[Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, don't own most of these characters. Wish I did though.]

[I hope you guys are enjoying this and I'm trying to get back into the rhythm of writing again. It's a little hard, like having a six month vacation and then going back into work or study. I'll do my best. And I hope your impressions of Plo Koon aren't going to be too harsh. You can't baby Anakin and Padme all the time, hehe. Enjoy Ferus' little cameo and I'll add a new chapter tomorrow. Thanks for your reviews, I love them. Even just little comments on what you liked or didn't like about the chapter. And let me know any ideas you have. This story is as much for me as it is for you.]

Anakin settled comfortably into the pilot's chair. He flashed me a grin before starting up the engine and sending us into the emptiness of space, away from the bustling city-world of Coruscant.

"You're loving this," I noted aloud.

His grin grew a little. "A little. I'd love to be able to go somewhere with Padmé, but thanks for getting me out for a mission."

"I'm beginning to think the Council has become the politics from which we strive so hard to set ourselves apart." I sat in the co-pilot's chair.

He nodded, his grin becoming solemn. "I noticed that. Were they like that before I became a Jedi?"

I thought about it. "They discuss matters much like the Senate, but it's not as formal. The Jedi are a family. We are not afraid to voice our opinions because that's the reason we are on the Councils: to voice our opinions."

He entered the hyperspace coordinates in and looked at me. It looked as though he had something he wanted to say, but thought otherwise and turned back to the controls before him.

"Anakin, I want your opinion."

He shook his head. "It's not an opinion, but a dangerous question."

"No question should be dangerous. Not between us, Anakin."

He nodded. "Are you afraid the Council is becoming corrupt?"

I realised why he had pause to ask. "I do fear that sometimes. But I look at the Councils of the Jedi and I know that there are so many Jedi that would never allow that to happen. Mace and Yoda are two prime examples."

"I know."

I sighed. "What are you planning to do if and when we find Ferus?"

"Smile, tell him it's good to see him and I'm glad that he's still alive."

I smiled. "Sucking up, I see."

"Well, everyone can't be The Negotiator," he joked.

I laughed. "Everyone also can't be the Chosen One."

Anakin pulled the ship out of hyperspace in orbit over Bellassa. I looked at it over his shoulder as we came in to land.

It didn't look remarkable, but I'd learned from experience that the most unremarkable events or places generally have the most to offer.

Anakin followed me off the ship and I took in the scene around us. It was a busy spaceport, people rushing about everywhere. Several hundred meters away, a Falleen woman dropped her bags and fell over trying to pick them up. On the next level up, a Twi'Lek child dropped a toy and began a tantrum. Twenty meters south of myself and Anakin, a human boy lifted a wallet.

"Stay here," I muttered to Anakin as I took off after the boy.

"And he complains when I take off unexpectedly," I muttered as Obi-Wan ran after a young pickpocket. I looked around the spaceport, seeing exactly what Obi-Wan had seen. Sighing, I took off after them.

I finally reached them in an alley, having heard Obi-Wan's voice as I went past. Obi-Wan was standing before the boy, blocking his way out of the alley.

"Obi-Wan?"

He looked at me and back at the boy. "Anakin, this is Trever Flume, a pickpocket here on Bellassa. Trever, this is Anakin."

"Anakin…" Trever stared at me. The early teen seemed to be trying to figure something out. "Skywalker?"

I nodded and looked at Obi-Wan. "This kid's going to help us find Ferus?"

"Kid?!" Trever sounded outraged.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Remember, Anakin, you were only nine when you won the Boonta Eve and destroyed a droid control ship. And Padmé"-

"I get it." I looked back at Trever. "Why are you staring at me?"

Trever shook his head. "Olin told me about you. I'm not gonna take you to him."

"Whatever he told you, I've changed."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Trever, trust me. Ferus will want to see us."

"Fine. But one more kid remark, and it's gonna cost ya."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Obi-Wan. "Now I know how you felt when Master Qui-Gon picked up strange lifeforms."

"I thought you would. Lead on, Trever."

Trever groaned and manoeuvred us through the streets of Bellassa's capital city, Ussa, until we reached a barracks.

"What's this?" I asked Trever.

He gestured at the barracks. "Olin's in there."

"Are you joking?"

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Ferus did always say he'd help out however he could. Come, Anakin. Thank you, Trever."

Trever nodded and I followed Obi-Wan into the barracks. The clones recognised us as Jedi and allowed us past. It was definitely not as military as a clone-only barracks, like those of Coruscant. The atmosphere was more of civilian militia.

"Generals, how can we help?" a trooper asked when he saw us, saluting.

I looked around the room and Obi-Wan addressed them. "We're looking for a man called Ferus Olin. Is he here?"

"He is," a voice from the back replied. "He is wondering what brings two Jedi to a backwater world like Bellassa."

I searched for the source of the voice, but he seemed to have hidden behind others. "Ferus and I were once fellow Padawans. I have come to apologise."

"And I have to come to ask for his assistance," Obi-Wan added.

"What could Ferus do for you?"

I sighed. "Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is dead. He revealed himself to be the Sith Lord Sidious. Four Jedi Council members attempted to arrest him in his office. He resisted arrest and killed three of the Council members. The fourth killed him in self-defence."

After the shocked talking died down, Ferus continued. "What does his death have to do with Ferus?"

"Ferus, you once said that you would always aid the Jedi, should we need you." Obi-Wan straightened.

He hesitated. "I did."

"We are here to ask for your aid."

Ferus stood and walked over to us. He had definitely aged since I had seen him. It had been five years, but it felt like I'd only seen him yesterday. I smiled, but softened it.

"Master Obi-Wan, it's nice to see you again." Ferus nodded at Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan nodded. "And you as well. Come, we have much to talk about."

Obi-Wan led us outside, with Ferus ignoring my presence. We stopped a ways from the barracks and Obi-Wan turned to face us.

"How can I help, Obi-Wan?"

I looked at Ferus. "Ferus, I…"

"Save it, Anakin. I'm not interested in reliving our rivalry. I will help however I can, but I didn't say I would forgive you."

I shook my head. "I don't want your forgiveness. I want you know that it's good to see you and I'm glad you're alive. I was petty the last time we met, and I am deeply ashamed because of that. I am trying to better myself."

Ferus looked at me for several long seconds. "I honestly never thought I'd hear any of those words come from you, Anakin. I appreciate that you're trying to be better, but I'm not going to hold my breath."