Chapter 37: Table Manners

Obi-Wan woke first.

Sometime in the night, they had both fallen asleep. Anakin used Obi-Wan's arm as a pillow, snuggled close to keep warm and breathing deep. Obi-Wan was never a heavy sleeper like Anakin. He couldn't be. Not with Sith Lords, Jedi and bounty hunters hunting them down. He always kept alert in the Force, which kept them safe for so many years. So, when he sensed a stirring, he snapped his eyes opened.

The door hissed and a stream of droids entered their room. Fully armed.

Obi-Wan quickly sat up, his arm slipped over Anakin to shield the boy from the droids. It did little as Anakin awoke at the disturbance. His hair was a matted mess, eyes disoriented from the rude awakening from the arrival of a squad of droids. He looked from the door to Obi-Wan, rubbing the last bits of sleepiness away.

"What's going on?" Anakin mumbled.

"I have no idea," Obi-Wan honestly replied as the last bit of droids entered the room, parting a path. "Stay here."

He pushed Anakin back into the bed, pulling the blankets over to cover Anakin. Obi-Wan stepped around the bed, taking a stand. He faced down the droids. He eyed them one by one, calculating different scenarios and deciding on the best course of action he needed to take to keep Anakin safe.

He may not have his lightsaber, but the Force was his ally.

The droids didn't do anything. They stood at attention, ready for command, yet no command was given. It would be another tense second before a human figure swept in between the droids, dressed in the Serenno manservant clothes. Simple and plain clothes, but relatively polished compared to other servants around the planet. Cleaned and properly groomed, the manservant walked further into the room, coming to an immediate halt in front of Obi-Wan.

The manservant gave a generous bow. "Lord Kenobi," he said, voice clear. "I have come to escort you and Lord Skywalker to breakfast."

Obi-Wan raised a brow, eyes sliding from the manservant to the droids. "Are you sure?"

The manservant followed Obi-Wan's gaze. "The droids are for security purposes only, my Lord. They are here for your protection."

More like enforcement. "It's a bit of an overkill, don't you think?" he said to the manservant. "Are we expected to be assassinated between here and the dining room?"

The manservant's eyes enlarged. "Oh… no, my Lord!" he quickly assured him. "No! Count Dooku and Lord Jinn only wish for yours and young Lord Skywalker's safety."

That didn't make it any better. A squeak from behind informed Obi-Wan that Anakin had crawled up to the end of the bed. "We can take care of ourselves," Anakin retaliated. "Right, Obi-Wan?"

Of course they could. They have been for the past seven years. Up to this very moment. "Agreed," Obi-Wan answered to Anakin before returning back to the manservant. "I am confused on your position. Why are you here? Usually they just send droids. Why you?"

"Lord Jinn believes my presence would help lessen the boy's anxieties," the manservant explained. "A friendly face. Not just droids."

A friendly face? The manservant's face wasn't kind nor interesting. Dull and plain and straight. Obi-Wan would have thought of him to be a droid if it wasn't for his flesh and the small Force presence surrounding him. "So… you're supposed to be—" Obi-Wan left hanging for the manservant to answer.

The manservant promptly answered. "I'm in charge of his well-being, essentially, Lord Kenobi," he said. "The name is Abel, but many call me Abe."

Obi-Wan raised a challenging brow. A deep frown weighed his mouth down. Anakin already had a caretaker. He had no need for another. And no amount of droids could persuade Obi-Wan to back down.

"It's good to meet you Abe," Obi-Wan answered, doing his best to keep his riling emotions in check, "but your presence is not necessary. I take care of Anakin."

Abe didn't miss a beat. "I do not doubt your competency on the matter, my Lord," he replied. "I am only following my orders. Count Dooku and Lord Jinn requested me to be Lord Skywalker's manservant to ensure the young master's healthy development."

"I don't need a servant!" came Anakin's charging voice. Obi-Wan glanced over his shoulder to see Anakin crouched at the end of the bed, gripping the bed's back ends with pinched fingers. A dark scowl shaded Anakin's face as he glared at Abe, untrusting and menacing. "I don't want you! I have Obi-Wan!"

Abe had no reaction to Anakin. "I do as I am told, Lord Skywalker," said Abe, indifferent on the matter. "I am instructed to care for you."

"I don't want you!" Anakin jumped off the bed and marched up beside Obi-Wan. "I don't need you!"

Again, Abe looked on apathetically at them. "That is not your decision," Abe said, pointedly. "Count Dooku and Lord Jinn issued the order. If you have a question, bring it to them."

He turned away from Obi-Wan and Anakin, snapping for attention from someone just outside the door. A dressing cart wheeled into the room, directed by another servant. It stopped right in front of them.

Abe scanned the rack of clothes. He pulled out a variety of clothes, examining them before settling on a grey-blue cloth. "I believe these will fit young master Skywalker well," he decided, hanging them up on a hook near the refresher.

Anakin curled his nose in disgust, crossing his arms as he drew nearer to Obi-Wan. Abe returned to the other servant, who handed him another outfit, folded and pressed neatly, into his hands.

Abe passed the clothes to Obi-Wan. "Count Dooku and Lord Jinn ordered this specifically for you, Lord Kenobi," he said. "They advise you wear it."

Obi-Wan took a single glance at the clothes. Based on his brief observation, they clothes were of military style. It was unfortunate that Obi-Wan had no other clothes than the wrinkled ones on his back. If he did, it would be easy to refuse the uniform. But, it was all that was offered and his choice was to either refuse and start a pointless battle, or accept and carry on.

