A million scenarios - each more horrific than the last - tumbled through her mind as she maneuvered into traffic and proceeded to break a half dozen traffic laws racing back to the Temple in record time.

Anakin and Ahsoka met her in the hangar. She jumped from the speeder and rushed to them. She sensed no injury in either of them, only an inordinate amount of anger and sorrow. "What happened?" Adrina demanded. Her heart pounded and her eyes darted between them.

Ahsoka looked up at stone-faced Anakin. His hands clenched at his side and he locked his jaw in a vain attempt to disguise its trembling.

"Anakin?" Adrina couldn't conceal her alarm.

Ahsoka reluctantly answered. "We were out on the street, going to check on a lead regarding a plot to kidnap the Chancellor, when-"

Anakin's voice cracked like a whip. "Obi-Wan is dead."

Adrina glared at Anakin. "That's not funny." Anger shone brightly in his eyes when he finally looked at her. Her stomach dropped. Fear's icy fingers latched onto her. "Tell me you were joking."

"It was a sniper," Ahsoka said. "Through the heart. He fell from the top of the building. Five stories. I…" She sniffled. "No sign of life."

"No." Adrina shook her head. "I don't believe you." Tears burned her eyes. Her chest tightened painfully and she fought to breathe. Obi-Wan couldn't be dead. It wasn't possible. Her thoughts began to spiral, but they slipped through her fingers as she fought to corral them.

"Master Windu and Master Yoda confirmed it," Ahsoka whispered.

Adrina froze. Ahsoka's words cut through the tsunami of grief threatening to render her catatonic. "Master Windu and Master Yoda?"

"They met us here when we…." Ahsoka grimaced. She glanced up at Anakin out of the corner of her eyes. Her shoulders hunched. "Brought his body."

Adrina folded her arms. "Just Masters Windu and Yoda? Not Master Che? Did you tell them you were coming with his dead body?"

"Yes!" Anakin snarled. Ahsoka flinched away; Adrina narrowed her eyes at Anakin in reproach. "What difference does it make? He's dead and all you can think about is who confirmed it?" He scoffed. "I thought you loved him."

"No, Anakin-" But Anakin turned on his heel and jumped into a speeder before she could explain.

"Are you alright?" Ahsoka asked. "You're taking this better than I thought you would."

Adrina stared after Anakin until his speeder disappeared into the Coruscant skyline, no doubt headed to his wife. Perhaps that was for the best. She turned back to Ahsoka. "I need to see his body."

"Okay…" Ahsoka eyed her. "But you should know they're already preparing it. Master Yoda said the Sealing will be in a few hours."

Adrina frowned. Another unusual turn. "Thank you, Ahsoka."

Adrina felt Ahsoka staring at her as she marched towards the underbelly of the Halls of Healing. The underbelly primarily held surplus inventory, but the back half housed the mortuary.

Nothing added up. True, Obi-Wan would be a prime assassination target, and a cowardly assassin could take the easy way out. Perhaps he caught Obi-Wan off-guard, though that was unlikely given Obi-Wan's battle hardened prowess. But the Temple prided itself on its long-established Temple protocol: a Healer would greet any fallen Jedi and make the final declaration of death. The Jedi's body would then be prepared and laid in state for twenty-four hours to allow their comrades to honor their life and rejoice in their reunion with the Force. Never did they Seal without a Celebration.

Yet No Healer greeted Obi-Wan's body. No Celebration was allowed. Something was afoot. Until she figured out what, she refused to believe Obi-Wan was actually dead.

She couldn't believe Obi-Wan was dead.

But if he wasn't dead, was it an assassination attempt or a clever ploy from Obi-Wan? She suspected the latter. That prospect only raised more questions. Why would Obi-Wan fake his own death? Anakin and Ahsoka clearly believed him to be dead. Whatever the ruse, they were not privy to it, which did not bode well.

The lift door opened. Adrina's determination and resolve hardened with each step down the cold hallway.

"You'll not find him there."

Adrina turned. "Master Che?"

"You'll not find him among the dead," Che repeated, stepping out of the shadows. Adrina wondered how long she had been waiting for her there.

Adrina clenched her jaw. "So it's true. He isn't dead."

Che gave a mirthless chuckle. "I warned them when I provided the vital suppressor that they may fool Skywalker and young Tano, but they would never fool you. Come. I will take you to him."

Adrina hastened after Che. "What is going on?"

"Patience. You will receive the answers you seek, never fear."

Adrina followed Master Che up the winding staircase into the silent Halls of Healing. Nighttime afforded a sniper less interference, Adrina realized, but it also ensured less traffic in the Halls of Healing - ideal for moving a corpse that was actually alive. Ideal for faking a murder. But why was he faking his death? Why the secrecy?

