Chapter 44
Obi-Wan was pleased to see Ahsoka alive and well. He knew that had been a tough but good experience for her. It would give her some more confidence in her own abilities. While she appeared to have plenty, Obi-Wan knew that, like Anakin, much of that was bravado not true confidence. He was also pleased to see the younglings returned although he did wonder what would become of them. The Jedi Council may deem them too wild to become Padawan's now and send them to Bandomeer. If that were the case, he might have to consider taking on a new Padawan. He didn't really want to, given that he planned on leaving the Order once the war was over and it wasn't fair to the Padawan but neither did he want these poor younglings being sent to Bandomeer for events far beyond their control. Of course, he would need to persuade another Jedi to also take one because saving one of the younglings from such a fate and not the other would also be cruel.
"You're thinking too hard again." Anakin told him, coming back over.
"I would never." Obi-Wan replied. Anakin simply gave him a look. He smirked in return. "What is to happen with the Younglings?"
"I think Master Yoda is going to take them for a training session to measure their ability. Then who knows." Anakin shrugged. "Are you thinking of taking a Padawan?" Obi-Wan looked around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard before explaining his earlier thinking. Anakin frowned for a second before nodding. "Well, they couldn't ask for a better Master." He stated.
"Skywalker, Obi-Wan, we are about to have a Council meeting. Skywalker, you and your Padawan are required to make a full report." Windu came over.
"Yes, Master." Anakin inclined his head. He and Obi-Wan made their way to the Council meeting room. Obi-Wan took his seat and wondered if Anakin would get a seat this time around. Of course, it was one more Jedi they would need to replace when they left the Order but he wondered if the Council would consider him ready this time around without Palpatine's meddling. Anakin and Ahsoka gave their report. The Council were pleased with both of them, especially Ahsoka for managing to survive and find two younglings. They were all saddened by the news that one of the younglings had perished, however. Ahsoka and Anakin were then dismissed, being given a couple of days off to recover.
"Now, we have a situation arising on Mon Cala. It seems a civil war will occur unless the Republic can intervene." Windu spoke up. "The Republic is sending Senator Amidala to attend a meeting between the Mon Calamari and the Quarren. The Senator's presence has been requested by the Mon Calamari but she has requested a Jedi to go along in case."
"I think Master Fisto is best suited to this particular job." Saesee Tiin pointed out. There were various nods of agreement.
"I think it wise to suspect that if the Republic has been asked to attend by the Mon Calamari, then it is possible the Quarren have asked the Separatists to attend this meeting." Obi-Wan spoke up. Windu looked at him and he gave a miniscule nod.
"Very well. The Separatists thrive on conflict. It makes sense that they would aid the Quarren in trying to overthrow Mon Calamari rule." Windu said. "We shall send a full fleet to wait nearby as reinforcements."
"If war breaks out, the Separatists will likely have more of those aqua droids they had on Kamino." Obi-Wan pointed out. "They will have the advantage underwater." There were a few more discussions about which troops to send and if other Jedi should go as backup.
Eventually the Council were dismissed. Obi-Wan was pleased. Meetings almost always induced a headache these days, and that was with the war going relatively well in comparison. He sighed. Windu approached him before he could leave and asked him to pass on a message to Anakin. They would begin training tomorrow. Obi-Wan promised to pass on the message, rather pleased. He knew Anakin had admired the Vaapad style of fighting ever since he had seen it the first time he duelled Windu. He arrived back at the quarters where Anakin was waiting for him with a plate of nerf casserole.
"You're amazing." He exclaimed, sitting down at the table.
"I know." Anakin smirked. They ate in silence as they were both very hungry. When they were done, Obi-Wan passed on Windu's message. Anakin was practically vibrating with excitement. He felt a swell of pride for the young man opposite him. He had come so far in such a short space of time.
"Did we have any plans for the evening?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I need to go and get a few jobs done but nothing after that." Anakin replied. Obi-Wan nodded. Anakin gave him a hug and kissed the top of his head before leaving the apartment. Given some time alone, Obi-Wan decided to head to the archives once more. Part of him was wondering whether they would actually manage to end the war any sooner than before even with his foreknowledge. Everything still seemed to be on the same trajectory, even if they had managed several small victories. It worried him. At least Anakin was becoming less and less of a worry. His former Padawan's maturity had increased in leaps and bounds, proving that a little more caring went a long way.
Reading helped to calm his troubled mind as it always had. Until he became so tired the words were swimming on the page in front of his eyes. Obi-Wan read the same passage four times before he finally gave up and returned to the apartment. Anakin was not back yet so he took the opportunity to head to the fresher and clean himself up before the other man got back, likely covered in grease and oil.
