***SEE DISCLAIMERS ON CHAPTER ONE***
~~ personal thought ** Force communication CAPS emphasis
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Chapter 3: Connections
*******************************
** I am so sorry. So sorry. Please, please forgive me. **
The words had been droning in his mind for several minutes, but the depth of the healing trance had fogged their importance. Obi Wan slowly drifted into consciousness, and suddenly those words were very relevant indeed.
** Please, Master Obi Wan, I didn't mean to. I didn't know. I'm so sorry. **
The Knight opened his eyes to find himself still in the hated bacta tank. His concept of time was off. He had no idea how long he had been immersed. Glancing around, everything in the healing center looked the same, with one notable exception.
Anakin Skywalker sat on the floor next to the tank, his face pressed against the sleek curved wall. Mental apologies flowed out of him, sand in an hourglass of repentance.
Obi Wan blinked, his brow knit in thought. ~~ Why do I hear him? ~~
The concept was very troubling. He had no mental link to Anakin. No training bond, or a loose friendship link that Jedi close to one another frequently developed. Not even the hastily forged working bond of temporary mission partners. In all fairness, he barely knew the boy.
~~ Maybe there's a I-just-tried-to-slice-you-in-half-with-a-lightsaber bond that I don't know about? ~~ He mused to himself, smiling at his own little joke. ~~ No, if that were the case, I would have had one with Maul . . . for a couple of seconds, anyway . . . ~~
Obi Wan knew he was being silly -- An attempt to defer the anxiety this new development roused in him. He had mixed feelings about the boy. ~~ I USED to have mixed feelings. Due to recent events, they have shifted somewhat. ~~
Checking his shields, Obi Wan went out of his way to be convinced of his own minds impenetrability. The last person he wanted milling around in his head was this kid . . .
Looking down, Obi Wan scrutinized the boy. Blotches marred his face, red rimmed his eyes, his nose was running. It looked like he had been crying. A lot. Anakin appeared truly miserable, curled up on the floor. His words were not the only thing that came through this mysterious new connection. Feelings roiled into Obi Wan's mind . . . Remorse. Helplessness. Confusion. Guilt. But stronger than the others, more desperate and heartbreaking, was a huge sense of shame.
Kenobi knew then that the boy had not attacked him with malice. He remained wary, but was somehow confident there would be an explanation to exonerate the initiate. The knowledge tugged at his heart as Anakin again began to weep bitterly against the tank wall.
If he could hear the boys thoughts, then it stood to reason that Anakin would be able to hear his, as well. Obi Wan could not in good conscience let the kid sit there and cry all day. He had some trepidation at the thought of letting the boy know there was a bond between them. Responding would mean opening part of his mind to Anakin, not something Obi Wan was sure he wished to do. But, it was the will of the Force, and he felt it was important to calm Anakin down. Not to mention, shut him up so he could go back to his healing trance.
** Anakin. **
Startled watery blue eyes looked up in shock. Anakin sprang to his feet, hands on the tank, expression fixed on Obi Wan in amazement.
** Stop apologizing for now, Ani. You're giving me a headache. **
** Master?! I can hear you! ** Confusion. ** You mean, you could hear me saying I was sorry?**
** Yes. Repeatedly. And now YOU can hear ME telling you to STOP saying you're sorry. We will have plenty of time to hash this out once I 'm clear of this blasted bacta. ** A relieved smile sprang to the boy's face. **Now, why don't you go tell Bant how deliriously happy I am to be in this tank, and that I'll thank her properly when I get out of this contraption. Which will be soon, I hope.**
Anakin's small smile turned into a full fledged grin. He knew as well as anyone else Obi Wan's hatred of bacta. ** In the meantime, I am going to put myself back into healing meditation. You quit hovering and go . . . go study, or something . . . **
Kenobi's eyes closed and Anakin found the suddenly familiar presence retreat from his mind. The sensation was a bit distressing. The connection, though new, felt right. It felt . . . natural. The void that was created by Obi Wan's departure left Anakin wishing he could wake the man up and talk to him. About the weather, about meditation, about katas . . .About ANYTHING.
