CHAPTER IV

Friends and Foes

Some time in the middle of the night Anakin awoke on the cold floor only to have Padmé's dismissive words come flooding back to him. Pain and panic warred for control and for those first few moments he wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and hide. His soul felt dark and cold, like deep space itself; as if Padmé had gone and taken his only source of light with her.

Padmé's letter lay crumpled and bloodstained beside him. He reached for it, smoothing it out over his leg. His injured palm protested the contact with the paper but he resolutely ignored its sting. Stoically he folded the missive and slid it into the space between his tunic and undershirt. He didn't need to read it again. The words were engraved on his heart.

A letter. Padmé had pushed him away with a letter. There could be only one reason for that. She was afraid to see him; afraid she wouldn't be able to maintain her resolve face to face. And she wouldn't have been, Anakin thought bitterly. Padmé loved him. That much was clear. He wasn't going to let her cheat them out of a future together no matter how she tried to justify it.

Anakin stood with substantial effort, knowing he had to do something. He considered waking Obi-Wan, but that would mean a dozen questions he wasn't ready to answer - questions about why he was upset, about Tatooine, about Geonosis, about Padmé. No, Obi-Wan would not understand. For his master the choice between love and duty was black and white. What he needed was a neutral ear, someone who wasn't a Jedi, who could reassure him without asking too many questions. Only one person came to mind. He rushed to the com-link and placed a coded transmission to Chancellor Palpatine's office.

The Chancellor's sound advice and soothing demeanor had calmed him many times in the past. Palpatine never pressed for details of a situation, but he always managed to find something encouraging to say. Anakin drummed his fingers impatiently while the com-link buzzed over and over. His eyes fell to the chrono on the table and a wave of disappointment melted over him. Of course there would be no answer, not considering the lateness of the hour. He settled for leaving a brief message then turned to pace the dim living area.

He almost tripped over something on the ground and he looked down. It was a hydro-spanner. Looking around, he noticed that there were many tools scattered on the floor. He remembered now his earlier rage and how he had lost control. A couple of tools had even bounced against Threepio and the deactivated droid now lay on his back, his eternally open eyes looking uncannily startled. Guiltily, Anakin lifted Threepio back into a standing position, frowning as he did so. He had not yet decided what to do with Threepio. He had thought that Padmé -

Another storm of pain hit him.

He picked up the tools with trembling hands and returned them to their place on the set of shelves and there he paused momentarily. There, amidst numerous mementos of his childhood at the temple, sat a small rock. He picked it up, rubbing his fingers over the smooth warm surface. Obi-Wan had given him the river stone on the first anniversary of the day they'd become Master and Padawan. He'd called it his dearest possession. Anakin remembered listening intently as Obi-Wan told the story of receiving the rock from his own Master in celebration of the bond he'd shared with Qui-Gon. In a way it had made Anakin feel less lost; more connected to the Jedi around him. Almost as if he had family.

It suddenly occurred to him that discounting his Master's input before Obi-Wan had a chance to give it wasn't fair. After all, they had grown closer in recent years, ever since he'd taken Obi-Wan into his confidence following the mission on Vanquor. That had been a real turning point in their relationship - a point at which Anakin felt they'd truly come to accept one another as Master and Padawan.

Of course he couldn't talk about Padmé. Not yet, anyway. Obi-Wan would never support a relationship that so openly defied the Jedi Code. He winced. The thought of Padmé hurting, returning to Naboo, perhaps eventually finding solace from someone else, was intolerable. He would find a way to see her, especially now that he knew she truly did care for him. They were meant to be together and he would not give up. Patience, as the Chancellor so often said, was the key to achieving any goal. He could be patient where Padmé was concerned, at least for a little while.

Perhaps he could get his master's point of view about the other recent events: his mother's death, the aftermath on Tatooine, his defiance on Geonosis and even his ultimate defeat by Count Dooku. Sorting through all that confusion was bound to help him put things in perspective. If he could just get his chaotic thoughts back on an even keel he was sure his path with Padmé would seem clearer as well. He placed the rock back on the shelf.

That's what he would do. He would talk to Obi-Wan in the morning. The anxiety he'd felt earlier wasn't gone, nor was the pain he'd felt at Padmé's dismissal, but both had subsided to a bearable level. After settling on his plan of action Anakin headed for bed, sliding between the sheets to catch whatever sleep he could before Obi-Wan came to wake him for morning meditation.

