Author's Note: Ya'll, the number of times this chapter has gotten rewritten...

Also, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to write a kind note. It's been rough lately and your kindness means a lot and keeps me motivated. Thank you!

Obi-Wan meditated for a long while after Adrina departed.

The relationship between brother and sister had been under strain in recent years. He had not thought much of it, believing it to be merely the natural result of children blossoming into independent adults forging their own unique paths in the world. Indeed, he had even rejoiced that Anakin showed glimpses of maturity and independent thinking. He had assumed that, in time, their relationship would naturally mend as they settled into their new roles.

Perhaps his assessment suffered flaws.

Although, he did know that Anakin's friendship with the Chancellor was a source of tension between them; Anakin complained once that Adrina had told him she thought the Chancellor was a snake with an unnatural interest in a child. Anakin had vehemently insisted that Palpatine had never behaved inappropriately towards him, that he only wanted to talk - but nothing Anakin could say would change his sister's mind that something was not right about Chancellor Palpatine. After that, Obi-Wan had accompanied Anakin for several meetings and found nothing amiss. He had sensed no deception or ill-intent.

He stroked his beard thoughtfully.

Although he couldn't admit to being surprised that Anakin had defied his oath - Anakin had, afterall, always inexplicably loved the Senator - he had hoped, rather than expected, Anakin would have confided in him. That Adrina had to goad him into admission of guilt concerned Obi-Wan.

Adrina… Obi-Wan sighed. Ten years and she continuously surprised him. He thought back to his meeting with Jango Fett. There had been something in the bounty hunter's mannerisms that reminded him of Adrina, although at the time he had thought little of it. Obi-Wan couldn't say for certain without seeing an image of her mother, but he suspected she heavily favored her father in looks, as well.

What a strange world they had found themselves in.

Obi-Wan sighed. Anakin always did have to make things difficult - and being married to Padmé Amidala could only make things difficult.

Carefully considering the words he wanted to say, Obi-Wan paged Anakin to meet him in the meditation chamber. Obi-Wan thought Anakin's response was suspiciously delayed given recent revelations, but he pretended to not notice the delay or the breathless note in Anakin's voice. He was undoubtedly in his wife's embrace.

Anakin arrived nearly an hour later, flushed and vainly attempting to smother a grin. "What is it, Master Obi-Wan?"

"It is good to see you in better spirits," Obi-Wan commented.

Anakin frowned. "I don't understand."

Obi-Wan folded his arms. "I heard that you returned from Naboo in an…. interesting mood."

Anakin shifted. He hitched a shoulder. "Oh, you know," he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's been a whirlwind."

"Hmm, yes," Obi-Wan murmured. "But I sense turmoil within you."

Anakin stared at the ground.

"Involving your sister."

Anakin pursed his lips. He crossed his arms and dug his toes into the red carpet. "It's nothing," he muttered.

Obi-Wan sighed. "Anakin, if you and Adrina are fighting, th-"

"I said it's nothing," Anakin snapped.

Obi-Wan frowned. He shook his head disapprovingly. "Your sister cares about you. Whatever is going on, talk to her. You know she only has your best interests at heart."

"Yeah," Anakin muttered under his breath. "That's why she doesn't approve of any of my friends."

"That's not true." Obi-Wan sighed. "Would you prefer the alternative? Would you rather she showed no interest in your life?"

Anakin pursed his lips. "She could keep her opinions to herself."

"And how loving would that be?" Obi-Wan said. "If she truly feels that someone has ill intentions-" He held up his hand to stave off Anakin's indignant interjection. "Or that your behavior hasn't been what it should have been, how loving would it be to silently allow you to continue on a destructive path?"

"It's my life," Anakin snapped. "My path. Not hers."

Obi-Wan nodded slowly. "It is your path," he agreed. "But none of us walk our paths alone."

Anakin's shoulders drooped.

"I understand you have been under a great deal of stress," Obi-Wan continued. "If no one else, trust Adrina. She will not fail you."

Anakin nudged the carpet again. "I know, I know."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Then why do I get the feeling you are actively avoiding her?"

Anakin shrugged, stubbornly silent.

"Talk to her," Obi-Wan said quietly. "Do not let this fester. We are not guaranteed tomorrow."

A muscle worked overtime in Anakin's jaw, but some of the fight disappeared from his tense posture. He rubbed his arms. "Yeah."

