"Send me to Dorin."

Obi-Wan looked up from the holomap. "Anakin, you-"

"Send me," Anakin repeated firmly. "Give me something to do, Obi-Wan. Please. I don't care what it is, just get me off Coruscant. I'm begging you."

Obi-Wan sighed. "You need rest, Anakin. Adrina needs rest."

Anakin swatted his comment away. "I know. She should stay behind. Just get me off Coruscant."

Obi-Wan studied the star chart. "Running from your problems never helped anything," he murmured. His body ached. Too many sleepless nights were finally catching up with him.

"I'm not running from - hey, I'm not having problems. Who said I was having problems? I never said I was having problems."

"You know I sense it," Obi-Wan commented wryly. "And it's clear to see, as well. There's no need to lie to my face."

"Obi-Wan…." Anakin groaned. "Please. Just send me. Let Adrina and Maelle finish here. I'll be fine, I just need something to do."

Obi-Wan sympathized. Weighing his options, he decided to take a risk. "It is never easy to see the people we love place themselves in danger," he murmured, keeping his eyes on the star chart lest Anakin spook more. Anakin immediately began spluttering protests. "It has been obvious to me for many months now. I know you love Padmé. She's an admirable woman - I can understand why." He smiled to himself. Indeed, the similarities between Padmé and Satine sometimes startled him. Now that would be a powerful friendship indeed.

"I'm not.." Anakin cut himself off. He crossed his arms tightly. "So what if I am?"

Obi-Wan looked up. "I would advise you to ask yourself a very important question: would you be happier with Padmé but not as a Jedi, or as a Jedi without Padmé?"

Anakin frowned.

"No matter the answer," Obi-Wan continued, "You are my brother and my friend. That will not change. Adrina would insist the same. She would move the galaxy for you." He inclined his head. "Perhaps you should meditate on why you want to be a Jedi. What does being a Jedi allow you to do that you could not accomplish outside of the Order?"

"Trying to get me out of your hair, old master?" But beneath Anakin's joking words, Obi-Wan sensed deep rooted conflict and pain. Anakin dropped his arms with a sound of frustration. "I have a padawan. I can't do that to Ahsoka."

"I would take her as my padawan," Obi-Wan offered. "She would understand, in time. But you must believe in yourself, in the Code, if you are to be a master. How can you teach her to follow what you yourself do not believe?"

Anakin sighed. "I have other responsibilities. I'm a general, Obi-Wan."

"One of the best," Obi-Wan agreed. "And that wouldn't need to change. You wouldn't be the first civilian offered a commission, if that was your desire. Besides, I think Rex is rather attached to you by now." Obi-Wan shrugged. He placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "You are a good man, Anakin, and I would hate to see you leave the Order. But there is no shame in finding greater purpose or fulfillment as a civilian." He hesitated before adding softly, "You would be a braver man than I."

Turmoil painted a telling mural over Anakin's face. "I thought about leaving the Order," he admitted so low that Obi-Wan nearly missed it. "We love each other. But I hate the deception. I hated lying to you, Obi-Wan. And I am sorry I did. Truly sorry." Anakin took a deep breath. He straightened, determination etched in every feature. "We got married."

Obi-Wan remembered to look surprised. "I see."

"On Naboo," Anakin rambled on, "When I returned her to Naboo after Geonosis. But we're..." His features twisted. Anakin turned sharply on his heels and began pacing the floor, but not before Obi-Wan noticed the sheen over his eyes. "I messed it up, Obi-Wan. I messed it up bad."

"If you love each other, you can work it out."

Anakin shook his head. "Not when it's me. Not when I'm the problem. Padmé's right. I'm obsessive, and I'm controlling, and possessive, and... and..."

"And those are things that can be worked on," Obi-Wan reminded him. "The first step is always admitting you have a problem."

Anakin blinked, then groaned. "I can't leave. I'm the Chosen One."

"And?"

" And you know what that means. I can't leave."

"Why? Nothing in the prophecy indicates that."

Anakin frowned.

Obi-Wan continued, "Nothing in the prophecy says that you would be a Jedi, or even when you would destroy the Sith - certainly not how. It's entirely up to you. Prophesy or not, you always have a choice." Visible relief followed the shock. "You've always had a choice."

"I…" Anakin hesitated. "I hate the prophecy. I hate how everyone looks at me."

Obi-Wan wisely remained silent as Anakin gathered his courage.

Pent up emotions tumbled out of Anakin's mouth. "I hate how people look at me like I have all the answers. And I don't. I hate that I have so many emotions and I can't always control them. I hate how powerful I am because it makes everyone believe I can do anything, and that makes failure feel so much worse. And I hate how I wish I was more powerful so that I could do everything. Sometimes I wish I was all-powerful so that I could control everything."

