Chapter 3: Beginning III

A few years after he fashioned a lightsaber of his own, Anakin continued to hone his Force abilities and lightsaber skills under the watchful eyes of Mace and Obi-Wan. While he still disliked meditating, he did it, nonetheless. As a result of his physical training, he hit a growth spurt at fifteen, where he not only became taller but gained some muscle. His closest friend and fellow padawan learner, Darra Thel-Tanis, had been injured during the mission. She was the same age and a few inches shorter than him. Her Master was Jedi Master Soara Antana, a well-respected and highly skilled lightsaber duelist. Practically everyone in the Order knew how close the two were, given the amount of time they spent with each other. Since the day he came to the Temple, she befriended him, and the two would often spar and study together.

The two sixteen-year-olds were in the Temple's medical bay, talking about their most recent mission to apprehend Granta Omega with their masters and fellow padawans Tru Veld and Ferus Olin. During the conflict, Darra got shot in the thigh. Anakin blamed himself for her injury. This would not have happened if he and Ferus had not spent most of the mission arguing or trying to outdo one another. "I'm so sorry, Darra. This is my fault," held her hand.

"Had I not been so blinded by pride or arrogance, then you would not be laying here," regret and sadness could be heard in his voice.

Darra's rust-colored eyes met his blue eyes. She gave him a small smile, "Anakin, I do not blame you for this. We were both deceived."

"Still though. . . Had me and Ferus may not. . .will never like each other. That does not excuse the fact that he has no place questioning my Master's teaching methods. . ."

(0^0)

Mace, Soara, Obi-Wan, and Siri were walking to the medical bay after discussing the most recent assignment to capture Granta, who managed to allude them—again. The former was in deep thought as he was concerned about his Padawan. His adopted son. After returning to Coruscant four years ago from Illum, he and Anakin talked for a couple of hours. During the conversation, Mace brought up the topic of Anakin being adopted. He will never forget the expression on the boy's face when Mace asked him if he would like to be adopted. Anakin immediately agreed, and from that moment on, the Master and Apprentice would become Father and Son when their lives didn't revolve around the Jedi Order. It was the happiest day of Anakin's life, as he would have the father he never had. Sure, Mace was tough on him, but he was also fair.

However, he noticed a change in Anakin's attitude and personality over the last two years. And that concerned him. While he was still compassionate, willing to lay down his life for others, determined, brave, loyal, and an independent thinker. He also became overconfident in his abilities, cocky, self-appreciating, reckless, and relied on his emotions too often. Why this change had occurred in Anakin, he did not know. But did suspect something was wrong as he had taught the boy better.

When they arrived at the entrance, Soara was about to press a button to allow them entry, but Mace halted her as he heard his Padawan talk, ". . .I know that I have been arrogant and cocky as of late. Mace has often said that my overconfidence will become my greatest weakness and get the people I care for injured. But, looking at it now, I see that he was right, Darra. He's more than just my Master. He's my father. The best father I could have ever asked for, and I have been very unappreciative of his teachings."

"Your devotion to Master Windu is admirable," they heard Padawan Thel-Tanis's voice. "Anyone with eyes and a brain can tell you are loyal to him. However, Ferus was out of line to suggest that you care for no one but yourself, as I have seen the real Anakin Skywalker. You can be overconfident, reckless, and impulsive, but you are also very compassionate, brave, and determined, with a strong sense of right and wrong. You have also shown that you can set aside your feelings to complete the mission. I do not know why the Chancellor has taken such an interest in you, but whatever it is, something is out of place."

"I know. Whenever I'm with him, I feel different. Like I should have more than anyone else. What he tells me often differentiates from what Mace teaches me. Sometimes I think he wants to replace me and me back to Tatooine. From what I've heard, some of the other Padawans and Jedi Knights believe that he would be better off without me. I just want to prove that I am worthy of him."

Mace frowned as he could hear the sadness in Anakin's voice. Why would he ever think he would ever send him back to Tatooine? While it was true that Anakin would sometimes do things he didn't like, that never meant he wanted to send him away. Also, no one has a right to question his teaching methods, let alone suggest that the boy would be better off without him. It was not the Jedi way for a Padawan or Master to interfere in another Master's relationship or teachings. He would need to speak with Siri about her Padawan Olin behavior. The boy might be an exceptional apprentice that most Masters would wish to have, but the boy was a real ass-kisser and a teacher's pet. He and the other Council members knew that because of his advanced abilities would make him arrogant.