Obi-Wan laid a hand on Anakin's shoulder and offered a sympathetic smile. "Let's grab a meal. We have much to do."

0

Adrina threw herself into her work in the Infirmary. A handful of Jedi had been released in the past hour she had been working and a few more were almost ready to be discharged; the rest still had severe injuries that would keep them inside the Infirmary for some time. She wearily rubbed the back of her right hand against her forehead, sighing.

Adrina looked around. If this was the situation the Jedi were in, she could only imagine the terrible state the clone troopers were in. She shook her head, trying to remain calm. The Republic had bred an army for war. Was the Republic this desperate? She supposed they were. It wasn't right. The troopers were well-cared for, and that was some consolation, but very little.

The young healer's attention was drawn towards Maelle, who had been injured on Geonosis. Adrina hadn't been with her at the time – a fact Adrina regretted terribly – but from what she understood, Maelle had been the first to volunteer to go out into the battle to assist in the removal of the wounded. Their transport ship was shot down. Blef had been killed upon impact, but Maelle had been tossed from the ship, sustaining head trauma and multiple broken bones, including two ribs, her right arm and leg, and fracturing her other arm and another rib. Maelle had been immersed in a bacta tank for two hours to help heal the lacerations and burns that riddled her body before being placed under a healing trance for the rest of her injuries. She had yet to emerge from the trance.

Adrina clenched her jaw. Maelle was a good girl and a promising assistant healer. She was timid and awkward, but Adrina sensed that she possessed a deep inner strength; Adrina just hoped the younger woman survived the war.

She hoped they all did.

Adrina slowly moved to the bed next to Maelle. She stared grimly down into the face of Tarados Gon, a Klatooinian Jedi Knight. His rescue ship had been shot down. He was severely burned and there was hardly a bone in his body that had not been broken. She and the other healers had done what they could for him, but it was unlikely that he would survive much longer. His body was too far gone.

Adrina swiveled her head and took in the Infirmary filled with battered, bruised, and broken Jedi, some newly taken apprentices who had no business in a battle like that. What was the purpose behind this? Why was the war started? Was it honestly because Palpatine didn't want the planets and systems to secede, or was there another motive that they could not yet see? She would not put it past Palpatine. She didn't understand her brother's blind faith in the man. But no matter how Adrina cautioned Anakin, he refused to listen.

Adrina wondered if there was not a peaceful solution. It seemed these 'great' men always resorted to war as their first course of action. But if the Sith were truly behind the Separatists, she knew there would be no peace until the Sith was found and destroyed.

A good many Jedi died that day on Geonosis, Adrina knew this, and she knew that many more would perish in the oncoming war. She knew that the Senate, even if the Jedi Council did not, would demand Jedi participation in the war. To what extent, Adrina was not sure, but she strongly suspected the Jedi would be in the thick of the war, as soldiers rather than peacekeepers.

She supported the world's rights to withdraw from the Republic, but she knew the many horrors that would befall the galaxy should Sith prevail. She would go where she was sent; she owed it to the troopers and her fellow healers.

And so Adrina relentlessly labored, ignoring everything outside the Halls of Healing.

Adrina looked up when Stass Allie entered the Infirmary. Allie helped in the Infirmary when she could, though her diplomatic skills had been required more of late. Still, she was a gifted healer and was always a welcome addition. Adrina offered Allie a smile when she approached her.

"I am here to relieve you." Allie said in her quiet voice.

"No need." Adrina shook her head. "I am rested."

Stass arched an eyebrow. "You have not left the Halls of Healing in four days."

Adrina mirrored her expression. "Your point?"

"Adrina," Stass began patiently. "You are not a droid. You need rest."

"I told you. I am rested." Adrina shook her head and continued taking inventory. "I do not need to be relieved."

"Master Che disagrees with you - as do I, I must say. You have not slept more than seven hours in the past four days." Stass plucked the data pad from Adrina's hands.

Adrina scowled at her friend. "My work has not suffered."

"Is that your standard of measurement?" Stass tilted her head. "You wish to labor until your fatigue causes injury to a patient - a friend?"

Stass' words stung. Adrina pressed her lips together and looked away, suitably shamed.

Sensing victory, Stass began to gently guide Adrina out of the Infirmary. "Master Che has given instructions that you aren't to return until the morning. Neither Master Che or I will hesitate to toss you out on your rear if you return before then. We will continue to take excellent care of our patients. Even in your absence they will not suffer."

