Chapter 11
Anakin realized with a start that this was a repeat of his second vision. However, this time it was much clearer. As had happened before, it began with a house with Tatooine's twin suns setting in the distance.
The suns filled the sky with orange.
Orange became red.
Red became fire.
An explosion burned at his eyes.
What blew up?
A figure emerged from the flames.
A Sith!
A cold night on Coruscant.
A red lightsaber gleams in the darkness.
A young man stands ready to fight.
That's me!
The rush of images was becoming painful and Anakin desperately wished the vision would stop. As though the Force complied, one last image slowly came to him.
A lightsaber cutting off his right hand.
Anakin gasped for breath and slid heavily to the floor as the vision ceased. There was more this time. A lot more. I'd remember if I'd seen myself lose a hand the during the last time.
"Anakin, calm you mind."
Anakin looked up quickly to see Master Windu's worried face. "You saw that too?"
"Yes, you were still broadcasting from the memory transference. This new vision seems to have followed it."
Instantly, Anakin raised his shields. But it wasn't a new vision. He stood back up and schooled his features.
The last thing I want to do it talk about it. How can I distract him from making me review it?
Abruptly, Anakin remembered what he was asking before this vision happened.
"How did you know that the children I saw was a vision of the future?"
"The resonance in the Force. In time you will learn to sense the difference."
"And why do you think that they are my kids?"
Mace hesitated before answering. "They appeared to be no older then two years, though I noticed that the girl did not stand up. Perhaps she is younger then the boy," he speculated.
"Either way, no child that young, of any species, can levitate an object."
He's going to show my visions to the rest of the Council, I just know it!
**********
A week later, Anakin waited patiently outside of the Temple's Great Archive. This morning he was waiting for his first lesson with Council member Adi Gallia. The beautiful and elegant Jedi Master arrived perfectly on time. She was cool and calm as she glided into view.
She nodded her head to him and turned to enter the large ornate doors. Anakin quickly moved to follow. As they walked Anakin was careful to remain one step behind her and to not look too uncomfortable. Why do I get the feeling that she didn't want me to be a Jedi?
The Great Archive was an elaborate place. It was filled with everything you could imagine and even more that you could not. It was divided into sections for different objects. Master Gallia and Anakin passed a sign directing you to the ancient books, and skirted the edge of the artifacts section.
At the end of the passage they entered a domed room. Inside were an array of tables and chairs with many types of viewing machines. Master Gallia walked to the nearest unoccupied one.
"Sit here and place your hands on the device."
Anakin complied silently. If she doesn't want to talk to me then I won't talk to her.
"Tell me what was examined here last, a book or an object?"
Anakin stared at the empty machine. He could get no clues from its design. It was the standard type used for any kind of studying whether it be of a delicate book or a vial of liquid. I gotta use the Force to figure out what was here last. Anakin pursed his lips in irritation.
Maybe if I kinda try to see the past... Anakin concentrated heavily. An unsteady, and very small blur seemed to form in front of him.
"An object."
"Correct." Adi Gallia gracefully sat in the next chair. "This is called Psychometry. This ability allows a Jedi to telepathically get information, from an object or location, about its past."
"Telepathically?" Anakin stared.
"You have difficulty with this?"
"Yes, I do." I am not going to tell her that I can't do it at all.
"How did you know the answer?"
"Searching the past."
Master Gallia looked at him sharply. "That would be the hard way."
Gently, she tapped his mind to get his attention. "Follow the trail."
From there she showed him images of a stone path. Dutifully, Anakin mentally let it take him to the machine. Once there, he could clearly see an after image of what had last occupied that space. It was a small, intricate glass cup.
"This type of telepathy is not the same as mentally speaking to another person. Some find one way easier then the other depending on their talents."
Anakin nodded and repeated the exercise. He was very pleased to see that it took little effort.
"This skill is vital for learning information about who has been somewhere and what actions took place. The Jedi must be in contact with the item in some way, or must be in the vicinity."
