Title: Hidden Shadows Seeking Light
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
***********************************************************************
Master Jinn stared at his friend for a moment confused by the other man's tone. Shaking himself from the distraction he focused again on the purpose of the transmission.
"Masters yesterday morning my padawan experienced an attack." He paused allowing his words to sink in.
"What sort of attack?" Mace asked immediately reevaluating his initial reaction to the transmission. "Are you in need of a healer?"
"No. There doesn't appear to be any lasting physical effects. It was an attack on his mind." Qui-Gon paused again as if searching for the best way to proceed.
"Tell us you will what occurred." Yaddle commanded.
"Yesterday morning Anakin was in the process of his morning meditation when according to him he became aware of a dark presence in his mind. He said that the figure was carrying a box of some sorts. He was in the process of confronting the being when the figure opened the box. Anakin's mind was suddenly flooded with pain and darkness. I had been in the process of sparring with Knight Kenobi in the cargo hold. Because of the training bond when Anakin was overcome I found myself incapacitated as well. Knight Kenobi was able to enter my mind and temporarily block the training bond enabling me to aid it helping to rid Anakin of the attack. Once I was able to lead Knight Kenobi into Anakin's mind he and I worked to rid the boy of the darkness and the subsequent pain. He has been sleeping for the majority of the time since." He waited.
The Council Chambers was hushed. Each Master seemed at a loss as to how to respond to the information that they just received. An attack on a Padawan was rare especially one that seemed steeped in darkness.
"Disturbing this is. Return to Coruscant you and your Padawan must to meet with soul healers and find the origin of the attack." Master Yoda spoke first his voice cutting through the silence with wisdom and surety.
"Yes Master Knight Kenobi and I have spoken of returning Anakin to Coruscant. I could accompany him back, but feel that it is vital that I continue on with Obi-Wan to Tiress. I am not at all sure what he might be facing there but I feel certain that he will require my assistance." Adi's breath caught as she noted the obvious concern in Qui-Gon's expression. He was worried for Obi-Wan more so than for his precious Chosen One. She wondered if Obi-Wan had noticed this as well. Somehow this one gesture managed to soften her anger at the older man. Perhaps he did regret the anguish he had caused his one time student.
"Is Knight Kenobi available to speak with us?" Adi asked ignoring the knowing look from Yoda.
"Yes Master Gallia just a moment I will get him." Master Jinn moved out of view. A moment later Obi-Wan appeared. He smiled and bowed to Adi then turned to the other Masters smiling and bowing to them as well.
"My Masters." He said. The atmosphere in the room lightened immediately.
//He certainly has a way with people.// Adi thought shaking her head.
"Padawan tell me what your opinion is of what has occurred." Yoda spoke his affection for the knight evident to all in the room.
"Master Yoda it is my opinion that the attack on Anakin is somehow linked to the Sith we faced on Naboo. The presence that I sensed was not identical. It seemed more powerful and controlled. It managed to enter the boy's mind while we were in hyperspace and decimated his shields in the process. It is my concern that while dealing with all that lay ahead of us on Tiress the Sith could possibly gain access to Anakin physically. I am not sure in light of the power I sensed during the attack that either Qui- Gon or myself could successful protect him. " Yoda nodded as Obi-Wan patiently waited.
"More you have to share. Another concern I feel you are dwelling on." Yoda smiled knowing the knight so well. Obi-Wan smiled at his Master and then threw a wary glance in the direction where Qui-Gon was no doubt standing out of view.
"Obi-Wan?" Yoda's voice brought his attention back to the Council. His hesitancy was increasing each Master's interest in what was that the knight had to say. They had come to respect Obi-Wan over the last years of his training as well as during his first year as a knight serving in countless dangerous situations without the luxury of a backup. They found that his instincts were usually right and that he his reliance on the Force was above question. The knight paused for a moment longer and then began.
"Master Yoda I believe that Master Jinn and I are of differing opinions on certain aspects of the attack. I am not Padawan Skywalker's Master so I will not presume to know the boy as his Master does but while attempting to rid him of the attack yesterday I was under the impression that the box that Master Jinn referred to earlier was actually Anakin's." The room erupted in murmurs of surprise and shock. Immediately Master Jinn's image filled the space next to Knight Kenobi.
