Title: Labyrinth
Author: Jedi Rita
Rated: PG-13
Finally, the action starts to pick up at the end of this chapter! Many thanks to the three people who reviewed my story so far.
Chapter Four
Anakin woke up bright and early the next morning refreshed, his heart light and happy. No nightmares, and he hadn't woken up once during the night. He hadn't slept so well since ... /Since I left home,/ he thought. But it was a sign of his contentment that even the thought of his mother didn't dampen his spirits. He ordered breakfast, then got dressed and made his bed, reflecting how surprised Obi-Wan would be when he saw that. Anakin never made his bed. As he waited for breakfast to arrive he preened in front of the mirror, licking his fingers and smoothing his hair. He ran his hand carefully along his jaw. He couldn't see anything yet, but he could definitely feel whiskers. He had just decided that he really ought to borrow Obi-Wan's razor when his master entered the suite.
Surprised, Obi-Wan said, "You're up awfully early."
"So are you," Anakin shot back pleasantly, without the rancor he might usually have felt to know Obi-Wan had stayed out all night.
Obi-Wan headed to his room to change and get ready for the day, and Anakin followed him. "I ordered breakfast," he offered, wandering into the bathroom and rummaging through Obi-Wan's toiletries kit.
"Good, I'm starved."
"It's hotel food, so I ordered the deluxe. It should be here any minute." At last he found the razor, and holding it up, casually asked, "Can I borrow this?"
Obi-Wan barely managed to keep himself from blurting out, /Whatever for?/ Clearing his throat, he agreed, "Sure." He couldn't resist adding, "It wouldn't do to have you show up at the Conference looking grungy."
"Well, that's what I thought," Anakin sniffed.
Obi-Wan entered the bathroom and fished the shaving cream out of his bag. Plop-ping it down on the counter in front of Anakin he said, "Go to it. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take a shower."
"What about aftershave?"
"I thought you said my aftershave smells like jawa musk."
"It's not that bad," Anakin apologized, though in truth he didn't think Obi-Wan had very good taste. "Unless you have some of the Prince's cologne lying around?"
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "No, I do not."
"Then yours will do."
"Help yourself," Obi-Wan muttered as he turned on the water for the shower.
"Thanks! By the way, you have a hickey on your neck." Embarrassed, Obi-Wan threw a startled glance at the mirror, while Anakin gathered up the shaving equipment and all but skipped to his own bathroom, laughing. He thought he looked very manly as he lathered up, and he practiced making rugged, tough guy faces into the mirror as he shaved.
He emerged about ten minutes later, without any cuts, and wearing way too much eau de Jawa. Breakfast had arrived, and Obi-Wan had already started eating. As Anakin pulled up a chair, Obi-Wan reached over and grasped his chin, turning his face so he could inspect Anakin's handiwork. "Smooth as Master Mace's head," Obi-Wan quipped. "Are you going to give me my things back?"
"What for?" Anakin asked around a mouthful of toast. "It's not like you need to shave. I don't how you think you're going to grow a beard."
Obi-Wan's mouth twisted in a grin, but he chose not to respond. Instead he asked, "Do we really need all this food?"
"Well, I do," Anakin averred, helping himself to the sausage. As he piled his plate high, he asked, "So are we supposed to be like security at this Conference?"
"Not exactly. We're here to observe."
"Yeah, but what does that mean? We're supposed to observe people talking?"
Obi-Wan sighed. His padawan was being willfully obtuse. "We've been over this before. You know that the development of this cloning technology will have far-reaching consequences for the galaxy. We are here to ensure that all voices are heard in the discussion, to offer our viewpoint if asked, and to see that the treaty is just and fair."
"In other words, we're going to observe people talking," Anakin grinned. "Lucky for us there are some people here we don't mind observing." A thought occurred to him. "I wonder if Jar Jar's going to make a speech?"
/Stars, I hope not,/ Obi-Wan thought with dismay.
*****
As it turned out, Obi-Wan's prayer was answered. The Gungan did not make a speech. Instead, Padme spoke on behalf of both the Gungans and the Naboo. Despite Obi-Wan's lofty view of the role he and Anakin were to play at the conference, Anakin's succinct description proved to be the most accurate. Over one hundred beings had assembled from a variety of organizations and interests to discuss the issue of cloning. They had brought with them cadres of aides and assistants who rushed officiously in and out of the meeting hall bearing messages and whispering to each other. Eventually many of these aides would start writing drafts for the treaty that the Conference was meant to produce, but the first day at least was spent, well, observing people talking.