Obi-Wan took the uniform. "I'm sure they did," he grumbled, feeling the stiff fabric of the black uniform. He only imagined that the uniform was meant to make him more intimidating. One must look the part of a Sith to become one.

Obi-Wan dipped his gaze to Anakin. "Anakin? Why don't you take a shower?" he suggested. "Get clean up and ready for the day."

He noticed Anakin's defiance flaring up in those eyes. Not against him, but against the whole situation. Obi-Wan worried he may need to repeat it, but Anakin begrudging stomped to the refresher.

A few minutes later, Obi-Wan heard the shower run. Realizing there was no private place to change, Obi-Wan began to strip where he stood. He removed his tunic first, switching out the blue silk for a cotton tunic. He dressed quickly and unbashful in front of the droids and Abe. Once he got the robe fitted, he looked down at himself.

The military garment made him look smaller. It was nicely tailored and the black and grey cut smartly on him. He stood rigid on spot. The uniform was stiff and hard, making it impossible to feel relaxed or even comfortable. The material itself was like another form of prison.

Abe thought differently. "It favors you, Lord Kenobi," he complimented. "Respectable. Dependable."

Obi-Wan adjusted the sleeves. "Perhaps, but I do not favor it."

"It takes time to get used to such cloth," Abe reassured him. "In time, you won't notice."

Obi-Wan hoped he wouldn't be spared that amount of time to do so. He fixed the sleeves just as the shower stopped. Obi-Wan heard the refresher door opened and watched Abe's face fall into despondency.

"You're wearing your old clothes," Abe observed.

Obi-Wan stopped messing with his jacket and turned to look to Anakin. The boy was clean, wet hair clinging to his scalp, but he fitted himself back into the clothes the Jedi provided him. Streaks of dirt slashed across tunics and tears were visible on his leggings from where it got hooked on some foreign object. It looked like he came from outside, spending the time rolling in the gardens. Probably not too far off point considering he fought in the Temple's garden before being captured.

Anakin peevishly looked at Abe. "I'm wearing my clothes," he corrected. "I'm not playing dress-up."

Abe was affronted by the refusal. "You cannot wear those! This is a palace! Serenno's royal family resides here and will not tolerate tattered appearances," he scolded. "Change into the proper attire."

It was clear that Abe never dealt with children before. His abrasive demand only encouraged Anakin to stand his ground. The young boy dropped his hands on his hips, eyes glaring up in challenge. He didn't have to say anything to convey his opinion on the direct command.

That irked Abe. Not well-equipped on handling rejection from anyone, especially a child. He took the clothes and passed them to Anakin.

Anakin merely curled his nose at the fabric. "I'm not changing."

"Yes you will."

"No I won't! I don't have to do anything I don't want to do."

Abe grew tiresome and decided on a different course of action. Obi-Wan sensed his intention and grabbed the man's shoulder, effectively freezing him. Obi-Wan gave Abe a single look and the manservant stepped back and lowered his chin, apologetic for rising to his temper He shuffled backwards, giving Obi-Wan some minor privacy.

Obi-Wan turned away from Abe to Anakin. "He's right, Anakin. You can't wear that."

"Why not?" whined Anakin. "I don't want to play by their rules."

"Nor do I," Obi-Wan said, crouching down to Anakin's level. "Anakin—this isn't like the Temple. We need to choose our battles wisely."

Anakin pursed his lips into a pout. "But I don't wanna—"

"I know. I know," Obi-Wan murmured. "I don't either, but this is not a battle worth fighting." He took the clothes from the Abe. "Take these clothes and change."

Anakin's shoulders sagged in utter defeat before grabbing the clothes and dragging his feet to the refresher to change. When the door closed, Abe ruffled. "He's quite the intractable child."

Obi-Wan's jaw hardened. "No, Abe," he said. "You simply do not know anything about younglings."

Shortly after, the door whipped open and Anakin stomped out, wearing the sleek grey-blue colored clothes befitting a young gentleman. For the first time, Anakin Skywalker didn't look like the child he was. And it was a sting to Obi-Wan's heart knowing that being here would be the end of Anakin's innocence. Not that he ever got the chance to be innocent in the first place, but Obi-Wan understood that far worse hardships would be upon them to destroy Anakin's compassion and hope.

Not wanting to dwell further, Obi-Wan distracted himself with a question. "Are they comfortable?" he asked to Anakin.

Anakin nodded. "Yeah... I hate them."

That drew out a low chuckle. "Grey isn't your color," Obi-Wan agreed. "Come on... let's get this over with."

Upon arrival, Obi-Wan sighed in relief. Neither Dooku nor Qui-Gon sat at the table. It was just them for now. Obi-Wan took his usual seat on the left side of the head of the table. Anakin sat in the chair next to him. The moment they sat down, a service droid zoomed straight to them, asking what they wanted to drink. Obi-Wan ordered tea and Anakin only asked for water. The service droid wheeled out, and Anakin and Obi-Wan were alone... minus the Magnaguards.

Anakin stayed unusually quiet. Obi-Wan noticed how Anakin scanned the room, scrutinizing every detail just as he was trained. He was looking for exits, finding the quickest route to escape if necessary or find a weapon that could be used to defend himself. Many calculations were going through Anakin's little head that he paid no heed to the droid when it returned with his water. Obi-Wan accepted it on his behalf and placed it in front of the boy.

"Drink," Obi-Wan said, bringing Anakin out of his thoughts. "You'll need to stay hydrated."

Anakin took a few tiny sips, but no more. "What's the plan?" he whispered as to not be overheard. "You do have a plan, right?"

Not a plan Anakin wanted. Obi-Wan's main objective was to keep Anakin safe. Protect him as much as possible until an opportunity arose for them to escape. Currently, the opportunity had yet to present itself.