"I have questioned my Padawan based upon these allegations of Knight Kenobi and he has assured me that it was the figure that brought the box and its darkness into his mind."
Yoda and Mace exchanged glances deep concern filling both.
"Stand by Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi while the Council confers." The image disappeared as the transmission was suspended temporarily.
"This is disturbing news. We must get Padawan Skywalker back to the Temple as soon as possible." Mace said glancing about the room making sure that the other Masters were in agreement.
"It is odd that the Sith would have targeted the boy." Depa said.
"What do you think about the observations of Knight Kenobi versus the information that Master Jinn relayed to us?" Ploon asked to no one in particular.
"Yoda you were Master to both men what say you?" Depa asked.
"Both men my padawans were but very different are they in how they approach things." Yoda began.
"Kenobi definitely is more respectful of the Council than his Master or should I say ex-Master ever was." Mundi voiced his opinion.
"I suspect that the Knight's suspicions must be well founded or else he would not have felt the need to bring them up contradicting Qui-Gon as he did." Depa spoke thoughtfully.
"Yes Jinn definitely still has a great deal of power over the boy." Ploo observed.
"I would agree that Obi-Wan will always feel tied to Master Jinn, but I don't believe it is so much power as it is he just merely wants to show his ex-Master the respect he deserves. He would never do anything to have Master Jinn feel that he was trying to undermine his place with Skywalker or undermine him before the Council." Adi defended the knight. She knew her words had sent each member back to the numerous times that Qui-Gon had railed at the Council while Obi-Wan, his Padawan, had stood by silent and loyal to the man.
"I am not sure how much respect Jinn deserves in light of his past conduct especially from the one he managed to hurt the most." Yaddle quipped.
"That all aside we need a recommendation as to how they are to proceed in this particular situation." Mace brought the Masters back to the task before them.
"Too many planets are becoming divided and leaving the Republic. I feel it is vital that we do what we can to prevent losing any more. I therefore agree that the Knight and Master should proceed to Tiress with all haste." Mundi spoke.
"Yes but what of the boy?" Adi asked.
"Yes he is obviously not safe until we can get more information about the Sith." Mace observed.
"Bring him back to the Temple we must." Yoda began. "Two Masters we will send to bring him back. Go I will." He stated emphatically.
"I will join you." Adi added.
There was full agreement from the remaining members of the Council.
*****************************
"Look Qui-Gon I know you are upset with me, but I had to voice my concerns." Obi-Wan pleaded. Qui-Gon had taken a seat in the transmission room and was suddenly absorbed in a technical manual.
"I don't know what you are talking about?" He responded never taking his eyes from the manual his voice cool and tight.
Obi-Wan shook his head and sighed in frustration. "So how do you feel about the RQ959 Reverse Cupling Assembly?" He asked looking over the man's shoulder at the material he was reading.
"I think it is much better than the 747." He quickly replied then looked back over his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile at his ex-apprentice. Obi-Wan had done the right thing. He had trained him to do the right thing. He was proud of the knight but at the same time feared what was to become of his current Padawan if the Council began to doubt their decision to allow him to become a Jedi.
*****************
Anakin had quietly made his way down to the transmission room. He knew that something was up when his Master had asked Obi-Wan to wake him when the Council was in session and they could transmit.
//Why are they contacting the Council?// He had wanted to ask his Master but wasn't sure that the man would have level with him. He reached out to ensure that Obi-Wan and his Master were still unaware of his presence. Satisfied that they oblivious he began listening to their conversation.
He knew now that Obi-Wan would be a problem. He wasn't sure yet how to handle that, but he knew in time the darkness would show him. He had reached for it tentatively in his room earlier. It was different now. When he finally got the courage to open the box he discovered that not only did it comfort him but it also seemed to speak to him. It seemed to guide him. It was a lot like what he felt when he reached out to the light side of the Force but instead of vague feelings and visions the darkness actually dictated what it was that Anakin needed to do. It made its desires known.
