Chapter 3: Confessions
Anakin gripped Obi-Wan's hand and helped him to his feet.
"Well, I guess we should get to our transport now." Obi-Wan suggested. "I'm sure the Council and Chancellor Palpatine will be eager to continue the investigation to find out who has been behind the recent plot of destroying the Republic and helping the Sith. And now that you're allied with us again, Anakin, we should be through with this problem very quickly. And the galaxy can go back to peace and order." Obi-Wan began walking, heading off in the direction of his transport. Anakin, however, was immobile. The mention of the Chancellor had sent a cold fear through his body. He had almost forgotten. The Jedi had no knowledge of Palpatine's true identity as the Lord of the Sith.
Obi-Wan stopped when he realized that Anakin was not following. "Come Anakin." The young man took a deep breath. He knew this couldn't wait.
"Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked his voice a little uncertain.
"Yes, Anakin?" Obi-Wan replied a little concerned at his padawan's tone.
"There's something that you should know before we get back." Anakin was not sure if Obi-Wan would believe him. But, something that concerned Anakin more was that Obi-Wan would be hurt that Anakin would choose the Chancellor over him. Anakin hadn't even discovered that Palpatine was a Sith until about 6 months ago. Even then he didn't believe him, either, at first. He thought it was all a joke. Unfortunately for Anakin, it hadn't been.
"What is it?" Obi-Wan said curiously. He couldn't even speculate on what was so important it couldn't wait till they returned to Coruscant.
"It's about the Chancellor." Obi-Wan was bewildered and a little shocked at this sudden matter.
What about him?" Obi-Wan inquired. Anakin's eyes shifted as his tongue searched for the right words of how to begin.
"..He's a Sith." Anakin blurted with his eyes lowered. Obi-Wan's heart skipped a beat and his mind raced to make sense of what he was being told.
"What are you talking about! How do you know this?" Obi-Wan asked raising his voice slightly. Anakin took a deep breath.
"He." Anakin hesitated. "He was my master." Anakin revealed, shame lining all of his words. This last note caused Obi-Wan's heart to stop completely and rage began to boil within him. The mere thought of it being Palpatine who betrayed the Jedi caused Obi-Wan anger to rise to the point of explosion.
(How dare he!) Obi-Wan thought. (I served him! I took orders for him. Dedicated my life to his republic! Put my life on the line time and again. And in return he took my padawan from me and threatened the lives of the ones I love?) Obi-Wan was sure if he hadn't heard Anakin begin to talk again he would've crushed something.
Anakin saw the hatred in Obi-Wan's eyes and he was not sure if it was directed at him or not. But, he knew he had to tell Obi-Wan the rest of what he knew. No matter what happened to him now.
"His name is Darth Sidious. Or at least that's what he's known as by the Sith. And in three days time he's going to secure the Sith's future in this galaxy by wiping out all belief in the Jedi and proceeding to destroy them all." Obi-Wan's mind couldn't comprehend everything he was learning at this moment. He felt so lost, and stupid. He couldn't believe this was all going on around him and he'd never realized. Once again Obi-Wan Kenobi's world felt as if it was turned upside down and his life changed forever.
(So Dooku was telling the truth before.) Obi-Wan's brain recalled the confession Dooku had made to him on Geonosis. (All along the senate was under the Sith's influence.) Obi-Wan was growing more confused every minute. (Does that mean Dooku was on the good side all along?)
"No, Obi-Wan." Anakin said caching Obi-Wan's last thought. "Dooku is also on Sidious' side. He is his apprentice also." Obi-Wan gave his padawan an incredulous look.
"I thought the Sith, like Jedi, only took one padawan at a time?" Anakin gave Obi-Wan a short grin.
"I was going to take care of that when I got back to Coruscant." As all these new things Obi-Wan had learned were processing millions of thoughts and questions ran through his mind. Suddenly, Obi-Wan found himself pondering a question he immediately knew he shouldn't have.