As he sat down in his chair to catch up on his class work, Anakin mused on this bond he seemed to now share with Obi Wan. It was his understanding that mental links didn't just HAPPEN like this. Even so . . . in all honesty, he was delighted with the whole idea.
Smile growing impossibly wider, the boy stared up at Kenobi in wonder. The man's strange black hair shone with purple lights, part of his so-called "undercover work." Anakin suddenly found himself wishing Obi Wan looked like his old self. The man that Anakin had thought of daily for the past three years had ginger colored hair and changeable bluish sea green eyes . . . Not this weird alien color scheme. Why hadn't he had his hair and eyes returned to their natural colors? Those odd violet eyes were closed now, but had danced with humor during their mental conversation.
~~ I practically killed him, yet he can still open his mind to me in order to ease my sorrow. ~~
Anakin's admiration for the Knight multiplied with this realization. His feelings toward Kenobi had always been conflicted . . .
He had resented the man telling Qui Gon he was dangerous. Jealousy had manifested itself as Anakin observed Qui Gon's obvious affection for the young man, even as that warmth had cooled in the heat of argument. Fearful respect and awe at Obi Wan's slaying of the Sith. At the same time, dismay and anger at Obi Wan having lived, while Qui Gon perished. Envy at Obi Wan's obvious keen intelligence, facility with a 'saber, and Force ability. Anakin knew he was stronger in raw Force power, but had not learned to finesse that Kenobi commanded, and he wondered if he ever would.
On Naboo, Anakin had pinned all his hopes on Qui Gon. The Master had been kind to him, a calming presence. Obi Wan had seemed brusque, impatient, and arrogant. And he had obviously disliked Anakin from the beginning. But the boy had also sensed deep commitment and dedication, as well as honest concern for the people of Naboo, from Qui Gon's then apprentice. He had mulled over this the past years, and knew now that Obi Wan's dislike had more likely stemmed from his status as Padawan being threatened by Anakin. Hard to blame Kenobi for that, after all, he had been right. Qui Gon had moved to dismiss Obi Wan in favor of Anakin the very day they had returned to Coruscant. Anakin knew that Qui Gon's actions could very well have resulted in Obi Wan's being dismissed from the order. Not fully trained, yet too old to take a new Master, Kenobi would have been in a nearly impossible situation.
Ani had many positive feelings toward the young Knight, as well. Gratitude for Kenobi's attempts to be allowed to train him, and for defending him in front of the council. Affection grew as the boy learned more about the young man, both from speaking to him a few times, and from speaking ABOUT him to others much more frequently. A kind of familial love from reading the accounts of his experiences on Bandomeer and Telos, how he had been willing to die to protect Qui Gon. Anakin knew from all accounts that Obi Wan would be a faithful and loyal Master, if only the man would ask for him.
Anakin also knew of one other time when a spontaneous training bond had been forged. A time when the man and boy in question had been deemed a match by the Force. A time when the Master was hesitant to take a Padawan, yet cognizant enough of the workings of the Force to heed its call. A time when Obi Wan Kenobi proved his worth, offering himself up to be blown to pieces in a mine, allowing Qui Gon Jinn time to escape unscathed. Qui Gon Jinn, who had rejected him as Padawan not once, but twice. Yet at 13, Obi Wan would have died to save the man who had refused him, ending his dream of becoming a Jedi.
Obi Wan had shown his loyalty by trying to save his would-be Master's life in a spontaneous show of courage. Ironic that Anakin had recently committed an act of cowardice that could have robbed his prospective Master's life from him.
~~ Nevertheless, the Force is trying to tell us something. And Obi Wan Kenobi is nothing if not mindful of the Force. ~~
The worst day of his life had suddenly transformed itself into one of the best, as visions of a wonderful Master/Padawan relationship danced in Anakin's head.
