Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars and am making no money

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The senate special session had already begun when Yoda joined Obi-wan in one of the viewing alcoves. "Inside you are not?"

With a quick glance at the senior Jedi Master Obi-wan shook his head. "I have been talking politics most of the night. How is-"

"Resting, Young Skywalker is. Others discuss in council we will."

Before Obi-wan could protest, the holo-recording of the confrontation with Palpatine came on. Both Jedi were riveted to Palpatine's confrontation with Mace and the other Jedi. Unable to turn away from the recording and audio replay Obi-wan leaned into the Force, releasing his anger and sorrow. If not for the video recording, the audio recording would have doomed the Jedi. Palpatine had been a consummate manipulator. Closing his eyes, he centered himself, allowing the Force to alleviate his exhaustion and remaining aches from his confrontation with the would-be emperor. He was a long way from being able to rest. Cheers pulled him back to the here and now and he reopened his eyes.

"Chancellor, Amidala has just become," Yoda informed him, not looking away from the senate chamber.

Taking a deep breath to settle herself Padme stepped to the center of the platform. Now for the hard part. Her eyes scanned the crowd until they settled on Obi-wan and Yoda, just above the Alderaan box. Perfect. "I thank you for your trust in me. We have a lot of work to do, perhaps more than I, alone, can handle." She waited for the first wave of talk to die down before continuing. "I would like you to vote Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi as my co-chancellor."

"Why not have open nominations?" Mon Mothma's voice carried over the resulting voice carried over the resulting furor.

"In the future, if the senate decides to maintain the idea of co-chancellors, that will be the only fair way. For the moment, we have changes that need to be started immediately. We all know the separatists arguments against the Republic are not unfounded. I want to begin rebuilding the Republic back to what it once was immediately. General Kenobi is one of the most trusted members of the Jedi Order. He personally defeated General Grievous. His mission success is the highest of any involved in this war. Most important: he has proven that the good of the Republic is his first priority. As we all just saw, he was willing to trade his life for the Republic. I-we-need his clear headed, calm, objective presence."

The cheers started with Bail, Garm, and Mon Mothma and quickly spread to the two thousand and from them to most of the rest of the senate. Bail, Garm, and Mon were watching and cataloguing their fellow senator's reactions Padme looked up at Obi-wan. His were locked on her as Yoda talked to him. Not breaking eye contact she listened as Mas Amedda called for a vote. A part of her mind acknowledged that she would have to replace most of Palpatine's staff, but most of her attention was on Obi-wan. He was non-committal. For a moment, her eyes drifted to Yoda's as the senate loudly approved Obi-wan's appointment. The ancient Jedi Master gave her a respectful nod before returning his attention the Jedi beside him.

"Master Kenobi, do you accept this position?"

Bail moved his pod to hover in front of the two Jedi. "Master Kenobi?" The Alderaanian senator asked.

Unable to believe he was actually in this position Obi-wan stepped into the pod, ignoring Yoda's sharp prod to his ankle with his gimer stick. The ancient Jedi seemed to think this was a good idea. Obi-wan did not agree. He disliked politics and most politicians, he sure as force did not want to be one. However, he could not deny the Republic needed change, nor could he ignore Padme's silent plea for help and support. When the pod reached the Chancellor's podium, he stepped lightly up to the edge of the pod, leaning slightly into the force and into the podium. Padme gave him a weak half smile. Dropping his arm, he squeezed her hand in silent and hidden reassurance; neither could afford to look, in any way, weak. "I accept. However I do request a recess as Chancellor Amidala and I need a chance to review the special orders currently in place and those partially implemented"

The senators began to roar about changes that they wanted made.

"We will adjourn and resume in two days at the normal time," Padme's voice cut through the din. She did not wait for silence before continuing. "Questions and concerns can be addressed to my senate office until further notice." She lowered the podium before anyone could protest. Once in the Chancellor's anteroom she found herself unable to face Obi-wan. While she knew it was the right thing to do, it was not fair the way she had tricked him into accepting the position. The Jedi Master would never put his own desires above the good of the Republic. "I'm sorry."

