When the Sun Sets

Chapter 7 - The Mission

Author's Note: We've been considering doing a one-shot collection in this universe of missing scenes, mainly of bonding time, that we didn't include earlier. Is there anything in particular anyone wants to see or thinks should've been included? :D 

~ Tirana Sorki

Aniya Skywalker

I can sense how upset Anakin is, though I don't really know what went wrong. Did something happen with the war? Is the Council being stupid again? I can't imagine what they could've done now, but...

I arrive right after the Council meeting is out, and Anakin is a storm of frustration, hurt, confusion, and anger. Obi-Wan himself seems irked about Force-knows-what, but that's normal. I still have a hard time even seeing him, especially when he's standing right next to Anakin. All I can remember is my nightmare, and –

"What kind of nonsense is this?" I hear Anakin demanding from afar, a layered hurt and anger in his voice, "Put me on the Council and not make me a Master? It's never been done in the history of the Jedi. It's insulting."

"What in the name of the Force is going on here?" I demand aloud, not even caring that I sound far more freaked out and angry than I should. I felt Anakin's anger, but I didn't want to distract him in the middle of an important meeting by talking to him. I think I will next time – just view it through his mind, because why not? At least he could do with my presence and support.

"The Council agreed to the Chancellor's request, despite how unusual it was," Obi-Wan replies, as though that answers anything.

"What's this about not being made a Master?" I demand, crossing my arms. Even talking to Obi-Wan right now makes me uncomfortable, especially because of how upset he seems. It's making my skin crawl and something inside me twist and... I don't want to be here.

"They didn't make me a Master," Anakin elaborates, and all I can do for a moment is stare, because what?

"That doesn't make any sense." You can't be a Council member if you're not a Master. That's not how it works. That's against their strictest rules – you can't be allowed to make important decisions for the entire Order unless you've proved yourself capable, and the Council deems you important enough to assist in those decisions – Obi-Wan was chosen because... well, everything, I suppose, including that he trained Anakin, and everyone knows how important my twin is.

"You have been given a great honor," Obi-Wan chides, "To be on the Council at your age, it's never happened before. The fact of the matter is you are too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs."

"What does that have to do with it?" I demand, my fury boiling. It reminds me so, so much of what happened not too long ago with me. "How does the Chancellor's request involve treating Anakin like he's something lesser?"

"He's not being treated lesser," Obi-Wan retorts, "This is not a normal appointment, and in any other situation, the Council would never have agreed to it at all."

"What situation are you referring to, exactly?" I snap. I don't want to deal with him. I don't have the patience to tolerate his attitude right now.

"The only reason the Council approved the appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you." Why do I not like where this is going? Suddenly, it reminds me of the last thing Palpatine said. "They need you, more than you know." I still want to know what that means.

"And?" Anakin prompts, looking no more appreciative of this than I am, even if he's concealing his anger far better.

Obi-Wan hesitates for a moment – which instantly puts me even more on edge, because why does he seem as though he's not expecting a good reaction? Normally he never even cares about that, with how much he often likes to pick fights in the first place. "I am on your side. I didn't want either of you put in this situation."