Brotherhood

Chapter 32 - Malevolence

It's nearly a month after their broadcast, and almost three months since the Battle of Geonosis, when Obi-Wan is sent on his first major objective. Sidious has now decided that it is time for him to begin his mission to work his way into the Council's confidence as a double agent. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. Anakin doesn't know the details about the mission either, something which Obi-Wan has been instructed to correct. That's why they're currently sitting in their shared guest quarters aboard the Malevolence.

Four times the length of a normal Star Destroyer, the Malevolence is the Separatist's biggest, super-weapon. It's armed with an ion-canon capable of disabling the electronic and power systems of any ship caught in the blast, including Star Destroyers. Naturally, it's also heavily fortified with numerous battalions of droids of every type, especially vulture droids.

Obi-Wan's current mission is to ensure that the Republic receives the plans of the Malevolence. Ever since the Separatists allied with the Hutts, the Republic has been suffering heavy losses in the Outer Rim, its ability to send supply supplies severely limited by the lack of any reliable trading routes. To even the playing fields, the Separatist's new toy must be destroyed. Otherwise, the war could end far faster than Sidious wants.

"It's hard to imagine you being a double-agent," Anakin comments with a smirk. "Oh, I know you're capable, but I'm just trying to picture you being deceitful and trying to manipulate your way into getting information for the opposing side." He hasn't said much about Obi-Wan's mission, but the little that he has said has given Obi-Wan the impression that he's not really concerned by it. Or if he is, then he's doing an excellent job in hiding it.

"You're not wrong," Obi-Wan answers, shaking his head. "I know I could do it well on my own volition if I wanted, but I have no reason to do so."

"I should hope not," huffs Anakin, crossing his arms. "So, what are your orders now? I know Sidious wanted you to accompany me to witness a test run of the weapon for a reason."

"There will likely be Republic ships scouting the area, especially given that they know of the mystery weapon," Obi-Wan explains, "And chances are high that a Jedi will be involved on the mission. I am to sneak the plans for the Malevolence to this Jedi so the Republic can find a way to destroy the ship before it makes it's next trip to Naboo."

Anakin makes a face. "I'll help you if it's necessary, but I don't really like the thought of going to Naboo." He's scowling by the end of the ending, a heavy storm of darkness swirling around him in the Force.

Obi-Wan understands what he's not saying. He's not saying that he doesn't want Naboo to be a target, because Padme will be furious if – more like when – she learns that he was involved in what is to come. The Malevolence must be destroyed, but it will come at a cost, and only time will tell what that cost will be. He wishes so badly that he could reassure the younger man, that he could do something to protect him. Anakin doesn't want to fight, even if he does enjoy it many times. He only wants to be left alone so he can be with the people he loves. Fate hasn't been kind to him, and Obi-Wan can't help but wonder how the Force could allow it.

Does it care? Does it care that its son is being treated in this manner? Or does it, too, see Anakin as expendable as long as he brings balance? It's an unsettling thought, one which ignites undue resentment against the unfairness of it all. Maybe Obi-Wan had been hurt when Qui-Gon insisted on training Anakin in front of the Council so many years ago, but he had known, he had felt how important and powerful the boy was. He had sworn to his master that he would train him, and he had failed. He failed Qui-Gon by not fulfilling that oath. It's a guilt he'll forever carry with him.

Many nights, Obi-Wan finds himself unable to sleep – something he'll never share with anyone else, because it's not important and they don't need to know – wondering if he could have done something to save Anakin from the life he's been forced into. Every scenario is wilder than the last, but in the end, he knows that any actions would have been fruitless. He couldn't very well kidnap Anakin from Palpatine, because much as it would have helped, it would have also been illegal, and they would have been on the run ceaselessly. Would it have been worth it? Would he have survived long enough to teach Anakin, to be the master and parent he needed? He doesn't know, and he'll never know now.