Siri would often speak highly of her Padawans abilities giving him an ego. However, she failed to teach the boy the value of failure and instill some humility. There were a few things that an apprentice could not learn from his or her Master, and failure was one of them. It is only by experiencing failure do people learn to succeed and grow.

Furthermore, what does the Chancellor have to do with this? Mace was always cautious of politicians as he found it hard to trust them. Palpatine might be a politician, but something about him always rubbed the Korun Master the wrong way. Truthfully he had become weary of the Chancellor's involvement in Anakin's life. While he could understand that the man was grateful to Anakin for his help in liberating his home world. . . That did not mean he had the authority to interfere in Jedi affairs. 'Far as he knew, the Chancellor spoke more with him than anyone else in the Order and often alone with him or Obi-Wan present. 'What have you been telling him, Palpatine? Why are you giving him special treatment?'

These questions filled Mace's mind with concerns. He would need to know what Palpatine has been saying to Anakin, as it could be the reason why the boy acted the way he did. Then pressing the button, the door hissed open, and the Jedi walked inside to see that Anakin was still by Darra's side.

"Master," Darra greeted when Soara went to her other side.

"How are you feeling?"

"A little sore, but I'll live," she laughed a bit. "All the same, I would prefer to be injured than dead. At least this way, I'd be able to feel something rather than not at all."

Soara had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at her Padawan's attempt at a joke. She then turned her gaze to Skywalker. "It would seem that I have been wrong about you. Initially, I thought you were too emotional and arrogant," thinking back to when he sparred with Olin and when she would sometimes accompany him, Mace, and Obi-Wan on missions. "But after seeing how you were able to look beyond your personal feelings and let go of your selfishness to complete a mission. That and seeing how you can recognize your own failings and wanting to correct them has impressed me."

Normally hearing such praise from a Jedi Master would be what Anakin would want to hear and increase his ego. But after seeing how it almost got his friend killed, it didn't. "Thank you, Master Antana," he bowed his head in gratitude. "I'm just glad we were able to come back in one piece."

Mace put a hand on the boy's shoulder, as he could still feel his guilt. "Come, Anakin. We need to talk."

Anakin wanted to protest but stopped after receiving a comforting smile and nod from Darra. Together the Master and Padawan left the medical bay. Neither of them said anything as they walked to the outside training ground. They stood there in silence for a few minutes before Mace broke it. "I can tell something is bothering you," Mace kept his eyes on the tree.

"Master I-I," Anakin struggled to say as he did not know how this conversation would go. "I owe you an apology. I have been arrogant, reckless, and unappreciative of your teachings. All I wanted was to prove I was worthy of being your apprentice. But, looking back on things, I now see that I have been making things difficult for you and everyone else."

Mace sucked in a breath and then turned around to see Anakin bow his head in shame. "I heard what you and Padawan Thel-Tanis were talking about," he began. "Anakin, you have always done what you thought was right, even when you believe the orders that are given are wrong. Doing what is right is an admirable quality when trying to solve a problem. But you must realize that acting solely on your emotions and your ego can lead to more trouble and cause unintended catastrophes." He scolded.

"I'm not saying it is wrong to have emotions. They are natural and a part of who we are. But we must learn how to keep them in check and not allow them to control who we are. The orders we are given are often not always right, which is why we must communicate to find a better solution."

"I know," Anakin said in a low voice.

Taking a step towards him. "However, you must realize that while at times you may not be the best at everything, always know what is best, or my favorite person. . .it does not mean that I care for you any less," his voice softened. "You are strong, determined, honorable, and loyal to a fault. These are the makings of a great Jedi, but only tempered with discipline, humility, and acceptance that something is beyond our control."

"Look at me," he gently said, watching Anakin lift his head. "As for what the other Knights and Padawans think. Have I ever said or shown that I want to send you back to Tatooine?"

". . .No, but I. . ."

"You what?" Mace raised an eyebrow.

"I overheard you and Master Tachi talking some days ago about your Padawans and listing our traits and abilities. She openly praised Ferus for all of his accomplishments and never once mentioned any of his failings." Mace listened to what Anakin said about overhearing his meeting with Master Siri.