Sorrow slashed through Obi-Wan. Surely he was the biggest failure as a mentor; how had he not realized the depth of Anakin's internal conflict? How many years too late was this conversation?

"Master Plo once told me to accept the things you cannot change and find the courage to change the things you can." Obi-Wan inclined his head. "Everything you expressed is very natural, Anakin. You had no control in your childhood, so it is logical for you to desire control as an adult."

Anakin hitched a shoulder.

"Master Qui-Gon once told me, 'there is always a bigger fish'."

Anakin frowned. "Fish?"

Obi-Wan waved his hand. "That, my friend, is a story for another time, but the point is, some things are beyond our control. No matter how much we might want to, cannot change everything. No one is all-powerful, even Master Yoda. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying."

Anakin folded his arms and nudged the floor. "I should be," he muttered under his breath.

Obi-Wan leaned against the holoprojector, curious. "Why?"

Anakin halted mid-step and stared at his old master.

"Why should you be all-powerful?" Obi-Wan repeated.

Anakin mumbled incoherently as he searched for an answer, settling on, "I'm the Chosen One!"

Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow. "Even if true, that does not necessitate you being all-powerful. What would you do if you were all-powerful?"

"I could stop people from dying! I could have stopped mom from dying. I could end this war! Bring peace back to the galaxy."

Obi-Wan nodded. "And then what?"

Anakin frowned.

"Well, you ended the war. What happens next? How will you keep the peace? Until the issues that started the war are resolved, you will have to enforce the peace yourself. I doubt that would be any more palatable to the Separatists. And what about Padmé?"

"What about Padmé?"

Obi-Wan shrugged, keeping his voice easy. "She is the staunchest supporter of democracy. She would not support a dictatorship, even with you at the head. So what would you do then?" Obi-Wan spread his hands in a gesture of peace at Anakin's thunderstruck expression. "Just things for you to ponder. Being all-powerful sounds wonderful, but will it make you happy? Padmé loves you as you are. She doesn't care about power." Obi-Wan paused, for a moment lost in his own memories. "We will always wish we could change the bad things that happen to us, forgetting the good that comes from its ashes. I was shattered when Master Qui-Gon died," Obi-Wan admitted. "But, that brought you into my life - and Adrina - and I would not change that."

"Me neither," Anakin murmured. He rubbed the back of his head and slumped down onto the floor, leaning back against the holoprojector. "I'm exhausted, Obi-Wan. I'm exhausted and angry and devastated and… and a whole lot of things. I don't know what to do."

"Go to Dorin," Obi-Wan said. "Meditate on what we've talked about. Remember, you always have a choice. And no matter what you decide, I am your friend."

0

Nothing.

She heard nothing from her brother.

Adrina had expected Anakin to seek her out after his conversation with Padmé, but nearly three days had passed since she had cooled things between them and Adrina hadn't so much as caught a glimpse of Anakin. After her second unanswered call, she began to suspect he was avoiding her.

Adrina sank down onto the chair in the Halls' conference room, settling in to complete the long list of reports that awaited her. She pulled up the first report. Whie Malreaux. But the harder she attempted to focus on the words in front of her, the more the words blurred together.

"Healer Adrina." Maelle's voice, unusually tight, drug Adrina up from the depths. Maelle stood in the doorway, fists clenched at her side and cheeks flushed. Angry, Adrina realized.

"Everything alright, Maelle?"

"Did you do it?" Maelle demanded. "Did you?"

Adrina blinked. Not angry, Adrina corrected herself. Hurt. She had never seen her shy - withdrawn, even - assistant like this. "Why don't you sit down and we can talk about what has angered you?" Adrina suggested pleasantly. She gestured to the seat close to her. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

"The 501st," Maelle ground out, rooted in the doorway. "Why aren't we with them?"

Adrina frowned. "What do you mean? Of course we're still with our men. We have a few days of rest, same as them. If you're asking why we aren't in the barracks with them, I suppose we could-".

"So you didn't intentionally keep us behind?"

Adrina sighed. "What are you talking about, Maelle? You're not making sense."

Maelle faltered. Biting her lip, she slowly took a seat, twisting her fingers together. "The 501st…. They're gone. They redeployed in the night."

"Impossible." Adrina shook her head. "I would have been notified. We would have gone with them."

"They're gone," Maelle insisted. "They're not on Coruscant anymore. Their barracks are empty - I went there personally. Ahsoka said they're headed to Dorin."

Hurt slashed through Adrina. He hadn't sent so much as a message. Doubtless Anakin volunteered to go - easier to fight Separatists than grapple with messy emotions, better in the moment to drown the voices in his mind in the throes of battle. "I did not know," Adrina said finally. "I wouldn't have let them leave us behind."

Maelle chewed on her lip, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I thought…. I thought you might have asked to stay behind."

