Hopes

Chapter 43

Obi-Wan's POV

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"I-I don't think I can do this," Anakin stammered, hands gripping the ship's steering yoke. "You should go on without me."

I placed my hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze as he glided the ship over the metropolis of a planet. The sea of grey buildings, accented by the dazzling reflection of morning sun from glass windows, rolled across the surface of Coruscant like the choppy waves of a turbulent ocean. As we cruised into the airways of thousands of other ships, speeders, and vessels, we were blinded by the flash of taillights, bright holoboards, and blinking lights on buildings. Even being trapped in the safety of our cockpit, we were still bombarded by the blaring sounds, whining engines, and general tension that strained the atmosphere. Anakin switched the air filtration onto internal, blocking out the bitter smell of pollution, burning buildings, and smoke. The fires that still raged across the city told more about the people's protests against Asajj than their words ever did.

"You'll be fine," I reassured my nervous friend. "I'll be right here."

He glanced at me, his blue eyes shining with terror, pain, and unshakeable trust. I looked away, touched by his deep-seated trust in me, hoping that I would be worthy of such an honour.

We landed at the foot of the massive, round-topped building, then entered the Senate quietly. All eyes were on Anakin, but I assured them that he was with me. I desperately hoped that the favour I had gained from my work in creating a refuge on Mandalore would be enough for the people to trust me in my judgement of Anakin. We made it to the doors of the chancellor's chambers when the security denied him access, allowing only me to proceed.

I took a deep breath, gave Anakin a small smile, then entered, schooling my expression to my "negotiating" face. As soon as I stepped into the room, I was met by a firm handshake-turned-hug from Bail, which I returned warmly, though with some surprise.

"How are you, my friend?" he asked earnestly, sitting me down on one of the few curved couches.

"I'm doing well," I responded slowly but confidently. "How about yourself?"

"I'm fantastic! Thank you so much for your message. I'm sorry to hear about how she died, but it is such a relief for the rest of the galaxy. I have taken back control of the Republic, I'm working to get the Jedi freed from prison, and I have teams already building a new Jedi Temple. Things are opening up again, and when the Jedi are back on their feet, I'll send them out to calm tensions as much as possible. They are peacekeepers after all! I'm sure they'll be just what the galaxy needs." He finished speaking with a beaming smile, then clasped his hands together comfortably. "How is Mandalore?"

"Mandalore is doing well, and my family are all in good health." I paused to take a deep breath. "And that leads me to the main purpose of my visit. There is a specific reason that my family and I are doing so well; I have ... someone who would like to speak with you." Before he agreed instantly, I held up my hand. "He is not welcomed by the Republic, but neither would he willingly work for Asajj. By many he is considered dangerous, fearsome, and even ruthless, but I can assure that, though those names were true, they no longer are. He is not the same person as he was."

Bail's face was creased in a frown of concentration and curiosity, as he leaned over his knees, watching me intently. "Do you trust him?"

"I do," I answered simply, "with my life and with my family's."

"Then let him in."

I hesitated only a moment before going to the door and ushering in the anxious young man. "I present to you, Anakin Skywalker, the Hero With No Fear, the Chosen One, and the one to assure both peace and safety in the galaxy."