate what the Force had decided to show one of her most loyal followers.

/ Obi-wan stood in the Council chambers and gazed around; the chambers were dyed red with blood from the small bodies that littered the room. Obi-Wan moved his hand to his mouth, to keep himself from gagging; the doors were opened and Obi-Wan could make out the still forms of several Jedi. Obi-Wan moved slowly toward them, like a specter moving over a battlefield. Obi-Wan moaned and dropped to his knees; his hand touched the shoulder of the still form of Anakin and rolled him onto his back. Obi-Wan saw the blaster wounds and a single wound through Anakin's chest that could only have been made by Lightsaber. "Ani?" Obi-Wan whispered not wanting to believe the sight before him.

Those blue eyes that Obi-Wan loved so much, opened a little and he could see the dying light in them. "Obi?" Anakin whispered, strangled. He lifted his hand and caressed the gentle face of his mate; "I thought I lost you . . . Obi, am I dying?"

"Ani, please, don't talk like that" Obi-Wan pleaded, "you're going to be fine". He gave Anakin a watery smile.

"Don't want to live if you, Qui-Gon and Aleyn aren't there" Anakin said, "might not be so bad. I'll get to see all of you again and Mom". Anakin's eyes began to drift close.

"No! Ani, stay awake, please!" Obi-Wan cried, tears coursing down his face. Anakin gave him a peaceful smile and gave up. "No!" Obi-Wan bent over body and cried, unashamed. His shoulders shook in painful sobs; a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder and he looked up to see a beautiful woman dressed in shining white. She had innocent yet wise blue eyes with her long white hair tied back from her face. "Who ----?"

"You've have known me all your life" she answered, "I've been your constant companion for many years".

"The Force" Obi-Wan said, awed. The corporeal form knelt and dried Obi-Wan's tears away.

"Listen to me, Mo Beag Lochrann, what you see here is one of many possible futures" the Force said, "but this is becoming an all to real. Beag Lochrann, you must not allow the Jedi to fall". The Force brushed Obi-Wan's hair from his face; "I can not fully interfere with the workings of my children but I am now. Beag Lochrann, you must ensure the survival of the Jedi Order or else the Universe will fall into eternal darkness".

"But what can I do?" Obi-Wan asked, "Anakin ----?"

"Is one half needed to a much bigger picture" the Force said, "he is the chosen one, yes, but he can not bring about what is needed". The Force's hand rested upon Obi-Wan's swollen stomach. "It was not a coincidence that I made you land on Tatooine those thirteen years ago; you and Anakin were meant to be together. Like the Light and Dark". Obi-Wan didn't understand.

"I don't understand" he said.

"You will, you will" she said. She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead; "move the Jedi to the Uisinn dar an Siorai Lochrann on Phaedos. You must wake up now, Beag Lochrann"./

Obi-Wan was thrust forward and he turned and promptly threw up. He was shaking so badly; "Obi, Love, can you hear me?" Anakin questioned, frantically. Obi-Wan looked at his Lifemate, his blue-green eyes connecting with ice blue. Obi-Wan threw his arms around Anakin and broke; he cried out all the suffering and the pain that he witness. Anakin looked at the older Masters, confused; it was until Obi-Wan gave a tiny whimper of pain that brought Anakin's attention back to Obi-Wan. The elder Jedi was clutching to his stomach, tears of pain leaking out from his eyes. Anakin wasted no time in hoisting his Mate up and hurrying out with Aleyn running behind. The council was following behind. Everyone was concerned.

Flowing all around, the Force watched with a faint heart. She couldn't allow her children to be exterminated; but somehow that didn't help her justify putting one of her children and future children at risk.

TBC


Oiche Rothai – Night Rider

Coineascar Machire – Twilight Plains

Uru – Eclipse

Daidi agus Daid – Daddy and Dad

Su talun pancog – Strawberry pancakes

Maslaight – Slag off

Aon – No

Le do thoil tabhair ar ais – Please give back

Le do thoil, se is an amhain rud dar mo athair sin me – please it is the only thing of my father that I

Ansin, droim an ait se liomsa – There, back where it belongs

An Spiorad Naomh – the Holy Spirit

Uisinn dar an Siorai Lochrann – Temple of the Eternal Light

Mo Beag Lochrann – My Little Light

Beag Lochrann – Little Light