Chapter 10
The council chamber was lit only by the Coruscant sun. All the council members were present and watching as the two young Jedi stood before them. The room was filled with an unspoken question.
"Something strange is going on." Anya said.
"What do you mean?" Mace Windu asked.
"Something in the mission changed." Obi-Wan exclaimed.
"How so?" the senior councilor asked.
"At first, it was little things. Nothing too significant. Then on Tatooine, it seemed everything Qui-Gon said, was almost the opposite." the padawan said.
"What about you, Anya?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked.
"I stayed behind to watch over the queen. We both agreed that it was best Obi-Wan went into town." the Knight answered.
"Nothing happened?" another council member asked.
"No. During the night, we were attacked."
A mummer between the members started.
"Do you know who the attacker was?" Mundi asked,
"The Sith warrior, Darth Maul." the young Knight asked.
The murmurs were louder this time. "If I remember correctly, the Sith never attacked during the night." Depa Billaba stated.
"That is true, Master Billaba." Obi-Wan stated.
"More you have." Yoda didn't ask.
"Yes." Obi-Wan said. He braced himself before speaking. "While on Tatooine, we found a boy who is Force-sensitive."
"A vergence?" Yoda asked.
"Anakin Skywalker?" another council member asked.
"A vengeance, no. Anakin, yes." the padawan answered.
"What do you mean?" Windu asked confused.
"How, we don't know. But Anakin's count was average. And his father was another slave. But he was killed trying to reach his family, who was sold and moved off planet." the young man explained.
"Strange this is. Unexpected it is." Yoda said.
"What is Anakin's midi-chlorian count?"
"Nine thousands." Anya said.
The council members looked at each other puzzled. How can the Skywalker boy only have nine thousand? The boy should be the Chosen One. But now, he isn't. Each member remembers what happened before. Qui-Gon was dead set on having Anakin be trained as a Jedi, that he told everyone he would train the boy. A decision Obi-Wan didn't like. Could Obi-Wan and Anya trying to hide that Anakin is the Chosen One? Or were they telling the truth? There was only one way to find out.
"Test the boy we will." Yoda spoke up.
"Bring him before us." said Windu, waving his hand.
Obi-Wan and Anya bowed and left. Once the doors closed behind them, Windu looked down at the little green master on his right.
"Do you think they're lying?"
"The truth, they speak. Worried Obi-Wan is." exclaimed Yoda.
"Why?" Depa asked.
"Afraid Qui-Gon will try to take the boy as his padawan." Mundi answered.
"What if the boy isn't the Chosen One?"
"A different future." Yoda looked at each member in turn. The disturbance Yoda felt was getting stronger. Something terrible was going on.
Sitting in the holographic room, Obi-Wan stared up at the holo star map. Anya stood beside him, reading the information that appeared on the small data screen.
"So, who gets Anakin?" she asked.
"We both go." Obi-Wan said, staring at the planet of Hoth.
"Okay." She noticed there was something troubling him. And knew why. "The only way to know is to ask him."
"I know. I guess I'm a little afraid of what he'll say."
"If you ask me, I don't think Qui-Gon will do it. You learn from mistakes. And I think he learned his."
"You really think so?" Obi-wan asked.
"Of course. Now, lets go get Anakin."
On the trip back from the Senate building, Anakin was trying to see through the air car's windows. Several times Anya had to tell him to sit still. The two Jedi could sense the boy was nervous, a little scared and excited. It almost broke Anya's heart to know in a few short hours, Anakin's hopes and dreams would be crushed because he was too old and full of fear. But will that change also?
The air car left them off on the north-landing pad. The moment the boy stepped onto the landing pad, he was in awe.
"Were do we have to go?" Anakin asked.
"Do you see the tower in the middle?" Obi-Wan asked. The boy nodded his head. "There. On the very top." Anakin had to crane his neck back just to see the top of the tower. "Come on, Ani." the older man said as he and Anya started towards the landing pad doors. The boy had to run to catch up to them.
The moment of truth was now. Now it's up to the council if Anakin will be trained. For some odd reason, Obi-Wan doesn't sense Anakin to be dangerous. Could that mean Anakin really isn't the Chosen One?