Obi-wan stepped out of the podium and extended a hand to assist her. "I understand. I just wish you had warned me ahead of time."

Now she did look up at him with a sheepish half smile. "If I had you would have found a way out of it. I cannot do this alone. I need someone I trust to help me untangle this mess and to keep me from becoming what has just been defeated."

"I'm here. But a politician?"

Seeing the smile in his eyes and reveling in the wry humor in his voice a weight lifted from Padme's shoulders. "Come on," she teased back. "It will be good for you."

He raised an eyebrow but before he could answer Bail, Garm, Mon, and Yoda entered. "It would be better if you did not go through any of Palpatine's cabinets or computer until I, or another Jedi, can be here," Obi-wan turned back to the business at hand.

"You think he left traps?" Bail asked.

Obi-wan shook his head. "He was brilliant. I have no idea what he might have done."

Padme nodded. "We will wait."

"I'll be back after the council meeting," he promised as he started for the door.

For a moment, Padme was stood still watching her husband's best friend leave. "Obi-wan, wait a moment."

The Jedi stopped at the door Yoda had already exited through.

Giving her fellow senators a quick glance Padme moved to join him, glancing out to see that Yoda had stopped just down the hall. However, none was in immediate earshot. "Tell Anakin," she faltered, swallowing hard, unable to meet Obi-wan's eyes as her heart broke even more. "Tell Anakin," she started again, forcing her voice to remain strong. "I will accept whatever decisions he has to make." She swallowed again, making herself meet the Jedi's concerned eyes. "I want to help him, Obi-wan. If that means letting him go," her eyes closed in pain. "That is what I will do."

"Padme-"

Without thinking, Padme backed away from the sympathetic voice and offer. She was barely holding herself together as it was. "We will wait for your return," she signaled to the office and hurriedly finished backing away, fleeing back to the cold comfort of duty.

Releasing his sympathetic sorrow to the Force Obi-wan moved to catch up with Yoda. "When does the council meet?" he asked, knowing the diminutive master would not say anything until then. To his chagrin, Obi-wan found that he did not mind. He did not want to face the losses he knew the Jedi had sustained. He could feel the gaping holes in the Force, more pronounced than ever before since his strong joining with the Force only a short time ago and how much he was still leaning on it to keep him on his feet. Acknowledging the cowardice to himself, he moved beyond it. First, he had to deal with Anakin. When he reached through the newly re-opened training bond, he felt the sorrow and guilt overwhelming the young Jedi. However, the darkness that had been swirling around his former padawan was all but gone. While he knew Anakin's battle was far from over, he also realized he had to convince the young man how good a start he had made.

"At the fifth hour. Give you enough time to see to young Skywalker it does. Hurting he is."

Obi-wan nodded as he guided the speeder back to the temple. Echoes of fear and death filled him as he parked. Through his newly strengthened tie to the force, he saw images of the battle. He froze, reaching out blindly to balance himself. "They should not have been able to enter the temple."

He felt Yoda reach out to steady him until the Force visions faded. "Many questions to be answered there still are."

Slowly regaining his equilibrium Obi-wan nodded. "Let's get started.

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Only with the greatest of efforts did Anakin stop himself from pacing the confines of Obi-wan's quarters. He was still not sure what had drawn him to him here. Maybe because these were the rooms he had grown up in, where he had perhaps known the most peace. After he had been, knighted Obi-wan had not been moved to single quarters as was usual. Maybe because the clone wars had already begun and the rooms were not needed or perhaps the council had hoped his master would take another padawan. It was a difficult balance for the Jedi. Experienced masters and knights were needed in the field but the younglings needed to be trained as well. Moreover, there were easy missions they needed to begin with. Not for the first Anakin wondered why Obi-wan had not taken another trainee. His master had been a good teacher. Despite his disagreements and feelings of being held back Anakin knew Obi-wan had only had his best interests at heart. Only now was he beginning to understand the most basic message Obi-wan had tried to impart. Fear of his power was not what kept him from his mastery: it was his own lack of control that caused that. Now, he feared, it was too late. He had gone too far, pushed past too many barriers. Now he truly understood what he had nearly thrown away. Himself.