True to form, Anakin returned a short while later with several black stains on his cloak and a strong smell of oil filled the apartment. Obi-Wan wrinkled his nose and sighed. Anakin smirked at him before heading to get cleaned up. Once he was done, he settled on the couch next to Obi-Wan and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Obi-Wan happily sunk into the embrace and let out a sigh of contentment. They sat in companionable silence for a while before, by unspoken agreement, moved to the bedroom.
The duo ended up with almost a week to themselves on Coruscant. They had a couple more dates out in the city which Obi-Wan thoroughly enjoyed. It amazed him that after this long, he still had seen such a small part of the planet he lived on. Anakin also began his training with Windu and by all accounts he was thoroughly enjoying it. Obi-Wan made sure to avoid these sessions in an attempt to avoid distracting Anakin and to prevent Windu noticing his own, very inappropriate oogling of the young man.
At the end of the week, Anakin and Obi-Wan were summoned to a Council meeting. They were being sent to Naboo with Padme. Apparently the Gungans were plotting an attack on Theed. The Council had considered just sending Anakin but Obi-Wan pointed out he had the best relations with the Gungans so he was sent along as well. It was only later he realised he had actually volunteered to spend more time with Jar Jar Binks. Obi-Wan let out a groan. Still, he supposed it could be worse.
They met with Padme at one of the Senate hangars. Naturally Captain Typho would be accompanying them but that was all. While the Captain was up front with the pilot, the two Jedi and the Senator sat down together.
"How have you both been?" She asked.
"We have been well." Obi-Wan told her.
"Had a nice peaceful week for a change." Anakin added.
"Let's hope this is a peaceful trip as well." Padme said but she sighed. Anakin put a hand over hers on the table.
"We won't let there be war on Naboo." He promised. "After all, we have the famed Negotiator on our side." He added with a wink. Padme smiled.
"Well then, how could we possibly lose?" She asked playfully. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at both of them.
"Anakin might open his mouth." Obi-Wan jested. Anakin gave a faux hurt expression.
"It's like you don't trust me to be diplomatic."
"Threatening them with your lightsaber is not diplomatic." Obi-Wan reminded him.
"It gets the job done." Anakin smirked. Padme rolled her eyes at both of them.
"Honestly, this is supposed to be the best the Jedi could send. Instead I get you two, who fight like an old married couple." She snickered.
"Hey now, Obi-Wan is the only old one round here." Anakin protested.
"True, sorry, Ani." Padme agreed.
"Hey!" It was Obi-Wan's turn to protest. The other two both laughed and he rolled his eyes. The rest of the trip continued in a similar vein and it made Obi-Wan happy. The only one missing was Ahsoka. Soon they arrived at Naboo. Anakin contacted Jar Jar to meet them by Lake Paonga. They set down. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme left the ship. It only took a few moments for Jar Jar to arrive and the three of them got into his ship.
"What's going on Jar Jar?" Anakin asked.
"Is it true that Boss Lyonie is calling for a march on Theed?" Padme asked.
"Oh yesa, my Lady." Jar Jar told them. "Hesa blamin' Naboo for everything."
"That's not true." Padme stated firmly.
"We need to speak with him." Obi-Wan put in. Jar Jar nodded.
"Mesa will take you." The trip was relatively short. Jar Jar led them through some tunnels to where Boss Lyonie was giving a speech to some soldiers. Jar Jar waved over a friend and they had a quick conversation. As the soldiers left, the Jedi and Padme hid behind the two Gungans. The last Gungan to leave looked quite shifty and Obi-Wan frowned after him. Jar Jar's friend told them to be quick and led them into the room where only Lyonie was left.
"Young Senator Amidala." Lyonie said. "If yousa here to talk mesa outta marchen on Theed, yousa wasting your time."
"With all due respect your actions are based on lies. You must tell your soldiers to stand down." Padme stated. Obi-Wan winced. It wasn't usually a good idea to tell a leader that they 'must' do anything.
"Mesa different now." Lyonie told them. Obi-Wan frowned. "Mesa enlightened." That didn't sound like a Gungan thing to say.
"See, acting loconut." Jar Jar put in.
"He sounds possessed." Anakin frowned. Obi-Wan glanced at the Gungan leader. HIs eyes were unfocused. A blue gem in his necklace was glowing softly. "The necklace." Anakin realised at the same time. Obi-Wan used the Force to summon the necklace to him. Immediately Lyonie shook his head, clutching it with one hand.
"Wha? Wasa happenin'?" He asked in confusion. "Binks? Whosa are they?" He pointed to the other three.