"Spy stuff."
"Essentially, yes. Details such as the identity of the last person to use an object, such as their name, are very difficult. As is sensing the item's last location, or what the last person's thoughts were at the time they used it."
"What about people?"
"It won't work on the living, but you can sense much from what a person wears or carries with them."
"Now," Master Gallia stood up. "We will walk through the artifacts room and you will describe to me who last employed each item I point out."
As he followed her out he allowed his face to scrunch up in irritation.
"And next week you will do it blindfolded."
Anakin groaned silently.
Chapter 12
Anakin skirted the edge of an obstacle and blocked a stinging energy bolt. The blindfold itched and sweat dripped from his forehead. Carefully, he listened for the hum of the remotes' repulsor lifts. He had fought two remotes before, but not blindfolded.
Today's lesson was about how to magnify ones senses during combat. Obi-Wan had explained that most Padawans are not actually taught blind sensing. Instead, they learn this power automatically when lightsaber training with a blindfold on.
It sounded really smart way to learn when my Masters explained it, but now it seems dumb. How often will I get blinded anyway?
Anakin did have an excellent direction sense ability and often relied on it to locate an object by its resonance in the Force. The blindfold is a little overkill.
He gripped his new lightsaber tightly. It was a bright cyan blue. Kaely had picked the color. I am so glad this thing is done now. I hope that I don't have to build another, but at least I know it wouldn't be as hard to do again.
Unbidden, the image of someone losing their right hand came to him. He tried to repress a shudder. Maybe I really need to learn this saber stuff. Just in case.
**********
The evening before, the Jedi Council had finally found the time to discuss Anakin visions with his masters. They went to the Council chambers without Anakin. Mace Windu concisely related what he saw of Anakin's visions of the future. They deliberated for some time, but drew few conclusions. When they returned, Anakin did not ask what the Council had said. If anything, he behaved as though the entire incident had never taken place.
During this morning's training session Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan conversed mentally while Anakin battled the two remotes blindfolded. They had made it clear that they expected him to block with his saber or dodge, but simply absorbing the stings would be unacceptable.
Qui-Gon watched Anakin dodge another bolt. /The Council is very concerned./
From across the room, Obi-Wan responded without taking his eyes off of Anakin. /They disguise it well./
/Anakin seems unwilling to discuss any of this. I believe he would not have spoken to anyone of his visions if he'd had a choice./
/There can be no doubt that the children he saw are Skywalkers./ Obi-Wan stepped to one side as Anakin moved closer.
/I wonder how the Council would have coped if Ani had been raised here?/
/No better than they are now I suspect./
/He would have overwhelmed the Crèche Masters./ Qui-Gon smiled faintly.
/Imitating everything he saw.../
/And probably levitating objects before he could walk./
There was a pause before Obi-Wan sighed. /Those little ones built their tower so easily. I couldn't do that until I was seven./
Qui-Gon nodded to himself. /Ani's children will be powerful indeed./
"Good, Ani," Obi-Wan praised as Anakin parried five energy bolts in quick succession.
/He has nearly reached the normal lightsaber skill level for his age./
Obi-Wan looked over at his friend. /At least Ani appears to appreciate his weapon now./
/Yes, the second vision disturbed him./
/It disturbed me!/ Obi-Wan couldn't hide his worry.
/Though they did not say it when they discussed this with us, I feel that the Council had determined little./
/It appeared to me that they assumed the young man in the vision was Anakin himself./
Qui-Gon walked slowly around the teenager and tossed a small metal bar at him. Immediately, Anakin sliced it in three pieces before it could fall to the ground.
/I'm reluctant to analyze this too much myself. Anything about Anakin's future is all but impossible to for us to see./
/They can't be certain if this is an actual event to come or a metaphorical representation,/ Obi-Wan surmised.