He happily turned to his studies, sure for the first time that everything would be all right.
Deep in the boy's mind, a small, dark, intrusive presence delighted with him.
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Bant glanced curiously at the boy. He had suddenly lurched up off the floor and now stood, hands on the tank, staring at Obi Wan, his face almost rapturously happy. He remained like this for a few moments, then returned to his chair and stared into space, looking quite happy with himself. Minutes later, the boy began studying from one of his textbooks, smiling all the while.
~~ What in the world is THAT all about? ~~
Bant wanted desperately to question the boy, but at the same time felt it important to keep her distance. She had to believe Yoda when he said that Anakin had not been in control of himself during the attack, but the healer was still disturbed by the boy. No doubt Obi Wan would forgive the initiate, given the circumstances. And if her friend would not look out for himself . . . Well, then she would just have to do it for him. At least as long as he was at the Temple, anyway. Knowing Kenobi though, that would not be long. He did his job very well, and there always seemed to be a mission requiring his presence.
Just as the healer had decided to speak to the boy after all, a tall man strode purposefully into the healing center. Bant looked up, expecting Master Windu, and was shocked to find herself greeting Chancellor Palpatine, instead.
"H-Hello, Chancellor." She began, flustered. "Is there something I can help you with?"
~~ Maybe he took a wrong turn, and needs directions to the Council Chamber? ~~
"Hello to you, Healer . . . ?" An expectant look.
"Bant. My name is Bant, Sir."
The Chancellor flashed an ingratiating smile. "Yes, Bant. Well, Healer Bant, I have heard through the grapevine that young Kenobi was injured. Seeing that he had a large hand in saving my home world a few years back, I wished to come and visit him." He gazed around the room, eyes fixing on the tank and its contents. "I assume that is the man I seek, floating over there?" His hand gestured toward Obi Wan.
Bant nodded. "Yes, Sir." She began to walk, gesturing the Chancellor to follow her. They came to a stop in front of the tank. "Not much to see, I'm afraid. He will be in there another day or two, possibly longer. Knight Kenobi is a fast healer, and I expect he will make a full recovery."
The tall man nodded thoughtfully, gazing at the still open gash on the Knight's back. "Nasty injury. How did that happen, if I may ask?"
Anakin looked up in alarm. Bant glanced at him and then gazed at the Chancellor evenly. "I'm sorry, Sir. That is classified information. You will have to speak with Master Yoda or Master Windu about that."
Chancellor Palpatine's eyes narrowed, lips pursed. "I see." He turned to Anakin. "Hello, Young Skywalker. And what are you doing in the healing center?"
"Homework, Sir." Anakin replied, deadpan.
Annoyance flashed across Palpatine's features, quickly replaced with a tolerant chuckle. "Yes, Yes, Homework. But why are you doing it here, and not in your quarters?"
Anakin looked at Obi Wan, then back to the Chancellor. "I was worried about Master Kenobi, so I came to see him. I don't want to leave him, so I am staying here until he is better." It was not a lie. Sure, he left out the part about being ordered to remain in the center, but Anakin figured that was Jedi business and he had no reason to pass it along.
Bant gave the boy a sly look and returned her attention to the Chancellor. "Once he is out of the bacta, Obi Wan will need to stay here in the center for some rest and physical therapy. The muscles in his back were all severed, and it will take time for them to regain the strength they once had. I expect he will be here for at least two weeks." Palpatine nodded. "Maybe you could return when he is out of the tank. He will be much better company then." She smiled at the Chancellor and returned to her desk.
Palpatine studied the man in the tank. His anger welled up inside of him, but his face betrayed nothing. He had not had access to Kenobi for the past three years. Finally, the Knight returns from his constant Jedi missions, and now THIS happens. His patience was beginning to wear thin. Slowly, Palpatine became aware of eyes boring into his back. The man turned and stared back at Anakin Skywalker.