"Why would I do that?" Adrina frowned.

"Well, it's just…." Maelle grimaced and looked down. "I thought you weren't happy with my performance."

"That's ridiculous." Adrina paused. "Are you unhappy with your work?"

Maelle hitched a shoulder.

When Maelle didn't verbalize an answer, Adrina quietly continued, "I've been worried about you, but your work is wonderful. I should have told you that more; I'm sorry."

Maelle's eyes snapped up, wide with surprise.

Laying her report aside, Adrina seized the opportunity. "You've been withdrawn, Maelle. You work - excellent though it may be - and then you retreat to your quarters. You're isolating. It isn't healthy."

"It's hard," Maelle admitted, voice thick.

Adrina tilted her head.

Maelle took a deep breath. "I'm afraid," she finally admitted. "I'm afraid to talk to them. To get close." Understanding dawned. Of course. She should have seen it. "How do you do it? How do you laugh and joke with them - care for them - knowing…."

"Knowing they may die? That many will die?" Adrina finished gently for Maelle when she couldn't form the words.

Maelle nodded numbly.

Adrina chose her words with care. "I learned," Adrina cast a compassionate gaze upon Maelle, "that it is better to enjoy the time that we have while we have it. I would rather savor each moment, the good and the bad, because we don't know which will be our last, or theirs. And should we never meet again, I would not want it to be with any regrets."

"But doesn't it hurt?" Maelle whispered.

"Always." Adrina reached across the table and grabbed Maelle's hands. "But do not let the pain of tomorrow rob you of today's joy."

Maelle managed a wobbly smile. "I'll do my best," she promised. Maelle's tentative smile vanished. "Wait," she said. "If you didn't have us stay behind, who did? Any crisis dire enough to warrant a rapid redeployment would require us, wouldn't it?"

Adrina took a moment to carefully select her words. "I'm sure General Skywalker felt we deserved a little more rest," Adrina said with false confidence. Maelle's brow furrowed. "I'm sure he means for us to come later."

But Anakin did not.

0

A myriad of emotions continued to swirl as Adrina finished her work in the Halls of Healing, frustration primary amongst them. Anakin, again, did not respond to her call.

Adrina wandered the Temple halls, lost in thought. The admittedly massive complex, once upon a time, seemed to be a veritable labyrinth she would never learn. Now, the golden halls poured comfort into her with every step.

Adrina paused. Mace Windu and Obi-Wan walked slowly down the hall, deep in conversation. Obi-Wan sensed her first, eyes meeting her from three yards away. She clenched her fist in the folds of her skirt.

Windu inclined his head in greeting. Obi-Wan smiled warmly, but the wary look in his eyes told Adrina enough.

After exchanging brief niceties, Windu left for his next appointment.

Adrina raised an eyebrow at Obi-Wan with crossed arms. He led her into a sunlit meditation room.

"Yes, the Council approved sending Anakin to Dorrin," Obi-Wan sighed.

"And leaving me here?"

"You and Maelle are due a rest. Even the trooper medics in the RMSU took R&R before the last mission - you and Maelle didn't," Obi-Wan said. "You shouldn't even be working in the Infirmary."

Adrina ignored his chiding. "You know what he's doing, Obi-Wan. He's self-destructing."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "He's handling it better than you give him credit for. He's struggling, but he isn't spiraling. He actually spoke to me, admitted they were married and that he was considering leaving the Order."

Adrina gaped. That was unexpected, though not unwelcome.

"We spoke. I gave him things to meditate on and approved the mission. You know Anakin. He thinks best in the heat of the moment. Ahsoka and Rex are there to watch his back. He needs the time and the distance."

"I'm afraid he's pushing me away again."

Obi-Wan hesitated. He swallowed a few sentences before settling on, "I know you want to solve all of his problems, but some things you can't fix." A ghost of a smile played on his lips. "You and Anakin have that in common."

Adrina's shoulders slumped. "It's hard to accept that he's not my little brother anymore. I can't fix.. I can't help him like I used to be able to."

"No," Obi-Wan acknowledged. "But different doesn't mean bad. And if he comes to the conclusion I suspect he will, he will need both of us."

"You think he would do it?" Adrina murmured. "He would leave the Order?"

Obi-Wan exhaled. He folded his arms and moved to the window, looking out across the skyline. "I think he might," he said quietly. "And, although it is painful to admit, I believe that would be the best for him. I think, outside the confines of the Code, Anakin could learn to accept his feelings, rather than fear them. I think he feels the pressure too keenly." Obi-Wan sighed. "I feel like I failed him."

"You've done the best you could. We both have." She paused. "Maybe it wasn't enough. But we can only do our best." Adrina joined him at the window. "The road won't be easy, but the more I talk with Padmé the more I think they could do well together," she admitted. "And goodness knows she could use all the extra security she can get. He would enjoy helping Padmé's mercy missions. That is, if this war ever ends…" She shook her head.