"Follow my lead and don't engage," Obi-Wan instructed. Anakin had yet to learn the fine art of self-control. His emotions get carried away at times. "Say nothing if possible."

"But then what?" Anakin pressed on. "Are we going to fight?"

Fighting against two Sith and an army of droids would end in catastrophe. Last night was a good reminder. Fighting out was not an option. At least, not two against a whole army. Their best bet was to escape, but even that plan had a narrow margin for success. Obi-Wan admitted he got lucky last time he escaped with Anakin from Serenno. The cover of night combined with the Siths' arrogance helped him escape captivity all those years ago. He doubted Qui-Gon or Dooku would make the same mistake as last time.

"Not at the moment," Obi-Wan answered. He took a small sip of his tea. "We must be careful, Anakin. Anything we say or do can result in suffering."

Anakin blew out a rush of hot air. "So… we're just not going to do anything?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then what's the plan?" Anakin whined. "How are we going to get out of here?"

Anakin made it sound as if escaping from Serenno was as simple and easy as their previous escapades. Little did the boy know of the extensive security measures Dooku and Qui-Gon have taken to ensure it could never happen again. Obi-Wan was aware that escaping was going to take time and a lot of planning. Not a last, quick-minute job like he did when Anakin was a toddler.

"In time, we'll—"

Obi-Wan was cut off by a sweeping sound of a door opening and a gleeful cheer.

"Obi-Wan!" Joline exclaimed as she swung through the door, pulling a loaded cart behind her. A sweet and warm aroma wafted through the room as Joline directed the cart of food beside him.

Joline radiated both outwardly and in the Force. She was a bright light in a dimmed home, always smiling and cheerful. Nothing hardly ever got her down. She beamed at Obi-Wan as she gestured to the cart of food. "As promised, I brought all your favorites. Hotcakes, sausages, scones and... wait, is that... is that little Anakin?"

Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder at Anakin, who stared questionably at Joline while determining if she was a threat or not. Obi-Wan reassured him through their bond, relaxing the boy a little as Joline bounded over. With a wide grin, she leaned over, hands on knees, to get a better look at Anakin.

"Oh my! You have certainly grown!" Joline commented, her eyes hungrily trailed over Anakin's face. "Last I saw you, you were such a small thing. Crying your eyes out."

Anakin had no memory of her. He scooted to the edge of his seat, away from Joline. He hunched, growing smaller as he warily flickered from Joline to Obi-Wan. He was not used to Joline's extroverted behaviors and the pleading in his eyes sought Obi-Wan's help in the matter.

Obi-Wan placed a hand on Joline. "I'm afraid Anakin has no memory of you, Jo," he explained, reeling Joline away from Anakin to give him space. "You're going to have to tone it down."

Joline let out a huff that was short of a chuckle. "Of course! I'm sorry little one," she apologized to Anakin. "You were only a toddler when I last saw you.

"I still cannot believe it," Joline said, smile exuberantly to the point it should have cut her face in half. "My boys are home!"

Anakin's face burned, a scowl grinding. "This isn't my home!"

For his first words to Joline, it shocked her straight to silence. The smile vanished. The joyous bounce of hers stilled. All that was left were her round eyes upon Anakin in mixture of great horror and uneasiness. She tried to return her smile, but it kept slipping as she digested Anakin's words and the stubborn tone he used. It wasn't something she was quite used to.

But she attempted to put her own little spin to it. She patted Anakin on the head as a means to docile him. "I know little one," she murmured. "It's not home to you now, but given time, it will be."

Anakin's disbelief was a mixture of doubt and horror at the prospect of this prison being his home forever. He looked around at the rich decor, noting it with thinly veiled disgust. "No, it won't," he retaliated, standing up from his seat. "This will never be my home."

If there is one thing that Anakin was good at it was standing his ground. If he put his mind to something, nothing could get in his way (unless Obi-Wan disapproved). Too stubborn to be pushed around to follow anyone's rules. At times, even Obi-Wan found it difficult to restrain Anakin's more obdurate attributes. And at the moment, Obi-Wan knew Anakin's fiery heart pulsed in a rage that could not be tempered with quick words.

Obi-Wan nudged Anakin. "Sit and eat, Anakin," he said, reaching for one of the items on the cart. "Here—you'll like this scone."

"I don't want a scone," Anakin cried, his face tinting crimson. "I don't want to be here!"

It was a childish rant and was beneath Anakin. Obi-Wan raised him better, but his distress of the situation brought a suffering that could not be remedy so quickly. After watching someone die, having to fight for his life and then end up in a prison controlled by the Sith would wreck anyone emotionally. And Anakin was only a boy. All the life and death stress did him no favors. Unable to contain it, he took it out, releasing it improperly and shouting at everyone near him. Or in this case, Joline and Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan took Anakin but the shoulder and plopped him down in his seat. "Give us a minute, Jo."

Joline, somber, nodded. "I'll come back with the rest of the food," she said, before hurrying out the side door that led straight to the kitchens.

Once she was gone, Obi-Wan turned back to his stubborn ward. "You need to control your anger better, Anakin," he started. "There is no need for such outbursts. It won't change our circumstances."

"Maybe not, but I don't want to play along," Anakin argued. "I'm not going to act like everything is fine when it's not."

"I'm not asking you to accept the situation," Obi-Wan said for even he would never accept the situation. But his previous life living under their roof taught him a lot about knowing when to revolt and when not to. "I'm asking you to think about your actions and their consequences. This isn't the Temple. You can't get away with that type of behavior with the Sith."