The familiar knock at daybreak never came. He awakened quite surprised to find sunlight streaming in the transparisteel pane above his bed. A cursory search of their shared quarters showed his master nowhere to be found.

He showered quickly before dressing and taking off for the exercise room. This time of the morning Obi-Wan would most likely be sparring with his good friend Master Siri Tachi. Siri was a rather unorthodox Jedi and Anakin liked her. She was one of few Jedi who seemed to share his love of risk taking. That she also appreciated tormenting Obi-Wan was just an added bonus.

Upon entering the training hall Anakin was disappointed to find neither Obi-Wan nor Siri among the many Jedi engaged in exercises around the room. He scanned the balcony as just to be sure, but saw only a handful of younglings gathered to watch the training below.

One solitary Padawan on a back corner mat caught Anakin's eye. Ferus Olin, Siri's apprentice, was working saber defense against a trio of hovering remotes.

Ferus was a classic overachiever who excelled at everything. Unfortunately no one was more aware of that fact than Ferus himself. Annoying as it was, though, it wasn't the older boy's prowess, confidence or intelligence that irritated Anakin most. It was simply that Ferus never put a foot wrong while he, Anakin, could never seem to put one right.

Ah well. Right now Ferus was his best hope for finding Obi-Wan, so he swallowed his pride and strode purposefully through the busy training room.

It was only as he drew closer that he noticed the dark band of cloth tied over Ferus's eyes. No surprise there. Practicing blind was probably just another way to show off in front of the younglings and Padawans. The remotes spun around firing quick low-level energy blasts. Ferus repelled them effortlessly using brisk, efficient strokes of his lightsaber.

Anakin was watching so intently that he almost tripped over the basket of extra remotes sitting next to the mat on the floor. Suddenly an idea occurred to him and he couldn't suppress the grin that lit his face.

Careful not to use the Force and alert Ferus to his presence Anakin leaned down and grabbed three more remotes from the basket. Flicking them into active mode he tossed them lightly towards the blindfolded Padawan.

The younglings watching from the balcony broke into peals of laughter. Ferus paused when he heard the sound but dropped quickly back into stance as the remotes continued their attack. The three newly activated spheres were quick to join in and the number of blasts escalated markedly.

Ferus did well, Anakin conceded. He blocked fire from all six for almost a full minute before taking a shot to the thigh. The sting must've broken his concentration because he missed several successive blasts, yelping in pain as a bolt clipped him on the shoulder.

Not one to easily accept defeat, it came as no surprise to Anakin when Ferus turned off his lightsaber and swept the mask off his face. The remotes sensed the deactivation of the weapon, disengaging instantly and dropping powerless to the mat. In a glance Ferus took in the extra remotes, correctly reading the smirk Anakin tried valiantly to hide.

"Very funny Skywalker." Of course, Ferus sounded more resigned than upset. Probably, Anakin thought wryly, because anger wasn't a Jedi trait. Outwardly he appeared calm, but his flashing eyes and the tense way he ran a hand through his gold-streaked sable hair told a different story.

The giggling from the balcony grew louder with the comment. Ferus shot the younglings a stern look and all sounds of amusement ceased. The little faces leaning over the rail vanished, followed in short order by the retreating patter of small booted feet.

"Has anyone ever told you" the older Jedi bit off to Anakin as he clipped his saber to his belt and removed his fighting gloves "that you that you are beyond annoying?"

"I think just about everyone at one time or another." Anakin shot back, frowning as he realized the truth of what he'd just said.

Ferus picked up the remotes and dumped them into the basket before moving to stand in front of Anakin. "Is there some reason you're gracing me with your presence? Perhaps you're already bored now that your master is off-world?"

"Off-world?" Anakin regretted the words as soon as he uttered them. He'd instantly given Ferus an upper hand, an advantage he didn't need. Siri's Padawan was an expert at seeing and exploiting Anakin's vulnerabilities. He was bound to capitalize on the idea that he wouldn't know his own master's whereabouts.

"Sorry, Skywalker. I just assumed you knew." How odd. Ferus hadn't taken the bait. In fact, he sounded sincere and for some reason that irritated Anakin even more. People were tiptoeing around him constantly these days, treating him as if he were made of glass. It made him want to break something.