He glanced over at Anya as they rode the turbolift up to the council chamber. By the expression on her face, he knew something was wrong. He didn't want to ask just in case it has something to do with Anakin. His heart was telling him it was.
"He won't pass." Anya said as the two of them walked out onto the balcony.
Obi-Wan and Anya presented Anakin to the council. The boy was nervous. Everyone sensed and saw it. Obi-Wan had to explain, again, how he found the boy. By the time they reached the chamber, Anya appeared calm. She didn't give any clues as to if there was a problem. Being dismissed, the two lovers went down to the balcony, to wait.
As they approached the balcony, they saw two robed figures waiting. Qui-Gon and Luke were having a conversation. They stopped when they felt their presence.
"You two look worn out." Qui-Gon said.
"Gee, I wonder why?" Anya said sarcastically.
"Well, how did it go?" Qui-Gon asked more series.
"The same. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't really change anything." the padawan said.
"Tell them about Anakin." Anya said.
"What about him?" Luke asked.
"Anakin's midi-chlorian was only nine thousand. And his father was another slave. He died trying to reach his family. Anakin was only one year old." explained Obi-Wan.
"Are you sure?" Qui-Gon asked. Both Anya and Obi-Wan nod their heads. "Where is he now?"
"He's with the council, being tested."
"Wait a minute, Anakin is here?" Luke asked stunned.
Anya nodded her head. "In the council chamber, as we speak."
Luke brushed his graying hair back with his hands. "I never thought. . ."
"Me neither, dad. Me neither."
Obi-Wan and Anya moved to the railing to watch the evening traffic.
"A ship. . . A cup. . . A speeder."
Mace Windu lowered the view screen and glanced at Yoda. He gave the small creature a slight nod.
"How feel you?" Yoda asked.
"Nervous." Anakin answered.
"Why?" asked the little master.
Anakin hesitated. "Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt I was a Jedi. Now that I'm here, I. . . I'm worried I won't be one."
What? Yoda was a little surprised. The boy was nervous. What his mind was telling him that Anakin should be full of fear. He wasn't the Chosen One. What was going on?
"Your thoughts dwell upon your mother." Ki-Adi-Mundi stated.
"I miss her."
"Worry you are, not seeing her again." replied Yoda.
"Yes, sir." Anakin said softly.
"I sense no fear in you."
Several of the council members shared glances. They knew this wasn't right. The boy should be full of fear. But he's not.
//Should we continue?// Windu asked.
//Changes, this does. Continue, we will.// answered Yoda.
"Anakin, tell us about your life." Windu asked.
The Skywalker boy was puzzled. Surely Obi-Wan told them about his life as a slave. But if they wanted to hear it again, then so be it. "I am. . . was a slave," he corrected himself. "For Watto. He is a small junk dealer in Mos Espa, on Tatooine. My mother and I were sold to him after she lost a podrace for Gardulla the Hutt."
"Who's you father?" Mundi asked.
"I really don't remember him. He died when I was one. The person who owned us sold my mother and I to Gardulla the Hutt. From what I was told, he was killed while trying to escape. He wanted to be with his family." answered Anakin.
"Do you know his name?" Windu asked.
"Deem Skywalker."
"Did you hate being a slave?" Adi Gallia asked.
"I don't understand." Anakin stated, looking at her. "What does being a slave have to do with being a Jedi?"
"Fear and anger can lead to the Dark Side."
What Gallia was trying to say, dawned on Anakin. They were trying to see if he was full of anger and fear. "I didn't like being a slave. And I wish for slavery no longer exists. I. . ." His voice trailed off as he searched his feelings. There was no traises of fear or anger in him. "I don't feel anger or fear towards it."
"Anakin, go wait with Obi-Wan and Anya. We need to discuss this." Windu ordered.
A small lump formed in Anakin's throat. The council was going to discuss this future. Bowing, he left to find Obi-Wan and Anya. As he left, he mentally crossed his figures, praying they will accept him.
Once the door closed behind him, murmurs filled the council chamber. No one didn't know what to say. Anakin's testing was similar but some parts were completely the opposite.
"His father's name was Deem."
"He's not the Chosen One."
"Padawan Kenobi was right. Some how events changed."
