Chapter 24 - Laying the Trap
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD
Anakin's hand clenches around the commlink. "If I do this, there's no turning back," he reminds Obi-Wan and Dooku, "We won't be able to back out." They nod solemnly.
"This is the best plan we've got." Surprisingly, that comes from Obi-Wan. When Anakin throws him a startled look, he meets his gaze with an expression that says more than words could. He trusts Anakin will do whatever is necessary to complete the mission, and for once, he approves of Anakin's methods. More importantly, he's signaling his intent to – as always – cover Anakin's back.
"Kenobi is right," concurs Dooku, "Proceed, Skywalker."
Anakin takes a calming breath as he settles into a chair, before starting the transmission. For safety's sake, Obi-Wan and Dooku remain on the other side of the room, concealing their Force signatures to prevent any possible detection of their plans.
"Anakin, my boy, this is a pleasant surprise," exclaims Palpatine as his image materializes.
Anakin keeps a carefully crafted expression of distress on his face. "Chancellor," he acknowledges, his voice intentionally emotionless, conveying the impression that he's struggling with something. "I know you are very busy, but –" he hesitates, "I – I was hoping I could meet with you." And Obi-Wan thought he couldn't act.
"You know I'll always make time to meet with you," chides Palpatine, using the tone he always does with Anakin, "Is it possible for you to come around noon?"
Anakin nods slowly, as though he's carefully considering something. "Yes. Thank you, sir," he replies, injecting a faintly dismal note into his voice.
"I had heard rumors you were dead, Anakin," Palpatine comments, "I'm so grateful to see you alive. Might I ask if anyone is aware?" Anakin is willing to bet that Sidious is simply elated he's going to talk to him. Just as Dooku had predicted, he'll try to get Anakin to Fall.
"Only my Padawan knows," Anakin tells him after a moment's hesitation, "And I would appreciate if you wouldn't inform anyone."
Certainly," Palpatine answers magnanimously, "I look forward to hearing the story." Anakin can almost see the dark gleam in his eyes.
Anakin lets a faint – and weary – smile appear on his face for a moment. "I will see you at noon, Chancellor," he promises ending the transmission.
"I hate this," hisses Anakin, eyes darkening with anger, "I don't know how I won't accidently stick my lightsaber through him when I see him." He knows he'll have to pretend that he's upset with the Jedi and Obi-Wan. He'll have to act receptive towards Palpatine's manipulations, so he sends his guards away. And he hates every bit of it. It's a gamble, but it's one worth taking.
Obi-Wan walks over, putting a hand on his arm soothingly. "You did well, Anakin," he reassures him, "You're a much better actor than you've ever been given credit for." Seeing the almost proud look on Obi-Wan's face is enough to take the edge of his anger.
"Sidious does not suspect a thing," Dooku chimes in, "He fully believes it will be simple to turn you to his side. This may be easier than we anticipated." If only.
"Whenever Obi-Wan and I are involved, nothing is easy," Anakin mutters, "And nothing goes according to plan."
"Then it's a good thing we have a plan B this time," Obi-Wan reminds him.
"Provided Sidious doesn't foil it," Anakin mumbles, a hint of bitterness in his voice. He stares numbly across the cabin, depression nagging at him. He feels much better than he did, but he's still a long way from how he used to be. It's only worse that he can feel the Dark Side whispering to him almost incessantly, especially when he's already feeling down.
In an almost casual move, Obi-Wan sits down on a chair near Anakin. He doesn't say anything, but he doesn't need to. Anakin knows that Obi-Wan understands what he needs – even if Anakin himself doesn't. And right now, he just needs to be next to someone – next to Obi-Wan – because that will help take his mind off the prospect that if they fail, the galaxy falls.
"We have three hours to get inside the Senate," Dooku reminds them, "I hope you have a plan for how exactly we'll do that, Skywalker."
Anakin rubs a hand over his face. Force. He's exhausted right now, even though he shouldn't be. He did sleep fine, but the stress is finally getting to him. Normally, he'd be fine, but the circumstances are far from normal. He's still recovering from Obi-Wan's faked death and learning that Palpatine is Sidious, not to mention spending a great deal of time with Dooku – never a pleasant affair – although it's much more tolerable than he'd ever thought possible.
