A/N: Here it is, the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Ten: A New Plan

"Bad news," Anakin repeated to his wife, letting the concept soak in. Things had been going relatively well for quite a long time, it only figured that is was about time for something awful to happen. Anakin prepared himself for the worst. "Okay, what is it? Has the Council declared us unfit parents?"

Padme brushed off the sad attempt of comedic relief. "I wish I knew, but Obi-Wan insisted that you be here. He said he'd be by later."

Anakin sighed, and sat back deeper into the couch. It was just like his old master to keep them waiting. He allowed a slight smile, remembering one of Obi-Wan's lectures on the value of patience. Anakin had received many of those, but it seemed as though not one of them had stuck.

Lucky, Anakin was not kept waiting for long. As if the timing had been planned out on paper, a heavy, slow knock came from the other side of the Skywalker's front door. Padme sprung up from her spot next to Anakin, and moved quickly to let Obi-Wan in. Obi-Wan walked briskly in the apartment without so much as a friendly greeting.

This brought Anakin to his own feet, fearing that Obi-Wan were only angry about his and Luke's Council skip day. "Look, I apologize for ditching the meeting, but Luke just wasn't ready for it yet."

"Sure, blame the kid," Obi-Wan smiled grimly, "but that is not why I am here. Anakin, I think we should sit down for this."

"Okay," Anakin said, "Let's move into the dining room."

The three adults all sat at the black marble table. Obi-Wan sat across from the couple, and folded his arms on the table.

"Obi-Wan, what's going on? You're starting to worry me," Padme said once they got settled.

"Jabba the Hut has been killed," Obi-Wan started, "and a Sith Lord by the name of Lord Fintous has taken control of Tatioone."

"Fintous? I've never heard of him before," Anakin commented.

"He was a Jedi at the time you killed Palpatine," Obi-Wan said. "We suspected that Palpatine had a backup in case you couldn't be turned. He's also the Sith that kidnapped Luke."

Anakin felt a bolt of rage surge through him. Palpatine might have died a long time ago, but that crazy old man still made perfectly clear he could still affect the living. Anakin imagined Palpatine's backup plan for revenge revolving completely around his unborn son.

"That makes sense," Padme said.

"The Council is sending me back to Tatioone, right? They're going to let me help get rid of this guy, aren't they?" Anakin was ready to get the man that stole thirteen years of Luke's life. He was ready to kill the Sith that had put his family through hell, but most of all, Anakin was ready to close that chapter of his life.

"I'm afraid this is only the start of it," said Obi-Wan, his blue-grey eyes focused on Anakin. "We found Ahsoka."

"She's dead, isn't she?"

"Well, from a certain point of view."

"What do you mean from a certain point of view?" Anakin found his temper coming back to him. Sometimes, Obi-Wan just needed to be straight with his words. All these metaphors could give someone the wrong impression.

"Ahsoka isn't herself. The girl you trained is gone, Anakin," Obi-Wan said, concern drenched his voice.

"Are you saying that she turned?" Anakin asked, with a trace of humor. The mere idea of Ahsoka using the dark side was fanatical. "Ahsoka would never do that."

"I'm sorry," said Obi-Wan.

"No, that's not true," Anakin said, "you misunderstood the situation."

"I assure you I did not. She attacked me, and made it very clear that she attends to come after Luke next."

Anakin needed to focus. His former Padawan wanted to kill his son? Why would she want to do that? Master's orders? That couldn't be the whole reason. Ahsoka was never a very obedient student. Anakin concluded that she must be angry, angry at him. This was all his fault.

"I cannot imagine how this must feel," Obi-Wan said, "but you must think of your family right now. She will arrive here shortly. You need take your family and leave Coruscant at once."

"Let her come," said Anakin with determination. "I think I can handle my own apprentice."

"While you're fighting with her, who's to stop the young Gage from getting to Luke? You need to accompany them off-world. That is the only way to stay safe."

Obi-Wan had a point, and it would be nice to get away with just his family for awhile. No Jedi Council, no worries, no responsibly, but Anakin did worry about any other Jedi confronting Ahsoka. They would kill her for sure, and Anakin still thought that she could be saved.

Padme suddenly gripped Anakin's real hand. "Ani, please. Let's do what Obi-Wan says."

"Okay," Anakin agreed without further argument. His family should always come first. After all, it was Ahsoka's choice. Anakin just wished he had a chance to help her.

Before any of the adults had a chance to speak again, Leia came running into the room with a scared expression etched on her face.

"There's something wrong with Luke!" She exclaimed.

Padme and Anakin quickly departed from the dining room with Obi-Wan close behind them. Upon entering their son's room they saw Luke twisted in the blankets, sweat engulfing his whole body. The young boy was muttering incoherent things as he turned and flopped around restlessly.

Padme kneeled down at Luke's bed, and put her hand over his forehead. "He's burning up."

Though the presence of his parents seemed to calm the muttering and flopping about, the adults all worried about the fever. It was far above normal, and it was beginning to look as though Luke was really sick. Another disaster that was all Anakin's fault.

"Can I speak with you in the hall, please?" Obi-Wan said to Anakin in a low-voice. Anakin didn't reply, but just walked into the hall and waited for his former master.

"He can't travel in that condition," Obi-Wan stated, "especially off-world. He wouldn't survive the trip."

"What are we going to do?"

"We have to think of a new plan."

A/N: Sorry about the shortness, but I couldn't think of anything to add to the chapter. More in the next chapter, promise.

VAD

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10