Torli: I'm so glad you like the way things are going. This next chapter should answer some of your questions and then we get back to how old Obi is doing in the next one. Thanks for another encouraging review.

JediAngel001: Yes, I really liked that from AOTC, that Padme was willing to go after Obi and she's not the sort of person to sit by while one of her own is in trouble. I also loved the idea that even in this universe, Padme and Anakin would still have that connection, with the same passion, so how would they handle it?

I'm thinking of writing out the whole thing with the Sand people, but I really want this to get finished first. I'd like to explore the Padme/Anakin relationship a bit deeper because I kind of threw them in there at you folks without much explanation, but I had to get things moving. I have this rather wordy chapter of explanations before we head back to our hero so please bear with me. Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed so far and for the continued interest.

Master Yoda was a worried creature, which was an unusual position for him to be in. However, it was an increasing feeling that he was having trouble releasing into the force, another unwelcome reminder of the order's continuing loss of connection to the force. His padawan had contacted the Council with Obi-Wan's message and asked for guidance. With or without him, Senator Amidala was going after her ex-security chief, so the Council had decided to have Anakin continue to protect her.

It seemed events were tumbling out of their control and the discovery of the clone army on Kamino thanks to the boy Nawe's message from Obi-Wan had led the Senate to move to a frighteningly aggressive position and assume the clones as their own, despite warnings from the Jedi Council over such a move. The Jedi were the protectors of the Republic, using their subtle skills, not these clones bred for brute force.

All trace of the sith was gone by the time the Jedi teams of Shaak Ti and Luminara Unduli with their respective padawans had arrived on Kamino. The Kaminoan Chairman had been expecting Jedi to take control of the forces once they were ready, all one million men and although he knew of the bounty hunter who had been the template for the clones, his employers had rarely returned and always acted as Jedi, respectful and dignified. His description of Master Sifo Dias was that of Darth Maul, and his apprentice was a woman completely unknown to the Jedi, an Assaj Ventress.

Something, some distant echo through the force was itching at the back of his head, making his ears twitch. The dark side was growing and had been very slowly building for the last ten years. It was so ingrained, however, in the daily flow of the living force that it was barely perceptible except to those most connected to its flow. Qui-Gon would have noticed it had he been here, Yoda was positive about that. Many on the Council were still skeptical of the old gnome's musings on the state of the force. Only Mace and Ki-Mundi seemed to take him seriously. And now the debate over Kenobi had begun again, which only further saddened his heart.

"It's obvious the man has taken a step too far to the dark side," came one voice.

"Say this, how can you? Worked to help us, he has."

"You call disappearing for ten years and coming back only when a sith just happens to show up helping us?"

"Knew nothing of the sith, did Obi-Wan. Sensed his fear and grief reopened, I did."

"Then how do you explain his actions to leave with this Darth Maul creature?"

"To save the boy, was his only concern. Nothing of this army, did he know."

"How can we be so sure?" These words came from Mace, who looked gravely at Yoda.

"Know Obi-Wan's heart we all do. Put others above himself, he always has. If knew of this army he did, told me, he would have. Faith in him, I have."

"And what of his desire now to find Count Dooku, a known Separatist sympathizer? Do you still have that faith in him?"

"Desperate, he is. Alone, he feels. Master of his Master, hope this brings to him. Still grieving, he is," Yoda said quietly. "Home he should come, but afraid of this Council he still is. Considers himself a failure to us."

"All feelings that lead to the dark side, Master Yoda," came Ki's lyrical voice. "We must be cautious with him. I say we bring him back here, to the temple, to best assess his motivations now and over those lost years. He should be treated with respect but, as I said, with caution. Perhaps Count Dooku could be approached to encourage him to return on his own, rather than us actively seeking him out."

"Old student of mine, Dooku is. Contact him I will. His assistance will I ask for."

"So now we're conspiring with Separatists? This is not going to go down well in the Senate."

"Needs us, one of our own does. Abandon him I will not. Autonomy in our own affairs, we still have. Mindful be, of your accusation."

"This bickering is pointless," came the low tones of Mace once again. The bickering was also out of character for them, but no one dared to mention that even though it was clear through their faces and further subdued force presence. They were becoming increasingly blind to the force, as though it were draining away from them. The consequences of which were reverberating around the room.

"As Master Yoda has pointed out," continued Mace, "Obi-Wan is one of us, as was Master Dooku. With tensions as high as they are right now between the Republic and the Separatists, and with Senator Amidala involving herself in this matter, it would be prudent to have Jedi mediators between both parties and though the skills of Padawan Skywalker are great, he will need assistance in any negotiations. As Master Yoda has had dealings with Master Dooku before, it is fitting he approach the Count. I shall accompany him."

"Settled, it is. Leave now, we shall. Clone army we leave in your hands." Yoda wanted to get moving. The more he thought on his two old students, the more dread he sensed. He could suddenly sense the storm of the sith approaching Geonosis and the fear that he was continuing to have trouble releasing out into the force, hung within his mind.

A young Padawan entered the chamber just as the Council was breaking up and he approached Master Yoda.

"The Chancellor requests an audience with you, Master Yoda," he said quietly, "it is regarding Private Nawe and Captain Latterie."

Yoda nodded and sighed. "Be with the Chancellor, I will, shortly." With that the Padawan bowed and left. Yoda moved to approach Mace, who was already leaving.

"Bad feeling about this, I have," he said to himself as he hobbled over to his friend.