Surprisingly, this was a very short chapter. Probably because most of the action, which happened between Fett and the Jedi was all crammed into one post. Ah well, after this post, moving on.

Chapter Four:

The Emperor's Interference

One year after Rebirth of the Light. . .

Obi-wan left the council meeting feeling surprisingly bitter. It didn't show on his face, but it was there, turning his mood sour.

A year ago, he wouldn't have been feeling this way, but time changes things, and people. Yes, obi-wan thought, time changes things, but some things always remain the same.

Irritated and depressed, wondering what Anakin would say, he made his way toward the ship that now served as their quarters, fully intending to meditate on the matter and release some of the negative emotions. He knew he should have simply accepted what the Council had said. Anakin himself had already made the decision.

It was just so typical.

The Jedi forced his way through the crowded halls toward the main hanger, apologizing when he nearly shoved someone over. It was a relief that the Council would probably accept Anakin's offer to set up Home One base on Thanitina. Still more and more refugees were coming in, hoping to join the Rebellion and fight beside the noble Lord Vader, former servant of the Sith.

The thought only increased Kenobi's bitter mood.

Just wanting some peace and quiet, and some room to himself, Obi-wan was grateful when no one stopped him. He hoped he would be the only one on board the Kyrat Dragon. Padme would be in the meeting now, discussing whether or not Thanitina would be a suitable base and Sabé and the twins would be in former senator's state room.

Making it to the hanger, Obi-wan sighed in relief and keyed the ship, stepping aside when the ramp lowered. He climbed aboard, sealed it shut and listened to the wonderful sound of silence.

"Long day?" Anakin asked from behind Obi-wan, humor hidden in his words.

Kenobi sighed, relaxed and shook his head. "Be glad they let you leave, my friend. I stood there for three hours and listened to them debate. Why the Jedi Masters of old ever got involved in politics, I'll never know. We could have all just remained monks in a temple somewhere."

Skywalker shrugged, not liking the idea. "Sounds boring."

"To you maybe." Kenobi rolled his shoulders and pushed past his friend down the corridor toward the small kitchenette. It had been a long day. He'd had a minor argument with Sabé in the morning, fought with a bounty hunter around noon, changed diapers while Anakin had his nap and finally, faced down the council for the rest of the afternoon. A rather busy schedule for a man who was supposed to be retired. "I'm going to get a cup of tea."

"Sound delightful." Anakin's sarcasm was short lived. "So, was the meeting confidential, or are you going to tell me what it was they ranted at you about for so long?"

"Oh, nothing we don't already know." The Jedi started opening cabinets, searching. "Just the usual. Can he be trusted? Is the information accurate? What ifs and what can be gained and what are the risks." Annoyed, Obi-wan slammed shut another cabinet door and reached up top. Anakin placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Here, sit down. I'll do it."

Grateful, feeling exhaustion from the long day begin to take hold, Obi-wan sat at the little space table and closed his eyes. "That's all just politics. I expected it, was partially prepared. But now, some of the councilors have begun to hear rumors from some of the refugees. Rumors of a prophecy. A prophecy of a Chosen One who is destined to bring Balance."

Pouring the water into the teapot to boil, Anakin raised his head but didn't say anything. Obi-wan shrugged, his bitterness returning.

"The councilors wanted to know if I knew anything about it. Seems some of them feel that if you're no longer a Sith, and can be trusted, you should be expected to fulfill the prophecy and rid them of the Emperor. They wanted to know my thoughts on the matter, as your Guardian."

"Naturally. And as my Master. Again."

If there was any emotion other than concerned interest behind that last word, Obi-wan didn't hear it. It had been a concern of his, again playing master to Anakin. He had wondered if it was the right choice, seeing as he had already failed his friend once. But Anakin seemed comfortable with the thought, even willing. They hadn't started lessons as of yet, and Obi-wan still worried what would happen when they did.

He nodded, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "Yes, and that too. Telling them that Master Yoda had given you the title of Jedi again reassured them. They like the idea of there being Jedi in the galaxy again, of warriors trained to fight against the Darkness."