"How can this be?"
"Decide, we must." Yoda spoke up.
"Repeat history, we can not." Yaddle spoke for the first time.
"Sense no fear. Only light. Evil he will not be." the senior council member said.
"This is a tough decision." exclaimed Windu.
"Perhaps we should vote." suggested Oppo Rancisis
"Vote, we will." Yoda announced.
Each member cast their vote. As the votes were counted, the more somber the chamber became. In the end, each one agreed.
"His fate has been decided." Windu announced. "Summon Obi-Wan, Anya and Anakin."
* * *
The Coruscant sun had faded behind the horizon an hour earlier. No matter what the day was, the traffic lines were still crowed. The air was cool and there was a slight breeze. The smell of rain hovered in the air. A storm was rolling in.
Leaning against the railing with her arms crossed, Anya watched her father for any reaction. Luke gone white as she told him about Anakin. Luke had known there might be a chance of meeting his father. But he never really thought it would happen.
The two Jedi Masters listened as Obi-Wan and Anya explained what happened. Qui-Gon couldn't believe what he was hearing. The mission went almost exactly the same. Everything except Anakin, not being the Chosen One and the Sith warrior attacking the ship at night.
Neither Obi-Wan nor Anya mentioned Qui-Gon taking Anakin on as his padawan. It would be better if Obi-Wan had his full attention on the mission. Qui-Gon could sense there was something bothering his padawan. But decided to wait until the mission was over to ask. The group didn't noticed when a small boy approached them. Anakin lingered back, hesitating.
"Anakin!" Anya said, surprised to see him.
"You're suppose to be with the council." Obi-Wan added. "What are you doing here?"
"The council told me to wait with you." Anakin replied. "I think they're making their decision."
"Then, we wait." Anya said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Anakin Skywalker, meet Master Qui-Gon Jinn; Obi-Wan's master, and Master Luke; my father."
"Nice to meet you." Anakin said shaking their hands.
Luke glanced at Anya. She gave a small nod. He couldn't believe his eyes. This boy would be his father. It was a shock to see him. And he was even more shocked. She was treating him as if he was an ordinary child.
"How did it go?" Qui-Gon asked, interrupting Luke's thoughts.
"Okay, I guess." Anakin answered. "They asked me about my father and being a slave."
"How odd." Qui-Gon murmured.
Anya's commlink buzzed. "Anya here."
"Knight Skywalker," the voice belonged to Mundi. "We request your, Padawan Kenobi, and young Anakin Skywalker's presences."
"On our way." Anya shut off the link and put the communicator away. "The council is ready."
"Good luck, Anakin." the two masters said.
Placing a hand on Anakin's shoulder, Obi-Wan guided the boy as the three headed back to the council chamber. Qui-Gon and Luke glanced at each other.
"What do you think?" Luke asked.
"My guess, he's too old." Qui-Gon said. "Lets hope that's the reason. And nothing else."
They stopped outside the doors. Obi-Wan and Anya could sense the nervousness coming off of Anakin. The boy didn't know what the decision will be. But the two Jedi knew. The council will reject him because he was too old. Even if they wanted to argue with the council, there was no way either one will train the boy. Obi-Wan was only a padawan learner. Anya already said she won't do it. She doesn't want to take the risk that Anakin will fall to the Dark Side again. She doesn't want the responsibility if it does happen.
"What if I don't get excepted?" Anakin asked.
Anya bent down so she can be at eye level. "We'll think of something. We won't send you back. You're free now."
"Just remember, what ever happens in there, you'll always be a Jedi to us." Obi-Wan said bending down. His smile was sincere.
//Nice touch, love.// Anya said.
//I mean it.//
//I know.// "Come on." his lover said.
Standing, Anya and Obi-Wan each laid a hand on Anakin's shoulders and the three entered the chamber. All twelve of the council was still sitting in their chairs, waiting. Their faces were motionless. The three stopped in the center, bowing.
"Decided, we have." Yoda spoke.
"He will not be trained." Windu announced.
The news didn't surprised Obi-Wan and Anya. They knew. Anakin stood shocked. He couldn't believe his ears. He wasn't going to be a Jedi. His dreams were shattered.
