A/N: Thank you for the thoughtful comments! It really means a lot to me that you guys are enjoying this. One of the reviewers guessed where this is heading already. Very clever! Yes, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi Wan will reunite for another adventure….eventually.

Chapter 9

Near Dorin

An eta class shuttle, with it's tri-wing configuration, was a sight for sore eyes and in excellent working order. It might as well have been new! Oh, Obi Wan was utterly indebted to Master Plo's generosity. He sat comfortably in the pilot's seat, enjoying the silence of an optimally working ship.

Ahsoka sitting in the copilot seat, familiarized herself with the ship's controls. She tried to hide the smirk on her face as she watches Obi Wan relax into the seat next to her. It impressed upon her how much he hated flying. She enjoyed the challenge of working on an older ship, but then again, she was also taught well by her former Master, who could literally fix anything. Now that Obi Wan seemed to be in a better mood, it was a good opportunity to bring up her questions.

"Obi Wan? What do you think about what Master Plo said?" She inquired.

Obi Wan leaned back in his chair, thinking about her question as he stroked his beard, "About changes in the Force?"

"Yes. What could cause such a change in the Force? Why didn't this happen before? Is it because the Sith have been defeated?" Ahsoka continued.

"That is the question, isn't it? Many things have changed. Before the Clone Wars started, believe it or not, many felt that things had become stagnant in the Republic. Stuck in their ways and destined to continue to repeat the same cycle. The same could have been said about the Jedi." He turned to face her.

"The Council has always been ridged in its ways. It's well known even though many have complained. I use to believe that our adherence to tradition helped the Jedi through the trying times. That consistency would be what helped give us direction and clarity through the chaos. I understand now how that has hindered us. Though we remained the same for several millennia, our enemies have changed and adjusted to us."

"You mean like the Sith?" Ashoka surmised.

"Yes, our, once thought long extinct, enemy was waiting in the shadows and observing us carefully. At best, our ways were outdated, and at worse, we were so inflexible to change that we became obsolete. From a strategic standpoint, we gave the Sith every advantage because we were unable to adapt to the galaxy around us. It's no wonder Darth Sidious was able to advance as far as he did." Obi Wan pondered sadly.

"But we were able to defeat Darth Sidious and Count Dooku because of what Anakin did." She suggested.

A proud smile crossed his face, "Anakin has always been of his own mind which, in itself, bristled against the Council. He is so much like my old master." Obi Wan chuckled. "Master Qui Gon Jinn. You would have loved him."

"Oh," Ahsoka asked causally. She enjoyed listening to Obi Wan's stories, "How so?"

"He was very independent and fearless. He always sought to do what was right-what the Living Force guided him do to. As he would say. Oh, we would have so many arguments about the Council." He chuckled back at the memory. "You know, they offered him a seat on the Council?"

"Really? I never heard about it." Ahsoka admitted.

"These things are usually kept very quiet until a person accepts the role. Which in Master Qui Gon's case, he never did. In fact, he may have been the only person to ever decline the seat." Obi Wan crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "He had many reservations about the Council. He always felt that the Jedi exhausted too much time and resources being the Chancellor's police. Our focus should have been on understand the Force better and apply that to better serve the Force. Instead, we focused on enforcing the Republic's laws. My Master chose to obey the Force."

Ahsoka grimaced at the thought, "I have to admit, when I was accused of sedition, I really couldn't believe how the Council turned on me. I thought it was something wrong with my character, but now I know it wasn't about me."

Obi Wan eyes soften, "I'm truly sorry about what happened to you, Ahoska. It was wrong. We let our allegiance to the Republic supersede even our commitment to our own people. Being on the Council has given me an insight few others have experienced. It was a huge step for them to consider someone like Qui Gon for the Council. To be honest, I'm not sure how much difference he would have made. Unfortunately, a few strong voices always dominated the conversations. Whether it was out of reverence for their advance wisdom and experience or just a matter of a wills a few would usually get their way." Obi Wan looked remorseful as he shared this like he was confessing a grave sin.

"I failed you, Ahsoka. I disagreed with the Council and their actions against you but I did nothing. I choose to side with the Council instead of doing the right thing. For that, I can only offer my sincerest apology."

Ahsoka was stunned to hear this. She always thought of Obi Wan as confident and steadfast. It was a surprise to hear he had doubts and especially that he had regretted his actions. She never held a grudge against him for what happened. In fact, she wasn't really angry at the Council either. She was just…disappointed. She felt she had to live life on her own and figure out for herself what was right and wrong.

