Futures Past

Chapter 31- Respect

Hey all, I'm so sorry, I know I said I'd get this chap up weeks ago, but believe it or not my internet connection still hasn't been fixed so I had to go through a whole lot to get this thing up, this chap will also be pretty long, call that a gift to make up for its lateness, hopefully you all like long chapters, if not then I'm in trouble lol. Once again, very sorry, there will be much Obidalaness in the next chapter or so after this, so that can be my real gift lol! Onto the reviews…

LuckyPanda13: Don't worry about reviewing the chapter late, that you find time at all with school and all is pretty great, especially with how long this story is! I definitely wouldn't worry about your vocabulary either lol, seems extensive enough to me! I'm glad you got the Anakin dream thing, sometimes I wonder if I'm making sense to you people, there is a lot of fog in my mind so it's good that you can see through it! I'm SO glad you got the nostalgia on the "help me Obi Wan Kenobi/Ben bit" I wondered if people would notice teehee. I must admit I really enjoy writing young Han, he's so devious in my mind, as he was raised as an ickle thief/smuggler I figure hey he'd be pretty darn streetwise, teehee. Yes, Obi Wans recruits are jerks, I'm afraid it won't get much easier for him this chapter, I'm pretty evil huh? Oh well, thanks for the great support as always, it makes me all warm inside XD

Mystik87: Wow, its like a barrage of compliments *blush* this also makes me all warm inside XD I'm glad you're getting the characters, I'm always trying to be very particular on characterization but sometimes I think they can be a little out of character on Padmé and some of the Jedi but as long as you're feeling it its great, just like I was hoping for! Don't worry about babbling, I live for babbling, gives me lotsa feedback and information to work from, always very helpful to get long reviews (especially if they're stuffed full of compliments *beam*) Thanks for reviewing!

Jedi-sylvar: Wow, this chap was really well received, I am trés happy about all the enthusiasm I'm getting here! I know, me liked Han, very sneaky, I'm debating whether to leave it as a cameo for him or to add a little bit more, what dya reckon? I'm honoured you think so highly of my ickle (maybe a slight understatement) story here, it's always good to know you're appreciated! Thanks for the review!

Heather Wan: Well, don't we all have a thing for Obi Wan *melts* and I'm trying to add more of him as time goes by, its just limited to what you can do on Dantooine before the Wars, but don't worry, there will be bucketfuls (hopefully) of Obi Wan this chapter so I hope that can tide you over until the Obidala parts in a couple chapters time. Don't worry, Han will definitely never become a major part of the story, it wouldn't fit into the plot I don't think. So no worries there, just a cameo or a little side story, nothing big. Glad I could help with the italics, and thanks for the feedback, always helpful!

KlutzyPutzy: (Great name btw) I'm always very pleased when A/A shippers read and enjoy my story, the fact that it can cross those kinda barriers and still be enjoyable is great for me. I try to be dignified, but being that I'm such an idiot it doesn't always work, in any case I'm very glad you still liked it, and Anakin I think just has to be menacing in parts of this, as he is menacing in parts of Episode 2, and I'm afraid you might not always like the way he's portrayed, but I will certainly try and make him as human and not psycho as possible, lol. May be hard for me but I can sure try, he'll be pretty good next chapter I think, but it would be great if you keep telling me what you think, makes the story a lot more well rounded I think. Thanks very much for the review!

Chloe: Well done for catching up! It's a mammoth task I know, I'm glad you liked it, thanks for reading and being supportive, it means a lot to me! I hope you can keep up with my speed, which was slow for this chap but there you go! Thanks!

REALbluelightsabre: Ah the pet names will come later…naw I'm kidding, General Kenobi will feature in a few chapters time if I follow through with my skipping a few months to when the war is in progress to keep the story fresh, but with my muse ya never know! Thanks for the support!

Thanks also to VTEEN, Aeryn Tucker, History (I really liked writing Han as much as you all seemed to love reading him, he holds a special place in everyone's hearts methinks), and mydogisfudge thanks for the support it means a lot and helps motivate me to write, without you guys its safe to say this story would never have progressed this far, so I'm forever grateful. In this chapter expect Anakin to meet Chewie, Obi Wan to have an incident on a training mission (lots of Obi in this chap!) and Padmé to feel a little bit funny (I will not start singing Your Song the Moulin Rogue way at this juncture, I will simply….write yes! And maybe sing! *angel face*) she will also have an unexpected visitor within this chap or the next. Parts of this chap may be a little bit boring/long winded/political in places, but please stay with me, next chapter will totally be worth it, and hopefully my internet will be fixed by then! I hope you all enjoy!

