The Line

by VenusJay

Anakin Skywalker is the Chosen One but that doesn't mean he is perfect and it doesn't mean his Master has an easy job. Sometimes Obi Wan despairs of the reckless youth and they both feel lost. When Anakin has his braid cut off in disgrace, it changes their relationship, perhaps for the better. Stories of their entwined lives and the fight against growing darkness.

10. To beg a Queen

He could barely find the courage to look at her upon entering the apartment.

"Obi-wan. Please tell me."

"The Emperor has been taken under the control of the council. He will be given a trial under Jedi Law but ultimately he will be executed for his crimes against the Republic. The title of Emperor stands open to you should you so choose."

She came forward to him.

"Tell me about Anakin."

Obi-wan opened his mouth to speak but found himself without words.

"They know he had no choice," she said as tears filled her eyes.

"He will also be given the right to a trial," Obi-wan replied.

"And if he is found guilty?"

Obi-wan remained silent.

"No," she whispered and walked away. She pressed a hand to her stomach and sat down. "All of this was Palpatine. Anakin is not a murderer," she insisted. "He is a Jedi!"

"I am sorry to tell you that the title of Jedi has been revoked."

"A title means nothing," she said bitterly. "Anakin remains a Jedi." She seemed lost in thought for a moment and Obi-Wan moved to join her. He took her hands in his own.

"Should you consider becoming a delegate for Emperor, Anakin may stand a better chance."

"That is an uncertainty I am not willing to rely on. And a trial is given by the Order, not decided by one alone."

Obi-Wan hated her belief in politics then.

"Then you must leave," he said sternly. She blinked at him in surprise.

"I would never leave Anakin. He is my husband, I am carrying his child."

"He will go with you. Senator, I am suggesting you run," he told her in a whisper. She slapped him then.

"I do not run from justice," she said with an authority Obi-Wan has fast lost all respect for. "You think they will not find us? The Force is easily tracked, Master Kenobi. And Anakin has the strongest Force presence the council have ever known. They will hunt us down and kill us all," she gestured to the baby she carried. "Do you not ask me to choose between Anakin and our child. I know he would not wish to run. He is not a coward."

"I will leave," he said calmly as he stood. He did not look back as he made his way to the door. He could not just let Anakin die. He would do whatever it took.