/Either way, it is a clear indication of the growing conflict in the Republic./
/I hope that Ani will be ready for missions soon, they need us out there./
/I agree. The people have more interest in war then peace./
Obi-Wan grinned as Anakin nimbly skipped across the unsteady floor without falling or becoming distracted from the remotes. /I wish Ani would tell us what he thinks of his visions./
Qui-Gon sighed quietly. /As do I. But we must not intrude, these things are too personal./
"How much longer?" Anakin called aloud. The Jedi had sensed his growing impatience as battling the remotes became easier throughout the lesson.
"Soon, don't complain," Qui-Gon answered. Suddenly, a third remote sprang into the air. Then a fourth and a fifth, and more came at Anakin firing wildly.
Anakin nearly panicked. He blocked a few of the bolts before realizing that the lightsaber would be useless against so many. Hastily, he Force shoved half of them across the room, while absorbing the stings from the others.
Drawing on the energy he'd collected over the entire lesson, Anakin build a Force shield around his body. Once he was certain it was secure he pulled off his blindfold and looked straight at Obi-Wan.
"I didn't do it," Obi-Wan protested fervently.
Qui-Gon's face was grave. "Kaely."
The little pink droid hovered and cooed innocently at him.
"Apologize to Anakin," he instructed her as he and Obi-Wan deactivated the remotes.
She bobbed in the air and moaned pitifully.
"Now, be good Kaely," Qui-Gon warned.
Obi-Wan tried hard not to roll his eyes.
Chapter 13
Anakin stood uncertainly in a small sparring arena. Lavir Ruoy looked rather smug as he unclipped his lightsaber. A large group of Padawans of all ages filled a quarter of the seats and still more were arriving.
Anakin sighed silently. How did I get into this mess? He thought back to lunchtime. Suoicarg and Elbaima had been relating to him all of the latest Temple gossip. Anakin had been rather bored until they mentioned that Lavir had returned.
His friends both gushed over how Lavir's Master had successfully convinced the Hapans to send ambassadors to Coruscant. They explained to him in excruciating detail how long the Republic has wanted Hapes to join and how very hard it is to even persuade them to talk.
Anakin was almost grateful when Lavir had approached their table.
**********
"I don't have time for a lightsaber duel."
Lavir gestured haughtily. "You can not turn down a challenge. I insist."
"Watch me." Anakin stood up and walked away.
Lavir's eyes narrowed. "Uoytlusn!"
Anakin stopped and looked back at him.
"It's pronounced, Uoytlusni," he said coolly.
"How would you know?"
"I unfortunately speak Huttese."
"I see."
Suoicarg's eyes were wide and Elbaima was speechless. A group of Padawans passed close to them to leave the dinning hall and Lavir suddenly changed tactics.
"This is merely a sparring match. Surely, you can spare the time." Lavir looked down at Anakin's companions. "Wouldn't you agree? Help me encourage him."
Elbaima thought about it a moment before answering. "It might be fun, Ani. I'm sure Lavir won't go too hard on you."
"I would like to see you spar. This is such a prestigious opportunity," Suoicarg explained.
"You must be a very good and I would be honored to test your skills myself," Lavir cajoled.
Anakin's heart sank. They are assuming I can fight really well just because Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are teaching me!
**********
And now I really wish I'd just keep walking away.
Anakin stood calmly with his ignited lightsaber pointed low to the floor. Lavir gracefully assumed a ready stance with his emerald lightsaber up and ready to counter whatever strike Anakin chose.
For several seconds each waited for the other to attack. Lavir had been trained that Jedi do not attack, instead they defend when assaulted. However, waiting for his opponent to move first was just Anakin's way.
Finally, realizing that they would be waiting forever, Lavir lunged forward. He struck lightly to test Anakin's strength. Anakin was slim and nearly as tall as Lavir, however he was no match for the 18-year-old's muscles.
