Chapter 3
‘The war is over, isn’t it?’ exclaimed Anakin as he and Obi-Wan took the turbolift back down the High Council Tower.
‘Sort of,’ replied Obi-Wan.
‘What do you mean?’
‘I can’t tell you, Anakin, not yet. I must go to the Jedi Archives and see Jocasta Nu. Then we’ll get a drink and I can tell you all I know.’
The turbolift brought them to the ground floor and they exited. It was then that Anakin noticed that Obi-Wan’s lightsaber was missing: ‘Where’s your lightsaber? What’s going on?’
‘Patience, Anakin. Nothing is wrong.’
Anakin was not so sure that everything was alright either. Something was up with Obi-Wan.
As they walked towards the Jedi Archives, Obi-Wan said: ‘Why don’t you go for a ride in your speeder, while I talk with Jocasta. I didn’t think you liked Jocasta anyway. Then we’ll meet back at my room.’
‘It’s the laser pointers. There are women’s hairdos, and then there’s Jocasta’s hairdo. She looks so old that she must be from another millennium.’
‘Anakin, have some respect for your elders! Jocasta is a fine woman and an even better Jedi.’
‘Fine, I’ll take a ride in my speeder and meet you back here later.’ Anakin waved good-bye, and then quickly walked in the opposite direction.
* * *
‘Master Kenobi,’ said Jocasta Nu as Obi-Wan entered the Jedi Archives, ‘What can I help you with today?’
‘I believe you’ve had a message from the Council,’ replied Obi-Wan.
‘Ah yes, it came to me not long ago,’ she hushed her voice and continued in a whisper: ‘So you’re leaving us?’
‘Yes, I am.’
‘What a shame,’ said Jocasta, nodding her head. Obi-Wan was surprised that her laser pointers did not fall out of her bun. ‘You’re one of the best Jedi we’ve ever had, yet I will provide you with the information you require. Here in the Archives we keep a record of nearly every Jedi that has ever been.’
Jocasta went over to an aisle and fetched Obi-Wan Kenobi’s records. Then they sat at a table together.
She read the following from the datapad: ‘Your father is named Kalervo Kenobi and your mother is Untamala. No maiden name is recorded here. They are simple farmers, Nerf-herders to be exact and live on the planet Stewjon, where you were born.’
‘Stewjon? I was under the impression that I was born on Coruscant,’ said Obi-Wan.
‘The archives never lie, Master Kenobi.’
‘But Stewjon is in the Mandalore system,’ thought Obi-Wan aloud.
‘Yes, it is a simple farming planet with one moon. Other than that, I can only tell you that your parents died of unknown causes before the Great Clan Wars, also known as the Mandalorian Civil War. They were not of a great clan. And there the record ends. Where will you retire to, Master Kenobi?’
‘The Mandalore system of course.’
‘That’s only natural. Can I help you with anything else?’
‘No thank you, Jocasta. It has been a pleasure knowing you.’ Here Obi-Wan kissed her hand.
‘Ever the gentleman, I wish you well in your new life. May the Force be with you.’
‘May the Force be with you.’ Obi-Wan bowed and left. He made his way back to his room to pack what little supplies he would need.
* * *
Anakin knew exactly where he was headed as he drove his yellow speeder among the Coruscant traffic. He pulled up on the familiar landing platform of Senator Padmé Amidala’s penthouse apartment, then jumped out of his speeder and headed for the door.
‘Padmé,’ he called as he let himself in, ‘It’s me.’
At first there was no reply. Anakin listened carefully and heard the indistinguishable sound of women giggling.
‘Padmé,’ he called again as he made his way to the living area.
‘Shh, it’s Anakin,’ he heard Padmé say to her guest.
‘Anakin, what a surprise,’ said Padmé in greeting.
‘Sorry, am I interrupting?’ asked Anakin.
‘No, it’s just me and Duchess Satine Kryze.’
Satine rose from her chair.
‘My lady,’ said Anakin and bowed politely, ‘I am at your service.’
‘Thank you, but that won’t be needed, Anakin,’ replied Satine, ‘I was just about to leave. I’m headed back to Mandalore later today.’
