Chapter 23 Anticipation
Anakin returned to the room after contacting the Temple and arranging for transport, and of course, Obi-Wan's fresh tunic, "I just contacted the Temple and….now what are you doing?" He asked as he observed Obi-Wan trying to remove the bandaging wrapped around his upper chest.
"This is too restrictive; and it itches." Obi-Wan said.
"Well, stop it; that's on there for a reason. You're worse than a youngling." Anakin replied, exasperated.
Obi-Wan did not answer; however, he did quit trying to unwrap the bandage.
"Anyway, they are sending a Jedi transport to the private docking platform; that should give EMD421 enough time to prepare your discharge documents. And yes, Obi-Wan, they are bringing you a clean tunic." Anakin told him.
"Good, I just want to get out of here." Obi-Wan replied. "Did you ask about Zak again?"
"Yes, he's better; Declan is keeping an eye on him in the healers' quarters." Anakin answered. "Don't look so worried; he had a bad scare, but you know Zak, he's a tough kid."
"I know; it's just that he was so excited when I chose him and I have given him nothing but trouble since the beginning. He does not deserve all this." Obi-Wan said with a sigh.
"I don't think he has regretted a minute of it, Obi-Wan; I swear he worships the ground you walk on. He'll get through this and never look back." Anakin said.
"This is your discharge information." EMD421 announced as it entered the room. "You will read through it and enter your name if it meets your approval."
Obi-Wan took the data pad, scanned through it quickly and entered his name into the keypad.
"You have tried to remove this. I will have to replace it before you leave." The droid said as it looked at Obi-Wan.
"Fine, just hurry up, I don't wish to stay here any longer than I have to; and this time, don't make it so tight." Obi-Wan replied.
By the time EMD421 had finished, Declan arrived with Obi-Wan's clean shirt, "I told you not to go to that trial; didn't I? And now look at you." He said disapprovingly.
"Don't say it, Declan, I already know; I'm worse than a youngling. Someone has already pointed that out to me." Obi-Wan replied as he looked at Anakin.
"Oh come on, Declan; nobody knew this was going to happen. He was alright until the shooting started." Anakin said defensively.
"Hmm…well, I guess that's true; but you still shouldn't have been there." Declan conceded, a little.
"How is Zak, Declan?" Obi-Wan asked.
"He had a very bad time of it last night; whatever happened, it must have been a terrifying experience. However, he slept most of the day and is much better now; he wanted to come with us, but I thought it would be better if he stayed at the Temple." Declan explained.
"Poor Zak; I'm sorry he ever got dragged into this mess." Obi-Wan said regretfully.
"Well, I for one am glad that he didn't come. Whoever is behind all this is still out there and Zak is the most vulnerable of all of us; at least to something like this." Anakin added. "The Temple is probably the only place where we can protect him."
"Yes, you're right, Anakin." Obi-Wan agreed. "Now shall we go?"
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He had to take three different transports before he finally arrived at the medical center. At last, the final transport landed at the public docking port. Several others were in front of him, and it was all he could do to not push past them in his rush to get out. But he knew that he should not draw attention to himself and forced himself to be patient. When he did manage to get out, he hurried towards the front entrance to the center. Along the way, he had managed to steal a different tunic to replace the Jedi tunic he had been wearing. He did not want to stand out as a Jedi, not any more. He paused briefly at the information booth to access the information regarding Kenobi's location before catching the nearest turbo lift to the floor he wanted.
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Anakin picked up Obi-Wan's utility belt. Declan advised Obi-Wan not to wear it, and Obi-Wan did not argue. They left the room and went to the lobby where the turbo lifts were located. Anakin pressed the button to summon the lift. There were three lifts heading up in their direction. They would have to wait.
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Inside the turbo lift, he struggled to contain his impatience. He had waited a long time for this moment, a long, long time. Had it really been 25 years? Yes, they were both seniors then, both waiting to be chosen. They had even been friends back then. But that all changed; it turned into a rivalry. Now, after all this time, Kenobi would get what he deserved; and if anyone stood in his way, they would pay the same price.
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"What's taking so long? You'd think a place like this would have faster lifts." Anakin said impatiently.
"Relax, Anakin. What's your hurry?" Obi-Wan told him calmly.
"You were the one who said you wanted to go home; now you're telling me to be patient?" Anakin replied.
"All we're waiting for is the turbo lift, Anakin." Obi-Wan answered, "You can't make it move any faster with your impatience."
Declan could no longer control his laughter.
"What's so funny?" Anakin and Obi-Wan asked.
"You two. Just listening to the both of you; it's just…well, funny." Declan explained.
"I don't think it's funny; do you?" Anakin asked Obi-Wan seriously.
"No, I don't either." Obi-Wan answered trying to hold a straight face until Anakin started laughing.