Why had he been such an arrogant fool? Help had been there, all he had to do was accept it. Last night Obi-wan had proven that he would give his life to protect his former padawan. In what would have been his last moments his master spent his little remaining life force on settling and focusing his confused padawan rather than easing his own passage. Flashes of a diverted future began enveloping him. Padme dead. The order gone: destroyed by him. His murder of an older, careworn Obi-wan. Darkness filling him and the universe. Shuddering he shoved those thoughts away and closed his eyes, extending his senses desperately to the room around him. His master's calming presence flowed over and through him. Some of that ease slipped within him. This was why he had come here he finally realized. His rooms carried cold and confusion. Obi-wan's rooms were peaceful and home. Something he had never been able to accept before. To him home had always been with his mother. Even Padme's apartment had never been home, it had always been his wife's place.

Wearily he leaned his head against the window, staring out at the ever-moving traffic pattern. He needed rest, but was scared to let go of all control. It was easier to handle these painful revelations while he had some control. There would be no controlling his dreams.

"Lack of rest and proper care of yourself aided in your near fall."

Anakin whirled at the voice behind him. He had been so deep in thought he had not heard Obi-wan's entrance. "Master," he inclined his head respectfully. While Obi0wan had given him use of his name only a short time ago, he no longer felt it was right to use it. He was far from Obi-wan's equal. Anakin may be more powerful, but that was not where a Jedi's true strength lay. "I-"

Stepping forward Obi-wan laid a hand on his shoulder. "You have to go on from here. Accept what has happened and move beyond it."

Unable to meet his master's gaze Anakin replied. "I do not know how. I have never given up my deepest doubts and innermost secrets."

Obi-wan tilted his chin up so their eyes could meet. "There in lays one of your biggest problems. You can and do release your emotions into the force, but you hold tight to your deepest fears. That weakens you."

Blindly Anakin pulled away, staggering over to the couch. "I am afraid I will lose myself. I will prove to myself and everyone else that I am truly Dark at my core."

"But you have proven you are not Dark," gentle voice radiating waves of calm and reassurance Obi-wan joined him on the couch. 'Tempted, yes, but in the end you resisted. We all can be tempted, it is our response to that temptation that defines who and what we are." Lightly he laid his hand again on Anakin's shoulder. "Today you did choose which side you are on."

"The Dark still calls to me," Anakin protested in barely a whisper. "The emotions are still swirling through me. I am afraid to hold them and afraid to release them. I was almost lost. If you had not arrived I would have Turned." Another shudder ripped through him and he barely stopped himself from shaking. He had been so close to being lost, so close.

For a few moments Obi-wan was silent, searching for the right words. "We can not change the past, only look to the future." He was silent for another moment. "Padme sent her best wishes." Anakin stiffened under his hand, almost pulling away. "She loves you and wants only the best. She said whatever you choose to do she will support you."

"Master, I-" Anakin stopped, at a loss. How to go on? How did he tell his best friend he had been lying to him for more than four years.

"I know." To Anakin's surprise the comforting hand did not move from his shoulder nor did the gently waves of love and reassurance emanating from his master even hesitate. "I have always known how much you care about each other, I chose not to know any more. You two were happier with each other than anywhere else. Tonight Padme told me about the marriage and the pregnancy."

Once again, Anakin felt shame and sorrow all but overwhelm him. How could he expect the Jedi to forgive him? To help him? No, they would help him, it was the Jedi way, but how could they ever accept him back into their ranks? And this was where he needed to be.