Anakin chose to parry and dodge before the blow could overwhelm his defenses. He slid to Lavir's left side and struck at his torso. But Lavir skipped backward and swept his lightsaber at Anakin's feet. It was a simple trick, but very effective against a slower opponent. He was unprepared for Anakin's speed.
Anakin's leap to avoid the green blade carried him high into the air. The crowd was surprised. It looked like he had greatly overcompensated or was desperate to retreat. Anakin was doing neither. He descended and alighted nimbly on Lavir's right shoulder. He waited with his blade held still and unthreatening for Lavir to react.
The crowd stared speechless as Anakin balanced calmly on one foot. Lavir stared up at him for a second before retaliating. He swung his saber up with one hand and grabbed Anakin's ankle with the other. Anakin parried the blade and used the Force to remain firmly rooted to the older teenager's shoulder, despite how hard he tried to yank Anakin off.
When that failed, Lavir twisted and flipped away. Anakin had no choice but to release him. Lavir landed in a crouch some distance away while Anakin gently floated to the ground. The horde of Padawans began cheering again.
Lavir began to stalk like a predator. He circled closer and closer in the sparring space. Anakin held his lightsaber loosely and gazed at him with a bored expression. The excited crowd's roar grew louder and louder. In a flash of power and strength, Lavir leaped at Anakin.
He struck out at the younger boy with all of his might and drove his saber's point straight at Anakin. Anakin's lightsaber remained low at his side. Those still sitting in the crowd leapt to their feet and gasped.
Lavir's deactivated lightsaber bounced across the floor and Anakin held his blue blade to Lavir's neck.
Absolute silence reigned. Anakin lowered his saber and switched it off.
Lavir's dark eyes stared at him. He finally stepped back two steps, but neither's cold expressions changed. Collectively, the crowd seemed to remember to breathe and began babbling frantically.
"I never saw him even move."
"He must have kicked it out of Lavir's hand."
"No way!"
"Well, he didn't raise his lightsaber until afterwards!"
"That is the strangest duel I've ever seen!"
The Padawans quieted at once when they saw Lavir lift one hand. "You are quite skilled in acrobatics, Skywalker. However, I noticed that you rarely employed your weapon."
"I don't enjoy dueling."
"I can see that. Training with Master Jinn and Knight Kenobi must be exhausting." Lavir stepped away as and turned to address the crowd, but then stopped and glanced back at Anakin.
"How old are you?" he asked off-handedly in a quieter, yet still audible, voice.
"Thirteen. What business is it of yours?" Anakin was becoming increasingly irritated. And why exactly are we having this conversation in front of an audience?
He almost missed the shocked reaction of the crowd. Lavir was stiff and spoke very clearly. "How long have you been a Padawan?"
Anakin decided that not answering would be more trouble than it was worth. "About three months."
Lavir raised one dark brow, but the rest of his face remained stony. "You have neither the appearance nor the resonance in the Force of a new Padawan." His voice was strained.
Then he announced loudly, "I would greatly enjoy a rematch. You have potential with a lightsaber and hope you will use it more in our next duel. In the mean time, I must brush up on my acrobatic skills."
The crowd was pleased and clapped wildly.
They didn't even wait for me to answer. It would never occur to any of them that I wouldn't want to. I'm sick of this. Without a word or a look back, Anakin left.
Chapter 14
"Anakin, I'd like to introduce Etaicerppa." Suoicarg waved one elegant hand to the lanky teenage Bith.
"Hi, have a seat!" Anakin smiled in welcome and slid over to make room. There were nearly a dozen Padawans crowded around the large table.
Etaicerppa gratefully sat down with them. Since the duel with Lavir, Anakin had discovered many Padawans wanted to be friends with him and would smile and greet him in the hallways. Once, Anakin would have quickly become friends with everyone he met. But the three years he struggled while enslaved by pirates, living on his own and running from a Sith had taken their toll. Anakin had to frequently remind himself that silence and caution was no longer necessary for survival.