"So, Anakin. You didn't come to see me this morning, like you usually do on fifth-day. Wanted to stay with Obi Wan, I suppose?" His tone was kind, understanding.
Anakin nodded vigorously. "Yes, Sir. I am sorry I was not able to let you know, but honestly, with all that has happened, it slipped my mind. Again, I'm sorry, sir." The boy looked as if he expected to be reprimanded.
Palpatine smiled and ruffled the boys hair. "It's quite all right, Anakin. Your loyalty to your friends speaks well of you." He looked around, at Obi Wan, at Bant. His eyes returned to the boy. "Well, I must see to my duties now. Not much point in visiting until young Kenobi is able to communicate. I will see you next week, Anakin?"
The boy looked down and shuffled his feet. Would he still be confined to the healing center next fifth-day? He had no way of knowing. "Maybe, Sir. If Obi Wan is still here . . . I would like to stay with him until he is released."
Palpatine's eyes narrowed. ~~ Perhaps these two are closer than I had thought. Useful information to have. ~~
"Very commendable of you, young man. Obi Wan is lucky to have a friend like you." The Chancellor smiled down at the young man, ideas and plans forming in his head with this new development.
Anakin's expression became pained at the last remark, but the boy said nothing. Palpatine turned and stared once more into the tank. The man nodded a few times, then abruptly moved to leave. His footsteps rang sharply on the hard floor, receding.
Anakin was puzzled. Chancellor Palpatine had seemed genuinely interested in Obi Wan's welfare. But when the man gazed at Kenobi just before leaving, his expression had not conveyed warmth or concern.
It had looked very much to Anakin like greed.
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To Be Continued!
(A/N: You can see a pic I drew of Obi Wan from this story here: http://www.tarynsjunkyard.com/My_Artwork.html click on the link for the Ascendency pic. And feel free to check out the rest of my site while you're there! The story is there, as well as some other drawings from AOTC and Velvet Goldmine.)
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~~ personal thought ** Force communication CAPS emphasis
*******************************
Chapter 3: Connections
*******************************
** I am so sorry. So sorry. Please, please forgive me. **
The words had been droning in his mind for several minutes, but the depth of the healing trance had fogged their importance. Obi Wan slowly drifted into consciousness, and suddenly those words were very relevant indeed.
** Please, Master Obi Wan, I didn't mean to. I didn't know. I'm so sorry. **
The Knight opened his eyes to find himself still in the hated bacta tank. His concept of time was off. He had no idea how long he had been immersed. Glancing around, everything in the healing center looked the same, with one notable exception.
Anakin Skywalker sat on the floor next to the tank, his face pressed against the sleek curved wall. Mental apologies flowed out of him, sand in an hourglass of repentance.
Obi Wan blinked, his brow knit in thought. ~~ Why do I hear him? ~~
The concept was very troubling. He had no mental link to Anakin. No training bond, or a loose friendship link that Jedi close to one another frequently developed. Not even the hastily forged working bond of temporary mission partners. In all fairness, he barely knew the boy.
~~ Maybe there's a I-just-tried-to-slice-you-in-half-with-a-lightsaber bond that I don't know about? ~~ He mused to himself, smiling at his own little joke. ~~ No, if that were the case, I would have had one with Maul . . . for a couple of seconds, anyway . . . ~~
Obi Wan knew he was being silly -- An attempt to defer the anxiety this new development roused in him. He had mixed feelings about the boy. ~~ I USED to have mixed feelings. Due to recent events, they have shifted somewhat. ~~
Checking his shields, Obi Wan went out of his way to be convinced of his own minds impenetrability. The last person he wanted milling around in his head was this kid . . .
Looking down, Obi Wan scrutinized the boy. Blotches marred his face, red rimmed his eyes, his nose was running. It looked like he had been crying. A lot. Anakin appeared truly miserable, curled up on the floor. His words were not the only thing that came through this mysterious new connection. Feelings roiled into Obi Wan's mind . . . Remorse. Helplessness. Confusion. Guilt. But stronger than the others, more desperate and heartbreaking, was a huge sense of shame.
