Chapter Six

Coruscant, Old Republic

Obi-Wan led Anakin into a small classroom before turning to lecture the younger man. He couldn't believe that the young Jedi he'd agreed to apprentice for a day had been so impolite to the Supreme Chancellor. There was obviously something responsible for the boy's anger, but he wasn't certain how far he should pry. "Anakin, you obviously have issues with the Chancellor Palpatine."

Anakin snorted, the fire in his eyes strongly reminding Obi-Wan of his own padawan. "Issues? He's evil, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "Just because you do not agree with his politics does not make him evil, Anakin."

"His politics?"Anakin scoffed. "If only you knew what his politics are!"

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said firmly. "Control yourself."

Anakin closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry, Master Kenobi. But Palpatine isn't to be trusted. I can tell you that at least, can't I?"

Obi-Wan gave him a small smile. "You just did."

The younger Jedi blushed. "Sorry."

"It's alright," reassured Obi-Wan, remembering that he was working with a sixteen year old boy. A sixteen year old boy that had been knighted by his Master. He rested his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "This can't be easy for you, Anakin. But you must refrain from revealing too much about the future. If the Chancellor is not to be trusted, what would happen if he learned what you knew?"

Anakin's blue eyes widened. "That wouldn't be good."

The High Chancellor definitely needed to be watched, but Obi-Wan worried that he might already know too much. "Your uncle would not thank me for endangering your life, Anakin. I suspect he wants you back in one piece."

"Yeah." Anakin shoved his hands in his pockets. "You're right."

"As much as I hope my padawan is safely returned to me," Obi-Wan added softly. It worried him that his Anakin was alone in the future. He could no longer track his padawan through their bond, so he wouldn't know if he was hurt or in danger. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and forced his thoughts back to the present.

Anakin touched his arm. "Uncle Luke will take care of him, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you, Anakin."

"I want to talk to Valin Horn."

"About the Chancellor?"

Anakin nodded. "I need to discuss it with someone, sir."

Obi-Wan could understand the need, but he feared that the boys might end up doing something incredibly stupid. "Promise me you will stay inside the Temple."

Anakin gave him a look of extreme innocence. "Of course, Master."

"Very well. I will take you to Nejaa," Obi-Wan gestured for Anakin to follow him out the door. "And I will grant you and Valin privacy, Anakin. But I will be monitoring you."

"Yes, sir."

***

Valin Horn watched as his grandmother started packing away her artwork. "You're leaving already?"

Nyche smiled. "I have a class to get to. It was nice meeting you Master Halcyon, Valin."

"You as well," Nejaa said, smiling warmly.

"Tell the older Valin that I look forward to seeing him tonight," Nyche said as she cleaned her paintbrushes.

"You two have a date tonight?" Nejaa asked.

"Yes." Nyche frowned. "I guess he didn't tell you?"

"I'm afraid not," Nejaa said, exchanging a glance with Valin. "I sent him on a short mission off world. He won't be back until tomorrow."

Nyche looked down and continued cleaning the brushes vigorously. "I see."

"I probably didn't give him a chance to tell me," Nejaa said, touching her arm in apology. "I'm sure I'll get an earful about it tomorrow. Perhaps you can give him another chance?"

"Perhaps," Nyche said.

Valin was suddenly worried. What if Nyche didn't give his grandfather a second chance? Would that mean that he married someone else? Would that mean that Valin Horn would never be born? He walked over to Nyche and gave her his best smile. "Please give him a second chance? It's my fault he had to go."

Nejaa cleared his throat and gave Valin a warning glance.

But Nyche smiled and touched Valin's cheek. "With such a handsome young man to champion his cause, how can I refuse?"

"Thanks," Valin said in relief. He and Nejaa helped Nyche finish packing, and then Valin regretfully bade her goodbye. This was the only time in his life he would meet his grandmother, and he couldn't even hug her. She would have thought he was crazy if he tried to explain to her who he was.

Nejaa rested his hand on Valin's shoulder. "How would you like to meet your great-grandmother?"

Valin smiled. "I'd love to."

***

Nejaa and Scerra lived in the guest quarters of the Jedi temple. Excited to meet his great-grandmother, Valin excitedly followed Nejaa. His father had plenty of holos of her, but she was always with Rostek Horn. He wondered what it would be like to see her interacting with Nejaa. His great grandfather palmed the door open, and Valin followed him into the apartment.