"They want heroes to fight their battles for them." Having heated the tea and brought it to a boil, Anakin poured the steaming water on the tea leaves and let it sit in the cup, staring into the green depths. He sighed, wishing he had the power to see what message was there for him.

"Darth. . .sooner or later, it would have happened. People have always looked up to the Jedi, especially in times of need. I know this is yet another burden for you. . ." Force, it was. Now not only was Yoda expecting Anakin to train and fulfill the prophecy, but now the rebels were whispering of a hero whose destiny was to save them all. It had been burdens and expectations as well as fears and failures that had driven Anakin from the Jedi in the first place.

Obi-wan knew he should have faith in his friend, in Anakin's strength of will to not allow these expectations and hopes to weigh on him. But they had destroyed him once, not so long ago. . .

"No, you're right." Anakin agreed, bringing the still steaming cup over to the table and sitting down. He passed the tea over and Obi-wan drank, feeling the warm, sweet liquid and Anakin's calm presence wash away the bitterness he had felt when first hearing of the these new hopes. "They look up to us and look for our protection. Not because they can't help themselves; just look at the Alliance. Because this iis/i something they can't fight alone. The Emperor is powerful." Sighing, the Jedi looked down at his gloved hands, momentarily clenched. "Sometimes. . ."

Raised eyebrows from Obi-wan encouraged him to continue. "Sometimes, I feel I'm not, anymore. The Darkside made me feel strong, unstoppable."

Over the rim of his cup, Obi-wan watched his friend, cautious and concerned. Swallowing, he had a strange thought. "Do you. . .miss it?"

Anakin shrugged, uncomfortable. "Miss isn't really the right word. I don't regret turning from the Darkside. But there are times when I'm tired of feeling afraid or weak. . .or guilty. Times I just want to be sure again." Looking ashamed of himself, Skywalker had to force himself not to squirm in his seat like a little padawan confessing his worries to his master.

Despite the seriousness, Obi-wan found himself chuckling. Setting down the cup, he gave his friend's fisted hands a warm squeeze. "It's alright, Anakin. Everyone feels that way now and again. Everyone feels bitter every once in a while as well. It's only natural, I guess."

"But for a Jedi?"

The older Knight shrugged. "Who knows? Qui-gon would have said all of our emotions are what keeps us alive, being humans as well as being Jedi, connecting us to the Living Force. Just don't let these things wear on you, Ani. Or people's expectations of you. Alright?"

"Yeah. . .alright."

It wasn't until some time in the late hours of the night, or maybe by about that time, it was the early hours of the morning, that Padme snuck back to the room she shared with Sabé and the twins. The corridors of the Medical Frigate had quieted down and people had found a place to sleep. Some were still curled in corners, hugging belongings, while others had been offered room in quarters by pilots and crewmen.

Had it not been for little Luke and Leia, Padme would have insisted the rebels give the large state room to a family in need of the space. But it was times like these she was grateful for the privacy and the quiet the Council honored her with, grateful for the chance to be away from everything but her little family.

All she wanted after this meeting was sleep, a time to rest and get away from all the politics.

But Sabé was awake, waiting for Padme when she entered the bedroom of their suite.

Taking a quick glance to make sure her children were sleeping soundly, grateful they now slept through most of the night, the former senator moved to sit beside her friend on the bed.

"My lady," Padme gave a tired smile as Sabé helped her lower her hair and remove her fancy dress. "A long meeting?"

"Long meeting, long day. Long war. Oh, Sabé" She groaned, falling back on the bed. "How much longer is this going to last? Wait, don't answer that. I really don't want to know."

"One day at a time, Padme." With a small smile, the handmaiden rose and hung the beautiful senate dress, rarely worn these days, in the closet and quietly shut the door. She turned and braced against the closet, watching her weary friend.

Padme had been through a lot. And yet, she was still holding up, holding on, somehow. Despite the fall of their government, the problems with her husband, and the trials of pregnancy and children, Padme still looked young and beautiful, still had energy and love of life.

She may no longer be a queen or a senator, but she was still under imaginable stress.