"If he did leave, I…"

Adrina gave him an understanding smile and nudged his shoulder with her own. She heard the words that choked him. If he did leave, I would miss him. "I'm glad…. I'm glad he opened up to you."

Obi-Wan nodded.

Adrina watched the Coruscant traffic. The intricate never-ending dance of speeders, high above the dirty, bustling underbelly once intimidated her. Now, its familiarity comforted her. Coruscant was her home. She glanced at Obi-Wan out of the corner of her eye. The Jedi were her home. Pride rippled through her that Anakin was finally choosing his own path, with both eyes wide open. Fire beset the path before him, but Anakin possessed the strength to walk through and emerge stronger than before.

Anakin and Padmé… Adrina folded her arms. If their relationship became public knowledge, the tabloids would be fed for weeks. The political scandal it would be, a renowned Jedi Knight - General in the Grand Army of the Republic - married to one of the leading anti-war senators. She could already hear conflict of interest being thrown around - an unfounded but understandable accusation. Would the scandal be enough for the Queen to recall her? It would be a tragic loss for the Republic.

"You should know," Obi-Wan's voice broke the comfortable silence. "Our spies indicate Poggle the Lesser is building a powerful droid foundry on Geonosis."

Adrina grimaced. "We're going back, aren't we?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "We're going back to Geonosis."

0

Hot air slammed into Adrina when she shoved the RMSU doors open. Dozens of injured troopers already awaited the opening of the RMSU. Casualty reports continued to roll in; even with the fight far from over, the toll to secure the rendezvous point was great indeed.

"I'll be happy to leave this place behind," Maelle muttered beside Adrina, bringing a hand up to shield her eyes from the bright Geonosian sun. She strode out into the daylight, flanked by two meddroids, and began organizing the troopers. Adrina walked back into the RMSU with the new clone medic assigned to the RMSU.

Adrina smiled grimly at Jay as they began to scrub up for work. "You heard the lady; let's get to work."

Time slowed as they began working their way through the wounded. Trooper after trooper, the line of wounded seemed never ending.

"Almost through," Maelle announced, taking a long drink of water. A few wisps of blond hair stuck to her flushed skin.

"Adrina!" Anakin bellowed. "Tell me you're free."

Adrina and Maelle exchanged a glance. "I'll finish up," Maelle said. She inclined her head to Anakin as he rounded the corner, a beleaguered Ahsoka in tow.

"What happened?" Adrina sighed. "You both seem fine, under the circumstances." Dust clung to Ahsoka particularly and weariness draped over them, but physically she sensed no abnormal distress.

Anakin jammed his thumb towards his padawan. "She got buried alive in a tank."

"So did Bariss but you don't see Master Luminara dragging her around," Ahsoka muttered, nudging the floor with her foot.

"Come on," Adrina beckoned her towards an available bed. "Let's get you checked out. I'll follow up on Bariss later."

Ahsoka groaned, but obeyed.

A few moments later and Adrina was happy to announce, "The picture of health." Her smile widened when Ahsoka jumped off the cot, bouncing on her feet.

"See," Ahsoka drew out the word, glaring good naturedly at her master. "Told you I was alright."

Adrina glanced at Anakin. She sensed his emotions simmering beneath his skin. Love and pain disguised as anger shone in his eyes. Adrina stepped away from the bed with a slight shake of her head.

"Well, I'm the Master and I say it's better to be safe than sorry."

Humor danced in Adrina's eyes. "And as you know, Ahsoka, he modeled that sentiment perfectly as a padawan."

Ahsoka grinned.

"You know what," Anakin growled. Adrina raised an eyebrow with a smile. He sighed. "You're right. Alright, Snips, go check on Rex and the men."

"Way ahead of you, Sky Guy," Ashoka chirped, already dashing out the door.

"I need to talk to you, Rina. I can't right now, but tonight?"

Adrina nodded. She'd be busy, of course, but she would make the time.

Anakin hesitated a few steps from the exit. "Adrina." The uncertainty in his voice gave her pause. "I'm sorry for dodging you."

"You left me behind."

"Not to hurt you, Rina. I promise."

Adrina sighed. "I know."

Anakin opened his mouth to say more, but he shook his head. "Tonight. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Ani." But he was already gone.

0

Sweat streamed down her back and every muscle in her body screamed, but Maelle forced her feet to propel her out of the RMSU. The sandstorm had died down hours ago and the sun retreated further away. It would be set completely soon.

Geonosis had fallen, but at considerable cost. Even with five RMSUs operating at maximum capacity, it had taken all day to work through the worst of the wounded. More would trickle in as they were forced, whether by the injury or their commander. Stubborn men, the lot of them.