"Obi Wan, for what's its worth. I forgive you, but I never blamed you for anything. Leaving the order turned out to be really good for me." A sly smirk crossed her togruta face, "I guess I ended up blazing that trail for you and Anakin later?"

Obi Wan offered a half hearted laugh. "Well, it does mean something to me. So thank you, Ahsoka."

A calm quiet fell between the two friends. A veil had been lifted. A tension between them they didn't know existed. Ahsoka didn't have the same relationship with Obi Wan as she did Anakin. For the first time, she felt like she could really open up to him.

"Can I ask you another question? I can ask later if it's a better time." She asked, treading carefully.

"There is no better time than the present. Ask away Ahsoka," Obi Wan, the man of great patience, offered.

"What do you think about how the Council treated Anakin and how Master Plo said that love is an ally of the light side of the Force?" She crossed her legs as she subconsciously tugged at her head tail.

She continued, "I honestly never thought what Anakin and Padmé had was wrong. I never said anything to him because I shared his concern that the Council wouldn't think well of it. It turns out I was right. Anakin is the Chosen One. I don't understand how they could just disregard that. How thankless they were towards Anakin's sacrifice." She tried to suppress the anger rising in her voice.

"I still don't understand how the Jedi could be compassionate and, at the same time, say that attachments are forbidden. I guess I always thought you needed to love to be compassionate. It was never a bad thing to me." She concluded.

"There are dangers to love," Obi Wan warned. "I suppose to love is not inherently good or evil, but when dealt with improperly, it can lead to selfishness and jealously. This is what the Jedi were always concerned about. In addition, your enemies can use the people you care about against you." His thoughts sadly went back to Satine. He caught the questionable look on Ahsoka's face and continued before she could pry, "It can be a powerful tool in the right setting and dangerous when exploited." He stated.

"But you can't stop caring for people just out of that fear," Ahsoka stated.

Obi Wan stared at her for a moment as the words struck a chord with him.

"What if it's the will of the Force for us to be personally involved with others? So we understand how precious each life is. That every life matters. How can you help people if you never know their name or their faces? How can you have compassion?"

Obi Wan was impressed by how much Ahsoka had grown. It felt like only yesterday when she was just a Padawan stepping off the shuttle onto Christophsis. She was so eager, innocent, and had a very sharp tongue. Now, look at her. She would have made a fine Jedi one day if things were different.

"Yes, Ahsoka. You do have a point." Obi Wan admitted, "You have grown strong and wise. I'm very proud of you."

She stared at him, flustered by his comment, which amused him. Experiencing a new level of candor with Ahsoka, he couldn't help himself, "So, is there someone that you would like to know on a more personal level?"

"I'm sorry, Obi Wan?" Ahsoka's eyes went wide as panic set in.

Obi Wan grinned devilishly, "What about that senator boy? What's his name? Lux Bonteri was it?"

She swallowed hard. How did he know about that? She tried to backtrack out, "Not really..well. Maybe."

"Ahsoka, you are free to forge your own path now. As you clearly stated to me, you're not a Jedi. Remember?" Using her words against her in a playful manner.

She shifted uncomfortably as she couldn't deny it. She had buried those feelings away on Onderon. Guilt had dominated her thoughts in the role she played in Steela Gerrara's death. Even after all this time, it would be an affront to her memory. Lux was so broken by Steela's death.

She finally admitted in a hushed tone, "I don't know if it's the right time."

"In my extremely limited experience. Love tends to come at the most inopportune time." Obi Wan offered.

She shook her head, unable to wrap her head around such a wonderful thought. "I don't know if I could ever have what Anakin and Padmé have. It's hard to imagine."

Obi Wan smiled amusingly, "You should follow as your heart guides you."

"What about you? Do you think you could ever fall in love?" Ahsoka's interest peaked.

Obi Wan was taken back by this. It was his turn to feel uncomfortable. A wave of emotion hit him. "No. I think my path is different. Some sort of Jedi order can be salvaged from all of this. That is where the Force is leading me." There was a finality in his tone. His answer was not up for debate.

Ahsoka felt the sudden shift in Obi Wan's demeanor and decided to let the conversation go. She was confused with how he suddenly shut down on her. She felt all the progress they made today was lost, and she didn't understand what happened. Ahsoka turned and got up from her seat, "I'm going to grab something to drink. Did you want something?"

"No, no. Please help yourself. I'll let you know if we run into any more trouble." Obi Wan's back was turned to her as he busied himself at the controls. Ahsoka just nodded as she quietly left the cockpit.