"Boss Lyonie? Don't you remember anything?" Padme asked in concern.
"Who gave you this necklace, your Majesty?" Obi-Wan asked, holding it up.
"Minister Risha Loo." Lyonie told them.
"I guess we should pay a visit to this Minister." Anakin stated. Obi-Wan nodded.
"They say Risha Loo know ancient Gungan mystical power. Mind over matter." Jar Jar informed them. Obi-Wan and Anakin exchanged looks.
"I think we need to speak to the Minister. Boss Lyonie, I suggest you stay here and gather some guards you know you can trust." Anakin said.
"Mesa wisha to speaks with Risha Loo myself." Lyonie protested.
"And you shall. However, I suspect it would be best if we spoke with him first." Obi-Wan said calmly. Lyonie considered and then finally nodded. Jar Jar led them to the Minister's rooms.
"Stay here." Anakin murmured to Padme. The two Jedi moved stealthily up the ramp and into the room. Thankfully the door moved silently. They saw Rish Loo talking to a hologram of Count Dooku.
"Ah, how lovely to see you again, Count." Obi-Wan said loudly as they moved further into the room.
"Obi-Wan." Dooku said, with a slight note of resignation in his voice. "Skywalker. What an unexpected pleasure" He added.
"The pleasure is all ours Count." Anakin told him. "I was hoping you'd thought about our last meeting. It seems you have not reached the conclusion I had hoped."
"Indeed. Our last meeting was indeed, illuminating." Dooku inclined his head slightly. "However, I regret to inform you that members of my Senate are currently unwilling to negotiate with the Republic after our last attempts. The Republic will need to be the ones to reach out. Which will never happen with my Master in charge."
"So he's definitely in charge then?" Anakin asked. Dooku's lips twitched, almost into a smile but he made no response.
"Dooku, you do realise that your Master is most likely looking to replace you. No offense to your good self but you are getting on in years. He will soon be looking for a younger, probably more powerful apprentice." Obi-Wan pointed out. Dooku's eyes narrowed marginally.
"What isa going on here?" Loo cried out. Obi-Wan had almost forgotten he was there.
"Nothing of importance." Dookue told him. "As much as I enjoy conversing with you, Obi-Wan, I have matters to attend to."
"Of course." Obi-Wan inclined his head. "I…" He trailed off. It felt like they were slowly winning Dooku over. The seeds had been implanted by Anakin and nurtured a little now. He sensed it would not take much more to make Dooku turn on Palpatine. He had already given them valuable information. The hologram winked out. Obi-Wan and Anakin turned to Rish Loo.
"It seems you have been conspiring with Separatists. You have betrayed your people." Anakin told him coldly.
"Attack them!" He cried. Three droids dropped from the ceiling. Obi-Wan and Anakin easily slashed through two of them but in the confusion, Rish Loo made a dash for the exit.
"Padme! Loo heading your way, stop him!" Anakin cried loudly. The third droid shot at him, narrowly missing his left ear. Obi-Wan slashed through it's blaster in annoyance. In return it tried to strangle him but Anakin was there in an instant, thrusting through its head.
"Thanks." Obi-Wan wheezed, massaging his throat. Anakin flashed him a smirk and they made their way out of the room. Padme was holding Rish Loo at gunpoint. Obi-Wan took the necklace from around his neck which was almost identical to the one that had been given to Lyonie. "Well, well, seems you have been caught, Minister." Obi-Wan told him calmly.
"Dooku made mesa do it." Loo protested. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"Be that as it may, you still conspired to turn the Gungans against the people of Theed." Padme told him sternly. They marched him to Lyonie who was more angry about the mind control. However he did promise not to march on Theed which was certainly something. They stayed to help reassure the Gungans that the people of Naboo were not at fault, it was the Separatists.
They ended up having to stay for three days but in the end the matter was resolved quite easily for a change. Obi-Wan was quite pleased. How he wished they could all be this easy. Unfortunately he knew that the upcoming missions were going to be difficult. On the return trip, they told Padme what Dooku had said about the Republic needing to reach out. She agreed to speak with the Senate about trying once more but did not anticipate success. Both the Jedi agreed she could not mention that Dooku had told them that the Separatists might negotiate if the Republic reach out. Palpatine may have Dooku killed for such a thing and they didn't want that. He could still prove valuable in ending the war. They returned to Coruscant and debriefed the Council. After the meeting, Obi-Wan grabbed Windu for a chat. He told him about Krell becoming a traitor.
"That is grave news." Windu frowned. "So many of our kin are dying or falling."
"War has taken its toll on us all." Obi-Wan told him gravely. "Maybe it is the Jedi who need to change."