The sound of his name brought a frown to his brow. Obi-Wan was talking about him. He didn't like that not at all. Yes something would have to be done about the knight.
****************
"Qui-Gon , it was never my intention to harm Anakin." Obi-Wan placed his hand on the man's shoulder.
"I realize that Obi-Wan. It is just that Anakin has overcome so many prejudices. I hate to see him try to overcome yet another one." Qui-Gon shook his head. He was already forming arguments that he would need now in order to continue Anakin's training.
"Why do you think the Council has been so opposed to him?" Obi-Wan asked trying to get the Master to be more objective when it came to his Padawan.
"I am sure my rebellious nature has a lot to do with it." Qui-Gon immediately responded.
"Wait." Obi-Wan raised his hand to halt the Master before he could say anything further. "You can't believe that this has anything to do with you."
"Of course-"
"No, Qui-Gon this isn't about you. I was your Padawan. Your rebellious reputation was firmly established before you took me. I didn't have prejudices to overcome because of it how can you believe that this has anything to do with you. You are merely his Master. He is the Jedi candidate. The day will come when your time with him will end. It is that time in Anakin's life that the Council must be concerned about." Obi-Wan moved in front of where the man was sitting. "When he is alone in the galaxy serving the Force, a time when he has no Master to show him the way as he stumbles along looking for the light in the darkness."
Qui-Gon sat quietly considering what Obi-Wan was saying. He had missed talking to the young man. Even though he wasn't too pleased about the topic of their conversation he did feel a strange comfort in having him to talk with. He had had doubts about Anakin at various moments over the last year. He also was not completely convinced that the boy was telling all that he knew concerning the attack. He wondered for a moment what it had been like for Obi-Wan this last year stumbling along. Somehow he couldn't bring himself to ever imagine the young knight ever stumbling but being his ever sure footed self, anchored to the light. He felt his heart swell with pride and affection.
Before he could respond the audio signal alerted the men that their transmission was being received once more. They both rose and made their way over to the holo cam.
The image of Yoda appeared before the men.
"Decision the Council has made. Proceed you will to Tiress. Master Galia and I will leave immediately for Tiress. Bring young Skywalker back to the Temple we will." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed.
Adi thought she noticed that Obi-Wan's smile seemed brighter than before. She hoped that the fact that they might have at least a few moments together on Tiress was in part the reason for that smile. In fact depending on the time of their arrival they might even have a night. She hoped for that but knew that the mission and the safety of the boy had to come first.
"Do you have any questions?" Mace asked.
"No Master Windu. We thank the Council for your assistance." Qui-Gon's voice filled the Chamber. He seemed relaxed and the tension between the two men seemed to have lessened dramatically since the time when they had first been assigned the mission.
"Master Windu?" Obi-Wan began turning apologetically to Qui-Gon who merely motioned for Obi-Wan to proceed.
"Yes Knight Kenobi." Mace replied.
"Have you received any further updates concerning the situation on Tiress?" He asked.
"None." Mace replied. "The kidnappers have made no demands on the release of the girl. Pulmee Den has been appointed to replace Vice Commander Relian. He will be sworn in later this week. There hasn't been any reports of additional acts of violence. We will contact the State House and notify them that your arrival has been delayed so that they can make the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you Master." Obi-Wan bowed. "We look forward to Master Yoda and Master Gallia's arrival."
"May the Force be with you my Padawan." Yoda's voice was full of affection.
"And with you my Master." Obi-Wan bowed indicating that the feeling was mutual.
The transmission flicker and ended.
Mace dismissed the Council assigning Yaddle and Mundi the task of notifying Temple security as to the attack on the Skywalker boy and the need to intensify the measures taken once he is returned. Adi and Yoda both set off to gather their belongings. A transport was being readied for their immediate departure. For one year the Sith had kept their heads down waiting to see what the Council would do. Tired of waiting for a move from the Council it seems that darkness had once again taken the initiative and moved again. The puzzle of the Sith couldn't wait any longer and somehow it seemed that Padawan Skywalker could be a missing piece.