*

After Anakin had walked away from Han -considerably shaken from his encounter- he had proceeded further into the hangar bay to see if he could observe Wookiees at work on some of the starships that lined the docks. There were some creatures -who Anakin could only assume were the owners- working on some ships but most had a Wookiee at least with them as they worked, though most of the Wookiees were the ones doing the repairs. Anakin decided that if he hadn't been Human, being a Wookiee would have been the best possible alternative- if not better.

Anakin came to a large starship called the SweetSand Star which was being worked on by a Wookiee with shaggy brown fur who seemed so comfortable inside a ship you would almost think it was a droid in Wookiee clothing, Anakin observed.

The young Jedi Knight stayed by the far wall, watching from a distance, noting the ease with which the repairs took shape, and the speed it seemed to be done by. Finishing his Gralinyn juice and turning away from the scene to dispose of the container, when he turned back Anakin was startled to see the Wookiee he had been watching coming towards him. Anakin briefly contemplated in a panic if he had somehow offended the Wookiee by watching it work, and whether he would soon to be Anakin Skywalker, the first last and only Jedi with no arms.

"Was there any reason why you were watching me work?" The Wookiee grunted upon reaching the terrified Knight. Trying to remain calm and respectful Anakin drew on all the strength of the Force to steady him.

"Yes, I…I used to do a lot of mechanical repairs on ships and other mechanical bits myself, I was just amazed at how naturally it came to you and how easy you made it look. It would've taken me hours to do the kind of repairs you managed to finish within a few minutes. It's kinda amazing to me." Anakin said honestly, trying to sound complimentary and not scared witless.

"Thank you. We Wookiees are very skilled at anything technical, you might say it does come naturally to us. Am I right in guessing you are one of the Jedi visiting to help resolve the conflict between Kashyyyk and Trandosha?"

Anakin nodded. "Yes, I'm Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker." Anakin held out his hand and it was met with a considerably larger, furrier Wookiee one.

"I am Chewbacca, it is a pleasure. This conflict has been going on ever since the beginning of our two worlds, regrettably I doubt there will be much even the Jedi can do." The large Wookiee shook his head and grunted sadly.

"My companion Master Windu is one of the most wise and knowledgeable of all the Jedi, if anyone can solve this dispute I assure you it is him." Anakin said reassuringly.

"That's good to know. Tell me Master Skywalker, how does a Jedi Knight find time to work on starships, I didn't think Jedi had much spare time."

"Well to be honest, I don't really have free time now, but you make time when you have a passion for something. Now it seems like it's just the odd droid or repairs to weapons and such, I only used to do starships when I was younger. I was a slave on Tatooine, but the Jedi freed me. I used to build my own Podracers, I was the only human ever known to be able to control a pod and not crash and burn, it made me quite infamous." Anakin smiled proudly, remembering the thrill that could only be obtained through high-octane racing.

"You built your own Podracer from scratch?"

"Yeah, well with parts lying around from my owner Watto's junkshop, it was a way for him to earn money so he didn't mind. I won the Boonta Eve Podrace, that's what got me my freedom, Watto bet against me but the Jedi Knight Qui Gon believed in me, and he saved me, persuaded the Jedi to train me. So that's how I got to be here anyway."

"It sounds like you have had a very interesting life Master Skywalker."

"Please, call me Anakin. Master is good when I'm trying to impress people, but technically I'm not really qualified enough."

"Very well."

"Cool. So… ya reckon I could help you out with some repairs?!"

*

It was two days since Obi Wan's altercation on Dantooine and two days since Anakin encountered a young thief called Han Solo, and Padmé was still stuck in an endless hell of meetings, debates and discussions on Naboo. She had not even had time to open Obi Wan's letter which had arrived that morning via Coruscant.

She was also starting to fear she had caught a virus of some kind as she was constantly having dizzy spells and headaches and wished she had Obi Wan there to reassure her, she wanted to open his letter right away.

