1 Chapter II: Unlikely Comrades
Morning had eventually come, but Anakin was up to meet the sun. As the brilliant light washed the sky scraping structures, Anakin bathed in its simplicity and meaning, letting his mind wander into the Force. He had not been able to get back to sleep the night before, therefore, he spent most of his time meditating; on both his dreams, and whether or not he was following the right path.
Anakin had questioned his decision of marrying Padme behind the Order's back ever since that night; however, he still kept it a secret from everyone. Except for the one person whom he trusted more than anything in the world: Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Telling Obi-Wan was the hardest thing Anakin had ever done. But he was proud of doing it nonetheless, even after hearing his former Master's response. At first, Obi-Wan was going to tell the Council, but after pleading and a kind heart, Obi-Wan dismissed that idea, feeling it was better to keep it between themselves, for Anakin was too valuable an asset to loose.
But personally, Obi-Wan's reason for not telling him was deeper, but Anakin could not put his finger on it. He respected his comrade's decision gladly, after all, Obi-Wan's secrecy was what kept Anakin in the Order all this time. But he still wished he knew the true reason Obi-Wan did not tell the Council. No matter now anyhow, he had more pressing matters to attend to. An example being how he was suppose to be at the Council Chamber fifteen minutes ago.
The circular room was known throughout the galaxy as being a place of wisdom, power, and peace. Its shape designed to fit the twelve most powerful members of the Order in a circle as to see each one clearly, as well as to look out at the city of Coruscant all about them. With the sun barley above the horizon, the Jedi Council Chamber seemed to look almost heaven-like, the light reflecting off the clear windows as well as the designed columns in side giving the twelve Council Members an omnipotent look.
By the time Anakin reached the Council Chamber, his former Mentor was already standing in the center, listening well to Yoda and Mace Windu's words, not losing a word or meaning. However, what Anakin found interesting was how there were two other Jedi beside Obi-Wan.
The one to Obi-Wan's left was the beautiful and serene Jedi Knight. It was Luminara Unduli and Anakin knew her beyond her reputation. For, about five or six years ago, Anakin and Obi-Wan were sent to Ansion on a mission with Luminara and her apprentice Barriss Offee to discuss a border dispute. From that mission on, Anakin held deep respect for both Luminara and her apprentice. Which was why, when Barriss died, the emotional blow was heavy for Anakin as well as Obi-Wan. However, it was common knowledge that Luminara was most effected by the loss.
It happened five years ago at the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi were just sent in by Mace Windu, and successfully stopped the public execution of Anakin, Padme, and Obi-Wan. At first, it seemed that the battle was in the Jedi's favor, however, soon the two hundred Jedi that were originally sent were taken aback by the greater forces of the Trade Federation Battle Droid Army. With the numbers heavily against the Jedi, it was quite conceivable that the Jedi lost several, Barriss being one of them. Just as the last surviving Jedi were being herded into a circle, Barriss was overwhelmed, and eventually, one droid saw the weakness and exploited it by sending one bolt directly into Barriss' back. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Luminara all felt Barriss' presence leave, and the three took it out on the droids.
Even though it was considered a win for the Republic, all the Jedi were in too much grief to consider it to be, especially those who lost their Padawans or Masters. Over time, the Jedi recovered from their heavy losses. The Padawan's who lost their Masters ended up pairing up with Masters who lost their apprentices. But Luminara was not one of those. Her bond to Barriss was too great, and she vowed to the Council not to take on another Padawan as long as she lived. Out of respect for Barriss' memory.
After playing back that horrible battle in his mind, Anakin moved his gaze to the Jedi to Obi-Wan's right. Anakin only knew this particular Jedi by reputation, and he could not decide whether or not it was a good one. This particular Jedi was named Raza Dactari, and he was a Jedi Knight unlike any other. For no one knew his Master's name, or for that matter, whether or not Raza had a Master to begin with. All that was known, was that the Jedi came about one day, and was immediately induced into Knighthood, and served as a sort of "special agent" for the Council.
