Chapter 7: A new assignment
The next morning the Jedi duo stood before the Council, delivering the report on what happened last night, in which case they presented another assassination attempt on Senator Amidala. They discovered that the attempt on her life was made by a changeling bounty hunter named Zam Wesell, who was hired by another bounty hunter in grey armor. When she failed to complete the task, and before she could give up the name of the bounty hunter who hired her, he silenced her with a toxic dart to the neck.
"Track down this bounty hunter, you must, Obi-Wan," Master Yoda said as the others passed the toxic dart around.
"Most importantly, find out who he's working for," Mace Windu added.
"What about Senator Amidala?" Obi-Wan asked. "She will still need protecting, and after what we learned last night from the changeling, the price on her head will have more bounty hunters ready to take her life," he informed.
Anakin raised his head slightly when the Grand Master of the Order turned his gaze to him. "Handle that, young Skywalker will." The nineteen-year-old Padawan's heart soared, but to prevent the members of the Council from seeing how happy he was used the Force to clamp down on his emotions. It was not the first time Anakin would be allowed to undertake an assignment on his own, but this one pertained to someone he cared about a lot.
The young Padawan shifted his gaze to Mace when he sensed he was about to elaborate more about the mission. "Anakin, escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo," Mace said in a no-nonsense voice. "She'll be safer there. And don't use registered transport. Travel as refugees."
Anakin nodded in understanding the assignment, but he knew it would not be easy as obstacles were present and could appear at any time. The most difficult one would be trying to convince Padmé to leave before the Senate completed its vote on whether they needed to create an army. From what he heard and seen, she could be rather stubborn, even more so than him. Once she sets out to do something, getting her to change her mind could be quite difficult. "As the leader of the opposition to the Military Creation Act, it will be very difficult to get Senator Amidala to leave the capital."
"Until caught, this killer is, our judgment, she must respect," Yoda replied.
Anakin wanted to explain Padmé's feelings regarding the matter in the Senate but held himself back, figuring the Council must've already discussed the matter before he and Obi-Wan arrived to deliver their report of what recently occurred. He was then proven right when Mace added.
"Anakin," Mace began in an even voice, "go to the Senate and ask Chancellor Palpatine to speak with her." The tone of his voice made it clear that even though he did not want him near the old man, the necessity for him to be brought into the matter was important. The Jedi Knight and his Padawan respectfully bowed, accepting their new assignment.
Before they could leave, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke. "Is there anything you wish to add, young Skywalker?"
Anakin considered his choice of words before responding, "with your permission, my Master. I believe the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala are only the beginning of a much larger and more sinister plot to destroy the Republic."
The members of the Council started whispering amongst themselves as Mace brought his fingers together and leaned forward slightly. Mace knew that when his Padawan was concerned about something, it should be looked further into and be aired with a sense of caution. "You suspect this?"
"Before Master Kenobi and I left for Ansion, I've been receiving strange dreams or premonitions regarding the future of the Republic and the Jedi Order," Anakin confirmed. "During our time on Ansion, I did some meditation into the Force to try and make sense of what might the dreams could be telling me. When I'm about to see or get a clear idea of what's to come, the dark side of the Force interrupts and clouds my vision. It was only last night before the assassin tried to have the Senator killed where I saw Count Dooku and Ferus Olin plotting to get Senator Amidala removed from the picture."
The normally stoic Korun Master was momentarily surprised by what Anakin had said. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," Anakin nodded. "Senator Amidala is the leading opposition when it comes to the Military Creation Act, and if she is killed, then the Order and Republic will likely be forced into a war with the Separatists. What makes me believe this is, in fact, a vision of what's to come is that after the female bounty hunter died, I probed her mind to see if there was any information that could be obtained. Unfortunately, I could only get a couple of images before her mind went completely dark."
"Anything noteworthy or of importance?" Asked Master Plo.
"I saw her going to meet with the person that hired her who was talking with the people who wanted the Senator dead. Dooku, Olin, and Nute Gunray," Anakin answered in a sure voice.
"Positive you are that Nute Gunray has a hand in this?" Yoda enquired.