Satine hugged Padmé good-bye and thanked her for her hospitality. She was met at the front door by two of her guards and left.
‘Did you know that Obi-Wan and Satine used to be in a relationship?’ commented Anakin.
‘No, I didn’t,’ lied Padmé. She and Satine had just been speaking about Obi-Wan’s marriage proposal and their secret son, Korkie.
‘Something’s up with Obi-Wan,’ said Anakin, ‘He’s not wearing his armor or his lightsaber.’
‘Maybe he just needs a break after re-connecting with Satine after so many years. It’s not every day that you work with an ex-lover. Imagine how you’d feel if we were suddenly torn apart and didn’t see each other for years.’
‘He’s hiding something from me.’
‘So what if he is. We are hiding something from him. Let people have their secrets, Anakin.’
Anakin knew that Padmé was right. How could he be so hypocritical? He drew Padmé into his arms and kissed her forehead. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘You know how impatient I can be. Obi-Wan said that he’ll tell me all later. He’s just seeing Jocasta Nu first.’
‘I’m sure he’ll contact you when he’s ready to talk.’
At that moment, the comlink on Anakin’s wrist beeped. ‘Obi-Wan,’ he answered.
‘Anakin, I’m finished with Jocasta now. Meet me in my room.’
‘I’ll be right there.’ He hung up, and then said to Padmé: ‘Sorry that I can’t stay.’
‘It’s ok, darling, I understand. Go and be with your friend.’
Anakin kissed Padmé good-bye, then got in his speeder and left.
* * *
In the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan paced up and down in his small room. He had left the door open waiting for Anakin’s arrival. A few minutes later, Anakin strode swiftly through the door. Obi-Wan closed the door behind him and offered Anakin a seat.
‘So what’s going on?’ Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan didn’t answer at first. Instead he reached for the bottle of alcohol on the crate beside his bed and offered Anakin a drink.
‘No, I’m fine thanks,’ said Anakin to the proffered drink.
‘Trust me; you’re going to need this.’
‘Ok.’ Anakin took a gulp from the bottle with a look of disgust on his face. ‘I don’t understand how you can drink this stuff.’
He handed the bottle back to Obi-Wan who also drank. He replaced the lid and put it back down.
‘Anakin, there’s something I need to tell you. On board the Coronet, after you killed Prince Tal Merrik, Satine and I had a long needed conversation. She revealed to me that I…we have a son. I asked her to marry me and she said ‘yes’. So I went to the Jedi Council and handed in my lightsaber. I’m leaving with Satine for Mandalore today.’
Anakin exploded: ‘So you’re abandoning me, just like Master Qui-Gon and mom! You can’t leave me here all alone. You’re like the father I never had. Wizard for so-and-so who gets an instant family, but I’m left with nothing and no one!’ He grabbed the bottle and smashed it on the ground.
‘Anakin, calm yourself! That’s not true. You’ve got friends here. And a Padawan to take care of. Ahsoka needs you.’
‘I never even asked for Ahsoka!’
‘Maybe you should go home to Padmé. Spend the night with her.’
‘Padmé? Why would I spend the night with Padmé?!’
‘Quiet, Anakin, if you go on shouting like that they’ll kick you out of the Order. Don’t think that I don’t know about you and Padmé.’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘Of course you do. Find comfort in her embrace, just like I have in Satine’s.’
‘Satine! Satine! It’s all about Satine!’ Hot tears streamed down Anakin’s cheeks.
‘Anakin, listen to me: the galaxy needs you. Master Qui-Gon was right: you are the Chosen One. And one day you will see it.’
Obi-Wan picked up his pack, all that he had of his belongings, and shouldered it. He tried to give Anakin a hug good-bye, but Anakin pushed him away.
‘Good-bye, brother,’ said Obi-Wan, ‘Remember that I love you and I always will. You’re welcome to visit me anytime. May the Force be with you.’
‘May the Force be with you, Master’ Anakin replied, more out of habit than actually meaning it. Then they left Obi-Wan’s room for the last time.
Anakin watched after Obi-Wan for a long time as he walked down the steps of the Jedi Temple into the sunset.