Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Hey, here's another chapter! I don't know exactly when I'll get another one after this; I'm in the process of moving again. Please review, I am addicted to reviews! Ok these next couple of chapters will have more Obi and Siri so if you like that then you'll be happy and if you don't then you shouldn't be reading.just kidding. Thanks guys.
Chapter 14: (One week later)
Anakin Skywalker sat with his master Obi Wan Kenobi outside the Jedi Council chambers. It had been a difficult week between the two old friends. The tension was unusually high and arguments seemed to happen every time one or the other opened their mouths. They now sat in uncomfortable silence, because both were afraid of speaking to each other so near the heads of the Jedi order.
Anakin had been summoned by the Council. The padawan knew in his heart that something big was about to happen, he wasn't quite sure what. He figured that his master had spoken to the Council about his affair with Senator Amidala, or perhaps Obi Wan had found out what happened with Dooku. Anakin had noticed his master seemed to shift uncomfortably whenever the demise of Dooku was mention.
Anakin closed his eyes and held his head in his hands. He knew he would be expelled from the Jedi; he would let down his mother, Qui Gon, and even Chancellor Palpatine. He suddenly felt ashamed for his behavior and his love for Padme. But in another sense he didn't feel ashamed for anything; he wondered why he should be made to feel ashamed. Suddenly the conversation he had with Dooku returned to his thoughts, he too felt the arrogance of the Jedi, and it frustrated him. He decided then and there that if he were to be expelled then he would make sure the Jedi knew what a mistake they had made. His master coughing interrupted his thoughts; he quickly put mental shields around his emotions.
Obi Wan glanced over at his apprentice, he saw the lanky youth slouched over with his head in his hands; Anakin looked tired, as he always had since his confrontation with Dooku. Obi Wan too was feeling the effects of the past week; actually the thirty seven year old was feeling the effects of the last twelve years. He was tired, and more than ready to have some time to himself. He turned his attention away from Anakin and back to the double doors of the Council chambers. He silently sighed; he was mostly tired from his battle between heart and mind. He knew he should've reported what he had discovered concerning Dooku's death, and his apprentice's secret marriage for the matter, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to do that to Anakin. He leaned back and rested his head on the wall, and closed his eyes.
'Am I doing the right thing?' He asked himself and the Force. 'Should I just let Anakin get away with this?' He stopped for a moment and listened to the Force, but just like all the times he'd sought answers in the past week he sensed nothing. 'What would Qui Gon do?' He thought to himself. 'If it had been me, would he protect me as I do Anakin?'
Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the doors of the Council room opening. Obi Wan tapped Anakin on the shoulder and the two rose from their seats. When the doors opened a figure emerged from within. To Obi Wan's surprise it was Siri Tachi. As Siri exited the room Anakin and Obi Wan bowed to her. She stopped and stared at both of them.
"Don't do that." She commanded them.
Anakin shrugged and Obi Wan looked at Siri with concern. Before he could say anything the Council's aid called for Anakin.
"Padawan Skywalker." She called. "The Council is ready to see you."
Anakin swallowed hard and put up thick mental shields. He then glanced at his master. "Aren't you coming master?" He asked.
Obi Wan shook his head. "They asked for you padawan." He stated. "I have already spoken to them concerning this matter."
Anakin glared at Obi Wan and then turned to the Council chambers. Obi Wan was taken back by Anakin's stare and wondered if he had indeed made the right decision. Once the doors slid shut Obi Wan turned his attention back to his friend who had disappeared.
Obi Wan raced down the hall after her. "Siri, wait!" He called.
Siri stopped and looked at Obi Wan. "Shouldn't you be in there with Anakin?" She asked.
Obi Wan looked back towards the Council room and shook his head. "I nominated him for the trials." He stated.
Siri folded her arms and contemplated this. "You did?" She asked and Obi Wan nodded. "Wow, you think he's really ready?"
Obi Wan shrugged. "He has proven to be capable, and he is very gifted."
"But. . ."
"But he's still very unpredictable." Obi Wan admitted. He looked at Siri. "Do you think I made the right decision?"
Siri put a hand on his arm and sighed. "You must trust in the Force." She said. "And if he is not ready to be on his own then the Council will see that." She then glanced down at the ground.