Kenobi knew then that the boy had not attacked him with malice. He remained wary, but was somehow confident there would be an explanation to exonerate the initiate. The knowledge tugged at his heart as Anakin again began to weep bitterly against the tank wall.
If he could hear the boys thoughts, then it stood to reason that Anakin would be able to hear his, as well. Obi Wan could not in good conscience let the kid sit there and cry all day. He had some trepidation at the thought of letting the boy know there was a bond between them. Responding would mean opening part of his mind to Anakin, not something Obi Wan was sure he wished to do. But, it was the will of the Force, and he felt it was important to calm Anakin down. Not to mention, shut him up so he could go back to his healing trance.
** Anakin. **
Startled watery blue eyes looked up in shock. Anakin sprang to his feet, hands on the tank, expression fixed on Obi Wan in amazement.
** Stop apologizing for now, Ani. You're giving me a headache. **
** Master?! I can hear you! ** Confusion. ** You mean, you could hear me saying I was sorry?**
** Yes. Repeatedly. And now YOU can hear ME telling you to STOP saying you're sorry. We will have plenty of time to hash this out once I 'm clear of this blasted bacta. ** A relieved smile sprang to the boy's face. **Now, why don't you go tell Bant how deliriously happy I am to be in this tank, and that I'll thank her properly when I get out of this contraption. Which will be soon, I hope.**
Anakin's small smile turned into a full fledged grin. He knew as well as anyone else Obi Wan's hatred of bacta. ** In the meantime, I am going to put myself back into healing meditation. You quit hovering and go . . . go study, or something . . . **
Kenobi's eyes closed and Anakin found the suddenly familiar presence retreat from his mind. The sensation was a bit distressing. The connection, though new, felt right. It felt . . . natural. The void that was created by Obi Wan's departure left Anakin wishing he could wake the man up and talk to him. About the weather, about meditation, about katas . . .About ANYTHING.
As he sat down in his chair to catch up on his class work, Anakin mused on this bond he seemed to now share with Obi Wan. It was his understanding that mental links didn't just HAPPEN like this. Even so . . . in all honesty, he was delighted with the whole idea.
Smile growing impossibly wider, the boy stared up at Kenobi in wonder. The man's strange black hair shone with purple lights, part of his so-called "undercover work." Anakin suddenly found himself wishing Obi Wan looked like his old self. The man that Anakin had thought of daily for the past three years had ginger colored hair and changeable bluish sea green eyes . . . Not this weird alien color scheme. Why hadn't he had his hair and eyes returned to their natural colors? Those odd violet eyes were closed now, but had danced with humor during their mental conversation.
~~ I practically killed him, yet he can still open his mind to me in order to ease my sorrow. ~~
Anakin's admiration for the Knight multiplied with this realization. His feelings toward Kenobi had always been conflicted . . .
He had resented the man telling Qui Gon he was dangerous. Jealousy had manifested itself as Anakin observed Qui Gon's obvious affection for the young man, even as that warmth had cooled in the heat of argument. Fearful respect and awe at Obi Wan's slaying of the Sith. At the same time, dismay and anger at Obi Wan having lived, while Qui Gon perished. Envy at Obi Wan's obvious keen intelligence, facility with a 'saber, and Force ability. Anakin knew he was stronger in raw Force power, but had not learned to finesse that Kenobi commanded, and he wondered if he ever would.