A gust of wind threw sand in Maelle's eye. She cursed under her breath. She hated this planet. Hated the memories.

Screams. Smoke. Heat. Hands around her waist. Free-falling. Darkness.

Maelle slammed the memories back in its cage.

Maelle picked her way through the camp, nodding greetings at the troopers that noticed her. With the sheer volume of casualties, the sight of every healthy trooper lightened Maelle's step. She paused at the edge of the camp. Once she might have admired the wild rock formations that loomed in the distance, but now… Now, she could only see death.

"Hey, Maelle!" Ahsoka's shout cut through the fog in her brain. Ahsoka and Bariss stood a few feet away, studying her with concerned eyes. "Hey, you alright? I've been calling your name for a minute or two now."

"Oh, uh, yes, I'm fine." Maelle shoved a stray curl out of her face. She did her best to plaster on a smile.

"Are you positive?" Bariss asked. "You seem quite distressed."

Maelle avoided their keen eyes. "Yeah. Totally fine, just tired. Oh, look, there's Master Skywalker with Poggle the Lesser."

Relief flooded Maelle as the group of Jedi approached. She was pleased to see how well Master Mundi had healed as he walked off his ship. He certainly looked much worse for wear when she had assisted him into the bacta tank.

Maelle listened to Master Mundi explain Master Windu's plight on Dantooine and the ensuing discussion with half an ear. Movement had caught her eye. Not far off, a squad leader prodded his men awake. They were up and loading their gear with the efficiency she had come to expect, except for one. His name came to her after a few seconds: Scythe. He moved slower, with more care.

Maelle edged away from the group, never taking her eyes off Scythe. His awkward movements concerned her. Too often injuries went untreated because the men, especially the newest recruits, thought they could tough it out. Stubbornness set her jaw. Well, she wouldn't stand for it.

"How are you feeling?" Maelle asked with a pleasant smile. "You look like you might need a little assistance."

"Not at all. Never been better."

Maelle lacked Adrina's experience with carefully controlled expressions, but Maelle kept herself from frowning. Something was distinctly or right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "I can give you some muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications that wouldn't affect your ability to do your work." She flashed him the winning smile that usually melted the last bit of her patients' resolve. "Why don't you put the pack down an-"

"No!" The outburst was so immediate and angry that Maelle took an instinctive step backwards.

What was it that was so off ? Scythe's eyes, she realized. They were empty. Her stomach roiled. Dead eyes. Shuddering internally, she called upon every ounce of her rigorous training. Maelle held up her hands and fortified her smile.

"Everything okay over here?" Captain Rex materialized out of nowhere.

"Y…yes, yes," Maelle hastily assured him. "Just a misunderstanding." Maelle tilted her head, squinting, as Scythe adjusted his pack - a pack that was oddly lumpy. Maelle glanced at Captain Rex. Had he noticed it too? It was hard to tell.

"What do you have in your pack?" Captain Rex demanded. Scythe tensed. "You know the rules, Scythe. Let me see."

Sensing it just in time, Maelle twisted to the side and thrust her hand out. Her palm connected soundly with Scythe's wrist, knocking his blaster out of his hand. Her skin stung from the impact. Captain Rex tackled him to the ground. Maelle scooped up the blaster and tossed it further away. Her teal lightsaber blade hummed to life and sliced through the nasty green worm wriggling out of Scythe's nostril. The worm fell lifelessly to the ground. Scythe thrashed under the Captain, earning him a solid punch. Scythe went limp under Captain Rex just as the other Jedi came running.

"What was that?" Captain Rex grunted.

The dust settled around them. "Not again," Obi-Wan moaned. "I wanted to study one."

"Obi-Wan," Adrina chided. But her eyes twinkled at her friend. She nudged the dead worm with her foot. She tilted her head curiously. Maelle did not doubt for a second that Adrina, too, would like nothing more than to study the worm. "I take it this is one of the mind-controlling parasites you told us about?" She crouched down and put her hand to Scythe's temple. Satisfied with what she found, she straightened.

"Ugly, aren't they," Anakin said. "What happened, Rex?"

Captain Rex glanced sideways at Maelle. "I was passing by and heard a shout. Came to investigate and found Scythe here and Assistant Amon talking. When I questioned him on what appeared to be contraband in his pack, he attacked. Healer Amon disarmed him. The worm wiggled out, she severed it. I knocked him out."

All eyes turned to Maelle, who flushed under the scrutiny. "It's true," she said, drawing herself up. "I noticed him moving oddly, so I came to see if I could help. I thought… Well, I thought he had maybe pulled muscles or a concussion - the usual suspects, you know - but his eyes were dead, even when he became agitated. Then Captain Rex came. You know the rest."

Captain Rex lifted Scythe's pack and opened the flap. "Looks like you got your wish, General Kenobi," he said. He turned the pack for the rest to see.

