The next day…
"Get on board Anakin."
Anakin reluctantly shuffled up the ramp of the Jedi starship assigned to him and his Master, giving Obi-Wan the biggest glare he could muster. Fortunately for Anakin, Obi-Wan did not seem to notice, as he appeared to be deep in discussion with Master Yoda and Master Windu.
"Remember to report to us Master Obi-wan when you reach your destination. This mission is vital to the survival of the Republic and the Jedi Order."
Obi-Wan nodded obediently, and turned to climb the ship's ramp.
"An eye on your padawan you must keep, the Dark Side clouds his mind – be wary you must", warned Master Yoda, touching Obi-Wan firmly on the leg with his cane.
"Yes Master. Anakin will not let the Council down again, you have my word."
"Whoever attacked him last week is still out there. Until we discover the identity of this Sith Lord you are to be extra careful about who comes into contact with your apprentice", added Mace.
Yoda nodded in agreement.
"Hmm, concerned we should be, powerful in the Dark Side of the Force the Sith are."
"Yes Master".
"Good luck Obi-Wan, and May the Force be with you."
Obi-Wan bowed and headed off to meet his padawan.
Anakin saw his Master's approach and slide back down in his seat quickly. Obi-Wan sat down beside him in the passenger seat.
This is going to be so uncomfortable.There was a long awkward silence before either Jedi attempted to speak.
"Anakin, whatever has gone on in the last few days between us has got to be put aside until our mission on Geonoisis is complete. All this talk of marriage is not to be brought up until we are back here on Coruscant; you will be dealt with by the Council then."
Anakin sniggered coldly at his Master's words.
"Dealt with?! Anybody would think I had committed mass murder the way you are going on about it! I'm not a criminal, unless loving someone has become a crime. Tell me Master, have I missed a new law forbidding any feelings at all towards the opposite sex? Are we not permitted to show humanity of any kind to the people we are supposed to protect?"
Obi-Wan was not amused by Anakin's blunt sarcasm. His lips remained set in a tight grimace.
"Do not patronise me Anakin, I am your Master and I will have some respect. This business with Padme will not be taken lightly, your future as a Jedi is uncertain. The Council is extremely strict when it comes to the rules concerning relationships."
Anakin scowled at this comment but wisely decided to keep his mouth shut. He was frustrated at being ordered to go on this mission by Master Yoda. He wanted to be at home, in Naboo with Padme, not going on some pointless crusade to Geonoisis. Let them sort their own problems out for a change, instead of running to the Jedi as soon as there is the first sign of trouble. If they were to appoint themselves a leader they would be much better organised, rather than just a rabble trying to run things. Someone as wise and compassionate as Chancellor Palpatine could easily maintain order over the disgruntled peoples.
Obi-Wan shuffled uncomfortably beside him in the tiny cockpit, his shins rubbing painfully against the metal sides of the ship. He glanced at his apprentice whose legs were bent so high up to his chest that it looked ridiculous.
"Remind me again why we couldn't use the new starship model?"
A smile crept across Obi-Wan's face, he chuckled quietly to himself relieving the tension between the two Jedi.
"A little less wit and a little more practice with a lightsaber might improve your chances of an earlier trial you know Anakin."
"So you keep reminding me Master, but I have not heard that a date has been set yet", Anakin replied coolly.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes in fake contempt for his padawan, who eyed him with a cynical look on his face.
"Practice harder."
Anakin was about to burst into protest when he realised his Master was teasing, and he too reluctantly allowed himself a smile.
"Whenever you are ready padawan Skywalker."