Sorry this took so long. I wish I could say the next chapter will come quicker, but it probably won't, since I'm focusing my creative energies on a legitimate project that's taking me way too long to make progress on. I may try to make the chapter shorter in the future so the time between updates won't be so long. Also, I quickly wanted to mention that my research revealed to me that the border dispute on Ansion wasn't a sit-down mission (Obi-Wan and Anakin were in fact being chased by separatists) and there was another master/apprentice pair with them, it was too much of a headache to try to figure out how to fix my mistake of ignorance without making major revisions in my story, so I'm just going to ignore it and create my own version of events.
Three
Anakin sat cross-legged on the sand in the shade of one of the hovels, his back to the dome and his eyes closed as he meditated, feeling the Force flowing around him- through him- and a warm breeze tussled his hair as the blazing suns beat down. For the past week, he'd spent every morning and evening like this, trying to sort through his memories and the colliding emotions vying for dominance, to bring peace and order to his mind, but it wasn't as easy as a change of heart to erase twenty-five years of habits forged while on the dark side. Anger still flared up quickly and he was prone to extreme reactions that he had to rein in, but the earnest regret and sorrow over his past actions that swelled within his heart was a strong enough balm to ease his habits' power over him.
In the meantime, he still had to figure out what to do and how- how much information was wise to divulge- and he'd at last come to several firm conclusions. While he knew the Council's trust in him was vital, his conscience prohibited him from keeping his history as a Sith a secret from them, just as he couldn't put up pretenses of adhering to rules he secretly scorned as he once had in his youth... in his secret marriage to Padmé. In terms of plotting the destruction of the Sith, the Council was likely to treat him as the padawan they still saw him as, but the galaxy couldn't afford for him to be shoved off to the side in a war that he was meant to helm. Somehow, he'd have to make them understand that.
Anxiety nestled in his chest as he thought of confronting the other Jedi, the Jedi he vividly remembered never truly trusting him, never really accepting him, and how hard he'd struggled for their approval. Would it really be any different now? A memory was one thing, but Anakin was afraid of the sting of their rejection in present-time and the anger it might stir, the hatred that had fueled him to kill many of them himself. The dark side was still too near for him to be confident that he could resist another temptation, and the idea of going back down that road- becoming that cold harbinger of death and evil- was horrifying beyond articulation.
He pictured Luke in his mind, the sound of his voice, the feel of his presence through the Force, and held on to the faith and strength his son had imparted to him, the memory of Luke having become something of an anchor; a soothing beacon to keep him centered and self-confident, protecting him from the dangers of his past. Well, not his past, exactly, since Anakin believed he understood what had happened now and it wasn't time-travel, but it still felt like it was his past and it had left an indelible mark on him. However, he could also feel some memories slipping, becoming blurry as he re-entered his true life and diverged from that of the vision, although it was mostly minor things and unimportant details right now. Anakin wouldn't mind forgetting all the atrocities he'd committed if his memory continued to fade, but what of the good things- being with Padmé and knowing Luke and training Ahsoka? The creation of life was such a fragile mix of timing and variables, Luke and Leia very well might not ever exist in his future and his time with them in the vision might be all he ever had, and he couldn't bear to lose it.
Coming out of his mediation, Anakin stood and brushed the sand off from himself, then- just as he always did- walked over to the swoop bike and mounted it. He was aware of Beru emerging from the hovel and pausing on her way to the evaporators to scrutinize the odd ritual she couldn't make sense of before he sped off. He didn't go far, just to a bowl-shaped canon filled with great pillars of stone and jagged cliffs, which he used as an exercising arena, and he began his warm-up routine. First stretches and balancing, then more complicated formations, and then a vigorous acrobatic and cardio work-out that had him flipping, force-jumping, and climbing at break-neck speed from one end of the canyon to the other, using the stone pillars as obstacles. It was still odd to him to feel the sensations of a completely organic body and, despite the discomfort that sometimes came with real muscles and ligaments, it was surprisingly wonderful and, furthermore, his organic body performed much better.
Once done with his initial exercises, Anakin moved on to lightsaber practice, drawing the green blade and attacking, parrying, and blocking as fiercely as if he had a real opponent with unfathomable skill before him. Swept dripped down his forehead and his tunic was darkened with his exertions, but Anakin kept drawing on the Force and pushing himself farther, fighting harder and harder against his imaginary enemy and battling down the time-instilled tendency to reach out to the dark side. His chest was heaving and the suns were blazing before he was finished, feeling more than deciding that it was time for rest.