********
Anakin quickly recovered from his initial shock and made his way back down to the galley. So that was how it was going to be. He would be heading back to the Temple instead of being allowed to complete his first mission. Kenobi had succeeded. He had horned in on the mission in the first place and now had managed to replace him. It would be the Jinn/Kenobi team again. Anakin felt his temper rising. He could just hear all the teasing he would receive from the other Padawans. He had no intention of going back to the Temple like some sort of freak.
He resented losing more time with his Master. He needed to be trained. His mother was waiting for him. He wondered for a moment how she was and if Watto was being good to her. He hoped so, but had no way of knowing. He swallowed his ill ease. He missed her so much and it hurt to think about her. He felt guilty that he didn't think of her more. He hoped that she could still think of him even though it might hurt.
He continued through the galley on to his cabin. Once he arrived he sank into a meditative pose. He kept forgetting that he wasn't alone. He had the Force but more importantly he had the darkness. Closing his eyes he immediately reached for it. He felt its soothing presence fill and calm him. He continued to lower his consciousness into its depths. He felt the man once more. He shuddered as he realized that he no longer had to settle for vague sensations. He felt the presence, the cloaked figure. Somehow the man had managed to remain. Anakin started to pull back but this time the man didn't feel threatening, so Anakin decided to move closer.
He opened his mind revealing all that he had heard while eavesdropping. He could feel the other presence considering what it was that he was relating. He felt a wave of calm wash over him. The presence was working it out for him. As he rose from his mediation he could hear a new voice in his mind. It wasn't his Master's; it was the other man. Over and over it soothed him. "All will be well. All will be well."
***********************************************************************
Ok no cliffy this time. I tried to get it resolved before the weekend. The reviews have really fallen off I am wondering if I am starting to get too detailed or if the plot isn't progressing at a nice rate. If anyone has any suggestions how to keep people reading let me know. Now this isn't a license to flame me so remember you are dealing with a relatively new writer who can handle constructive comments and suggestions only ok? I want to thank Shanobi for her helpful comments she sent to me. Thanks.
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
***********************************************************************
Master Jinn stared at his friend for a moment confused by the other man's tone. Shaking himself from the distraction he focused again on the purpose of the transmission.
"Masters yesterday morning my padawan experienced an attack." He paused allowing his words to sink in.
"What sort of attack?" Mace asked immediately reevaluating his initial reaction to the transmission. "Are you in need of a healer?"
"No. There doesn't appear to be any lasting physical effects. It was an attack on his mind." Qui-Gon paused again as if searching for the best way to proceed.
"Tell us you will what occurred." Yaddle commanded.
"Yesterday morning Anakin was in the process of his morning meditation when according to him he became aware of a dark presence in his mind. He said that the figure was carrying a box of some sorts. He was in the process of confronting the being when the figure opened the box. Anakin's mind was suddenly flooded with pain and darkness. I had been in the process of sparring with Knight Kenobi in the cargo hold. Because of the training bond when Anakin was overcome I found myself incapacitated as well. Knight Kenobi was able to enter my mind and temporarily block the training bond enabling me to aid it helping to rid Anakin of the attack. Once I was able to lead Knight Kenobi into Anakin's mind he and I worked to rid the boy of the darkness and the subsequent pain. He has been sleeping for the majority of the time since." He waited.
The Council Chambers was hushed. Each Master seemed at a loss as to how to respond to the information that they just received. An attack on a Padawan was rare especially one that seemed steeped in darkness.
"Disturbing this is. Return to Coruscant you and your Padawan must to meet with soul healers and find the origin of the attack." Master Yoda spoke first his voice cutting through the silence with wisdom and surety.
"Yes Master Knight Kenobi and I have spoken of returning Anakin to Coruscant. I could accompany him back, but feel that it is vital that I continue on with Obi-Wan to Tiress. I am not at all sure what he might be facing there but I feel certain that he will require my assistance." Adi's breath caught as she noted the obvious concern in Qui-Gon's expression. He was worried for Obi-Wan more so than for his precious Chosen One. She wondered if Obi-Wan had noticed this as well. Somehow this one gesture managed to soften her anger at the older man. Perhaps he did regret the anguish he had caused his one time student.