(Can I trust Anakin?) His mind had barely grazed the topic, but Obi-Wan knew Anakin had felt it. Obi-Wan's eyes shot up to meet a very heartbroken padawan's. Anakin had always been able to read his thoughts even when the Jedi master's could not. Anakin just saw through him, right to his very soul. Anakin's face wore the shame and hurt of the accusation, but Obi-Wan also noted the acceptance of it. It was in that notion that Obi-Wan now knew Anakin was telling the truth.
"Anakin how does the Chancellor plan to discredit the Jedi so badly that the Senate would no longer want us around?" Obi-Wan asked trying to change the previous atmosphere. Anakin set aside his wounded feelings and replied.
"He plans to destroy the senate building during a huge meeting that he, as we speak, is making arrangements for. He means to kill all the high senators of the galaxy and he will blame it on the Jedi." Obi-Wan's eyes went wide with shock.
"Come padawan. We must return quickly to Coruscant." Obi-Wan began to walk. Anakin came along side him and followed. Unexpectedly, Obi-Wan looked to Anakin as they walked. "And I do trust you." He said sincerely. Anakin's heart sang. He knew Obi-Wan had previously questioned his loyalties, and he knew he deserved it. Only now Anakin sensed complete trust from Obi-Wan. More complete then it had ever been while he had been training. Anakin was glad to have that trust back. He would need it. For soon, Anakin knew, he would have to confront the Jedi Council and Sidious as well.
Obi-Wan and Anakin arrived at the 'borrowed' transport about half a day later. The two had not spoken much since the whole episode about Palpatine. Both had needed a little while to think, especially Obi-Wan. The older man looked up at his transport and only now remembered that in his haste to catch Anakin he hadn't asked to use the transport.
(I'm sure the Council will understand.) Obi-Wan convinced himself. (I hope) Obi-Wan lowered the ship's ramp and entered the republican ship wearily. Anakin followed hesitantly up after his master. Once inside Obi-Wan turned to face the uneasy man behind him. "I'm going to have to make a transmission to Yoda in a few moments Anakin." Anakin swallowed hard. "And I think it would be best if you weren't a 'surprise' when we get home." Anakin nodded with understanding.
"Yes, master." Obi-Wan felt Anakin's unease flow all around him. Obi-Wan said nothing else. He just entered the cockpit and activated his transmission signal.
"Be calm Anakin. You will not need to speak much here. Most will be saved for out return on Coruscant." Anakin took a deep breath and released it nervously. Actually, Anakin would've preferred to get his investigation over right now out here. That way he would not need to stand in the center of the Council's room where the Master's could scan him over and pierce him with their cold eyes. Something Anakin considered being worse then being stabbed by a thousand lightsabers. Anakin was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by a beeping sound that told him Obi-Wan had sent their holo-image to Coruscant. Anakin's initial reaction was to back away, but he held his ground, for the moment. Obi-Wan noted Anakin's reluctance to step forward but said nothing. Moments later an image of a small, humble figure appeared before the pair.
"Master Kenobi" The familiar voice said. "Glad to see you well, I am" The voice continued in it's usual backward form.
"Thank you Master Yoda" Obi-Wan answered instinctively. Obi-Wan quickly began sharing what information he had for the Council. But, he would try and be careful that hurtful topics did not surface, such as those that dealt with Vader. Although, Obi-Wan knew Anakin would have to face that part of him again most likely when they returned to Coruscant. He decided that a little longer wouldn't hurt. "I have important news for the Council, master."
"Important news you say?" Yoda asked a slight hint of surprise noticeable in his voice. "What of?" The old master added. Obi-Wan took a moment of hesitation to decide that at the very beginning would be the most adequate place to start.