Grabbing a rag and a jug of water from the back of the swoop bike, Anakin wiped the sweat from his face and walked over to a shallow cave, sitting in its shade as he gulped the sorely-needed water. There was only one segment of his exercises left, but it was mostly experimental at this point and required a great deal of concentration, and he took his time resting before attempting the feat. When his breathing had slowed and he'd finally taken his fill of water, he closed his eyes and willed himself to recall in detail the teachings of other none-Jedi Force users that he'd studied as Vader, the evil beast having hoped to attain their powers- such as flow walking- but, for some reason, he had always failed. But, perhaps now, with his real body and without the influence of the dark side and his hatred impeding him, Anakin be more successful. He'd certainly need all the skills and wisdom possible to win the treacherous war he knew was coming.
SWSWSW
Half-way across the galaxy, Mace Window was leaning against the window pane in the council room, his arms crossed and his gaze pensive as he looked out at the busy metropolis. Next to him, Yoda sat in his chair, watching the comparatively young Jedi and sensing his thoughts, having stayed after the council meeting to discuss Windu's persisting concerns.
"I don't think it was wise granting Anakin's request." Mace spoke at last. "He's too brash and impulsive to be trusted on his own."
"Mm, experienced something great, young Skywalker has." Yoda replied, neither arguing the point or seconding it. "Required time is to understand it. Mature and wise the request for solitude was."
Mace looked away from the window to Yoda, raising his eyebrows in doubt. "For an older Jedi, perhaps, but Anakin of all padawans isn't one to think things through before acting. Leaving him alone on a backwater planet full of villainy and deceit is dangerous, in my opinion." he stated, challenging Yoda to disagree.
"His childhood home Tatooine is, and among family he stays. Little trouble he will find overseeing his mother's recovery and, if needed, fend for himself Anakin can." Yoda corrected, Mace's argument- however valid- not strong enough to sway the ancient Jedi master.
Sighing softly, Mace turned back to the window, relenting unhappily. "I'll still feel better when he's back among the Jedi. " Where he can be watched, was unspoken but heard all the same. "How's Obi-Wan progressing with the border dispute?"
Yoda knew that Mace's information was just as current as his own, but it was a question prompted by eagerness. "Slow and difficult it is. Recently arrived has Kit Fisto to aid Master Kenobi." he answered.
Mace snorted. "To pick up Anakin's slack. Even with these other issues, he shouldn't have left; it was irresponsible and put his master in no small amount of danger."
"Abandoned his duties you think young Skywalker has?" Yoda prompted in his 'teacher's tone'.
"I don't think." Mace stated, now glaring at the passing traffic outside the window.
Yoda shook his head, pitying both the misjudging Master and the object of his condemnation. "A confusing time it is for Padawan Skywalker, and other duties he has; duties as a son." he lectured gently.
"But the code forbids attachment." Windu rebuffed, not buying the excuse.
"Attached to his mother he already was when he came to us, and accepted him we did." the diminutive Jedi pointed out. "Gave him life Shmi Skywalker did and appreciation he is correct to show by answering her call. To his mother, Skywalker's first duty is."
Begrudgingly, Mace had to admit to himself that Yoda's reasoning was sound, but he still wasn't pleased. He had only vague memories of his own parents and he'd long ago learned to distance himself from any attachment those memories might encourage; to have Anakin's actions condoned mocked Mace's discipline and his effort. Why should exceptions be made for Anakin? If he truly was the Chosen One, then he more than anyone else should adhere to the code and follow the Jedi way with all strictness. It worried him more than he would ever admit that, one day, Anakin would inevitably become the figurehead of the Jedi and his loose tendencies and emotional philosophies would destroy the Order as Windu knew it.
And the established order was the one thing Mace Windu was obsessively, mortally attached to.
SWSWSW
It was early afternoon when Anakin returned to the Lars' farm, Beru and Owen just setting out lunch on the dining table where Cliegg sat next to Shmi, and Anakin was pleased to see his mother's lively color and hear her hearty laugh when he entered. She'd finally regained enough strength to leave the bed and get about in a wheelchair, albeit only for short periods, but her health was increasing with every day and there hadn't been any sign of the Tuskens returning to the area. For the time being, everything seemed wonderful and, if it wasn't for the vision of the future looming over Anakin's head, he would have been lost in utter peace and happiness, wrapped in a false sense of security and perfection.