"I am. I recognize his maniacal laughter anywhere. Without a doubt, he is likely the one behind the attacks on Senator Amidala," the young Padawan said, then added. "He must be trying to even the score with her after it was brought to light about the invasion on Naboo. Gunray is a coward who'd never want to get his own hands dirty, so it makes sense that he would hire someone to do a job like this. Adding to that, I felt the dark side growing stronger. This is undoubtedly the work of the Sith Lord."
"Most concerning this is," Yoda commented.
"I agree. This situation is a lot more serious than what we originally believed." Mace replied, sharing a quick concerned look with Yoda, who liked he was sharing the same opinion as him. Then looking back at Anakin. "Be extra vigilant while you are protecting the Senator."
"Yes, Master," he respectfully bowed, then followed Obi-Wan out of the room.
Silence enveloped the Chamber as the thirteen Masters sat calmly, laminating on what they had just heard from Skywalker. Master Fisto then broke the silence. "His abilities are growing stronger," he started off referring to Anakin. "How was it that he was able to sense something none of us could?"
"I doubt Padawan Skywalker was exaggerating as this is a dire situation for the Republic," Master Gallia confirmed. "I have been in the Senate long enough to sense the waves of anger and confusion from the Senators. And Senator Amidala has made a great many enemies due to her stance in opposing the Bill." The Senators who wanted the Republic to create an army were not happy with the young Naboo Senator and wanted her out of the way. "To hear that Gunray has a hand in trying to silence Senator Amidala is a very probable cause for concern."
"I concur," Master Mundi commented. "This was something we could not see, but young Skywalker could. Out of all the Padawans in Jedi history, Skywalker has proven himself. Would it not be right to let him undertake the trials to Knighthood?"
This was a topic they had been discussing for weeks, as many of the members of the Council felt that Padawan Skywalker was ready to face the trials. He has demonstrated many qualities of a Master and has become both mentally and emotionally mature. Master Yoda had been in deep meditation for days, communing with the Force. Each time it shows him that young Skywalker is ready to become a Knight of the Jedi Order. And then, finally, there was Mace Windu, who was Anakin's, Jedi Master and adoptive father. The Korun master knew Anakin had exceptional skills, more so than many other members of the Order. While he would like nothing more than to let him face the trials; however, under these stressful times: the bounty on Senator Amidala's head and the possibility of the Republic heading into war were most troubling and took precedence.
"That will have to be discussed at a later time. For now, we must focus on the situation we are currently in," Mace said, then looked at Gallia. "Master Gallia, what are your thoughts about the matter in the Senate?"
Master Adi Gallia then went to explain what she knew.
(0^0)
Anakin went to the office of the Supreme Chancellor to speak with Palpatine and inform him of what the Council had decided to do to ensure Padmé's safety. Initially, he reveled in being in Palpatine's presence as the old man made him feel special and important. But over the last couple of years, that had not been the case, as something about Palpatine concerned Anakin greatly. Squashing down his emotions, he kept an expressionless face and listened to the man speak.
"I will talk to her," Palpatine agreed upon hearing Anakin's request that he speak with Padmé about leaving Coruscant for the relative safety of Naboo. "Senator Amidala will not refuse an executive order. I know her well enough to assure you of that."
"Thank you, your Excellency."
"It saddens me that despite your accomplishments since joining the Jedi Order, instead of being made a Jedi Knight, you are still a Padawan and are given an assignment well below your station," Palpatine said with a sad smile. "Would you like me to put in a request to the Jedi Council to have you Knighted?"
And there it was. Palpatine was trying to interfere in Jedi affairs by granting him the honor only the members of the High Council should decide. Only the Council had the right to decide whether or not a Padawan could undertake the trials. This was one of the Order's most sacred of traditions. But more than that, he believed the assignment he was being given was below his station. Normally, that would be the case, but since this involved a Galactic Senator of the Republic, the two failed assassination attempts, and the current situation regarding the Military Creation Act. This was completely necessary. Plus, what did the Chancellor know about meaningless assignments? He had been on missions with Mace and Obi-Wan and had undertaken solo missions, and none of them had been easy.