Finally her meeting with Queen Jamilla was dismissed and she could retreat back to her family home to take a hypnospray and relax for a while. When she arrived she retreated into her room and eagerly opened Obi Wan's letter.

Dearest Mé.

Alas, I have no verses of romanticism today, my muse was sorely shaken from an earlier encounter so I regret I could not conjure sufficient words to describe my love for you. In any case, what you wrote to me was far more important for you will always know how I feel about you at least. I will not deny I have been having dreams similar to what you described to me, they are never pleasant and I usually have at least one every night which has been greatly affecting my sleep. I hope they are not troubling you quite so deeply. Perhaps you could describe one of yours to me and I can tell you if I have had one of the same. It may be that we are sharing dreams though how or why I cannot guess. Please do not be scared by this, it is far too early to panic now, there is probably a completely rational explanation. Whatever happens don't worry or be frightened, I promised you that I would never let any harm come to you and I stand by my vow even if I have to come over there and protect you with my own hands. We will weather this storm together come hell or high water, know that I love you and I will not let anything or anyone harm you again, alright?

Things are satisfactory with me, my previous injuries are troubling me somewhat but they are only minor and they are well on the way to being fully healed. I had an encounter with two (and there is always at least one in every instance) cocky gung-ho recruits who walk around like they own the place and seem determined to test my patience to the limit. They were trying to intimidate a smaller Twi'lek male earlier, honestly Mé, why must there be people like that, it only makes a difficult job even harder. Oh well, we have a training mission in two days time (probably on the day that this reaches you) that will test the mettle of all of the recruits so we will soon see if the two live up to their confident nature at least. I hope you are slightly better than your last letter suggests, remember not to be afraid and to inform me if anything out of the ordinary occurs.

Miss you.

Ben

Padmé gave a small smile at Obi Wan's attempts to calm her, but she was still concerned, especially now she knew he was having nightmares too.

Is it possible we are sharing dreams? Does Anakin have these dreams too, that would definitely be strange. Padmé mused before noticing another note attached to the envelope of Obi Wan's letter. Opening it she found it bore the Jedi symbol in the corner and strangely was from Master Yoda.

Senator Amidala,

Much desire an audience with you when you are back on Coruscant I would, what we must discuss cannot be said over Holomessage.

Jedi Master Yoda.

Padmé thought this very strange but would of course meet with the old Jedi Master as soon as she was back on-world.

Anakins strange behaviour as of late may have been affecting her subconsciously of course, but that thought had barely crossed her mind before now. It was of course reassuring to the Senator that Anakin was now a galaxy away from Palpatine and was under the supervision of Master Windu, Padmé hoped that that would be enough to help Anakin in some way.

He's changed so much from that little boy I met long ago on Tatooine, and not necessarily for the better. Padmé sighed and asked Versé to go and check on her bath, the Senator was definitely in need of some relaxation.

*

Obi Wan walked down the lines of cadets from his unit, standing in silent anticipation as Viceroy Organa prepared to give his briefing on the recruits' first training mission. Everyone had been in either of two states as soon as this mission was announced, eager expectation, with a need to prove themselves in the army and impress their team-mates, or a panicky dread that they would fail. Obi Wan had already had three cadets from his number come to his office to discuss their worries about their worth, but he was just glad his recruits could come to him to discuss such matters.

The whispers from the rest of the units assembled soon died down as Bail Organa stood at his podium.

"Your daily training and combat classes have all been building up to this point, your first simulated mission. This will prove who among you really are as good as you say you are, and show others of you where you need to improve. You will all be briefed by your team co-ordinators after this meeting, and they will give you direct instructions about your particular roles in this mission. This is a basic outline. An area of the desert surrounding these facilities has been designated for this mission, and although there should be no real danger, accidents do happen and you will be using fully equipped weaponry identical to that which you will use in the event of a Separatist attack. Follow your leaders instructions- no trying to be a hero and showing off, you need to learn to work as part of a team and follow instructions when told- some of you are a little too lax in that area- and hopefully this will help improve your performance and acclimatise you to a battle atmosphere. Members of our Clone Army will be posing as your foes for this exercise and have been equipped with armour similar to that of the Separatist Droids. Your blasters will be set to stun only for this mission, we need to establish your skills and your responsibilities before we let you loose with the real thing. Follow your training and your instructors and you should do fine. Treat this like the real thing, no playing up just because you know it's a training mission, it will only make it harder when the real time comes. Good Luck." Bail nodded and stepped off the podium, and the whispers broke out again as the new recruits were led to their briefing areas.