And she still needed Sabé.

"Padme?" Her friend raised the arm covering her eyes at the tone of her friend's voice, immediately concerned. "One of General Madine's aides stopped by just after you left for the meeting. He wanted to talk with me about joining the general's staff."

Intrigued, Padme sat up and scrutinized her friend. "Go on."

Shrugging, Sabé gnawed on her bottom lip. "He said the general was aware of my former duties in your service, had done some review of my skills and missions. He...the aide...he asked me if I didn't think I was wasting my abilities here." Uncomfortable, seeing the hurt in her friend's eyes, Sabé jumped forward and took Padme's hands in hers. "Not that I feel I am! I love taking care of the twins and being with you! We've been together for so long, I can hardly imagine another life."

"And yet. . ." Padme, her eyes sad, gave the handmaiden's hands a squeeze.

Nodding, Sabé returned the show of sympathy and love. "And yet. . ."

"Well then," she sighed. "What does the general suggest?"

"I'm told he wants to make an offer. Madine wants to train a team of expert agents for the Rebellion, some to teach, some to police for Imperial agents and some to run missions for the Alliance. I could do it, Padme! I always was the best of the handmaidens, the one with the most training. I could really do this, really make a difference!"

Seeing the joy in her friend, the hope, Padme nodded. Inside, there was a pain at the thought of them parting ways, but she understood. It wasn't right she pursue her dream of making a difference through politics and having a family, and not let Sabé do the same, however she choose to do so. Besides, this would be good for all of them. It would be the excuse she needed to begin backing away from politics. She could spend more time with her children.

And Obi-wan could use the break.

"Of course, Sabé. This is a wonderful opportunity for you. I am, truly, happy for you."

Reassured, Sabé smiled but didn't let go. Padme waited, knowing after so many years of friendship there was something else. "Padme. . .you know not everyone is happy with Anakin's return."

So, Padme thought, here it is again.

"Yes, I know. . .is General Madine one of them?"

Sabé shrugged, clearly undecided. "I don't quite know yet. Despite all the whispers of prophecy and the increased number of volunteers thanks to you and Anakin, some of the leaders and council members would still rather have it that your husband was not with the fleet."

"But he's training to be a Jedi again. The Council has approved."

"It's not only Anakin. . .they're edgy around Obi-wan as well." Despite the seriousness of the concerns, Padme could see how the mere mention of the Jedi Master's name brought quietly shining stars into Sabé's eyes. Padme hid her smile with worry over her husband.

"There are still many who blame the Jedi for the fall of the Republic." Sabé explained, sitting beside her friend. "Now, there is a Jedi Master with influence upon the Council, and a former Sith and servant of the Emperor walking freely among Alliance members."

"So in short," Padme thought aloud, "the volunteers and the pilots and crew and everyone love Anakin Skywalker, looking to him for strength and courage, no matter how much he wishes they wouldn't. And the leaders of the Alliance, at least some of them, either fear or despise him. . .this just gets better and better, doesn't it."

Yet another reason for Sabé to join the general's staff, so as to keep her ears and eyes open to any threat to their family. If things got much worse among the council members, the Skywalker family might be forced to abandon the Rebellion.

But where would they go then?

Sighing, the handmaiden reached out and wrapped her arms around her friend, holding her close. Padme rested her head on the other's shoulders and closed her eyes. She was so tried of this life.

"Is there no good news?"

"Thank the Force, yes. The Council has agreed to begin the preparations for negotiations with the Thanatians. Hopefully, within a few weeks, Home One may very well be a stationary planet base."

"At least there's that. You and Anakin can take the children and settle down somewhere, have a real home at last." And she and Obi-wan just might have a chance as well now.

As if she could read her mind, Padme grinned and said, "Not only Ani and I. How are things going with that Jedi Master of yours."

"He's being extremely hardheaded about this. At the moment, he seems to think he's evaded me. We'll see about that."

Laughing, Padme gave her friend another hug and rose to prepare for bed. She would only have a few hours to sleep, then she needed to be up again. For now, she could rest.