Anakin fumed as heckles rose up on his skin. "So what? We're just going to go along with everything? Act like it's all normal? We're not even going to try to fight?"

"No—like I said," Obi-Wan vehemently repeated. "We have to choose our defiance wisely. We cannot start fights which hold nothing of value. It would be pointless to do so otherwise."

Anakin pouted, but Obi-Wan saw the dwindling of submission to his reasoning. The boy sighed frustratingly, slumping in his seat as he scratched at his collarbone. "Fine," he grunted. "I won't say anything."

Obi-Wan happy to agree to Anakin's offer. "I'll do all the talking. You just enjoy the meal," he said, checking out the spread Joline brought in for them. "As I said before you need to try the scone. Jo is a good baker. You'll like it."

He put a scone on Anakin's plate as Anakin scooted up to the table. He shifted his gaze from Obi-Wan to the scone, eyebrows knitted in caution. He never had a scone before and he raised it to his mouth. He took a small bite. A few nibbles later, a soft smile relaxed his face as he took a bigger bite the next time.

Happy enough to see Anakin greedily eat into the food, Obi-Wan reclined in his seat, meagerly touching his food. Anakin was right in that they could not keep playing along to their whims. They needed to take a stand, but first Obi-Wan needed to survey the situation. Once the four of them were in the room, Obi-Wan would analyze the situation to come up a better solution to their predicament.

Until then, one must enjoy the peace and quiet.

The side door opened again and Joline returned with a new cart of fresh baked bread, fruits and the smell of sweet cinnamon treats. She unloaded the food onto the table, looking between Obi-Wan and Anakin. She quietly smiled at Anakin as he chomped down on another scone, crumbs breading the corner of his lips.

"I see you got him to eat," Joline said to Obi-Wan.

"Eating is not the hard part," Obi-Wan said. "I apologize for his behavior. He was scared. He didn't mean to—"

"There is no need to apologize, Obi-Wan," Joline reassured him, rubbing the back of his shoulder. "I understand. I really do. Don't forget—I remember last time."

Of course she did. How often did she find him as a teenager, hiding away from Dooku and Qui-Gon down in the kitchens? Too often for her to know that something wasn't right in the floors above her work station. She must have seen the scars or the hurt in his eyes. She never said anything about them to him. Only offered some sort of sweet indulgence to him. She was the kindest person in the palace and at times, Obi-Wan's only friend when he was living in the palace seven years ago.

"Of course," Obi-Wan muttered at the recall of memories. He diverted his attention to the spread, surprised by the amount Joline made for them. "You may have gone a little overboard with the food," he remarked. "I don't think we will be able to eat all of this."

"I'm not worried," Joline gave a sly smile as she nudged her head to Anakin, who was shoving sausages into his mouth. "I have great faith in my boys."

Obi-Wan cracked a half-grin at Joline's tease. Before he make his own quip, the front door opened and all the warmth vanished. A chill rushed into the room, frosting everything inch with black dread. Anakin stopped eating and whipped his head to the front doors. Obi-Wan did as well.

Dooku and Qui-Gon finally arrived.

And Dooku was displeased. "Joline," his steel-like voice sliced through the tense silence. "Must I need to remind you of your place?"

Joline's smile vanished instantly. "No, my Lord."

Without another word, she disappeared behind the doors, abandoning Obi-Wan and Anakin to the shadows. Obi-Wan used the Force to draw Anakin's chair closer to his own as Dooku stared down at them from his leering height.

Dark orbs zeroed in on Anakin. His oily presence cutting into Anakin's Force shield left the boy cringing in discomfort. Obi-Wan threw up his own shield around Anakin, sparing the boy from further distress.

Dooku switched his focus to Obi-Wan. "Stand up, Kenobi," he ordered.

Obi-Wan flicked a quick peek at Qui-Gon. His former master said nothing. He watched from the doorway, more relaxed than anything. Obi-Wan felt the opposite. He obliged to Dooku's whims and pushed the chair back, his heart sinking to his stomach.

Once Obi-Wan rose to his full height, Dooku reviewed him critically. To say it was disconcerting would be an understatement. Dooku's piercing stare dissected him not only through the lens of his eyes, but through the Force. He felt the man's shiv slice through his shielding, diving right into his innermost feelings and memories, raging through them to sift out what was useful to him. Obi-Wan clenched his jaw, restraining Dooku's access to his memories as best he could, but the Sith Lord took great pleasure in stomping him down.

It wasn't until Obi-Wan nearly collapsed that Dooku rescinded. "Fits well enough, but somewhat baggy in certain areas," Dooku gestured to the uniform. "Still too thin to be considered commanding."

Obi-Wan crinkled his brows at that. What did he mean by commanding?

"That can be remedied," Qui-Gon spoke up for the first time. "TC-11 is monitoring his health and Joline—" He gestured to the big spread of food on the table, "is ensuring they'll regain the weight."

Dooku stared at Obi-Wan a little longer before acquiescing. "Very well," Dooku said. "Obi-Wan—sit across the table."

Obi-Wan always sat on the left side of the table. He never sat on the right side. His hesitation was noted and Dooku firmly repeated again. "Take your seat across the table."

With no other choice, Obi-Wan removed himself from his previous seat and walked to move around to the other side of the table. Except, something snagged onto his jacket, preventing him from following orders. He stopped and twisted, spying Anakin's pleading face and his small hand clutching onto the edges of Obi-Wan's jacket.

"Don't!" Anakin called out, fear welling in those blue eyes.

Obi-Wan retreated to Anakin, bending down to whisper to Anakin privately. "It'll be okay, Anakin. I promise," he assured him. "I'll only be on the other side."