"I have recently learned that the Chancellor has been behind the recent deaths of the Jedi and has not only joined but is leading the Sith." For the first time in Obi-Wan's life he saw actual shock on the small master's face. For Obi-Wan, that was like a nightmare coming true. Never in his whole life did he ever imagine a day he would see that.
"Know this for sure, you do?" Questioning of disbelief was present in the backwards tongue of the master.
"Yes master" Obi-Wan stated. "I got the information from" Obi-Wan felt Anakin tense behind him. "A friend."
"Serious your accusations are Obi-Wan. Sure to trust this friend, are you?" Yoda asked sensing something from Obi-Wan.
"Yes Master" Yoda sighed slightly.
"And just who is this friend, Obi-Wan?" Obi-Wan's eyes shifted. Then, as if knowing there was not other choice Anakin stepped forward. His head lowered, his eyes glued to the floor, Anakin stood there, knowing that the wise master must be aggravated by his mere presence. "Understand I do." Yoda admitted. "Discuss this we will. Return quickly Master Kenobi. Much has changed I see. Much to determine there still is." With that the crippled form dissipated from their sight. Obi-Wan went silently to the ship's controls and set a course that was the quickest to Coruscant.
"It'll take about a day to reach Coruscant, Anakin" Obi-Wan said breaking the silence.
"I will go and meditate." Anakin's said, eyes had yet to leave the floor. Even as the man turned and headed to his temporary quarters on board his eyes did not raise. Obi-Wan noticed the discomfort that they were both having around each other. He wished desperately to have his foolish, impulsive, lively padawan back. The one who made any situation they got in seem like just a momentary distraction.
"What?" Obi-Wan asked the padawan eyes wide with shock, wearing a bright smile. "Your going to meditate! Is this some kind of sick joke? What species are you and what planet did you drop Anakin off on?" The knight mused, trying to lighten the air between them. Anakin turned and looked up at Obi-Wan, flashing a smile. Obi-Wan grinned. He was happy to see Anakin smile. It was one of the few joys he had left in this world.
"Thanks." Anakin remarked. Obi-Wan nodded.
"Anytime." Anakin sent waves of gratitude through the force to Obi-Wan before turning and heading towards his rooms. After Obi-Wan had watched Anakin leave he walked over to the pilot's chair and sat down. He leaned back in the chair and let out a long, deep sigh. As Obi-Wan watched the stars stretch and fade by a million thoughts began to run through his mind.
(How will the council deal with Anakin? Will they believe him? What will they do about Palpatine? Will they do anything at all?) Obi-Wan forced himself to stop. How many times he wondered. Had he told Anakin that trying to find answers about the future was impossible and therefore a waste of time to dwell on? Obi-Wan let out another sigh before closing his eyes and letting the sound of the ship's engines lull him to sleep.
...Next Scene...
Anakin opened his eyes and stood from the meditative state he'd been in for a least half a day, his instinct told him. In that time Anakin had successfully figured out every and all of the bad case scenarios that could happen upon returning to Coruscant. His mind overflowed with questions that would have unknown answers until returning to Coruscant. It was only until Anakin remembered a lesson, often given by Obi-Wan, that he ended his thoughts on the future. Anakin walked out of his chamber and started down the hallway towards Obi-Wan's rooms. Anakin wanted to talk to him before they returned, and before he had to face the Jedi.
The hallways were dim and the air was cool, as it often was in space. It was still nighttime Anakin's surroundings told him. Though, how late he couldn't determine. Calmly and silently, Anakin made his way through the short but winding corridors. When he reached Obi-Wan's door he pressed a control pad that would alert anyone inside to a visitor. A few moments later Anakin heard Obi-Wan's voice invite him in. Anakin pressed the door pad and the door slid open instantly. Obi-Wan was sitting motionless over a data-pad of some sort. The older man looked up, his gray-blue eyes shown with curiosity.
"What is it Anakin?" Obi-Wan's asked softly. He was happy to see Anakin. Obi-Wan was afraid the younger man had been avoiding him, although the reason was unknown. But, he felt it was mostly because they didn't feel as comfortable around each other as they once had.