Once gone, he let out a sigh so deep and heavy it surprised him. Ahsoka's words sunk into the depths of his heart. He hadn't thought about Satine in a very long time. He spent his entire life trying to not let emotions interfere with his duties as a Jedi. As broken hearted as he was about Satine's death he moved on, as demanded by the Jedi Code. This is the way. Obi Wan is strong and disciplined. He would also bridle himself against the pain of loss he felt. It was further fueled by the fact he didn't want to give Maul the very thing he wanted from Obi Wan. In that sense, Obi Wan would win against Maul when he did not succumb to his grief and to the feelings of hate. In this, he would prove that the light side was stronger. And yet, even after all this time, he felt empty-a void left from when Satine's life disappear from the Force.

Anakin wouldn't have fared well if the situation were reversed. Yes he loved Anakin, but he couldn't understand the lack of control that Anakin had difficulty with. It wasn't that Obi Wan couldn't feel anything. He understood. He had feelings but he could control them. Then again, he had more in common with Anakin than he would admit. His Padawan. His brother. In Obi Wan's youth, he was defiant and reckless. What he hoped to teach Anakin was that by harnessing his emotions, he could become more controlled and measured as Obi Wan did, but he had long given up hope that Anakin would follow in the same footsteps. He was more like Qui Gon and had a penchant for breaking the rules. Not out of defiance but simply to follow their own belief system.

Obi Wan was more of a rule follower and he constantly sought to reign in his rebellious side that Anakin so freely embellished in. The more defiant Anakin was meant the more obedient Obi Wan felt he needed to be. In the end, Obi Wan's defiance won out as he and Anakin left the order. Anakin was right but not for the reasons Anakin thought.

Sitting on the Council gave Obi Wan an insight that Anakin couldn't see. He saw the doubt, the worry, the anxiety that the Council members had over every decision. As the dark side grew stronger, the Council's wisdom dimmed with their vision clouded. Obi Wan would voice his protest from time to time but still believed in the High Council's sanctity. He never admitted to Anakin but his faith was shaken in the Council, as well, when Ahsoka was accused of sedition. It left substantial doubt in Obi Wan about the Council's ability to properly manage the Jedi Order. They were breaking their own tenants and letting emotions, particularly fear, rule their decision.

In his proudest moment as Anakin's former master, he witnessed Anakin overcome his fears and do the right thing. He didn't let his relationship with the Chancellor cloud his judgment and saw that he was the Sith Lord they were looking for. Anakin chose to stay on the light side instead of submitting to the darkness. He couldn't be any prouder of Anakin. So when the Council ignored Anakin's accomplishments and sacrifices, and how they were unyielding of their archaic ways, he couldn't idly stand by. Anakin's act of bravery encouraged his own. He stood up against the Council's belief that Anakin should give up his wife and family. In his heart of hearts, he knew the Council was wrong. Fate had favored with Anakin. That love and compassion was the answer to hate-not apathetic distant and heartless obedience to a stale old Jedi code in need of update.

So here he was now, Obi Wan Kenobi, former Jedi Knight, former Master Jedi of the High Council. Even now, he still felt like a Jedi. It's all he's ever known. He can't remember his life before becoming a youngling at the temple. He still does the routines he's done for years practicing his forms, meditations, etc. It gave him direction and purpose. The Jedi were not wrong in themselves just a little misguided. They still can be the keepers of the light and win over the approval of the light side of the Force. Qui Gon always told Obi Wan to do what's right and not what's expected. So now he'll relent to his former master's teaching. He'll submit to the will of the Force. See where it'll guide him then maybe the Force will once again bless the Jedi. Obi Wan hoped, Force willing, he would be able to help the Jedi get to that point.

Theed Royal Palace, Naboo

The session with the Queen and her advisors lasted eight hours. Padmé was exhausted as she left the throne room. As the newest member, she concealed any signs of fatigue the extended session had on her. If they could continue their arguments, then she could too. She made sure to be one of the last to exit the throne room but was utterly gratefully to leave when she did. She exchanged pleasantries with the other advisors before turning the corner.

A hand came out of the shadow and grabbed her upper arm. She felt herself being pulled against a solid body as another hand came up to cover her mouth to prevent her from screaming. She struggled against her assailant as she felt her body being pushed against a wall. The hand over her mouth released its hold as she heard a voice.

"Shhhh." She felt a familiar warmth and the strong, manly scent of the only person bold enough to pull a stunt like this, her husband.

She started to furrow her brows and frown her protest when he captured her lips. She was lost in his soft, full lips and his heady scent.

She pulled away, "Ani…" Using the tone she uses when scolding their children.

"Hrmmm.." Anakin replied innocently as he rubbed his nose against Padmé, indulging in their closeness.