"Ani, I told Etaicerppa what a good mechanic you are and he needs your help," Suoicarg explained.
The shy Bith ducked his head. "I attend a ship repair class in between missions with my Master. The teacher has discovered a problem with one of the shuttles. I was wondering if you could help?"
"Sure, is that okay?"
"Oh yes, if you can assist us the teacher would be most obliged and you wouldn't be doing my assignment for me. My class is the tenth hour. When can you come?"
Anakin thought for a moment before he remembered that the next day would be a Council lesson. He'd already received a holo-message explaining that his lesson would not take place until the afternoon. "Tomorrow is fine. Can you meet me here to take me to your class?"
"Yes! That would be excellent. I am most grateful." He self-consciously ducked his head again.
**********
Anakin followed his new acquaintance uncertainly. The ship repair bay was large and reeked of oil and engine fluid. Anakin thought it was the greatest smell in the world. Except for maybe Padmé's perfume. It was very hard for him to restrain himself from immediately examining the nearest ship.
The teacher looked up at them as she finished helping two students. She was human and much older than Qui-Gon, with gray and white hair. Her kind face had deep smile lines. "Good morning."
"Master Reh-caet, this is Anakin Skywalker," Etaicerppa said happily.
"Welcome Anakin, I have heard much about you. Etaicerppa has told me that you are a skilled mechanic." She led him to a shuttle by the far wall. It was a standard two-passenger ship typically flown by Jedi on short trips to the other Core worlds but no farther then the Inner Rim.
She opened an exterior panel to show him. "This ship has been out for some time due to the nature of the last users' mission. At one point they unexpectedly ended up flying out to the Mid Rim and the ship was damaged in a fight."
Anakin noticed she gave no names and wondered if she wasn't allowed or if she didn't know herself. He concentrated on the mass of wires she pulled out.
"They fixed what they could, but had to rely on the locals to patch together a temporary repair for the rest. I have shown this to several other Masters, yet none of them had ever seen such an unusual kind of repair. I'm not even sure how to remove it without cutting out and replacing the entire cooling system."
Master Reh-caet stepped back and smiled. "I would greatly appreciate it if you can take this mess out. Then my students will repair it themselves."
"I'll do my best." Eagerly Anakin dug his hands into the wires and searched for a circuit board. Master Reh-caet went to assist another Padawan. Etaicerppa and his class partner were assigned this ship and watched Anakin curiously.
"Hi!" Anakin said to the second Padawan. She was very tall, thin and he could tell that she was female, but she looked like she had no face. I just know I'll be spending hours trying to find out what species she is.
Despite the fact that she had no visible mouth, she answered in a pleasant voice. "Greetings Anakin, I am L'latyrev."
She reached out a branch-like hand with pencil thin fingers. Anakin shook it in surprise that she knew that ancient human custom and hoped his grasp didn't hurt her.
"Pleased to meet you, too!"
"You have an unusual accent. May I ask why?"
"Uh, well. I wasn't raised here on Coruscant." Please don't ask where or why, Anakin hoped.
She nodded politely and Anakin sighed with relief. Anakin returned to his dilemma. What is this odd thing? He twisted the tiny device's wires out of his way to get a better look.
Without warning Anakin swiftly Force shoved the two Padawans across the room and flipped backwards in the air. He landed lightly and braced himself.
"GET DOWN!"
The explosion rocked the room knocking the nearest students to the floor. The flash of orange briefly blinded everyone. Those with the quickest reflexes had taken cover behind the other ships in time and now stood up in shock.
A green and orange inferno hung suspended in the air. Even the smoke and sparks were frozen. Anakin stood stiffly near it with his palms held out and his eyes closed.
"Get them out!" Anakin said through clench teeth.
Instantly, Master Reh-caet used the Force to slam open the entrance doors and bellowed. "Out! Run to the Efas Stairs!"