On Naboo, Anakin had pinned all his hopes on Qui Gon. The Master had been kind to him, a calming presence. Obi Wan had seemed brusque, impatient, and arrogant. And he had obviously disliked Anakin from the beginning. But the boy had also sensed deep commitment and dedication, as well as honest concern for the people of Naboo, from Qui Gon's then apprentice. He had mulled over this the past years, and knew now that Obi Wan's dislike had more likely stemmed from his status as Padawan being threatened by Anakin. Hard to blame Kenobi for that, after all, he had been right. Qui Gon had moved to dismiss Obi Wan in favor of Anakin the very day they had returned to Coruscant. Anakin knew that Qui Gon's actions could very well have resulted in Obi Wan's being dismissed from the order. Not fully trained, yet too old to take a new Master, Kenobi would have been in a nearly impossible situation.
Ani had many positive feelings toward the young Knight, as well. Gratitude for Kenobi's attempts to be allowed to train him, and for defending him in front of the council. Affection grew as the boy learned more about the young man, both from speaking to him a few times, and from speaking ABOUT him to others much more frequently. A kind of familial love from reading the accounts of his experiences on Bandomeer and Telos, how he had been willing to die to protect Qui Gon. Anakin knew from all accounts that Obi Wan would be a faithful and loyal Master, if only the man would ask for him.
Anakin also knew of one other time when a spontaneous training bond had been forged. A time when the man and boy in question had been deemed a match by the Force. A time when the Master was hesitant to take a Padawan, yet cognizant enough of the workings of the Force to heed its call. A time when Obi Wan Kenobi proved his worth, offering himself up to be blown to pieces in a mine, allowing Qui Gon Jinn time to escape unscathed. Qui Gon Jinn, who had rejected him as Padawan not once, but twice. Yet at 13, Obi Wan would have died to save the man who had refused him, ending his dream of becoming a Jedi.
Obi Wan had shown his loyalty by trying to save his would-be Master's life in a spontaneous show of courage. Ironic that Anakin had recently committed an act of cowardice that could have robbed his prospective Master's life from him.
~~ Nevertheless, the Force is trying to tell us something. And Obi Wan Kenobi is nothing if not mindful of the Force. ~~
The worst day of his life had suddenly transformed itself into one of the best, as visions of a wonderful Master/Padawan relationship danced in Anakin's head.
He happily turned to his studies, sure for the first time that everything would be all right.
Deep in the boy's mind, a small, dark, intrusive presence delighted with him.
****************************************
Bant glanced curiously at the boy. He had suddenly lurched up off the floor and now stood, hands on the tank, staring at Obi Wan, his face almost rapturously happy. He remained like this for a few moments, then returned to his chair and stared into space, looking quite happy with himself. Minutes later, the boy began studying from one of his textbooks, smiling all the while.
~~ What in the world is THAT all about? ~~
Bant wanted desperately to question the boy, but at the same time felt it important to keep her distance. She had to believe Yoda when he said that Anakin had not been in control of himself during the attack, but the healer was still disturbed by the boy. No doubt Obi Wan would forgive the initiate, given the circumstances. And if her friend would not look out for himself . . . Well, then she would just have to do it for him. At least as long as he was at the Temple, anyway. Knowing Kenobi though, that would not be long. He did his job very well, and there always seemed to be a mission requiring his presence.
Just as the healer had decided to speak to the boy after all, a tall man strode purposefully into the healing center. Bant looked up, expecting Master Windu, and was shocked to find herself greeting Chancellor Palpatine, instead.
"H-Hello, Chancellor." She began, flustered. "Is there something I can help you with?"
~~ Maybe he took a wrong turn, and needs directions to the Council Chamber? ~~
"Hello to you, Healer . . . ?" An expectant look.
"Bant. My name is Bant, Sir."
The Chancellor flashed an ingratiating smile. "Yes, Bant. Well, Healer Bant, I have heard through the grapevine that young Kenobi was injured. Seeing that he had a large hand in saving my home world a few years back, I wished to come and visit him." He gazed around the room, eyes fixing on the tank and its contents. "I assume that is the man I seek, floating over there?" His hand gestured toward Obi Wan.