Anakin swore under his breath.

"Are those… eggs?" Ahsoka scrunched her nose. "That sure is a lot of them."

"Indeed." Obi-Wan confirmed. "Enough for a whole ship, I'd say."

"Nothing leaves this planet until it's been cleared," Adrina told Obi-Wan. "The last thing we need is for these things to spread."

"Agreed." Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "Only, I want to take one or two eggs back to Coruscant to study."

"Naturally," Adrina concurred. "You know, Obi-Wan, if it tries to exit through the nostril, perhaps that's the orifice they prefer to enter through."

Anakin gagged. "That's just gross, Rina. Alright, let's get some protocols established. Ahsoka and Bariss have to get to Dantooine as quickly as possible." Anakin nodded to Maelle. "Good work, you two. You saved us a bit of trouble."

Adrina and Maelle exchanged a loaded glance that Adrina vocalized. "Maelle will see Scythe back to the RMSU for evaluation."

"Allow me to assist, sir."

Anakin nodded. "You do that, Rex. Meet me when you're done. We'll get started on the sweep."

"Understood, sir."

Maelle shifted on her feet as Captain Rex bent and slung Scythe over his shoulder. "Thank you," she murmured. She could have levitated Scythe to the RMSU, but she appreciated the care he demonstrated for his brother.

"Eh, it was the least I could do," Rex grunted, shifting his brother's weight. "I did knock him out." They started back for the RMSU.

"True."

"So, you carry a lightsaber?" Rex queried.

Maelle blinked. "Of course. All Jedi do."

Rex twisted slightly so that he could see her over Scythe. "Even the healers?"

"Your medics carry blasters, even the ones stationed in RMSUs," Maelle pointed out. "We carry lightsabers." She absently brushed her fingers over the vibroblade nestled, hidden, in her belt. Most carried other utility items in various places, too, though Captain Rex didn't need to know the finer points of Jedi Healer apparel.

"Well, yes, but our medics are usually in the field."

Maelle pursed her lips. Her fingers curled into her palms. She loathed the bitterness that swept over her. "So were we, once upon a time. Now…" Maelle sighed. Now, they were relegated to RMSUs or the Halls of Healing. "The war changed everything."

"Yeah."

Maelle's shoulders slumped. Great. She had made Captain Rex uncomfortable. Sweat beaded in her palms and her heart thumped an uncomfortable beat. She knew she should say something - anything - to steer the conversation onto more palatable grounds, but her thoughts turned to wisps of smoke when she grasped for them.

"Did you know that female Wookies have a gestation period of eleven months?" Realizing immediately what she had blurted, Maelle closed her eyes and wished for the earth to open up beneath her feet and swallow her whole.

Captain Rex cleared his throat. "Uh, no. No, I didn't. That's…good to know."

"No, it's not," Maelle rubbed her temple with a sigh. "You didn't need to know that. I'm sorry. Sometimes m… Sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain."

Captain Rex shrugged. "Always good to learn more." He shifted Scythe. "Never know when it could come in handy."

Maelle eyed him dubiously.

"Got any other facts?"

Maelle hesitated. She had plenty, but… "Geonosis is 5% surface water. Tatooine, one parsec away, is 1% surface water." The RMSU came into view and Maelle nearly sighed in relief. Her escape was imminent.

"That little, huh?" Captain Rex shifted Scythe again with a small grunt. He eyed their surroundings. "I'm surprised it's not less. That is interesting."

"I think so. Most people don't." Maelle hitched a shoulder, hoping he couldn't tell how mortified she was. "My brain's filled with random bits of trivia."

"Oh yeah? You'd clean up at the Dog Bowl's trivia night."

Maelle frowned. She searched his profile for the signs of sarcasm she so often missed, but she sensed his sincerity. "Good to know," she said finally.

The Captain paused awkwardly just inside the RMSU. "Where do you want him?"

Maelle gestured for him to follow and she led him to an empty exam room. "The bed there, if you please."

Captain Rex grunted as he divested himself of his brother. "There we go," he muttered.

Maelle moved to the small station in the corner and slipped into the medical gloves. "Thank you, Captain Rex."

"Not at all, sir. Happy to help."

"Well, I am grateful nonetheless."

Captain Rex hesitated in the doorway. "I'll… I'll leave you to it, then."

Maelle nodded, already turning her attention to her patient. Realizing she hadn't given the good Captain a proper good-bye, she turned. "Oh, yes, thank…" Maelle trailed off. He was already gone.

0

"Knock, knock," Anakin called from the other side of the door. Adrina opened the door with a wave of her hand, setting the data pad down. Anakin stepped into her quarters. "The truth is," Anakin began without preamble. "I was a little mad at you. But not really at you."

Adrina raised an eyebrow. "Hello to you, too, Ani."

