So, here's the next chapter with Anakin's appearance.

Obi-Wan remained in the armchair and was dumbly staring at Coruscant through the big lay of glass. His twi'lek-colleague noticed his bad mood and tried to cheer him up as she could. She told him a few jokes, a funny case, which had happened here about two years ago, something about her homeworld, but still could not change his crestfallen state. She even brought him some coffee with his favorite buns, though he had not asked to. Finally, she gave up and suggested him to go home as far as he was all the same useless here; besides, there was not much work in the end of the day. She also had Obi-Wan's comlink number and could call him any time if something would happen.

Obi-Wan refused two or even three times (because of politeness, he supposed), but then took his cloak and headed home—a flat, generously provided by Valorum. The apartment was not large, but it was more than enough for him. It was situated above the lower levels, not far from the building of the Senate and he could easily get to his new job in no time.

He burst into the apartment, angrily slammed the door behind himself, an action, which possibly could get him some troubles, if he was a Padawan. Then Obi-Wan threw the cloak on the nearest chair, tiredly fell on the sofa, put a pillow under his head, and closed his eyes.

Speaking of chances, there was a quite big possibility that Qui-Gon could be one of those Jedi sent on this damned mission to Motep. The negotiations were difficult and Master Jinn was one of the best negotiators. The Republic could not afford to lose that planet because of difficult and gnarly nature of the local inhabitants. Obi-Wan thought that the Force certainly had a sense of humor. And he, honestly, was grateful that Jinn had decided not to bring Anakin in the Senate with him. The boy was not guilty in anything, just personally pissed Obi-Wan off (not to mention that Obi-Wan had been banned from the Jedi Order, his lightsaber had been taken from him, and he had been nearly killed in the Agricorps).

Obi-Wan remembered his weapon with a sad sigh. Of course, now he had not any situations, when he could possibly use it, but he could never forget that feeling of safety, when the lightsaber was hanging on his belt. It was somehow… comfortable.

Besides, Obi-Wan still possessed Dooku's lightsaber, that one with a green blade. It was quite useful in the Agricorps, though the young man still blamed himself and thought that he could do much more. When Obi-Wan had accepted Valorum's offer (as if he had much choice), the Chancellor returned the weapon to the current owner. It was a miracle that unconsciousness Obi-Wan had not dropped it after he had been shot and fell on the ground. Kenobi only asked not to tell the Jedi about it (he said that if he wasn't one of them now, he could not carry their weapon, and if he still had the lightsaber, he could better protect the Chancellor); in his turn, he hid it very well.

Besides, Obi-Wan still wasn't quite sure why Finis asked for his help. Of course, the life of the Chancellor was full of such unpleasant things like numerous attempted acts, but that's why there were personal bodyguards! And if it was something serious, the Jedi Council could possibly help. Obi-Wan was confused. Sometimes he honestly believed that Finis was going mad and had paranoia, but anyway Valorum earnestly thought that a former Jedi (not so bordered with the Code) would be the best choice. Obi-Wan didn't care much and decided that this position was quite suitable for him now.

Obi-Wan also had contacted Dooku by comlink and thanked him for the generous gift, and even suggested to return the weapon to its rightful owner (during the evening promenades in the lower levels Obi-Wan was sure that a someone could find everything there—not only "death sticks", but even some spare parts and a crystal to assemble something recalling a lightsaber), but the Jedi refused (and Obi-Wan was rather happy about this fact). The young man also told Dooku about his previous life and his current position; they discussed some latest news, too. The Jedi didn't bother to show the concern or to pity the poor young man, but just wished luck, and Obi-Wan was grateful for it.

Obi-Wan also replied to his old friends, who had been worrying about him, when he had been lying in a coma, but he had no intention to call his former Master. And there he was.

Obi-Wan sighed. He still was not sure if he could trust Qui-Gon again.

He closed his eyes. Sometimes he had some awful nightmares about the battle in the Agricorps, where his friends were slowly dying again and again… Sometimes he had those dreams about himself, Anakin, Qui-Gon, and that mysterious person he still could not recognize, but he didn't pay any attention to them now. After some time he started to believe that the vision in the Force was one of these dreams too. And what could he do? The life went on.