Obi Wan could sense a strange feeling coming from his friend. "Siri, what is it?" He asked.
Siri looked up at him. "The Council has placed me on probation." She cleared her throat as she talked.
Obi Wan avoided her gaze; he wasn't too surprised by this. "I'm sorry Siri." He offered.
"I don't need your pity Obi Wan." She stated and began to walk away.
Obi Wan grabbed her. "I will admit I'm not surprised by this Siri, but I am sorry. But think of it this way, you started down the dark path and yet you came back. It could've been much worse" He offered her a small smile. "What about Ferus?"
"Another master will finish getting him ready for the trails." Siri explained. "He is very gifted and will have no trouble finding a suitable master."
"Siri."
"Well what else can I do Obi Wan?" She asked, folding her arms across her chest. "He is not ready for the trials and he won't get the proper training with a master that cannot even leave the temple."
Obi Wan nodded and took her into his arms. "I know." He tried to sooth her. "I know what's it's like to be on probation. To have every move you make watched and have whispers behind your back." He placed his hands on either side of her face. "I'm sorry you have to go through it."
Siri placed her hands over his. "I just hope you are better to me than I was to you." She looked down at the ground, and then moved away from him. "But I will not let this bother me; I do deserve this punishment for what I did." She stated, turning her back to Obi Wan. "Of course, I would've thought the weeks I spent in captivity would be punishment enough." She stated under her breath.
Obi Wan came up behind her and placed his arms around her shoulders. He planted a kiss to the top of her head and suddenly was captivated by the fragrance of her. He lowered his nose to her neck and breathed in the sweet, soothing aroma. Siri closed her eyes as she felt his breath on her neck. Without thinking Obi Wan suddenly found himself leaving a trail of small kisses down her neck, he quickly recovered and moved away.
Siri turned and looked at Obi Wan who was shaking his head. "What is it that you want Obi Wan?" She asked, and he couldn't answer. She shook her head again and began to walk away.
Obi Wan stood dumb founded for a moment then raced to catch up to her. "Siri wait." He grabbed her arm and turned her towards him. She cocked an eyebrow, waiting to hear what he had to say. "I'm sorry." He stated, not sure what else to say. He then felt himself leaning in to kiss her again, he stopped, and then his sense of duty kicked in. "I can't." He informed her. "Anakin will be done with the Council shortly and I need to be there when he gets out."
Siri pulled away from his grasp. "Tell Anakin I said congratulations." She said and walked down the hall, leaving Obi Wan to his thoughts.
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"Confer on you the level of Jedi knight the Council does." Yoda exclaimed with a sigh. He knew the Council had made the decision, yet something was still bothering him.
Anakin looked around the room in surprise. "I'm sorry master, what?" He asked.
Mace and Yoda exchanged glances. "You have proven yourself worthy Knight Skywalker." Mace stated.
Anakin was shocked, but tried to hide it from the Council. "What about Master Obi Wan? Does he think I'm ready?"
"Your master nominated you Skywalker." Ki-Adi-Mundi explained. "He believes you are ready as does the Council."
Anakin was taken back. He had prepared himself for possible expulsion and instead had been promoted. He suddenly realized that the Council was staring at him, waiting for him to speak. "Thank you masters." Anakin barely got out, still stunned by the news.
Behind him the doors opened and Obi Wan walked in. The master came to the middle of the room and bowed to the Council; he then looked at Anakin and bowed. "Congratulations Knight Skywalker." He stated with a smile.
Anakin found himself smiling; he couldn't believe he had finally made it. "Thank you Knight Kenobi."
Obi Wan glanced at Mace and Yoda. Mace rose to his feet as did the rest of the Council. "Kneel Knight Skywalker and complete your transition."
Anakin looked around the Council members and obeyed. He kneeled and then glanced up at Obi Wan. He watched as his master walked to Mace and opened a wooden box that was trimmed with gold markings. Obi Wan then pulled out an elegant vibro blade and ignited it. He then walked over to his apprentice and took Anakin's padawan braid in his left hand.
"A Jedi's strength flows through the Force." Obi Wan told Anakin and lowered the vibro blade to the pleated hair. "Peace over anger. Honor over hate." He then cut the braid and it fell into his open hand. "Strength over fear."