Just remember, what ever happens in there, you'll always be a Jedi to us. Obi-Wan's words ran through his mind.
A small smile creped at the corners of Obi-Wan's mouth. He was glade the boy wouldn't be trained. The feeling scared him. What he was feeling was the same feeling he got before. //What is going on?//
Anya sensed his feelings. An alarm went off inside her head. //I don't know.// Before she knew what she was doing, Anya stepped forward. "No?"
Her actions surprised everyone in the chamber. Especially Obi-Wan. The two of them made a decision about this. Neither one wasn't going to argue with the council. So, what was she doing?
"He is too old. Dangerous his training will be. Tempted by the Dark Side he can. Too big a risk." Yoda stated.
Obi-Wan touched her mind and found no anger. She knew the council's decision and accepted it. Then why was she questioning the decision?
"Is there any way he can still be trained? Just enough to control the Force?" Anya asked.
//What are you doing?// Obi-Wan asked.
//I don't know. My instincts are telling me argue. I'm not doing it.//
"There is too much of a risk." Windu said. The tone of his voice left no room for argument.
"Yes, master." Anya said bowing. //Why do I feel like arguing?//
//I don't know, love. We'll figure it out later.//
"We don't have time for this now. Queen Amidala is returning to Naboo. Go with her. Draw out the Sith." Windu said. Anya went to say something when Windu held up his hand. "We know."
"What of Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked. "I promised his mother I would watch out for him."
"A padawan you still are. A tough road ahead. The Trails you'll be taking soon. Full concentration you must have." Yoda exclaimed. "His charge, you are, Anya. Help watch him you can, padawan."
Both Anya and Obi-Wan bowed their heads. Anakin stared up at each one. He couldn't figure out why they weren't arguing with the council. They could train him.
"Padawan Kenobi; Knight Skywalker, stay focuses on the here and now." said Mundi.
Skywalker? Anakin looked back up at Anya, confused. How could Anya and him have the same last name? Could they related?
"May the Force be with you." Yoda said, dismissing them.
The three bowed and left the chamber. Windu glanced down at Yoda.
"I sensed a disturbance." Yoda said.
"What do you mean, Yoda?" Windu asked.
"Know, I do not. Puzzled the boy is. Mistake using her last name." the senior councilor said.
"The boy will fine out eventually. Might as well learn it now."
"Know the disturbance location?" Yaddle asked the other of her species.
"Obi-Wan and Anya."
Qui-Gon and Luke were still waiting on the balcony. The two masters were sharing storied about Yoda's training methods. Yoda didn't hide the fact that he trained Qui-Gon and Luke. The little master took pride in what Luke had accomplished. He had singled hardly brought back the Jedi from near extinction and reestablished the Jedi Council.
The two sensed the other's approached and saw the defeated expression on Anakin's face. They knew the boy won't be trained.
"Not good." Luke said.
"I'm too old." Anakin said. "I'm nine years old. How old do you have to be to learn?"
Qui-Gon bent down so he was able to speak to the boy. "When we are chosen to learn the ways of the Force, it's at an early age. The youngest age is six months. Obi-Wan was six months when he came. I came when I was a year old."
"What about Anya and Master Luke?"
"I was eighteen months and Anya before she was even born." Luke said.
Qui-Gon, Anya and Obi-Wan knew the truth. Luke began his training at the age of eighteen years, not eighteen months.
Anakin stared back at Anya. "If you weren't born yet, then how did they know you were going to be a Jedi?"
"Anakin, look who's my father." she said waving at Luke. "Need I say more?"
"Don't you have to be born first to be tested?" the boy wanted to understand.
"We were able to sense Anya's Force signature. That's how we knew she was going to be a powerful Jedi." Luke said putting it into simple terms.
"This is too confusing." the boy said.
"You'll understand in time." Qui-Gon said standing up.
"Where do I go? Since I'm not going to be a Jedi? Do I stay here or will I be sent away?" the boy asked.
"What did the council say about it?" the father asked.
"I promised Shmi I would watch out for him. But the council put him under Anya's charge." the padawan stated.
Luke gave his daughter a shock glance. He couldn't believe the council would put Anya in charge of Anakin.