"What do you mean?" Windu asked him sharply. Obi-Wan let out a sigh.
"Jedi have fallen in war because they think that being Generals goes against the Jedi principles of being peacekeepers. Or, they have fallen because they think the Jedi are too traditional, too rigid and maybe they are right. One approach does not fit every child. Anakin proves that." Windu considered him.
"What exactly do you propose then?" He asked, voice still cold but tinged with curiosity.
"Nothing right now. The middle of a war is not the time to be making changes. However, I think once the war is over, we should consider what happens then." Obi-Wan stated. "For now, I just want you to keep an open mind. That is all." Windu frowned again.
"Obi-Wan...what you speak of...the Order had functioned for millenia."
"It was not always like this. There was not always a Council to answer to who decided all the rules. The Jedi were spread across the galaxy, each Master choosing how to teach their apprentice. While I think a central Council is a good idea, I think individual flexibility is not a bad thing." Windu was staring at him, wide-eyed.
"Obi-Wan…" HIs tone was warning now.
"Just, keep an open mind. The Jedi's blindness led to their destruction in my time. We need to learn from our mistakes, without having to make the same mistakes a second time."
"I will meditate on what you have said." Windu told him, effectively ending the conversation. Obi-Wan nodded. He left to let Windu think.
Mace's head was spinning. Had that conversation been with anyone else he might have accused them of betraying the Jedi. Yet he knew that Obi-Wan would never betray them. He wondered what had brought this on now of all times. He supposed Obi-Wan had had a long time to think about this, still it didn't sit quite right with him. Mace made his way back to his quarters to meditate. Usually he would use the meditation rooms but he did not wish to risk being disturbed today. He took up his cross legged position on his bunk and closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, Mace let go and allowed the Force to envelop him.
"Hello, old friend." A voice echoed in his head. It startled Mace so badly that he opened his eyes. All around him was a white foglike substance. Directly in front of him stood Qui-Gon Jinn wearing a very familiar smug expression.
"Qui-Gon?" Mace asked in confusion.
"Glad to see you recognise me after all this time." Jinn replied. Mace refrained from rolling his eyes but only barely.
"You are rather difficult to forget." He retorted. Jinn chuckled softly and it was so achingly easy to fall into the familiar routine. "Why have I never seen you before?" He asked curiously.
"You were not ready." Jinn told him simply. Mace bit back a groan of frustration. Jinn obviously knew anyway and smirked once more. Well it had taken all of ten seconds to remember exactly what was so annoying about the Jedi Master. "I cannot reach those who do not wish to be reached." Jinn added.
"So did you come to tell me something?" Mace asked.
"You are confused." Jinn stated. Mace bit back a sarcastic retort.
"Yes, it appears your Padawan takes after you far too much." Was what he actually decided to say. Jinn smiled proudly.
"Of course. Obi-Wan is a wonderful Jedi."
"He is." Mace had to admit. "You taught him well. Just a little too well I think."
"Why is that?"
"He thinks the whole Jedi Order needs to change. Tell me that isn't a very you thing to think." Mace did roll his eyes this time.
"Obi-Wan is quite capable of such ideas without my help." Jinn told him primly. "However, maybe he does have the right idea."
"Do you know, can you see if it is truly necessary?" Mace couldn't help but ask.
"The future is always in motion, as you know." Jinn told him, in an almost chiding tone. Mace was both annoyed and mildly amused by this. "However, I think that you will find things changing whether you like it or not. It is up to the Jedi whether they adapt or not. Consider Obi-Wan. What he lived through, the loss of almost all of the Jedi, including Anakin. Whether you like it or not he has always been attached to the boy. He lost Anakin and all his friends yet he still did not turn to the Dark Side. He became more determined to destroy it."
"You're not suggesting we allow such attachment to be commonplace?" Mace asked incredulously. "Obi-Wan may not have turned but not many are as strong as he."
"I'm suggesting that the Jedi Code is very black and white. No matter how much you try, Mace, the Jedi are still people. People are never completely black and white. They are always both." Jinn told him gently. "Offering up emotions to the Force does not get rid of them completely." Mace was reeling. Somehow this conversation was not helping his earlier confusion. "The Force itself is not Light or Dark. It just is. How you use it defines which side you choose but to the Force there are no sides."
"Qui-Gon…" Mace let out a harsh breath. This was too much. It was against everything the Jedi believed in.
"I do not expect you to believe me and change all of your principles this second, old friend. Change on such a scale will be gradual."
"Such change is inevitable then?"
"Yes. Change is always inevitable. You only have to choose whether to embrace it or fight it." Qui-Gon told him gently.