The Prince opened the conference with a speech outlining the history of cloning and stating briefly what they all hoped to accomplish through the Conference. Anakin had never had the chance to see Bail at work, and he had to admit the Prince was good. He even succeeded in holding Anakin's attention. Most of the time. The two Jedi were seated on a raised platform toward the back of the room where they could keep an eye on everyone present. Anakin studiously noted how the Prince used his voice and gestures to hold people's attention and to gather them back to him when their thoughts wandered. Bail spoke with conviction and authority, and even those among the audience who clearly didn't like the Prince nevertheless respected him. This impressed Anakin, and it occurred to him that he could learn a few tips on commanding an audience from Bail.
When the Prince finished, other dignitaries began making speeches to far less effect. Anakin tried to keep note of what they did wrong so he could make comparisons with Bail's technique, but he quickly grew bored. Instead he contented himself with studying Padme -- Queen Amidala, he corrected himself. She was resplendent in an elaborate gown of red-orange that drew attention to herself. Not that she needed a fiery color to keep Anakin's eyes on her. Her complicated headdress was decorated with gems and precious metals, and she wore stylized makeup. Anakin prefer her without makeup, but he had to admit she cut a stunning figure, and he noted with pride the many admiring and respectful looks she attracted. When it was time for her to make her speech, Anakin had to admit she wasn't as good as the Prince. Her style was too formal for Anakin's tastes, but he hardly cared. He would enjoy listening to her read the ingredients on a box of cereal. He had no idea what she actually
said, but the sound of her voice transported him to heaven.
The tedious schedule of speeches was broken only by lunch, a formal affair which found the two Jedi seated, to Anakin's dismay, with a flock of scientists and academics. Anakin couldn't even see Padme from where they sat, and since he was so much younger than anyone else, none of the scientists even spoke to him, each trying instead to draw Obi-Wan into backing their respective viewpoints against the others. Anakin couldn't follow all the arguments, especially since Obi-Wan managed to talk without actually saying anything. Instead Anakin contented himself with enjoying their fancy meal. He decided to give himself his own Jedi test by seeing how many desserts he could appropriate before Obi-Wan caught him. Test result: four. Not bad. Anakin gave himself extra credit since one of the desserts had been Obi-Wan's.
Anakin's next test was staying awake through the afternoon speeches after having eaten so much at lunch. He passed this test by identifying the habits of each of the speechgivers and keeping track of them. For example, an Ithorian scientist mispronounced 27 words in his speech. The Bothan delegate used the phrase "of vital importance" seven times, and the phrase "of utmost importance" nine times. And the Senator from Cona picked her nose 17 times. In addition, Anakin counted 32 delegates nodding off to sleep.
At long last the speeches ended and the meeting was adjourned for the day. They had an hour-long break before the formal reception that evening. Anakin begged Obi-Wan to let them lay aside their Jedi tunics in favor of more secular and flattering attire, but Obi-Wan refused. Since they were present in their official capacity as Jedi, they would attend all functions dressed like Jedi.
Anakin was not looking forward to the reception at all. He hated small talk, and he was too young and unimportant for anyone to want to court his interest. He would have preferred to follow Bail around rather than Obi-Wan, because Bail would be able to tell him who everyone was and what interests they represented, but the Prince was far too busy acting the consummate politician to instruct Anakin. He wouldn't dream of attaching himself to Padme. The Queen intimidated him too much. He didn't know how to relate to her in such a formal way. He would have liked to spend the evening in a corner with Jar Jar, but Obi-Wan wouldn't permit it, insisting his padawan needed to learn social skills. So Anakin set up a new battery of tests for himself: memorizing the identities of everyone Obi-Wan talked with, sampling every single one of the finger foods being offered -- without Obi-Wan noticing -- and drinking as many glasses of wine as he could -- again without Obi-Wan catching him.
They circulated throughout the room, Anakin trailing at Obi-Wan's elbow, meeting politicians, scientists, businesspeople and activists, when suddenly Anakin found himself facing someone he recognized: Supreme Chancellor Palpatine himself. Anakin hadn't even realized the Chancellor was in attendance.
The Supreme Chancellor nodded briefly to Obi-Wan in curt recognition, but it was to Anakin he addressed himself. With a warm smile, Palpatine said, "It is a distinct pleasure to see you again, Anakin Skywalker."
Amazed that the Chancellor remembered his name, Anakin stammered, "It's an honor to see you, Your - uh, Honor."
Palpatine's smile widened. "You have grown into quite a young man since we last met. And a most formidable pilot."
Dumbfounded, Anakin could only stare at Palpatine, and the Chancellor continued, "I told you before that I would follow your progress. I can never forget the service you rendered Naboo, and I have been eager to know how well you have fared since coming to Coruscant." He hesitated. "And your training with the Jedi is going well?"
"Yes, Your Honor. That is, I hope so."