Locking down on his true emotions and keeping an impassive expression, "with all due respect Chancellor this is an important assignment that can shape the Republic's future. While I appreciate your request, I would rather wait for the Council to decide whether or not they deem me ready to take on the trials," he said in a neutral voice. "The trials are a sacred passage and should not be interfered with by any none member of the Order."
Palpatine had to mask his frown behind a smile befitting that of a father watching a son grow up. "If that is your wish," he then changed the topic, "tell me, my young friend. What are your thoughts about the Galactic Republic and the Separatists? Do you think there will be a war between the two?"
"Anything is possible, Chancellor, though I sincerely hope that we are able to avoid such a thing," Anakin answered. "A war would essentially destroy the Republic and result in the loss of several innocent lives."
"I agree, "placing a hand over his heart, "believe me when I say that no one wants a war that could end the lives of millions. Not even me."
"I find that hard to believe," Anakin mentally said.
"Let us just hope that Master Kenobi can find this bounty hunter and stop any future attacks. Nothing would break this old man's heart more than to see someone as dedicated and loyal as Senator Amidala dead and the Republic destroyed by something as disastrous as a war. For Coruscant to become a battleground would be too much for me to bear," he said, looking crossed between sad and scared.
"Rest assured, Master Kenobi is indeed up to the task and will find answers," Anakin replied in a finishing voice. "Thank you for your assistance in the matter Chancellor."
"I am always here to help if you need me," Palpatine said. Anakin then left after giving a respectful bow.
Leaving the Senate building, Anakin hopped into the speeder he used to arrive and return to the Temple, hoping to speak with Mace and Obi-Wan to address his concerns. And with any luck, Master Yoda was with them.
Arriving at the Temple, he walked inside, and, using the Force, he found the people he was looking for walking through the Temple's halls having a discussion. Allowing his senses to guide him, he sent a message to Mace through their shared bond with a request to speak with him, Master Yoda, and Obi-Wan privately. His Master replied, telling him to come to Master Yoda's quarters, so that's where he was heading. Walking through the halls of the Temple, he eventually arrived at his destination and pressed a button to let them know he was there.
"Enter," he walked in when the door slid open after hearing Master Yoda's voice. "A few things on your mind Padawan Skywalker?"
Anakin sat in a meditative position on one of the meditation pods in the room. "Yes, Master. I have a few concerns I wish to speak with the three of you about. One in regards to my meeting with the Chancellor."
Noting the grim expression on his face, Mace could tell that something was on Anakin's mind. "What is it?"
"He agreed to speak with Senator Amidala about returning to Naboo, but I feel he is up to something."
"Up to what?" Mace cautiously asked.
"I get the sense that he wants Senator Amidala out of the way and for the Republic to be at war with the Separatists."
Yoda closed his eyes for a minute to ponder what the Padawan said about Chancellor Palpatine wanting the Naboo Senator out of the way and for the Republic and, by extension, the Jedi Order to go to war. The Jedi were peacekeepers, not soldiers. "Careful, you must be, as this line of thought is dangerous, young Skywalker," the Grand Master of the Order said. "Certain are you the Chancellor wants the Jedi and Republic to go to war?"
"I am," Anakin then explained his discussion with the Chancellor to the three older Jedi and conveyed his thoughts regarding the conversation. "There is also another matter that is concerning. . ."
A frowning Obi-Wan was not liking where the conversation was going. Master Windu had an even deeper frown when Anakin pointed at his Padawan braid and knew what he was referring to. "Furthermore, he believes the job to protect the Senator is a waste of time and asked me if I would like him to put in a request to have me undergo the trials. I rejected the request and pointed out that only the Council has a right to decide that."
"This is why I have a problem trusting politicians. They are either working an angle, secretly plotting something, or attempting to gain something that will eventually benefit them," Obi-Wan said in a not-at-all-happy voice. "The Chancellor's interest in you makes me feel uneasy."
Master Windu, who sat on the other meditation pod, wholeheartedly agreed with Obi-Wan, as he didn't trust Palpatine. He had explained time and time again that Anakin was a member of the Jedi Order and that the Chancellor had no voice when it came to Jedi affairs. What's more, he was attempting to try to force his way into the boy's life again. "Obi-Wan is right, and politicians have no business interfering in the affairs of the Order. I wonder what he could be trying to gain," tapping his chin with his finger. "Anyway, you were right to inform us and reject his request when you did." Anakin nodded his head. "There anything else you wish to discuss with us?"