"That was only part of the conversation you've heard. Had you not left, then you would know that I said some good things about you." He reprimanded. "As for Master Tachi's pupil, there is no question that he is an exceptional apprentice who excels at a lot of things. However, she is overly biased when speaking of him and never voices his failings or shortcomings. Being the person that he is, he is always used to having people like him and having things go his way. Yet this has made him arrogant and prideful to the point where he has never had to deal with the effects of feeling like a failure. That is something he will need to learn on his own."

Then folding his arms, "now tell me about your meetings with the Chancellor. You said that he makes you feel uneasy? Exactly what does he say to you?"

For the next hour, Anakin told Mace about his meetings and discussion with Palpatine and how it differentiates from what is taught at the Temple. The frown on his Master's face showed he was unhappy with where the conversation had been going, nor did he approve of the man's interest in him. "He often says that I am the most gifted Jedi he has ever met and that I will learn to trust my feelings. Also, that I will one day be even stronger than Master Yoda."

"Your meetings with him. When do they occur?"

"Every few weeks or months. He would often clear up his schedule to speak with me. His secretary sent me a message saying that his schedule was free next week."

"That is not protocol. He cannot just drop everything to speak with someone. . .let alone a Padawan of the Jedi Order." Mace's frown deepened. Something was wrong. As the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, he was responsible for ensuring the peace and prosperity of the Republic and should not be changing his schedule whenever he pleased. "You say he does this often. Is it just for you he does this for?"

"Not that I know of," Anakin shook his head. "The only thing I know for certain is that he seems to be very invested in me and desires to offer me guidance whenever you and Obi-Wan are busy. He doesn't really speak to any of the other Padawans or Masters unless it has to do with the Senate."

A bitter taste soon fell on Windu's tongue. This was not right. The Chancellor has no business involving himself in Jedi affairs and should not be giving anyone, especially his Padawan, any special treatment. "Very well. Until further notice, any and all solo appointments or audiences with the Chancellor are to stop. Whenever he wishes to speak with you, I want to know about it. As for your scheduled appointment, I will go in your place. I need to clarify a couple of things with him as he should be overstepping his boundaries."

"Yes, Master."

"All right, head to your quarters. I will speak to you later."

Anakin gave a respectful bow before heading back inside the Temple, leaving Mace to look at the tree and stare off into the distance while contemplating his thoughts. Something was wrong with the Chancellor. He knew it was a mistake for the man to be involved in Anakin's life like this and should have never agreed. This is precisely why he did not generally like politicians, as they were always after something.

(0^0)

A week later, Mace drove a speeder up to the Senate building for the meeting his Padawan was supposed to have with the Chancellor. Anakin said the Chancellor had cleared his afternoon schedule for the day. Speaking of Anakin, he was off-world on a training mission with Master Antana and her Padawan Thel-Tanis. Obi-Wan would have accompanied them, but the Council had sent him to Cato Neimoidia. It did not take long for him to arrive at the building; after parking the speeder, he was met by the senate guards.

Mace showed them his ID and was allowed to proceed forward. The senators and delegates were all discussing the meeting they had just attended, not that he paid it much of any mind. Entering the elevator, he pressed the floor number to be taken to the desired level. Silently he rode the elevator up in silence, pushing past the impending headache that was sure to appear in the next few minutes. Arriving at the floor, he walked to the Chancellor's suite, where he was met by the Chancellor's aide.

"I have come for a meeting with Sheev Palpatine on behalf of my Padawan Anakin Skywalker," revealing the reason he was present in a neutral voice. His face was impassive, devoid of any emotions.

"Yes, um, hold on a second," she looked through the Chancellor's calendar on her datapad. Quickly checking, she looked up, "you may go in."

With a curt nod, he proceeded forward, pressed a button, and watched the doors slide open.

"Ah, Anakin, it is so good too. . . Master Windu?" Sheev's eyes went wide after he looked up to see Mace Windu was present. "Forgive me, but I was unaware you would be coming today, as I had an appointment with Anakin."

"I came in his place as he is currently off-world."

"That's a shame. I was hoping to have a chat with him. . . Such an intuitive young man he is," making sure his voice sounded as sincere as possible. "Is there anything I can help you with?

". . .Perhaps as my reason for being here pertains to Anakin," Mace calmly choosing his words carefully. "You see, I have become quite concerned with him as of late."

"Really?" Palpatine seemed surprised. "Well, would you like me to speak with him? I do offer him guidance every now and then."