As it was, Anakin tried to think as little as possible about his other life and the troubles he knew were to come while he was with his mother and step-family, sitting down at the table and joining in on the conversation with a bright smile. They ate and visited with all the simplistic joy of a family whose universe was contracted down to its members and nothing outside of their bonds and love existed, with renewed appreciation for each other due to the double reunion of mother and son. When lunch ended, Beru cleaned up the dishes while Cliegg and Owen went out to work on the farm, leaving Anakin to assist his mother back to bed, where he slid in behind her and leaned her back against his chest. She sighed deeply with contentment, closing her eyes as Anakin took a brush and began gently combing her hair as reverently as if she were a queen and the locks were priceless gold.
Despite the apparent peace and silent contentment of both Skywalkers, Shmi could still sense that something had been bothering her son ever since his return and, now that she was finally strong enough and they were alone, she decided it was time to ask him about it. "Ani," she addressed softly, turning her head slightly to look up at him over her shoulder, "what's been troubling you?"
Anakin paused in his ministrations, having known this moment was coming and having half feared it, half longed for it, and he warred with the opposing desires in the search for a response. "What makes you think something's troubling me?" he asked at last, nonchalantly brushing her hair again.
"Ani," Shmi chided in a tone that clearly told him not to try to lie to her, "I'm your mother, and I know my son." she stated. "Now, tell me."
Anakin met her gaze, feeling her certainty and concern in the Force, and at last sighed heavily and put down the brush, giving up the lightness of the mood. "Mom, I- I don't want to stress you." he said, worried for her health and how anything he told her might compromise her strength to recover.
Shmi only smiled. "You've taken good care of me, now let me take care of you. I haven't been able to care for you in ten years." she cajoled lovingly, brushing his cheek with her hand.
Pain stabbed Anakin's heart, imaging how disappointed and how horrified she'd be to hear of the monster he'd become, but he also longed for her comfort. He turned his head and pressed a kiss into her palm as he gathered the courage to begin, tears warming his eyes, and he took a deep breath. "Have you ever had a dream so real and so horrible that even waking up didn't make it better?" he asked rhetorically. "Something happened; it's hard to explain, but I had a, a sort of vision, and I experienced my life, from before I returned to Tatooine until my death. In that life, I came back too late to save you, and I slaughtered the Tuskens in rage, and the Republic broke out in civil war." he related with growing speed, afraid his courage wouldn't hold out and not wanting to draw out the story any longer than he had to.
"I married in secret and became a Jedi Knight and a general, and I fought in the war until its end, but I was having dreams about Padmé dying and I couldn't bear to lose her like I'd lost you. I was told I could gain the power to save her through the dark side of the Force by a Sith lord, so I gave myself over to him and helped him overthrow the Republic and destroy the Jedi. I murdered younglings and I, I became a thing of evil, but Padmé died anyway- because of me, at my hand, because of what I'd become trying to save her." he confessed in a rush and, by the end, his pain-rattled voice was hitching with agony and barely suppressed sobs. There was more to tell, but his strength gave way as he relived the death of his wife, bowing his head as tears slipped free and he hid his face from his mother in shame.
Horrified for the sake of her son and her heart wrenched by his pain, she stroked his cheek soothingly, feeling acutely her absence from his life and all the times he must have suffered without her to comfort him. She'd always believed that she'd done the right thing in letting him go with Qui-Gon even when her loneliness and fears for him made her wish that he'd stayed, but now guilt dawned on her that, however strong and independent Anakin was, he'd still needed her at times.
"Oh, Ani," she cooed lovingly, remembering doing much the same when he was child awakening from a frightening nightmare, "it was only a dream. Not real."
But, his face still buried in her shoulder, he shook his head emphatically. "But it was real! The Force connected me to another version of myself, and I saw his life- lived his life with him. It would have become my life if I hadn't shared his." he explained, trying to make her understand even though part of him didn't want her to believe him.
Shmi had always been of a mind that there were things beyond her grasp but, even if it hadn't been real, what mattered was that Anakin believed it was real and she couldn't tell him otherwise. Unsure what to say as she took this in and tried to fathom the tragic and monstrous life he'd described, her heart flooded with pity and was only certain that the young man holding her now was good and that she'd move heaven and earth before she let such tragedy happen to her son.
"If what you saw was real, then you've been blessed; you know your future, so you can change it." she said at last, offering motherly wisdom. "You must believe in yourself and know that you are good, that there are people who love you and will always love you no matter what. It's your life; you're in control."
