Author's Note, Explanation, and Thanks: Only Obi in this chapter, though Anakin is far from forgotten. This has taken me a very long time to get out and I thoroughly apologize. My computer is having a major crisis in that the c-drive is corrupted-and I can't get into anything on it. Luckily, I have some of my stuff backed up on discs. So, I've been trying to get it edited and ready for posting while being on limited computer and internet access. Since I have my own computer, I don't really rank all that high on the list of people who get it. I will write to all my reviewers at some point, I promise. Padfoot Reincarnated, I give you my heartfelt thanks for all the support-and don't worry about it. I know how RL can be.

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Quickly moving his way, the man confidently joined him, asking more questions as he did so. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Senator Amidala since young Skywalker has left?"

"Senator Organa," he greeted, adding wryly. "News travels fast in the Senate I see. And not always the kind one would wish for. Why you can't work as fast and as successfully as you gossip is something that I wish to understand. Our job would be much easier were the Senate to do so for we would not be called upon so often."

"I am trying my best but others within the Senate are not so inclined. Do I detect a hint of criticism about our methods?" Bail asked, voice teasing him.

"Not at all," Obi-Wan demurred calmly. "I am merely making a statement. If I have given offense to you, I do apologize for it was not my intent."

"Is everything all right?" he asked, noting the look on his face.

"Things are fine."

"Ob-Wan, we have been through much together. I would like to think that we are friends," he softly said, looking concerned. "That you may confide in me for I am concerned about you. Why has Anakin been sent away?"

"Jedi Skywalker has not been, as you put it, sent away," he reprovingly told him, annoyed. This assumption that people had that Anakin was being punished for something was getting more than a little tiresome. Yes, he was well aware of the reputation his Padawan had been earning as that of a troublemaker to rival his Master. But those who perpetrated those stories only heard of his more outrageous acts.

They were not aware of the quiet victories his Padawan had also been a part of. The ones that affirmed Obi-Wan's opinion that Anakin was on the right path. His own fears about his Padawan's emotional dependency fell away. "In the life of every Padawan comes a time when they are given a mission of their own. A Jedi Trial, if you must know. That is the extent of what you may hear for it is not a matter for the Senate. It is the business of the Jedi Council for this is Jedi business."

"Peace, Obi-Wan. I am not your enemy," Bail said, surprised by this strong reaction from the normally composed man. He had always known that Obi-Wan was protective of Anakin but this was something he had not expected.

"I apologize, Senator Organa," Obi-Wan said, truly regretful. Rubbing his hand over his face tiredly, he explained, "It has been a long and trying few weeks. One which I have not had time to adequately process."

"Yes, I heard about Ansion and your successful venture to unite the diverse people there. We of the Senate are most pleased with the actions taken that have helped those there. You are making quite a name for yourself, Master Kenobi," he teased as they walked along.

"A good one, I hope," he replied with a smile, before sobering up. "I do not see why such a fuss is being made over me. I am merely doing my duty and honoring those who've taught me. I am merely one of many such Jedi who are only serving the people to the best of our abilities."

"Ah, but none of them have such a colorful Padawan as yours is proving to be. Much the same as your former Master was," he trailed off, noting Mas Amedda, one of the Chancellor's own high ranking officials, walking towards them. There was a purposeful look on his face as he walked towards them, bowing to them in turn when he arrived. Off hand, his arrival could only mean one thing and that worried both men.

"Is there some problem with the Supreme Chancellor?" Bail asked. He may not have cared that much for the man's policies and questioned some of his behaviors, but he was still a man he respected. A man that he trusted would do his best for the Republic and the people he served with and for. Even if some of his practices were questionable, he had done nothing dishonorable.

"Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is well, Senator Organa. There are a few things that kept him working through the night but they will be addressed at Council later. It is nothing to do with Republic business that has me down here. Rather, I have come with a request for Master Kenobi," he informed them, face impassive to any close study.

"Yes?" he asked, mildly curious. The Chancellor had never before expressed any desire to speak with him. This sudden desire had him worried about what it might be, though he was almost positive that it had to do with Anakin.

"He did not tell me what it was about, just that he desired a few words with you before you return to the Temple. Though I believe it has something to do with the switch in Senator Amidala's protection."

