A Priceless Bounty | Anakin Skywalker

Chapter Ten | Anakin

I laid in bed, jotting down more details in my journal about Adea. I wrote about the stories she told of her childhood, leaving me wanting to learn more about her.

I counted down the hours until I would get to see her again. I kept thinking about how she asked me to run away with her, and if she truly meant it.

There was a knock at my door, bringing me back to reality. I rushed to hide the notebook in my robes as Obi-Wan came in. I got up, standing awkwardly.

"How was your visit to the lower levels, Anakin?" He asked.

"Great, like always. So many people have really changed their minds about the Jedi." I said loudly, my door still wide open. As soon as it shut, he lifted his brow at me.

"You took her offworld, I presume?"

"Chandrila." I replied.

"You do realize if they decide to check your tracking, it puts our little deception at risk?" He frowned, pacing.

"I know, I know. I gave her the name of a place in the lower levels to meet me from now on." I shook my head. "Why do you care so much?"

"Because one wrong move could put the entire Republic in jeopardy, Anakin. How do you not see that? You don't know who this person is connected to. She could be a direct link to the Separatists for all we know." He shouted at me, frustrated.

"Well she's not." I immediately got nervous, hoping he couldn't tell.

"How do you know that?"

"She told me herself." I said anxiously, hoping he wouldn't see through my lie.

"And you believe her?"

"I do"

"For fuck's sake, Anakin, use your brain!" He shouted, rubbing his temples. "You don't ever stop to think about this sort of thing. She could be feeding information to our enemies."

"She would never do that." I shook my head, standing toe to toe with him, putting my finger in his face. "And don't you ever accuse her of that bullshit ever again. You don't know her like I do."

"And I'd really like to keep it that way." He huffed, turning around to walk out. "We have a briefing tonight, please don't miss it."

Later at the briefing, Obi-Wan kept his distance from me. I could tell he truly was worried about Adea's intentions, but I was certain that she wouldn't choose to deliberately hurt me like that. After the masters were done telling us about our next mission to Ryloth, I approached him remorsefully.

"I'm sorry for how I spoke to you earlier, Master. You're right. I should be more careful. Thank you for looking out for me." I apologized. "I'll be sure to dig a bit deeper into her past and current connections."

"Thank you for hearing me out, Anakin. Just, please, be more mindful. I'd rather you not be put on trial for treason." He reminded me again, this time trying to really drive it into me.

"Hey, I might not be on Coruscant this upcoming week. They've got me assigned to a rescue mission on Ryloth." I said to the hologram in front of me.

"That's alright. I'll pick up a bounty to keep me busy." She smiled. "I know a guy who needs help with a target on Tatooine."

"Make sure to stop by Watto's and say hello for me." I laughed.

"Don't tempt me." She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I think I'll be gone for a couple days, if you want to pick up a bigger bounty." I suggested. "Might help you disappear faster."