"I had wanted so desperately to prove you wrong, but I couldn't. You were right. And then…" he hesitated. "I know Padmé told you. About what she was going to talk to me about, after Cato Neimoidia."

Adrina nodded.

"She didn't tell me that night that she talked to you, but then Obi-Wan found me when I got back. And he just happened to need to spar. It was too convenient. I knew you had told him about us, even though he did an excellent job of pretending he didn't know Padmé and I are married. And I know you aren't mad that you had to stay on Coruscant because you missed the action. But I'm doing okay." He took a deep breath. "I'm going to do it. I'm resigning when we return to Coruscant."

Adrina waited for the anger, the fear, the uncertainty to shine in his eyes, but when all she found was serenity, she smiled. "Does Padmé know?"

"Not yet. I'm still trying to get her on hologram."

"Obi-Wan and Ahsoka?"

Anakin shook his head. "They're next on my list. I'll meet with the Council formally, but Obi-Wan… He deserves a heads up. Ahsoka, too. Especially Ahsoka." He took a deep breath. "I'm going to petition the Chancellor for a commission. I can't leave my men."

Adrina squeezed his shoulder. "I'm proud of you," she whispered. "Mom would be, too."

"You think so?"

"I really do."

"She wanted me to be a Jedi."

"She wanted you to be happy," Adrina corrected. "And being a Jedi is what she thought would make you happy. And it did. Now your path is diverging, and that's okay."

Anakin's shoulders eased as a weight was lifted.

"I'm going to ask Obi-Wan to take Ahsoka as his padawan," Anakin said. "He'll be a great mentor to her since…" He sighed. "I'm going to miss her."

"You would still be around," Adrina murmured. "You know you'll get a commission. And I doubt Obi-Wan would allow the Council to send you to another battalion."

"Maybe," Anakin allowed. He paused. "But Master Luminara told me something today that I can't stop thinking about. When Ahsoka and Bariss were trapped under the rubble, she was so calm. She was ready to announce them dead before even trying to dig them out - it looked that hopeless."

"But not to you."

"I couldn't," Anakin insisted. "I couldn't not try. I had faith in Ahsoka. I couldn't… I couldn't bear to think she wasn't alright. But Master Luminara told me that when the time comes, she'll be ready to let Bariss go."

Understanding dawned. "Ah."

Anakin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know how to let go, even when I know I need to. I never have. Even when they're gone. Truly gone."

"I understand."

"But I'm trying to work on it," Anakin insisted. "I want to control my feelings, not let them control me."

Pride swelled within Adrina. "The first step is acknowledging them," Adrina said. "And I'd say you're doing a good job of doing that right now." She smiled softly at her brother. "It'll be alright, Ani. The road will be rough, but it will be alright in the end."

"Yeah, I know." He attempted a chuckle.

"For the record," Adrina grinned to break the melancholy silence that had fallen, "Maelle was angry she was left behind."

"Oh, I know." Anakin grimaced. "I heard Ahsoka's conversation with her. I didn't think she had it in her. You know, for someone who's been trying to not get attached to the men, she's very protective of them."

"She yelled at Ahsoka?" That did not sound like Maelle.

Anakin laughed. "She didn't need to. You rubbed off on her. Poor Rex, the man was practically sweating under that death stare." His grin faded. "It was eerie though. She told Rex to watch the RMSU's back."

"And?"

Anakin clenched his fist. "And the Seppies nearly got it. Rex tightened security measures, and that saved it, but it was close. Nearly lost the whole unit."

Adrina shrugged with feigned ease to hide the shiver that danced up and down her spine. "It wouldn't be the first time the Separatists went for the easy target." The loss of the Shining Star could not be forgotten.

Anakin opened his mouth to protest, but stopped himself. "Just be careful, okay?" He said instead.

Adrina rolled her eyes. "Take your own advice, Ani." She cocked her head. "Any headway into Poggle's interrogation?"

"No." Anakin pursed his lips. "We need to press him harder, but Luminara and Master Mundi are insistent we do things their way. But their way isn't working."

"We're better than the Separatists," Adrina reminded softly. "If we start down the same path as them, what's the point in this war? We might win, but at what cost to ourselves?"

Anakin pursed his lips. "I know. I just wish things were different."

"So do we all," Adrina murmured. "So do we all."

0

Anakin held his head high under the weight of the Council's eyes. He met Obi-Wan's, taking comfort in his nod and the barest of smiles.

Master Windu steepled his hands and leaned forward. "Obi-Wan tells us you have something of great importance to discuss with us."

Anakin bowed his head. He took a deep breath before taking the plunge into the icy unknown. "I married Senator Amidala. On Naboo, after the first Battle for Geonosis." Anakin waited to continue until after the ripple of shock subsided. "We love each other. I must apologize, my masters, for deceiving you. I spat on your trust. For that I am deeply sorry." Peace made him stand taller. "Therefore, I feel it is only right that I leave the Jedi Order."