"I can use your advice on something of a more personal nature," there was a trace of nervousness in his voice.
"Do you need it from me as a Master or Father?" A questioning look appeared on his face.
"Both," Anakin replied, then added. "I shared the concern with Master Kenobi last night," giving the Jedi Knight a knowing look.
Thinning his lips, Obi-Wan looked at Mace and Yoda. "Anakin spoke to me about his feelings toward Senator Amidala."
Mace gave Anakin a look that said we're going to have a talk. Master Yoda chuckled and hopped down from the pod he was sitting on. "Come, Master Kenobi, a walk I like with you." Obi-Wan knew what Master Yoda had in mind and followed out of the room, leaving Master Windu and Anakin to talk.
The two sat in silence for a couple minutes before Mace began, "you still care for her, don't you?" Getting right to the point. Anakin didn't need to say anything as the look in his eyes said it all. "I had a feeling this might happen," Anakin blinked in surprise at what he said. "Do not look so surprised, as I always figured you were interested in her from when the two of you were in the palace saying your goodbyes after the battle of Naboo ten years ago."
"I don't know why I think of her in that way. But for some strange reason, I care for her as more than just a friend," Anakin explained. "Seeing and being around her again after so many years have passed has sparked something in me."
Mace listened to what Anakin said. "You are not the first Jedi to fall for someone or have feelings like what you have for Senator Amidala. I, too, had similar feelings for someone when I was younger."
Anakin looked at him in disbelief. His Master then explained, "she was a woman from my homeworld Haruun Kal, her name was Kallea Nefli, and she was amazing. Beautiful, compassionate, intelligent, and determined. She meant everything to me, but it was against the code for Jedi to have romantic relationships, and my responsibilities to the Order would never have allowed me to be with her."
"But it's obvious you had feelings for her. Surely that would have affected your decision," Anakin said upon hearing the sadness in his Master's voice.
"It did," Mace confirmed, "and not a day goes by that I don't think about what could have been should I have chosen to remain with her. For two weeks, I spent my time indulging in booze, trying to forget, and to a degree, it worked, but it wasn't easy." He got off the pod he was sitting on, walked over to stand behind his Padawan, and placed an arm on his shoulder. "As both your father and Master, I want nothing more than for you to be happy. I'm not saying it will be easy for you to let go of your for Senator Amidala. Just find a way to relieve yourself of any and all desires of her and limit your relationship to that of only friends."
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied in a soft yet sad voice. Mace heard his voice's sad tone and sympathized with how he felt when he had to leave Kallea that day so many years ago. Anakin didn't know it, but the Senator also had romantic feelings for him. He sensed it when they were in the Chancellor's office and in Amidala's penthouse. The look in her eyes showed she was very happy to see him again, like she had been longing to be able to see him again.
They continued talking until it was time for Anakin to head over to Padmé's apartment.
(0^0)
Standing in Padmé's apartment, Anakin watched as she concluded her business with Jar Jar, stipulating that it would be his responsibility to take her place in the Senate while she is away. The eager Gungan happily accepted the responsibilities of taking her place in the Senate. While they were wrapping up their business, the handmaiden Dormé loaded the suitcases with Padmé's clothes. Anakin could feel the amount of anger radiating from Padmé. She definitely didn't like being forced to do something she didn't want to do.
"I do not like this idea of hiding," stomping into her bedroom with disdain. Her voice was laced with anger and frustration.
"I am sorry about this, but don't worry. Now that the Council has ordered an investigation, it won't take Master Obi-Wan long to find this bounty hunter," trying to ease her frustration.
Padmé grabbed a handful of clothes from her closet and put them in her suitcase. "I haven't worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act. . .to not to be here when its fate is decided!" She said dejectedly, which Anakin found a bit attractive. Padmé was truly dedicated to her job.
"I understand your frustration, but sometimes we must let go of our pride and do what is requested of us," Anakin replied in a voice of understanding. "Even if we do not like it, there are just some things out of our control." Force knows he had to do just that on several occasions.