"I will think on what you have said." Mace said.
"That is all I ask. And I will be here when you need me again." Qui-Gon told him. As Mace opened his mouth to ask another question the whiteness faded around him. A second later he was staring at the grey walls of his apartment. Mace shook his head to clear it. Nope. His thoughts were still completely jumbled. What had been suggested to him was improbable. As improbable as a Jedi coming back from the future to tell you the Order is destroyed? His brain asked. Well, he had a point. He was definitely more confused than when Obi-Wan had confessed his big secret. At least that was straightforward. There was a goal to achieve and a foreknowledge of the consequences of failure. This was more difficult to wrap his head around. He had been taught the Jedi code his entire life and believed in it fully. How could he be expected to believe it was at least partially wrong? Mace sighed. He needed a distraction to clear his head. Sparring with Skywalker should do it. He was coming along quite well, picking up Vaapad like a natural. Although he had expected nothing less. Mace commed Skywalker who eagerly agreed to another training session.
It was another couple of battle filled weeks before Obi-Wan and Anakin were assigned to Umbara. He and Mace had decided to send Krell on the mission in an attempt to force him to reveal himself. Obi-Wan also warned Anakin about Krell but he wasn't sure if the younger man would be summoned by Palpatine again. If he was, Master Tiin would have to be put in charge of the 501st so Obi-Wan could keep an eye on Krell.
"This should be an interesting mission." Anakin sighed as they lay in their bunk aboard the Resolute.
"That's one word for it." Obi-Wan muttered. He turned to kiss Anakin. It helped him to relax. They simply lay in each other's embrace, soaking up the comfort.
"I love you, Obi-Wan. No matter what happens." Anakin told him softly.
"I love you too, Ani." Obi-Wan replied. "I wish the war was already over."
"Don't we all." A message from Rex told them they had arrived at Umbara. With a groan, Obi-Wan pulled himself away from Anakin. The younger man wrapped his arm more tightly around him and refused to let him move.
"Ani…" He protested. However, Anakin ignored this and kissed him deeply.
"Please be careful." He said when they finally separated. Obi-Wan looked at him and saw the concern in his eyes.
"I will. I have the advantage."
"That doesn't mean it will go smoothly."
"True." He conceded. "I promise to be careful." Anakin nodded and then let him up. They made their way to the briefing. Obi-Wan, Anakin and the troops gathered around a holoimage of the area. "Masters Tiin and Krell will be supporting my troops to the south while Anakin's battalion comes in from the north, taking out enemy reinforcements." He told the Clones.
"We need to take the Capital quickly and hold it." Anakin added. "The Umbarans have aligned with the Separatists so we will have to deal with the local militia too. ARC Trooper Fives will be assisting my units on special assignment." Obi-Wan detected a note of pride in Anakin's voice at this. Both Jedi had grown very fond of Fives and the rest of his group.
"Ready to do my part, General Skywalker." Fives stated.
"You always are, Fives." Anakin flashed him a grin.
"Nice to have you on board." Rex told Fives.
"Just like old times." Fives replied, the smirk evident in his tone.
"Anakin, Cody and I will be twelve klicks south of your location. We will be counting on you to deal with the local fighters." Obi-Wan told him.
"My units always have to do all the work." Anakin pretended to complain.
"Yes well, you always seem to volunteer." Obi-Wan told him dryly. Anakin grinned. "Oh, don't forget to watch your backs out there." He added. Anakin nodded. They set off in the gunships. Incoming fire was heavy as expected. They did manage to land close enough to the correct position. Almost immediately there were droids everywhere. Obi-Wan sprung into action, Cody right behind him.
They fought for hours. About halfway through, a call came through from Anakin, requesting air support. At almost the same time, Cody came over.
"Sir, there is a message from the Jedi Temple." Obi-Wan swore and then sighed. Palpatine had requested Anakin back then. That complicated things but it wasn't unexpected. He went to speak to Windu and Yoda.
"Chancellor Palpatine has requested Skywalker personally." Windu said distastefully. "Master Tiin is to take charge of Skywalker's legion until he returns." Obi-Wan bowed and then turned to find Master Saesee Tiin. He was with Pong Krell. Obi-Wan frowned.
"Master Tiin. Anakin has been summoned back to Coruscant. The Chancellor has requested his presence personally and the Council has agreed. You are to go with the air support he has requested and take charge of the 501st while he is gone. Master Tiin nodded.
"I can go." Krell offered.
"The Council instructed Master Tiin to go." Obi-Wan shrugged. Krell looked angry but nodded. Tiin departed and Obi-Wan looked over at Krell wondering how in the Force he should deal with this.