Obi-wan's hand on his shoulder tightened, refusing to let him go when he tried to pull away. "Anakin." His voice was a master's, demanding attention and obedience. "The past is over. There is nothing we can do to change it, all we can do is try to be better in the future. You will always have a home with us. And no matter what you choose I will always be available to help you even if it is just too simply be your friend." With a quick glance at the clock he reluctantly rose. "The council meeting is about to begin."

Head down Anakin nodded. "I will wait here to be summoned. I did not earn the council seat. Now I understand the reluctance."

Obi-wan only nodded in reply. "I will stop by after the session, but then I will be needed at the senate."

Head still bowed Anakin nodded again. "I will help in any way I can."

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Pausing outside the council door Obi-wan took a moment to collect himself. The tiredness was now pulling at him, but that was not what was slowing his steps. Once he walked through those doors he would find out exactly how extensive was the tragedy that had befallen the Jedi. He could still feel the screams within the Force as so many Force sensitives rejoined it at the same time. It had hurt worse than Palpatine's lightening attacks. Closing his eyes, he settled himself within the Force and entered the chamber. Only two people were present: Yoda and, Obi-wan felt a shock move through him, Mace Windu was seated next to the ancient Jedi master. The Koran master was leaning wearily back in his chair with his right arm, metal now, resting in his lap. "Mace," he gasped aloud. Thinking back to that almost mindless trip through Coruscant's atmosphere. Deep in the Force he thought he sensed Mace's weakened presence. He had done- something. "I thought-"

"A speeder was diverted. The driver was quite surprised when I landed in his backseat." His sharp gaze moved to Obi-wan. "Do you know anything about that?"

Obi-wan slowly sank into his own chair, aware that Eeth Koth had appeared on holo. "I-" he hesitated, trying desperately to place specific memories of that journey from Uta Pua. There were few. "I-sensed-a Jedi was falling. The Force reached out." He shook his head, glancing at Yoda. "There are no clear memories."

Yoda slowly nodded. "Tell us what you do know."

Once again taking a moment to center himself Obi-wan leaned back in his chair, fading back into his memories and the Force. "I had just defeated General Grievous when I received an emergency transmission from Padme." Aware of the wave of surprise from the other councilors at the admission, he chose to ignore their reactions, for now. "When I tried to reach Anakin through the remnants of our training bond I sensed confusion and darkness before I was all but cut off. I reached deeper into the Force, releasing everything I was."

"How did you get here so fast?" Mace asked. "You got back hours before you should have."

"I," he hesitated again, "am not sure. I had turned control of my ship over to my R4 unit and sunk deep into the Force." His gaze drifted to the window. "I followed my tie with Anakin. I am not sure how I got through Coruscant aerospace so fast. I remember jumping to hyperspace, then nothing clear until entering the Chancellor's office except a falling Force signature and a brief flick of the Force." He trailed off, opening eyes he had not realized he had closed. "I followed my love for Anakin until Darkness overwhelmed all."

"What of the battle with the Sith?" Koth asked.

"Darkness. I had given myself to the Force. I remember little of the battle. Only that I had to stop the Darkness from spreading." He glanced at the other councilors. "I was too deep in the Force and in trying to survive long enough to defeat Palpatine to notice details."

Mace nodded. "We need to speak with Skywalker. Where is he?" The councilor's voice was tight with suppressed emotion.

Yoda's eyes snapped to him. "Deal, you must."

The Koran councilor ducked his head in acknowledgement.

With effort Obi-wan managed to pull himself back into the present. "We need to discuss where to go from here. The Jedi have to grow and change if we want to survive."

Before Koth or Mace could protest Yoda nodded. "Right he is. Grown and changed the Sith had, stagnated had we." His gaze moved to Obi-wan. "Survived through love the Jedi did."

Obi-wan nodded. "After I released all my attachments and feelings to the Force my bond of love led me to Anakin. If it had not been for the bond of friendship and trust between Padme and myself I would not have been alerted in time. Chances are the Jedi order would have destroyed. There would have been no one to stop Order 66." His gaze moved to Yoda. "What were our losses?"