Suppressing a sigh for the words confirmed his suspicions; Obi-Wan forced a smile onto his face. A smile he desperately hoped no one could see beyond to the truth. "I would be pleased to speak with the Chancellor about anything he wishes to hear, especially in relation to Senator Amidala. I know how concerned about her he is for he did recommend that my apprentice and I watch over her. May I speak with you after this meeting, Senator Organa?"

Though curious to ask why, Bail nodded agreeably. "I will be in my office until late afternoon, though I do have a meeting in a few minutes. Any time in the afternoon, I am free. Will that be acceptable?"

"Yes, it would. Thank you, Senator Organa." Hiding his relief at not being pressed, though he could see the query there, Obi-Wan followed Mas Amedda up to the Chancellor's office. He was not looking forward to this one bit. As much as he could not fault Palpatine, he could not bring himself to trust the man one bit. It was irrational and not at all like him, but he could not ignore the way he felt.

Bowing to the Chancellor when he rose and walked towards, he greeted him with a pleasant expression, accepting his hand graciously. "Good afternoon, Chancellor. How are you this fine day?"

"I am well, Master Kenobi. It is not myself that I am troubled over," he said, indicating that they should both sit down.

"Oh, really?" Obi-Wan asked, keeping a neutral expression on his face. Sitting down on the chair, he watched as the Chancellor walked around his desk and sat down. Folding his hands in his lap, he waited to hear what he had to say.

"There are two things on my mind," he said, once he was comfortable in his seat. "As Amedda has told you, I am concerned about Senator Amidala. I heard that there was a switch in her protection. You are no longer in charge of her security?"

"No." His head shook slightly, his voice was carefully modulated to cover his irritation. He couldn't fault the man for his concern, but there was something oily about it. "Certain things have come up that has necessitated in the removal of myself and Anakin as her protection. I can assure you that she will be well cared for under Master Tachi. She is one of the best Jedi we have to offer. And, as a woman, she could pass as a handmaiden should the occasion call for it. Something that Anakin and I cannot do. I believe that this solution is better for the Senator in the long run."

"Padawan Skywalker, yes, he is the other thing on my mind. Is he not well? Was he wounded when the both of you chased the assassin down last night? Is that why you have been removed and you feel that you cannot tell me? Congratulations on avoiding an attempt by the way," he offhandedly said, concluding, "Or are the rumors floating about the Senate correct for once?"

"Thank you, Chancellor," Obi-Wan nodded, acknowledging his words. "Jedi Skywalker is quite well. He has a rather strong constitution and suffered no ill from the events of last night. If he were not, I would tell you for he counts you as a friend. For once, the Senate's rumor can be believed. He has been sent on a mission of some import for the Jedi Council."

"Master Kenobi, I do not mean to cause any offense but is it wise to let him go off alone? A mere boy not yet finished with his training? Last night he did not appear to be at all well when I spoke with him," he said, leaning forward against his desk to better observe the Jedi Master.

This Jedi was something of a curiosity to him, having come out of relative obscurity. He had hidden quite effectively for years in the large shadow cast by his Master, the revolutionary Qui-Gon Jinn to defeat a fully trained Sith warrior. Once that had happened, he had become a master at diplomacy and was often asked to handle the most trying of missions. Missions that even the most experienced and ambitious of diplomats would run away from.

Take the success on Ansion with its complicated politics and disparate tribes. From all that he had heard, much of what had been achieved would not have been possible without his considerable skills and foresight. The man took in situations and people, then made things work even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Just what kind of man was this Obi-Wan Kenobi that he could win the hearts of the most difficult of people and yet, remain an unassuming man who humbly went about his duty?

Obi-Wan met his eyes evenly, nothing more than a polite interest there. Yet his words were slightly harsh, for all the civility in his tone. "My Padawan's concerns are not your affair unless it interferes with his ability to serve the Republic to the best of his ability. He was well this morning when he was given this assignment. If he had not been, the Council would not have sent him on it. Was there something more you wished to speak to me about, Chancellor?"

"Come now, Master Kenobi," he chided him carefully. Palpatine could hardly take his measure, for he had effectively hidden himself from his study. Yet, he could not afford to lose this opportunity to quiz him. To discover just what it was that made him work. What it was about him that had caused such deep loyalty to develop inside Anakin for him. "I cannot think that I have done anything that would lead you to believe that I would wish to harm Anakin in anyway."

