Futures Past

Chapter 32- Enlightenment

Contrary to Padmé's earlier judgement, she had scribbled a quick note to Obi Wan, simply because her paranoia had won her over for a brief moment. It was now with R2 to be rushed to the Jedi Temple and then to wherever her lover was currently residing, so she couldn't change her mind even if she wanted to.

She was sitting on her bed reading her previous letters from Obi Wan when there was a slight knock on the door and Sabé's head poked through the door. In a panic Padmé flung the letters behind her, and she knew that both she and Sabé had heard them crash to the wooden floor behind her bed.

"Hello… what are you doing?" Sabé said slowly, walking into the room and going to pick up the paper Padmé had thrown in a panic.

"Ah, let me get those…so clumsy." Padmé said breathlessly and jumped to the floor behind her bed, just reaching the letters and scrabbling them up before her handmaiden could touch them. She then proceeded to sit on them on the bed and cross her arms casually.

Sabé laughed. "I don't even want to know. You can keep your little love letters from Anakin secret if you want, but one day you shall slip up, and I'll be there!" She teased. "Look, anyway, Versé went to borrow 'A Shadow Falls' from the local holovid pod, we though it would be a good way to pass the time seeing as everyone says how great it is. Are you okay with that? Feel free to lurk in here if you want, you are the Senator."

"No, it's alright, I'll join you lesser beings for a night." Padmé teased. "I'll be out in a minute, just let me tidy up in here."

"Of course milady." Sabé bowed, winked and disappeared through the door once more.

Padmé breathed a sigh of relief when Sabé had disappeared, and tucked the letters into the bottom of one of her drawers.

As long as they think it's from Anakin and don't go looking then there is nothing to worry about. I really do hate lying to them, after all they do for me. They are more like my sisters than handmaidens. If only everything wasn't so complicated. Padmé sighed and with one last wistful look at the drawer the letters were stowed away in, she went to join her handmaidens, hoping to banish any thoughts of Palpatine's visit or anything to do with the Jedi from her mind, she would be a normal girl with no responsibilities for the rest of the day, or at least that was the plan.

*

Obi Wan emerged from his painfully cramped shower, trying to banish the last remnants of the Dantooine desert from his bodily crevices, somewhat unsuccessfully it would seem as there still seemed to be sand lodged most uncomfortably everywhere.

If it was possible, his lodgings in the Dantooine training base were more Spartan than those in the Jedi Temple, but he had been told by Bail Organa that continued service to the forces would earn him higher ranking and therefore better accommodation. He had been told that his quarters were better than the cadets and new recruits had, so he would've hated to see their rooms. A desk and chair, a holo-displayer so he could keep up with Galactic news, a rather uncomfortable bed, a small armchair and a tiny bathroom with cramped shower and lavatory facilities, it wasn't exactly paradise, but he supposed the Senate weren't exactly forthcoming with funding, after all, they supplied the Clones, it was Bail Organa who was supposed to supply the rest.

Carefully towelling his body dry- wary of wounds that were taking an uncomfortable amount of time to heal even with help from the Force- he found clean Jedi robes and pulled them on wearily. His sleeping patterns had been less than desirable of late, and worrying about Padmé, Anakin or the War was taking a toll on his mind. He planned to go and get his daily helping of colourless slop from the cafeteria and then spend a few hours in meditation in the Force before attempting sleep once more.

He sat alone as usual, though for once he did receive many offers from now adoring cadets who had been more than impressed with his leap on the training mission and wished to bask in his newfound glory, but he politely declined, explaining he had much to think about and would not be sociable company.

One student who could not be deterred was Ish, the Mon Calamari who had taken the jump with him. It seemed that Ish had found a new idol in Obi Wan, and no matter how insistent the Jedi Knight was that he would be no fun and was certainly not wishing to become any ones hero, Ish could not be discouraged and insisted on sitting with Obi Wan and chattering away about what all the cadets had thought of the performance when he finally caught with the Jedi Knight.

"It really was an honour Master Kenobi sir, everyone's talking about it, I could almost feel the Force through you. I always wanted to be a Jedi but I wasn't Force sensitive and I was too old to begin training when I got the urge to become one."

"Well that's a great pity Ish, I'm sure you could have been a great Jedi."