"I'm sure we will, my friend. That Jedi doesn't know what he's in for."

But Sabé wasn't so sure. If she did eventually accept the general's offer after Home One was established on Thantinia, would she ever have time for a family of her own?

It was nearly five weeks before Home One was established, some seventy miles from the cottage in which the Skywalker twins had been born. Seeing that the invaders had no interest in influencing their peoples or culture, the Thanatians simply shrugged and agreed to the Alliance's requests.

With the help of the local people and the tech crews, the Alliance constructed bases and homes out of the naturally occurring caves and tunnels found in the southern hills of the planet. Some of the cave openings were so large, they had no problem hiding their ships and fighters within. The dry earth was ideal of crafting and molding to their needs.

In almost no time, the rebels, new and veterans; were evacuated from the depleted ships and carriers to the hobbit homes.

The local people welcomed them. The land was fertile and provided food far better than rebel rations. And the sun brought hope to those who had begun to feel the strain of war.

Padme resigned her position as a minor councilor member. Mon and Bail were disappointed, but understood why. When explained this would mean she and her family would return to their cottage they had bought from a local, many of the councilors expressed their relief.

The pilots, Salik among them, sent Anakin and his family away with well wishes.

Sabé waited till Padme and Anakin moved back to the cottage and settled in. Despite his continued protests the couple should live alone and he could find his own place, Obi-wan moved in with them, due mainly to Anakin packing and moving all of the master's belonging with his own.

He was, Anakin explained to his friend, a part of the family, not a house guest.

Obi-wan finally gave in when some of the locals from a nearby village, having heard the family had returned, offered to extend the house to include the new members. The little cottage grew to contain two more bedrooms, a study for Padme, primitive water and sewage system they called indoor plumbing and a landing pad.

They even offered to help Anakin construct a room he could move his oxygen chamber into for convenience but he declined. Instead, he had them change it into a meditation room. Considering all the work they'd done, Obi-wan surrenders and agreed to move in.

They were outside, keeping an eye on the twins when Anakin took the next step.

"It's about time, Obi-wan. I don't think we can wait any longer to begin my training again." Obi-wan raised an eyebrow but remained silent, as was his wont these past few weeks. "Palpatine is only getting more powerful as the weeks pass. Soon, we may no be able to confront him. His strength in the Force is already double my own. If we cover the basics, meditation, levitation, concentration, then we should be able to begin lightsabers in a few days."

"Moving fast, wouldn't you say?"

Anakin didn't want to appear impatient. Not when that was the very reason he had ruined his training the first time. But he was. He wanted his power back, wanted to be able to defeat the Emperor. More importantly, he wanted the Force back.

For so long now he had lived almost without it. He had been careful when touching the Force, fearful of the Darkside, of the dangers, of allowing Palpatine to find him. Anakin wanted to be able to touch the Force again as a Jedi, to feel the Light course through his. The sooner he learned, the sooner he conquered both his fears and the Emperor.

And his past.

"But. . ." Obi-wan allowed, leaning back in the grass, "maybe you're right, Anakin." He reached out with the Force and gently pushed Leia away from a spot she might trip and fall. Skywalker looked on enviously. "We do need to begin your training again. No, wait. Don't think of it as training. Think of it as a...refresher course. A reminder. And you're not alone in this. I, too, need to go back over some of the finer points. If we're to be ready to fight. And to teach."

Anakin began to spoke, then paused, mouth open and starred at his friend. "Teach?"

"Of course. Anakin, who did you think would teach your children and any Jedi apprentices Yoda finds to be Knights? Him? You and I are the next generation, my friend. It is our duty."

Skywalker laughed, a hollow, rattling sound in the helmet. "Me, teach? Obi- wan, you can't seriously consider that a good idea, can you?"

"Well, we'll have to see. But, we're getting ahead of ourselves here. Let's start at the beginning. . .with meditation and inner reflection."

Groaning, hearing a lesson coming, Anakin got comfortable.

New chapter beginning next time, Lightsabers! Yeah!

So, how is everyone's summer?

Caslia