Che led Adrina towards the bacta tanks. Still, Adrina did not sense Obi-Wan. She supposed she likely wouldn't if he had indeed taken a vital suppressor. It certainly explained how Anakin and Ahsoka were fooled.

Che walked past the impressive line of bacta tanks, halting in front of the last preparation room. Tucked around a corner in a lesser used area in the quietest part of the day, it was the most secluded room in the entire Halls of Healing. Che gestured to the closed door. "He'll wake soon." Che bowed slightly and walked away.

Adrina keyed the door open. She gasped. He's alive, she reminded herself. He's alive, no matter how it appears. Obi-Wan lay on the bed, utterly still. She moved closer and laid her hand over his eyes. His heart rate and blood pressure were low - nearly dangerously so, thanks to the vital suppressor - but the Force still flowed through him and he was not injured.

Adrina touched his charred robe, waiting to feel mottled skin. Instead her finger pressed against something hard. Frustration sped her fingers; she undid his belt and began stripping his clothes away. She tossed his tabard, tunic, and sash onto the floor. She stared down at Obi-Wan. Body armor?

Adrina's eyes narrowed. Anger eroded her panic. Obi-Wan - and Windu and Yoda, by the sounds of it - convinced the entire galaxy that Obi-Wan Kenobi had been assassinated. For a minute, he forced her to live one of her greatest fears. Forced Anakin to believe he had utterly failed his best friend, his brother. Forced Ahsoka to believe she lost another mentor.

She threw herself onto the chair at the foot of the bed, glaring at Obi-Wan's prone body.

"You had better have one hell of an explanation when you wake up."

0

Obi-Wan's entire body throbbed. He was never falling off a building again. The experience was far too unpleasant. He pushed himself up on his elbows with a groan. He blinked away the brain fog slowly. His eyes struggled to focus on his bright surroundings, but judging by the brightness and familiar sanitizer scent, Master Windu successfully transferred his body to the Halls of Healing.

Movement at the foot of the bed caught Obi-Wan's eyes. His eyesight cleared. Peace washed over him. "Addy," he breathed. Surely his eyes were playing tricks on him. He blinked. No, Adrina was indeed sitting in the chair, mere feet away, arms crossed. "What are you doing here?" He noticed his clothes on the floor and blinked.

Adrina raised an eyebrow. "I believe that is the question I should be asking you."

Obi-Wan winced. Her voice was calm, but he sensed she was far from it, a storm waiting to be unleashed. This was not how he envisioned seeing Adrina again.

"You appear to be in remarkably good shape for a corpse," Adrina said, sweeping her eyes over him, challenging him.

"Ah, yes. About that." Obi-Wan swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Don't you dare get up," Adrina hissed. "You need to allow your body to readjust, you ridiculous fool."

"I suppose I deserve that."

"Yes," Adrina snapped. "You do. What is going on, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan frowned. "I tried to warn you as best I could."

Adrina sputtered. "As best you could? No. You did nothing of the sort. As best you could, would be to say, 'hey, Adrina, I am faking my death by taking a vital suppressor and getting shot and falling off a building!' That would be doing the best you could."

"I told you to trust the Force."

Adrina gaped. "Oh, I could almost hit you. That was not any kind of helpful warning! In what galaxy was that helpful?"

"Hit me? I died tonight; have a little mercy." Obi-Wan flashed her a charming grin that only darkened her already thunderous expression. He sighed. "I am truly sorry, Addy. I told you what I could."

"What you could?" She finally looked at him. "What happened, Obi-Wan, for the Council to lose so much trust in the Jedi Order? For you to lose trust in me?"

Obi-Wan blinked.

"The Order is family. And you've just made everyone believe you are dead. If we can't trust each other, we are nothing."

"It isn't a matter of trust," Obi-Wan disagreed.

Adrina raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it? Because if you trusted me, I would have never, not for one second, been made to believe you were dead. You told me nothing. You told Anakin nothing. You told Ahsoka nothing." Her hand slashed the air. "I don't expect to be told the details of whatever foolhardy mission you've been sent on. I understand some measure of secrecy. But I do expect to be told that the man I love isn't dead!" Adrina's chest heaved. He sensed her anger melting away into something far worse: despair. "I thought you had died," she whispered. Her pain cut deeper than a blade ever could. "Do you know what that felt like, to believe you were gone?"

Obi-Wan sat on his hands to prevent them from reaching out to her. He tried not to think about how he would feel if the roles were reversed, or the deep void her loss would permanently create in his heart.