"Thank you. If… if it's not too much trouble, do you think I could hang around you sometimes? Y'know, observe what it is to be Obi Wan Kenobi, it would mean an awful lot." Ish asked breathlessly.

Obi Wan wrinkled his brow. "Well, I don't know Ish, my routine is very boring and I'm not really the sort who likes people trailing after me and adoring me, it isn't the way of the Jedi and I would hate to distract you from your training and such…" In truth the very idea was preposterous to Obi Wan but he didn't want to hurt the poor Mon Calamari's feelings, especially as he didn't seem to have many friends.

"Oh it's no trouble, between lessons and all, it would be a real honour, I'd love to see how a Jedi conducts himself, and I can help out, run errands and…and things, anything you need doing."

"Well I don't really need an assistant…" Obi Wan trailed off, noticing Ish's crushed expression. With a world weary sigh the Jedi Knight relented, however grudgingly, soon he was sure Ish would get bored of his uneventful routine and make excuses as to why he couldn't follow the Jedi around any more.

"…oh, I suppose so. As long as you keep up with training and don't get in anyone's way. But really there is nothing interesting to my life, you'll soon be bored by me I'd imagine."

"Oh I'm sure I won't Master Kenobi, I want to be just like you!" Obi Wan sighed at Ish's excited exuberance, it was like another Anakin, one thing he didn't need right now.

*

Anakin himself was with his new friend Chewbacca, in another hangar admiring Swoops, also known as Swoop bikes

"I've heard of these, they had a racing circuit on Tatooine for qualifying heats, never major though. I never tried it, Podracing was the only thing I was allowed to do. Though really Swoop racing was probably safer."

"Yes, they do have contests in the lower levels, the branches and beasts down there make great obstacles for Swoopchasing, it isn't considered a prominent course though, most come here to practise and take part in little competitions between ten or so." Chewbacca explained.

"Have you ever tried it?" Anakin asked.

Chewbacca gave a grunting laugh. "A thousand no's. Regrettably my build is far too heavy to be able to manoeuvre those tiny bikes. I would most likely break one if I attempted to mount one."

"That's a pity, I was hoping someone could show me the ropes."

"It aint too hard when you know how." A voice said from behind them. The pair turned to find the owner.

"You!" Anakin said, recognising the young thief.

"Nice to see I leave a lasting impression." Han said, sticking his hands in his pockets once more.

Anakin kept a hand firmly in his pocket to make sure the young boy couldn't make off with his lightsabre like he could have done before.

"Relax hotshot, your secret's safe with me, I don't want any trouble." Han said, holding both hands up as a sign of virtue.

"How did you steal my lightsabre before, when I never went near you?" Anakin demanded, still ruffled that a common child thief could make off with his weapon without him realising.

"You're still hung up on that aintcha?" Han said, amusement evident in his voice.

"No, I'd just like to know how you did it." Anakin lied, trying to sound aloof.

"Sorry, a good thief never reveals his secrets." Han shrugged, innocently.

"Alright." Anakin said, still peeved, but wishing to conceal it. "If you're not here to steal, what are you here to do?"

"Race, of course. I race Swoops for a living on occasion, nabbing young Jedi's laser swords don't exactly keep food on the table."

"Are you any good?" Anakin asked, trying not to sound too curious.

"If I wasn't I sure wouldn't be standin' here in front of ya. People get killed in Swoopchasing, it's a dangerous sport, just happens to be somethin I have a skill for, and hell if it makes money then I kinda don't have a choice."

"Why? Does someone make you?" Anakin asked, slightly concerned.

"Yeah, I work for a guy, Shrike, he gives food and shelter so it's not so bad. Hey don't go gettin' all mushy on me Jedi, it's none of your business. I do pretty well." Han said, when catching Anakin's worried look.

"I know what it's like, and it isn't a life, believe me. Why do you steal and race and beg when you could make something more out of yourself?"

"Look, don't think that just 'cause you grew up on the wrong side of the repulsorlift trail and then 'your dreams came true when you became a Jedi, it opened up whole new galaxies blah, blah', that you know about my life story. It's not so bad, it's a home, I get looked after, so what if I gotta do some unscrupulous things once in a while to keep a roof over my head? You don't know me Jedi, so don't presume anything. I do pretty well, it's all I got, and its fine with me."

