Chapter 13

Once again Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice stood before the Jedi Council. They were to be given a new assignment. The war, which some had begun to call the Clone War, had ended the usual diplomatic missions that Jedi were called upon to handle. For the past months the Jedi had been nearly inactive, but now they had plans and were ready to move again.

Obi-Wan was elated to be sent on another mission. He had grown tired of these inactive months on Corusant and longed to be doing something again. He glanced at Anakin as they swiftly moved toward the Council room. His Padawan was not himself lately. Anakin had been moody, silent; Obi-Wan wasn't entirely sure what to make of him. Usually they had a strong bond, but now they were a bit divided. Maybe they just needed some time apart. Obi-Wan made a swift decision as they stood in the center of the room before the wise Jedi Masters.

Yoda stared at the two of them for a moment, then tapped his stick on the ground and spoke, "Master Kenobi, greatly we wish to know if true this rumor of the Dark Lord Sidious is. Also, of these clones and Syfo-Dyas we do too wonder, how came into being this?"

Wise Mace Windu lifted his head, "We must get to the bottom of this mystery. Obi-Wan, we would like you and your apprentice to see what you can find out."

Yoda spoke up again, "Palpatine," if a Jedi Master could be suspected of doing so, one might think that Yoda had spat as he said the name. "Too ambitious he has become. Too much power he has been given. Leads to many questions - hmmm." He frowned and stared at the ground.

Ki-Adi-Mundi finally broke the silence. "You and your Padawan must return to Kamino and see what new information you may find about this so called Sifo-Dyas."

Windu nodded and added, "And whatever else you may find, your mandate allows you to travel anywhere until this mystery is solved. Go with speed and may the Force be with you."

Obviously they were dismissed, and Anakin moved to leave, but Obi-Wan stayed still. Yoda looked at him questioningly. Finally, hesitantly, he spoke. "Masters, my apprentice will not be going with me on this mission."

Everyone looked stunned. Anakin wasn't sure what to think. Mace frowned slightly. "This is most unusual, Obi-Wan."

Yoda harrumphed. "Tell us who goes and who does not? It is not your place, Master Kenobi. Our own council we will keep on who is to go on which mission."

"Begging your pardon, Masters." Obi-Wan quickly tried to cover his blunder. "I meant no disrespect. I don't think it is best for Anakin to go. I think I can best solve this myself. Please, trust me." He looked at them with pleading eyes. They appeared to be considering his request. Anakin was fuming, but kept silent. Finally Windu had made his decision.

"If you think this is best, Obi-Wan, then you must do what you believe is right. Anakin will remain here."

This was just about enough for Anakin, "I won't!" The room grew deadly silent and the Council stared at him, but he didn't back down from their glares or apologize. "I want to go on this mission. I can help you Obi- Wan!"

Obi-Wan had expected this reaction, but he had hoped that Anakin might have waited until they were alone to share his thoughts. Now he appeared to be unable to control his Padawan before the Jedi Council. He spoke calmly, but his heart was racing. "Anakin, this is not the time to bring this up. I don't feel that you can help on this mission."

Anakin snorted. He had turned to face Obi-Wan and his body language made it clear that this was open war. "I can do anything you can do and do it better." He pretended not to notice the shock and concern from the council. "I'm far ahead of you, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan had a deep patience and gentleness, but he found that he had to fight now to keep from being angry. "Anakin, you must trust my judgment. I think it would be best if you stay here for this mission. I may encounter things that you are not prepared for."

Anakin knew this wasn't the truth, but the reasoning behind his master's order he didn't know. All he knew for sure was that he was hurt and angry. How dare Obi-Wan make a fool of him before the council? "I am not a child." He didn't even notice that his hand was on his lightsaber. It was a reflex action. He was almost screaming at Obi-Wan. "I am not a youngling, I am not a member of the Might Bear Clan!!"

Obi-Wan's words were low and soft, but they got their point across. "Perhaps you should be."

Anakin turned fiercely toward the Council. "You see the way he treats me? He's just jealous of me."

Obi-Wan tried to calm his Padawan, "Anakin."

He didn't even hear him. "He's holding me back. He wants to be the Chosen One."

"Anakin."

"I'm a hundred times better than him! I don't even need him!" With that Anakin pulled out and ignited his lightsaber. He had taken a step toward Obi-Wan when it dawned upon him that his blade was being held back by at least a half dozen other humming blades. He hadn't even heard or seen the Council members move. He panted as his anger drained away. Across the row of stern faces and glowing lightsabers, he saw the face of his master and friend. Anakin read the hurt on Obi-Wan's face and was ashamed. What was happening to him? He shut off his lightsaber and hung his head. One of the Council members took the lightsaber from him and handed it to Obi-Wan, then sat down. Anakin was staring at the floor and missed the look that Obi-Wan gave him as he clipped Anakin's saber onto his belt.

Mace Windu and Yoda exchanged worried glances. This was a startling development, but perhaps the boy was just overtired. Yes, that was it. Obi- Wan was wise to have him stay on Corusant When Obi-Wan returned Anakin would be rested and happy. They had nothing to worry about really. Yoda nodded, "With Master Obi-Wan, I agree. Young Anakin will stay on Corusant. Learn to obey his master, he must. No more will we speak of this matter." Again Obi-Wan and his apprentice were dismissed, but this time they thought it wise to leave. As Yoda watched their retreating forms he said one word. "Anger."