Obi-Wan rubbed the back of his neck. "I've been assigned a special mission. Highly classified. Highly dangerous. There is a plot to kidnap the Chancellor. The mastermind is behind bars, but it is already in motion. We need to infiltrate the terrorist cell planning this," Obi-Wan began to explain. Adrina's eyes narrowed and he knew she suspected what he was about to say. "So, the Council decided the best course of action was to fake my death. I will then impersonate my murderer and allow myself to be arrested. Once inside the jail, I can be the inside man and prevent the Chancellor from being kidnapped or worse. It is a mission I must complete alone; Anakin won't be able to assist."

Adrina pinched the bridge of her nose. "That is the brilliant plan Master Windu concocted?" Adrina glared at him. "This is the most foolhardy thing you've done to date, and you have done a great deal of foolhardy things, Obi-Wan Kenobi. How are you going to impersonate a criminal?"

"With my irresistible charm, of course." Obi-Wan risked sending her a crooked grin. It did nothing to soften her expression. "Fine. With impeccable acting and a facial transformation program."

Adrina's mouth fell open. "Do you know how risky those programs are?"

"It's the only choice," Obi-Wan sighed, too weary to fight. Adrina scoffed. "The only choice that gives us a chance to save the Chancellor."

"So you agree with this plan. You agree that this is the best course of action?"

"I do," Obi-Wan said quietly.

"You agreed," Adrina said, her voice dangerously soft. "That lying to your best friend was the best course of action? That lying to the Order, your family, was the best course of action? Worse, making them believe you were dead? Making them believe they failed to protect you, even knowing that is one of Anakin's greatest fears? How could you do that to him? And Ahsoka… How do you think she felt to have to bring your dead body to the Temple? When she told me you died, I almost-" A strangled sob cut her off. She pressed a fist to her mouth.

"I know and I am sorry," Obi-Wan murmured. His arms ached to reach out. "That's why I tried to tell you as much as I could. I never wanted you to suffer. I planned on revealing everything to Anakin when I woke up. I never thought you wouldn't understand my warning. I am truly sorry, Addy. Please forgive me."

"I understand the criminals must believe you were killed and I will keep your secret. But to not even be allowed to tell Anakin? Ahsoka? Me?" She shook her head. "What you did - what the Council did - is cruel and wrong. How are we to trust the Council when they would lie to us about something this important?"

Betrayed. She felt betrayed in the worst possible way. By him. Pressure squeezed Obi-Wan's chest. The gravity of his mistake began to settle, deep and hard. "I'm going to tell Anakin," he repeated. "I always planned to tell him."

But Adrina's eyes remained shuttered. Adrina's hands disappeared in the fold of her skirt. Her silence stretched into an eternity. Finally, she said, "I'm glad you're alive. Do try to stay that way." She walked out of the room without looking back.

Obi-Wan fell back on the bed. His heart begged to chase after her. To hold her close and whisper sincere apologies. To grovel at her feet. The plan was cruel; Obi-Wan could not disagree.

He had considered warning Anakin, as well, but Anakin's reaction was the key to making his death believable. But most importantly, besides Adrina, there was no one else to whom he could entrust his unconscious body than Anakin. No, cruel as it was, he needed Anakin present. He needed Anakin preoccupied delivering his body and the terrible news to Adrina. He trusted that Anakin - that Adrina and Ahsoka - would understand the necessity of temporary silence for the greater good.

He had not fully considered the depth of their grief - or the wound the temporary deception would inflict. Obi-Wan rubbed his temple. No, faking his death was the correct decision. The absolute secrecy he agreed to was not. But the damage was done.

0

The deep hood of Adrina's cloak obstructed her peripheral vision, which suited Adrina just fine. Silence filled the Commemoration room as Obi-Wan's false corpse, shrouded in the traditional white cloth, was lowered into the floor. But when the laser, appearing as a stream of golden light, began the Sealing, a choked sob escaped Duchess Satine.

Adrina's jaw clenched. The Duchess, Padmé had apologetically whispered in Adrina's ear, arrived on Coruscant not long ago for trade negotiations and had accompanied Padmé to mourn her lost love.

Adrina breathed through her jealousy. She couldn't begrudge Duchess Satine her emotions. No, Adrina could not blame her for mourning the man she loved. But what was it like to wear emotion freely? To be allowed to display grief so openly? If Adrina's veins were cut open, she was sure they would run green from envy.

Senator Bail Organa and Senator Mon Mothma shadowed Padmé, as well, though they honored their friend silently. Adrina almost smiled at the irony: a man who despised politicians, honored by four senators.