Adrina sighed. Arguments danced on the edge of her tongue, but she knew she had been defeated. "Thank you, Stass. May the Force be with you." Adrina said finally. "If you ne-"

Stass arched an eyebrow and shooed her away.

With one parting look at the Infirmary, Adrina slowly turned and began to walk to her quarters.

0

Adrina groggily stretched her arms over her head as she lay in bed. According to the chrono, she had slept for ten hours, but she had not slept worse in many years. Death haunted her dreams. She could see thousands of bodies littering a desert, all bearing her father's face. She could see her mother, dead in a forgotten wasteland. Some of the corpses came alive to taunt her, to demand why she hadn't saved them. Some hurled insults for being a Jedi. Others simply stared morosely.

No, she was not rested.

Her body ached as she forced herself into a sitting position. She felt worse than when she had laid down to sleep. She showered and changed into clean garments before making her way down to the dining halls. Only a handful of Jedi occupied chairs in the large hall, yet even so the air was thick with tension. The only noise was a soft buzz of whispered conversations. It was a far cry from the normally loud, bustling and cheerful atmosphere.

Adrina did not like it one bit.

Normally, she appreciated taking her meals unhurried, but she had no appetite, despite having not eaten in nearly twenty-four hours. Food tasted like ash and curdled her stomach.

"May I join you?" Adrina didn't need to look up to know that it was Vokara Che.

"Of course," Adrina murmured.

Vokara Che sat down heavily, exhaling slowly. "You seem very on edge," Che observed. "More than would be expected in these dark times."

Adrina shrugged. "War affects people differently."

"Hmph," Che grunted. "However, this is more than that. Something else is bothering you. Old age has not rendered me a dolt, Adrina Skywalker."

"No one would ever dare accuse you of that." Adrina's expression remained carefully neutral. "I'm fine."

Che shook her head and sighed. "Adrina, I have known you for ten years. I know you well. Something is bothering you very much."

Adrina's shoulders dropped. She gave her food a final nudge and laid her fork down. "My parents are dead," she whispered. "And Anakin… Anakin and I are fighting."

Che nodded, studying the young woman. "I see," Che inclined her head. "You have my condolences for the loss of your parents. I will inquire about that at a more appropriate time. May I inquire as to the root of this disagreement?"

Adrina sighed. "Just a familial dispute."

"I hope it can be resolved quickly."

Adrina didn't comment.

"Where is Anakin Skywalker now?"

"He just returned from escorting Senator Amidala back to Naboo."

Che nodded slowly. Che studied Adrina for a moment. "When you first arrived at the Temple, many of the Jedi had great reservations about you, as I am sure you were aware," Che began suddenly. Adrina nodded slowly. She had been very aware; it had motivated her to work even harder. Che paused for a moment. "I was one of those Jedi, if only for a day." Adrina blinked. "But then I saw what Yoda and others on the Council had seen."

Adrina leaned forward, curious. She had never understood why the Council went against their own policies and 'accepted' her. What had they seen? A scared girl who did not belong in the large new world she had just been thrown into, who found ghosts in every dark corner? That had been her reality.

"Your training was not without its struggles, it is true," Che acknowledged. "Your past left you traumatized and scarred, undoubtedly, but you did not live in the past. Always to the present, to the future, you focused. You acknowledge your feelings for what they were. These are traits for which Jedi aspire. Your connection to the Living Force astounded the Council - and myself, I might add."

"I always supposed that the Council allowed my initial training because of Anakin."

"That did play a factor, yes," Che nodded. "But that does not negate your own merits. You are a competent healer, Adrina, and I have no doubt that you will become a great healer."

Adrina's cheeks warmed. "I never expected to be given the honor," she admitted.

"I would have been a fool indeed to let talent languish unused." Vokara sipped her juice. "And I told the Council as much." Che fell silent.

Adrina doubted that was all that had transpired.

Vokara nodded. "You and Anakin will resolve this dispute."

Adrina frowned at the changing of the subjects. The Twi'lek stood abruptly and bowed. "May the Force be with you."

Adrina sat dumbfounded in her chair.

Adrina finally stood and removed herself to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. It remained the one place that was still untouched by the worries and tensions of war. She settled on the edge of a pool, removing her boots, rolling up her pant legs and dipping her feet in the cool clear water. Adrina sighed, gently moving her feet in circles in the water and watching the ripples they caused. It did not matter that she had been away from the arridness of Tatooine for ten years; standing bodies of water still fascinated her. The water calmed her.