"I wanted to thank you." Anakin said serenely.
"It's alright Anakin. I know you didn't want to talk to Yoda too much today now. It's understandable given" Anakin cut him off.
"No, it's not just that." He said delicately. "I wanted to thank you for believing in me. For coming all the way out here to bring me back even after what I did. For forgiving me, for understanding." Obi-Wan felt the grief, compassion, relief, confusion, and all other emotions that had built up inside Anakin over the last few days. Obi-Wan, also, saw how difficult this kind of confession was for the boy. Anakin, Obi-Wan knew was always very perceptive except when it came to his own emotions. He never told anyone how he really felt, at least not often. Anakin hated to feel vulnerable, most likely from the years as a slave. Obi-Wan motioned for Anakin to enter. He decided to share something with Anakin now that he hadn't shared with anyone in almost 20 years.
"Come in here Anakin. Sit down." Anakin took the few steps over to a chair that was across from Obi-Wan and sat down. At the same time Obi-Wan saw Anakin's muscles loosen slightly. "Let's talk." He said simply.
"About what?" Anakin was curious as to what was on his master's mind.
"How about something I think we've both been afraid to share with each other for the last 14 years." Anakin was unsure of what Obi-Wan was talking about. "Our past. I want you to tell me all about your mother, Shmi, and your life on Tatooine. And I'll tell you about me and Qui-Gon." Anakin was shocked. Never had Obi-Wan wanted to open up about his life before, especially about Qui-Gon. That was a place of Obi-Wan's heart that Anakin had stopped trying to reach. Anakin was convinced that, that information was locked up tighter then the safes of Coruscant's elite banks. "One time in particular" Obi-Wan continued. "About a mission on Milida/Daan. When I left the Jedi Order." Anakin's jaw almost hit the floor.
"You left the Order!" Anakin's astonishment caused Obi-Wan to grin.
"Yes, I did. To fight a war that I believed needed me. And to be with the woman that I fell in love with, Cerasi." Anakin couldn't believe what his ears told him he was hearing. He felt like the Obi-Wan he used to know just disappeared and was replaced by some mysterious person. But, Anakin had to admit he liked this 'new' Obi-Wan. Not the Obi-Wan who made him feel like nothing he ever did was good enough or always had a lesson that would 'improve' him. But, an Obi-Wan that was his friend and equal, someone he could respect and feel comfortable learning from. Of course, Anakin told himself, he had always loved being with Obi-Wan and wouldn't have traded him for any other master in the temple. It was just those few select times when Obi-Wan had made him feel like nothing he would ever do could ever be good enough.
The two spent hours together, sharing stories of their childhood. Obi-Wan admitted to Anakin that he was also fond of sneaking out of the Temple at night, just like Anakin had. However, one unfortunate night he set off the Temple's alarm system.
"Let's just say one thing. I never want to see Mace without pants again" Anakin all but fell on the floor in laughter. After Obi-Wan had told him every story either funny, interesting, even difficult he had to tell Anakin began with his own. He told Obi-Wan how he came to Tatooine, about his love of racing, the slave raids that happened, and about working in Watto's shop.
"Once I re-wired a droid to finish my chores for me while I went through and picked out parts that I could take home for my pod-racer. But, Watto activated it before I had time to finish the job and when I came back in Watto was being chased around the room being clobbered by several different space cruiser parts. He...umm…had several choice huttesian words to share with me when the catastrophe was over. But, I wouldn't have traded watching that for all pod-racer parts on Coruscant." Obi-Wan smiled as he watched Anakin's eyes light up as he retold happy memories from his past. Obi-Wan felt so many things go back to the way they use to be between them. He was very comforted by that. They continued to share things as they came to mind. It was early morning before the two finally parted. Anakin returned to his room and the pair finally found sleep.
