Title: Negotiations
Author: Jedi Ami
Anakin Skywalker stared down at the table, his hands crossed in front of him. He was bored. No question about it. It seemed like they had been at the negotiations forever, and Anakin wondered just why the dispute was so important anyway.
It had begun as an argument over spice trades. The Republic – Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to be precise – had condemned the trading of certain spices that made people calm and helped them to focus. He claimed that the spice was too addictive and that the Keriousions were benefiting too much from it.
Keriousions had, of course, denied the charge.
Anakin and his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi had been sent to monitor the negotiations. Anakin stifled another yawn as he looked up at his Master. How does he manage to sit so still anyway? He wondered. With barely a month into his training, he had yet to master Jedi serenity.
In truth, Obi-Wan was equally bored. He was just better at hiding it – and after years of practice he could do so successfully. Partially he agreed with the Keriousions. Medical evidence showed no sign of additive ingredients and people did not longer for it after a few doses.
He had tried some himself, suddenly feeling calm and ready for action. It had been like slipping into alert meditative state, being aware of everything around him and yet at peace. He shot a look at Anakin, reaching out along their still-developing bond to get a closer grip on the boy's emotions.
"Jedi Kenobi!"
Obi-Wan wrenched his mind back to the situation at hand. He nodded politely to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. "Yes, Chancellor Palpatine?"
Palpatine smiled at him. "A Jedi daydreaming? Now I've seen it all!"
Kenobi managed a small smile. "I apologize. My mind is elsewhere right now." He suddenly was struck with the thought that Qui-Gon would have been quick to say: In the now, one must live. He missed his Master, he realized. Obi-Wan needed Qui-Gon's help with the apprentice he was supposed to be training.
Speaking of which, he had hardly shown Anakin anything, not even how to sit and listen attentively during negotiations! With that in mind, he straightened noticeably, noting how the Chancellor and Keriousion Senator raised their eyebrows in surprise.
A Jedi reprimanding himself, Obi-Wan thought. What was so special about that?
Anakin noted his Master's abrupt movement and straightened as well, mimicking Obi-Wan. At least I'm learning something now, he thought. When will these blasted negotiations end?
Soon, Obi-Wan sent back, sensing his Padawan's feelings. I almost have this under control.
Sure, Master, Anakin thought back, relishing in the feeling of communicating with the only father figure he would ever know. You're just saying that . . . I've been scrutinizing you too, Obi-Wan. You're just as bored.
Obi-Wan fought his amusement at being read by a nine-year-old boy. What should he expect from the Chosen One?
I heard that.
Again, Obi-Wan ignored it. He shielded his mind tightly so that Anakin suddenly found himself on the wrong side of some mightily strong shields. Meanwhile, he forced himself to listen to the negotiations again, reminding himself that he was the Master here and he had to listen, not someone else.
"Therefore, Jedi, we need your output," the Senator was saying.
"Continue the drug operations," Obi-Wan broke in instantly.
Palpatine frowned at Obi-Wan. "I would have thought that the Jedi would be against the drug," he said sulkily.
"Supreme Chancellor, there had never been proof of the accusations you make. As far as the Jedi are concerned, it is hardly addictive and rather peaceful." He locked gazes with Palpatine's, seeing the relief on the Senator's face. "However, I'm sure that the production of the drug should be slowed just a bit."
The Senator's face still lit up. "Thank you, Jedi," he said reverently. "My planet's economy will not suffer at the hands of the Republic."
Obi-Wan frowned at the Senator's choice of words, but made no comment on it as a Jedi did. "You are most welcome, Senator."
Anakin sent his Master a mental nudge. Can we go now?
Grinning evilly, Obi-Wan said, "Padawan, I know that you would like to hear more about the history of the spice and the claims that have been made against it in the past so that you can make a more detailed judgement – "
He watched Anakin's face crumple in horror and relented. "But we must be going back to the Temple now."
Anakin's face lit up again. "Thank you, Master." Mentally he asked again, Can we go now, Obi-Wan?
Obi-Wan sighed, made the traditional bow to the Senator and Chancellor and turned towards the exit. "Wasn't that fun, Padawan?" he inquired humorously.
"Are you kidding me?"
Obi-Wan knew a rhetorical question when he heard one. As they headed for their transport, he wondered if he had been so annoying when it came to negotiations at Anakin's age. Nah, he decided. I was too dignified at negotiations even at that young age to always be asking "Are we done now?"
There was the slightest ripple in the Force.
I beg to differ . . . .
The End