The Jedi Council stood opposite the senators; their impassive faces gave nothing away. Anger and betrayal threatened to loosen her tongue in inappropriate ways when she saw them, so she kept her eyes averted.

Across the room, Anakin met her eyes. She sensed pain and anger, yes, but it was a subdued fire. Ahsoka stood behind him, eyes downcast. The golden laser faded. One by one the onlookers filed out until only Anakin and Adrina remained. Ahsoka lingered, but Anakin waved her on.

"I spoke with Obi-Wan," Anakin said quietly, the first words he had spoken to her since he stormed away the night before. "How did you know?"

"I didn't know for certain. Not until I saw him. But I suspected." Adrina rubbed her temple. "A healer never declared him officially deceased. That was the first indication. And being Sealed without a Celebration? The story didn't add up." Though, if she were honest, a healthy dose of denial flamed the embers of suspicion.

After a moment, Anakin said, "I understand why he didn't tell me. But that doesn't make it hurt any less."

Adrina pressed her lips together.

Anakin studied her. "We can't divulge the particulars of our missions. You know that. Obi-Wan already reveals more than he technically should to you."

"Yes, I understand that. But this isn't a military mission."

Anakin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it though? It kinda is."

"We are Jedi before we are generals and commanders," Adrina stated firmly. "Or we should be."

"But that isn't the reality we face," Anakin said.

Adrina's shoulders slumped. "I know," she murmured. And she did. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

Anakin chuckled. "That's true, I suppose. But, you know, there are plenty of jobs where secrecy is required at all times." He glanced at Adrina. "Like doctors."

Adrina shifted. Had she not promised Padmé she would keep the pregnancy a secret? And that was but one of countless pieces of information she had held in private over the years. "And you… You're okay with Obi-Wan doing this alone? You and I both know what kind of criminals he'll be thrown in with. How unstable and unpredictable."

Anakin's mirth faded. "No, I'm not okay with it. I don't like being side-lined while Obi-Wan is in great danger," he sighed. "But…. I understand its necessity. I have to trust in Obi-Wan, like he would trust me."

"Even when Obi-Wan didn't trust you?"

Anakin didn't respond for a moment. "Does this mean you don't trust me?"

Adrina recoiled.

"Padmé told me you visited her. I know you told her things you didn't tell me."

"It isn't the same thing," Adrina protested.

"You weren't even going to tell me you loved him," Anakin snapped. He shook his head and continued in a calmer voice, "I had to pester you for you to admit it."

"Of course I trust you. It's just that you're my brother. And some things, brothers don't want to know about."

"I know," Anakin said gently. "And I'm glad you can talk to Padmé. But I think you need to really think before you criticize Obi-Wan about trust because he didn't tell everyone the plan. You keep plenty of secrets yourself. Don't let your hurt and pride ruin your friendship."

Adrina slumped onto the bench behind her. Anakin was right. She knew he was right. But the pain still cut deep. "He shouldn't have let us think he was dead," she whispered. "My secrets aren't the same."

"He should have told you," Anakin agreed. "But don't hold it against him. You don't trust people enough as it is." Anakin immediately grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck.

Unintentional or not, his words struck true. Adrina winced. "I hate that you're right."

Anakin grinned. "It feels pretty good to be the one giving you advice." His grin faded. "War forces us to make unsavory decisions. Sometimes… Sometimes we make the wrong call. If we're lucky, we realize we made a mistake. But even then, we can't change the past. I know it's difficult to see through the pain, but can you try?" His eyes pleaded with her.

Adrina sighed and nodded. She knew, deep in her soul, that Obi-Wan only acted with the best of intentions, even if she didn't care for the decision he made. And Anakin was right: she kept plenty of secrets herself. Perhaps they were secrets of a different sort, but secrets all the same.

Perhaps, in her hurt, she had once again spoken too harshly. Perhaps she had allowed emotion to override reason. Guilt seeped through her. She had sensed Obi-Wan's regret and pain, yet instead of pausing to consider Obi-Wan's difficult position, she lashed out and added to his struggles. Adrina owed him an apology.

"I need to go," Anakin said. "Chancellor Palpatine has called for me."

Adrina's lip curled up in distaste.

"I know," Anakin sighed. "I know you never liked him, but he is a good man."

Adrina severely doubted that, but instead of arguing she simply said, "Go. I need to apologize to Obi-Wan if I can."

Anakin grimaced. "He's already left. He's being taken into custody soon. Sorry."

Oh.

Anakin squeezed her shoulder and left her standing in darkness.

0

One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

Breathe.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

Breathe.