The stunned Padawans obeyed immediately and poured out of the hanger bay. Master Reh-caet herself stopped near the door and called out to Anakin.
"Several Masters are on their way, is there anything I can do to help you!"
"Just GO!"
She didn't hesitate to follow her startled class.
**********
The Jedi Council was in a special session with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in the Council Spire. He had specially asked to speak with the entire Council and he had graciously offered to go to them.
"This is becoming increasingly serious." Palpatine's voice carried softly in the room.
"We have been preparing for some time now," Master Windu consoled him.
"That is a great relief. However, many of my recent efforts have failed. To use the recent disagreement on Duro as an example, they decline all offers of help. They politely but firmly turned away a team of negotiators and they have now even rejected your guidance." He gestured to the Jedi Masters surrounding him.
Yoda nodded gravely. "Prefer battle they do."
"I am greatly distressed to say that these refusals are becoming more and more common place. The people do not want peace." Palpatine's words dripped with sadness and grief.
Before the Supreme Chancellor had finished speaking all of the Jedi stiffened visibly. Palpatine noticed and looked at Master Windu expectantly.
"Something urgent has occurred. We must continue later. My apologies, Chancellor." Quickly, Mace followed Master Yoda and Master Eeth Koth out of the chamber. The rest remained to try to alleviate the Chancellor's concerns and schedule another discussion at a later date.
Chapter 15
Smoke billowed at Anakin's feet and he hardly dared to breathe. The explosion in front of him was still moving, but very slowly. At first he'd instantly blocked it and his shield held the fire back. However, now Anakin was getting tired and the flames crept closer and closer.
Anakin squeezed his eyes even tighter.
/Steady, Anakin. Help is on the way./
Qui-Gon's voice carried over to him through the training bond. Anakin felt a little guilty that he didn't think to call out for help. I gotta remember that they are there.
/Yes you should. Focus, Ani,/ Obi-Wan instructed him. /Master Yoda is almost to you. Just keep going a little longer./
Anakin shuddered as the mass of burning gasses and fire began to approach him a little faster. I don't think I'm doing this right. He recalled how Master Yoda had halted the Sith's energy ball months ago.
Maybe there is another way. Carefully, Anakin took a breath of the decreasing amount of clean air. The fire is just too big, I've gotta get rid of some of it.
Anakin concentrated on what Master Eeth Koth had taught him over the last four weeks.
*********
"Absorbing energy is an effective way to remove a danger. However, that energy does not need to be completely dissipated. Rather you can convert it. This ability allows you to form a conduit and power an object. For example, fire a blaster with a dead energy pack or wield an uncharged lightsaber."
"This power must be handled with great care for it is easy to overwhelm an object and it burn out or even cause it to explode."
**********
The flames were brushing against Anakin's palms now. Automatically, he began to absorb it. I need to send it somewhere. What's in here that I could use? He tried to cracking open one eye and immediately regretted it. The stinging smoke and bright fire hurt and prevented him from seeing anything.
Finally, Anakin opted to redirect the energy into the nearest ships. He probed the other vessels carefully for their power cells and hoped that he didn't overload them. At least they were all off, so they wouldn't explode.
Anakin desperately held his breath. His lungs begged for air, but he didn't dare risk choking on the smoke and losing his concentration. But passing out won't work either. Please, someone get here soon!
**********
Jedi Masters do not run in the Temple. At least that's what the Padawans always believed, having never seen a Master actually need to run. Master Reh-caet's class was understandable surprised when Master Windu and Master Koth leaped down the Efas Staircase. However, seeing Master Yoda slide down the banister on one foot left them stunned speechless.
Yoda picked up speed and passed the other two Council members. At the end he flew off and sailed above the small crowd of Padawan's heads. They ducked instinctively, and were glad they did when they saw Mace and Eeth Koth leapt over them as well.
They were only a little more prepared when Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan came barreling around the corner.