"60 of our Jedi in the field," Yoda answered. "Those not directly in command of clone troops almost all survived. The only council survivors are we." His gaze moved to Obi-wan.

"Anakin does not feel he has the right. He was Palpatine's representatives and came to close to Turning to accept a position leading the Jedi."

Mace visibly clenched his replacement hand.

"Help, young Skywalker needs," Yoda announced. "Help, young Skywalker we will give."

Eyes tight Mace nodded once. "What changes do we need to make?"

Still absorbing the shock of how many Jedi had been lost Obi-wan allowed his gaze to focus on the outside traffic patterns. Around him he was peripherally aware of the council's talks about changes that should be made. The ideas were still too conservative, but Obi-wan felt it was not yet the time to mention some of the more radical changes that were going to be necessary. A holo-vid speeder flew by. Holo-vid. Knowledge washing over him Obi-wan straightened. They had made no more than a brief announcement early this morning about Palpatine's death. They had made no official announcement of Padme and his co-chancellorship or the steps that had been taken to safeguard the Republic. Force, he could not believe he had forgotten or that Padme had. The senate's special session had been out for several hours. There was no way none of the senators or their aids had spoken to the holo-net crews. Before his thoughts could go any further his com-link beeped. He glanced at the other Jedi. "Excuse me." He moved toward the doors, unsurprised to hear Padme's voice. "We have set up a holo-net interview in an hour, can you be here?"

"I will leave momentarily," he replied. Shutting off the com-link he returned his attention to the remaining members of the Jedi Council. "If you will forgive me, I am needed at the senate. We must make the official announcement of the facts of Palpatine's death."

Mace looked up at him in surprise. "That is not your responsibility. While I agree it would be good to have a Jedi presence it is an announcement best left to the new chancellor."

"New chancellor, Master Kenobi is," Yoda interrupted. "Co-chancellor with Padme Amidala is he. More involved the Jedi will become." His words left no room for argument. Mace and Koth Nodded as Obi-wan strode out the door.

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Muttering to herself Padme paced around her office. Bail, Mon Mothma, and Garm had gone to do damage control. She could not believe she had given no more than a brief statement about Palpatine's death to the holo-net crews. She knew better than that. This was not a good beginning to her term as Chancellor. Stopping at her desk she skimmed through her hand written notes. This interview was going to be much more unscripted than she was used to or preferred. The majority of her conferences had been scripted or at least well planned far in advance. In response to her agitation her baby began kicking. Slowly sinking down in her chair Padme gently ran a hand along her stomach, gently soothing. In the chaos of the last several hours her pregnancy had been pushed back to a forgotten corner of her mind. How was she going to manage this? A child, chancellorship, the loss of Anakin. Anakin. Sorrow and fear overwhelming her she wrapped her arms around herself, closing her eyes as sobs over took her. So lost was she in her uncontrollable emotions that she did not notice a lone figure entering her office and moving quickly to her. She could do little more than cling to the strong arms and sob into the offered shoulder, allowing her pain and agony to flow out of her and into her willing comforter. "I am sorry," she whispered to her husband's mentor sometime later when she was finally able to stop weeping. "I do not usually lose control like that."

"If you did not feel anything you would not be a compassionate being," Obi-wan's gentle voice reassured her, not releasing her from his gentle embrace.

With effort Padme pulled herself together and looked up at the Jedi. He had taken the time to shower and change. Gone was the soot smeared and burnt clothes and the bedraggled, weary look. In its place was a fully in control Jedi Master. But Padme looked beyond the surface appearance, recalling the moment of weakness she had been allowed to glimpse just after Palpatine was defeated. "What about you?"

His smile was self-depreciating. "I don't know. I am fine for the moment."

"For the moment?" she repeated, moving to the mirror to check her hair. She had taken the time to change as well. She was known for being impeccably groomed and now was not the time to allow that perception to fade.

