FEEDBACK: What do you think should happen next? I know where I'm going but am wondering what YOU think. Should Anakin leave the Order to be with Padme? Leave Padme? Or should he fight for both? - CG

The following morning brought a sense of dread. It's gleaming bright sunshine beamed into their window, and beckoned them to face the inevitability of separation. Not merely the daily separation their careers brought them, but a separation that meant they were never to see each other as husband and wife again.

When Anakin first proposed, she told him it wouldn't work. Their ranks, careers, and personal obligations would get in the way. The sad part, was that everything seemed to matter more than they did. But this was life. And if anyone were to survive the dangers facing the Republic, their relationship would need to fall to the wayside. Anakin was needed.

Anakin kissed her on the forehead then left the bed for the shower. Padme followed, somewhat numbly, and prepared herself for the day. What else did she have to look forward to but work?

When Anakin was done he collected the few belongings he owned, then walked toward the door.

"Promise me you'll eat something," Padme pleaded.

"Eat?" he said as though it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "At a time like this?"

The truth was, he was sick to his stomach. He couldn't leave Padme...there had to be another way. "I don't want it to end," he muttered.

"Nor do I, but there's nothing we can do to change it... unless," she added coyly... "you leave the order."

"And you can't leave the senate?" he barked.

"Whether I am still a part of the senate or not, I am still allowed to marry. But you are not. Not as long as you're a Jedi..."

Padme laid a head on his arm and pressed her head against his shoulder.

"You know I can't do that," he said.

"Then there is nothing we can do."

The secret was no longer a secret as far as Obi Wan was concerned. Lying and sneaking about didn't work. If there was any chance of being together at all, what could they do but leave their careers behind and run away? But Anakin was wholly committed to his role as "the chosen one". He wouldn't leave until his work was done. Or until his remains were scattered about on the battlefield and he was dead. Padme put her face into her hands and wept.

Anakin hurried through the temple, he was late for class. One last rendevous with Padme was worth the reprimand, which he fully expected when he saw Obi Wan in the hall. The Jedi Master faced him, eyes focused.

"I gather the situation we discussed last night has been cared for."

"Yes, Master."

He studied the Padawan learner, and sensed he was telling the truth. There was a Melancholy look in Anakin's eye, for which Obi Wan was truly sorry. Someday, he decided, Anakin might have his wish when the war ends, or perhaps a bit later when the prophecy of the chosen one has been fulfilled. Whichever came first.

Obi Wan laid a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Thank you, Anakin. I'm proud of you."

Anakin seemed to shirk the master's hand away. "Thank you, Master."

"And, please send the Senator my apologies."

"How will I do that when I'm not supposed to see her again?" Anakin balked.

"True enough," Obi Wan replied.

"I must go now, Master. I'm late for class."

"Wait Anakin, there's something I need to tell you."

What now?

The training class has been canceled. We're needed in the Outer Rim territories. The Republic is losing the war."

"Losing? How can this be?"

"The Confederacy of Systems are mass producing droids at an alarming rate. We can take them, but the Clone Troopers need direction. The Council is asking the Jedi to lead the war."

"When do we leave?"Anakin asked, his face suddenly dark. Finally, an escape! On the battle field, he didn't have to think about his problems... he didn't have to worry about anything but ending the war so he and Padme could be together.

"We leave before dusk," Obi Wan answered. "We'll meet at the landing bay."

"Yes, Master."

The blood in his veins raced. Just when his world had gone dark, alas! There was light at the end of the tunnel. Anakin turned on his heels and raced out of the door. He didn't care about who saw, he was going to see Padme. He couldn't leave without saying goodbye.