Anakin bowed his head once more and then looked into his former master's eyes. He noticed Obi Wan held a mixture of emotions behind his normal Jedi mask. Anakin saw pride and yet sorrow and fear in the older Jedi's blue/grey orbs. Anakin unconsciously placed a hand over his right ear and found it weird to no longer feel the usual thin braid. He smiled at Obi Wan for the first time in months. "I won't fail you master." He said in a whisper.
Obi Wan returned the smile. "Don't fail yourself Anakin." Obi Wan told him. The Jedi knight then rose to his feet and returned the vibro blade back into the small box. Anakin also rose to his feet.
"Now Knight Skywalker we have your first mission." Mace broke the silence.
Anakin and Obi Wan both looked at the Council member in confusion. Anakin quickly composed himself and straightened his posture. "I am ready master."
Yoda glanced at Mace and then at Obi Wan before settling his gaze on the young knight. "Request your assistance the Chancellor has." Yoda explained. "Protection he needs, asked for you specifically he did."
Obi Wan felt a strange feeling rise in his stomach at this, yet he knew it wasn't a strange request. He knew Anakin had a bond with the politician and it wasn't uncommon for a Jedi to provide extra security to a diplomat. He suddenly realized that he couldn't interject his opinion, because he no longer had any say in Anakin's life. He stood silently behind his former apprentice.
"Report to the Chancellor's office immediately Knight Skywalker." Mace commanded.
Anakin bowed and began to exit the room.
"May the Force be with you." Yoda called after him.
Obi Wan watched Anakin leave and then bowed to the Council himself and began to exit the room.
"Knight Kenobi?" Mace called after him. Obi Wan stopped and looked at the council.
"Confer on you the level of Jedi Master the Council does." Yoda told him with a warm smile.
Obi Wan bowed his head. "Thank you masters." He then turned to leave and Yoda called to him.
"Follow me you will." Yoda commanded, hobbling out of the Council chambers. He led Obi Wan to his meditation chambers. The ancient Jedi master then sat on a small round cushion and motioned for Obi Wan to do the same. "How feel you?" Yoda asked his friend.
Obi Wan sighed. "Tired master." He admitted.
Yoda scrunched his eyes and looked at his companion. "Yes tired we all are, dark times we are facing yes." Yoda watched as Obi Wan rubbed the back of his neck with his hands. "Not always had the worries you do now." Yoda told him.
Obi Wan looked up at Yoda. He had come to value his time spent with the Jedi master, especially since the death of his master. "I've grown up master that's all."
"No." Yoda argued. "Worry too much you do, never focus on where you are, what you are doing." Yoda reprimanded him. "Always look to the future you do, always in motion it is."
"But master, I sense such darkness in the future, how can I not worry?" Obi Wan asked.
"Hmmm, sensed that as well I have." Yoda agreed. "Changes are coming, not sure if ready the Jedi are or the code." Obi Wan looked at Yoda and noticed an emotion he'd never seen from the ancient master, fear. "Hmmm, sensed much I have." Yoda stared into space, then turned to Obi Wan after a moment and offered a small smile. "But written in stone it is not." He answered. "Focus on the moment you should, been told that before you have yet remember it you do not."
"I know master." Obi Wan answered. "Is that what you brought me in here for, to remind me of my faults?"
Yoda sighed. "No, remind you of your faults I need not do, remind yourself already enough you do."
Obi Wan shut his eyes. "What would you have me do master?" He asked.
Yoda rose to his feet and placed a clawed hand on Obi Wan's knee. "Listen to the Force, and trust your feelings." He then began to exit the room. "One other thing to do you must Obi Wan." He looked back at Obi Wan who was looking at him intently. "Smile again, plenty of time for worrying there will be." Yoda then hobbled out of the room, chortling.
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Obi Wan was left in the head Council member's meditation room contemplating what had just occurred. He then rose to his feet and quickly exited the room, heading down the hall towards the turbo lift. He dropped down to the sixth floor and headed for the living quarters. He came to the fourth door on the right side and rang the chime.
He was greeted by Siri Tachi who was giving him a curious look. "Obi Wan?" She asked after a moment.