"Adrina Skywalker."

She immediately stood and turned towards Mace Windu, murmuring her greetings.

"Here." Windu held out a data pad. "Your orders and all pertinent information regarding your new post."

Adrina frowned and accepted the pad. She knew her orders were coming; word of assignments was spreading throughout the Temple like wildfire. Her eyes flicked over her orders. She blinked. "Surely there has been a mistake, Master Windu."

"There has been no mistake, Healer Skywalker."

Adrina read over the orders again. "Chief Medical Officer of the Shining Star."

"A position for which you are suited, Adrina," Windu replied with a slight frown. "Do you doubt your abilities?"

Adrina shook her head. "It's not my abilities I question."

"So what is your concern, then?" Windu arched an eyebrow. "I fail to see the issue."

Adrina sighed, frustrated. "It is why I received this I made the CMO because I am under the Jedi Order's employ? I have only been a Healer for a month. That alone should cast doubt on my qualifications."

Mace Windu steepled his hands and considered carefully. "Chancellor Palpatine..." Windu stopped suddenly, considering his words. Adrina stiffened at the mention of her younger brothers' second mentor and friend. "Chancellor Palpatine requested you for the position, and the Council agreed that his choice was wise, considering your abilities and character."

Adrina ingested the information silently, her face expressionless.

Windu sighed and leaned slightly forward. "You are a leader, Adrina. I have confidence that this is the right position for you."

"Perhaps," Adrina agreed slowly. "But the same cannot be said for others. Every Knight and Master have been made generals, and even their Padawans are commanders. Children, Master Windu. Children are being placed in charge of men's lives."

Windu arched an eyebrow. "Those children are Jedi."

"They are being trained to be Jedi, yes. But they are still children and they still have much to learn."

"Their masters will be there to guide them."

"If the padawans survive," Adrina retorted. "You know that not every Jedi is cut out for military strategy."

"Have faith, young Skywalker," Windu said. "And remember - the Jedi have pledged to do what we can. Sometimes keeping the peace tests us in ways we had not anticipated."

Adrina sighed and shook her head. "The galaxy has turned upside down."

"Dark days are ahead," Windu agreed.

"How did the Republic raise an army of clones overnight?" Adrina finally asked the question that had been spinning in her mind since Geonosis.

Windu folded his arms with pursed lips. "According to the Kaminoans, Master Sifo-Dyas commissioned the army before his death."

Shock ripped through Adrina. Her eyes widened. "The Jedi-"

"No," Windu shook his head. "Master Sifo-Dyas acted without the permission of the Council. We had no knowledge of the army until Obi-Wan Kenobi discovered them during his investigation of the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala's life."

Adrina frowned. "This doesn't make sense, Master Windu. My father loathed the Jedi. He would never have agreed to be the template."

"Yet the template he was. I am confident he was amply rewarded for his efforts."

Adrina snorted. "He wouldn't care about the money. No, there had to have been some other reason." Whatever it was, Adrina had a feeling it would not bode well for her.

"I'm afraid we'll never know," Windu said. "He was killed during the battle. He…"

Adrina closed her eyes and bowed her head. His death was not news, but her heart ached and lungs seized at the reminder. "I know," she whispered. "Obi-Wan told me."

Windu placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry, Adrina."

She managed a weak smile. "It is war, is it not, Mas-" The words died on her tongue as her eyes met his. "It was you."

"Yes." The simple word reverberated in her ears.

Adrina stared at him - her father's killer - long and hard. Her mind worked furiously to process her warring emotions. Hurt, yes. Anger, oddly, though who the anger was directed to, she did not know. "So I do know you," she said finally.

"So you do."

Belatedly noticing Windu's own scrutiny, Adrina huffed. "You always were skeptical of me. I'm surprised you relented and allowed me into the Order."

To Adrina's surprise, the corner of Windu's lip turned upwards slightly. "Master Yoda can be very persuasive."

Adrina crossed her arms and took a step backwards. "I am not naive, Master Windu," Adrina said, breathing through her emotions. "My father would not have been able to resist the opportunity to kill Jedi. You did what you must. I-" Her throat clogged. "I...loved my father. And I...regret how things ended between us. But.." She shook her head. "His death pains me, but I mourned him years ago. Our relationship died when he rejected me."