"No," Obi-Wan admitted, though he was reluctant to do so. There was a feeling that this whole conversation was nothing more than a sparring match. For the life of him, Obi-Wan couldn't figure out why it would be that way. What possible interest could the Chancellor have to engage in a word war with him? He was not any greater than any other Jedi. "You have done nothing but show yourself to be his friend."

"Then may I ask where he is?" he asked him, pressing just a bit.

"Chancellor, I cannot stop you from asking," he calmly replied. "However, I can refrain from answering as this mission Jedi Skywalker is currently engaged in is Jedi Council business. It will not interfere with the daily routine of the Senate nor stop us from performing our duty to the Senate. As it is the business of the Jedi Council, I am not allowed to speak to anyone about it. Even other Jedi are not told the details of this mission."

"Why is that, Master Kenobi? The Jedi Council is not asking him to do anything illegal, are they?"

"Of course not, Chancellor. He is merely doing something that cannot be interfered with. Friend though you are to him, any actions you take may hinder him in accomplishing his task. No matter how innocent your intent, you may do more harm to him than good." He spoke calmly, aware of an unholy glee that came over him as he denied the Chancellor the information he sought.

Obi-Wan was shocked by its presence and quickly released it into the Force. It would not do to feel such things-especially at this time.

Palpatine watched him, frustrated to see no cracks in his façade. The Jedi before him had one of the most implacable shields he had ever run across. Master Kenobi was proving to be a greater challenge than he had counted on. It was highly frustrating.

With a sigh, he accepted the words spoken with grace. "I would not wish to harm Anakin for he shows such promise. If you hear from him, will you let me know how he is?"

"I believe that is a request you must make to the Council, sir," he said, wanting nothing more than to get out of the office. It was cloying and slowly, but surely, closing in around him. He felt as though he could barely breath. "I am to depart on a mission of my own."

Palpatine was surprised at this and reacted accordingly. "A mission? But if Anakin were to fall into danger, you would not be available to help him. As he is your Padawan, should you not be within reach should there be a need for you to join him?"

"I am hardly leaving the known Galaxy, sir. Should Anakin need my aid-which I doubt for he is a capable young man-I will not be far away. I do not intend to desert him though I go off to accomplish the work that is being asked of me." Though his words were spoken with dry amusement, it was with great restraint that he spoke them.

Inside, he was fuming. How dare all of these politicians…these pompous fools dare to think that I would abandon Anakin should he ever have need me? He knew that he had often been remiss in the past, had often let him fall by the wayside, but he did not think that he could be accused of wantonly neglecting him.

"Forgive me, Master Kenobi, for I seem to be unable to properly speak to you about my concerns. I suspect that in my worry over Anakin, I have been rash in my words. I mean no offense towards you or your colleagues," he graciously apologized. "You are correct, he is a capable young man. I have trouble seeing him as more than the bright child who helped saved my world. You have seen him grow up and become a confident young Jedi. Please, forgive me for allowing sentiment to cloud my words."

There was an odd feeling of hollow victory he felt as he sat there, watching his opponent. It was not what he wanted for it was only a minute sign that he had hit a sore point for Obi-Wan. A tiny tick in his cheek, only that. But it was something. Yet, he could not tell if it was because of what he implied about Anakin's apprenticeship under his care. Or if it was directly related to Obi-Wan's private feelings about him.

Palpatine was no fool. He knew that the Jedi Knight did not trust him, no matter that his deferential attitude said he did. This distrust favored him-and yet, it worked against him for he could see Anakin falling away from him.

Slowly but surely, the boy was returning to the Jedi fold. His emotions were becoming more controlled, less likely to burst out. More importantly, he was more often inclined to listen to the counsel he received from the Jedi, from his Master.

If not for this news that both were going on missions that removed them from his sphere of influence, he would've attempted to work on Obi-Wan a bit more. Try to soften the man up so that he would be more agreeable to his presence in Anakin's life, more pliable.

"You have been a friend to Anakin. One who has understood what he has lived with before he came to us and a kind voice that he has often needed to hear," he murmured, his voice steady as he sought to reassure the Chancellor. "Of course I will not harbor ill feelings towards you for your words. All they have done is reveal a deep concern for Anakin." A chime sounded and Obi-Wan pulled his comlink out of his pocket. "Yes?"