"I have been thinking about what you said, about finding some sort of pleasure in times of despair." He lowered his voice so no one would hear him.
"And?"
"And. . ." He struggled to find the right words to say. "I could really use some sort of pleasure for once in my life." He quickly looked to the ground, then back at her.
Siri eyed the Jedi in curiosity. "You're certain?" She asked.
Obi Wan nodded then shook his head. "No, but I know it is something that I want, and why can't Obi Wan Kenobi be selfish for a change?"
Siri shifted her weight. "Because being selfish is not a part of your character." She reminded him. Obi Wan shrugged and Siri smiled.
"As long as we do not form any sort of attachments we will be fine." He stated. "I think we have the discipline to accomplish that."
Siri opened the door and let Obi Wan enter. He removed his cloak and threw it on the couch and stared at Siri awkwardly. She stared back at him and sighed. "Obi Wan?" She held a tone of voice that was concerned.
He moved towards the window. "I want to Siri, believe me, it's just. . ."
Siri walked up behind him. "I know." She said. "Maybe I can help you decide." She then turned him around and removed her tunic.
Obi Wan as a reflux turned his gaze away from her body. She then turned his eyes back towards her. He stared at her for a moment, and then bent down to kiss her. He then led her to the couch and laid her down, caressing her.
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"So when does Senator Amidala return?" Palpatine turned around in his chair so that he was facing Anakin.
The young Jedi stiffened and watched as the remaining committee members filed out of the Chancellor's office. Once the door was shut he turned to the Chancellor. "How. . .how would I know?" He fumbled with his words.
"Well you are fond of the Senator are you not?" Palpatine smiled as he watched the new knight's reaction. "I figured she would have told you."
Anakin let out his breath in relief. "Oh, yes well she said probably by the end of the week." Anakin informed. "She unfortunately had to return home for some funerals."
Palpatine nodded. "Yes I heard. It's a shame about representative Binks, he was a good man."
Anakin looked down on the ground. "Yes he was."
"And I heard one of her hand maidens was also killed." Palpatine stated, watching Anakin intently.
Anakin nodded. "Yes, one of her best." He swallowed. "Of course, I am glad it wasn't her." He admitted.
"You care for her greatly." Palpatine stated, not questioned.
Anakin tried to hide his emotions. "Well of course I do."
Palpatine nodded, and turned his chair so he was facing his large window. "It is a shame Anakin that so many had to lose their lives in the name of the Republic."
Anakin too turned his gaze out the window, he found himself focusing on the Jedi Temple. "Yes it is." Anakin then let out a sigh.
"What troubles you my boy?" Palpatine asked, never removing his gaze off the view.
"It's just. . .it's just I don't understand." Anakin stated, not sure how to find the right words. "I don't understand how things such as this happen in the galaxy. I mean so much suffering like wars and slavery." Palpatine turned his eyes towards the young Jedi. "The Jedi are powerless it seems. We try so hard to help, but nothing gets done!" Anakin ranted. "And the Senate, they can't make up their minds about anything!" He suddenly found himself feeling a sense of adrenaline as he spoke. He turned towards the Chancellor. "I'm sorry your Excellency, I don't know what I'm talking about." He lowered his gaze.
Palpatine rose to his feet and clapped Anakin on the shoulder. "No my boy, this is exactly the attitude I need to help rebuild the Republic." He smiled as Anakin looked at him curiously. "I need you Anakin, to bring this galaxy into order. I need the most powerful Jedi to be there to ensure the security of my office." Palpatine then grabbed a twisted black cane and began to lead Anakin out of the room. "The Republic is in ruin, there is nothing we can do about that except begin a new. The Senators are nothing more than children who cannot agree on anything, and worst of all the Jedi have even become something of a joke in the galaxy." Palpatine stopped and turned to Anakin. "They should be made to agree Anakin, for the good of the galaxy, and for the good of the Force."
Anakin nodded, then stared at the Chancellor in surprise. "Well who is going to make them agree?"
Palpatine clapped Anakin on the shoulder one more time and led him out of the office. "Come my boy, we have work to do."
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TBC: Ok, don't know when the next one will come, but please stay with me, you can't leave the story now.hahahaha!