"Is Knight Kenobi available to speak with us?" Adi asked ignoring the knowing look from Yoda.
"Yes Master Gallia just a moment I will get him." Master Jinn moved out of view. A moment later Obi-Wan appeared. He smiled and bowed to Adi then turned to the other Masters smiling and bowing to them as well.
"My Masters." He said. The atmosphere in the room lightened immediately.
//He certainly has a way with people.// Adi thought shaking her head.
"Padawan tell me what your opinion is of what has occurred." Yoda spoke his affection for the knight evident to all in the room.
"Master Yoda it is my opinion that the attack on Anakin is somehow linked to the Sith we faced on Naboo. The presence that I sensed was not identical. It seemed more powerful and controlled. It managed to enter the boy's mind while we were in hyperspace and decimated his shields in the process. It is my concern that while dealing with all that lay ahead of us on Tiress the Sith could possibly gain access to Anakin physically. I am not sure in light of the power I sensed during the attack that either Qui- Gon or myself could successful protect him. " Yoda nodded as Obi-Wan patiently waited.
"More you have to share. Another concern I feel you are dwelling on." Yoda smiled knowing the knight so well. Obi-Wan smiled at his Master and then threw a wary glance in the direction where Qui-Gon was no doubt standing out of view.
"Obi-Wan?" Yoda's voice brought his attention back to the Council. His hesitancy was increasing each Master's interest in what was that the knight had to say. They had come to respect Obi-Wan over the last years of his training as well as during his first year as a knight serving in countless dangerous situations without the luxury of a backup. They found that his instincts were usually right and that he his reliance on the Force was above question. The knight paused for a moment longer and then began.
"Master Yoda I believe that Master Jinn and I are of differing opinions on certain aspects of the attack. I am not Padawan Skywalker's Master so I will not presume to know the boy as his Master does but while attempting to rid him of the attack yesterday I was under the impression that the box that Master Jinn referred to earlier was actually Anakin's." The room erupted in murmurs of surprise and shock. Immediately Master Jinn's image filled the space next to Knight Kenobi.
"I have questioned my Padawan based upon these allegations of Knight Kenobi and he has assured me that it was the figure that brought the box and its darkness into his mind."
Yoda and Mace exchanged glances deep concern filling both.
"Stand by Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi while the Council confers." The image disappeared as the transmission was suspended temporarily.
"This is disturbing news. We must get Padawan Skywalker back to the Temple as soon as possible." Mace said glancing about the room making sure that the other Masters were in agreement.
"It is odd that the Sith would have targeted the boy." Depa said.
"What do you think about the observations of Knight Kenobi versus the information that Master Jinn relayed to us?" Ploon asked to no one in particular.
"Yoda you were Master to both men what say you?" Depa asked.
"Both men my padawans were but very different are they in how they approach things." Yoda began.
"Kenobi definitely is more respectful of the Council than his Master or should I say ex-Master ever was." Mundi voiced his opinion.
"I suspect that the Knight's suspicions must be well founded or else he would not have felt the need to bring them up contradicting Qui-Gon as he did." Depa spoke thoughtfully.
"Yes Jinn definitely still has a great deal of power over the boy." Ploo observed.
"I would agree that Obi-Wan will always feel tied to Master Jinn, but I don't believe it is so much power as it is he just merely wants to show his ex-Master the respect he deserves. He would never do anything to have Master Jinn feel that he was trying to undermine his place with Skywalker or undermine him before the Council." Adi defended the knight. She knew her words had sent each member back to the numerous times that Qui-Gon had railed at the Council while Obi-Wan, his Padawan, had stood by silent and loyal to the man.
"I am not sure how much respect Jinn deserves in light of his past conduct especially from the one he managed to hurt the most." Yaddle quipped.
"That all aside we need a recommendation as to how they are to proceed in this particular situation." Mace brought the Masters back to the task before them.