"That is what I want to talk to you about," Mace said in a firm voice. Palpatine's eyes became wide. "I'm told that you have taken an interest in Anakin's training. What is that you say to him?"

This was going to be a long conversation, and both men knew it. By the end of the meeting, one was going to be angrier than the other.

(0^0)

On Yavin 4, Anakin and Darra were in the middle of a sparring match against Master Soara. The three were on top of the Massassi Temple, with the Padawans using training lightsabers while Antana used a real one. This was normally done to help Padawan's hone their reflexes and saber techniques. It also reduced the risk of injuries should someone be accidentally struck with a blow. If that happens, the victim would only receive a welt, bruise, or minor burns, which would be a lot better than losing a limb or dying.

Both Padawans were tired, drenched in sweat, and their muscles were tight from the long duel. Soara grinned at the two tired youths. Their teamwork was exceptional, as their movements were in sync. When one would have a weak spot, the other would step in to defend and later attack. Having known and trained with each other for so long, they could tell what the other was thinking, making them a formidable team. However, as good as they were. . .they still had a long way to go. She called for a break after making Darra stumble back with a Force push and blocking Anakin's attack to her side.

"I have to say the two are getting better," she deactivated her lightsaber as they fell to the stone ground, trying to catch their breaths. Extending her hand to the side, she used the Force to summon two water canteens and gave it to them. "That said. . . There is still room for improvement."

"Darra," the ginger-haired girl looked up, "you need to work on your transitioning skills. I noticed how you were switching between Makashi, Ataru, and Shii-Cho. While a formidable combination, you need to make the transition more fluid and less rigid. And you need to be more cautious of your enemy's movements and intentions, as you've become too straightforward. Be more mindful of the situation you're in."

"Yes, Master," giving a short nod.

Soara then turned to Anakin. "Skywalker, your use of Djem So's strength-based attacks, solid defenses, and Ataru's speed will serve you well on the battlefield. During our sparring session, I noticed how you dipped into Soresu to defend against my attacks. . . Good as you will need to know when it is necessary to be either the aggressor or pacifist. Be more subtle with your intentions to keep your opponent guessing and in the dark."

"Yes, Master," he drank some water. "Um, Master Antana, can I ask you something?" She beckoned him to go ahead with a nod. "Master Windu once said that a Jedi will sometimes need to use 'aggressive negotiations' to either prevent or end conflicts. Do you know what he meant by that?"

She was momentarily surprised by the question but composed herself. "He mentioned that, huh? Well, as you already know, a Jedi's main responsibility is to maintain peace and order. However, in some instances, using a little force, like a Force grip or lightsaber, becomes necessary to stop those from committing atrocities. Though, we only use that method when the need is a last resort and absolutely necessary. Never abuse the method, or it will control you."

"Have you ever needed to use aggressive negotiations?" Darra asked.

"A couple of times in the past," she admitted. "There was this one time I had to infiltrate a terrorist group who were threatening war. To protect the senator and his constituents, I had to be aggressive and force the assailants to surrender." She took a breath after remembering that particular memory. "The point is that aggressive tactics are sometimes needed and should never be abused. Remember, a Jedi's goal is to protect life, not take it! That is what separates us from the Sith, who deal in absolute. We are keepers of the peace. We inspire peace and prosperity, not madness, destruction, and death!"

"Though I am glad you brought the topic up, young Skywalker, as the two of you will need to know when and how it becomes acceptable to use those types of negotiations." Then thinning her lips, she decided to change the topic, "take ten minutes to regain yourselves, and we'll start with the next portion of today's training."

The two teenagers stretched and wiggled out their arms. "I can see why she is a Master Swordsman. But compared to Mace's fighting style, this is much easier." Said Anakin. Master Windu's style was flawless, as there was always a lesson in his dueling abilities; his offensive and defensive skills would keep him guessing as he would alternate between aggressive, moderate, and passive to keep him guessing. Whenever he would try to predict his master's next move, Mace would do something totally different. Mace was undoubtedly an exceptional lightsaber duelist with years of knowledge and experience. He could instantly switch from style to style and make his opponent doubt themselves to the point where they would be confused and eventually defeated.

"I am inclined to agree with you," Darra drank some more water. "Sometimes, I would see you sparring with Masters Windu and Kenobi, and they would always leave you utterly exhausted. Speaking of which, how do you think Master Windu's meeting with the Chancellor is going?"