Her words were everything he hoped was true and he clung to them- and to her- as he gave in for the first in twenty years to the struggle, grief, and guilt that stormed inside of him, allowing himself to become a child again in his mother's arms. In the back of his mind- even as he sobbed- a part of him laughed dryly to observe the ludicrous turn; former Sith Lord Darth Vader, crying on his mommy's shoulder. Whoever could have imagined such a thing? But, of course, that wasn't him anymore, and he had to remind himself of that, shoving aside the brief, acrimonious musing.
There was so much more that he wanted to tell her, that he needed to tell her to make her understand what it was he had to face, the challenges ahead of him and his destined duties as "the chosen one" but, for now, he couldn't bring himself to speak more on it. Wrapping his arms around her, he gave himself over to the relief- long forgotten- of sharing his burdens with another, like a starving man who'd ceased to feel the pangs of hunger but, upon tasting food, suddenly recalled its delight and his crushing need of it.
SWSWSW
"So we have an agreement?" Obi-Wan asked hopefully, relieved to finally be bringing the border dispute to a close and eager to get on his way, back to his wayward padawan.
The delegates glanced at each other, then nodded. "The terms are acceptable." one of the delegates confirmed. "We are most grateful for your assistant, Master Jedi Kenobi, Master Jedi Fisto."
"Well," Obi-Wan smile, "I'm just glad that we were able to work something out. And it was a pleasure to be of service." he added.
"We're having a feast to celebrate the end of the dispute; won't you join us?" the delegate asked.
Obi-Wan hesitated, not wanting to offend him and also aware that, although an agreement had been reached, the truce was still fragile and his presence at the feast might be beneficial, but he couldn't bring himself to delay reuniting with Anakin. "I'm sorry, we would like to," he answered, speaking for the Jedi beside him as well, "but I'm afraid we're needed back on Coruscant."
The delegate seemed somewhat disappointed but nodded acceptingly. "Of course; your apprentice awaits you. I do hope you send word concerning his health." he replied with genuine concern.
"I'll be sure to." Obi-Wan promised. The Jedi Masters shook hands with the delegates and made quick business of the parting pleasantries, then returned to their assigned quarters to gather their few possessions before departing.
Obi-Wan walked in brisk, long strides across the landing platform towards the starship, Kit Fisto keeping pace next to him and refraining from commenting on Obi-Wan's obvious anxiousness, much to the other Jedi's appreciation. He didn't really want to hear that he should be calm, or that worrying was useless, or that he should be mindful of his attachment to Anakin; he knew all of this already and if his own internal monologue was failing him than hearing it from an outside source wasn't going to help much.
Boarding the ship, Obi-Wan sat down at the helm in the cockpit, quickly flicking switches and preparing for take-off, and Fisto took the seat at his right, punching their destination into the nav. computer and making adjustments. Obi-Wan knew that Kit was waiting for him to broach the unspoken topic himself and, for the service of Kit's patience, he felt growing pressure to reciprocate the favor. With a heavy sigh, he decided to open up.
"I haven't been parted from Anakin this long since we met." he confessed at last. "I do hope he hasn't gotten into too much trouble."
Kit smiled at the other Jedi Master, appreciating what he must be going through and thinking it silly that he would feel a need to deny it. "The way I hear it, his master gets into just as much trouble." he teased.
It had the desired affect, Obi-Wan shooting him a surprised look with a faint scowl. "And just who do you hear these things from?" he inquired.
"Oh, there are plenty of stories floating around." Kit answered evasively as the ship began to lift from the pad.
Obi-Wan scoffed derisively, turning his attention back to the flight controls. "I hope you're not taking credit in Anakin's version of events; they way he spins things, he'll have you believing he saved me on Kadi Mundi." he cautioned the other man wryly.
"Either way," Kit concluded, staring out the windshield as clouds rushed by and fell below, a star-speckled, velvety black horizon blanketing their view, "he's more capable than you're willing to let on."
"I didn't say he wasn't capable," Obi-Wan countered, "I just don't like not being in a position to help him. And this odd situation, with him believing he's lived an alternate existence, is- well, I'm not sure what to make of it, or do about it." he admitted with a sigh of frustration and defeat.
Kit wondered if he realized how much he sounded like a worried parent, but he didn't dare voice the observation because he knew Obi-Wan would refuse to ever define his relationship with Anakin as paternal in any way. "It is possible he's right." he reminded, giving what little council he could. "In which case, you can't dismiss that other life, what he tells you, or how he's changed because of it. In his mind, you won't be his master anymore and he won't be a young padawan, still learning to be a Jedi."