Anakin shook his head and Obi-Wan witnessed a flutter of images run along their bond. Pictures of him in a variety of a bloody mess.

Obi-Wan removed those thoughts and squatted down beside Anakin. "I'm still here, Anakin," he reminded him. "I'm not going away. I promise. You're safe."

With great care, he removed Anakin's fingers from his jacket. The boy's round eyes watched, desperate and anxious all at once. Obi-Wan smiled, hoping it conveyed a sense of security to the boy. Sometimes, all Obi-Wan had to do was smile and it was enough for Anakin.

Not this time. Anakin sat rigid in his seat. A bundle of nerves uncertain and ready to act out.

"It'll be fine," Obi-Wan said one more time. "Remember what I told you."

Anakin stiffly nodded, but he didn't confirm with words. Obi-Wan didn't need him to. He trusted Anakin to follow through on his promise. He patted Anakin on the shoulder and took his leave, rounding the corner to sit on the other side of the table. He chose the seat directly across from Anakin, just as Dooku signaled one of the droids to rearrange the seating on Anakin's side.

The droid removed Obi-Wan's old seat. Its mechanical arm latched onto Anakin's own chair, dragging it to replace Obi-Wan's old seat. Anakin gripped the edges of his seat, spine straight as he was readjusted to his new position at the table.

Now, Obi-Wan sat across an empty space.

"You can sit down," came a voice behind him.

Qui-Gon maneuvered to where Obi-Wan stood, sliding behind him to take the seat closest to where Dooku sat at the head of the table. As Qui-Gon pulled out his own seat and sat down, Obi-Wan did too. He sunk into the chair, sharing a look with Anakin as he reinforced the idea that everything was all right.

Dooku ordered his drink to the serving droid and sent it away before turning his attention fully to Anakin. "You clean up well," he remarked, smoothing a napkin over his lap. "You no longer look like an urchin from the sewers."

Obi-Wan sensed the licking of a flame within Anakin. But Obi-Wan was quick to put it out. "It only takes a little bit of water," he said, "and some soap."

Dooku and Qui-Gon shifted their gaze to Obi-Wan. A resonating warning drilled into his mind. "And yet the Jedi could not provide it to him," said Dooku. "I know the Order prefers to shed all material wealth, but one would think hygiene to be of importance." Dooku piled some fruit on his plate. "You will find this place more accommodating to your needs than the Jedi Order."

Obi-Wan's nostrils flared at the slight against the Order. He readied to retort Dooku's claims when Qui-Gon touched his arm, reeling him back to focus. A sign of caution as to not provoke Dooku. Obi-Wan swallowed his words back down his throat and breathed, releasing the tension in his shoulders as he did so.

Qui-Gon removed his hand from Obi-Wan's arm. He lifted up his glass of water, eyes gazing over the rims and onto Anakin. He took a drink, wetting his lips and throat. "You probably have no memory of this place or me for that matter," Qui-Gon said as he lowered his glass. "Let me properly introduce myself. I'm Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan's master."

Anakin darted his eyes from Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan. But he kept to his word and didn't say anything. Just stared.

Qui-Gon noticed the silence. "I'm sure Obi-Wan didn't speak very highly of us to you," he said, passing a side-glance to Obi-Wan. "But, he speaks fondly of you. Praises you on your achievements. A mechanical genius and an exceptional pilot. Those are good skills to have in this day of age."

Again, Anakin said nothing.

"You do not need permission to speak, young one," Qui-Gon tried to get Anakin to open up. "You are free to talk. Ask questions."

Anakin only slid his eyes to Obi-Wan, a firm line scorned his face. Anakin had a lot to say to them. His jawline hardened from restraining the outburst perched on his tongue, barely keeping his promise to remain silent. Obi-Wan was thankful. Any outburst would result in trouble for Anakin and he appreciated that the boy kept his word. No need for Anakin to receive their special brand of punishment. As long as Anakin followed Obi-Wan's lead, then he boy would be safe and maybe, he could get Anakin out before they were far too trapped in the cycle.

Qui-Gon looked surprised by Anakin's reluctance to speak. "Do you not like to talk?"

"On the contrary, Qui-Gon, young Skywalker is quite vocal," Dooku answered, chuckling as he brings a piece of fruit to his mouth. He chewed slowly, scrutinizing Obi-Wan and Anakin from his poised position. "I'm sure Kenobi advised him to not speak at all."

Dooku took another bite of fruit. A smile played on his lips. "I see it is best I take advantage of the momentary silence to speak without any interruptions," he said, placing down his silverware and scooting up properly in his seat. "Let's proceed with the ground rules.

"First rule: You must obey myself and Qui-Gon at all times," Dooku listed off. "We are your masters now and shall be addressed as such. Any rebellion from either of you will not be tolerated. This is your first and only warning.

"Second: you have free reign of the palace with the exception of all hangers, the front hall and the east wing. Found in any of those places and you will receive a punishment far beyond your imagination."

Dooku redirected his venomous gaze to Obi-Wan. A warning that any more attempts would no longer be tolerated. With both in custody, security measurements would be stricter and punishment reinforced as to dissuade them from even thinking about running. In other words, do not step a toe out of line unless one wished it gone.

Recognition of the noted warning, Dooku continued. "Third, you are banned from accessing and utilizing any weapons unless granted permission by either myself or Qui-Gon. I do not think I need to reiterate the importance of following the rule, do I?" Dooku's gaze hinted a fervor, eyes glittering in expectation of submission from them. To bow and surrender to his might and rule.

And that expression alone snapped Obi-Wan's resolve to withstand the demeaning treatment. "Why don't you just carbonite us?" Obi-Wan darkly muttered. "It would be a lot easier."