"Too many planets are becoming divided and leaving the Republic. I feel it is vital that we do what we can to prevent losing any more. I therefore agree that the Knight and Master should proceed to Tiress with all haste." Mundi spoke.
"Yes but what of the boy?" Adi asked.
"Yes he is obviously not safe until we can get more information about the Sith." Mace observed.
"Bring him back to the Temple we must." Yoda began. "Two Masters we will send to bring him back. Go I will." He stated emphatically.
"I will join you." Adi added.
There was full agreement from the remaining members of the Council.
*****************************
"Look Qui-Gon I know you are upset with me, but I had to voice my concerns." Obi-Wan pleaded. Qui-Gon had taken a seat in the transmission room and was suddenly absorbed in a technical manual.
"I don't know what you are talking about?" He responded never taking his eyes from the manual his voice cool and tight.
Obi-Wan shook his head and sighed in frustration. "So how do you feel about the RQ959 Reverse Cupling Assembly?" He asked looking over the man's shoulder at the material he was reading.
"I think it is much better than the 747." He quickly replied then looked back over his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile at his ex-apprentice. Obi-Wan had done the right thing. He had trained him to do the right thing. He was proud of the knight but at the same time feared what was to become of his current Padawan if the Council began to doubt their decision to allow him to become a Jedi.
*****************
Anakin had quietly made his way down to the transmission room. He knew that something was up when his Master had asked Obi-Wan to wake him when the Council was in session and they could transmit.
//Why are they contacting the Council?// He had wanted to ask his Master but wasn't sure that the man would have level with him. He reached out to ensure that Obi-Wan and his Master were still unaware of his presence. Satisfied that they oblivious he began listening to their conversation.
He knew now that Obi-Wan would be a problem. He wasn't sure yet how to handle that, but he knew in time the darkness would show him. He had reached for it tentatively in his room earlier. It was different now. When he finally got the courage to open the box he discovered that not only did it comfort him but it also seemed to speak to him. It seemed to guide him. It was a lot like what he felt when he reached out to the light side of the Force but instead of vague feelings and visions the darkness actually dictated what it was that Anakin needed to do. It made its desires known.
The sound of his name brought a frown to his brow. Obi-Wan was talking about him. He didn't like that not at all. Yes something would have to be done about the knight.
****************
"Qui-Gon , it was never my intention to harm Anakin." Obi-Wan placed his hand on the man's shoulder.
"I realize that Obi-Wan. It is just that Anakin has overcome so many prejudices. I hate to see him try to overcome yet another one." Qui-Gon shook his head. He was already forming arguments that he would need now in order to continue Anakin's training.
"Why do you think the Council has been so opposed to him?" Obi-Wan asked trying to get the Master to be more objective when it came to his Padawan.
"I am sure my rebellious nature has a lot to do with it." Qui-Gon immediately responded.
"Wait." Obi-Wan raised his hand to halt the Master before he could say anything further. "You can't believe that this has anything to do with you."
"Of course-"
"No, Qui-Gon this isn't about you. I was your Padawan. Your rebellious reputation was firmly established before you took me. I didn't have prejudices to overcome because of it how can you believe that this has anything to do with you. You are merely his Master. He is the Jedi candidate. The day will come when your time with him will end. It is that time in Anakin's life that the Council must be concerned about." Obi-Wan moved in front of where the man was sitting. "When he is alone in the galaxy serving the Force, a time when he has no Master to show him the way as he stumbles along looking for the light in the darkness."
Qui-Gon sat quietly considering what Obi-Wan was saying. He had missed talking to the young man. Even though he wasn't too pleased about the topic of their conversation he did feel a strange comfort in having him to talk with. He had had doubts about Anakin at various moments over the last year. He also was not completely convinced that the boy was telling all that he knew concerning the attack. He wondered for a moment what it had been like for Obi-Wan this last year stumbling along. Somehow he couldn't bring himself to ever imagine the young knight ever stumbling but being his ever sure footed self, anchored to the light. He felt his heart swell with pride and affection.
Before he could respond the audio signal alerted the men that their transmission was being received once more. They both rose and made their way over to the holo cam.