Obi-Wan's expression became grin, thinking of the communications he'd had with Anakin since he'd awakened from the coma, because the way Anakin had addressed him and the way he'd exuded authority and self-possession was strikingly unlike the submissive, energetic boy Obi-Wan been training the last decade. "I know." he conceded aloud. "I've seen the change. I don't how to handle this Anakin- how I'm supposed to treat him- and I find it very disconcerting. What if he's been brain-washed? Or is being influenced by some other, nefarious means?"
"What if he's never the Anakin you know again?" Kit finished empathetically, sensing the real fear behind the stipulations of sabotage.
Reluctantly, Obi-Wan nodded, admitting that was part of his concern. "I know we're not supposed to be attached, but I've known Anakin since he was a little boy and it's been my responsibility to take care of him. If something happens to him, how am I supposed to reconcile myself to the failure of losing him?" he asked, facing the other Jedi.
Kit Fisto smiled, but it was bittersweet and tinged with sorrow, and he put his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, squeezing it comfortingly. "My guess is, you don't." he replied.
Obi-Wan looked away, feeling the truth of the statement and hoping beyond hope that he wouldn't ever have to test it, and his gaze fell on the blanket of stars outside. There was such darkness, he marveled, and it was filled with the lifeless vacuum of space... but, also hanging in that darkness, were the stars, glittering like diamonds, and planets rich with life. Anakin was like one of those stars, penetrating the darkness, and Obi-Wan knew he had to have faith in his friend; Anakin was too stubborn to disappear, and too strong to vanish.
As the ship entered hyperspace, he closed his eyes and reached out through the Force, feeling the reassuring tremor of Anakin's presence flickering at the very edges of his perception. The connection was faint, but it was still him; still recognizable as the young Skywalker Obi-Wan cared for so much.
And their reunion couldn't come soon enough.
SWSWSW
There was a knot of apprehension in Anakin's chest as he received the news that the border dispute on Ansion had come to a close- a few days shy of when he'd expected them to- and that he was to return to Coruscant. The miniaturized blue image of Obi-Wan stood before him in the ship's cabin, Obi-Wan's arms folded and his countenance displaying purpose, a purpose Anakin need not guess. Although Anakin had been as forthcoming about his psychic sojourn as he dared to at the moment with his old master, Obi-Wan required more explanation and Anakin did not anticipate the reunion. It wouldn't be like old times and what he had to share could be received very, very badly, putting even more tension on an already stressful situation. But it couldn't be avoided forever; Anakin supposed he should just be grateful he'd had the last few weeks on Tatooine to acclimate to his altered reality.
"Understood, Obi-Wan." Anakin replied to the Jedi's instructions. "I'll leave immediately and rendezvous with you at the temple tomorrow."
Obi-Wan gave an approving nod. "May the Force be with you." he bid, meaning every word.
"And with you." Anakin returned. A moment later, the image flickered off and Anakin was left alone in the cabin, anxious over the long war he was about to go out to meet and regretful that he had to leave his mother so soon. Even with all that he'd seen, once he started changing things, he had no way of knowing for certain just how things would play out, what unexpected turns the war with the Sith might take and what means they would employ when cornered. It was about to get messy, and Anakin knew he wouldn't be returning to Tatooine for a long time.
With a heavy-hearted sigh, Anakin accepted that it was time to finally meet his destiny head-on, and he set his jaw as he left the ship to inform his mother.
SWSWSW
Shmi had been disappointed when she found out that Anakin was being recalled but, having known from the start his visit was only temporary and that he had responsibilities elsewhere, she resigned herself to his departure with gratitude for having seen him again and pride in the man her son had become. Anakin didn't have much in the way of possessions to pack, only an extra set of clothes that Owen had given him and food for the trip, and then they were all outside, the Lars lined up in front of Anakin as they bid their farewells.
Despite the stress and the problems that had occupied his mind, Anakin had still formed very genuine attachments to his stepfamily during his stay and, when Cliegg offered him his hand to shake, Anakin took it and used it to draw him into a hug.
"I know you're not my flesh," Cliegg said afterward, looking up at Anakin, "but you're the heart of the woman who's my heart. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you my son."
Touched deeply by the sentiment, Anakin smiled in reply but didn't have anything to say, so he moved on and shared quick embraces with Owen and Beru before finally arriving at his mother. They'd hugged many times already but it never seemed to be enough and, as she stood waiting in front of him, he was brought back to the first time he left her, when he was nine years old. As before, he was torn with a longing to stay and a fear that he would never see her again, all of his strength and resolve required to do what he must and go. And Shmi, as before, was gently encouraging him with her selfless love.