Obi Wan sighed as he ran over his briefing in his head, hoping that there wouldn't be any more incidents with Amarant Zaag and Sark Luso today, he wasn't sure he could deal with any more stress on top of all this.

"Right…quieten down cadets!" He demanded as the recruits continued chattering as they took their seats. A hush soon fell.

"Thank you. You all heard Viceroy Organa, treat this seriously like a real mission, no stupidity." He looked meaningfully at Amarant Zaag. "Remember, you are part of a team. There is no I in team, that is what you must remember. You look after each other, not yourselves, you must work together or this unit will never work and we will lose this war. And that is something none of us wants. Now, to the mission. We are Blue team, you are assigned numbers to identify you, corresponding to your recruit number that you use for identification. When you contact each other or me you will announce your colour and number, I'll know who you are. I am Blue Leader and I will be in the transport keeping an eye on you, I will be on the ground if I think any of you are in difficulty or a distress call is issued, hopefully I wont be needed. If you do need help or are having difficulties then send a transmission to Blue Leader, and I'll get help to you one way or the other. The new wrist-communicators you were assigned this afternoon are for missions like this, it will show all those in your team as blue dots on the display, so when you are radioing your team-mates it will transmit to those within the comm.'s radio area. If you want to send a signal to all your unit members you must press the blue button on the side of your wrist comm. and it will get a message to everyone. Remember this wastes valuable power cell energy so don't fool around unnecessarily with these. Your mission today will be to go in and clear the area around the 'Separatists'' power generator base, so that our special ops forces can go in to disable the power generator so they are powerless to stop our attack. Remember, those force-awful blasters they insist on giving you are set to stun no tampering to get it onto kill, you are not ready and the clones are not prepared to defend a kill blast as they have been instructed the blasters are stun until you prove your responsibility. If anyone misuses these blasters and causes an accident will be locked in the cells until this war is long over. We cannot risk accidents at this stage. Are we clear team?"

"Yes sir!" The cadets chorused.

Well, that's one thing going well at least. Obi Wan thought with slight relief. But can they handle themselves in a battle situation? By the Force I hope so.

*

Padmé had by this time had her bath and bid farewell to her parents, her father having been called off-world to Coruscant and her mother to the other side of Naboo on business. Her sister Sola was still nearby of course, but she and her husband Darred were spending the weekend together before he had to travel to the other side of Naboo for work. So Padmé has the house to herself and her handmaidens. Sabé was of course teasing about having wild drunken parties and inviting some of those ever-so-interesting Jedi Knights Padmé seemed to know in endless supply. Padmé thought that was quite an overstatement, the only ones she knew on a name to name basis were Anakin, Obi Wan, Mace Windu and Yoda. And in any case she doubted that the latter three would really be the type for wild drunken parties anyway. Not that Padmé had any experience in that area of course, she assured them.

Sabé was certainly not convinced. "I worry about the chequered past you undoubtedly hide from us Padmé, one day we shall uncover the truth about your wild past I assure you."

"Either that or fabricate one." Versé cut in and Dormé and Padmé giggled at Sabé's disgruntled expression.

"Well…maybe." Sabé said with a devilish grin before joining them in laughs.

The four were cut off by a series of clicks and beeps from the hallway and the sound of a mechanical argument before the door slid open and C-3PO and R2 made there way into the living quarters.

"Sorry to disturb you Mistress Padmé but there was something we thought you should know about." 3PO announced in his ever polite tone.

"What is it Threepio?" Padmé frowned.

"Well it seems that while my esteemed little colleague was doing some filing on the Naboo database system-"

"Could we get to the point Threepio?" Sabé said impatiently, the four women all sensing a long digression may have followed.

"Oh yes, well… Ah, yes, it would seem that Chancellor Palpatine is coming to Naboo. As you are colleagues, we just thought you should know." 3PO finished.

