Come Undone

Chapter 25

He'd always hated to wait. He never had the patience to sit still, and wait for ANYTHING, much less anyone. His mother had gently chastised him for his impetuousness, as had Master Obi-wan and Padmé later in his life, yet here he was, waiting again. It was just as frustrating now as it was when he was a child, even more so as he made himself 'force blind' temporarily. 'Force blind', what a terrible feeling... but in order to shield himself fully from Obi-wan, he had to fully shield his thoughts and feelings, his very presence in thick mental armor. No force sensitive being could reasonably pick up his presence, but unfortunately, the wall went both ways and he would be equally blind. He'd have to rely on his wits and the mechanical instruments in front of him.


He watched the screens with a growing distain. Several small fighters passed by the station, as well as a large cruiser, but that was a fairly common occurrence. Hesperidium was a fairly busy place as of late, becoming a minor staging area for the Republic but this particular hanger was deserted for the most part. Kenobi had the co-ordinates and the clearance code that Anakin had sent to him; he would just have to be patient. And wait.

*******************************************************************


"Why in blazes did I let you talk me into bringing you with me?" sighed Obi-wan. "This is madness Padmé, utter madness."

"Enough Master Obi-wan!" Padmé cried. "How much longer until we get there?"

"Soon enough," he replied. "But remember what I told you. Stay INSIDE the ship until I tell you its safe..."

"He's my husband Obi-wan!"

"And this is MY decision! Padmé, this is NOT a game, nor a 'diplomatic mission' of any sort. Politics and negotiation will not help in this instance if he has turned..."

"You act like he would be a different person, a different man. As if he would strike me down himself..."

"We're coming up on the co-ordinates," Obi-wan interrupted her suddenly. "Prepare for the landing cycle and strap in." For better or for worse, they were now committed to follow this path to the very end.

*******************************************************************

Anakin watched the small shuttle craft make its final approach and grew angrier by the moment. The computer had identified not just one life form but a second one as well. So much for trust and Jedi honor, not that he'd had much faith in either as of late. The com signaled the approach of another small group of ships but he ignored them, they were probably just supply vessels anyways. The only ship that could hold his interest was landing and at the moment, that was all that mattered. He clipped his light saber to his belt and pulled out a small blaster. If Obi-wan wanted a fight, he would be more than willing to give him one.