20070128
A New MissionLocation: Jedi Temple
I could tell today was going to be one of those times when a man, Jedi or not, wishes they had just stayed in bed the second my eyes opened. For several reasons; one: the fact that it was still night, several hours before dawn when I woke, and two: that sinking feeling in my guts that something about to happen.
I tired to go back to sleep but my mind started racing, so I just got up, dressed and headed to the Room of a Thousand Fountains to mediate. It's kind of amazing how a place as massive as the Jedi Temple can be so full of beings and yet at night feel so empty of life.
When I was small, I used to wander the hallways at night for hours. I was mesmerized by the tall ceilings, the large columns, and the somber but tranquil colors of the rooms, captivated by the silence and peacefulness. I admit, sometimes I still am. It echoes of the past, the present, and of the future.
I've discovered that when the Temple and all it's inhabitants are sleeping that I can think more clearly. Of course, it also depends on what’s going in my life, too. Clearly thinking or not, sometimes the answers never come. Sometimes, only more questions pop in my head, leaving me even more perplexed.
I cleared my mind as I walked through the Temple and let the Force speak to me. I needed to know what was coming. The Force tells us what we need to know when we need to know it. And right then, it had decided I didn’t need to know. Which honestly, annoys me to no end.
Am I not the so-called Chosen One? Shouldn’t the power I possess and will posses give me the advantage over the Force? Too push it harder and get the answers I need, when I want them and not the other way around? I have always been told: the Force binds us. We are it’s servants not it's masters.
I think that should be the other way around. What is point of this power if we can't fully control it?
But I'm getting off the subject.
I entered The Room of a Thousand Fountains and was hardly surprised to see Obi-Wan there. He was sitting by one of the fountains in a deep mediation state. Careful not to disturb him, I moved to his side and sat on the floor next to him and waited. I could tell immediately, he was sensing the same thing I was.
His eyes came open and he turned to gaze at me. "You feel it, too." It wasn't a question but a statement.
"Yes," I replied. "What does the force tell you?"
Ob-Wan sighed and rubbed his chin. "Nothing. You?"
"The same. But whatever it is, I get the impression it won’t be enjoyable," I told him.
"Is it ever, my friend?"
I gave him a half-smile. "Usually not. It would be nice to sense something pleasant once and awhile."
He nodded. "On that, I agree with you."
______
Hours later, I found myself standing front of the Jedi Counsel. Not my favorite place to be. I loath the way Master Windu looks at me. The way all of them, with the exception of Obi-Wan look at me. I see the fear they warn us not to feel shimmer in their eyes. It aggravates me and sets my nerves on edge. And they make you remain there for a long while before they tell you why you are there.
It makes my tension build till I want to shout. I could feel the muscles in my left cheek start to twitch. I cast a glace at Obi-Wan and started to open my mouth to speak.
"Anakin, we have a mission for you," Master Windu began before I could get the words out.
I figured it was that or I had done something that displeased them again. Knowing Obi-Wan as I do, he would have warned me if the latter was the case, he usually does.
"Need you to go to Geonosis we do," Master Yoda said.
I haven't been back there since the war started. A lot of Jedi Knights lost their lives that day. It was also where Padme told me she loved me for the first time. It's strange how that outshines the death and destruction to me.
"The Geonosians are displeased with being under Republic control. Conflicts are breaking out all over the planet. We need you to take Commander Cody and his team and go there to put a stop to it before it escalates further," Mace told me.
I nodded. "Will Master Obi-Wan be going with me or is this a solo mission?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "You're on your own for this one, Anakin. We are fully convinced you are capable of doing this on your own."
I shot him a look. Maybe he was convinced, but the look on Windu's face told me differently. It was on the tip of my tongue to point that out but I bit it back.
"Alright. When do I leave?"
"Within the hour," Obi-Wan told me.
I grimaced inwardly. That didn't give me must time to prepare and let Padme know. She wasn't going to be happy I had to leave again. I had only been back for a few days as it was and I've seen her twice. That didn't make me very happy either.
I bowed and left the Counsel Chambers. I wasn't even to the turbolift before I heard Obi-Wan call my name. Turning to look over my shoulder, I saw him rushing over.
"Anakin, I need to speak with you for a moment."
I waved him the in turbolift. "You'll have to talk while I walk, Master. Less than an hour doesn't give me much time to prepare."
"Yes, I know." Obi-wan said, stepping in the lift next to me. "It was a last minute decision to send you."
I lifted an eyebrow. "I wasn't there first choice?" I asked grimly. "Why am I not surprised?"
Obi-Wan waved a hand. "No, that's not it. We weren't going to send anyone at this time to Geonosis but I talked them into it."
"Oh? And why is that?" I asked amused.
Obi-Wan suddenly looked very serious. "While you are there, I need you check into something. I think Count Dooku might have left something behind when he field the planet. Some clue or record to his plans. Something that was over looked when the planet factories were searched."
Thoughtfully, I muttered: "Is this a guess or something more?"
"Sadly, only a guess, but if there is something there, with your knack of finding out things, I know you will find it," he told me with a slight smile.
I grinned and rolled my eyes. "I remember you said that was a annoying trait of mine."
"Depends on the situation, my old friend. This time, it is needed."
The turbolift door came open and we stepped out. "I'm on it, Master."
Obi-Wan touched my shoulder in a fatherly way. "I have a bad feeling what we sensed before- this could have something to do with it. I don't think I have to tell you be mindful and careful, do I?"
"Hardly, but you will anyway," I told him, heading towards my quarters to get my things. "Don't worry, Master, I do know how to take care of myself."
Obi-Wan gave me that 'I know how you take care of things' look. "That's what concerns me."
"I find your lack of faith disturbing," I told him, half joking, half serious.
"It's not lack of faith, trust me.” He looked concerned. "Contact me if you find anything. Contact me even if you don’t."
I nodded again and bowed, sensing that was all he had to say. He bowed back and turned to get back on the lift, paused, and looked over his shoulder.
"May the Force be with you, Anakin."
I smiled. "And with you, Master."
I had a feeling I was going to need it.
(Confused? Read this: Anakin’s Blog Reloaded)