Anakin had no grudge towards the alien Jedi Knight, but he did not trust him compltley. It had nothing to do with what he looked like: ice colored orbs, a narrowed pale face indicating aristocratic birth, long shoulder length silver-blue hair, and two large pointed ears. No, he did not particularly care for the Alien Jedi Knight because of his aloofness and attitude. Anakin also thought it weird that Raza was among his former Master and Luminara. Before he could contemplate on that matter, Yoda spoke up.
"It appears that Anakin has joined us at last yes?" the small Master of the Force cackled. "Join your companions now you will."
"Yes Master," replied Anakin calmly, his head bowing slightly before taking a stand beside Luminara.
"Anakin, we were just discussing something of great importance, and it would be appreciated if you would arrive to your duties on time," chastised Mace Windu.
"I am sorry Master, it will not happen again."
"Sure it won't," Mace sardonically smiled before his face went cold again. "Now that you are all here, we will tell you what is going on."
"Know your companions, do you all. Whether by reputation or with former partnerships, decided have we that you four best suit the qualifications for this mission."
"That would be Master?" asked Raza, speaking in a level tone rivaling that of Obi Wan. Anakin gave him an awkward glance before focusing back on the council again.
"Patience Jedi Dactari, patience, learn you will. Master Windu," Yoda turned his head towards the human Jedi Master, signaling him to take the floor.
"Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has informed us that there will be a diplomatic session on the planet of Alderaan. The session is about the removal of all weapons on the planet. The Chancellor fears that certain groups will use this to their advantage and try to assassinate the Senators, or steal the weapons that are bound for space. Your mission is to protect the Senators, and make sure that all goes appropriately."
"If I may ask My Masters," Obi Wan started, stopping before Yoda gave the head nod meaning to continue. "Who are the Diplomats we are assigned to protect?"
"Protect the Viceroy of Alderaan you will, as well as the Senators from Chandrilla, Rodia, and Naboo. All of, which are strong, voices in the Loyalist Committee. Why which you four were chosen, for important figures are these persons in the Senate. Go now you must to the landing platform outside the Senate, and May the Force be With you." With those words from Yoda, the four Jedi Knights left the Council Chamber, to go on a mission, a mission which none could be prepared for.
Morning had eventually come, but Anakin was up to meet the sun. As the brilliant light washed the sky scraping structures, Anakin bathed in its simplicity and meaning, letting his mind wander into the Force. He had not been able to get back to sleep the night before, therefore, he spent most of his time meditating; on both his dreams, and whether or not he was following the right path.
Anakin had questioned his decision of marrying Padme behind the Order's back ever since that night; however, he still kept it a secret from everyone. Except for the one person whom he trusted more than anything in the world: Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Telling Obi-Wan was the hardest thing Anakin had ever done. But he was proud of doing it nonetheless, even after hearing his former Master's response. At first, Obi-Wan was going to tell the Council, but after pleading and a kind heart, Obi-Wan dismissed that idea, feeling it was better to keep it between themselves, for Anakin was too valuable an asset to loose.
But personally, Obi-Wan's reason for not telling him was deeper, but Anakin could not put his finger on it. He respected his comrade's decision gladly, after all, Obi-Wan's secrecy was what kept Anakin in the Order all this time. But he still wished he knew the true reason Obi-Wan did not tell the Council. No matter now anyhow, he had more pressing matters to attend to. An example being how he was suppose to be at the Council Chamber fifteen minutes ago.
The circular room was known throughout the galaxy as being a place of wisdom, power, and peace. Its shape designed to fit the twelve most powerful members of the Order in a circle as to see each one clearly, as well as to look out at the city of Coruscant all about them. With the sun barley above the horizon, the Jedi Council Chamber seemed to look almost heaven-like, the light reflecting off the clear windows as well as the designed columns in side giving the twelve Council Members an omnipotent look.
By the time Anakin reached the Council Chamber, his former Mentor was already standing in the center, listening well to Yoda and Mace Windu's words, not losing a word or meaning. However, what Anakin found interesting was how there were two other Jedi beside Obi-Wan.