Padmé let out a breath as she knew he had a point. "Anakin, you've grown up," she said with sarcasm in her voice.
"Believe me when I say that this is only temporary, and while personally, I agree with you that the Bill regarding the Military Creation Act should be defeated, I would rest easier knowing you were safe. The people in the Senate need you just as I do." When Padmé looked at him stunned expression with her cheeks turning pink. Upon realizing what he had just said, he flushed a little, then tried to cover it up by adding. "I mean, you're an important person that many would greatly miss."
She gave a small laugh that, to him, sounded melodic. "Thank you, Ani. I'm glad you think so." Smiling at him, "it's nice to see that even though you have grown up, you are still the same person I met all those years ago on Tatooine." Then deciding to change the conversation. "So, how is it living at the Temple?"
"It can be pretty lonely and sometimes difficult. Especially since Mace Windu is my Master and father," he admitted with a chuckle.
Padmé blinked with surprise at what he said about Master Windu being his father. "How is that possible? I thought there was only a Master and Apprentice relationship within the Jedi."
"That will be a story for another time. But Mace adopted me when I was twelve and has practically raised me since then. He might be strict with me, but he is also fair."
"What about Obi-Wan?"
"Other than liking to criticize everything I do; he is like the older brother I never had. Obi-Wan is a great mentor, as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Mace," he replied. "Don't get me wrong, I like my stepfamily. Cliegg, Owen, and Beru are good people. However, I'm closer to Mace, Obi-Wan, my mom, and my friends Darra and Tru."
Padmé watched as he paced around the room. "Well, you are right that the Lars are good people, and I especially like Beru and Shmi. It is always great when we can get together. And according to Shmi, Threepio might have an eccentric personality, but he is a great help. Hopefully, if time allows, we can find time to relax, Naboo."
"That would be great," Anakin stopped in front of her and looked into her eyes. Blue eyes met brown ones as the two stood in silence together.
Padmé found it hard to resist the urge to not grab him by his robes and bring her lips to his. Already her heart was pounding in her chest, wanting to do just that. "Ani, please don't look at me like that," her breath caught in her throat as she felt her body begin to heat up.
"Why not?"
"It makes me feel uncomfortable," she could feel her cheeks becoming redder and knew she had to pull away, going into her closet to collect the rest of her clothes and simultaneously trying to stop the heat in her chest from spreading to other places.
"Sorry, Milady. I will just get ready," Anakin swept out of the room while mentally scolding himself. "Damn it, I have to control myself," mentally slapping himself.
While he went to another room to change into some refugee clothes, Padmé sighed as she leaned against the wall placing a hand over her beating heart and trying to get it and her breathing under control. Turning her head to the right, she saw Dormé raise an eyebrow and give her a mischievous smile that she knew all too well. "You can stop what your thinking, Dormé. Anakin and I are just friends!" She tried to sound serious but was failing miserably.
"Are you sure?" Asked Dormé. "I saw how you were checking him out. You couldn't keep your eyes off of him. Not that I blame you, as he is attractive."
"I admit that he has changed from that little boy I met on Tatooine, but he's still Anakin."
"Your voice says one thing, but your eyes say something different," Dormé teased. "Where if he was a shaak steak, he be delicious," she added with a sultry smile.
"Dormé," Padmé cried as the heat in her cheeks returned. "You are a real minx," though she found it hard to deny her attraction to the Jedi Padawan. "He is very handsome, isn't he," she said with a sly smile.
(0^0)
An hour later, at, Coruscant's Industrial District, Anakin and Padmé had changed into their refugee disguises. They hopped into a speeder bus with Obi-Wan, Typho, and Dormé and rose it to the docking bay. The three stood by the entrance when the shuttle's door finally opened to allow the passengers to exit.
"Be safe, Milady," Captain Typho said with genuine concern. It was clear that he was not thrilled with allowing Padm out of his sight and control. He handed a pair of suitcases to Anakin and gave a nod of confidence to the young Jedi.
"Thank you, Captain," Padmé replied, her voice thick with gratitude. "Take good care of Dormé. The threat will be on you two now."