"Master Kenobi, your presence is required at the Temple."

"I am on my way, Master Windu," he replied, shutting it. "If you will excuse me, Chancellor? I am afraid that duty calls." And about time, he thought.

"Of course." He rose and walked with him to the door. "Thank you for coming to talk with me and taking the time to relieve my concerns."

"It was no trouble at all, sir. I was happy to do so," he replied and walked away. With measured steps, he walked out into the daylight. Only then did he let out his relieved sigh.

What he wouldn't give for a bath for the stench of duplicity and hypocrisy clung tightly to his skin and he wished to be rid of it.

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After talking with the Council, Obi-Wan called Bail's office. "Would you care to go out for a bite to eat?" he asked, wanting to get out of the Temple for a while. But not wanting it so badly that he wanted to go back into the Senate.

"Sure," he answered, correctly interpreting his expression. He knew he shouldn't leave, there might be some important business he had to vote on. But he trusted that Mon Mothma would call him if there was. Besides, Obi-Wan came through for him myriads of times, often at his own expense. How could he call himself his friend if he wasn't willing to do the same thing? "Dex's Kitchen? Or somewhere less noisy?"

"To be honest with you, Bail, I could care less where we eat. I just need to get away from this for a while," he sighed, rubbing his head. "This has been by far one of the most troublesome and tiring of days that I have experienced in quite some time."

"I'll call my housekeeper. She'll put something on for us. I know that my fiancée will be delighted to see you again," he said, realizing how tired Obi-Wan must be feeling to have revealed his feelings so easily. Usually, one had to pry it out of him using more than a few tricks.

"Is she visiting?" he asked, surprised.

"Not until later. I just thought I might tempt you to stay for dinner as well if I promised more delightful company than myself," Bail admitted.

"As lovely as that sounds, I have a mission of my own to get ready for."

"Really? Isn't this all a bit odd? Even for a Jedi?" he asked, startled by the suddenness of the dual missions that Anakin and Obi-Wan were being sent on.

Missions that no one in the Senate knew a thing about. He knew this to be true. He had carefully questioned his many acquaintances, worried about what Obi-Wan had unintentionally revealed to him earlier. What with the possibility of an army being created to stop the Separatists, it was worrisome that the Jedi had taken an action like this, assigning missions without consulting the Senate.

"Not that kind of mission," Obi-Wan reassured him quickly. "I have been ordered to take a vacation."

Bail didn't know whether to laugh in relief. Or to allow his concern to show through. He decided to let laughter win, "About time. I have been telling you for years that you need to take one."

"I have," he protested.

"Vacationing is not something that you do when not being shot at," Bail sarcastically said. "Or while waiting to be shot at for that matter, Obi-Wan. You do realize that this is something that you have a tendency to run across whenever you leave Coruscant. Well, actually, you also have a tendency to get shot at here. One of these days, you must show me that sign that tells people that it is okay to do so to you, my friend. I would love seeing it."

"That is far from funny, my friend," he said repressively, though he did not deny it. How could he? It was certainly true that he found more than his share of adventure wherever he went. "And that is what I wanted to talk to you about. I wondered if you might be able to recommend a nice place to hide away on Alderaan."

"You don't need to hide anywhere, my friend, my house is always open to you. You know that."

"I don't wish to take advantage of you, Bail," he protested quickly. "I value our friendship to much to do such a thing."

"You won't be. And you aren't. I promise. Besides, I doubt you would even know how to take advantage of my friendship. Give me the afternoon and your company for dinner and I will arrange everything. No one even has to know that it is you," he laughed, recognizing the look on his face. "I will not take no for an answer, Obi-Wan, so you might as well give in."

"Well, when you put it that way, how can I possibly refuse?"

"You can't. That is the point," he said, laughing again. "I'll see you in a few minutes I am sure. We can continue this fascinating conversation then."

"I'm sure we will. Bail?" he asked, hesitant.

"What?" he asked, caught by the odd tone.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan simply replied. "For everything."

"What are friends for?" He accepted the file his secretary handed him, flipping it open as he watched him walk back out. Idly he wondered what this was about. All his paperwork had been taken care of earlier, anything else would've waited.

"I am quickly discovering that they are for a lot more than I ever thought," Obi-Wan observed, before hanging up.