Staring in the white cell, Obi-Wan finally fell asleep.

(After several days)

The long working day, full of different visitors, paperwork, and sith-knows-what-else, finally ended and Obi-Wan was at home, looking forward to watch some new holomovies and to sleep. In those overbusy days Obi-Wan, honestly, thought that Valorum was in cahoots with Qui-Gon and tried to harden his life as much as he only could. Or even Finis considered that Obi-Wan (as a former Jedi) could do extra work at the same time and the Chancellor could save some salary and solve problems with staff. The Jedi from the Temple would refuse anyway, because they hated all this bureaucracy and would find tens of excuses.

Kenobi went to the kitchen to make some tea, took his favorite cup from the board and put some brew there, when he heard the door bell. Of course, the location of his apartment was not a big secret, but he had never had guests before, what was perfectly satisfying for him as he was not that kind of person who liked to invite guests. They preferred to use the comlink rather than to seek him personally.

Growling in the deep voice, Obi-Wan returned to the door, ready to see somebody from his work. He pressed the button and the door slid aside, revealing young Skywalker, who obviously was confused even more than Obi-Wan.

Kenobi skeptically raised his brow, but said nothing and stepped in, inviting his guest to come in.

"Master Kenobi… err… Obi-Wan, please, help me, you're my only hope!" Anakin blurted out, trying not to look in the eyes of the elder.

If "Master Kenobi" was not surprised before, now he definitely was.

Anakin was looking like an average Jedi Padawan—the special uniform, which recalled nothing of his baggy clothes from Tatooine; short haircut, but the braid was an appropriate length for a Jedi apprentice; the lightsaber was neatly attached to the leather utility belt. And there also was something in his manner to act—something elusive.

Obi-Wan frowned and nodded toward the free chair. What the hell was going on?! Anakin had the entire Jedi Order and his mentor for help! Or was it another mad idea of Qui-Gon—to make peace with the former Padawan, using the present one? It was obvious that Obi-Wan disliked both of them.

"So, what do you want?" Obi-Wan asked rather angrily, not bothering to greet his guest or to offer him a cup of tea or something. He sat himself on the sofa and suspiciously looked at Anakin. "Where did you find my address?"

"Indeed, a foolish question", Obi-Wan thought,"perhaps, somebody from the Senate has told him, it's not a big secret!"

"I… I have hacked the Senate database," modestly admitted Anakin, avoiding an eye contact. "I'm sorry."

By the glance on Skywalker face, Obi-Wan decided that Anakin was not sorry, but it didn't matter.

"And why haven't you asked somebody there? I suppose they can't ignore the Jedi." Obi-Wan asked surprisingly. He also noted himself to speak with someone about security.

"It was much faster."

Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders. The boy was right in one thing: indeed, sometimes it was much simpler than dealing with all this bureaucracy.

"So, was it worthy of it? What do you want from me? Considering two of us here, that's you, who are a Jedi after all. How can I help you?" Kenobi asked mockingly, though he became curious.

Anakin swallowed hard as he was thinking would he get help here or not.

"Calm down, I do not bite, really," Obi-Wan encouraged him. Now he finally checked the Force and felt that the boy was afraid of something. Kenobi stood up, and went to the kitchen. After some minutes he returned in the room and put a tray with cups of tea on the table in front of Anakin. Now Obi-Wan thought that Anakin was hiding something. After some moments of silence, while the boy was sipping his tea, Obi-Wan's patience finally ended.

"So, will you speak or not? It's not a tea party, ya know," Kenobi gloatingly saw as Anakin flinched.

"I'm sorry… Master… Master Qui-Gon's disappeared."

Obi-Wan was surprised, but managed to control his emotions.

"It's very sad, but what about the Jedi Order? Do you think they won't help? I'm only the Chancellor's aide, by the way."

