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"Mission parameters may have changed, but I see no reason to challenge your authority at present, Anakin."
With that pronouncement, he suppressed the sudden desire to stomp his feet and demand they return to Coruscant right now. At the age of twenty-three, he was well beyond such a childish display of temper. A deep breath and a mental curse later, he was ready to address the being sitting across from him, patiently awaiting his response.
"Forgive me, Master Gallia. I find it difficult to concentrate on this assignment when I feel I could better serve elsewhere." 'Ouch. Way to go, add an insult on top of insubordination,' he chided himself.
But compassionate blue eyes gazed serenely back at him and the Master merely smiled. "I understand." He fought the urge to squirm before intimidating figure.
"The assassination attempt on Senator Amidala is distressing, but the Council believes this could be a precursor to events of great importance. An accomplished Jedi with extensive knowledge of the Senate and someone the Senator herself was familiar with had to be assigned. Your mission was already in place when the Chancellor requested our help."
"All valid reasons, but that still doesn't explain why my Master is protecting the Senator while I am being sent to Force knows wh-" he cut off abruptly. 'Wait a minute. Rewind. No reason to challenge MY authority? MY mission? What is going on here?'
"Sinking in yet?"
All he could produce was an inarticulate, "Huh?"
Jedi Master Adi Gallia laughed softly at the bewilderment on the padawan's face. It was an unusual situation but by no means unprecedented. Which accounted for the young man's confusion in trying to place why he was responsible for taking the lead on this mission. She guided him slowly to the answer.
"Was your Master assigned to Senator Amidala before or after you received orders to depart for Siesna?"
"After," he replied, as his face settled into a mask of calm deliberation.
"Did you receive your orders from your Master or the Council?" The small tug at the corners of her mouth threatened to become an outright grin.
"The Council, but-"
"And what was his reaction, when you told him our instructions?"
Closing his eyes, he paused and gathered his observations. As he did so, a kind of shocked numbness overtook him as he realized the implications of what Master Gallia was telling him. Belying the tranquil exterior, his voice took on a dazed quality.
"He was surprised and pleased, but also sad, like he had lost something..." he trailed off, returning his focus to the Council member seated across from him. She was beautiful even in the beige and brown robes of the Jedi and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she drew out the moment of suspense. Her headdress framed her face like the mark of royalty as she regally bowed her head in affirmation of the silent question being asked of her.
"The Jedi Council, by the recommendation of your Master, has declared you ready to face your Trials."
The vibrant energy he had been struggling to control throughout the exchange suddenly vanished, and left him feeling disoriented. Anakin's cheeks flushed with shame now as he recalled the argument that preceded his departure. 'If I had known he why he was sending me off-' he cut off that train of thought abruptly. He managed a solemn thank you to Adi before the maelstrom of his emotions threatened to consume him. Adi rose and crossed to him, then placed her hand on his shoulder with a reassuring grip.
"We have two days until we arrive in-system. You know where to find me."
Dropping her hand, she headed toward the door and cued the panel to open. She turned and studied the figure that had yet to acknowledge her departure.
Too softly to be heard, she whispered, "May the Force be with you Padawan Skywalker," and left.
*****