Author: ewan's girl
*Author's note: Hey, here's another chapter! I don't know exactly when I'll get another one after this; I'm in the process of moving again. Please review, I am addicted to reviews! Ok these next couple of chapters will have more Obi and Siri so if you like that then you'll be happy and if you don't then you shouldn't be reading.just kidding. Thanks guys.
Chapter 14: (One week later)
Anakin Skywalker sat with his master Obi Wan Kenobi outside the Jedi Council chambers. It had been a difficult week between the two old friends. The tension was unusually high and arguments seemed to happen every time one or the other opened their mouths. They now sat in uncomfortable silence, because both were afraid of speaking to each other so near the heads of the Jedi order.
Anakin had been summoned by the Council. The padawan knew in his heart that something big was about to happen, he wasn't quite sure what. He figured that his master had spoken to the Council about his affair with Senator Amidala, or perhaps Obi Wan had found out what happened with Dooku. Anakin had noticed his master seemed to shift uncomfortably whenever the demise of Dooku was mention.
Anakin closed his eyes and held his head in his hands. He knew he would be expelled from the Jedi; he would let down his mother, Qui Gon, and even Chancellor Palpatine. He suddenly felt ashamed for his behavior and his love for Padme. But in another sense he didn't feel ashamed for anything; he wondered why he should be made to feel ashamed. Suddenly the conversation he had with Dooku returned to his thoughts, he too felt the arrogance of the Jedi, and it frustrated him. He decided then and there that if he were to be expelled then he would make sure the Jedi knew what a mistake they had made. His master coughing interrupted his thoughts; he quickly put mental shields around his emotions.
Obi Wan glanced over at his apprentice, he saw the lanky youth slouched over with his head in his hands; Anakin looked tired, as he always had since his confrontation with Dooku. Obi Wan too was feeling the effects of the past week; actually the thirty seven year old was feeling the effects of the last twelve years. He was tired, and more than ready to have some time to himself. He turned his attention away from Anakin and back to the double doors of the Council chambers. He silently sighed; he was mostly tired from his battle between heart and mind. He knew he should've reported what he had discovered concerning Dooku's death, and his apprentice's secret marriage for the matter, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to do that to Anakin. He leaned back and rested his head on the wall, and closed his eyes.
'Am I doing the right thing?' He asked himself and the Force. 'Should I just let Anakin get away with this?' He stopped for a moment and listened to the Force, but just like all the times he'd sought answers in the past week he sensed nothing. 'What would Qui Gon do?' He thought to himself. 'If it had been me, would he protect me as I do Anakin?'
Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the doors of the Council room opening. Obi Wan tapped Anakin on the shoulder and the two rose from their seats. When the doors opened a figure emerged from within. To Obi Wan's surprise it was Siri Tachi. As Siri exited the room Anakin and Obi Wan bowed to her. She stopped and stared at both of them.
"Don't do that." She commanded them.
Anakin shrugged and Obi Wan looked at Siri with concern. Before he could say anything the Council's aid called for Anakin.
"Padawan Skywalker." She called. "The Council is ready to see you."
Anakin swallowed hard and put up thick mental shields. He then glanced at his master. "Aren't you coming master?" He asked.
Obi Wan shook his head. "They asked for you padawan." He stated. "I have already spoken to them concerning this matter."
Anakin glared at Obi Wan and then turned to the Council chambers. Obi Wan was taken back by Anakin's stare and wondered if he had indeed made the right decision. Once the doors slid shut Obi Wan turned his attention back to his friend who had disappeared.
Obi Wan raced down the hall after her. "Siri, wait!" He called.
Siri stopped and looked at Obi Wan. "Shouldn't you be in there with Anakin?" She asked.
Obi Wan looked back towards the Council room and shook his head. "I nominated him for the trials." He stated.
Siri folded her arms and contemplated this. "You did?" She asked and Obi Wan nodded. "Wow, you think he's really ready?"
Obi Wan shrugged. "He has proven to be capable, and he is very gifted."
"But. . ."
"But he's still very unpredictable." Obi Wan admitted. He looked at Siri. "Do you think I made the right decision?"
Siri put a hand on his arm and sighed. "You must trust in the Force." She said. "And if he is not ready to be on his own then the Council will see that." She then glanced down at the ground.