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Two more levels; hurry up. Can't this thing go any faster? Come on! He was practically bouncing off the walls anticipating his next meeting, his final meeting with Obi-Wan Kenobi….
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"Here comes one now…no, it's stopping at the level just below us." Declan said.
"Well, there's two more right behind it." Anakin observed.
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One more level; oh, this was going to be so sweet. He wondered if Kenobi would even remember him. Well, it didn't matter; he would remind him…just before he killed him. Hurry, just a few more minutes….
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"Finally, I thought that lift would never get here." Anakin said as one of the lifts indicated its arrival.
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Finally! All he had to do now was find Kenobi's room and his revenge would be complete; the turbo lift stopped and the door slid open….
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Zak waited quietly in the hanger bay waiting for the transport to return; he had initially been disappointed when Declan had advised against letting him come with them, but on reflection, decided that he was not ready to leave the Temple yet. Although the memory of what had happened the past night was fading, it was still fresh enough for him to still remember how terrifying the attack had been. Master Windu was with him, and just being in the company with this master was enough to make Zak feel safe, at least until he could see his own master. Despite his calm exterior, he was brimming with anticipation.
"Calmly, Zak; they only left a few minutes ago. Why don't you go sit down for a little while." Mace said.
"I just want to see him, Master Windu." Zak replied.
"I know you do, Zak; but that is not going to make that transport travel any faster." Mace told him, "Now, go sit down."
"Yes, Master Windu." Zak answered obediently. "How long before they get back?"
"A while, padawan; they only just left." Mace informed him, "I don't know why you insisted on coming down here this soon."
"You don't have to wait with me, Master Windu." Zak said. "I think I'll be alright."
"No, I think I would rather stay; if you don't mind, that is." Mace answered. He could feel Zak's apprehension at the thought of being left by himself despite the brave front he was showing.
"Oh, well if you really want to, Master Windu." Zak said nonchalantly. "But you don't have to."
"Did Master Obi-Wan ever show you the fighters we used during the Clone Wars?" Mace asked.
"No; I think he wanted to but then…" Zak started but could not finish.
"Well, if you don't think Master Obi-Wan would mind, we could take a look at them now." Mace suggested.
Zak thought for a moment, "No," he decided, "I don't think he would mind at all."
"Good; it would certainly be better than standing around here doing nothing." Mace replied.
"Is the ship he took to Utapau to fight General Grievous here?" Zak asked.
"Yes, he brought that one back here after he and the Clones defeated Grievous and the droid army."
Zak frowned, "Clones? You mean like JK?" He asked.
"Well, yes and no. They were not like JK. They could have been if Chancellor Palpatine had been able to carry out Order 66." Mace said before realizing he had made another mistake by mentioning that.
"I don't think I trust Clones." Zak replied.
"They are not all like JK, Zak. Most of the Clones are loyal to the Republic. Order 66 was rescinded; at least for most of them."
"Master Windu, you have a message. Please respond at the nearest com unit." A voice announced.
"Thank you, I will be right there." Mace responded. "Zak, I am going right over there. I won't leave your sight; alright?"
"I'll be fine, Master Windu." Zak assured him.
Mace walked over to the communications console across the bay, "This is Master Windu; what is the message?" He asked.
"We have some shocking news from the Chancellor. All the Clones who were taken into custody yesterday are dead." The messenger said.
"What? How could that happen? Who could have gotten to them?" He asked incredulously.
"No one did, Master Windu. It appears that the leader killed them all before killing himself."
"Ingenious; train the Clones to kill themselves if they are captured to protect the information they have." Mace said.
"Yes, it appears that is what happened. I'm sorry, Master Windu; I wish I had better news." The messenger replied.
"I understand. Thank you." Mace concluded.
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The lift door opened and Anakin entered followed by Obi-Wan and Declan.
"Alright, let's get out of here." Anakin said as the lift door closed.
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He stepped out of the lift and sought out the nearest information center on the level. He did not have to go that far; he spied one of the med droids coming down the hallway.
"Excuse, me." He said politely.
"I am EMD421; how can I be of service?" The droid stated.
"I am trying to locate a patient who was brought in yesterday. Could you direct to his room?"
"I have many patients on this level; what is the name of the patient you are searching for?"
"A Jedi Knight by the name of Obi-Wan Kenobi." He answered.
"Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has been released." EMD421 informed him.
"What! That is not possible! When was he released?" He shouted.
"You will lower your voice; the patients here need to rest." The droid ordered.
He took a deep breath. Yes, he must be calm. He must not direct attention to himself.
"When was Master Kenobi released?" He repeated, calmly.
Yes, he could be very calm.
"You just missed him; Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker and another Jedi took that turbo lift to the lower level." EMD421 replied.
"Do you know where they were going?" He asked; he was very calm now.
"No, I was not given that information. May I help you further?" EMD421 said.
"No, thank you. You have been very helpful." He answered politely.