//Hey, it wasn't my idea, dad.// she sent to her father.
"Since I'm still a padawan, my concentration should be on the trails."
"I agree." Qui-Gon said.
"Anya, what will happen to me?" Anakin asked her. The boy was starting to get worried.
Anya felt sympathy towards her grandfather. Just three days ago, he was freed and had hopes of becoming a Jedi. And now, his dreams of being a Jedi Knight were dashed and had no place to go. "Until we can figure things out, you'll be staying with me. After the mission is over, we'll see what we can do about freeing your mom, okay?"
A smile appeared on Anakin's face. "do you think we can free her?"
"We'll try." Qui-Gon added.
"We must be going." Obi-Wan mentioned. He didn't have to explain. They already knew.
Anya bent down to face Anakin. "You have a choice. The queen is returning to Naboo. It could be dangerous. We'll probably be going to battle. And a battlefield is no place for a kid. You can stay here with Qui-Gon and Luke or come with us. We must warn you, it could be dangerous, Anakin."
"I want to help."
"I know you want to help. You are a brave boy, Ani. It's just we don't want you to get hurt." she said in a protective way.
Luke was surprised by how well Anya was handling Anakin. She would make a wonderful mother someday. He glanced over at Obi-Wan and thought the same thing. The young man would make a wonderful faster.
"I'm not afraid." Anakin said.
It felt like Luke's heart stopped. He had said that exact thing when he began training with Yoda. And not that long, ago, Anya said the same thing after her rescue from the Borlongs. It must be a Skywalker thing.
"Going into battle isn't something to take lightly." Obi-Wan said.
"I want to help. If I help, maybe the council will see I can learn." Anakin pointed up. Anya glanced up at her father then at Obi-Wan. "I want to do this. Obi-Wan freed me from Watto. I want to repay my thanks."
They all saw the sincere in his eyes. The boy wanted to help. Qui-Gon glanced over at his padawan.
//This is not the same boy the council refused to be trained. This Anakin is pure light.// Qui-Gon said.
//What is going on?// the padawan asked. //We must go, Anya.//
"Now, you sure?" she asked.
"Let's go." Anakin said with a smile.
Anya stood up. "Our transport should still be on the landing pad."
"Be careful." Luke said.
With a nod of their heads, the three walked away.
The queen's ship waited on the landing pad. Some of the pilots and guards were busy getting the ship ready for flight. Jar Jar, Anakin and Artoo were still on the landing pad, playing. Obi-Wan and Anya headed down the boarding ramp, deep in conversation. Anakin watched the two closely as they approached. He couldn't hear what they were talking about.
"Talk to him when we get back." Anya was saying.
"What if he is planning too?"
"That's why you should talk to him before he speaks to the council. Like I said, I strongly don't think Qui-Gon will ask to train Anakin. Lets get through this mission first and then worry about it." explained Anya.
Anakin hesitated before speaking. He may not be trained as a Jedi, but he knew something was bothering Obi-Wan. And that something was him.
"Obi-Wan, sir. I don't want to be a problem."
"What? A problem? Where did you get that idea at?" Obi-Wan asked bending down.
The two Jedi glanced at each other. "There is nothing wrong."
"Then why are you worried that Master Qui-Gon will taken me as his padawan?"
"It's difficult to explain." Obi-Wan started to say.
"To put it in simple terms," Anya bent down beside her lover. "Obi-Wan had a dream where his master abandoned him to train you."
"If it was just a dream, then why are you worried?"
"Sometimes, Jedi have visions, of the future. We see a glimpse of what is going to happen. Other times, it's just a regular dream. That's what is bothering me. I can't tell if it's a dream or a vision." Obi-Wan finished.
"What if it does come true?" asked Anakin.
"We just have to see." Obi-Wan could see there was something else bothering him. "Ani, is there something else bothering you?"
Anakin looked at Anya. "In the council room, they called you Skywalker."
"Yes, they did. That's because my name is Anya Skywalker."
"How come you have the same name as me?"
The two glanced at each other. She was wondering how long it was going to take her grandfather to ask. "I don't know." Behind them, the shuttle for the queen arrived. "We'll talk about this later."