Obi Wan could sense a strange feeling coming from his friend. "Siri, what is it?" He asked.
Siri looked up at him. "The Council has placed me on probation." She cleared her throat as she talked.
Obi Wan avoided her gaze; he wasn't too surprised by this. "I'm sorry Siri." He offered.
"I don't need your pity Obi Wan." She stated and began to walk away.
Obi Wan grabbed her. "I will admit I'm not surprised by this Siri, but I am sorry. But think of it this way, you started down the dark path and yet you came back. It could've been much worse" He offered her a small smile. "What about Ferus?"
"Another master will finish getting him ready for the trails." Siri explained. "He is very gifted and will have no trouble finding a suitable master."
"Siri."
"Well what else can I do Obi Wan?" She asked, folding her arms across her chest. "He is not ready for the trials and he won't get the proper training with a master that cannot even leave the temple."
Obi Wan nodded and took her into his arms. "I know." He tried to sooth her. "I know what's it's like to be on probation. To have every move you make watched and have whispers behind your back." He placed his hands on either side of her face. "I'm sorry you have to go through it."
Siri placed her hands over his. "I just hope you are better to me than I was to you." She looked down at the ground, and then moved away from him. "But I will not let this bother me; I do deserve this punishment for what I did." She stated, turning her back to Obi Wan. "Of course, I would've thought the weeks I spent in captivity would be punishment enough." She stated under her breath.
Obi Wan came up behind her and placed his arms around her shoulders. He planted a kiss to the top of her head and suddenly was captivated by the fragrance of her. He lowered his nose to her neck and breathed in the sweet, soothing aroma. Siri closed her eyes as she felt his breath on her neck. Without thinking Obi Wan suddenly found himself leaving a trail of small kisses down her neck, he quickly recovered and moved away.
Siri turned and looked at Obi Wan who was shaking his head. "What is it that you want Obi Wan?" She asked, and he couldn't answer. She shook her head again and began to walk away.
Obi Wan stood dumb founded for a moment then raced to catch up to her. "Siri wait." He grabbed her arm and turned her towards him. She cocked an eyebrow, waiting to hear what he had to say. "I'm sorry." He stated, not sure what else to say. He then felt himself leaning in to kiss her again, he stopped, and then his sense of duty kicked in. "I can't." He informed her. "Anakin will be done with the Council shortly and I need to be there when he gets out."
Siri pulled away from his grasp. "Tell Anakin I said congratulations." She said and walked down the hall, leaving Obi Wan to his thoughts.
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"Confer on you the level of Jedi knight the Council does." Yoda exclaimed with a sigh. He knew the Council had made the decision, yet something was still bothering him.
Anakin looked around the room in surprise. "I'm sorry master, what?" He asked.
Mace and Yoda exchanged glances. "You have proven yourself worthy Knight Skywalker." Mace stated.
Anakin was shocked, but tried to hide it from the Council. "What about Master Obi Wan? Does he think I'm ready?"
"Your master nominated you Skywalker." Ki-Adi-Mundi explained. "He believes you are ready as does the Council."
Anakin was taken back. He had prepared himself for possible expulsion and instead had been promoted. He suddenly realized that the Council was staring at him, waiting for him to speak. "Thank you masters." Anakin barely got out, still stunned by the news.
Behind him the doors opened and Obi Wan walked in. The master came to the middle of the room and bowed to the Council; he then looked at Anakin and bowed. "Congratulations Knight Skywalker." He stated with a smile.
Anakin found himself smiling; he couldn't believe he had finally made it. "Thank you Knight Kenobi."
Obi Wan glanced at Mace and Yoda. Mace rose to his feet as did the rest of the Council. "Kneel Knight Skywalker and complete your transition."
Anakin looked around the Council members and obeyed. He kneeled and then glanced up at Obi Wan. He watched as his master walked to Mace and opened a wooden box that was trimmed with gold markings. Obi Wan then pulled out an elegant vibro blade and ignited it. He then walked over to his apprentice and took Anakin's padawan braid in his left hand.
"A Jedi's strength flows through the Force." Obi Wan told Anakin and lowered the vibro blade to the pleated hair. "Peace over anger. Honor over hate." He then cut the braid and it fell into his open hand. "Strength over fear."
