The first thing Anakin did upon returning to 500 Republica was to find out how he could get out of going to the Senate. Once stepping into the apartment, he dismissed the security detail. His eyes surveyed the room again once the door closed, really getting a good look at the place.
There were some slight differences. Instead of there being sculptures he recognized as being from Naboo, that Padme used to explain the history behind, when he often visited his wife, they were instead replaced by what looked like homemade gadgets and machines. They looked like devices he might have tinkered with himself, on closer inspection. Ignoring these things for a moment to focus on what he intended, he crossed the commons room into what should be Padme's room. Once inside though, it looked similar, but different.
The same bed was there, but instead of a large closet that held Padme's different outfits, it was a small, modest space with simple clothes. One corner of the room was dominated by a large workbench, it's surface covered with wiring, metal, scraps, and chips. Anakin found it odd seeing something like it in an expensive apartment, but if this was truly his home, he figured it would make sense that this place would have some semblance of things he enjoyed. Next to the workbench was a data terminal, exactly what he was looking for.
He took a seat at the chair in front of the terminal, booting it up. A orb shaped piece above the screen scanned his eye and the computer was now free for him to use. He quickly browsed through the multiple screens before managing to find the necessary information he needed.
Apparently, "Senator Skywalker" never took a day of leave in his life. This would work out for him as it would give him plenty of time to figure out how to return back to...wherever he needed to go, without any hindrances. Namely, making a fool of himself in the Senate Chambers. He didn't know a thing about legislation. While he knew the basics of politics from his Jedi training, he had no context in which to use it in this case. What bill was being discussed right now, what planet was he even representing right now? He would research these things after the most urgent problems were resolved.
He had about a week to find out what to do. Anakin knew the number one problem was his connection to the Force. He just knew that the Force had something to do with his current predicament.
Palpatine was a non starter. Something told him that trying to speak to him again would just end in the same way.
"Jedi Temple it is, then," he decided, less confidently than he really felt.
So after some change of clothes, he resolved to sneak out of the apartment. His security detail probably assumed he had retired for the day. His handmaidens (The concept was still strange to him) were fortunately in another wing of the apartment.
It was now or never.
After checking the balcony by the patio, he was relieved to find there was indeed a speeder there. The balcony was large enough to comfortably hold several mid-sized vehicles and one of the vehicles was a slightly larger vessel that looked like a starfighter.
"An Eta-2 Actis," Anakin said, nearing the craft and running a hand across the hull. It even had the yellow paintjob he always used...
Anakin jumped into the interceptor, and a wave of familiarity hit him almost immediately.
"I wonder where Artoo is," he muttered, flipping switches on reflex as the Interceptor started up like he remembered.
...
The trip to the Jedi Temple was uneventful. He'd landed his craft at the Temple's landing bay, not bothering to shut the hatch. Hopping out, he was met immediately by the Jedi he was looking for.
Obi-wan stood a safe distance away as the ship had landed, and watched as he disembarked. His arms were folded within his Jedi robes, looking the part of the contemplative Jedi Master.
"Senator Skywalker, what brings you to the Temple?," he asked, an amused smile playing at one corner of his lips. "And without your usual escort, I might add."
"Greetings, Master," Anakin reciprocated. It was a standard greeting a non-Jedi would use, but Anakin was sure Obi-Wan hadn't understood the significance of him saying it.
"You knew I'd be arriving?" Anakin asked.
"Usually when it's something involving you, they always send me to talk to you first."
Anakin blinked.
"You're a tad more hotheaded than most politicians we deal with."
Anakin knew what that meant.
Even when not attuned to the force, Jedi Masters didn't want to deal with him. He wasn't sure if that thought amused or annoyed him.
"I actually needed some...advice from a Jedi Master," Anakin said, folding his hands in front of him. "Preferably from someone like yourself."
Obi-Wan lookelooked away for a moment, an expression of mild disbelief passing his face. "Well, I can't say I'm that well versed in politics-"
"No, not politics," Anakin was quick to interject, waving a hand in dismissal. He wouldn't even know where to begin with that.
As if from some unsaid cue, they both began to walk towards the Temple's courtyard. Obi-Wan ran his hand over his beard a single time before studying Anakin. "So what could I possibly help you with?" he asked, not unkind.
"Have you ever heard of a person's connection to the force being..." Anakin glanced to his sides. There were Jedi milling about, but none of them were paying any particular attention to the two. "Severed, or lost somehow?"
Obi-Wan paused in his walking, thinking of something. Anakin paused, turning to regard him.
"What's brought about that kind of question?" Obi-Wan sounded skeptical, and Anakin was sure he could hear an undertone of suspicion. But it was probably warranted, Anakin thought. Someone who wasn't a Jedi asking about such a thing...
"Let me preface by warning you that what I am going to say will sound insane."
Obi-Wan frowned, looking him in the eyes.
"Well, you have my attention," he responded humorlessly. "Go on."
This was the moment of truth. Anakin took a deep breath and exhaled, folding his hands in front of his face.
"When I woke up this morning, everything was different." He put his hands on his hips, looking around. There were some Jedi he recognized as classmates during his Padawan days. He was a complete stranger to them right now.
"Yesterday, I was a Jedi, having just returned from the Battle of Coruscant..."
Anakin explained in excruciating detail what he remembered before waking up this morning. How Obi-Wan was his Jedi Master, the kidnapping of Chancellor Palpatine, even how Obi-Wan had been knocked out in the fight with Count Dooku. He left out his marriage to Padme.
Obi-Wan's face seemed to transition between several expressions, but Anakin couldn't be sure what they all meant.
"How could you have possibly known what had happened on the Invisible Hand," The Jedi Master asked. Anakin knew the question was rhetorical. He had to be processing the information.
Obi-Wan chose his words carefully. "No one except the Jedi even knew Dooku was a Sith, let alone what a Sith Lord even is."
"I know about all of that, Obi-Wan. The Sith, the Jedi, our code," Anakin was conscious of his exhale of breath, and folded his arms. "My connection to the Force, it's gone for some reason," he said with a shrug. "I need to find out how to reestablish that connection."
Obi-Wan stroked his beard again.
"I'll need to discuss this with the Jedi Council-"
"You don't believe me?"
Obi-Wan raised a placating hand. "I didn't say that," He assured. "I know this isn't something you would like about," he continued. He'd known Anakin since he was a child after all. Anakin nodded hesitantly.
"If anyone would be able to help, it would be them-"
"No, not them," Anakin cut him off, moving to stand in front of him. Obi-Wan hadn't actually made a move to head back into the temple. The movement was more symbolic than anything.
Obi-Wan watched him carefully, skepticism clear on his face. Anakin didn't want to tell him that he didn't trust the council. He gathered his thoughts.
"I don't mind Master Yoda, but I would like this to just be between us."
Obi-Wan looked down, and seemed to be thinking heavily. "If you were anyone else, I wouldn't agree to the secrecy..." There was a tense momentary silence before a clear sigh was heard from Kenobi. "I'll honor your request, but I will discuss this with Master Yoda." His tone invited no argument. Anakin paused before responding.
"Alright."