Palpatine noticed the qualification. "I'm glad to hear it," he said mildly, and if Anakin had not been so awed to be personally addressed by the Supreme Chancellor, he might have noticed that Palpatine's smile, though steady, no longer reached his eyes. "The Jedi are a noble institution. They have done much good...in the past." He moved a step closer to Anakin and lowered his voice. "Let me speak frankly, young Skywalker. We live in desperate times for the Republic. The government is choked with corrupt bureaucrats who will not give up their abused privileges easily. The galaxy needs talented people of strong character. People like you."
Anakin's cheeks colored under the praise but he said nothing.
"I hope you do not think this is mere flattery," Palpatine continued. "I am committed to ending corruption, but I need good people to help me. There are other ways that you may serve the galaxy, aside from the Jedi. Noble as they are, I fear that sometimes they prefer philosophy to action. And action is what is needed today, Skywalker. Firm, decisive action."
Anakin nodded his agreement, not trusting himself to speak. How many times had he not felt the same way?
"You are almost old enough to enroll at the Space Academy," observed Palpatine. "There is no reason why your Jedi studies should conflict with a more secular education. I invite you to consider it. A man of your talents and zeal would be a valuable addition to the Republican Star Fleet."
Enthusiasm finally overcame his awkwardness. "A star pilot!" Anakin breathed. "Thank you, Your Honor!"
With a benevolent smile, Palpatine observed, "I know that the path has not been easy for you, young Skywalker, and I also know how deeply you care for justice, particularly on the issue of slavery on non-Republic worlds." Anakin chilled, and Palpatine went on. "I share your concern. The bureaucrats would say that legally the Republic may not interfere in matters that lie beyond our jurisdiction. But I say injustice is injustice, no matter what the jurisdiction. Beings of true conscience would not let such soulless issues of law interfere with what is right."
Anakin bowed his head, struggling to keep his emotions under control. Palpatine was echoing his own thoughts, giving voice to ideas Anakin had scarcely dared contemplate in his own mind. And the Chancellor was confiding these thoughts in him! At last, someone understood the need for justice as Anakin did!
"But perhaps my proposal does not interest you. I'm sure you are eager to continue your Jedi studies."
"No, Your Honor!" Anakin protested, eyes flashing. "I mean, yes I want to be a Jedi, but I want to do more than that. To be a member of the Star Fleet...."
"I'm glad to hear it. Perhaps we will have more time during this conference to talk about it, and when you are ready to apply to the Space Academy, let me know. I would be happy to give you a personal recommendation."
An aide caught the Supreme Chancellor's attention, and with a nod to Anakin, he moved away.
Anakin did not move, reviewing all that the Chancellor had said and committing it to memory. Obi-Wan, who had moved away so that the Chancellor and Anakin could talk, now returned. "Well," he said, "that was quite an honor, to be singled out by the Supreme Chancellor." Unable to restrain his curiosity, he asked, "What did he say?"
Normally Anakin would have been eager to share all the details with his master, especially since the Chancellor had been so complimentary to him. But for some reason he found he had no desire to divulge the conversation to his master. Not that there had been anything wrong with it, but he wanted to keep it to himself, especially since Palpatine had seemed to be speaking to him in confidence. "We were talking about politics," he offered.
Obi-Wan frowned. Anakin paid even less attention to politics than Obi-Wan did himself, but he decided not to press the point.
The Prince approached them. "Are you two having fun?"
"Loads," Anakin quipped.
"You must be. I saw the Chancellor speaking with you, Anakin. I must say I'm impressed."
Anakin flushed with pride. Maybe he could hob-knob with the famous and powerful just like the Prince. This conference might prove educational after all.
The Prince continued, "The two of you may be enjoying yourselves too much to leave, but I'm exhausted. Too much partying last night, I suppose. I'm not as young as I'd like to think I am." He grinned. "The Queen and Jar Jar are coming up to my room for a drink before turning in for the night. Would you like to join us?"
With a glance at Anakin, Obi-Wan answered, "Of course." But before they could join the others, a protocol droid approached Obi-Wan.
"Jedi Kenobi?" the droid asked. Obi-Wan nodded in acknowledgement. "You have an urgent message from the Jedi Temple. You may pick it up at the front desk."
"Thank you," he said, concerned.
"I hope it's nothing serious," Bail offered.
"We'll see," Obi-Wan replied. "It may be nothing, just some directions about the conference. You go on ahead. We'll join you later if we can." Obi-Wan turned and headed for the front desk, Anakin close on his heels.
"Maybe something came up and they're sending us out on a mission," Anakin suggested, excited at the thought of doing something more interesting than observing talking, but disappointed that he might not get to see more of Padme.
"I doubt that," Obi-Wan contradicted. "There are plenty of others available to go on an urgent mission. It probably has to do with the conference."
"Maybe it's a threat to security," Anakin offered.
"Or maybe we should retrieve the message before we jump to any conclusions," Obi-Wan rebuked.
They arrived at the desk, and Obi-Wan asked for the message, but the clerk didn't know what he was talking about. The clerk went to find someone else who might know, while Obi-Wan waited with mild impatience and Anakin helped himself to a handful of complimentary mints.