A beautiful middle aged woman, who Valin instantly recognized as his great-grandmother, sat on the couch. Next to her sat a man who looked close in age to Nejaa, except this new man had blond hair and grey eyes. Scerra rose to her feet and crossed the room to Nejaa, giving him a warm hug. "Have you finished with your meetings for the day?"

Nejaa cupped her cheeks and kissed her nose. "Not quite. I got a little side tracked." He looked over her shoulder toward the other man in the room. "Rostek? Who talked you into leaving Corellia?"

"I'm running security for Senator Iblis," said Rostek who crossed the room to clasp Nejaa's hand.

"He isn't trusting Galactic Security?"

"No one trusts anyone anymore," Rostek said seriously. "We could use you back on Corellia, Nejaa."

"I will return when the war is over," Nejaa tugged Rostek to him for a back slapping hug.

Rostek shook his head and stepped back. "Remember what I told you about Corellian Jedi who leave their system?"

"That we leave at our own peril?" Nejaa raised an eyebrow. "I'm not worried."

"He's too thick-headed to worry," Scerra said as she brushed past her husband. "Thinks he's immortal or something."

"Being a Halcyon is the next best thing to immortality." Nejaa caught her hand as she passed him. "Come, I need to introduce you to someone."

Having a hard time smiling at his great-grandfather's banter, Valin could only swallow. He knew that Nejaa had been killed near the end of the Clone Wars. Nejaa would suffer the fate of Corellian Jedi who left their system. Valin gulped. "Hi."

Scerra offered him a warm smile. "And who is this child, Nejaa?"

Nejaa tightened his hold on her hand. "I will need your confidence Scerra, Rostek."

Rostek frowned. "Agreed."

"Of course," Scerra said. She leaned her head against his arm. "But where's Valin? Off flirting with every girl in sight?"

"Probably," Nejaa laughed. "But not here."

"What do you mean?"

"Valin found the Crystal of Transportation."

Rostek raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that an old Jedi's tale?"

"So we once thought," Nejaa said. "But it appears that Valin found it."

"So he's presenting it to the Council?"

"I'm afraid our son decided that it would be a good idea to use it." Nejaa then gestured to Valin. "And leave us our great-grandson to look after."

"What?" Scerra demanded. She pushed away from her husband. "You're telling me that our son is trapped in the future?"

"I am," Nejaa said, pulling her back to him. "Master Yoda believes that the affects of the Crystal will only last for a day. For now, we must trust that he can take care of himself for a short while."

"You Jedi certainly make life a little more interesting," Rostek tugged at his chin. "But I can't see Valin just deciding to use an artifact that hasn't been tested. Particularly one that can send someone into the future. He's too smart for that."

Valin lowered his head. "It's my fault. I chose to use the Crystal. The Force must have sent my grandfather to take my place." He straightened his shoulders. "I'm sorry to distress you, ma'am."

Scerra rested her hands on his shoulders to get a good look at him. "Call me Scerra. Or grandmother, if you like." She pinched his cheek. "You kind of look like Valin."

"He's named for him too," Nejaa said proudly. "Valin Horn."

"Horn?" Scerra turned to Rostek. "Is there something you need to tell us?"

Rostek shook his head. "No."

"Don't be so secretive, Rostek," admonished Scerra. "Why else would my great-grandson carry your last name? You don't have any brothers that I know of."

"You'll forgive me if I'm having a hard time believing this."

"But you know it's true," Nejaa pointed out.

"If it were anyone but you," Rostek jabbed his thumb at Nejaa, "I'd think they were crazy." He sighed. "He does kind of look like Valin, doesn't he?"

Valin smiled faintly. "I wish I could meet him."

There was a knock at the door, and Scerra crossed the room to answer it. "Master Kenobi, come in," she said, standing aside for Obi-Wan and Anakin Solo. "Who is this young man?"

"He's a visiting apprentice," Obi-Wan said vaguely. "He would like to speak with yours for a minute, Nejaa."

Valin frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"I'll explain later." Anakin cast a significant look towards Obi-Wan and Nejaa. "Can you come outside for a minute?"

"Sure." Valin waved to his great-grandparents and then followed Anakin into the hall. "What's going on?"

Anakin glanced around, making certain no one was watching. "I just ran into Palpatine."