The pride in Obi-Wan's eyes fueled Anakin's determination that he had set himself upon the right course.

Master Windu was the first to speak. "I see."

"This is serious, indeed," Master Mundi said.

"Anakin has given this a great deal of thought," Obi-Wan murmured. "I am confident he did not make this decision lightly."

"No," Anakin confirmed. "I…" He sighed. "I should have done this properly from the start. And I can only deeply apologize again that I did not, that I betrayed your trust."

"A plan, have you, for your future?" Yoda questioned. "Padawan Tano, what of?"

"I have offered to take Ahsoka on as my padawan learner," Obi-Wan interjected.

Anakin nodded. "Yes, I was hoping Obi-Wan would train Ahsoka, and if the Council was willing, I would like to obtain a commission and see this war through. Although I find myself unable to follow the Jedi Code, I am still dedicated to serving the Republic. I will not abandon my men. There is still work to be done."

The Council exchanged glances laden with words only they could understand. Finally, Windu nodded. "We will speak to Chancellor Palpatine and get you your commission. We want to minimize as much upheaval as possible, under the circumstances."

"A great loss, you will be," Yoda said, "To the Order. Sorry, we are, to see you leave. But only best wishes, we have."

Anakin smiled. He bowed low, the lowest he ever had. Gratitude swept through him like a tidal wave. "Thank you, my masters. I will be forever grateful that you gave me a chance and took me in. And I'm grateful you allowed Obi-Wan to be my master. I could not have asked for a better mentor, or friend. My decision isn't a reflection on his ability to teach."

The slave boy on Tatooine would have scoffed if he had been told that he would give up his life's dream. But Anakin had discovered one vital fact that his younger self never would have: being a Jedi was not his dream. No, his dream was much more complex and infinitely simpler. All Anakin wanted was to do good. He wanted to make the galaxy, not just the Republic, a better place - a safer place. He wanted to help those who could not help themselves. He wanted to bring justice where no justice had ever been seen. And Anakin could do that with the Jedi, in part. But he could do it apart from the Jedi. And he could do it with the woman he loved by his side. Together, they could make the galaxy a better place.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Thank you, my friend. Go to your wife. We'll speak with Chancellor Palpatine as quickly as we can."

Anakin nodded. He bowed and moved to the turbolift.

"Oh, and Anakin?" Obi-Wan called after him. "Please be so kind as to give our regards to Senator Amidala."

Anakin nodded with a smile. Ahsoka had not understood. She'd been hurt, angry even, at Anakin's decision. She was young and didn't - couldn't - understand. But Obi-Wan understood, and that provided Anakin more comfort than he could have imagined.

Anakin was not alone.

0

Anakin wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers. His foot threatened to tap in time with his heart. "She'll be back soon," Anakin muttered. "The meeting should be over soon." But she didn't know he was coming. And if she did, would she want to see him?

Anakin leaped up from the couch. This was a mistake. He should have done it the right way, contacted her first. But he had never done things the proper way.

"Ani?" Padmé's voice halted him steps from the speeder.

Anakin turned around slowly. His heart ached. She wore the same deep blue gown she had when they first met again, more beautiful than ever. "Hey." He cursed his ineptitude. But Padmé smiled and that was everything.

"You came."

Anakin nodded.

She frowned. "Is everything alright? You seem tense."

Anakin took a deep breath. "I just met with the Council. I told them everything and left the Order." Padmé gasped, hand flying to her throat. "Obi-Wan will train Ahsoka, and the Council will work to get me a commission."

"Can I give you a hug?" Padmé whispered, eyes brimming with tears.

Anakin opened his arms and met her halfway. "I know we still have a lot of work to do. That I have a lot of work to do," Anakin murmured into her hair. The flowery scent of her shampoo soothed his war-battered soul. "But now….now we can do it the right way. Honestly. No hiding." His thumb rubbed circles on her back. If he could stop time in that moment….

Padmé drew back enough to tip her head back and look up at him. "I spoke to the Queen earlier," she admitted. "I convinced her not to recall me, though we both know the political repercussions our relationship will have. I'll speak with the rest of the committee. I've already prepared a press release explaining how being married to a general does not undermine my beliefs."

Anakin's hands stilled. Fear gripped him. "Do you regret this? Us?"

Padmé shook her head. "Never, Ani. Never."

Anakin rested his forehead against Padmé's. Her words washed over him. He focused every thought on them, willing himself to enshrine this moment forever. Padmé's lips found his and he happily drowned in them.

But he pulled away with a groan. "We're not taking it slow. We promised each other. Courtship. Proper. Slow."

Padmé blushed.

And it felt like a new beginning.