A/N: I remain neither George Lucas nor the owner of Star Wars. Consequently, I own the rights to nothing which my readers recognize from the galaxy far, far away ... No profit is being made, no infringement intended. Please enjoy this installment.
His starfighter now ready, Obi-Wan walked to the landing platform with Mace Windu.
"Investigations point to Aduba-3," said Obi-Wan, mentally tracing the path from the navigational records. "Seems unlikely, but ... it's a place to start."
"That is a dangerous place to travel in these days," replied Mace. "No Jedi is likely to be welcome there."
"I've had ... less than warm welcomes before," said Obi-Wan. "I'm sure that I will manage."
"Even so, I sense an uncertainty." Mace paused as a slow-opening door widened until he could continue down the hallway. "If not how you will manage on Aduba-3?"
"Aduba-3 is part of the separatists' territory now," said Obi-Wan. "If one wanted to implicate the separatists, they have done an admirable job of setting the trail."
"It is possible that the trail leads this way because it is true," observed Mace.
"Possible," said Obi-Wan. "Yet, the benefit to the separatists seems ... hard to discern."
"Do not try to force yourself to find answers," said Mace. "Allow the Force to lead you, and you will find the truth."
"I hope so," said Obi-Wan. "I hope that it's as simple as it presently appears."
"Be wary," urged Mace. "Not only is your destination a perilous one in and of itself, but the disturbance in the Force is growing stronger. That is why you find uncertainty buffeting you."
Obi-Wan nodded, then admitted, "At present, I am more concerned about my Padawan. I do not feel he is ready to be on his own."
"He has exceptional skills," said Mace, his tone patient as he reiterated the Council's position. "The Council is confident in its decision, Obi-Wan. True, there are questions not answered, but his talents cannot be dismissed. We are not disappointed with the progress he has made under your tutelage."
Obi-Wan nodded, trying to decide how to proceed, misgivings drawn plainly upon his face.
"If the prophecy is true, Anakin will be the one to bring balance to the Force," concluded Mace.
"But he still has much to learn. His skills have made him ... well ..." Obi-Wan paused, struggling for a word, and settled upon, "arrogant. He was, perhaps, too old when he started."
"There is something else," observed Mace.
"Master Windu, I'm afraid that Anakin won't be able to protect the Senator properly," confided Obi-Wan.
"Why not?"
"He has an ... emotional attachment to her," said Obi-Wan. "It's been there since he first met her on Tatooine. Now, though, he just seems confused, and ... distracted."
"We've covered this before." They had rounded the last corner, Obi-Wan's ship now in view, R2-D2 was being lifted into position. "Your concerns were properly weighed, and did not change the Council's decision. You must have faith, Obi-Wan. Faith that Anakin will take the right path."
It's a test of character, thought Obi-Wan. If Anakin is to be the great leader--the fulfillment of prophecy--then he must past these tests of character. But in seclusion with a woman he loves too deeply ... will he be able to pass the test? And what of the galaxy if he fails?
Obi-Wan nodded, and then said, "Has Master Yoda gained any insight as to whether or not the war will come about?"
"Probing the dark side is dangerous," replied Mace, shaking his head in negation. "He will undoubtedly remain in seclusion for many days once he begins, but he is still preparing."
Obi-Wan nodded, making his last checks of the exterior of the ship before climbing into the cockpit.
"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan," said Mace.
Obi-Wan made his acknowledgment, and settled into position. "Artoo, set the course to the hyperspace ring," he instructed.
With that, he lifted away from the landing pad, heading for a planet where he hoped to find answers no matter how unwelcome he might be.
xXxXx
As uneasy as he had felt in the chamber of the Jedi Council, Anakin felt far more at ease as he made his way down the corridor which led to the office of the Supreme Chancellor. He respected the power and authority of the office, just as he respected that of the Jedi Council, but despite the great power of the Chancellor, the young Padawan felt here he was speaking to a friend.
The office was truly imposing; a grand room which silently spoke of the power of the one who currently occupied its confines. Arcane objets d'art filled the nooks of the room, the dark and sober theme dominated by a desk and chair from which the Supreme Chancellor planned the policies to guide the galaxy. It was designed to impress the visitor, yet somehow Anakin felt relaxed as he looked into the room.
"Anakin, what a welcome surprise," said Akhil, ushering him into the office. "How have you been?"
"I've been given a solo assignment," said Anakin proudly.
"And so, they have finally given you an assignment, my young Padawan," said Akhil avuncularly. "Your patience has paid off."
"I'm just not sure how well it's going to work. The Council wants me to escort Padmé away from the more populated area, but I don't think she's willing to go ..." Anakin paused, as the memory of his last conversation with Padmé rushed through his mind.
"If you wish, I will speak with her," replied Akhil. "Even though she is on Alderaan now, I have means of getting messages securely to her. Senator Amidala will not refuse an executive order."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," said Anakin. "I don't think my patience would've gotten me through, if not for your guidance and assurance that my Jedi Masters were watching and preparing to give me an important task soon."
Akhil nodded, smiling warmly at Anakin. "It's not guidance you need. In time, you will learn to trust your feelings. Then you will be invincible. I have said it many times before, you know. You are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met."