"Sorry!" Anakin held up his hands to calm the thief somewhat. "Just seems like a waste is all."

"Well some people don't get the lucky breaks that you do, they don't all believe in that silly Force stuff. I make my own luck, and it suits me just fine."

"Okay, okay, cool it. I didn't mean to offend you Han."

Han scrutinized him for a moment longer. "So, you wanna know how to race huh?"

"Is it much different from Podracing?"

"The speed may be a little slower, and it could be a little more dangerous, it depends on the course." Han noticed Chewbacca for the first time.

"I didn't know you had a Wookiee, what is it, some sorta Jedi Slavery thing goin on? No wonder I don't like that Jedi stuff, what sorta sick people keep Wookiees as-"

"No, no, no it's not what you think. Chewbacca is my friend, not a slave, the Jedi are here trying to prevent slavery between the Wookiees and the Trandoshans, it's them you should be lecturing. I'm sorry I didn't introduce you. Chewbacca, this is Han Solo, Han Solo, Chewbacca." Anakin introduced the two.

"Pleased to meet ya." Han shook the large furry paw that was offered to him.

"It is an honour. You are very vocal about Wookiee slavery, it is rather odd for most people to care." Chewbacca grunted.

"Well, I was mostly raised by a Wookiee on 'Traders Luck', she's called Dewlanna. She taught me the Wookiee language too. She's like the only family I have. You heard of her?"

"Dewlannamapia is her full name is it not? I have met her before, she was the mate of Isshaddik, he was exiled for a crime we do not speak of, but she was kind and polite in my experience. It is good that she has taught you much. I am sure you are far better because of her." Chewbacca said amiably.

"I like you." Han gave his approval.

"And I you." The Wookiee agreed good naturedly.  

"Though, no offence, your name is kinda long, maybe we should shorten it." Han suggested, and Anakin agreed.

"Very well, what is your suggestion, Han?"

"How about…Chewie." Han decided, and this was met with both Anakin and Chewbacca's approval.

"Chewie it is." 'Chewie' grunted in agreement.

"You must be a good judge of character Skywalker, making a friend in him, and you must like me."

"Who doesn't?" Anakin agreed with a smile.

"Oh I got plenty of those who don't too. But they're probably just jealous of my amazing skill as a pilot and a trader."

"You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger kid." Anakin commented.

"As long as I don't end up as a stuffy old Jedi that's fine with me." Han said with a shrug.

"Man you've got quite a mouth on you. Come on then, show me your stuff on these Swoops, maybe then I can give you a run for your money."

"Sure, if you think you can keep up with me." Han laughed and set off at a run, closely followed by both Anakin and Chewie.

*

It was early the next morning when Obi Wan woke, the sun just beginning its ascent into the pale sky, ready for another day of merciless beating down upon the dry wasteland that the planet comprised of.

There was mail from the Jedi Temple by his door in a small package, some news notices for all Jedi who were off-world, a letter from Mace Windu, highlighting the goings on in the Senate and a small note from Padmé.

Obi Wan was concerned as it was not a long romantic ramble, merely a hastily scribbled note.

Obi Wan

I am more than concerned. Attribute this note to a temporary lapse in sanity on my part, but I allowed my paranoia to convince me to write to you. Chancellor Palpatine is coming to Naboo, to Theed in fact, at the very time when my parents are away and my sister is preoccupied and both you and Anakin are on the other side of the galaxy. Tell me I am just being silly, reassure me because I certainly am not reassuring myself very well at this point. It is not like the whole galaxy revolves around me, I'm being very arrogant, he is the Chancellor he will be allowed to go all over the galaxy not just on my account, right? This may sound like I'm trying to convince myself as much as you and I am, I am scared, and I hate that he has affected me so deeply but I want your reassurance Obi Wan, I want you to hold me and tell me everything is alright, damn the war and damn the army, I'm so scared… what should I do?

Padmé.

Obi Wan realised she must've been deeply scared as she even forgot to use their aliases in her haste, it was dangerous, but there was no evidence it had been seen by any other eyes, so he supposed it was safe. He made up his mind then and there. He was even prepared to lie to Viceroy Organa. Padmé's letter had justly convinced him that she was certainly in need of his reassurance and that she was absolutely terrified, her emotions radiated through her letter and the Force like a tide.