He fought the urge to just turn and leave, knowing he shouldn't until he found out where his Master was. It was obvious that Ferus had the information. He just needed to figure out the best way to get it.

"I haven't seen Obi-Wan since yesterday morning." Anakin let his words hang expectantly, hoping Ferus would fill in the blanks.

"Well," Ferus replied slowly, picking his cloak up off the floor, "when he came by our quarters yesterday afternoon he told Siri that he was escorting a Senator home. I think he said he was going to Naboo."

"Naboo?" Anakin asked incredulously. Amidala was Senator of Naboo. Why would Obi-Wan be taking her home? Unless Obi-Wan had some part in convincing her to write that letter - in convincing her to leave before he could talk to her… The anger he'd managed to bury since last night boiled to life again.

"Wasn't Naboo's Senator the one you were assigned to protect back before Geonosis?" Ferus was digging now, intrigued, as usual, by things that didn't add up.

"Yes. I was assigned to protect Senator Amidala." Anakin's tone had become icy and clipped.

"Strange they didn't send you with her. I thought the two of you were friends since before you came to the Temple." Ferus must've noticed the stormy expression on Anakin's face because he changed his tactic. As usual, his effort to console took on a patronizing note. "Don't worry Skywalker, I'm sure the Council just thought you could use some extra recovery time. You know, considering your arm and all."

Anakin felt hot fury wash over him. Of course Ferus wouldn't miss the opportunity to mention his mistakes on Geonosis or the high price he'd paid. Far be it from the perfect Padawan to leave well enough alone.

"My arm and my business with Senator Amidala are none of your affair." Anakin growled through clenched teeth. He fixed his rival with a piercing glare.

Ferus bristled at Anakin's dismissive tone, his own manner becoming condescending. "Of course, Skywalker. Just like nothing that concerns you is anybody's business but yours. Your mistakes, they affect us all, but Force help us if we dare to mention them or point that fact out to you."

Anakin was in no mood for a dressing down. Without thinking, he raised his palm towards the other man and all the pain and frustration he'd struggled to suppress since reading Padmé's letter exploded from him through the Force.

Unprepared for a physical attack, the shove sent Ferus flying backwards. He stumbled into the rack of training sabers on the far wall.

A hush descended over the room as all eyes turned to watch the two most gifted Padawans in the Temple. Anakin felt the censure in each gaze. He saw the shock on Ferus's face and knew it would be mirrored in every other expression around the room. He was feeling a little stunned by the strength of his own reaction as well. Stunned, but not apologetic. Ferus's insightful speculation about Padmé was the last thing he needed.

Ferus recovered quickly, using one hand to grasp the weapon rack and pull himself upright. He cautiously walked back to where Anakin stood.

Anakin cut him off before he could speak; his voice low and resonating with command. "Stay out of my business, Olin!" Blue eyes challenged gold in silence, but Ferus said nothing. Instead he folded his arms across his chest and subjected Anakin to close and thoughtful scrutiny. The silence dragged out a full minute before Anakin spun suddenly and left. Every eye in the hall watched him go.

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine sat comfortably in his office chair, his back to the huge desk where he conducted the business of the Republic.

To a neutral observer it would appear he was absorbed in what was going on outside his window. As if he were merely snatching a rare moment of relaxation watching the endless ebb and flow of the Coruscant traffic lanes. That same casual observer would miss the thinly veiled aura of excitement that hovered in the air around him, the barest hint of a smile that pulled at the corners of his lips.

This morning he was anticipating a visit from Padawan Anakin Skywalker.

The boy had left an urgent com-link message late last night. The chancellor knew the exactly time because he'd been here when the transmission came in. Anakin's anxious tone and disjointed explanation made it clear he was extremely upset. Though he hadn't made much sense one thing was clear. He wanted an audience with Palpatine as soon as possible.

For a few brief moments it had been tempting to call the boy back despite the lateness of the hour. Then reason reasserted itself. Much could be said for allowing a situation to ripen and there were definite benefits to keeping Anakin gridlocked. Whatever problem the boy faced would only appear more desperate the longer he was forced to wait. That meant Palpatine's help, when it came, would seem all the more fortuitous.