How can that be so? He must have known so many, and all of those so many much older than me--Master Yoda, surely ... "Thank you, Your Excellency," said Anakin.
"I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin," continued Akhil. "More powerful than even Master Yoda."
He is so strong, so wise--there's a depth beyond the limits the Jedi impose on themselves. Obi-Wan wouldn't understand. He's always pulling me too tight on a short leash. Anakin found himself unable to speak in response to the continued praise from Akhil Palpatine, his toe scuffing against the floor as he looked out the window.
Akhil turned to watch the incessant flow of traffic as Anakin shifted his weight from foot to foot. "You are bothered by something more?"
"There are these dreams," said Anakin. "I don't know why I keep dreaming about my mother now."
"Your love for her was, and remains, deep," replied Akhil. "It is not something to be ashamed of."
"But are they dreams or visions? I keep seeing her in terrible trouble and great pain. Are these images of things to come or of things that have already happened?" Anakin exhaled loudly then sighed. "Obi-Wan believes they are just dreams."
"And you do not," stated Akhil.
"No," said Anakin. "Well, I'm just not sure ..."
"You have great potential, Anakin." Akhil smiled, putting an arm about the shoulders of the young man. "You will one day outshine your Master. I cannot answer your question, Anakin, about these things you dream of. All I can tell you is to search your feelings. Trust yourself, and the answers will come to you. As you dream, search your feelings, and your path will become clear."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," replied Anakin, moving to stand beside Akhil, watching the traffic. For the first time in many weeks, he felt the burden shift. I knew it would help if I could speak with him about my dreams. Just like I knew there wasn't a point in mentioning them to Obi-Wan any more.
xXxXx
C-3PO had done an admirable job of lacing Padmé into the black and gray gown she now wore, while desperately attempting to chase the irritated young Senator as she moved about the cottage gathering her things and packing. Padmé stopped, with a heavy sigh, looking at Anakin and C-3PO.
"I don't like this idea of hiding." The tenth time in twenty minutes that she had reminded the pair.
"Don't worry. Now that the Council has ordered an investigation, it won't take long before Master Obi-Wan finds out who's behind the assassinations," Anakin said, trying to reassure her. "We should've done that from the beginning--taken the offensive, not just react to the situation ..."
"And while your Master investigates, I have to hide away." Padmé slammed one small case shut to emphasize her dissatisfaction with the situation.
"That would be prudent, yes," said Anakin. Just us. Please be happy about that.
"I just don't think I can bear being so far from things when the Military Creation Act is finally decided," said Padmé. "Not after how hard I've worked on this issue!"
"Chancellor Palpatine ..."
"I know," interrupted Padmé. "And it is only out of respect for him that I am agreeing to this at all."
"Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and do what is requested of us," quoted Anakin, repeating a lesson often taught to him.
"Pride!" Padmé flared with anger. "Dee, you're young--you don't have a firm grip on politics. I suggest you reserve your opinions for another time."
"Sorry, M'lady." Anakin stiffened then gave her an uneasy smile. "I was only trying to ..."
"Dee! No!"
"Please, don't call me that," said Anakin.
"What?"
"Dee. Don't call me Dee," he said. "My name is Anakin. Dee was the little boy on Tatooine."
"And you have grown up," said Padmé, pausing to look at him.
Anakin flushed as she smiled at him. Padmé, however, had quickly gone back to her packing.
"Master Obi-Wan manages not to see it. He criticizes my every move, as if I was still a child," complained Anakin. "He didn't listen to me when I insisted that we go in search of the source of the assassinations ..."
"Mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like," Padmé stated. "It's the only way we grow."
Anakin took an ornament from the shelf, manipulating it with the Force as he spoke. "Don't get me wrong--Obi-Wan is a great mentor, as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu. I am truly thankful to be his Padawan. Only ..." He paused, twisting the knick-knack in the air. "Only, even though I'm only a Padawan, in some ways--in a lot of ways, really--I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am! He knows it, too. But he feels I'm too unpredictable. Other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it. I know I started my training late, but he won't let me move on!"
Padmé paused, looking curiously at Anakin. "That must be frustrating," she observed.
"It's worse! He's overly critical! He never listens! He just doesn't understand! It's not fair!"
Padmé turned quickly back to her packing, but not so quickly that the fit of giggles were hidden.
Anakin stopped, his mouth agape, as though she had slapped him.
"I'm sorry," she said through her giggles. "You sounded exactly like that boy I once knew, when he didn't get his way."
"I'm not whining!" complained Anakin. "I'm not."
"I didn't say it to hurt you," said Padmé.
"I know," said Anakin, feeling deflated.
"Anakin," said Padmé, pausing to take pity on him.
Anakin stared at her, trying to drown in the depths of her brown eyes.
"Don't look at me like that, please," Padmé turned away, this time color stealing upwards from her collar to her face.
"Why not?"
"Because I can see what you're thinking," said Padmé, resuming her work.
"Oh, so you have Jedi powers, too?" he said, trying to laugh.
Padmé looked at Anakin and beyond to the inscrutable C-3PO, and said, "Because it makes me feel uncomfortable."
"Sorry, M'lady," said Anakin as formally as he could manage stepping back.