"What do you think you're doing?" Attempting to maintain her stern temperament was proving harder.

"Saying hello to my wife," He purred innocently.

"This is not how normal husbands greet their wives," Padmé retorted, fending a disapproving tone.

"But this is more fun. Besides, you know you like it when I surprise you." He gently nipped at her lips.

"Someone is going to see us," Padmé quietly murmured as her hands betrayed her, running up his chest, and entangled themselves in his hair.

"No they won't," he ghosted a kiss to her lips and pressed his body closer to her, "No one ever looks in this corner and the security holorecorders don't even cover this section."

Anakin loved the feel of his wife's small frame in his hands. He leaned down to nip at the hollow of her neck. He knew this little stunt would not go well with Padmé but he was excited about the challenge to make it up to her.

Padmé felt her resolve melt away under his expert technique. Their bodies pressed close together and the feel of his hands running all over her body. She felt the adrenaline pumping at the danger of getting caught. She wondered how much time Anakin had spent, during the day, finding secret corners for little trysts like this. She tried to build back up her resolve.

"I'm serious, Anakin." She protested weakly.

"Where's your sense of adventure? We use to do this all the time back at the Senate Hall. Remember?" He purred against her ear.

Shots of pleasure tingled up her neck as he whispered into her ear. The flush on her face deepened and he took the opportunity to kiss her again. Soft moans bubbled up her throat against her will. Taking all her willpower, she, again, attempted to resist her husband's wonderful lips breaking their heated kiss. She pulled her arms down from around his neck, and placed them on his upper chest, giving him a firm nudge.

"I promise I'll make it up to you tonight." She cooed.

Anakin signed and relented, "I won't be home tonight."

"Why?" Sadness and curiously filled her words.

"I'm heading out to Rori soon." He stated plainly as he rubbed his hands up and down Padmé's shoulders.

"To investigate the spice mines?" She furrowed her brows.

"Yes, I'll bring Retep with me. It won't take long. Just a couple days." He could see the worry etched in her beautiful features, "I'm sure it's nothing. I'll be home before you know it."

Padmé hands curled around Anakin's tunic involuntarily. She kicked herself. This was nothing compared to the many months her husband use to be away fighting the Clone Wars. She could handle a couple days. Two years of seeing Anakin every day had spoiled her. She had to remind herself that she shared him with the galaxy. She couldn't be so selfish. Something tugged at the back of her mind, she felt like there was something else.

"Anakin, what are you not telling me?"

He avoided her eyes as she did "the glare" as he liked to call it. Where she peers deep in his soul looking for answers he withheld from her. Answers, he kept to protect her. It could be a wild goose chase. What he felt in the currents of the Force, during his meditations, may not be related to the dealings on Rori at all. He didn't want to worry her needlessly.

"You're worrying too much. Everything will be fine." He put on his stern face, shielding his thoughts as he peered back into her concerned eyes.

Padmé's lips drew into a thin line as she regarded his words. They've always had a difficult time being completely honest and open to each other. It's a point of contention between them. If she's honest to herself, there are things she kept from him, whether it was the whispers in the Senate or unconfirmed issues the Royal council had been discussing. She knew her husband was quick to act and didn't want him to do anything rash until she had a better idea of what's going on. Was he doing the same thing now? He didn't want her to worry? Still, she felt she had the right to know.

Anakin knew his wife's body language well after five years of marriage. The thin, terse corners of her soft, luscious lips and the slight turn of her brows. He needed to do something quickly to distract her before this turned into a full on argument.

He kissed her on the forehead, trying to break her thoughts, and then gently nipped at her lips, "You owe me one."

That pulled Padmé out of her thoughts, "What?"

"You promised me that you'll make it up to me tonight," Anakin stated in a husky tone as he nipped at the sensitive pulse point on her neck. This caused Padmé to close her eyes from the pleasure. "When I come back I fully intend on redeeming that offer." He alternated between soft kisses and firm nips down her neck. When she sighed, enjoying the sensation, he captured her lips in a deep, needy kiss pouring his uninhibited desire for her, and her alone.

She knew exactly what her husband was trying to do. He had done this many times before to change the subject. Unfortunately, for her though, it worked every time. She felt her desire for him grow, as she felt the warmth of his body radiating onto her, and his distinctive scent took away her sensibility. Even as worked up as she was she wouldn't forget the issue. She'll just have to bring it up with him when Anakin returns.

She relented, pulling away from the kiss, "Fine. Come home to me safely." She pressed her forehead against her husband's.

Anakin smiled victoriously and brought his hand up to cup her cheek, "You know I always will."