Little was known about the Jedi trials so when Anakin hadn't returned home, Padmè wouldn't let herself worry. However three days had gone by and not a word from her husband. Padmè reasoned with herself that it was probably too risky to try to contact her from the temple. Luckily she had a busy week of diplomatic meetings to attend to so at least there was something to take her mind off everything that had been happening. Four days after Anakin had left for the temple a young Jedi appeared at her apartment, clutching a note in her hand.
Anakin sat meditating in a cornered off room, waiting for the council's decision. Three days of intensive tests and seclusion from the outside world had worn him out but he was too restless to just do nothing. The waiting was killing him. He had hoped his extra work on saber techniques and controlling his emotions had paid off. He was getting used to fighting with the new robotic limb, but to face the trials so soon after such a change was a challenge. One he was happy to accept. Soon the door slid open and Master Yoda waddled in, the sound of his cane alerting Anakin to the Master's presence. He tried not to look to expectant or eager as he waited for the verdict.
"In order congratulations are, Knight Skywalker," Yoda announced. Relief washed through Anakin as the news settled, but he couldn't help the wide grin that appeared as he bowed to the Jedi Master. Yoda managed a small smile before he continued.
"No time to rest, you have. To Geonosis you must go,"
"Why?" Anakin asked before he could stop himself. He had hoped to spend the evening with Padmè to share. "Forgive me Master," Anakin bowed, partly ashamed by his outburst.
"A mission, you and Master Kenobi must complete. A new lead on Count Dooku there is,"
"Master surely there is someone else that can go..." Anakin said in a low voice, trailing off realising he shouldn't challenge a master. He had hoped that he would never get sent back to that place, but he knew it was only a matter of time. Such a crucial planet in the clone wars could not be ignored simply because a Padawan was jittery.
"Confidence in you, the council has, Knight Skywalker," Yoda said to ease his tensions, the gentle reminder that he was no longer a Padawan did give Anakin a little more confidence. "Be mindful of your feelings you must. Ready for this you are," Anakin bowed as he accepted Yoda's verdict and went to find Obi-Wan.
"Be Careful of the future you must," Yoda mused out loud to himself after Anakin had left. A clouded future hovered around the young Jedi, making Yoda feel uneasy. He decided the best course of action was to meditate on it further, prehaps the cause of the mystery would become clearer.
"Master," Anakin shouted from the top of the stairs to one of the strategy rooms. Obi-Wan looked up, seeing his former apprentice making his way towards him, he chuckled.
"No, it's just Obi-Wan now, Anakin," Obi-Wan stated, pressing a few buttons to show Anakin the details of the mission. Anakin smiled, still getting over the shock actually being a Jedi Knight.
"Right, Obi-Wan, that's going to take a while to get used to," he chuckled, "I hear we are to go to Geonosis," his tone became more serious as he flexed the fingers of his robotic hand, an almost instinctive reflex at the mention of the dreaded planet.
"Yes, except this time I am not responsable for you," Anakin's eyes glistened slightly at Obi-Wan's remark, he was beginning to feel more comfortable with the Geonosis situation. Anakin was glad his first mission was with Obi-Wan, the two knew how the other thought, their fighting styles complementing each other, synchronised movements that have often lead to a quick defeat of their counterpart. Of course every rule has its exception, and this time it was Count Dooku.
"Just do not be as brash as last time," Obi-Wan smiled, knowing Anakin would understand the seriousness of the light heart comment.
"When are we to leave Mast... Obi-Wan?"
"Everything has already been arranged we were just waiting on you. Is there something you had hoped to do?" he added noticing how Anakin's face fell when he mentioned they would be leaving straight away.
"No, nothing I just... Had an arrangement. I'll send a note, sending my excuses with a Padawan," Anakin quickly scurried out of the room. Scribbling a note on a scrap of paper he gave it the first Padawan he saw. Obi-Wan came up behind him as the Padawan was instructed to go to Senator Amidala's address. The Padawan was hesitant and looked to Master Kenobi. Obi-Wan nodded her onwards,
"You must stop this Anakin, especially now that you are a Jedi Knight," he reprimanded.
"I was simply thanking her on some diplomatic advice," Anakin said. It troubled him how easily he could lie to the man who had become a father figure to him. Anakin shook the thought out of his head and the pair carried on to the hanger where the clone troops were waiting for them.
Padmè cautiously opened the note the young girl had given her. The Padawan retreated after the Senator expressed her thanks, giving the her the privacy a woman of her standing deserved.
'Senator Amidala,
I thank you for your council concerning a diplomatic matter. Unfortunately I will not be able to repay you for your kindness, for I am to be sent on a mission.
I hope you are well, and I wish to return your favour when I come back to Corascant.
Knight Skywalker'
Padmè was overjoyed as she read the signature at the bottom of the note. Knight. 'Oh Ani, I'm so proud of you!' she thought as she reread the letter. However her elation was soon brought to a stop. A mission? He was to go on a mission! Nothing could stop the worrying thoughts from plaguing her mind. Forcing herself to sit down, Padmè focussed on the positives. At least he has achieved his dream. He had always wanted to be a Jedi. Padmè was so worried that if the council found out what truly happened on Naboo that he would never become a Jedi. Placing a hand on her stomach she smiled, everything was falling into place. Anakin had become a Jedi and she was going to have what she always dreamed of having, a family of her own.