a.n. I know it's been about 6 months since I last updated this story, but I haven't forgotten about it. Life just gets in the way sometimes, you know. Anyways, I tried to make this chapter a little bit longer than the last to make up for being gone so long and I want to update again soon. Please Read, Review, and Enjoy!

Chapter 15: Trust and Mistrust

Luca watched Obi-Wan and Anakin depart and let out a long-held sigh as the door closed behind them. Oh Force, how am I going to pull this one off?

Shaking his head, Luca took a look around the room before turning in the direction Padmé had gone. Just seeing his younger self interact with Padmé had been painful. He had no idea how he was going to be able do what he needed to do when his painful memories of this time kept cropping up.

He walked over to one of the plush sofas sitting in the middle of the room and sat down, closing his eyes as he tried to dispel some of the troubled thoughts that were racing through his mind.

"I still don't trust him Master," Anakin stated, turning to look at Obi-Wan as they waited for the turbolift to descend.

"I am not too sure of him myself, Padawan," Obi-Wan acknowledged, "but I have sensed no ill intentions on his part and he seems to have the Council's trust and that's enough for me for now."

"That may be true, Master, but I still don't think we should have left him alone with the Senator." Anakin didn't dare voice his true fears in front of his Master. I don't want anything to happen to Padmé. I won't let any mysterious stranger compromise her safety, no matter what Obi-Wan and the Council thinks.

Obi-Wan gave his Padawan a suspicious glance, knowing that there was something more that Anakin wasn't telling him. He wished his Padawan trusted him enough to open up to him when he was troubled, but he wasn't going to press the matter. If it was serious enough, he trusted Anakin to come to him if he needed. Still, I wish he wouldn't stay so closed off from everyone and let some of us in.

The turbolift reached its destination and Obi-Wan and Anakin stepped off it and headed back towards the Jedi Temple in companionable silence.

"Welcome back Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker," the Council greeted the pair as they walked into the Council's chambers.

Master and apprentice bowed their heads in respect as they stood in the center of the chamber, awaiting what the Council had to say.

"Please report your findings to the Council," Master Windu prodded.

"The Senator seems to be unharmed and is willingly to accept our protection. Her head of security assures us that the Senator will have top-notch surveillance and security surrounding her at all times. He said he would discuss their safety protocol in more detail once we return."

The Council members nodded their heads at Obi-Wan's words and a still silence fell upon the room as they waited to hear what else Obi-Wan would report.

"And what of Luca," Master Mundi asked, "what is your impression of him?"

"At first glance, he does seem to be of the disreputable sort, and he had a mysterious Force signature about him, though it was somewhat familiar. But I could sense that he was indeed telling us the truth and that he seemed genuine in his willingness to help us."

"Hmmm….sensed that we did as well," Yoda mused, "why we let him proceed in his quest, that is."

"And what quest is that, Masters?" Obi-Wan asked.

The Council members looked at one another, unsure of how to answer that question. They didn't know how much they should reveal the duo, but knew that it was necessary for them to do so if they were to work with Luca.

"What we are about to tell you may sound impossible," Master Windu began, "but you have to remember to keep an open mind and believe that what may seem impossible can in fact be possible."

"We, too, were wary of his intentions and had difficulty believing his story. But we sensed that he was truthful and could find no reason to disprove what he said. We ask for you to do the same," Master Mundi finished, looking at the pair standing before him.

Obi-Wan and Anakin looked at one another curiously before returning their gazes to the Council members.They both nodded their heads in acceptance and waited for the Council to say what was on their minds.

"Told us, Mr. Redenov has, that sent here he was, to change certain circumstances. To avoid a devastating outcome, he is here to fix a mistake. To change the future, he has come to the past."

Obi-Wan and Anakin processed this information in silence as the Council members looked on.

From the future? Is that even possible? I know it has been a scientific theory, but to actually time travel…I didn't think it could be done. But what circumstances has he come back to change? What mistake is he trying to fix?

The future, huh? When in the future does he come from, I wonder? Does he know if I become a powerful Jedi? Does he know if Padmé and I get together? Do I want to know that?

The Council members could see the concentration on their faces as they ran through all the thoughts that were cropping up in their minds. The Council knew that this was a lot of information to take in and that it was information that seemed to be impossible to believe. Yet they had seen Luca Redenov stand before them and declare that his words were truthful and they had slowly realized that he was telling the truth. They could only hope that Obi-Wan and Anakin would come to the same realization.

"Are you sure?" Obi-Wan questioned the Council, unsure of what they had just revealed.

"Yes," Master Windu reassured, nodding his head in agreement. "We questioned him thoroughly and could sense no lies. What he told us, we believe to be true."

"That may very well be Masters," Obi-Wan stated, "but did he say why he time travelled?"

Master Mundi was the one who answered. "He told us that he was sent back to protect one individual, the one being upon whom the fate of galaxy rests. He did not tell us who he has been sent back to protect. But we believe that that is his prerogative and he has told us that it is perhaps better for us not to know."

"So you assigned him as protection to Senator Amidala?" Anakin questioned angrily. "For all we know, he has some ulterior motive that he has managed to hide from all of you and you place him in the perfect position to take out one of the most respected and most trusted citizens of the Republic."

"Anakin," Obi-Wan chastised, "we are not here to dispute the Council's beliefs. They say they have no reason to believe that what he says is false and I am inclined to share in that belief. I also do not believe that they would put someone like Senator Amidala in such a position where she would be easily accessible to anyone who would wish her harm. The Council has shown wise judgment in this endeavor and I think we should trust that judgment."

Anakin bowed his head in acceptance. "Yes Master. Forgive me for speaking out of turn. I was just concerned for the Senator's safety as an old friend."

Obi-Wan stared suspiciously at his Padawan, unsure as to whether or not that was the true reason for his Padawan's outburst.

"Understand your concern for the Senator's safety, we do Padawan. In good hands, we know she will be. Worry, you should not."

Anakin reluctantly accepted the Council's judgment and nodded his acknowledgement. They may trust this man, but I certainly don't. I will make sure I keep an eye on him. I do not want anything to happen on this mission, especially where Padmé is concerned.

"As you wish Masters."

"Very well then. Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker, you may resume your mission and return to the Senator's quarters. We will keep you updated on any new information we receive concerning the Senator's situation. You are dismissed."

Obi-Wan and Anakin respectfully bowed to the Jedi Council before leaving the Council chambers and heading back to 500 Republica and Senator Amidala's residence.