"If I know my Master, he is laying down the law with him. Mace is a big supporter of rules, traditions, and protocols. Neither he nor the Council like it when someone interferes in Jedi affairs. It doesn't matter what position or authority they have."

"That is a given," a new voice entered the conversation. The two saw that Master Soara had returned wearing a grin. "As you two are already aware. The Order may be under the jurisdiction of the Senate to a certain extent, but we're mostly an independent organization with our own counsel. They can request our help in matters of importance but are not allowed to make decisions or involve themselves in our affairs. Though that hasn't stopped senators or chancellors from attempting to do so in the past."

"But Master, with respect," Darra spoke up. "Why did it take so long to have a representative in the Senate? Wouldn't that have eliminated the problems in the past?"

Soara thinned her lips, "possibly," traces of skepticism were laced in her voice. "However, the mistakes of the past cannot be undone. . .no matter how much one would like. Which is precisely why we need to keep growing and learn from them. The Order should have changed many things, one of which is the people's perceptions of us. Most, either in or outside of the Galactic Republic, view us as servants of a corrupt Senate who do what the rich and influential want. Yet that is false as we serve the people and are peacekeepers. Though full disclosure, I am glad that Master Adi Gallia was appointed as the Order's representative on the Senate."

"Master Gallia is well-versed in politics and knows the system quite well," commented Anakin. He had met her a handful of times and respected her not only for her wisdom as a Jedi Master but a person of impressive willpower.

"That she does," Soara agreed. "Time for the next part of your training. We will now focus on your mental abilities with the Force."

A frown tugged against Anakin's lips as he knew this was her way of saying it was time for meditation. This was also her way of getting an idea of how far they had come when it came to shielding their minds from intrusions. Following her example, he got in a meditative position with Darra sitting beside him. He closed his eyes, cleared his mind, and allowed the Force to move through him. Mace had stressed the importance of a Jedi's application of the Force and how a spiritual balance was needed for a Jedi. "The Force is everything. Let it guide you," mentally reciting his Master's words. Focusing on the Force, he blocked everything that was a distraction to him so he could focus on his mind, shields, and spirit.

Soara spent the next hour helping the padawans strengthen their mental shields by teaching them different techniques and how to lock away their emotions. A Jedi incapable of controlling their mental and emotional states are dangerous and will lead themselves vulnerable to their impulses and bring disaster to not only themselves. . .but others. After teaching them what they needed to know about strengthening their barriers, she decided to test their strength by attempting to gain access to their minds. Starting with Darra.

It took nearly twenty minutes for her to break through her apprentice's mind. The girl felt like her brain was on fire as she massaged her temples. "That was a good first attempt, but there is still room for improvement; you allowed me to get too far in and eventually lost control."

"Feels like you were trying to tear my mind apart, Master," she groaned, eliciting a small chuckle from her Master.

"Believe me, that was more of a love tap compared to what my old Master used to do when he first taught me." In truth, she did use a subtle amount of power to infiltrate the girl's mind after a gentle amount of probing. Her lips then turned into a small smirk when she turned her attention to Anakin, who was sitting in a meditative position, completely unaware of what was being said. Even then, she could feel the Force flowing through him.

Two days ago, she and Mace talked about their Padawans and how they were being trained. Master Windu mentioned that Skywalker's Force abilities were impressive and that he had been working with the boy on improving his mental defenses. Soara also wanted to test the boy herself and what Mace had taught him when using the Force to protect his mind. Taking a quick breath, she began. . .

Anakin could literally hear the singing and warmth of the Force as it flowed through his very being. It was unusual, but he could feel a more powerful connection to the Force here than on Coruscant. Whatever it was? Something about this planet intrigued him as the Force felt more alive. More alive. It was hard to explain. But, unfortunately, when he felt that Master Soara was trying to enter his mind. Quickly calming his mind, he resumed what he was doing and did his best to ensure that she could not penetrate his mind. This continued on for a while until images started appearing in his head about Obi-Wan being in the heat of battle on Raxus. Blaster bolts were being fired in all directions, with Obi-Wan, and the soldiers were overwhelmed by terrorists. However, his eyes snapped open when Master Antana broke through his barriers, and sweat started dropping down his face.

"Padawan, are you all right?" Anakin saw the concerned expression on Master Soara's face.

Rubbing the sweat off of his head, he asked. "What happened?"