Abruptly the room vanished before Anakin, and he reeled, almost blacking out. He saw double doors opening before him, something shoved into his face, surprise, fear, and then nothing.
Slowly the room coalesced around him, and he found himself leaning against Obi-Wan, cradled in his master 's arm. "What is it?" Obi-Wan asked him.
Without knowing how, he knew. "Padme," Anakin whispered.
That was all Obi-Wan needed to hear. He had learned early on to trust his Padawan's strange, but vital connection to the Force. "The message was a decoy to distract us. Are you all right to go?" he asked.
Anakin straightened, concern giving him strength. "Yes."
Without another word, he and Obi-Wan headed straight for the turbolifts. As Anakin punched in Padme's floor, Obi-Wan pulled out his comlink. "Security, this is Jedi Kenobi. We have reason to believe Queen Amidala is in danger. Lock down the building and alert Prince Bail."
The doors opened on Padme's floor, and Obi-Wan headed down the hall toward her suite, but Anakin hesitated, the vision fresh in his mind. "No," he called out. Obi-Wan turned to face him. "The turbolift. It happened in the turbolift."
"Where? What floor?"
Frustrated and anxious, Anakin shook his head.
Obi-Wan hesitated only an instant. "The roof," he instructed as he reentered the turbolift. They rode up to the top floor, then exited and headed up an access stairway that would take them to the roof. Again Obi-Wan activated his comlink. "We're headed to the roof. We believe she may have been abducted from one of the turbolifts. Do not allow anyone to leave the building."
"Yes, sir," the security officer answered. "Sir, we've been unable to reach the Prince."
Obi-Wan froze in mid-step, his stomach turning with fear. Years of Jedi discipline enabled him to continue without thought, despite the turmoil of his emotions. "What about the Gungan ambassador?" he asked faintly.
There was a pause. "I'll check, sir."
Anakin met Obi-Wan's worried gaze. "They got all of them," he said, realization dawning over him.
Together, they raced up the stairs, taking the steps in threes. They burst through the roof access door just in time to see a small freighter fire up its engines. "No!" Anakin shouted, running toward it.
Obi-Wan glanced around and spotted a row of service vehicles parked nearby. "Anakin!" he called out, racing toward the nearest one. He leaped into the passenger seat, Anakin moments after him sliding behind the controls. The vehicle leaped off the roof, not far behind the freighter.
Obi-Wan didn't have to ask Anakin whether their friends were aboard the ship. He trusted his padawan completely to know. Nor did he have to instruct Anakin on what to do. As good a pilot as Obi-Wan was, he knew Anakin was better. As Anakin sped after the freighter, Obi-Wan again activated his comlink, relating the details of the vehicle they were pursuing through Coruscant's traffic lanes.
Slowly Anakin gained on the vehicle but as they drew closer, to their surprise the freighter opened fire on them. A service vehicle like the freighter should not be equipped with a weapons system.
"Fall back!" Obi-Wan cried, as laser bursts pulsed around them. "We have no shields!"
"I can dodge them!" Anakin assured him.
With some misgiving, Obi-Wan let his padawan continue his pursuit. Anakin may have been a good pilot, but it would only take one shot to blast them out of the sky.
Amazingly, Anakin not only successfully dodged the laserfire, he began to gain on them. Encouraged, Obi-Wan instructed, "Try to draw next to them so I can get onto that vehicle." Anakin gave him a curt nod, his face set with determination. Meter by agonizing meter, he gained on the freighter. As they drew closer, Obi-Wan stood in the open cockpit, gathering himself for the jump, ignoring the high speed and the fact that they were 70 stories above ground level. Obi-Wan coiled himself for the leap.
Without warning, the freighter veered straight into their path, guns blazing. In order to avoid a collision, Anakin swerved sharply to the right, knocking Obi-Wan off balance and throwing him out of the speeder. "Obi-Wan!" Anakin screamed, punching the reverse thrusters. As the freighter sped into the night, Anakin glanced fearfully over the passenger side of the speeder. "Master?" he called out, fearing the worst.
To his utter relief, a hand reached up and grabbed the edge of the speeder. A pale and shaken Obi-Wan pulled himself back up into the vehicle. "That was close."
Relieved, Anakin returned to the controls. "I'll catch up with them again."
"No, Anakin," Obi-Wan instructed. "They've gotten too far ahead."
Anger pulsed through the boy. If Obi-Wan had better balance, they wouldn't have fallen behind. "I can do it."
"You may be a good pilot, but this is no racing pod. We will never catch them this way. Best to go back and try to trace the registry of the vehicle."
"But they'll get away!" he protested.
Obi-Wan placed a sympathetic hand on the boy's shoulder as he settled into the passenger seat. "They already have."
