Incognito 12 - Palpatine has definitely not given up on meddling with Anakin's life, and the Dark side still hunts them both.
T - He will certainly try :)
Chapter 39
After forty years of hatred and bloodshed, the two planets of Shemal and Jenub had finally ceased their hostilities and started down the long road toward coexisting in harmony. It was a tenuous peace, parties on both sides still not trusting their long time enemies, but also desperate to not see another generation lost to war. The treaty was to be maintained by meeting annually, each planet sending its governor to a neutral meeting place in order to talk through any disagreements that had arisen over the year.
To appease both sides, details of the summit were left in the hands of a mediator from the Jedi Order. In addition, all local security officials were barred at the door, each delegate given to the care of one Jedi protector. This was how Ben found himself on the planet Jenub preparing to serve as escort to Governor Yil.
The lights had long gone out in the Governor's palace, all except for the one in the room of their Jedi guest. Ben sat in front of the communications console, mentally calculating the time on Coruscant. It was the middle of the night and he hated to wake Obi-Wan, but the delegation was leaving in the morning, and there might not be another opportunity. After pressing the button to transmit, he sat back to wait for a response. He was just about to give up, when the image of his master flickered into view. If he had woken Obi-Wan up, Ben wouldn't have known it. The only evidence was a tunic casually pulled on over sleep pants.
"Sorry to wake you, Master," Ben said, bowing his head. "I know it's late."
"Is something wrong?" Obi-Wan asked. "Are you alright?"
Ben noticed the immediate concern etched on his master's features and offered a smile. "I'm fine, but I find myself in a difficult situation … and just needed to talk."
"I am always available for that."
"The mission is simple enough – provide security for the governor, and Governor Yil is pleasant enough …"
"But …" Obi-Wan prompted as Ben allowed his words to trail off.
"His head of security and I are at an impasse," Ben explained, feeling a slight rush of anxiety at the thought of their last argument. "We agree that he is in charge of everything up to the door of the summit site, but he has also insisted on developing his own entrance and contingency plans, and expects me to follow them unconditionally."
"I see," Obi-Wan said, folding his arms across his chest as he reclined back in his chair. "And I take it you do not agree with his arrangements."
"He has planned as though a squad of officers is protecting the governor, not one Jedi," Ben explained. "It leaves us vulnerable in areas I would rather not be vulnerable, at times putting me in too close of quarters to use my saber if needed."
"I assume you have developed your own plan, and discussed your suggestions and disagreements with him."
"Of course, Master." Ben ran his hands up through his hair, feeling his frustration bubble to the surface. "But, he seems to enjoy throwing my age and my status as a mere apprentice in my face every time I speak with him."
"What do you believe the Council and I wish for you to accomplish on this mission?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Protect the governor …" Ben answered immediately.
Even as the words left his lips, he knew he should have given more thought to his answer. His feelings were confirmed when a knowing grin spread across his master's face and the Jedi master raised an eyebrow.
"That is your assignment, but a solo mission should also provide an internal test that will help you grow more independent," Obi-Wan explained. "Jedi padawans are trained to be humble and above all, to take orders and obey those orders. As a knight you will have to view yourself differently. While always striving to be compassionate servants, we as Jedi cannot always cater to what those we serve desire. We do what is best for them, and making those types of decisions sometimes puts us in awkward and uncomfortable situations."
"So you are telling me to just dismiss Captain Ayn?"
"I am telling you to recognize your own worth. Yes, you are young and still an apprentice," Obi-Wan pointed out. "But, you are a Jedi and have been trained in the ways of the Force since infancy. You have been on missions since you were thirteen years old, so you are hardly inexperienced."
Ben knew the conflict within showed up on his face. "So, I just ignore him?"
"You learn your boundaries," Obi-Wan answered. "You are accountable to the Council to complete whatever mandate has been assigned. Sometimes this is easily done, sometimes those you have gone to serve will be the greatest hindrance to your efforts. Do you now see what your greatest accomplishment will be on this mission?"
"I have to learn to assert myself," Ben said, as though trying to assure himself he would be able.
The advice came as no surprise. On missions it was easy to fade into the background, follow directions, and allow his master to manage the situation. Obi-Wan always seemed able to smooth everything over with his assertive, easy-going manner. It was a skill Ben felt he lacked when he looked at himself.
"Ben, you are more than capable of this task," Obi-Wan said gently. "Have faith in yourself and stand firm on whatever decisions you make."
"I will, Master," Ben answered, bolstered by the great confidence his mentor had in him.
"Now, you best get some rest."
"I think I will review the plans I developed one more time," Ben said.
"Of course," Obi-Wan said, smiling. "Good night."