This morning he'd fished around for a bit more information to see if he could uncover the cause of Anakin's anxiety. The only new development he found was a rumor that the Jedi Council had sent Master Kenobi to Naboo with Senator Amidala. Well, now, that was problematic. He remembered specifically telling the young Senator to wait for a Jedi to escort her home, but he'd had Anakin in mind for the task. Believing her departure was several days hence, he'd even mentioned the assignment to Master Yoda. It had been approved without question.

Anakin admired Amidala. That was no secret. The boy had told him so many times over the years. When Palpatine had visited Anakin in the med-ward only a few days ago he made a point of telling him about the assignment. Anakin had brightened instantly. Palpatine had the distinct impression that Anakin's feelings for the young woman might have grown into something more than simple admiration during their recent time together. If one factored in Amidala's own lonely existence the possibility seemed even more likely.

Still, it was probably best to speak to Anakin before assuming too much. There were numerous other things that could upset him to such an extent.

Visions from Tatooine flashed through Palpatine's mind in gray shadows. He could see the events from the Tusken camp as if he'd lived them himself. Anakin holding the body of Shmi Skywalker as life ebbed from her body. The pathetic echoes of the love of a son for his mother. The ripples of Anakin's anger as it shook the very foundations of the Force. Indeed, the boy's hatred had been strong in those moments. Living it had been ecstasy.

Palpatine steepled his fingers under his chin thoughtfully. Yes, Tatooine had been a veritable deluge of pain - monumental enough for the spirit of the dead Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn to cry out at the boy's darkest moment.

The irony of the whole situation was that Palpatine had long been seeking some means of introducing Anakin to the awesome potential of his own anger. He was forced to admit that he couldn't have come up with a better means. It almost made him wish he'd planned the tragedy himself.

Now that Anakin had tasted the blackness of vengeance come full-circle, Palpatine knew the memory of it would eat him alive. Such was the way of the dark side of the Force. The omnipotence of it offered an illusory control that could calm even the darkest fears, and Anakin had some very dark fears. They would slowly but surely draw him away from any support the Jedi Order could offer. Even the venerable Obi-Wan had no chance of understanding or helping.

No doubt even Master Yoda couldn't comprehend the magnitude of the changes wrought in Skywalker's young heart. Palpatine knew and understood. He even felt a moment of pity for the feeble Jedi Order. Their destruction was certain and they'd honed the weapon of their own falling. The only variable now was the means by which Skywalker would bring it about.

An electronic call from the desk behind him pulled him from his reverie. He spun his chair around slowly and leaned forward to press the response button.

"Yes?"

His aide replied quickly. "Chancellor, Anakin Skywalker is here to see you."

"Excellent, send him in." He carefully schooled his expression into a welcoming mask, giving a broad smile as Anakin came in.

Usually the boy entered his office confidently, as if he took pride in radiating Jedi-like maturity. Today there was no hint of that composure. His jaw was tense, his mouth set in a grim line. A frown cut furrows between anger-slanted stormy blue eyes. The boy was seething wrath and frustration.

It was a beautiful sight.

Palpatine allowed his own features to melt into a façade of surprised concern.

"Anakin," he began softly, "whatever is the matter?"

"Everything!" Anakin exclaimed as he stalked back and forth behind the chairs facing the Chancellor's large desk. "The mission - the one we spoke of where I would deliver Padmé back to Naboo - Obi-Wan took her instead!" He stopped pacing and turned to face Palpatine. "Why would he do that? I thought he trusted me? And he didn't even tell me himself. I had to find out from Ferus Olin!"

Had the Chancellor been ignorant of the rivalry between the two Padawans - which he was not - Anakin's distaste for the older boy would have been obvious anyway from the way he spat out the name.

The seasoned diplomat carefully kept his features neutral and offered no reply. In this frame of mind, if Anakin wasn't distracted he might offer all manner of insights. Palpatine wasn't disappointed.

"Obi-Wan went to Padmé. I know it! He somehow found a way to convince her to leave without speaking to me!" Anakin stalked to the window, glaring out with unseeing eyes.

"Anakin, I'm afraid you've lost me." Palpatine leaned forward at his desk, keeping his voice bland. "What interest could Obi-Wan possibly have in keeping you from Senator Amidala?"

"She loves me!" The three simple words spilled out of Anakin in a rush.

As soon as the words were uttered Palpatine felt Anakin's shock. Obviously the boy hadn't meant to make that little revelation. A ghost of a smile flashed across Palpatine's face.