"He'll be safe with me!" Dormé put in quickly. Padmé smiled, appreciating the small attempt at levity. Then she embraced her handmaiden/friend in a great and smiled, appreciating the small attempt at levity. Then she embraced her handmaiden in a big hug. Tears started to fall from Dormé's eyes.
"You'll be fine," Padmé whispered into the other woman's ear.
"It's not me, Milady. I worry about you. What if they realize you've left the capital?"
Padmé moved back to arm's length and smiled as she looked over her shoulder at Anakin. "Then my Jedi protector will have to prove how good he is."
Dormé wiped the tears from her eyes and chuckled. She then leaned into Padmé's ear and whispered. "Oh, I'm pretty sure he'll prove to be more than good. Try not to have too much fun with your protector."
Padmé playfully slapped Dormé's arm and then chuckled herself.
Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan were having their own conversation. "All right, Anakin, you know the drill," a serious Obi-Wan said. "Stay on Naboo until you hear otherwise. Do not do anything without first consulting myself, Master Windu, or the Council. You can visit your mom and stepfamily, but be sure not to draw any unwanted attention."
"Yes, Master," Anakin said.
"I will get to the bottom of this plot quickly, milady," Obi-Wan turned his attention to Padmé. "You'll be back here in no time," he assured her.
"I will be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi," Padmé said in a hopeful voice.
"Time to go," Anakin informed Padmé.
"I know," she followed him out of the speeder bus and onto the landing where R2-D2 was waiting for them.
"May the Force be with you, Anakin," Obi-Wan said.
"May the Force be with you, Master." Anakin returned before heading to a giant freight with Padmé walking beside him and R2 rolling from behind them whistling.
Back at the bus, waiting for it to take them back to the main city, the three left behind watched Anakin, Padmé, and R2-D2 blend into the large crowd of refugees as they navigated their way through the spaceport. "I hope he doesn't get into any trouble and that nothing happens to him," Obi-Wan said with concern etched in his voice. It wasn't that he didn't trust Anakin, but rather he wanted him to be careful while on his assignment. Typho grunted with a small smile as he could tell the Jedi Knight cared a lot for his Padawan.
"I'd be more concerned about her doing something than him," Typho replied. He shook his head, his expression serious. "She's not one to follow orders."
"A person with an independent streak," the Jedi Knight commented with a smirk. "Anakin is similar in that regard." The Padawan did indeed have that streak in him and was considered a maverick, much like Qui-Gon Jinn. Anakin does follow the rules and would at least ask for permission should he wish to pursue something or whenever he feels strongly about something. That said, he did have his moments in which he would act independently.
"Like-minded traveling companions," Dorm observed.
Obi-Wan and Typho turned to regard her, and Typho shook his head helplessly again. Obi-Wan didn't disagree with Dormé's assessment, however innocently she meant it. Padmé Amidala was a very stubborn individual, one of strong and independent thinking and more than willing to trust her own judgment above that of others, whatever their position and experience. Again Anakin was somewhat similar.
(0^0)
After heading back to the Capital, Obi-Wan went to the Jedi Temple's Archives so the droids could analyze the toxic dart that silenced the female bounty hunter Zam. To his surprise, the droids reported that the dart's origin was unknown and not in their records. When that failed, he decided to visit the one person he believed could know who and where the item came from. In CoCo Town, after parking his speeder, he walked into Dex's Diner to see if his old friend was in today.
It had been a while since Obi-Wan had been to the Diner, let alone spoke to Dex. The place hadn't changed a bit since the last time he visited, and different species of aliens were sitting at the tables and bar, eating and chatting away. Just as Obi-Wan was about to take another step, a waitress droid approached him.
"Can I help you with something?" the waitress droid asked.
"Yes. I'm looking for Dexter." He raised a hand when the droid was about to ask if the owner was in trouble. "I assure you he is not in trouble. I just need to speak to him about a personal matter."
The droid eyed him briefly before turning her head toward the opening serving hatch behind the counter. "Someone here to speak with ya, honey," she announced. "Jedi, by the looks of him."
The male Besalisk named Dexter turned his attention away from the customer sitting in front of him to see who the Jedi was. Immediately a big smile appeared on his face, "Obi-Wan!"
"Hey, Dex," Obi-Wan replied, returning the smile, standing and moving to the counter.