Anakin bowed his head once more and then looked into his former master's eyes. He noticed Obi Wan held a mixture of emotions behind his normal Jedi mask. Anakin saw pride and yet sorrow and fear in the older Jedi's blue/grey orbs. Anakin unconsciously placed a hand over his right ear and found it weird to no longer feel the usual thin braid. He smiled at Obi Wan for the first time in months. "I won't fail you master." He said in a whisper.
Obi Wan returned the smile. "Don't fail yourself Anakin." Obi Wan told him. The Jedi knight then rose to his feet and returned the vibro blade back into the small box. Anakin also rose to his feet.
"Now Knight Skywalker we have your first mission." Mace broke the silence.
Anakin and Obi Wan both looked at the Council member in confusion. Anakin quickly composed himself and straightened his posture. "I am ready master."
Yoda glanced at Mace and then at Obi Wan before settling his gaze on the young knight. "Request your assistance the Chancellor has." Yoda explained. "Protection he needs, asked for you specifically he did."
Obi Wan felt a strange feeling rise in his stomach at this, yet he knew it wasn't a strange request. He knew Anakin had a bond with the politician and it wasn't uncommon for a Jedi to provide extra security to a diplomat. He suddenly realized that he couldn't interject his opinion, because he no longer had any say in Anakin's life. He stood silently behind his former apprentice.
"Report to the Chancellor's office immediately Knight Skywalker." Mace commanded.
Anakin bowed and began to exit the room.
"May the Force be with you." Yoda called after him.
Obi Wan watched Anakin leave and then bowed to the Council himself and began to exit the room.
"Knight Kenobi?" Mace called after him. Obi Wan stopped and looked at the council.
"Confer on you the level of Jedi Master the Council does." Yoda told him with a warm smile.
Obi Wan bowed his head. "Thank you masters." He then turned to leave and Yoda called to him.
"Follow me you will." Yoda commanded, hobbling out of the Council chambers. He led Obi Wan to his meditation chambers. The ancient Jedi master then sat on a small round cushion and motioned for Obi Wan to do the same. "How feel you?" Yoda asked his friend.
Obi Wan sighed. "Tired master." He admitted.
Yoda scrunched his eyes and looked at his companion. "Yes tired we all are, dark times we are facing yes." Yoda watched as Obi Wan rubbed the back of his neck with his hands. "Not always had the worries you do now." Yoda told him.
Obi Wan looked up at Yoda. He had come to value his time spent with the Jedi master, especially since the death of his master. "I've grown up master that's all."
"No." Yoda argued. "Worry too much you do, never focus on where you are, what you are doing." Yoda reprimanded him. "Always look to the future you do, always in motion it is."
"But master, I sense such darkness in the future, how can I not worry?" Obi Wan asked.
"Hmmm, sensed that as well I have." Yoda agreed. "Changes are coming, not sure if ready the Jedi are or the code." Obi Wan looked at Yoda and noticed an emotion he'd never seen from the ancient master, fear. "Hmmm, sensed much I have." Yoda stared into space, then turned to Obi Wan after a moment and offered a small smile. "But written in stone it is not." He answered. "Focus on the moment you should, been told that before you have yet remember it you do not."
"I know master." Obi Wan answered. "Is that what you brought me in here for, to remind me of my faults?"
Yoda sighed. "No, remind you of your faults I need not do, remind yourself already enough you do."
Obi Wan shut his eyes. "What would you have me do master?" He asked.
Yoda rose to his feet and placed a clawed hand on Obi Wan's knee. "Listen to the Force, and trust your feelings." He then began to exit the room. "One other thing to do you must Obi Wan." He looked back at Obi Wan who was looking at him intently. "Smile again, plenty of time for worrying there will be." Yoda then hobbled out of the room, chortling.
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Obi Wan was left in the head Council member's meditation room contemplating what had just occurred. He then rose to his feet and quickly exited the room, heading down the hall towards the turbo lift. He dropped down to the sixth floor and headed for the living quarters. He came to the fourth door on the right side and rang the chime.
He was greeted by Siri Tachi who was giving him a curious look. "Obi Wan?" She asked after a moment.