Although she'd healed much in the weeks since her rescue, she still had visible bruises and standing for long periods was difficult, but she insisted on seeing him off on her own two feet and resisted the aide of her family. Anakin stepped up to her, burying his face in her shoulder and soaking in her scent as he hugged her as tightly as he dared, his mother pressing one hand between his shoulders and the other holding on to the back of his neck.
"I love you, mom." he whispered into her hair, fighting back the tears that threatened to slip from his closed eyes.
It was unnecessary to repeat the words, Shmi knowing full-well that Anakin could feel her love for him as tangibly as his own, and instead she gave him some last-minute council, mindful of all he had told her. "Whatever happens, Ani, be happy." Letting go of him, she looked up at her son, a mixture of light and darkness in his eyes. "Be free."
Anakin nodded, taking the advice to heart, but at the back of his mind he wasn't sure how to achieve either and, moreover, to keep them, but he shoved the thoughts aside for another time. Shmi leaned towards him and he bent down, allowing her to kiss his cheek, and he lingered for a moment after he pulled away to look at her- to burn her image into his memory forever- before turning and walking up into the ship where Threepio already awaited him.
Sand blew up as the engines ignited, causing the Lars to step back and raise their arms protectively, shielding themselves from the pelting grains. Anakin's ship rose into the air, hovering several yards above the ground briefly before Anakin, inside the cockpit, tore his gaze from his mother's form and tilted the nose of the ship upward and accelerated.
In less than a minute, he was gone.
SWSWSW
Captain Typho was preparing for departure to Coruscant when the message came in- text only, without any identification of the sender other than a verified Jedi passcode. It was short, to the point, and without an abundance of detail, but the importance was unmistakable; Viceroy Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation has hired an assassin to kill Senator Amidala; the assassin will make an attempt on her life at the landing platform. Please take precautions to avoid the loss of life. Typho wasn't sure just how genuine the message was- if it was possible that the passcode had been stolen- but if there was even the slightest chance that the threat could be real then he had to assume the warning was in earnest and act accordingly. It was also startlingly curious that the message had come to him directly, on a private com very few people knew the code for and even fewer employed to reach him, and that factor weighed in heavily on his instinct to take it seriously.
Putting away his com even as he puzzled over the message's contents and origin, he rapidly began issuing orders and revising plans, conjuring the best way possible to protect those under his charge. He'd have to talk to the senator about this, but she was busy right now and so was he; she'd just have to accept whatever he came up with and follow his orders, no matter how much she may not like it.
SWSWSW
Darth Sidious felt a disturbance in the Force; Anakin was returning to Coruscant, and not a moment too soon. Normally he felt little anxiety over the periods when missions separated him from his future apprentice, but it was a critical time and he'd sensed a distinct shift in Skywalker, although he couldn't place exactly how or why. Regardless, the cultivation of Anakin's future and the manipulation of his fragile mind needed tending to and the Sith was eager to have his young protégée back in his hands.
Meanwhile, all of his other plans were falling neatly into place, the separatists and republicans being moved and cajoled like game pieces in a game which he was playing with himself. One day the Jedi would realize just how naive they'd been and how easily he'd controlled both sides of the board, and the best part was that no one had the sense to see they'd abdicated all their power to him. He eagerly anticipated that day and hoped he'd be able to see the look on Yoda's face when he stole everything from him and revealed himself- if the self-righteous and smug troll survived Order 66. It would be all the more satisfying to show the patriarch his prizes in the form of Anakin Skywalker and Count Dooku; the so-called Chosen One and Yoda's former apprentice.
Reaching out to the Force, Sidious detected the arrival of Obi-Wan and his eyes picked out his ship on the horizon, tracking it through the scurrying traffic with ease until it fell from view behind buildings. It was going directly to the Jedi Temple- no surprise there- but he was slightly agitated when he couldn't detect Anakin anywhere onboard, confirming his information that the Padawan had, indeed, blatantly defied his master. If the defiance had been of Sidious' encouragement, he would have been all-too happy to see evidence that Anakin was breaking his ties with the Jedi but, as it wasn't, it was a warning that Sidious' control over the boy may be weakening. He'd have to fix that, and quickly. Although he'd formed his plans with great calculation and hadn't been stupid enough to put all of his eggs in one basket, having Anakin on his side would strengthen his position invaluably and would be the final insult to the Jedi when they were finally crushed. Moreover, he didn't want all the time he'd spent coddling the boy to have been for nothing.
