The Archer

Chapter Fifteen: Fear

Anakin

"All in all, it is safe to conclude that the situation on Cato Namodeia has gotten dangerously out of control."

Anakin felt like he couldn't bear this meeting for a second longer. The neverending talking made him feel drousy. Action was his prefered path of dealing with things.

"Master Windu, if I may suggest..." He cleared his throat, feeling the eyes of the other Masters resting on him. "Ahsoka and I had some initial success when we went there the last time. Before the bombing. If you'd just let me go forward with this again-"

"Dramatically worsened, the situation has since your last visit, I am afraid," Master Yoda interupted him with a slow voice.

"It's clear what happened," Master Windu stated, leaning forward in his chair. "They used our vulnerability, our distraction after the attack on the Temple to their advantage. This bears Trench's signature."

He had just given them an option. A way to handle this. If they weren't so opposed to let him...

That's when he could see Obi-Wan very subtly shaking his head, most definitely unnoticeable to anyone else, but he noticed. It was meant for him after all.

Anakin tugged on the sleeves of his coat, pulling them over his hands before crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"True, that conclusion may be. Help us, it does not."

Anakin felt a light headache pounding against his forehead.

He allowed his mind to wander, just for the glimpse of a moment. And inevitabely it went to her, down to the Archives where he assumed her to be right now.

Hearing Obi-Wan's voice made him snap back to the halls of the Council chamber.

"Perhaps we should first be patient, take our time to observe..."

"That would be nothing but thoughtless." The hologram of Master Plon-Koo flickered as his voice was transmitted with a crackle. "I agree with young Skywalker on this matter. We should not wait and let more time pass."

Master Yoda tilted his head left and right a few times, clearly considering the different options, the rest of the Council remaining still as they were waiting for the final verdict.

"Leave this afternoon you should, young Skywalker."

He exhaled in relief.

"I will, Master Yoda. I'll take Captain Rex with me for support."

"May the Force be with you."

Anakin took one last look around, his gaze briefly resting on his former master, before muttering a quiet "Thank you," and excusing himself with a curtesy bow.

As he left the chamber with quick steps, escaping the presence of the Masters, he finally felt courageous enough to think of her. Wondering what she was doing right now. He needed to talk to her soon, tell her about the mission, tell her he'll be away for some time...

Anakin sensed a presence as he walked down the stairs leading out of the tower, and shortly after Master Ti appeared in his field of vision. Immersed in a conversation with Master Nu. He swiftly passed the two of them, his mind set on something else. Someone else.

Though as he did, something caught his attention, their subject of conversation causing him to feel a spark of that familiar warmth. It was enough to make him slow down in his tracks and listen for a moment.