The image disappeared, leaving Ben alone once again. Turning back to his desk space, he switched on a holographic image of the building where the summit would take place. It was an ancient structure, large with many hiding places, and Ben sensed he needed to be very familiar with it.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"Have you heard anything from Ben?" Xanatos asked as he reached across the table for a piece of flatbread.
"I talked to him last night … or was it this morning … somewhere in between. I expect he will have a complaint lodged against him with the Council in the next day or two."
"That's hard … but it will be good for him to get the first one of those out of the way."
Anakin sat in silence listening to the casual relay of information back and forth. His mind was preoccupied with the conversation he knew was coming, but the mention of Ben's mission had snagged his attention briefly.
"Is he in trouble?" Anakin asked, interrupting. Both Jedi masters paused and turned their attention to him.
"It isn't uncommon for complaints to be lodged with the Council, even among masters," Obi-Wan explained.
"I would say more frequently among masters," Xanatos added with light laughter.
"Have there been complaints about us?" Anakin asked with hesitancy. The thought that people would be less than pleased with their hard work and sacrifice had never occurred to him.
"Numerous," Xanatos replied nonchalantly.
"Why?"
"Jedi tend to believe they know what is right in a given situation …" Xanatos began
"Don't we?" Anakin asked.
"My point exactly." Xanatos looked at his chronometer, making a distasteful face. "I guess it's time. If I'm not back in an hour, come rescue me."
"It can't be that bad, Master."
"I'm a connoisseur of pain, Padawan. And yes, these healers can give any torturer a run for their money, hiding it under the careful guise of physical therapy."
Xanatos walked out the door, leaving Anakin alone with Obi-Wan. The Jedi master's blue-gray stare turned on him, a question lurking in its depths. He didn't say anything, gracious enough to give Anakin time to broach the subject as he got up and began to clear the dishes from their afternoon meal off of the table. Somehow, Anakin wished he would just speak up.
"Is something wrong, Anakin?" Obi-Wan finally inquired.
"Why do you ask?" Anakin replied innocently.
"You've been holding your fork in midair for some time now."
Gritting his teeth, Anakin looked at the fork in question before setting it down on his plate, shoulders heaving as he took a deep breath. It was past time for avoiding the subject.
"My master told me that you have been in love."
"I have," Obi-Wan said, taking his seat at the table again.
"How did you feel?" Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan took a minute, giving thought to how to sum up the entire experience. "It was the apex of all conflict in my life," he finally answered.
"What do you mean?"
"Absolute bliss combined with sadness, imagining all the possibilities of a life with her, knowing deep down that it was impossible, but still wanting both. A joy of feeling such emotion, combined with a fear of where it would take me."
Anakin could relate. It was as though Obi-Wan had opened a window and was looking right into his heart and describing his own feelings. "What happened?" he asked.
"Master Qui-Gon and Master Yoda counseled me to end the relationship, and I did. It hurt, more than I could have imagined at first because for a time I lost her friendship as well. But as I matured, I came to understand it was for the best." Obi-Wan rested his elbows on the table, propping his chin on folded hands.
"Couldn't Master Yoda and Master Qui-Gon see how much you cared for each other?" Anakin asked. "They allow masters to care for their padawans … they allow friendship …"
"And I know your master has convinced the Council to bend the rules to allow you to see your mother, but it will not change its views this time … not even for you, Anakin." There was gentleness and sympathy in Obi-Wan's eyes, understanding of the deep ache Anakin felt in his heart. "Have you professed your love to Senator Amidala? Has she given you any indication she would feel the same if you pursued a relationship?"
"No … I haven't spoken with her … and she gave me no reason to believe she has the same feelings," Anakin said wistfully.
"Believe me, Anakin. It is an advantage that her feelings are not also invested. It gives you the opportunity to sort this out for yourself without hurting her … something I wish I'd had at the time."
"What's to sort out?" It seemed as though the question had already been answered. "Jedi are not allowed to love."
"But the Order is not a prison, Anakin. Outside its boundaries, you would have freedoms you do not have now. Do you still want to be a Jedi?"
"Of course …"
"Think carefully before you answer," Obi-Wan warned gently.
"To not follow through would be to turn my back on all my master has taught me and all he has done for me … and then there's the prophecy …"
"I didn't ask you what you think the Council or even your master wants," Obi-Wan said with a chuckle. " Xanatos will always be there for you whatever choices you make, and he would be the last to want you to stay for his sake. The question you need to ask yourself is … what do you want, or better yet, along what path do you feel the Force is leading you?"
Anakin turned away, unsure how to answer. The truth was he wanted both - to be a Jedi and to have all the freedoms that life denied him. He looked back toward Obi-Wan. "Do you regret the choice you made?"
"No, I don't," he answered, nodding his head for emphasis. Anakin could sense deep honesty in the response and … a peace that Anakin desperately wished he could have. Obi-Wan reached out and rested his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "You too will find your answers in the Force, and I am here if you need to talk more."
