Obi-Wan stood in the cell at the venerator. Like most cells, it did not have any walls or bars, but a simple energy field that could not be crossed. Overlooking him, he saw the long corridor. The ship was no longer active and energetic as it was in battles; it seemed at this point, the entire administrative and military apparatus of the Empire was literally revamping itself.
Is all over and lost? I tried to talk to Anakin… But he would not listen. Yet… He showed concern for Ahsoka. Is he not still lost?
There was a bitter taste in Obi-Wan's mind. For one, he would die here. Sidious himself, if Tarkin was to believe, was arriving on this destroyer.
Footsteps approached the cell.
"Master Jedi." It was Pell Baylo. The officer who had stood up to Tarkin.
"Well, Commander, what do you think is there in store for me?"
"The same that is in store for all of us," Baylo replied. "The annihilation of our ideas – a period of dictatorship and tyranny for the entire galaxy.
"In fact, we might as well be dead."
"That's no reason to stop fighting." Said Obi-Wan.
"Yes. Either way you are dead, Master Jedi. As am I. But you can do as much damage before."
Baylo pressed a button on a panel, and the energy field disapparated.
"I don't have a lightsaber."
Baylo shrugged and walked fast ahead.
Stealth. Obi-Wan knew this. But perhaps there was no need for it yet. The corridors of the venerator were deserted.
Now, while the Empire is taking some time to settle itself, is the time to hit hard at it before it can oppress even more.
Obi-Wan saw ahead. Two clones were struck down by a blue lightsaber.
The man turned to the Jedi. And blue – just blue eyes looked at him.
The situation stayed like this. It was awkward.
"I take it, there's a reason you're here," said Obi-Wan.
"Oh, yeah," said Anakin. "I've come to rescue you. Thought it seems you're already out."
After a few moments, Obi-Wan finally said. "I have to say: I don't understand you, Anakin. What could have lead you to do this."
Anakin changed colour. "To do what? To see through the lies of the Jedi?" He spat.
"Lies! What lies? This order has given you meaning, a life, a family!"
The only family I have seems to be going away, Anakin thought. Which I won't let happen.
"You're friend, this dark lord has twisted your mind," Obi-Wan said, shaking his head.
"He's the only one who seems to be offering a way – one blocked by the Order. One the order has always never seen past."
"Anakin." Obi-Wan said softly. "I know. I have always known… About you and Padme. And I truly feel what you must be going through, in your mind and heart."
"How could you know?" said Anakin.
"I do know." Said Obi-Wan. "And I know you."
Anakin stared intensely at his former master.
He mellowed down. "She will die."
"Anakin, I don't know what will happen – following these premonitions or visions of the force; I also cannot absolve you of what you've done… Or how you could return to the right side.
"All I know is from Yoda. His saying, 'Always in motion, the future is.'
"And right now, you have the choice. The power. The control. On what you will do now."
"Your old lectures, Obi-Wan." Anakin said.
"You are in more need of them than you ever were. And I think we all are."
"What's your plan, though?" Anakin asked. "Someone has freed you and…"
"I'm supposed to do as much damage as I can – that's the condition. The Commander released me with that in mind."
"You'll die," said Anakin simply. "And my coming here was wasted. So go, take my ship, and leave. Or, I might kill you myself right here."
Footsteps sounded next to them.
There's no need for another battle between us, Obi-Wan thought. I think I may yet be needed alive. He nodded.
"And… "
"What I do now is my concern, Obi-Wan. It's my choice and my burden. Now, go way – they're almost here."
"My Lord Vader," bowed Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin. "Everyone here must address this man by that title." Tarkin spoke aloud to the bridge. "He is the Emperor's officer."
"Yes, sir!" The officers sounded. "Lord Vader." They saluted to Anakin.
This is power, Anakin thought.
"But you've taken a detour, My Lord… You were on Eriadu, fighting Kenobi – your old Master."
"All according to the Emperor's plan." Anakin said shortly.
"Of course. In fact, the Emperor is arriving here. I do not know why. Perhaps he wished to speak to Kenobi…"
"On that matter," Tarkin continued. "Commander Baylo."
Anakin saw the short commander of the ship whom Obi-Wan must have spoken about walk up to Tarkin fearlessly.
"There is a difference of our ideals, and I respect that.
"But sometimes this distance is irreconcilable."
Tarkin upholstered his blaster and shot Baylo give times until the man hit the ground. He fired once more.
Speechlessness and Silence reverberated on the bride.
A young officer, Anakin saw, looked up and then sat thoughtfully.
"Well, the take the quarters, inspect the ship: do as you please, Lord Vader. I will retire now. We will wait for the Emperor."