There was a knock at his door, rather surprised Obi Wan crossed to open it. Ish stood there, bulging eyes glowing with excitement.

"Did you find your mail alright Master Kenobi, I went to the mail droids to get it specially so you wouldn't have to get it later."

Obi Wan had to repress a sigh and forcing a smile he nodded, "Thank you Ish that was very thoughtful of you. Come in…I suppose." He stood aside and the Mon Calamari shuffled in and took up the armchair space quite comfortably. The armchair itself looked like it had been retrieved from a garbage pod, in fact it probably had, but compared to the cramped shared quarters the cadets occupied it was most likely paradise.

"Make yourself at home…" Obi Wan trailed off noticing where Ish sat.

"Is there anything I could do for you this morning sir?" Ish asked amiably.

"Ish please, you don't have to act like some sort of servant, I'm really not accustomed to anything like that."

"Its my pleasure to do anything to help you Master Kenobi, please, is there anything?"

"Well… I could do it myself it really doesn't-"

"No! I insist Master Kenobi, whatever it is I really would love to."

Obi Wan sighed tiredly. "Very well." He turned to his desk and scribbled a quick note to Padmé on the back of the paper she used and stuffed it into another envelope he had lying on the desk, and hastily addressed it to Padmé's Senatorial address on Theed, the only address of hers he definitely remembered.

"You must get this to the post transport before it takes off, it is of great importance. I'm entrusting you with this Ish, it must get there quickly. Second post today if possible, understand?"

"Of course Master Kenobi, I understand."

"Good." Obi Wan nodded and Ish ran through the door. Unfortunately Obi Wan didn't catch the knowing glint in Ish's eyes as he strode through the door and put the letter in his pocket…

*

"Padmé, a letter for you arrived in the first post this morning." Sabé said, after knocking and entering the senators room.

"From who?" Padmé was confused, surely an answer from Obi Wan would have arrived in one of the later post drops.

"It has a stamp on the corner, I'd guess it's from the Chancellor."

Padmé blanched but Sabé was too engrossed in examining the letter to notice thankfully. Composing herself, Padmé nodded and plucked the letter from Sabé's outstretched fingers.

"I wonder what he could possibly want, or write to me here for… did this come to my Senatorial address?"

"No milady, straight to the house."

"Unusual. Well don't hover there Sabé, I'm sure it isn't anything of monumental importance, go and finish breakfast, I'll be right there." Padmé shooed Sabé away and hesitantly ripped open the letter, holding it at arms length, wary of horrible parasites or some other malicious content.

Senator Amidala

I am holding an emergency meeting of all officials from Naboo, we need to make sure everyone takes this War seriously of course. It would be very helpful if you were in attendance, we wouldn't want you missing any key points now would we? Midday at the Royal Palace, don't be late.

Best regards,

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine

Padmé was confused at why that could not be sent to her Senatorial address, or indeed how Palpatine came across her home address, and was also rather offended by the Chancellors assumption that she would drop everything to attend one of his pointless meetings where he would no doubt bully the Nubian officials into whatever he wanted from them.

Everything about that 'man' disturbs me, and it disturbs me all the more that I was the one responsible for his rise to power, he bullied me into believing Chancellor Valorum was the weak link in the Republic, but I was nothing more than a pawn to him too, ugh, he disgusts me. Obi Wan, where are you?

*

"Viceroy Organa I must beg for my leave now."

"Why so sudden Obi Wan?" Bail Organa sat with his hands steeped together in his office as the Jedi Knight pleaded his case.

"There has been somewhat of a personal emergency, I can't go into the details, but it is essential I leave, if all goes well I will be back by the end of the day, but I really do need to make sure the situation is stable."

Bail considered this for a long moment, and there was reluctance in his voice"…If it is only one day, and as we have no training that you need to be involved in… This is because you are a Jedi and I respect your integrity, you have leave to go, but make sure I do not regret the decision Master Kenobi."

"You won't sir, thank you." Obi Wan bowed and hurried out, he had to make sure Padmé was safe or he would never forgive himself.