The second he spoke, a chilling dread wrapped around him. In such a precarious situation, he should have held his tongue. He looked over to Qui-Gon, who disappointingly shook his head. It was not a good start. And, it set a bad example to Anakin. Especially after he told Anakin to not let his emotions run rampant.

Already, the tentacles of Dooku's Force presence pressed against him, coiling up and squeezing little by little. Obi-Wan adjusted himself in his seat, but that did little to ease the pressure off him. Dooku's scolding glare hardly looked ready to release him. "The idea has crossed my mind on many occasions," he said in a controlled, steely voice. "But then neither of you would be very useful."

"We're not useful now."

"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon reprimand, unable to remain a silent observer. A scowled screwed up his face, demonstrating his extreme disappointment.

Obi-Wan cared less, but the pressure against his chest made it difficult for him to voice that opinion. His attempts to throw Dooku off were futile. The Sith Lord strengthened his hold, the pressure building up against his chest that Obi-Wan wheezed in a breath in his attempt to draw in air to his lungs one last time.

Then a high-pitched cry reverberated around the room. "No! No! Leave him alone!" cried Anakin, launching out of his seat. His eyes were large and wide, drawing in shallow breaths alongside Obi-Wan. "Stop it! You're killing him!"

Anakin wasn't far from the truth. Obi-Wan's life slipped further and further away. The light flickering out against the swarming black dots that ebbed his vision. Death wouldn't claim him though. That much he knew. Dooku and Qui-Gon needed him alive and killing him would be counterproductive to their plans. All Dooku was doing was proving a point.

But Anakin didn't know that. All he saw was Obi-Wan being strangled to death, struggling for air and knew he had to do something.

He did. Obi-Wan, in his blurry eyesight, witnessed Anakin use the Force to send all the dishes directly to Dooku. The Sith Lord spotted the bulleting ceramics. He released Obi-Wan and shielded himself from the plates and glasses that came speeding to him. Qui-Gon helped too. He rose from his seat, stretching his arm out to stop the dishes from reaching impact.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan collapsed back on the chair, hacking. But, he did not sit still to regain control of his lungs. Instead, he dove underneath the table, crawling as fast as he could to reach Anakin. As he expected he found Anakin crouched underneath the table too.

Obi-Wan grabbed for Anakin, pulling him to crawl to the doors. "Go! Go!" he hoarsely ordered Anakin.

Anakin didn't need to be told again. He scurried down the long dining table, crawling as fast as his scrawny body could go. Obi-Wan trailed behind him, thinking of how everything went wrong. He was well aware it was his fault they were fleeing. It was his fault Anakin used the Force to attack Dooku. He set a bad example for Anakin and now they had to hurry to avoid paying a terrible price.

Yet, Obi-Wan knew they were never going to make it to the doors. Hopeful, but he knew the likelihood of achieving that goal was less than favorable. All he could do in the end was protect Anakin at all costs.

It came to no surprise when the table disappeared over their heads, the shelter gone and exposing their location. Obi-Wan wasted no time. He sprung to his feet, gathering Anakin in his arms as he backed to the furthest point away.

Anakin did his best to be brave, but the quickening heartbeat pulsing along the Force bonds vibrating was enough to alert Obi-Wan of Anakin's fear. Still holding onto Anakin, Obi-Wan took stock of his surroundings. The once pristine dining room was a mess. Dishes shattered. Jagged ceramic pieces scattered here and there. Food smeared on the walls and floor while chairs were knocked off their legs and the table stood elsewhere, hiding some of the disorder.

Standing upright and bulging with anger, Dooku looked sharply at them. His yellow irises were like molten gold rings. Qui-Gon stood beside him, looking despondent at the two of them as if severely disappointed by the outcome of events.

Back when he was a boy, Obi-Wan would be frightful, anxiously cowering in hopes Dooku wouldn't hurt him. But that was years ago. Obi-Wan aged and Dooku no longer held that same intimidating factor. That didn't mean Obi-Wan didn't have fear for the Sith Lord. Being unarmed and facing an unstable man who was clutching the hilt of a lightsaber was enough to make him sense a hint of fear. Especially with Anakin involved.

As the Sith Lords made their approach, Obi-Wan dropped Anakin and pushed the boy behind him. "It's not his fault! It's mine!" he declared to the Sith Lords and he looked to Qui-Gon. "He was only trying to protect me."

While Qui-Gon looked sympathetic, Dooku did not. His eyes burned with revenge. "Then perhaps you should have thought of the consequences before you ran your mouth."

Anakin forcibly poked his head out from behind Obi-Wan. Eyes small and mouth pressed into a thin line of rebuttal. "You're a monster! A murderer!" he accused. "Go straight to Sith's hell, sleemo!"

Dooku's face burned, eyes flaring up again as the room chilled to a dark abyss. "Or better yet," the Sith Lord haunted, "perhaps you should have taught your young charge better manners."

Before Obi-Wan had a chance to prepare, a coil of the Force wrapped around him. It lifted him off his feet and threw him across the room. Obi-Wan crashed into one of the few remaining chairs. Tipped backwards, somersaulting onto the floor before being splayed over the broken dishes and ruined food. Head splitting, Obi-Wan blinked a few times to recapture his vision.

That's when he heard Anakin's voice call out to him. "Obi-Wan!"

Jolted, Obi-Wan jumped back to his feet, spotting Anakin trapped in the corner, pitted against two Sith Lords. Anakin looked between Dooku and Qui-Gon, directly to Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan!"

