An apologetic smile prefaced the words they knew were coming. "The council will see you shortly." The council secretary didn't wait for a response before returning to her work. As Anakin began to bounce slightly on his heels, his master cleared his throat.
"Patience, Anakin."
"Master, we wait sometimes for hours. We could be doing something." At the questioning look from his master, the young man rushed on. "I could be studying Sagnet's speech."
Obi-Wan just raised an eyebrow in amusement, letting his apprentice draw his own conclusion.
Anakin blushed and ducked his head. "Maybe not." Looking up through his lashes, he saw Obi-Wan shiver and gather his robe tighter, despite the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming into the reception hall. "Master, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Anakin. I'm just a bit tired still."
"I thought you were going to rest while I was in class this morning?"
Obi-Wan grimaced. "I was going to, but then I had a visit from your astronavigation teacher." He waited for the reaction.
"It wasn't my fault, Master, really."
"Master Niem doesn't seem to share that opinion, my young apprentice." Privately, Obi-Wan found many of Anakin's antics amusing, but he could never let that fact slip.
Anakin groaned before turning his most endearing face to his master. "I didn't mean for..."
Obi-Wan shook his hand. "No, we're not going to discuss it now. You're eighteen, Anakin, it's time to act it." He glanced towards the doors to the council chamber. "The council is ready for us. We will wait and discuss this in detail the next time you feel that I am holding you back."
At the horrified expression on Anakin's face, Obi-Wan smiled. "Your shielding is fine, Anakin."
"Then how?"
"A master has to have a few tricks up his sleeves." He left the question unanswered as he moved towards the opening doors.
~~~~
"Mission we have for you. Sent to Polmus Prime to renew the treaty, you will be." Yoda's ears tipped down as he made his announcement, not liking the strange Force fluctuations that filled the council chamber. "Transportation for you and your padawan will be here in the morning."
"No." Obi-Wan's voice sounded brittle as it echoed against the arched ceiling. "I will not take Anakin to Polmus Prime."
"Excuse me?" Mace Windu leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The High Minister asked for you personally, Master Kenobi, since you and Qui-Gon negotiated the last treaty with him."
"Nevertheless, I will not allow Anakin to accompany me."
Stunned, Anakin watched his master defy the council. The older man was more heavily shielded than Anakin could ever remember, but his pallor told of the tremendous stress he was under.
"Master, what's wrong?"
Adi Gallia's musical voice broke through the tension in the room. "Were you displeased with Padawan Skywalker's performance on your last mission?"
Anakin froze, waiting for his master's answer.
"Of course not. Anakin has met every challenge I have placed before him." Obi-Wan began to pace, much to the shock of those around him. "Polmus Prime is no place for a padawan learner. I will attend to the mission alone."
"If it's that dangerous, then I need to go with you, Master." The murmurs behind him told Anakin that he had the support of at least some of the council. "You shouldn't go alone."
Obi-wan turned, reaching out and brushing his fingertips along the side of Anakin's face. "It will be my only chance for survival."
"I don't understand." Anakin blinked back the tears he refused to let fall in front of the council. "Why would..."
"Explain yourself, Kenobi. Master Jinn mentioned no such dangers in his report, and both of you came back from that mission fine." Oppo Rancisis glared at the young master. "Are you accusing your former master of lying to the council?"
Depa Billaba tried to calm the situation. "Rather than second guess Master Jinn's interpretation of the mission, perhaps it would be better if Master Kenobi explained why he feels his life would be in danger if he returned to Polmus Prime."
"Very well," Mace Windu leaned back and rested one elbow on the armrest of his chair. "Tell us why you believe the people of Polmus Prime would kill you."
"Not the people." Obi-Wan turned to face Yoda, willing him to understand without all the words. "My death would be the only thing that could protect Anakin."
Before Yoda could respond, Master Mundi was on his feet. "Are you threatening to take your own life?"
Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder at his horrified apprentice. "I won't allow Anakin to be hurt, no matter the consequences to me."
tbc