I woke up because I didn’t feel Obi-Wan there. I opened my eyes and his side of the bed was empty, the blankets pulled neatly up under the pillow. I smiled. Obi-Wan had always made his side of the bed even if I was still asleep. I wanted to go back to sleep, but Mara’s insistent crying persuaded me to do otherwise. I found out later that Obi-Wan was in a council meeting…as usual.
“Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau?” Ki-Adi said.
“A partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic package from the Chairman of Utapau.” Anakin stated.
“Act on this, we must. The capture of General Grievous will end this war; quickly and decisively we should proceed” Yoda said, who was appearing via holographic means.
“The chancellor has requested that I lead the campaign” Anakin said. The council looked at him, all immediately making up their minds.
“The council will make up its own mind who is to go, not the Chancellor” Mace said coldly.
Yoda nodded. “A master is needed with more experience.”
“I recommend we send only one Jedi. Master Kenobi.” Mace said, looking over at Obi-Wan.
“He was not so successful the last time he met Grievous” Anakin said smugly. Obi-Wan threw him a dirty look. “No offense my Master, but I’m only stating a fact.”
“Oh no you’re quite right.” Obi-Wan replied somewhat sarcastically. “But I do have the most experience with his ways of combat.”
“I concur, Master Kenobi should go” Ki-Adi said.
“I agree” Yoda said.
“Very well, Council adjourned.” Mace replied. The holograms disappeared. “Obi-Wan, prepare two clone brigades as quickly as you can. If this report is true, there’s no telling how many droids he may have with him.”
Obi-Wan nodded his compliance and he and Anakin left together. “Anakin don’t even say it” Obi-wan said as soon as they had left the chamber.
“I’m sorry, Master.” Anakin replied, calmed down. They parted ways and Obi-Wan left to talk to Padme. *As a side note, I have never figured out why.*
Padme was very happy to see him, as she had not seen him ever since he and Anakin had left 8 months before. “Has Anakin been to see you?” He asked her once they had finished greeting each other.
“Several times. I was happy to hear he was accepted on the Jedi Council” Padme replied.
“I know, he deserves it. He is impatient, strong-willed, very opinionated, but very gifted.” Obi-Wan said, laughing. She joined in, and for a moment, regret filled her being. Had she made the right decision in marrying Anakin?
“You’re not just here to say hello. Something is wrong isn’t it?” She said, concern etched across her face and in her eyes.
They sat down on the couch. “You should be a Jedi, Padme” Obi-Wan said. She smiled.
“You are not very good at hiding your feelings, Obi-wan; especially around those you love.” She knew, or at least had guessed, about me and him. Maybe she would have been a good Jedi after all.
Obi-Wan sighed. “It’s Anakin. He’s becoming moody and detached.” *as if moody was anything new!* “He’s been put in a difficult position as the Chancellor’s representative but I think it’s more than that. I was hoping he may have talked to you?”
Padme grew a bit nervous. “Why would he talk to me about his work?”
Obi-Wan studied her carefully. “Neither of you is good at hiding your feelings.”
“Don’t give me that look” She replied, standing up.
“Padme, I know how he feels about you” Obi-Wan said, standing up as well.
“What did he say?” She turned her back to him.
He walked to her side. “Nothing. He didn’t have to.”
She became even more flustered and walked to the balcony. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know you both too well. I can see you two are in love; Padme I’m worried about him.” Obi-Wan said, touching her shoulder. She didn’t reply. “I fear your relationship has confused him. He’s changed considerably since we returned…” He trailed off as they looked out across the city. Obi-Wan turned to leave. “Padme, I’m not telling the council about any of this. I-I hope I didn’t upset you. We’re all friends and I care about both of you.”
She turned and looked at him. “Thank you Obi-Wan.”