Author: Jedi Rita
Rated: PG-13
Finally, the action starts to pick up at the end of this chapter! Many thanks to the three people who reviewed my story so far.
Chapter Four
Anakin woke up bright and early the next morning refreshed, his heart light and happy. No nightmares, and he hadn't woken up once during the night. He hadn't slept so well since ... /Since I left home,/ he thought. But it was a sign of his contentment that even the thought of his mother didn't dampen his spirits. He ordered breakfast, then got dressed and made his bed, reflecting how surprised Obi-Wan would be when he saw that. Anakin never made his bed. As he waited for breakfast to arrive he preened in front of the mirror, licking his fingers and smoothing his hair. He ran his hand carefully along his jaw. He couldn't see anything yet, but he could definitely feel whiskers. He had just decided that he really ought to borrow Obi-Wan's razor when his master entered the suite.
Surprised, Obi-Wan said, "You're up awfully early."
"So are you," Anakin shot back pleasantly, without the rancor he might usually have felt to know Obi-Wan had stayed out all night.
Obi-Wan headed to his room to change and get ready for the day, and Anakin followed him. "I ordered breakfast," he offered, wandering into the bathroom and rummaging through Obi-Wan's toiletries kit.
"Good, I'm starved."
"It's hotel food, so I ordered the deluxe. It should be here any minute." At last he found the razor, and holding it up, casually asked, "Can I borrow this?"
Obi-Wan barely managed to keep himself from blurting out, /Whatever for?/ Clearing his throat, he agreed, "Sure." He couldn't resist adding, "It wouldn't do to have you show up at the Conference looking grungy."
"Well, that's what I thought," Anakin sniffed.
Obi-Wan entered the bathroom and fished the shaving cream out of his bag. Plop-ping it down on the counter in front of Anakin he said, "Go to it. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take a shower."
"What about aftershave?"
"I thought you said my aftershave smells like jawa musk."
"It's not that bad," Anakin apologized, though in truth he didn't think Obi-Wan had very good taste. "Unless you have some of the Prince's cologne lying around?"
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "No, I do not."
"Then yours will do."
"Help yourself," Obi-Wan muttered as he turned on the water for the shower.
"Thanks! By the way, you have a hickey on your neck." Embarrassed, Obi-Wan threw a startled glance at the mirror, while Anakin gathered up the shaving equipment and all but skipped to his own bathroom, laughing. He thought he looked very manly as he lathered up, and he practiced making rugged, tough guy faces into the mirror as he shaved.
He emerged about ten minutes later, without any cuts, and wearing way too much eau de Jawa. Breakfast had arrived, and Obi-Wan had already started eating. As Anakin pulled up a chair, Obi-Wan reached over and grasped his chin, turning his face so he could inspect Anakin's handiwork. "Smooth as Master Mace's head," Obi-Wan quipped. "Are you going to give me my things back?"
"What for?" Anakin asked around a mouthful of toast. "It's not like you need to shave. I don't how you think you're going to grow a beard."
Obi-Wan's mouth twisted in a grin, but he chose not to respond. Instead he asked, "Do we really need all this food?"
"Well, I do," Anakin averred, helping himself to the sausage. As he piled his plate high, he asked, "So are we supposed to be like security at this Conference?"
"Not exactly. We're here to observe."
"Yeah, but what does that mean? We're supposed to observe people talking?"
Obi-Wan sighed. His padawan was being willfully obtuse. "We've been over this before. You know that the development of this cloning technology will have far-reaching consequences for the galaxy. We are here to ensure that all voices are heard in the discussion, to offer our viewpoint if asked, and to see that the treaty is just and fair."
"In other words, we're going to observe people talking," Anakin grinned. "Lucky for us there are some people here we don't mind observing." A thought occurred to him. "I wonder if Jar Jar's going to make a speech?"
/Stars, I hope not,/ Obi-Wan thought with dismay.
*****
As it turned out, Obi-Wan's prayer was answered. The Gungan did not make a speech. Instead, Padme spoke on behalf of both the Gungans and the Naboo. Despite Obi-Wan's lofty view of the role he and Anakin were to play at the conference, Anakin's succinct description proved to be the most accurate. Over one hundred beings had assembled from a variety of organizations and interests to discuss the issue of cloning. They had brought with them cadres of aides and assistants who rushed officiously in and out of the meeting hall bearing messages and whispering to each other. Eventually many of these aides would start writing drafts for the treaty that the Conference was meant to produce, but the first day at least was spent, well, observing people talking.