Windu studied her for a moment longer before saying, "The Shining Star is very fortunate indeed. May the Force be with you." Windu bowed slightly and took his leave.

Adrina sat back down on the edge of the pool and emitted a slow sigh. She rubbed her face. "What a mess," she muttered. "What. A. Mess."

0

Adrina took advantage of a rare moment of peace and settled on the floor of her quarters to meditate. Inexplicable anger still simmered beneath the surface - which was utterly preposterous. She meant what she told Master Windu. There was no need for anger. Yet angry she was.

Adrina sighed when her door chimed. Taking a moment, she got up and palmed the door open.

"Obi-Wan!" Adrina exclaimed, slightly strangled. "You cut your hair!"

"Ah, well, yes, I did." He shifted once on his feet and rubbed the back of his neck.

Adrina swallowed hard, cocking her head slightly, her shoulders dropping. Obi-Wan's shorter hairstyle was a shock, but it was not appalling. Obi-Wan had kept his hair longer than the traditional Padawan cut, but not by much. Adrina was glad that he retained his beard.

"It's very….practical," Adrina said finally, shaking herself out of her stupor. She squared her shoulders, straightening her posture. "The style suits you very well."

"Thank you," Obi-Wan replied with a small smile.

"Can I do something for you?" Adrina asked after a moment, wondering why Obi-Wan was at her doorstep. The Jedi Knight seemed to remember his purpose suddenly and hesitated.

"I wanted to speak with you," Obi-Wan said quietly. Adrina frowned, wondering what Obi-Wan could possibly want with her. She stepped aside, inviting him into her quarters, tiny as they were.

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest as he always did when he was in thought. Adrina waited patiently. Obi-Wan looked at Adrina. "Have you talked with Anakin?"

"No, I have not." Adrina sighed, crossing her own arms across her chest.

Obi-Wan frowned.

"Was I supposed to have?" Sourness laced her tone. She muttered an apology.

"I spoke with Anakin."

Adrina groaned. "You weren't supposed to tell-"

"I didn't," Obi-Wan assured. "And I won't. I gave my word."

Adrina slumped onto her bed. She rubbed her temples. "I know. I'm sorry. I know you would not break your word."

Obi-Wan folded his arms with a frown. "I thought I had gotten through to him."

"He is particularly hard headed," Adrina reminded. She picked a strand of hair from her skirt. "You didn't need to talk to him."

"Yes, I did. As his master and his friend - and yours - it was my duty."

"What did you talk to him about exactly?" She asked suspiciously.

"He is distracted, Adrina. I know you are, as well. No one can afford distractions, and he is already prone to recklessness." Obi-Wan spread his arms in a half-shrug. "He admitted he was angry with you, though of course he was silent on the particulars."

"I bet," Adrina scoffed under her breath. She ran a hand over her hair. "I am sorry, Obi-Wan. I'm in a foul mood. It's just…" she huffed. "It stings more than a little to be berated, accused of hypocrisy, and forcibly thrown out when-"

Obi-Wan started. "He threw you out? He laid hands on you?"

Adrina scowled. "Yes."

The thin line of Obi-Wan's mouth indicated he very much wanted to utter a curse. "I should have been more stern," he muttered.

Obi-Wan's concern softened Adrina's mood. "I've been through worse," Adrina said quietly. "You don't need to be distressed on my account."

"And you do not need to excuse his poor behavior. You do that entirely too often."

Adrina grimaced.

"I will speak to him again."

"No," Adrina sighed. "I'm afraid that I will have to take some of the responsibility for healing the breach. And if you have already spoken to him on the subject, I don't think bringing it up again will do any good."

Obi-Wan hesitated before finally nodding. "Alright. I will hold my peace. For now. So long as you speak to him."

Adrina exhaled slowly. Some of the agitation left her body. She forced a smile onto her face, even though she knew Obi-Wan would see right through it. "Thank you. And I apologize again for snapping at you. My frustration does not lie with you and I should not have allowed my bitterness and frustration to take over."

Obi-Wan gently touched her arm and silently took his leave.

Adrina sank to the floor after he left. She rubbed her temples, hoping to relieve the headache plaguing her. She and Anakin needed to talk. She did not want to, not one bit. And it seemed Anakin would not be the one to initiate the conversation. No, it would have to be her. She would once again be the one to gather up her pride and put it away, to lower her guard to mend the breach between them.

But in the spare moment Adrina had to seek Anakin out, Anakin was attending to Chancellor Palpatine.