Drawing on the Force to help calm himself, Anakin lets himself slip into his role as a general. When he's in war, his emotions don't matter; they can't affect him now, especially not when everything depends on the success of his mission. Falling into his analytical mindset, he runs his mind over the design of the Senate, searching for weaknesses.
"Unless we're planning to kill the guards on the way in, every entrance is guarded," Anakin reports after a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration, "Since I assume we want to keep casualties to a minimal and necessary basis –" he pauses, glancing at Obi-Wan who nods in confirmation. "Then our best option will be to enter through the ventilation shafts. We have plenty of time. I think we can get past any security measures inside."
Dooku's expression indicates he's clearly not pleased with the suggestion. Obi-Wan seems thoughtful; he's seriously considering the idea. On his part, Anakin can't think of a better solution. Who would be expecting someone to enter the Senate through the ventilation shaft? It will also help him get past security, so he's not recognized. It's a win-win situation, and much better than his usual approach of blasting right in. He has no desire of being labelled a traitor for attacking the Senate when he's after the real traitor.
"I like it," Obi-Wan agrees, ignoring Dooku's scandalized expression, "It should work."
"I think so too." Anakin meets Obi-Wan's eyes, and they share a smile.
"Are you seriously considering crawling around in the ventilation system?" protests Dooku.
"We sure are," Anakin confirms, smirking, "Have a problem with it, Count?"
Obi-Wan shoots him a warning look at his smug tone. Anakin simply ignores him. It's funny to picture the elegant Dooku crawling around in a shaft. Besides, he can't resist the rib.
"How do you deal with him, Kenobi?" Dooku asks instead.
"Oh, I don't know," replies Obi-Wan, a mock contemplative expression on his face, "You just get used to it after a while. There's no force which can control him."
Anakin snorts, "Seriously, Master, you could make even Grievous feel bad for you!"
Obi-Wan lets out a dramatic sigh and turns towards Dooku, "You see the insolence I've been forced to deal with for the past twelve years?"
"Yes, I can see," remarks Dooku, his lips twitching up into a smile, "He must have given you headaches on a regular basis if what I dealt with for two weeks was any indication."
"He did," confirms Obi-Wan, a feigned solemn expression on his face.
Anakin rolls his eyes. "I suppose you probably blame me for every one of your mishaps, even though you're responsible for most of them yourself. I'm the one who always has to rescue you after all." Slowly, the tension fades from his body. Bantering like this with Obi-Wan helps him immensely.
"Keep telling yourself that," retorts Obi-Wan, a glimmer in his eyes, "I'd usually be just fine, even without your help."
"As entertaining as this is, I really think we should get back to discussing our plans," Dooku interjects quietly but firmly, effectively cutting off Anakin's reply.
"Certainly," agrees Obi-Wan, "Anakin can find an entrance, and then we can join him."
Anakin pulls up a holographic image of the Senate building and examines the exterior. "I think this area here is probably best for entry," he muses, "The security here is not as strong. With a well-placed mind trick or two and some Force diversions, we can get past without much trouble."
Obi-Wan looks at it over his shoulder. "Yes, but we must be careful about our use of the Force. If Sidious senses us, it will not be good."
"He is very perceptive of nearby Force users," offers Dooku, frowning slightly.
"Alright, then let's not use the Force much," replies Anakin, "If necessary, maybe you should leave the tricks to me. I doubt Sidious will suspect anything if he senses my presence. I made it clear to him that I don't want anyone knowing I'm alive."
"Very convincingly too," Obi-Wan chimes in.
Dooku nods, "Now I know why you are such a good general, Skywalker, even if I don't generally approve of improvised plans." The praise – even though it's from Dooku – makes Anakin feel better.
"You don't need to make his ego any bigger," Obi-Wan jokes.
"Thanks, Master," Anakin replies, "I thought you were on my side."
His brother chuckles quietly, shaking his head. "It's a very good plan, Anakin," he remarks warmly.
Anakin casts him a small, sincere smile and lets himself bask in the approval for a minute before standing up. "Let's get moving. We have a building to infiltrate."