Smile fading Obi-wan walked up behind her, meeting her eyes in the mirror as he adjusted her collar. "I will be fine until I have time to meditate."

Eyes holding his in the mirror she saw the sorrow buried deep within him, unnoticeable if she had not known what to look for. Turning she gripped his arms, refusing to release his eyes. "How many?"

He did not pretend to misunderstand her. "60 of our Jedi in the field, only twenty-two at the temple, most of our outer defenses held. Only four councilors are left. It is going to take years to rebuild. We are not going to have masters enough to train the younglings." With a sad smile he pulled her close for a quick hug, accepting her comfort. "Thank you." He stepped away. "We should get ready."

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Still too uneasy and guilt-stricken to leave Obi-wan's quarters Anakin ceased his restless pacing. His center was still eluding him although his violent emotions had fairly well settled. So far the council had not called him, which was a relief. No matter how he thought about it he could not find a way to justify his actions. He had almost turned to the Dark side. His all-consuming fear for Padme had blinded him to the Light. He had been all but destroyed by the strength of his emotions. For the first time he understood why the Jedi formed no attachments. Attachments made it easy to lose your focus, lose yourself and what you believed in. Unable to find any answers within himself he turned his attention to outside matters, wishing that Obi-wan had been able to do more than stop in and shower before returning to the senate. Anakin refused to begrudge him the time he had to be away. It did not change Obi-wan's love for him just because duty pulled him away. Standing stock still in middle of the silent room he realized he had not spared a thought for the rest of the galaxy so caught up was he in his personal problems. He had a long way to go to become a true Jedi.

Pulling out his comlink her set it for one of the main holo-net channels. It was time for him to start looking beyond himself. As the holo came on he felt his jaw drop. Padme, in full senate regalia, stood beside Obi-wan, in impeccable Jedi dress facing a crew of reporters. "Won't being chancellor interfere with the impartiality of the Jedi?" one reporter was asking.

"Actually," Padme replied, "it is the impartiality of the Jedi and General Kenobi's unquestionable loyalty to the Republic that I am counting on."

Anakin could not pull his eyes away from his wife. She was so beautiful. Sunlight and goodness. How close had he come to destroying her? he thought with a hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach. For as he watched her he realized that she could never live in the Darkness. It would have killed her and destroyed them.

Slowly he sank down on the couch, staring in rapt fascination at his wife and master, not hearing the questions and answers. He was content to watch their easy interview style. They stood together showing an united front. For a moment jealousy flared in his heart. That was his place. Padme was his wife, Obi-wan was his master. Before those thoughts could control him Anakin closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing. They were doing nothing wrong. Both loved him in their own ways. Slowly centering himself he was only vaguely aware of the door chiming. Neither would betray him. Neither would betray the Republic they served.

"Positive sign meditation is."

Anakin's eyes shot open to see Yoda seated in a chair across from him. He had not sensed the ancient master entering. "Master Yoda," he bowed respectfully. "I am sorry I did not hear a summons."

"No summons was there," Yoda replied. "Council is adjourned for now. Other duties Obi-wan has, rest Master Windu requires."

"Master Windu?" Anakin repeated in delighted disbelief. "He is alive?"

Yoda nodded slowly. "Yes, save him your master and the Force did. A few days you will wait before seeing him."

Not surprised Anakin nodded quick agreement. He would be surprised if the councilor ever wanted to see him again. Once again guilt almost overwhelmed him. His gaze shot desperately to his wife and master. They were smiling reassuringly at the holo-crews.

"Back he will be," Yoda commented, also watching the com-link. "Safe you are."

For the first time Anakin forced himself to meet the ancient one's eyes. "But are you safe from me? The emotions are still there, buried, but still there."

Yoda did not look away. "For now. Work on releasing Dark emotions you will. Succeed you will. Help you will have."

Feeling the first sign of relief in days Anakin nodded once, turning his eyes back to Padme and Obi-wan, taking comfort from Yoda's continued silent support. He could do this. He would not turn Dark. He would not.