"That was rather random." Sabé noted and Dormé and Versé giggled along and continued their previous trains of thought. Padmé on the other hand frowned and tried to act nonchalantly, so excused herself to freshen up before motioning the two droids to the direction of her bedroom.

Shutting the door once the two had entered behind her she frowned again.

"Chancellor Palpatine is coming to Naboo now?"

"Not just Naboo M'am, Theed itself. This area." 3PO informed her, and was met by clicks from R2.

"Does the anything in the file say why?"

"No, M'am, just business he has to attend to in Theed, the estimated time of arrival approximate he'll be here by the end of the afternoon at the latest." 3PO explained and Padmé felt slightly ill.

"Coincidence…" She murmured.

"M'am are you alright? Your heart rate has increased considerably according to my sensors."

"I'm fine. Could you leave me and R2 alone for a moment please Threepio?"

"Certainly M'am, I'll be in the hallway if you need me." 3PO bowed and disappeared through the door.

"Perhaps I'm just being paranoid. The galaxy does not revolve around me, he is the supreme Chancellor who would have business all over the galaxy, just because he turns up here when both of my parents and my two Jedi associates are away and I have only my handmaidens and two droids within a helpful distance does not mean it is anything to do with me. Look at me becoming all silly and obsessive, I'm perfectly safe here. I hate that man, look what he's done to me, I can barely control my paranoia, I'm a grown woman and that Bantha fodder has turned me into a nervous wreck. I will not stand for it. I'm not going to Holomessage Obi Wan, I wont even tell him, what he doesn't know wont distract him, he'd only worry unnecessarily and there is clearly nothing to worry about. Right?" She turned to R2 at the end of this rant and all she got were a few confused clicks.

"I'm just being foolish. I will enjoy the company of my handmaidens and stop worrying. Because clearly there is nothing to worry about."

Even so, Padmé was worried.

*

Obi Wan watched with interest as bright blue and red sparks flew up into the air from the 'Separatist' base and a stream of cadets raced forth from the vicinity trying to get back to their designated transport ships.

It certainly does feel good to be the spectator of a battle and not in the thick of it for once. If Palpatine's plan was to kill me with exertion it's not working very well. Though it can be stressful, and it will only become more-so if there is no word on the Separatists, it's all very well training, but there should have been something by now. Some plan, plot or attack. Very curious.

The mission was going well so far. Very well in fact, Obi Wan was rather surprised it had been so easy. Incident free, everyone got in and got out quickly, there was no need for him on the ground, everyone gelled as a team. If the real War was so well co-ordinated and everyone worked in the same way, those Separatists would have to watch out.

I suppose we underestimated the cadets. Well mine anyway, most of the rest are already trained from the Republic armies, trust them to put a Jedi in charge of the rookie group, but I suppose I'm not very well qualified. I'm rather proud of my team…even Zaag surprisingly, I've heard nothing bad about him, he's working well with everyone… who would have thought it?

Obi Wan felt the ship shudder beneath him and begin its descent to the rendezvous point where the recruits would be picked back up. He grasped the wall he was standing by as the transport lurched and swayed on its way down.

"Blasted things." He muttered. "Can't we make it any steadier?" He shouted of the roar of the engine to the clone soldiers at the helm.

"Sorry sir, it's what happens when we land, the engines create wind and a thrust downward which bounces off the ground and comes back up, it sways the ship a little when it gets nearer to the ground."

"We can create hyperdrives that can transport us to the other side of the galaxy in a matter of seconds and weapons that can destroy a whole planet with one blow but we can't make anything to steady a ship and stop wind from bouncing off the ground back onto the wings? Typical." Obi Wan muttered darkly. "This is why I hate flying."

His team spilled back onto the ship whooping and cheering, congratulating each other on a job well done.

"I'm very proud of you cadets, you worked very well as a team and got the mission done quickly and efficiently. Well done. Those Separatists better watch out if you continue such high performances." Obi Wan wasn't usually that liberal with praise, as the Jedi do not act for recognition but because it is the right thing to do, but these were not Jedi and they deserved praise. That was his job, and he did it without hesitation.

The ship lurched slightly as it lifted off, earning a curse from a certain Jedi Knight, and the ship began its slow ascent back into the sky. The transports did not raise themselves very high as they were built for carrying large numbers of people quickly, and to be up in the higher atmosphere during a battle would be very inefficient, but even so Obi Wan hated the shuddering movement that was a necessity with the vehicle.