"You don't know?" She saw the look of confusion on his face and continued. "We've been working on strengthening your mental barriers, and I was trying to gain access to your mind for the last thirty minutes. I finally managed to do so after—"

"Obi-Wan is in trouble on Raxus," Anakin blurted out, cutting her off. "I know this is hard to believe, but I saw him and the other soldiers being overwhelmed by terrorists and battle droids. I could feel they were in trouble."

Her brown eyes narrowed at him whilst her Padawan looked concerned. "You're saying you had a vision? The Force showed you what was happening on Cato Neimoidia?"

"Yes, I saw it. Master Kenobi and the soldiers were in the middle of a battle and losing ground."

Regarding him for a minute, she was about to say more but was cut off when something buzzed in her pocket. Reaching inside, she pulled out her handheld holoprojector, activated it, and a hologram of Mace Windu appeared. "Master Antana. I'm sorry to disturb you, but the Council has just received a transmission from Obi-Wan that a conflict has broken out on Raxus. I am on my way to Yavin 4 to retrieve Anakin, and we will go to aid Obi-Wan and the populace."

"Master Windu, young Skywalker just had a vision about Master Kenobi fighting the insurgent and sensed they were on the losing side," Soara replied.

"Is this true?" Windu asked his Padawan when Soara handed him the communicator.

"Yes, Master. They require our help immediately."

". . .Standby I just entered the atmosphere and will touch down in a minute." The holoprojection of Mace ended, and everyone looked up at the sound of a ship coming into view. The three ran down the Temple's steps though Anakin used the Force to increase his speed and made it to the Temple's base first.

He then ran to the ship as Mace stepped out of the ship. Mace held up a hand when Anakin was about to say something. "Take a breath and get on the ship. We'll head out in a minute." Anakin complied and went inside the ship while Mace stayed to talk with Soara. "Once again, are you sure he received a vision about the battle?"

"That's what he said," Soara confirmed. "You had best discuss that with him later."

"I intend to," he returned to the ship's cockpit, where Anakin sat in the co-pilot's seat waiting for him. "I will have questions for you when the mission is over." Taking the ship off the ground and into the air, he input the coordinates, and once they hit the atmosphere, Windu engaged the hyperdrive, and they jumped to lightspeed.

(0^0)

The battle at Raxus was a long and costly one, as several soldiers and innocent citizens lost their lives, but ultimately the Jedi were able to bring an end to the conflict by arresting the terrorists' leader. Mace, Obi-Wan, and Anakin were having a discussion with Senator Avi Singh in his office with a few guards.

"I cannot thank you three enough," Senator Singh began. "This terrorist issue has been a growing problem—over the past month. At first, my constituents and I believed that our security details would have been able to deal with this band of hooligans. But now I realize that we have been deceived, and consequently, several lives were lost."

"We are just glad that we were able to bring the conflict to an end before any more damage could be done," said Obi-Wan. Then clearing his throat, "Senator, do you perhaps know what their intentions were?"

"No," Avi shook his head. "But I intend to find out. As it is my duty to ensure the safety and prosperity of my people. The people captured will be questioned and tried for their crimes that, I promise."

Mace then spoke, "as you say, Senator. We will be on our way back to Coruscant." He, Obi-Wan, and Anakin respectfully bowed to him and left the office.

As they walked to their ships, Obi-Wan put a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "I heard about the vision you had while on Yavin—thank you. Your abilities are growing."

"I would have to agree," Mace commented with a smile. "You are beginning to understand the true power of the Force."

"Thank you, Master. But there's something that concerns me. It has to do with my connection to the Force when I was on Yavin 4 with Master Antana and Darra." Windu nodded his head, beckoning the boy to continue. "While a Jedi is supposed to let the Force flow through them. . .this was much different as I felt a more powerful connection to the energy of the planet. Normally whenever I would get a vision, it would be small fragments, but this one was different. I felt like I was on the battlefield next to Obi-Wan and could feel the soldiers' fears and pains. What does that mean?"

Mace and Obi-Wan glanced at each other for a minute before the former responded. "If I had to ascertain a guess. I'd say the energy around Yavin 4 is one of the few planets with a stronger connection to the Force. That said, your connection to the Force seems to have increased." He paused for a minute to think about what Anakin had shared with him. "We will talk about this later. For now, go prep the ship. Obi-Wan and I need to speak."

"Yes, Master." Anakin went to the ship, leaving the two Jedi to speak.

". . .His abilities are growing at an alarming rate."