The one to Obi-Wan's left was the beautiful and serene Jedi Knight. It was Luminara Unduli and Anakin knew her beyond her reputation. For, about five or six years ago, Anakin and Obi-Wan were sent to Ansion on a mission with Luminara and her apprentice Barriss Offee to discuss a border dispute. From that mission on, Anakin held deep respect for both Luminara and her apprentice. Which was why, when Barriss died, the emotional blow was heavy for Anakin as well as Obi-Wan. However, it was common knowledge that Luminara was most effected by the loss.
It happened five years ago at the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi were just sent in by Mace Windu, and successfully stopped the public execution of Anakin, Padme, and Obi-Wan. At first, it seemed that the battle was in the Jedi's favor, however, soon the two hundred Jedi that were originally sent were taken aback by the greater forces of the Trade Federation Battle Droid Army. With the numbers heavily against the Jedi, it was quite conceivable that the Jedi lost several, Barriss being one of them. Just as the last surviving Jedi were being herded into a circle, Barriss was overwhelmed, and eventually, one droid saw the weakness and exploited it by sending one bolt directly into Barriss' back. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Luminara all felt Barriss' presence leave, and the three took it out on the droids.
Even though it was considered a win for the Republic, all the Jedi were in too much grief to consider it to be, especially those who lost their Padawans or Masters. Over time, the Jedi recovered from their heavy losses. The Padawan's who lost their Masters ended up pairing up with Masters who lost their apprentices. But Luminara was not one of those. Her bond to Barriss was too great, and she vowed to the Council not to take on another Padawan as long as she lived. Out of respect for Barriss' memory.
After playing back that horrible battle in his mind, Anakin moved his gaze to the Jedi to Obi-Wan's right. Anakin only knew this particular Jedi by reputation, and he could not decide whether or not it was a good one. This particular Jedi was named Raza Dactari, and he was a Jedi Knight unlike any other. For no one knew his Master's name, or for that matter, whether or not Raza had a Master to begin with. All that was known, was that the Jedi came about one day, and was immediately induced into Knighthood, and served as a sort of "special agent" for the Council.
Anakin had no grudge towards the alien Jedi Knight, but he did not trust him compltley. It had nothing to do with what he looked like: ice colored orbs, a narrowed pale face indicating aristocratic birth, long shoulder length silver-blue hair, and two large pointed ears. No, he did not particularly care for the Alien Jedi Knight because of his aloofness and attitude. Anakin also thought it weird that Raza was among his former Master and Luminara. Before he could contemplate on that matter, Yoda spoke up.
"It appears that Anakin has joined us at last yes?" the small Master of the Force cackled. "Join your companions now you will."
"Yes Master," replied Anakin calmly, his head bowing slightly before taking a stand beside Luminara.
"Anakin, we were just discussing something of great importance, and it would be appreciated if you would arrive to your duties on time," chastised Mace Windu.
"I am sorry Master, it will not happen again."
"Sure it won't," Mace sardonically smiled before his face went cold again. "Now that you are all here, we will tell you what is going on."
"Know your companions, do you all. Whether by reputation or with former partnerships, decided have we that you four best suit the qualifications for this mission."
"That would be Master?" asked Raza, speaking in a level tone rivaling that of Obi Wan. Anakin gave him an awkward glance before focusing back on the council again.
"Patience Jedi Dactari, patience, learn you will. Master Windu," Yoda turned his head towards the human Jedi Master, signaling him to take the floor.
"Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has informed us that there will be a diplomatic session on the planet of Alderaan. The session is about the removal of all weapons on the planet. The Chancellor fears that certain groups will use this to their advantage and try to assassinate the Senators, or steal the weapons that are bound for space. Your mission is to protect the Senators, and make sure that all goes appropriately."
"If I may ask My Masters," Obi Wan started, stopping before Yoda gave the head nod meaning to continue. "Who are the Diplomats we are assigned to protect?"
"Protect the Viceroy of Alderaan you will, as well as the Senators from Chandrilla, Rodia, and Naboo. All of, which are strong, voices in the Loyalist Committee. Why which you four were chosen, for important figures are these persons in the Senate. Go now you must to the landing platform outside the Senate, and May the Force be With you." With those words from Yoda, the four Jedi Knights left the Council Chamber, to go on a mission, a mission which none could be prepared for.