"She…loves…you?" He strove to sound as if the concept of a Senator falling in love with a Jedi was totally incomprehensible to him. Perhaps quiet incredulity would entice Anakin to elaborate.

"She does." The confession was fervent, angry, frustrated. "And I love her."

Anakin didn't volunteer more. He didn't have to. In his role as Supreme Chancellor, Palpatine was required to know the Jedi Code; he already knew what was forbidden.

"And your Master knows this?" He prodded gently.

"I didn't think so, but now I don't know." Anakin turned and came back to the desk. "Why else would he have taken her back to Naboo when I was assigned to do it?" His voice shook, angry and hurt at the same time. "Why else would she have sent me this letter?" He took a folded document out of his tunic and thrust it forward with trembling fingers.

Palpatine took the page, noting with satisfaction the wrinkled surface and dark stains that could only be blood. Murmuring contemplatively he quickly scanned the handwritten words. Less important than what they actually said were the strong impressions he felt through the Force. Traces of anger and agony from both the author and the recipient. Wicked glee coursed through him and he squashed the feeling with some effort.

Anakin was continuing his tirade, his anguish becoming more evident with each word. "She said she loves me! I know that hasn't changed! I just need to see her, talk to her!"

He strode back to the window, pacing in front of it before stopping to stare down at the traffic.

Palpatine finished the letter and rose, walking over behind Anakin. He could see the boy's face reflected in the transparisteel and rejoiced inside at the utter despair reflected there.

If circumstances were different he might have placed a consoling hand on the boy's shoulder. As it was, he knew he didn't dare. Avoiding physical contact with all Jedi was essential to his ability to cloak his true nature and his intentions. The intimacy of touch could easily endanger that veil - especially with a Jedi as powerful and Force-sensitive as young Skywalker.

"Chancellor, you've got to help me! I need to speak to Padmé before it's too late!"

Ah, there it was. The plea for help.

Palpatine turned back towards the desk. "Come sit down Anakin." He kept his voice calm, passive, but with the stern suggestion of authority. As much as Anakin wanted to control his own circumstances, the boy craved an authority figure. One he could respect and take pride in serving. What a pity for Kenobi and the rest of the Jedi that they failed to recognize that need. He patted the back of a nearby chair, encouraging Anakin to sit. "You should know by now that solutions only present themselves to the calm, rational mind."

Anakin's shoulders rose and fell in a dramatic sigh, but he did as Palpatine asked, sinking dutifully into the chair closest to the panoramic window. Despite his obedience his expression remained sullen, almost rebellious. He kept his eyes locked on the Coruscant skyline.

Palpatine moved behind his desk, but instead of sitting he pulled out a drawer and extracted a small coded card.

"Anakin, you know you shouldn't leave the temple."

"Yes, I know." Came the caustic reply

"As Supreme Chancellor I certainly can't hand you the means to travel to Naboo. However, if you were to find a way off-world on your own… For example, if an activation key to a diplomatic shuttle was left lying around somewhere…"

Anakin's eyes snapped up to meet Palpatine's as the Chancellor placed the thin yellow card on the corner of his desk.

"Have you ever heard the expression 'it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission'?"

Anakin shook his head, his incredulousness obvious. Palpatine continued in the same calm, soothing tone.

"Though I can't give you dispensation to go I might be of some use convincing the council to grant you leniency once you return. After all, you've been through a great deal recently. It would only be natural that you might make some irrational choices. Just between you and I, though, I'd keep your reasons for going as vague as possible - especially the part about falling in love. As I'm sure you're aware, the Jedi take a very dim view of that kind of thing."

The Chancellor deliberately turned his back on all of it; the Padawan, the desk and key card. He could feel Anakin staring at it - sense the indecision tinged with disbelief at his good fortune. In a split second he felt the boy push all hesitancy from his mind. Relief flooded in to fill the empty place. He rose to his feet and Palpatine heard the soft click as he picked up the card.

"Thank you, sir, for all your help." Anakin's voice had lost its bitter edge, ringing once again with his usual sincerity. "Your support is more appreciated than I can say."

"Nonsense Anakin. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to make the right choices about your own life. I find it strange that the Jedi do not." Palpatine gazed down at the traffic lanes, hiding the hint of a smile that once more curved his lips. "Now, off with you!"

Not one to wait around for fortune to change, Anakin left.