Anakin repeated the sets until the raging boil of his anger settled to a steady simmer. He meant everything he said to his sister. He trusted Obi-Wan. If anyone could make this mission succeed - besides himself, of course - it was Obi-Wan.

Still, Anakin was angry. Angry that the war still waged. Angry that he was powerless to help Obi-Wan. Angry that the war demanded such things. Angry that he was here, dealing with the blasted war, rather than spending time with his wife or consoling his sister. A good many things angered him, kindling to the fire Anakin always struggled to control. You choose the fire you feed. You provide oxygen to the fire of anger or the fire of peace.

I am in control, Anakin reminded himself.

Obi-Wan was alive. He had not failed his old master. Adrina had not lost another person. He had not lost another person.

Chancellor Palpatine's office drew closer. He nodded politely to his crimson-swathed guards. How many months had it been since he last visited Chancellor Palpatine? Anakin had lost count. Perhaps as far back as Umbarra. Even so, the cool gray carpet and warm red walls enveloped him with familiarity. The quiet of Palpatine's office once offered peace to a boy in turmoil - perhaps it still could.

Anakin dropped his hood as the doors closed behind him. Palpatine stood and greeted Anakin with arms spread wide. The bright sun glinted off the buildings visible behind Palpatine like a halo. "Ah, Anakin. Thank you for coming. I offer my most sincere condolences. Master Kenobi will be sorely missed."

Anakin clenched his jaw. He hated playing this game. Hated lying to his mentor. But he would honor Obi-Wan's request. "Thank you," Anakin managed stiffly. He moved to stand beside Palpatine at his panoramic window overlooking the Coruscant skyline. The view, as always, was stunning. "He….was a great man and my best friend." The truest words, though ones he would have vocalized too little, had Obi-Wan truly perished.

"And I assume that you, naturally, will be spearheading the hunt for his killer?"

"I'm told his name is Rako Hardeen and he is already in custody."

Palpatine repeated the name under his breath. He clapped his hands together. "That is excellent news indeed. And of the plot against my own life?"

"The Council has assured me they are doing everything in their power. I'm sure it will be concluded shortly."

Palpatine nodded thoughtfully. "That is good to hear, of course. Although," he glanced at Anakin. "I am certain I would feel more at ease if you were in charge."

Anakin shifted on his feet. As always, Palpatine's faith made him stand taller, but unease slithered down his spine. When he was a child, Palpatine's unending praise lifted his self-esteem when it had been perilously low. But now, as an adult and particularly in recent years, it often made him uncomfortable. He loathed the pedestal many placed him upon. He hated looking down from that pedestal, seeing the great height from which to fall - knowing that he would eventually fall. Irritation surged. When would he stop caring about external validation?

Palpatine tilted his head. "Perhaps the Council feels you are not in enough control of your emotions. Kenobi, after all, was your old master." He shrugged lightly.

Anakin clenched his fists and breathed through his frustration. "I left the Order and this is a Jedi investigation. Naturally I am not directly involved." Had Palpatine always spoken so poorly against the Council? Besides, he was controlling himself much better these days - even Adrina saw it.

"Ah, yes, that is true, I suppose," Palpatine sighed. "Still, I would feel better if you were involved. A man of your talents should not be relegated to the sidelines."

Anakin cleared his throat. "I am…honored you feel that way."

Palpatine turned away from his window. "I must say, Anakin, you are handling your grief admirably."

Anakin paused, somewhat mollified. "Thank you." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Adrina has been trying to help me all these years; I guess something finally stuck." And therapy, which he only agreed to at Padmé's request. But Anakin didn't want to talk about that.

Palpatine settled in his office chair, thrumming his fingers once on the desk. "How is your sister? I have not spoken to her in many months."

Anakin latched onto the more neutral topic. "She is doing well." Or, she would be soon, he hoped. "She's been reassigned to the Temple."

Palpatine raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" His thin lips stretched into a bland smile. "How nice for Adrina, back in the ease of the Jedi Temple. It is a shame you are not afforded the same luxury, but the Republic is grateful for your sacrifice. I am grateful."

Anakin frowned. Irritation flared hot and bright. He had half a mind to lash out in defense of his sister, but this was the Supreme Chancellor. "It isn't like that at all." Anakin knew that in many respects the healers had the more difficult position. All he had to do was cut down clankers, fill out some paperwork. But the healers… they were putting people back together. They were fighting against unpredictable and invisible forces. True, Adrina was removed from the frontlines, but that did not mean she would be basking in luxury.

One. Two. Three. Breathe.

Palpatine smiled. "My mistake."