The Prince opened the conference with a speech outlining the history of cloning and stating briefly what they all hoped to accomplish through the Conference. Anakin had never had the chance to see Bail at work, and he had to admit the Prince was good. He even succeeded in holding Anakin's attention. Most of the time. The two Jedi were seated on a raised platform toward the back of the room where they could keep an eye on everyone present. Anakin studiously noted how the Prince used his voice and gestures to hold people's attention and to gather them back to him when their thoughts wandered. Bail spoke with conviction and authority, and even those among the audience who clearly didn't like the Prince nevertheless respected him. This impressed Anakin, and it occurred to him that he could learn a few tips on commanding an audience from Bail.
When the Prince finished, other dignitaries began making speeches to far less effect. Anakin tried to keep note of what they did wrong so he could make comparisons with Bail's technique, but he quickly grew bored. Instead he contented himself with studying Padme -- Queen Amidala, he corrected himself. She was resplendent in an elaborate gown of red-orange that drew attention to herself. Not that she needed a fiery color to keep Anakin's eyes on her. Her complicated headdress was decorated with gems and precious metals, and she wore stylized makeup. Anakin prefer her without makeup, but he had to admit she cut a stunning figure, and he noted with pride the many admiring and respectful looks she attracted. When it was time for her to make her speech, Anakin had to admit she wasn't as good as the Prince. Her style was too formal for Anakin's tastes, but he hardly cared. He would enjoy listening to her read the ingredients on a box of cereal. He had no idea what she actually
said, but the sound of her voice transported him to heaven.
The tedious schedule of speeches was broken only by lunch, a formal affair which found the two Jedi seated, to Anakin's dismay, with a flock of scientists and academics. Anakin couldn't even see Padme from where they sat, and since he was so much younger than anyone else, none of the scientists even spoke to him, each trying instead to draw Obi-Wan into backing their respective viewpoints against the others. Anakin couldn't follow all the arguments, especially since Obi-Wan managed to talk without actually saying anything. Instead Anakin contented himself with enjoying their fancy meal. He decided to give himself his own Jedi test by seeing how many desserts he could appropriate before Obi-Wan caught him. Test result: four. Not bad. Anakin gave himself extra credit since one of the desserts had been Obi-Wan's.
Anakin's next test was staying awake through the afternoon speeches after having eaten so much at lunch. He passed this test by identifying the habits of each of the speechgivers and keeping track of them. For example, an Ithorian scientist mispronounced 27 words in his speech. The Bothan delegate used the phrase "of vital importance" seven times, and the phrase "of utmost importance" nine times. And the Senator from Cona picked her nose 17 times. In addition, Anakin counted 32 delegates nodding off to sleep.
At long last the speeches ended and the meeting was adjourned for the day. They had an hour-long break before the formal reception that evening. Anakin begged Obi-Wan to let them lay aside their Jedi tunics in favor of more secular and flattering attire, but Obi-Wan refused. Since they were present in their official capacity as Jedi, they would attend all functions dressed like Jedi.
Anakin was not looking forward to the reception at all. He hated small talk, and he was too young and unimportant for anyone to want to court his interest. He would have preferred to follow Bail around rather than Obi-Wan, because Bail would be able to tell him who everyone was and what interests they represented, but the Prince was far too busy acting the consummate politician to instruct Anakin. He wouldn't dream of attaching himself to Padme. The Queen intimidated him too much. He didn't know how to relate to her in such a formal way. He would have liked to spend the evening in a corner with Jar Jar, but Obi-Wan wouldn't permit it, insisting his padawan needed to learn social skills. So Anakin set up a new battery of tests for himself: memorizing the identities of everyone Obi-Wan talked with, sampling every single one of the finger foods being offered -- without Obi-Wan noticing -- and drinking as many glasses of wine as he could -- again without Obi-Wan catching him.
They circulated throughout the room, Anakin trailing at Obi-Wan's elbow, meeting politicians, scientists, businesspeople and activists, when suddenly Anakin found himself facing someone he recognized: Supreme Chancellor Palpatine himself. Anakin hadn't even realized the Chancellor was in attendance.
The Supreme Chancellor nodded briefly to Obi-Wan in curt recognition, but it was to Anakin he addressed himself. With a warm smile, Palpatine said, "It is a distinct pleasure to see you again, Anakin Skywalker."
Amazed that the Chancellor remembered his name, Anakin stammered, "It's an honor to see you, Your - uh, Honor."
Palpatine's smile widened. "You have grown into quite a young man since we last met. And a most formidable pilot."
Dumbfounded, Anakin could only stare at Palpatine, and the Chancellor continued, "I told you before that I would follow your progress. I can never forget the service you rendered Naboo, and I have been eager to know how well you have fared since coming to Coruscant." He hesitated. "And your training with the Jedi is going well?"
"Yes, Your Honor. That is, I hope so."