Turning to his patiently waiting and utterly naive secretary that he kept around primarily for the sake of pretenses, he plastered on a false smile and over-genial manners. "It's just come to my attention that Jedi Knight Kenobi is returning today from that border dispute on Ansion; I would very much like to discuss it with him and welcome him back home. Can you see if it's at all possible to make room in my schedule to meet him this afternoon?" he inquired politely, although it was hardly a request and not at all up for debate whether or not it was possible. He was determined to see Obi-Wan and glean whatever information from him he could about the sudden change in Anakin and his surely unauthorized departure.
"Yes, sir." the secretary replied, already furiously examining his cluttered but unbeknownst-to-her-incomplete schedule.
SWSWSW
When Obi-Wan stepped out of the ship at the Jedi Temple, the sun was in the last moments of setting, spilling ruby-red light across his face and basking the majestic building in a warm glow. He took a moment to appreciate the sight, always feeling a sense of serenity and rightness when he returned "home" after a long mission, and then walked contentedly towards the door that would admit him inside as Kit Fisto debarked after him. It opened and closed behind him automatically and he smiled at the energy that filled the air, at the presence of hundreds of Force-sensitives surrounding him- all adhering to the same code and with the same singular goal of keeping peace in the galaxy. He cherished the unity and being part of a greater whole with a noble purpose, but it wasn't always easy to feel that harmony outside of the Jedi Temple, where viewpoints clashed and differing morals painted individuals and groups with contempt for each other. Yet it was Obi-Wan's strong desire for people to recognize their commonalities that pushed him to be the negotiator he was becoming known for, so he accepted the benefits of his difficulties with honor and grace.
He was nearing the upper level of the temple where the council room was when he was met by an elderly female Jedi he dimly recalled being stationed primarily in archives. She stopped him without preamble, handing him a note and telling him with the fewest words possible that Chancellor Palpatine was requesting a meeting with him, then she passed on her way. Obi-Wan glanced at the note, which contained more specific information and a tentative meeting time, should it be convenient for him, and he continued walking towards the council room, extremely puzzled by the request.
He was still contemplating it when he entered the council room, where the Masters were assembled to hear his mission debriefing and inquire further into the curious matter of Anakin's condition, and he bowed before them respectfully.
"Master Kenobi, very pleased we are to see you again." Master Yoda greeted.
"I trust your apprentice isn't far behind?" Master Windu added before Obi-Wan could make any reply to Yoda.
Sensing Mace's unease, Obi-Wan nodded. "He's returning from Tatooine as we speak. He should be here sometime tomorrow." he confirmed.
Mace was as relieved and pleased by this as he possibly could be.
"Read your mission report concerning Ansion, we have, and very well you have done in settling the dispute." Yoda commended. "Speak more on this, we will, but first your apprentice's experience we must discuss."
Although it was unusual to bypass a debriefing, Obi-Wan couldn't be all that surprised that their primary focus was on the Chosen One. "Anakin's condition seems stable at the moment; he hasn't suffered any relapses while meditating and his health remains uncompromised. At the same time, he still firmly believes he's lived a lifetime that never happened from our perspective." he reported with forced positivity, remembering Kit Fisto's earlier advice.
"Has he told you anything more about what he saw?" Ki Adi Mundi inquired.
"A little," Obi-Wan answered, "but he's been unwilling to discuss his experience in any great detail over the com, for fear the channel may not be secure."
Mace's brow gathered and he leaned forward slightly in his seat, intrigued by this new piece of information. "Who does he suspect might be intercepting your calls?" he asked, his concerns slowly shifting away from the impetuous pupil.
Obi-Wan, however, could only shrug. "I'm not certain. He mentioned an emperor when he first woke up on Ansion, who was apparently an enemy, and I believe it's this individual that he's worried about, but he hasn't divulged the identity of the emperor or his origins. I have a feeling it's someone he's well acquainted with, but whether that acquaintance was formed in this life or the future he envisioned, I can't say." he reported, confident in the accuracy of his speculations.
Yoda nodded as the others considered the possibilities, a finger pressed to his lips, and he breathed in deeply. "More will your apprentice divulge when on Coruscant, he is." he stated more than asked. "If true his vision is, then very dangerous it will become for the Jedi and young Skywalker. Careful we must be in dealing with this matter, and silence we must keep." he concluded, and Obi-Wan sensed there would be little more spoken on Anakin's journey through time until Anakin was there and could be questioned directly.