Obi Wan thought that the mission was going too well to be true, and indeed the good behaviour had worn out its welcome, and -unsurprisingly- Amarant Zaag and Sark Luso were at their old tricks, they and cohort Kelix Rant were bullying the same Twi'lek male as earlier and his small Mon Calamari friend who had a rather oversized head- even for his species- which was earning them derision from the three.

The Jedi Knight had hoped that the trip would be incident free-no luck- and wearily he made his way to where the five were embroiled in a shoving match of some degree.

"What's going on here? Zaag, I should've known you'd be involved."

"Well I hate to disappoint you Master Kenobi." Amarant gave a cocky smirk and Obi Wan was just about to give them all a verbal beating when the ship gave another lurch -turbulence caused by the sand being buffeted by the engine movement- and both he and the Mon Calamari whose name he thought was Ish something were knocked from the swaying transport and went crashing into the sand below, rolling for a few metres instead of getting a steady landing that would have been provided by the Force if he had been expecting the fall. Amarant and his friends gave a scornful laugh that Obi Wan could hear from the ground just above the roar of the engines.

Ish looked like he was about to cry and Obi Wan wondered briefly what he was even doing in the army with his fragile disposition.

"Ish? Are you hurt?" He checked the recruit over but got a shake of the bulbous head in answer.

"Good." Obi Wan glanced upward and saw the transport slowly carrying on its path back to the base.

"We're going to have to walk through the sandstorm back aren't we?" Ish said dolefully.

"Maybe not…" Obi Wan squinted at the transport overhead, and saw the cadets all sticking their heads out of the main body of the ship to get a glimpse of their literally fallen commander.

"Can you run Ish?" Obi Wan said, a plan forming in his mind.

"Yeah, I guess so." The Mon Calamari nodded.

"Good, because in a moment we are going to run for that transport, you are going to hold onto me and concentrate on the ship, and not worry about anything else, alright? You must keep hold of me and concentrate, clear?"

"Yessir." Ish nodded, looking slightly terrified.

"Good, close your eyes if you want, just don't fidget." Obi Wan gauged the distance from them to the transport which was still quite far above them in the sky, more than a few metres. "Now, if this works, I don't think either of us will have to worry about getting a little respect around here. Now, run!"

The two set off at a dash until they were running just alongside the shadow of the transport.

"Now concentrate and close your eyes, feel the Force." Obi Wan commanded. "Stand back!" He shouted above the roar of the engines to the cadets in the transport.

"No way he can make that jump, who does he think he is?" Amarant snorted and the cadets giggled, but stepped back nonetheless.

"Three, two, one." Obi Wan murmured to Ish, before closing his own eyes and embracing the living Force and letting it engulf his very being. He felt the surge of the Force radiating through him and pushed off the ground with both feet, feeling the air rushing past him and a petrified Ish who was clutching Obi Wan's beige robes as if his life depended on it. Obi Wan flew towards the transport with the ebb of the Force around him, and with a nimble somersault he landed perfectly in the transport on both feet, as graceful as a cat. He let go of Ish, who still clutched him, and turned to face the group of cadets behind him.

They looked awe-struck and wide eyed at their leader, their mouths slightly agape. Obi Wan gave a satisfied smirk that was almost indiscernible to all except himself.

"Yes, well, carry on Cadets. Don't just stand there like idiots, we'll be landing soon, prepare yourselves." He nodded to all of them and as one they went back to standing up straight and readying themselves for landing, all whispering in amazement about Obi Wan's leap. Even Amarant Zaag was looking at Obi Wan with a grudging respect, and Sark Luso was chittering excitedly about the performance.

"If that's how I jump, just think about what else I can do." Obi Wan murmured to Amarant on his way past, now confident he would have no more trouble from Zaag or indeed any cadet, he had gained something very important. He had earned his cadets' respect.

*

Well, damage report? What'd you all think, I hope that wasn't too bad. There will be more Chewie next chapter, and perhaps Han? What do you think? Also hopefully much Obidalaness in next chapter or the one after, ah well we'll see how it goes. Be gentle, thanks for reading this far, I don't blame you if you skimmed hehe! Thanks!

xXx