Palpatine noticed the qualification. "I'm glad to hear it," he said mildly, and if Anakin had not been so awed to be personally addressed by the Supreme Chancellor, he might have noticed that Palpatine's smile, though steady, no longer reached his eyes. "The Jedi are a noble institution. They have done much good...in the past." He moved a step closer to Anakin and lowered his voice. "Let me speak frankly, young Skywalker. We live in desperate times for the Republic. The government is choked with corrupt bureaucrats who will not give up their abused privileges easily. The galaxy needs talented people of strong character. People like you."
Anakin's cheeks colored under the praise but he said nothing.
"I hope you do not think this is mere flattery," Palpatine continued. "I am committed to ending corruption, but I need good people to help me. There are other ways that you may serve the galaxy, aside from the Jedi. Noble as they are, I fear that sometimes they prefer philosophy to action. And action is what is needed today, Skywalker. Firm, decisive action."
Anakin nodded his agreement, not trusting himself to speak. How many times had he not felt the same way?
"You are almost old enough to enroll at the Space Academy," observed Palpatine. "There is no reason why your Jedi studies should conflict with a more secular education. I invite you to consider it. A man of your talents and zeal would be a valuable addition to the Republican Star Fleet."
Enthusiasm finally overcame his awkwardness. "A star pilot!" Anakin breathed. "Thank you, Your Honor!"
With a benevolent smile, Palpatine observed, "I know that the path has not been easy for you, young Skywalker, and I also know how deeply you care for justice, particularly on the issue of slavery on non-Republic worlds." Anakin chilled, and Palpatine went on. "I share your concern. The bureaucrats would say that legally the Republic may not interfere in matters that lie beyond our jurisdiction. But I say injustice is injustice, no matter what the jurisdiction. Beings of true conscience would not let such soulless issues of law interfere with what is right."
Anakin bowed his head, struggling to keep his emotions under control. Palpatine was echoing his own thoughts, giving voice to ideas Anakin had scarcely dared contemplate in his own mind. And the Chancellor was confiding these thoughts in him! At last, someone understood the need for justice as Anakin did!
"But perhaps my proposal does not interest you. I'm sure you are eager to continue your Jedi studies."
"No, Your Honor!" Anakin protested, eyes flashing. "I mean, yes I want to be a Jedi, but I want to do more than that. To be a member of the Star Fleet...."
"I'm glad to hear it. Perhaps we will have more time during this conference to talk about it, and when you are ready to apply to the Space Academy, let me know. I would be happy to give you a personal recommendation."
An aide caught the Supreme Chancellor's attention, and with a nod to Anakin, he moved away.
Anakin did not move, reviewing all that the Chancellor had said and committing it to memory. Obi-Wan, who had moved away so that the Chancellor and Anakin could talk, now returned. "Well," he said, "that was quite an honor, to be singled out by the Supreme Chancellor." Unable to restrain his curiosity, he asked, "What did he say?"
Normally Anakin would have been eager to share all the details with his master, especially since the Chancellor had been so complimentary to him. But for some reason he found he had no desire to divulge the conversation to his master. Not that there had been anything wrong with it, but he wanted to keep it to himself, especially since Palpatine had seemed to be speaking to him in confidence. "We were talking about politics," he offered.
Obi-Wan frowned. Anakin paid even less attention to politics than Obi-Wan did himself, but he decided not to press the point.
The Prince approached them. "Are you two having fun?"
"Loads," Anakin quipped.
"You must be. I saw the Chancellor speaking with you, Anakin. I must say I'm impressed."
Anakin flushed with pride. Maybe he could hob-knob with the famous and powerful just like the Prince. This conference might prove educational after all.
The Prince continued, "The two of you may be enjoying yourselves too much to leave, but I'm exhausted. Too much partying last night, I suppose. I'm not as young as I'd like to think I am." He grinned. "The Queen and Jar Jar are coming up to my room for a drink before turning in for the night. Would you like to join us?"
With a glance at Anakin, Obi-Wan answered, "Of course." But before they could join the others, a protocol droid approached Obi-Wan.
"Jedi Kenobi?" the droid asked. Obi-Wan nodded in acknowledgement. "You have an urgent message from the Jedi Temple. You may pick it up at the front desk."
"Thank you," he said, concerned.
"I hope it's nothing serious," Bail offered.
"We'll see," Obi-Wan replied. "It may be nothing, just some directions about the conference. You go on ahead. We'll join you later if we can." Obi-Wan turned and headed for the front desk, Anakin close on his heels.
"Maybe something came up and they're sending us out on a mission," Anakin suggested, excited at the thought of doing something more interesting than observing talking, but disappointed that he might not get to see more of Padme.
"I doubt that," Obi-Wan contradicted. "There are plenty of others available to go on an urgent mission. It probably has to do with the conference."
"Maybe it's a threat to security," Anakin offered.
"Or maybe we should retrieve the message before we jump to any conclusions," Obi-Wan rebuked.
They arrived at the desk, and Obi-Wan asked for the message, but the clerk didn't know what he was talking about. The clerk went to find someone else who might know, while Obi-Wan waited with mild impatience and Anakin helped himself to a handful of complimentary mints.