*

"So lemmie get this straight, I sit on this glorified repulsor engine with handles and I have to swerve it round lots of gravity pulling obstacles and try not to get myself squashed like a Blight Beetle against a tree trunk?"

"That's pretty much it, yeah." Han nodded as Anakin sized up the bikes lining the hangar. The trio had already been down to level 4, which was as far into Kashyyyk's core as the Wookiees went, to size up part of the course, and Anakin was not quite as confident as he had previously seemed.

"Cool, I can handle that." The Jedi Knight nodded in mock confidence. "If I can handle Podracing, I'm sure I can handle this." Taking a deep breath he went to inspect the bikes once more.

"Oh he is totally freaked." Han smirked to Chewbacca.

"Yes, he does seem to be a little bit…paler than before."  Chewbacca grunted.

"Is the high and mighty Jedi having second thoughts?" Han said in the classic singsong way that demonstrated his age.

"No! Not at all. I'm focusing in the Force." Anakin glared at the pair behind him, feeling as if he was being ganged up on somewhat, he felt like he had something to prove to the eight year old thief and his newfound Wookiee acquaintance, though he had no idea why.

"Take your time Anakin, we wouldn't want you to lose your Force power halfway through a race!" Han smirked at Anakin's obvious reservations.

"You shouldn't tease him so mercilessly, it will only make him want to do it more, he could end up getting squished. His other Jedi friends would probably be less than pleased."

"Y'know Chewie, y'need to loosen up, you don't have to talk like some glorified King, let yourself go a bit, you got nothing to prove to us."

"It is the way we Wookiees have always spoken, we do not mix with humans as a rule so we do not speak in the same manner as you."

"Yeah, I know, and there's nothing wrong with that, but you don't have to put on your airs and graces for us, loosen up, say cool, awesome, wild, y'know, space lingo."

"Cool? I'll work on the 'lingo'."

"Make sure you do, cos I'm not hangin out with a Wookiee who can't relax. You need to mix with humans more! We're not all bad."

"Han, stop corrupting the natives. Y'know, I…I really don't think I'll have time to race right now, I'm here on Jedi business, time is wasting y'know."

"Of all the Corpse-grubs-! The time! I was s'posed to be back on Trader's Luck hours ago. Man Shrike's gonna have my head!" Han looked around and prepared to run.

"Wait! Are you gonna be okay?" Anakin frowned.

"I told you Jedi, no mushy stuff. I'll be fine, I can take care of myself. I'll see ya around. Nice meetin' ya Chewie." Han dipped his head and then turned and ran back towards the main hangar. Anakin and Chewie watched him go with more than a trace of concern.

"He could be in trouble."

"Could be is a slight understatement, but we gotta respect his wishes, if he says he can handle it, if we interfere he's not the sort of kid who'll let it go easily. I've been taught not to interfere, just to follow orders, even though it goes against my gut-" Anakin's commlink started beeping in his pocket. Retrieving it Anakin answered.

"Anakin Skywalker."

"Anakin, Senator Yarua and I have scheduled a meeting with a representative of Trandosha for tomorrow, we want you to head back now so that we can discuss and meditate on the plans."

"Of course Master Windu, I'll start straight back."

"I trust you've acclimatised yourself to the Wookiee customs and ways of life?"

"Definitely Master, I've learnt a lot from some new acquaintances of mine."

"That's very good. I will expect your prompt arrival, we can discuss your findings when you've returned."

"Alright Master, I'll be there in a few minutes."

Anakin flipped the link closed.

"Well Chewie, I guess that's me. I'll see you later, I'm sure I've distracted you from fixing up those ships long enough."

"It was my pleasure Anakin. I could even say it was…cool?"

"Definitely. I'll see you later." Anakin nodded, and set off at a sprint back in the direction of Senator Yarua's home.

This was a very…enlightening day, why weren't my missions with Obi Wan ever this fun?

*

Next chapter, Padmé comes face to face with Palpy, Obi Wan makes a save, and Anakin faces war between Kashyyyk and Trandosha. Thanks for reading, I hope you liked, Han and Chewie met, betcha didn't picture it quite like that, or did you? Please review, feedback makes me all warm inside lol. Hope to see you all next chap!

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