Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, not me. All the characters and places (except for my OC Analise Joy) belong to them.

"aaaa"-talking out loud."aaaa"-talking through a holo. 'aaaaa'-inner thoughts. aaaaa-talking through a Bond

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Chapter 12

Anakin took a deep breath and did his best to center himself. It felt way too much like the times he had been scolded for an out of control prank or a misstep on a mission. 'This is for Ana. This is for Ana' he chanted to himself as he gave his robes one final tug. If he was going to get permission for this most unorthodox plan he at least need to look the part of a very proper Padawan.

The meeting had been called and was being held in Master Yoda's chamber. Qui-Gon was there and Obi-Wan too off course. Master Plo and Master Adi have been invited to attend. Anakin knew without a doubt that Master Plo would say yes to his plan. He was becoming more and more of a Grey Jedi like Qui-Gon. Master Adi, Anakin wasn't so sure about. Sure she liked, even adored Analise; but she was still slightly more traditional than Master Plo.

As for Master Yoda, Anakin didn't know where the Grandmaster stood yet. It was true that he had taken quite the interest in the twins and even started to refer to them as his great-grandchildren in private, but he was still the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, the highest ranking Member of the Jedi Council. Yoda might push for change, but he might view a birthday party as rushing it.

The one spanner in Anakin's perfectly planned pitch was Mace Windu. The Jedi Master was almost down-right determined in a way to stand aganist the changes to the Code and Order. Even if he did end up standing alone. There was no way in the galaxy that Master Mace Windu would agree to let Anakin hold a Force Sixteen birthday part for his twin. No matter how small or rare.

'But I don't need his approval. Just Master Adi's or Master Yoda's. I know I've got Master Plo's.' Anakin tugged at his robes once more as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon sent him encouragement through the Bonds. He took another deep breath before lunching into his speech.

"Masters, as you probably know; Mine and Analise's sixteenth birthday is coming up in just a few days. As a special gift, I would like to throw a small party for her. A Force Sixteen." He smiled brightly at the name he had come up with before turning serious again. "I think it would make Analise feel better about her place here if she knew just how many beings care for her outside our small family." He waved a hand to indicate himself, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan.

Adi leaned back on her seat. "Where would this party be Anakin? Even a small party could disturb those in the Temple looking for a relaxing evening."

"No problems there Master Adi. I already talked to Dex. He's more than willing to let us hold the party at the dinner, so there's no worry about causing an uproar in the Temple. He's even offered to make all of Ana's favorite dishes. As long as I get approval from at least "

"Except the cake" Qui-Gon chuckled. "I'm going to make the cake."

"I'll help." Plo joined in with Qui-Gon's chuckling. "I'll bring little 'Soka too so she can help. You have my approval Anakin."

Adi shook her head to the human and Kel-Dor. "The only thing I trust you two with is tea and basic finger foods." She turned back to Anakin. "The marking of one's birthday is against the Code Anakin."

"Not really." Anakin was all ready thanks to Obi-Wan. "There's nothing in the Code that specifically bans the celebration of birthdays. In fact the majority of Jedi mark the birthdays of friends with small gifts and we're not even suppose to do that technically, but we do." His sky-blue eyes were wide and pleading. "The Order needs to change. You all say that and even a rebellious teen like me knows it. Letting me throw this party for Ana would be a small change, but change."

"Small yes, but big the impact will be." Yoda leaned forward on hover chair, adjusted so that was able to look everyone in the eye. "Needed this party is, not just for Analise. Allow those invited a breather, a chance to act like others." He nodded. "Agree I do to this."

"As do I." Anakin could barely keep from yelling in glee and jumping all over the room. He had only needed two yeses and had gotten three. The party was happening!

"I do not think I can approve." And of course leave it to Mace Windu to drain all the excitement from the room. "This party goes against the Jedi Way even if it is not written into our Code or rules. Gifts can become attachments, the representation of an attachments." He shook his head. "This party should not be happening at all."

"Hush!" Yoda's rebuke was sharp and quick as was the carefully applied gimer stick to Mace's legs which made the man wince and wished, not for the first time, that Yoda's skill had diminished with age. Not gotten better.

"What are the twins hmmm? From the Force a gift they are. Ban gifts then how can we? Birthdays a celebration of life they are. Why then should we not celebrate them?" He nodded. "Change this party is. Change the Order needs. Say this many times I should not Master Windu."

"Fine" Mace sighs, giving in. The frown made his grim face even grimmer. "Have the party." He stood, bowed, and started to leave.

"Master Windu!" Anakin called to him. Normally he would have let the Jedi Master go, but having Analise as a sister made him slow down. "I really, really hope you can come to the party."

"I'm not sure I will be able to Skywalker."

"I hope you do. It would be really great if you could come."