Abruptly the room vanished before Anakin, and he reeled, almost blacking out. He saw double doors opening before him, something shoved into his face, surprise, fear, and then nothing.
Slowly the room coalesced around him, and he found himself leaning against Obi-Wan, cradled in his master 's arm. "What is it?" Obi-Wan asked him.
Without knowing how, he knew. "Padme," Anakin whispered.
That was all Obi-Wan needed to hear. He had learned early on to trust his Padawan's strange, but vital connection to the Force. "The message was a decoy to distract us. Are you all right to go?" he asked.
Anakin straightened, concern giving him strength. "Yes."
Without another word, he and Obi-Wan headed straight for the turbolifts. As Anakin punched in Padme's floor, Obi-Wan pulled out his comlink. "Security, this is Jedi Kenobi. We have reason to believe Queen Amidala is in danger. Lock down the building and alert Prince Bail."
The doors opened on Padme's floor, and Obi-Wan headed down the hall toward her suite, but Anakin hesitated, the vision fresh in his mind. "No," he called out. Obi-Wan turned to face him. "The turbolift. It happened in the turbolift."
"Where? What floor?"
Frustrated and anxious, Anakin shook his head.
Obi-Wan hesitated only an instant. "The roof," he instructed as he reentered the turbolift. They rode up to the top floor, then exited and headed up an access stairway that would take them to the roof. Again Obi-Wan activated his comlink. "We're headed to the roof. We believe she may have been abducted from one of the turbolifts. Do not allow anyone to leave the building."
"Yes, sir," the security officer answered. "Sir, we've been unable to reach the Prince."
Obi-Wan froze in mid-step, his stomach turning with fear. Years of Jedi discipline enabled him to continue without thought, despite the turmoil of his emotions. "What about the Gungan ambassador?" he asked faintly.
There was a pause. "I'll check, sir."
Anakin met Obi-Wan's worried gaze. "They got all of them," he said, realization dawning over him.
Together, they raced up the stairs, taking the steps in threes. They burst through the roof access door just in time to see a small freighter fire up its engines. "No!" Anakin shouted, running toward it.
Obi-Wan glanced around and spotted a row of service vehicles parked nearby. "Anakin!" he called out, racing toward the nearest one. He leaped into the passenger seat, Anakin moments after him sliding behind the controls. The vehicle leaped off the roof, not far behind the freighter.
Obi-Wan didn't have to ask Anakin whether their friends were aboard the ship. He trusted his padawan completely to know. Nor did he have to instruct Anakin on what to do. As good a pilot as Obi-Wan was, he knew Anakin was better. As Anakin sped after the freighter, Obi-Wan again activated his comlink, relating the details of the vehicle they were pursuing through Coruscant's traffic lanes.
Slowly Anakin gained on the vehicle but as they drew closer, to their surprise the freighter opened fire on them. A service vehicle like the freighter should not be equipped with a weapons system.
"Fall back!" Obi-Wan cried, as laser bursts pulsed around them. "We have no shields!"
"I can dodge them!" Anakin assured him.
With some misgiving, Obi-Wan let his padawan continue his pursuit. Anakin may have been a good pilot, but it would only take one shot to blast them out of the sky.
Amazingly, Anakin not only successfully dodged the laserfire, he began to gain on them. Encouraged, Obi-Wan instructed, "Try to draw next to them so I can get onto that vehicle." Anakin gave him a curt nod, his face set with determination. Meter by agonizing meter, he gained on the freighter. As they drew closer, Obi-Wan stood in the open cockpit, gathering himself for the jump, ignoring the high speed and the fact that they were 70 stories above ground level. Obi-Wan coiled himself for the leap.
Without warning, the freighter veered straight into their path, guns blazing. In order to avoid a collision, Anakin swerved sharply to the right, knocking Obi-Wan off balance and throwing him out of the speeder. "Obi-Wan!" Anakin screamed, punching the reverse thrusters. As the freighter sped into the night, Anakin glanced fearfully over the passenger side of the speeder. "Master?" he called out, fearing the worst.
To his utter relief, a hand reached up and grabbed the edge of the speeder. A pale and shaken Obi-Wan pulled himself back up into the vehicle. "That was close."
Relieved, Anakin returned to the controls. "I'll catch up with them again."
"No, Anakin," Obi-Wan instructed. "They've gotten too far ahead."
Anger pulsed through the boy. If Obi-Wan had better balance, they wouldn't have fallen behind. "I can do it."
"You may be a good pilot, but this is no racing pod. We will never catch them this way. Best to go back and try to trace the registry of the vehicle."
"But they'll get away!" he protested.
Obi-Wan placed a sympathetic hand on the boy's shoulder as he settled into the passenger seat. "They already have."