Obi-Wan charged, nearly leaping into the air to stand between Anakin and the Sith. Only his leap plummeted to the ground as two iron hands snared him, dragging him back down to the floor. Obi-Wan struggled in his binds, twisting his wrists and shoving his elbows upward to throw off the droids' grips.

Obi-Wan resisted the restraints. He kicked, pulled and lunged. All in the effort to reach Anakin, who was trapped as rivulets of tears went down his cheek.

"No… no…" Anakin whimpered as a droid approached and snatched his arm, yanking him up.

Obi-Wan snapped his head to Dooku and Qui-Gon, both indifferent to the scene. "Don't do this!" he shouted to them. "Please! He didn't mean to."

Both Sith Lords furtively glanced in Obi-Wan's direction. Only Dooku sneered at him. "No one ever means to," he barbed. "Think of this as a learning experience. A lesson on obedience that you thoroughly failed to instill in the boy."

Obi-Wan tugged on his arms, desiring nothing more than to wrap his own hands around Dooku's throat. But his own droids held firm, their grip tight enough to shatter his bones.

He looked to Qui-Gon. His last hope. "Qui-Gon!" he called out to his former master. He saw the Sith Lord's eyes blink upon recognition of his name. But nothing more. Obi-Wan tried again. "Master!"

And that certainly got Qui-Gon's attention. The Sith Lord turned, staring down at him in mild surprise by the title. Obi-Wan dropped to his knees, his arms angled awkwardly and painfully due to the droids still locked on him.

"Please! Don't do this," Obi-Wan begged. "Don't… he's only a boy!"

Qui-Gon sighed, plucking at the ends of his beard. He took one look at Anakin, weighing the options. A spark of hope burned in Obi-Wan's heart as Qui-Gon took consideration. A possible break-through? Obi-Wan hoped so because he could not bear to allow Anakin go through that torture.

A long, drawn sigh slipped passed Qui-Gon's lips as he turned back around to Obi-Wan. "I wish I could," he said and Obi-Wan's heart sank, "but Anakin needs to learn discipline."

Obi-Wan gaped, stupefied and horrified by the answer. Qui-Gon's attitude on such barbaric upbringing had changed dramatically. "No… no… no," Obi-Wan jumped back on his feet. He was going have to battle his way to Anakin on his own.

Qui-Gon sensed this attempt and blocked him. "Stop this now, Obi-Wan," he whispered the warning. "Or else you too will suffer the same fate."

Obi-Wan jutted his chin and peered defiantly at Qui-Gon. "I already do."

The droid lifted Anakin's tunic up, exposing his back. Obi-Wan saw the spine curve as Anakin wiggled for freedom. The droid secured him well for Anakin couldn't break from the grasp. Another droid stepped up and Dooku gave him the appropriate signal.

The droid unraveled an electro-whip. The yellow rope dangling in wait to smack across warm flesh. The droid brought back its arm. The electro-whip in the air, ready for the beginning strike.

Obi-Wan pressed forward, reaching through the Force to stop the droid from harming Anakin. He grab to telekinetically throw an object was prevented by Qui-Gon, who stepped in Obi-Wan's line of sight and blurred his connection with the Force by barging Obi-Wan with random thoughts through their meager Force bond. It split Obi-Wan's head open, a dull ache pulsing right in the center of his head, throwing his senses off.

He tried to refocus, gather back his strength and fight back, but the whizzing sound of an object flying through the air caught him off-guard. The whip cracked and snapped on flesh. A single scream broke the silence.

Obi-Wan jolted, throwing his head back and putting up his best resistance to get to Anakin. The droids held him back, keeping a firm grip that leashed him. He couldn't get anywhere and Qui-Gon blocked most of the punishment from him. But it did nothing to hide the horrors. Obi-Wan still heard Anakin's sobs and whimpers. A blubber of mercies followed only to be silenced by another whip. Through the Force Obi-Wan witnessed Anakin hunched, curling in on himself to shelter his body, but it was futile against the droid that held him up, exposing his now reddening back.

The third cry resounded and fluttered into heavy sobs when the droid rolled the whip back into storage. The droid holding Anakin released him and he toppled to his knees, forehead kissing the floor as his flogged back burned and cut open, droplets of blood sliding down.

A black hole opened in the center of Obi-Wan's chest, swallowing his heart hole and leaving nothing but a freezing prickle where it once was. All the vitality in his body zapped out and he dangled in the droids' metal limbs. Dooku stepped away, disinterested in the scene now that the flogging ended. "Send in the cleaners," he ordered to one of the droids. "I want this place immaculate by noon."

He strolled out of the room, his black cape fluttering by his ankles. He rounded on his heels, surveying the scene before his dark eyes rested on Obi-Wan. "I believe this has been an... enlightening lesson. For the two of you."

Obi-Wan glared, but said nothing. No need to engage with an egomaniac and bring about more suffering. Dooku grinned, arrogant in his triumph. The Sith Lord departed without another word or command. All that was left were the sniffles of an innocent and the clanking pounds of droids moving behind them. Obi-Wan lifted his weary head, gaze fallen on Anakin's shaking form. Repulsed at the sight and desperate to blanket Anakin to stop the shivers, Obi-Wan walked ahead only to be yanked back by the droids holding him hostage.

Obi-Wan growled at their prevention. "Release me."

The droids didn't budge nor even register his command or distress. Qui-Gon, however, did. The Sith Lord took one look at Obi-Wan, pity hiding behind that stoic mask. Obi-Wan didn't care though. His focus was on Anakin, still in a crumbled mess.

Qui-Gon succumbed and gave a single nod to the droids. The irons clasps unlocked around his arms and Obi-Wan wasted no time in striding across the space, dropping to his knees beside Anakin.

