Disclaimer: Alas, I cannot be the lucky person named George Lucas to go around the universe proclaiming that I own Star Wars. But if he would ever like to give me Obi-Wan, I'd be more than grateful.

Summary: In an alternate universe where Qui-Gon lives, what else could change…? Obi-Wan tries to deal with feelings of jealousy, Anakin struggles with love, and Qui-Gon begins to doubt the Republic. A look at how the series could've turned out, starting with AotC.

Author's Notes: I've finally gotten every step of this story written down on paper instead of floating around aimlessly in my head, and I must say that I feel quite evil at the moment. Say goodbye to the Star Wars you know in love because I've taken over the galaxy. In fact, you can just call me Emperor Kekelina from now on…

PhantomMenace - Thank you very much. I'm glad you approve.

Still Running - Hope this was what you were waiting for.

DataKenobi05 - Yes, I'm definitely continuing this story. I like the plot too much to quit now!

Lincoln Six Echo - I hope this was soon enough for you. Great pen name, by the way!

Laura-chan - Thanks for the review!

Koriaena - I thought so too. I just couldn't picture Qui-Gon jumping out of a window to chase after a droid. That change will actually play a big part to the AU plot, but now I've said too much...

Nice - I'm trying my best. Unfortunately, my schedule's only getting busier as August goes on.

The Dancing Cavalier - I hope there's enough Obi-Wan-ness in this chapter for you. Thanks for the review!

Jealousy, Love and War

By Kekelina

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Chapter Two: Two Missions, Two Teams

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"There has been another attempt on the Senator's life."

Qui-Gon's even voice rang through the quiet Council room. Anakin stood beside his Master, a passive expression on his face as he watched the Jedi Masters digest this piece of information. Mace Windu sighed and dropped his gaze to the floor while Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded his large head in thought. In fact, Master Yoda was the only person in the room that showed no change of expression. Anakin had to wonder if he had already known about it before Qui-Gon and Anakin walked into the Council room moments earlier.

Qui-Gon continued. "However, the attacker escaped. Whoever is responsible was using a droid to drop lethal kouhuns into the Senator's apartment."

Anakin glanced at his Master as Qui-Gon continued speaking, not paying any attention to what he was saying. He had been there; he knew what had happened. The attacker wouldn't have escaped had Anakin been able to say anything about it. He would've gone after the droid and found out exactly who was trying to murder Senator Amidala. But Qui-Gon had pulled him back before he could've done anything. He hadn't let Anakin sail out the window and grab hold of the droid, letting it take him back to its owner. Anakin was slightly upset by that still, as he was sure that he would've been able to answer some vital questions with that method. Of course, Qui-Gon always seemed to have a good reason for whatever he did. Over the years, Qui-Gon had taught him that there was always a way to solve things without being so rash. Anakin assumed that this was one of those times. As his Padawan, Anakin would respect his judgement, even if he didn't understand it at the moment.

Yoda's meditative "hmm" broke through his thoughts and brought his attention back to the Council. Once again, all eyes were on Qui-Gon and Anakin. Anakin had to struggle not to fidget in discomfort under their intense glaze. Even after ten years, he still got nervous around the Council. He couldn't explain why, but something about being in a room full of the wisest beings in the galaxy made him uncomfortable.

"Safe here it is not for Senator Amidala," the wise, short, and green Jedi Master sitting in front of him said after a moment. He nodded to himself. "Into hiding she must go."

Qui-Gon folded his arms across his chest and looked at the Master inquisitively. "And where will you send her?"

It was not Yoda that answered him, but Mace Windu. "You will escort her to her home planet of Naboo. There she will remain in hiding with you two at her side."

Questions burned in Anakin's throat, longing to be let loose. Would it be safe enough for Padme there? Whoever was trying to attack her obviously knew that she was the Senator of Naboo. Wouldn't they suspect that she would return to her home world? He swallowed the need to speak with great difficulty and kept his eyes on the Council, summoning the Force to help ease his frustration.

"The Senator's safety is your top priority," Mace continued, his eyes fixed on Qui-Gon. "Let us deal with the attacker."

"Started an investigation will be," Master Yoda added.

Mace inclined his head to both Qui-Gon and Anakin. "May the Force be with you."

Their cue to leave, Anakin bowed and followed Qui-Gon silently out of the room, his dark robes flowing behind him. He couldn't tell if his Master was happy or upset by the turn of events, but he did realize that Qui-Gon had been right in his assumption from the night before. The Council was sending the Senator into hiding. But who was leading the investigation of her would-be assassin?

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Stars and planets, how could the Council come up with a mission for him so soon, Obi-Wan wondered to himself as he trekked the long distance between his living quarters and the Jedi Council room. He'd only been home for less than a day, but already he was being called up by the Council to be given a new assignment. It was almost like they wanted him away from the Temple.

He had actually been hoping for a little bit more time to rest. He had had little time to himself since arriving back at the Temple and even less time to meditate. And as if that wasn't enough, several of his friends were pressuring him into taking on a Padawan learner. Obi-Wan shook his head at the thought. That was the last thing he needed at the moment. A Padawan was just something else to busy his life with and he felt his life was busy enough as it was.