Anya and Obi-Wan stood and went over to meet the queen. Anakin followed. He was still confused why Anya and him have the same name.
"Your highness." The two Jedi bowed when the queen stepped off the shuttle. "It is our honor to continue to serve you."
"Senator Palpatine thinks the Federation is trying to destroy me." Amidala said as the group started towards the ship.
Anya wondered for a second if it was the real queen or her bodyguard. "We will not let that happen." Anya said.
Once everyone was on board, the ship rosed up into the night air and speed off towards the astrosphere.
Qui-Gon stood outside the door to his formal master's apartment. He had just returned from a morning of excuse when he received a message from Yoda. The accent master wished to speak to him. Wondering what it could be, he showered and went over. His raised his hand to ring the door chime when the door slid open. Yoda stood before him. The little master knew Qui-Gon was there. It didn't surprised him. He was use to it.
"My master, you wanted to see me."
"Come. Talk we must."
Yoda turned and went back inside. The door closed behind Qui-Gon. The quarters were still the same as he remembered. Yoda sat in the small chair that sat across the only regular size chair. It's been a long time since he was here. His formal master always kept a regular chair for when he has guess.
The older master folded his hands on top of his cane as Qui-Gon sat down.
"Is there something wrong?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Know the truth you should."
"The truth?"
"Save you, she has. Risking own life for you. Changing history, she is."
What was he talking about? Saving me? Like a Force blow what Yoda was getting at, hit him. Dread and fear filled the bottom of his stomach.
"Anya stopped me from going. She knew I would die. Why? She's changing history." said Qui-Gon.
"Yes. Stubborn you are. Gone would you have known?"
"Yes." What Qui-Gon just said made him realized. Anya knew by doing this, history will change. But it already has changed. She didn't want him going because of Anakin. Maybe with him here, the boy won't turn to the Dark Side. But how did she convince the council.
"Told us she did. Agreed we did."
Another thought accord to him. A stab of fear and horror exploded his head. If things remand the same, then someone was going to die in the melting pit. "If things remain the same, either Obi-Wan or Anya is going to die. We must stop them."
"Take three days to reach them. Too late it is." Yoda said.
"We must leave at once. Maybe we can still stop her!"
"Worried you are. For both your padawan and his love. Worry we all are."
"Does Luke know?"
"Know he does not."
Qui-Gon pulled his commlink out and keyed for Luke.
"Skywalker here."
"It's Qui-Gon. Where are you?"
"On the Relic. Artoo and I are trying to down load some files. Is something wrong?"
"I just learned what Anya was planning. Come to Master Yoda's quarters."
"On my way."
Qui-Gon shut off the link and turned to Yoda. "He's not going to happy."
* * *
"What?"
The Jedi Master arrived a few minutes later. He wasn't into the room when Qui-Gon told him of Anya's plans. Luke was bewildered. Part of him was angry with her. But the other part was proud. Risking her own life to save another.
"She's going to be the death of me yet." Luke said joining them.
"Stubborn." Qui-Gon added.
"Stubborn, the Skywalker line is." Yoda said gazing up at them.
"Is it me or is all of Master Yoda's padawans are stubborn and headstrong and so are their padawans?" A half grin appeared on Luke's face.
"It seems that way." Qui-Gon said trying to hide the grin that was threatening to appear.
Yoda whacked both Qui-Gon and Luke across the shins with his walking cane.
"Taken after you two, they have. Perfect for each other, they are." their master said.
Luke's face turned series again. "We can't stop them."
"They're half way there now. And even if we can, we still can't contact them in fear the droid army will find out." answered the other padawan.
"We just wait until one of them dies?" He was shocked. His little girl might die while saving Qui-Gon and he couldn't do a thing. Again, he was helpless to save her. Just like when the Borlongs captured and tortured her until near death. Luke turned away from them and stepped over to the window. His mind was mixed with emotions.
"Luke, you all right?"
"Worried, you are."
"Yes, master." He was quite for a few more seconds. "Worried about Anya."
"She's brave. And she knows how to take care of herself. She's a Jedi. And a Skywalker."
"I know," he said half turning. "That's not what I'm worried about. It's the Sith."
"Ready, we must be. Defeat Palpatine at all cost."