"They are not absolutely sure… Only four days passed since he was sent on the mission and—"

"Wait! You're the Chosen One, aren't you? They should immediately believe you, I suppose," Obi-Wan grinned. He looked at the boy and suddenly realized that he would bring him to a tantrum or to the dark side and he didn't know what was worse. "Pull yourself together and tell me what's happened!" Obi-Wan ordered.

"Master was sent on the mission, the planet named—"

"Anakin, please! You've hacked the Senates database, but you didn't find out who was instructing him? Head straight to the point!" Obi-Wan sadly remembered the new holovids.

Suddenly Anakin's uncertainty disappeared.

"So, it is your fault! You've sent him there! You did it on purpose, did you? You hate him, right?"

Kenobi sensed the dark side gathered around the boy.

"Not me, but the Supreme Chancellor. He usually doesn't ask for my opinion. Do you honestly think that I was happy to see Qui-Gon there? If I had a choice, I preferred to meet Adi Gallia, she is much more adequate and nice Jedi Master. And it's exactly not my fault if something had happened with him during the mission. So, please, be reasonable!"

Those words seemed to cool Anakin a little and he continued:
"He didn't answer to the last calls. The Council thinks that's because of the unstable connection. There are lots deposits of metals and it's quite possibly. Besides, only a few days have passed and they will begin to worry in ten. There are not enough Jedi to check everything, you know. I sensed something was wrong! Our training bond isn't that strong, but I'm sure something has happened! He is in trouble!"

"Well, maybe. But do you think that Qui-Gon is so helpless? He is one of the best Jedi in the Temple and he had been assigned on dangerous missions long before we were born."

"I had… visions, where he was killed," Anakin answered quietly.

'Visions, dreams… We should probably arrange a fun-club,' Obi-Wan thought disapprovingly.

"Always in motion, the future is. The favorite statement of Yoda, have you heard that?"

"Please! Stop this." Anakin indeed was in that state that he could burst into the tears at every moment. Maybe, his words had sense. Obi-Wan had a strange bad feeling for last days, but he wasn't sure what it was about, perhaps, about the new project of Valorum.

"So, he really is in danger, but how can I help him? Our relationship is far from friendly, and if you remember, I even don't have a lightsaber," Obi-Wan reminded spitefully.

Anakin grinned and took something from his Jedi robe.

"A blackmailer," Obi-Wan admitted with some respect in his voice. He took his old lightsaber and inspected him. "Do you realize that you'll have big troubles for this?"

"I know, but I don't care. As you've said, I'm the Chosen One, so they won't expel me, I hope."

"So, when you've lost connection with Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asked casually. "And remember: you'll tell Valorum why his aide is elsewhere elusive, yourself!"

To be honest, he wanted to help from the beginning, but the appearance of the lightsaber saved his dignity intact. Obi-Wan wasn't completely sure why he finally decided to help Anakin. Most likely, everything had logical reasons and even if something had happened… Qui-Gon was good on his own, too. On the other hand, if something happened with him, Obi-Wan would consider himself guilty—he could do something, but he did not. Besides, he also wanted to get back his old lightsaber and he began to miss the good old says with constant missions.

The worst part was Valorum. The request to leave him on the weak (at least) made him shiver. Perhaps, he remembered those theoretical conspirators, which, of course, were planning something. Finally, using the Force and their talking skills, they decided that Anakin would assist the Chancellor and Obi-Wan would visit Motep to find out what's happened. Valorum commed the Jedi and asked to take Skywalker for a while and they agreed. Anakin was quite useless without his Master for something important and, as Obi-Wan thought, they were happy to spend some quit time without the hyperactive Padawan.

As for Kenobi himself, they convinced Valorum that Obi-Wan would be the most suitable person—he was connected with the Senate and also had Jedi training, in case something would go wrong.

So, Obi-Wan gathered his possessions and clipped his own lightsaber to his belt, leaving the other one at home. He hadn't had a proper training for a long time, but it was not a skill one could easily forget. He still hoped that Anakin's fears were pointless. But what would he say to Qui-Gon then? "I'm sorry, it's a false alert, I'll return to Coruscant." In this case Obi-Wan swore to himself that he would tear Anakin's Padawan braid apart.

A/N: Some reviews will certainly be nice =)