"Take a seat, old buddy! Be right with ya!"
Obi-Wan glanced around to find an open booth when he saw the waitress droid had gone about her business, tending to other customers. Finding a booth just to the side of the counter. He was about to take a seat when the droid asked.
"Do you want a cup of Jawa Juice?" the droid asked, her demeanor much more accommodating than when he arrived a minute ago.
"Oh, yes. Thank you," taking a seat, waiting for Dexter to come out of the kitchen.
Not a moment later, the four-armed alien owner came out of the kitchen, sweating as it was obvious that he'd been moving around the Diner and been near the stove too long. Obi-Wan then stood up when Dexter wobbled over to him. "Hey, old buddy!"
"Hey, Dex. Long time." The two hugged before taking a seat at the booth. The waitress, droid, returned with two steaming mugs filled with Jawa Juice and set them on the table for the two.
"So, my friend, what can I do for ya?" Dexter asked. To Obi-Wan, he had been a very loyal friend who had traveled from different areas around the galaxy and had extensive knowledge when it came to knowing about unusual objects.
"You can tell me what this is," Obi-Wan answered. He put the dart on the table, watching Dex all the time, noting how his old friend quickly placed the mug he was drinking out of back down, his eyes widening as he regarded the curious and distinctive item.
"Well, waddya know," an amazed Dex said as if he could hardly believe his eyes as he looked at the item. He picked up the dart delicately, almost reverently, the weapon nearly disappearing within the folds of his fat fingers. "I ain't seen one of these since I was prospecting. . .on Subterrel beyond the Outer Rim."
"Do you know where it came from?" Obi-Wan asked curiously.
Dexter placed the dart down before Obi-Wan. "This baby belongs to them cloners. What you got here is a Kamino saberdart."
Dex poked down at the dart with a stubby finger. "It's these funny little cuts on the side that give it away," he explained. "Those analysis droids you've got over there only focus on symbols; you know. I should think you Jedi have more. . .respect for the difference between knowledge and . . .wisdom," he said with some sarcasm dripping down his voice.
"Well, if droids could think, there'd be none of us here, would there?" Obi-Wan answered with a laugh.
The Jedi Knight sobered quickly, though, remembering the gravity of his mission. "Kamino. . . I'm not familiar with it. Is it in the Republic?"
"No, no. It's beyond the Outer Rim. I'd say about uh . . ." rubbing his face trying to remember, "twelve parsecs. . .outside the Rishi Maze. It should be easy to find, even for those droids in your archive. These, uh, Kaminoans keep to themselves," he said a little seriously and leaned forward. "They're cloners. Damn good ones, too."
Obi-Wan picked up the dart again, holding it between them, his elbow resting on the table. "Cloners?" he asked. "Are they friendly?"
"It depends," Dex said with a mild amount of suggestion.
"Depends on what, Dex?" Obi-Wan asked as his lips began forming a smile.
"On how good your manners are. . . and how big your, uh, pocketbook is," Dexter laughed.
Obi-Wan looked back at the saberdart, hardly surprised. The thing didn't look like anything anyone could just buy; whoever wanted it needed to spend a good amount of credits to obtain it. He then thought back to what Anakin said about Count Dooku, Ferus Olin, and Nute Gunray, likely the ones responsible for ordering the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala. Then there was that grey-armored bounty hunter he saw the night Zam died. There is a high chance that whoever the person is, he is likely on Kamino and there might be some additional information to unravel the mystery of what is happening. But first, he would need to find the planet's location. A visit and research in the Temple's Archives would be required.
A/N: As I said in the last chapter, I had a few things in mind, particularly about Anakin and Padmé's relationship at the start of the movie. It was clear to everyone that they had feelings for each other. However, in this story, things are going to be a little different. Don't worry. They will end up together. But when? That is the big question.
Even though this is not Anakin's first assignment on his own, he is particularly happy that he gets to be with the person he loves. I say it was a smart move to have him speak with Mace about his feelings toward her, as the man is not just his Jedi Master. But his father.
Obi-Wan gets some valuable information on where the saberdart came from and strongly suspects that the answers he seeks are on Kamino.
Next Chapter: Welcome Home and developing feelings