"Indeed, and that is what concerns me," said Mace. "I have spoken with the Chancellor regarding his interest in Anakin. There is something about Palpatine that I do not like."

"You mean like how he took an active interest in Anakin's life, and single's him out of everyone in the Order."

"Yes. He seemed very unhappy when I told him he would no longer be allowed to have any say in his life. I had to remind him that Anakin is a Padawan of the Jedi Order, and it is my responsibility to oversee his training."

"That is indeed concerning," Obi-Wan rubbed his beard. "I have seen how clever he is at getting the other Senators to follow him. Which admittedly concerns me a little."

The ever-stoic Korun Master. "Agreed. Nevertheless, whenever he wishes to have a meeting with the boy, either you or I will be present."

"By your wish," Obi-Wan bowed respectfully before heading to his ship.

Mace did the same, walking over to the T-6 shuttle. Entering the ship, he found his Padawan in the pilot's seat in deep thought. "Are we ready to depart?"

"Yes, Master," Anakin broke away from his thoughts.

"Then let's be on our way," Mace took the seat next to him.

Anakin pressed the button igniting the engines, and the ship took off into the air. Once they were in space, the young apprentice pulled the switch, and they went into hyperspace. Mace looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Something concerns you. What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, "just thinking about the battle today. Those were B-1 and 2 series battle droids. I've noticed how they've been using their numbers to make up for their simple programming. They're designed to overwhelm and destroy their targets as quickly as possible. Would it not be in our best interest to study how they operate so we can learn how to deal with them in the future?" Anakin questioned. "At the Temple, we have training droids, and their blaster bolts are less intense than the droids."

"Mm. You make a good point. But that discussion is for a later time. What I want to know is about your experience on Yavin 4 and how you were able to sense that Obi-Wan needed our help?"

". . .Honestly, I do not know. Though I do have a theory," he said. "It might have something to do with the fact that I've spent just as much time learning from him as much as I do from you."

"Curious. Very curious. A bond between a Master and an Apprentice is normal. . .but to form a bond with an indirect Master is rare," Mace thinned his lips. "The Council will have questions. However, you did a good job today."

"Thank you, Master." Anakin smiled, though it soon became neutral. "How was your meeting with the Chancellor? I can't imagine he was too pleased to learn that I would not be meeting with him as often as he liked or alone anymore."

"No, he wasn't," Mace mused. "His eyes showed anger, and I could feel some negative emotions coming from him as I left his office. All the same, you will need to be more cautious around him or any other politicians. Remember, most politicians are only interested in furthering their agendas, getting funds, and trying to gain power. Not all of them are like that, but most are. And they are not unwilling to bend and break laws or do something behind the scenes to obtain what they desire."

(0^0)

On Coruscant Sheev, Palpatine was sat in his office in a foul mood. He was supposed to meet with young Skywalker but instead got Mace Windu. Adding insult to injury, the Jedi Master told him to point blank that he was not allowed any further appointments with Anakin unless either he or Obi-Wan Kenobi were present. When he tried to use his position as the Supreme Chancellor to override Windu's ruling, the insufferable Jedi pointed out that he had no claim over Anakin as he was a Jedi Padawan. The Order may be somewhat under the jurisdiction of the Senate, but that did not give him a right to involve himself in Jedi affairs. Palpatine did not like being told what to do, as his plans for the future hinged on getting Anakin to trust him.

Thinking to himself, he remembered that there was another apprentice in the Jedi Order who was just as powerful as Skywalker. Perhaps he should shift his focus to another. This person was considered a prodigy within the Order and had a rivalry with young Skywalker. One way or another, he would get what he wanted. He always did in the end.

A/N: Windu is right to be concerned about the Chancellors influence in Anakin's life. Personally, I'm surprised that no one put a stop to it before. Sheev Palpatine may be the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, but the Jedi Order is a separate organization and he has no business interfering in their affairs. It has also bothered me that the Jedi never had a representative in the Senate; the only one to be granted something close to that effect is Anakin. But even then it was to spy on the Chancellor. That opened the door so that Palpatine could influence him further. Thankfully, the Council now has Adi Gallia as their representative in the Senate, and maybe there will be more changes to the Jedi Order.

Seriously, here people the Jedi Order needed to change, as they have become far too arrogant and complacent with the old ways and that is how the Sith were able to allude them for so long.

Next Chapter: Reunited again