The image of Yoda appeared before the men.
"Decision the Council has made. Proceed you will to Tiress. Master Galia and I will leave immediately for Tiress. Bring young Skywalker back to the Temple we will." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed.
Adi thought she noticed that Obi-Wan's smile seemed brighter than before. She hoped that the fact that they might have at least a few moments together on Tiress was in part the reason for that smile. In fact depending on the time of their arrival they might even have a night. She hoped for that but knew that the mission and the safety of the boy had to come first.
"Do you have any questions?" Mace asked.
"No Master Windu. We thank the Council for your assistance." Qui-Gon's voice filled the Chamber. He seemed relaxed and the tension between the two men seemed to have lessened dramatically since the time when they had first been assigned the mission.
"Master Windu?" Obi-Wan began turning apologetically to Qui-Gon who merely motioned for Obi-Wan to proceed.
"Yes Knight Kenobi." Mace replied.
"Have you received any further updates concerning the situation on Tiress?" He asked.
"None." Mace replied. "The kidnappers have made no demands on the release of the girl. Pulmee Den has been appointed to replace Vice Commander Relian. He will be sworn in later this week. There hasn't been any reports of additional acts of violence. We will contact the State House and notify them that your arrival has been delayed so that they can make the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you Master." Obi-Wan bowed. "We look forward to Master Yoda and Master Gallia's arrival."
"May the Force be with you my Padawan." Yoda's voice was full of affection.
"And with you my Master." Obi-Wan bowed indicating that the feeling was mutual.
The transmission flicker and ended.
Mace dismissed the Council assigning Yaddle and Mundi the task of notifying Temple security as to the attack on the Skywalker boy and the need to intensify the measures taken once he is returned. Adi and Yoda both set off to gather their belongings. A transport was being readied for their immediate departure. For one year the Sith had kept their heads down waiting to see what the Council would do. Tired of waiting for a move from the Council it seems that darkness had once again taken the initiative and moved again. The puzzle of the Sith couldn't wait any longer and somehow it seemed that Padawan Skywalker could be a missing piece.
********
Anakin quickly recovered from his initial shock and made his way back down to the galley. So that was how it was going to be. He would be heading back to the Temple instead of being allowed to complete his first mission. Kenobi had succeeded. He had horned in on the mission in the first place and now had managed to replace him. It would be the Jinn/Kenobi team again. Anakin felt his temper rising. He could just hear all the teasing he would receive from the other Padawans. He had no intention of going back to the Temple like some sort of freak.
He resented losing more time with his Master. He needed to be trained. His mother was waiting for him. He wondered for a moment how she was and if Watto was being good to her. He hoped so, but had no way of knowing. He swallowed his ill ease. He missed her so much and it hurt to think about her. He felt guilty that he didn't think of her more. He hoped that she could still think of him even though it might hurt.
He continued through the galley on to his cabin. Once he arrived he sank into a meditative pose. He kept forgetting that he wasn't alone. He had the Force but more importantly he had the darkness. Closing his eyes he immediately reached for it. He felt its soothing presence fill and calm him. He continued to lower his consciousness into its depths. He felt the man once more. He shuddered as he realized that he no longer had to settle for vague sensations. He felt the presence, the cloaked figure. Somehow the man had managed to remain. Anakin started to pull back but this time the man didn't feel threatening, so Anakin decided to move closer.
He opened his mind revealing all that he had heard while eavesdropping. He could feel the other presence considering what it was that he was relating. He felt a wave of calm wash over him. The presence was working it out for him. As he rose from his mediation he could hear a new voice in his mind. It wasn't his Master's; it was the other man. Over and over it soothed him. "All will be well. All will be well."
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Ok no cliffy this time. I tried to get it resolved before the weekend. The reviews have really fallen off I am wondering if I am starting to get too detailed or if the plot isn't progressing at a nice rate. If anyone has any suggestions how to keep people reading let me know. Now this isn't a license to flame me so remember you are dealing with a relatively new writer who can handle constructive comments and suggestions only ok? I want to thank Shanobi for her helpful comments she sent to me. Thanks.