He gently cupped his hand on Anakin's neck, encouraging the boy to move. "Hey there. It's me, Anakin," he whispered. "It's only me."

Anakin trembled underneath his hand, heart pounding too loudly in his chest and within the Force. He didn't move at Obi-Wan's touch nor even seemed to register that Obi-Wan now squatted beside him. Careful, Obi-Wan pulled Anakin back from the floor, bringing him to a straighter position.

Anakin sniveled. "My back…"

Obi-Wan checked his back again. It burned bright. Red lines scratched into his skin, some bleeding and others swelling. It didn't look good, but it wasn't nearly as bad as others Obi-Wan had seen. Some bacta and a cooling gel would treat the wounds well enough.

"It's not bad," Obi-Wan reassured Anakin. "A little bit of bacta and you'll be good as new."

Anakin doubted him. "It hurts."

"I know," Obi-Wan sighed, remembering his own whippings as a teenager. The electro-whips left his back burning for hours or sometimes even days depending on many lashes he received. "But we can't stay down here forever. We must get up. You can do that, right?"

Anakin's mouth trembled as he pondered. "I-I think so. I… I don't know," he said through his tears. "It hurts, Obi-Wan. It really hurts!"

"I know, I know," Obi-Wan took Anakin's arm, guiding him back to his feet. If he could, he would have carried young Anakin, but he feared it would only agitate the wounds. He checked the back again, unrolling Anakin's shirt as to cover up the marks. Seeing the lashes, dread consumed Obi-Wan. An added weight to his burdening shoulders. "I'm so sorry Anakin. This is all my fault."

The boy sniveled, wiping his nose with his sleeves. He didn't say anything. Just shook and Obi-Wan helped him to his feet. Anakin remained hunched, too afraid to move his back due to the pain shooting up his spine. Obi-Wan assisted, giving him support as they turned to head to the door.

To Obi-Wan's surprise, the doors opened before they reached them. Then he was immediately repulsed. A medical droid zoomed onto the scene, followed by a human female dressed in medical garb. She brought with her a moving capsule, guiding it into the dining hall.

Her soft eyes spotted them, assessing them as the injured. "Here," the healer approached them. "I'll take it from here."

Obi-Wan didn't budge from Anakin. "I got it."

"Let her do her job, Obi-Wan," came Qui-Gon's voice as the Sith Lord stepped back into his peripheral vision. "She'll take good care of Anakin."

"I'm not leaving Anakin with anyone," Obi-Wan growled, shielding Anakin with his arm. "I'll care for his wounds. I know how to dress lashes."

"I have no doubt," Qui-Gon agreed, meaning he must remembered the whippings Obi-Wan received as a boy. "But let Anakin go to the medbay with the healers. He still needs to get a full physical done, which will take time. We'll have a servant escort him back to his quarters when he's done."

"I'm not leaving him."

"I know—but you must learn to let go," Qui-Gon said as he pulled Obi-Wan away, fingers pinching into Obi-Wan's shoulders as he dragged him off. The healer swooped in and caught Anakin, hurrying him to the floating capsule. Anakin checked over his shoulder, teary eyes widening at the thought of being separated.

"Obi-Wan—"

His voice was cut off as the healer pushed him down into the capsule. Secured, the healer directed the floating capsule out of the dining room and into the hall. Out of sight all together from Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon still held onto Obi-Wan, refusing to let go until the tightening of muscles relaxed into a feeble surrender. Obi-Wan stared at the door, wondering how everything led up to this moment. No matter what he did, he always came back to feeling utterly helpless.

"He'll live, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, trying to be reassuring, but falling flat. "It's a terrible shame Anakin had to go through it, but I have no doubt young Anakin can survive a few lashes. After all, you did raise him. He'll be fine."

That gave Obi-Wan no comfort at all. He shivered, bringing his hands up to his arms, rubbing them over his jacket for some heat. Qui-Gon was wrong. Nothing was going to be fine. Everything has changed. The galaxy was in danger and he and Anakin, their lives were about to become so much darker than ever before.

And it was something that he didn't think he and Anakin would survive.

One of the Queen's handmaidens hurried down the vast corridors, turning lefts and rights until she reached the monarch's chambers. She knocked her code into the door. Taps here and there. Then she waited.

A moment later, another handmaiden answered the door. "Is everything all right? The Queen was about to go to bed."

"I'm afraid this cannot wait," the handmaiden responded. "I received word from the air control. There's an incoming, unmarked ship trying to land. The pilot claims she is friends with the Queen?"

The handmaiden furrowed her brows, odd by the news.

"Sabé?" called the sweet voice of their hero Queen. "What is the problem?"

Sabé politely widened the door to allow the Queen and the other handmaiden to see face to face. Padmé's brown hair hung loose, curls tight in her hair. Dark eyes looked on with great concern, making her appear far older than her true age. Yet, the handmaidens would do anything the Queen asked. It was their duty and privilege to do so.

"Your Highness, there is a unmarked ship trying to land on the planet," Sabé explained. "The pilot claims to know you."

Padmé raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Do we have the pilot's name?"

Sabé turned to the other handmaiden for an answer.

"Yes," the handmaiden replied. "She said her name was Satine Kryze. Duchess of Mandalore."

Padmé rose to her feet at once. "Grant her access to the royal ports," she ordered to the handmaiden. "Inform the guards of an arriving guest, but keep the identity a secret. Do not let it be leaked outside the palace."

The handmaiden bowed in acceptance. "Yes, your Highness," she responded and moved out to perform her duty.

Padmé turned to Sabé. "I'm afraid sleep will have to wait," she said removing her nightwear. "I'll need some new clothes."