Bant nodded. "Yes, Sir." She began to walk, gesturing the Chancellor to follow her. They came to a stop in front of the tank. "Not much to see, I'm afraid. He will be in there another day or two, possibly longer. Knight Kenobi is a fast healer, and I expect he will make a full recovery."
The tall man nodded thoughtfully, gazing at the still open gash on the Knight's back. "Nasty injury. How did that happen, if I may ask?"
Anakin looked up in alarm. Bant glanced at him and then gazed at the Chancellor evenly. "I'm sorry, Sir. That is classified information. You will have to speak with Master Yoda or Master Windu about that."
Chancellor Palpatine's eyes narrowed, lips pursed. "I see." He turned to Anakin. "Hello, Young Skywalker. And what are you doing in the healing center?"
"Homework, Sir." Anakin replied, deadpan.
Annoyance flashed across Palpatine's features, quickly replaced with a tolerant chuckle. "Yes, Yes, Homework. But why are you doing it here, and not in your quarters?"
Anakin looked at Obi Wan, then back to the Chancellor. "I was worried about Master Kenobi, so I came to see him. I don't want to leave him, so I am staying here until he is better." It was not a lie. Sure, he left out the part about being ordered to remain in the center, but Anakin figured that was Jedi business and he had no reason to pass it along.
Bant gave the boy a sly look and returned her attention to the Chancellor. "Once he is out of the bacta, Obi Wan will need to stay here in the center for some rest and physical therapy. The muscles in his back were all severed, and it will take time for them to regain the strength they once had. I expect he will be here for at least two weeks." Palpatine nodded. "Maybe you could return when he is out of the tank. He will be much better company then." She smiled at the Chancellor and returned to her desk.
Palpatine studied the man in the tank. His anger welled up inside of him, but his face betrayed nothing. He had not had access to Kenobi for the past three years. Finally, the Knight returns from his constant Jedi missions, and now THIS happens. His patience was beginning to wear thin. Slowly, Palpatine became aware of eyes boring into his back. The man turned and stared back at Anakin Skywalker.
"So, Anakin. You didn't come to see me this morning, like you usually do on fifth-day. Wanted to stay with Obi Wan, I suppose?" His tone was kind, understanding.
Anakin nodded vigorously. "Yes, Sir. I am sorry I was not able to let you know, but honestly, with all that has happened, it slipped my mind. Again, I'm sorry, sir." The boy looked as if he expected to be reprimanded.
Palpatine smiled and ruffled the boys hair. "It's quite all right, Anakin. Your loyalty to your friends speaks well of you." He looked around, at Obi Wan, at Bant. His eyes returned to the boy. "Well, I must see to my duties now. Not much point in visiting until young Kenobi is able to communicate. I will see you next week, Anakin?"
The boy looked down and shuffled his feet. Would he still be confined to the healing center next fifth-day? He had no way of knowing. "Maybe, Sir. If Obi Wan is still here . . . I would like to stay with him until he is released."
Palpatine's eyes narrowed. ~~ Perhaps these two are closer than I had thought. Useful information to have. ~~
"Very commendable of you, young man. Obi Wan is lucky to have a friend like you." The Chancellor smiled down at the young man, ideas and plans forming in his head with this new development.
Anakin's expression became pained at the last remark, but the boy said nothing. Palpatine turned and stared once more into the tank. The man nodded a few times, then abruptly moved to leave. His footsteps rang sharply on the hard floor, receding.
Anakin was puzzled. Chancellor Palpatine had seemed genuinely interested in Obi Wan's welfare. But when the man gazed at Kenobi just before leaving, his expression had not conveyed warmth or concern.
It had looked very much to Anakin like greed.
***************************
To Be Continued!
(A/N: You can see a pic I drew of Obi Wan from this story here: http://www.tarynsjunkyard.com/My_Artwork.html click on the link for the Ascendency pic. And feel free to check out the rest of my site while you're there! The story is there, as well as some other drawings from AOTC and Velvet Goldmine.)
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