**********
Even before the Jedi Masters entered the hanger bay, Anakin could sense them reaching out to him. The flames and dangerous gasses completely surrounded Anakin from view.
Master Yoda came close to him with Mace and Eeth flanking either side. Eeth Koth's eyes went wide as he recognized instantly what Anakin was doing. His short tan horns turned white in surprise. Obi-Wan slid into the room followed by Qui-Gon. They stopped behind Yoda and waited expectantly.
Mace turned his head. "Tell him to be still."
Qui-Gon reached for the training bond. /Don't move, Ani./
Qui-Gon then nodded to Mace. Cautiously, they pushed away the fire around Anakin.
"Back up slowly," Obi-Wan told him when the path was clear. Warily, Anakin complied.
"Your grip, release to us," Yoda ordered him. Anakin waited until he was sure they had control before letting go completely.
Anakin took a deep breath as he felt the Jedi Masters and Obi-Wan all work to build a shield surrounding the entire explosion. Once it was steady, the Council members held it up allowing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to see to Anakin.
Obi-Wan stepped up behind him and rested his hands on Anakin's shoulders. "Are you hurt?"
Anakin opened his eyes and watched the lack of oxygen begin to gradually snuff out the fire. "I don't think so," he said hoarsely.
Qui-Gon walked in front and scrutinized him. Anakin was shaking from fatigue, but wasn't burnt. He lifted Anakin's chin. "How about your eyes?"
"I closed them in time."
The last of the flames went out and the Masters dispersed their shield.
"We will examine this incident ourselves. Take Anakin to be treated," Mace ordered them seriously. He and the others looked very grim.
"Can you walk back?" Qui-Gon asked Anakin quietly.
"Of course." Anakin looked vaguely insulted as the left the hanger bay.
They moved slowly down the passage and were relieved to see that the class of Padawans was now gone. Anakin's breathing was shallow and unsteady.
Sensing their worry Anakin spoke up quickly. "I don't need to go to the Healers. I'm sure I can walk home just fine."
Obi-Wan looked stern and Qui-Gon was unconvinced. "Really!" Anakin insisted.
"Very well. However, if you stumble even once on the way you will go see them," Obi-Wan decided in his favor.
Qui-Gon didn't speak, but watched Anakin intently the entire journey. When they arrived successfully, neither Jedi were sure if they should be relieved or even more concerned.
/Is he truly unharmed?/ Obi-Wan glanced at the teenager. Anakin went quietly to his room and collapsed on the bed.
/I could not sense anything serious. However, he may be very clever at hiding his injuries, even from us,/ he replied.
Chapter 16
That evening Obi-Wan groaned as the holo-terminal rang again. The three of them had holed up in their apartment to avoid their friends and spare themselves the inevitable questions. Anakin had slept all afternoon and had now taken over answering the com for his harried masters.
"Could you get that, Ani?"
"Sure." Anakin flopped down in the seat at the terminal.
"Greetings, Anakin."
It took him a moment to recognize the Mon Calamari. "Oh, hi Master Bant!"
"Is Obi-Wan around?"
"Actually he's kinda oblong."
Bant unsuccessfully repressed a snicker and Qui-Gon didn't even try to hide his smile. Obi-Wan looked a bit stunned.
"Ani!" Obi-Wan leapt up from the sofa where he was reading. Anakin quickly darted to the safety of his room before Obi-Wan could retaliate.
Anakin waited by the closed door until he sensed Obi-Wan leave. Slowly, he crept out wary of a trap. Ah, he's probably gone to his room to meditate or to escape Kaely.
Before he could leave the alcove, the holo-link loudly announced that it had received another call. Anakin slouched back in the chair.
"Hello Ani, I've only have a few moments to speak with you before my Master returns. Are you injured badly?" Elbaima looked very worried.
"No, I'm fine, I didn't even have to see the healers."
"Everyone's talking about the terrible explosion!"
"Really, people are exaggerating. Everything was fine and no one was hurt."
