Brotherhood

Chapter 45 - Ryloth

"Windu?" Anakin is gratified to see that Obi-Wan seems as surprised as he is, even if he's hiding it better. "Sidious wants us to capture Windu? Not kill him? And he wants Obi-Wan to help?"

"That is correct," Dooku confirms, nodding stiffly. "I don't know any more than you do. I can only speculate as to his motivations."

"But why me?" Obi-Wan questions, frowning. "If something goes wrong and word gets out, I could lose my credibility as a double agent. Why would he be willing to risk that?"

Dooku's expression tightens. "I think he means it as a test, to see if you're capable. If you fail, if we fail, the punishment will be that much harsher. He would not ask us to do this if he didn't have a good reason. He plays pieces of a game we often cannot fathom or comprehend until much later." The Count doesn't add that it's often too late then, but he doesn't need to.

They all know it.

Anakin and Obi-Wan exchange an uneasy look. It's only been a couple hours since Anakin attempted to begin his lessons with Ahsoka regarding ship engines; the mission seems to have come out of nowhere. Usually, they have more time to prepare beforehand. The invasion of Ryloth is happening right as they speak, and Anakin doesn't really like their odds. They've handled worse, of course, but none where the stakes are so high.

"He won't be easy to capture though, not with his ability to see Shatterpoints," Obi-Wan warns.

"I know," Anakin agrees, "That's why we'll have to set up a trap for him." This is it. This is the moment where he – and Boba, of course – can avenge themselves on the Jedi who killed Jango. If they can capture Windu, they can hopefully get to kill him eventually. Maybe Sidious simply wants information from him. Doubtful, though. Anakin doesn't know what the Sith Master could possibly want with the Jedi Master, but... he isn't complaining. Not right now.

"We have a little time still. We'll need to get to it though."

"Boba deserves to be involved," Anakin decides. "I'm sure we can work something out which includes him. I don't it's fair for us to capture his father's killer without him."

Dooku and Obi-Wan exchange a quick look. "I agree," the Count says at last. "I'll clear it with Sidious, but you should be able to go pick him up yourself."

***

Sidious approves as Anakin had expected he would, so he finds himself en route to Naboo to pick up Boba. Dooku was supposed to comm ahead to tell his mother to be ready, so Anakin won't be doing more than stopping for a couple minutes before leaving. More than anything, he wants to stay there for a bit so he can spend time with his mother. He misses her. But there will time for them to spend together in the future once Sidious is gone.

His mother and Boba are both on the landing platform when Anakin lands the shuttle, and he hurries to disembark, so he can greet his mother. "Mom," he murmurs, hurrying forwards and hugging her. "I'm so glad to see you." He can't help but remember his nightmare from a few days ago, though he tries to shove those memories away. He doesn't want to think about them right now.

"I can say the same," his mother answers, embracing him. "You should be on your way, though. I would like for you to stay a while, but... you know how Sidious will get."

Anakin grimaces at that. Yes, he does know. He knows very well, in fact, so he reluctantly pulls away and gestures to Boba to follow him. Together, they board the shuttle, and Anakin slips back into the pilot's seat. "Did Mom tell you what's happening, vod'ika?" Anakin asks as he flies away from Naboo. They're making a couple jumps to throw off any trackers before going to Ryloth. They'll meet up with Dooku and Obi-Wan on the surface.