In the meantime, Yoda's caution to be silent penetrated Obi-Wan's consciousness and he was suddenly mindful of his impending meeting with the Chancellor. For a reason Obi-Wan couldn't name, a sense of unease came over him at the thought of the other man- a man who'd always had far too much interest in Anakin for his liking and had long since sunk hooks into the developing padawan. He was struck with an abrupt but incontestable certainty that Palpatine didn't seek his audience to hear about how the border dispute on Ansion had gone...
SWSWSW
Palpatine smiled brightly when the doors to his office opened and Obi-Wan walked through, the Chancellor standing from his desk as Obi-Wan approached and bowed. "Master Kenobi, such a pleasure to see you again!" he greeted, walking around his desk to stand in front of the Jedi. "I hope it wasn't too much of an inconvenience coming here on such short notice."
Always professional and somewhat wary when around the leaders of the republic, Obi-Wan's voice and likewise expression was devoid of any remarkable emotion. "No, I assure you it wasn't." he replied, dismissing the concern, although he was fairly sure it was mostly false. "I was, however, a bit surprised by the request." he admitted, watching Palpatine as he rounded the desk again and sat down. Obi-Wan was more comfortable standing but, hesitantly, he pulled out one of the chairs opposite of the Chancellor and sat, hoping to gain more insight on the purpose of the meeting by being less formal with the other man.
"This mess with the separatists is continually worsening," Palpatine sighed heavily, seemingly exhausted by dealing with the increasing divide in the republic, "and I can't thank the Jedi and you enough for your assistance. I can't imagine how quickly the republic would degrade without you to keep its problems from increasing exponentially."
"No gratitude is necessary," Obi-Wan assured, "it's our duty and our honor to serve the republic."
Palpatine smile anew at this, taking the appearance of a proud and affectionate grandfather. "All the same, the contributions of the Jedi will never be taken for granted by the republic as long as I am in office. And," he added, his bright demeanor suddenly fading to one that was troubled, "I heard that you had some problems with this last mission and that your apprentice took ill."
Obi-Wan looked down as he nodded, drawing a breath as his suspicion of the reason for the meeting were confirmed, which he found more disturbing than relieving. However, he didn't want the Chancellor sensing that and reminded himself that it was entirely possible his curiosity was born only out of friendship and affection. "Yes, in a manner of speaking, but he's well enough now." he replied.
"I'm glad to hear that. Is he here now?" Palpatine inquired.
"Not at the moment; he was called away to deal with a family matter on Tatooine, but he'll be returning shortly." he explained, hoping the Chancellor would pick up on his reticence and wouldn't pry more.
His wishes, however, weren't to be answered. "A family matter?" Palpatine asked, his brow wrinkled with confusion. "I thought Jedi didn't have families."
Irritation soured Obi-Wan's mouth, knowing that Palpatine knew full-well that Anakin hadn't come to the Jedi in the usual manner or at the usual age and that Palpatine was purposely feigning ignorance to get more information. Well, he could try, Obi-Wan decided, but he wasn't going to succeed. "Anakin's different," he replied, perfectly polite but almost challenging the chancellor to invade Anakin's privacy, "but I'm not at liberty to speak more on the matter. It's not my place."
Palpatine's face flashed briefly with displeasure but it was gone almost before it was there and then he was smiling apologetically. "Of course, I understand. But I do hope everything's alright with him." he stated.
Obi-Wan smiled back, although it was devoid of sincerity. "I'll pass your concern on to him; I'm sure he'll be grateful." he promised, swiftly dismissing what had seemed to him not too unlike a polite interrogation.
"Well, I won't detain you any longer, Master Kenobi; you must be tired after your long mission away." Palpatine said after a short pause, in which the two men had stared at each other tensely, and rose from his seat. Obi-Wan did likewise and allowed himself to be escorted to the door by the chancellor. "Thank you for taking time out to accommodate my rather selfish request. Do try to get some rest; after all, the republic needs its Jedi protectors in top condition." he bid warmly.
"As it does its chancellor." Obi-Wan returned, bowing respectfully again at the now-open door. Turning, he left and, as the door closed behind him, he felt a wave of relief to no longer be in the other man's presence.
I hope it was worth the wait (and that Anakin didn't come off too pathetic or Obi-Wan and Mace too hostile.)
Thank you so much everyone who reviewed! Your reviews are delicious Wookie cookies to me! Thank you for the helpful tips and input; you rock my world!