Frantically, Anakin tried to think of a way to distract him from asking more questions.
"I have to stay cooped up for the rest of the day. No working on my lessons, no going anywhere, can't build stuff at my work table, and of course no lightsaber practice, but I don't mind about that."
"You act like it's a punishment, some would see it as a vacation with no lessons to do!"
"I'm bored."
Elbaima grinned. "Don't let your Masters hear you say that!"
Anakin smirked back at his friend. "I know, but I can get away with it today."
"I'm out of time, I'll see you tomorrow, Ani."
"Bye."
Anakin had almost made it to the kitchen when a trilling sound emanated from the terminal again. He groaned.
"It's probably for you again, Ani," Qui-Gon said quietly.
Wearily, Anakin keyed the holo terminal's blinking light. He glanced down at the familiar address and waited as the image appeared. "Hello, Master Tahl."
"How are you feeling, Anakin?"
"Better, okay I guess. You want to talk to Master Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, I would."
Anakin stood up from the chair and went into the kitchen when Qui-Gon took his place.
"Qui-Gon, I thought perhaps you'd like to talk?"
He remained serious. "Yes, would you like to meet in one of the gardens? The dinning hall would be too crowded."
"I see. Would you like to come here? I'll put a kettle on for tea."
"Yes, that is fine. I would invite you dine with us this evening, however I'd rather speak with you..."
"Where I can't hear!" Anakin yelled from the kitchen.
Qui-Gon was unperturbed. "I'll see you in a few minutes."
"Don't torture Obi-Wan, Ani." Qui-Gon glanced at Anakin briefly has he left the apartment.
"Yes, Master."
Anakin sighed and mumbled to himself. "But there's nothing else to do."
He set his snack on the floor and stretched out on the sofa. Lazily he turned on the holo-vision and flipped channels. Once again the com rang and Anakin dragged himself back to the alcove. He quickly schooled his face into an expressionless mask when he saw who was calling.
"Good evening, Master Yaddle. How are you today?"
"Healthy I am. Recovered have you?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Informing you I am of rescheduling the lesson next week."
"Thank you. What time?"
"Eighth hour, bring your droid as well."
"Yes ma'am, I will."
Yaddle smiled. "Looking forward to this, I am. Keep out of trouble." She ended the transmission.
Why does she want Kaely to come? Anakin thought in confusion. How does Master Yaddle even know about Kaely?
Anakin had just gotten comfortable on the sofa again when the holo terminal's trill echoed in the apartment. The sound rang incessantly and grated his ears. Anakin desperately wished there was a way to just turn the thing off.
Maybe I'll have time to take it apart tomorrow, surely my Masters would understand? he wished.
He hauled himself off of the sofa and stomped to the terminal in the alcove. All of the lights were off. He stared at it puzzled for a moment before he heard the trilling sound repeat again, but this time from behind him.
Anakin turned around in irritation. "Kaely, don't you have anything better to do then torture me?"
Chapter 17
Anakin painfully pulled himself out of bed the next morning. He wanted badly to sleep later. He ached inside and out. It was early, but he knew if he didn't get up now he never would.
Kaely hummed quietly on his desk. He decided to unplug her from the recharge port later, or just let her do it. She'd learned how to lift and adjust the cords lately. It made Anakin feel rather unneeded now that she could feed herself.
Next she'll start acting insulted when I call her a baby, Anakin sighed. He pulled on his Jedi tunics slowly and winced. He leaned heavily against the desk and shielded his mind tightly. Tentatively, he reached along the training bond to locate he masters and determine if they had sensed his pain.
Anakin was surprised to feel that they were not only both awake, but in the kitchen. He looked at his chrono. I'm up over an hour early, what are they up for?
Quietly, Anakin crept out of his room. This would be a good time to practice shielding myself. He pulled the Force close to him and made every thought and move a whisper in the Force. It was very hard, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him.
