When Stars Align

Chapter 1 - Commander

Author's Note: I spent too long thinking about the trauma effects of Melida/Daan actually happening, what kind of person Obi-Wan would become, and how that'd automatically change the universe and well, this was born. <3 Plus, Obi-Wan and Rex taking care of little Anakin was too adorable to pass on.

PS. Updates will be weekly. :)

~ Rivana Rita

He's going to the fronts. Anakin still feels numb about it, and has ever since the order came through.

He's not prepared for battle. It's not something Obi-Wan ever trained him for – ever since he became a padawan, his master has gone out of his way to avoid anything of that nature to protect him. He didn't want Anakin to have to fight in a war, on the fronts with open lines, to have to lead, not when he was so young.

But here they are.

There are things even Obi-Wan can't control.

What does it mean to be a commander? Anakin hasn't officially been promoted yet, but he will be, as soon as his shuttle touches down, even if it's still unofficial. Anakin should probably feel something other than a deep-rooted uncertainty, but he can't help it. He is terrified, but they'll figure this out, and he's better off than most padawans his age.

He has Obi-Wan Kenobi, someone who loves him, would do anything for him.

They'll figure this out.

He has nothing to be afraid of.

Anakin tries to focus on breathing, to expel his nervousness into the Force as he guides his shuttle to the aqua ground of Christophsis. He's here both as reinforcements, and to call his master back to the Temple for their next mission, which is apparently considered more important.

Even if his master has already been fighting here for a while.

His heart is hammering, anyway.

The shuttle lands, and the engine shuts off.

The ramp feels like it takes forever to lower, but it's down way too soon, letting Anakin see.

His master is waiting for him some feet from the ramp, hands behind his back. His blue eyes are sharp and icy, with the same coldness that never-endingly sweeps around him. He's sharp, but to Anakin, it's just him.

Beside him is a clone in white and blue armor. All of them are, actually – most are entirely white, but some have a bit of blue.

These are the clones, their battalion, the men Anakin is about to be in charge of, and he doesn't know a single one.

No one cares about them. They don't matter. Not to the Republic, to the – anyone, because they were born to die, to be cannon fodder, and the mere thought is enough to make him sick.

His heart skips a few beats as Anakin walks down the ramp. "Hello, Master."

"Anakin," Obi-Wan nods to him, accent as sharp as ever, but hearing that voice warms something in him. Anakin hasn't seen him in weeks, and he's missed him so badly.

"This is Captain Rex," Obi-Wan continues, gesturing to the clone, "And Rex, this is my padawan, Anakin Skywalker."

The clone – Rex nods to him wordlessly. His presence is warm, a little earthy and grounding, and he feels... young. He's physically an adult, but he feels so bright and young and childish. He's younger than Anakin even, or at least he ought to be.

"I was told to deliver the message that we're needed on Coruscant immediately," Anakin replies, "There's an emergency."

"Do you know the details?" Obi-Wan inquires, and Anakin shakes his head. He wishes he did. "Well, we'll concern ourselves with that after the battle here is finished."