"I have been thinking about what you said, about finding some sort of pleasure in times of despair." He lowered his voice so no one would hear him.
"And?"
"And. . ." He struggled to find the right words to say. "I could really use some sort of pleasure for once in my life." He quickly looked to the ground, then back at her.
Siri eyed the Jedi in curiosity. "You're certain?" She asked.
Obi Wan nodded then shook his head. "No, but I know it is something that I want, and why can't Obi Wan Kenobi be selfish for a change?"
Siri shifted her weight. "Because being selfish is not a part of your character." She reminded him. Obi Wan shrugged and Siri smiled.
"As long as we do not form any sort of attachments we will be fine." He stated. "I think we have the discipline to accomplish that."
Siri opened the door and let Obi Wan enter. He removed his cloak and threw it on the couch and stared at Siri awkwardly. She stared back at him and sighed. "Obi Wan?" She held a tone of voice that was concerned.
He moved towards the window. "I want to Siri, believe me, it's just. . ."
Siri walked up behind him. "I know." She said. "Maybe I can help you decide." She then turned him around and removed her tunic.
Obi Wan as a reflux turned his gaze away from her body. She then turned his eyes back towards her. He stared at her for a moment, and then bent down to kiss her. He then led her to the couch and laid her down, caressing her.
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"So when does Senator Amidala return?" Palpatine turned around in his chair so that he was facing Anakin.
The young Jedi stiffened and watched as the remaining committee members filed out of the Chancellor's office. Once the door was shut he turned to the Chancellor. "How. . .how would I know?" He fumbled with his words.
"Well you are fond of the Senator are you not?" Palpatine smiled as he watched the new knight's reaction. "I figured she would have told you."
Anakin let out his breath in relief. "Oh, yes well she said probably by the end of the week." Anakin informed. "She unfortunately had to return home for some funerals."
Palpatine nodded. "Yes I heard. It's a shame about representative Binks, he was a good man."
Anakin looked down on the ground. "Yes he was."
"And I heard one of her hand maidens was also killed." Palpatine stated, watching Anakin intently.
Anakin nodded. "Yes, one of her best." He swallowed. "Of course, I am glad it wasn't her." He admitted.
"You care for her greatly." Palpatine stated, not questioned.
Anakin tried to hide his emotions. "Well of course I do."
Palpatine nodded, and turned his chair so he was facing his large window. "It is a shame Anakin that so many had to lose their lives in the name of the Republic."
Anakin too turned his gaze out the window, he found himself focusing on the Jedi Temple. "Yes it is." Anakin then let out a sigh.
"What troubles you my boy?" Palpatine asked, never removing his gaze off the view.
"It's just. . .it's just I don't understand." Anakin stated, not sure how to find the right words. "I don't understand how things such as this happen in the galaxy. I mean so much suffering like wars and slavery." Palpatine turned his eyes towards the young Jedi. "The Jedi are powerless it seems. We try so hard to help, but nothing gets done!" Anakin ranted. "And the Senate, they can't make up their minds about anything!" He suddenly found himself feeling a sense of adrenaline as he spoke. He turned towards the Chancellor. "I'm sorry your Excellency, I don't know what I'm talking about." He lowered his gaze.
Palpatine rose to his feet and clapped Anakin on the shoulder. "No my boy, this is exactly the attitude I need to help rebuild the Republic." He smiled as Anakin looked at him curiously. "I need you Anakin, to bring this galaxy into order. I need the most powerful Jedi to be there to ensure the security of my office." Palpatine then grabbed a twisted black cane and began to lead Anakin out of the room. "The Republic is in ruin, there is nothing we can do about that except begin a new. The Senators are nothing more than children who cannot agree on anything, and worst of all the Jedi have even become something of a joke in the galaxy." Palpatine stopped and turned to Anakin. "They should be made to agree Anakin, for the good of the galaxy, and for the good of the Force."
Anakin nodded, then stared at the Chancellor in surprise. "Well who is going to make them agree?"
Palpatine clapped Anakin on the shoulder one more time and led him out of the office. "Come my boy, we have work to do."
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TBC: Ok, don't know when the next one will come, but please stay with me, you can't leave the story now.hahahaha!