He didn't mean to sound frustrated, but sometimes he just felt so out of control of his own life. He was constantly gone on missions, his former Master didn't even seem to care about him and even with the Force's help it still seemed like too much sometimes. For ten years, as more and more responsibility was pushed on his shoulders – as more distressed planets looked to him for help – he had been wondering if he had been pushed into Knighthood too quickly. Had Qui-Gon dismissed the fact that he wasn't ready to be a Jedi Knight simply to get rid of him and take on another apprentice? The Council hadn't believed he was ready at first when Qui-Gon first suggested it. Had they been right? Had he been ready? Was he now?

He tried to shake away these thoughts as he turned the corner and walked into the corridor in front of the Council chambers. He might've been able to, actually, had he not spotted two figures walking out of the chambers - a tall Padawan and an even taller Master. Obi-Wan didn't need a moment to know who they were. They were the ones that had let him down, that had made him feel like street trash. And he was, in a sense. After all, Qui-Gon had basically put him out with the trash when he dumped him (whether he was ready or not) into Jedi Knighthood so that he could train Anakin.

Briefly, he searched the hallway for any means of escape, not wanting to be confronted by the perfect Master-Padawan team, but no doors led off from the hallway. The pair came closer and Obi-Wan could see in their eyes that he had been spotted. This had better be quick, he thought to himself. The sooner I get away from those two, the better.

When the two parties got near each other, Obi-Wan stopped and bowed respectfully to Qui-Gon. No matter what Qui-Gon had done to him ten years ago, Obi-Wan couldn't deny that he had been a good Master and would always have a certain level of respect for him, though it had dwindled down quite low over the years.

"Master," he said briskly, hoping to keep whatever conversation Qui-Gon had been planning short. He used the term 'Master' not as a Padawan to his mentor, but as one Jedi to another.

He gave no recognition to Anakin, who was standing two steps behind and one step to the right of Qui-Gon, the typical place for a Padawan. Anakin, however, bowed to Obi-Wan and greeted him appropriately. Whether Anakin felt the dislike Obi-Wan held for him was a mystery to him, but he had given Qui-Gon's apprentice plenty of opportunity to see it.

"Obi-Wan, it's good to see you again."

"You too, Master."

Tension hung in the air as Qui-Gon tried to start up a conversation with Obi-Wan and failed. While Obi-Wan saw the kindly and slightly hurt look in his former Master's eyes, he didn't let his even gaze falter. With an ironic smile, Obi-Wan realized that he had learned that look from Qui-Gon.

Another tension-filled moment passed, until finally Qui-Gon gave up all attempts to get Obi-Wan to talk and let him pass into the Council room. When he reached the doors, Obi-Wan sighed deeply, letting all his emotions vanish into the Force, knowing it would not be a good idea to go in front of the Jedi Council with such emotions. They were not appropriate of a Jedi, and Obi-Wan was still trying to control them.

The doors opened and Obi-Wan walked into the center of the room, bowing respectfully to the wise beings. He held great respect for them all, and looked up to them, always wondering how they came to be so wise and so powerful. He could only hope that he would someday be as great as they were, but now was not the time for such thoughts. He waited silently for one of the Masters to say something.

"Another mission we have for you, Obi-Wan," Yoda began gravely, a serious expression on his face. Obi-Wan nodded but didn't say anything. It wouldn't be wise to push the Council for answers. They would supply him with everything he needed to know in due time. Patience was key.

Mace looked at him. "We know this is very soon after your last mission, but it is top priority for the Council."

Sensing it was time for him to speak, he folded his arms inside the large sleeves of his robes, pondering how to word his question appropriately. "What is my mission, my Masters?"

"To track down Senator Amidala's would-be assassin, you must."

Obi-Wan's face remained passive, but inside his mind, the wheels were turning quickly. They wanted him to lead an investigation. He inwardly sighed; this wouldn't be simple at all. Investigations were one of the hardest missions that Jedi had to deal with, and from the look on Yoda's face, this one would be just as hard, if not harder.

"Attacked last night the Senator was," Yoda continued, shaking his head in sorrow. "Wants answers she does."

"She's all right?" Obi-Wan asked. Senator Amidala had been his friend ever since the Battle of Naboo, and he was worried about her safety. He had heard rumors about assassination attempts on her life, but he rarely paid attention to the rumors that spread around the Temple, mostly started by bored younglings. It appeared that the ones last night, however, had been true.

"Yes," Mace replied, leaning forward in his seat to get more comfortable. "Qui-Gon and Anakin were able to stop the attack before it took the Senator's life. They are escorting her to Naboo this afternoon where she will remain in hiding." Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully, not saying anything. Mace continued. "Obi-Wan, you must find out who is behind these attacks on the Senator and bring them to justice. Investigate this matter fully. Leave no stone unturned."

"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan," Yoda said, bidding him farewell and good luck.

"May the Force be with you, Masters," Obi-Wan replied, bowing respectfully and then taking his leave.

Once outside the Council room, Obi-Wan sighed, letting his true feelings show. An investigation. Wonderful.

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The Other Author's Notes: Sorry to all who read by bio and thought that this chapter was going to have something else going on. When I was writing it, I realized that what I was originally going to put into this chapter would've made it far too long, so I cut it out and decided to make it a separate chapter. Keep the reviews coming! They really do help me write faster.