Misunderstandings and Padawans
The first campaign went well, with minimal deaths. General Kenobi gained total respect of the 212th for how he handled it, and how in the immediate aftermath, he wasn't just helping with the clean up. He was moving bodies. He was taking care of injuries he came across. He was right there with them in the aftermath, until it came time to report. And once he had done what he had needed to, he assisted with the remainder of the clean up.
Shortly after that, they got word that newly promoted General Skywalker would be meeting up with the 501st. The 501st was excited to meet him. They knew that General Kenobi had trained him and hoped he lived up to those expectations, even if he was young.
Everyone got a surprise when General Skywalker arrived. General Vos was accompanying him to pass off some information to General Kenobi, before heading off on some important back up mission of his own.
General Skywalker was wearing robes in a similar style to General Kenobi and General Vos, only he was wearing mostly black and red. A red that matched the tattoos on his face. A fang like red tattoo on either cheek and a red zig-zag across the forehead. His hair was longer than General Kenobi's, mostly pulled back into a braid, decorated with some red hair things from Kiffu. The hair that wasn't in a braid hung loose on either side of his face.
General Vos appeared similarly to General Kenobi, though he favored more of the midnight blue than the creams that General Kenobi preferred, his hair was a little longer, and his arms and legs were bare.
“Obi!” Anakin bounded forward and hugged his master. “I did it!”
“I can see that.” Obi-Wan returned the hug tightly, then brushed a finger lightly over the spot where the padawan braid used to rest. “I wish I had been there to see it. I'm proud of you, Ani.”
“Oh!” Anakin dug around in his pocket and pulled out his padawan braid. “I saved it for you, you know, tradition.”
Obi-Wan beamed at him and accepted the padawan braid, tucking it away. “It's so good to see you again.” He turned to the clones.
“This is General Anakin Skywalker, he will be in charge of the 501st. And this is High General Quinlan Vos, who leads the Coruscant Guard and sits on the Jedi High Council. Generals, Commander Cody of the 212th, and Captain Rex of the 501st.” He then named the other clones who were nearby to greet them.
Quinlan greeted them, watched Anakin greet Rex, then turned to Obi-Wan with a smile. “Formalities are over?”
“Formalities are over.” Obi-Wan confirmed, a growing grin on his face.
Quinlan launched himself at Obi-Wan. “Obes!”
Obi-Wan caught him and spun, laughing. “Quin! Missed you.”
“Missed you too.” Quinlan rested his forehead on Obi-Wan's as his feet hit the ground again. He was laughing as well. “Only two months in and we already are doing this. This is gonna be a long war.”
“I know.” Obi-Wan leaned into his brother, soaking in the feeling of having his brother around again. “But we'll get through it like everything else.”
Quinlan slung an arm around Obi-Wan's shoulders. “Yep. Now... about that intel I'm supposed to give you.”
“Wait until we're at my office at least, Quin.” Obi-Wan leaned in happily as they walked.
It was a little ridiculous that they were so excited to see each other again. They had spent many missions apart where it was more than three months before they could see each other again.
But then... Being at war felt different. Every time was a greater risk of being their last time seeing each other.
Cody didn't know his heart could hurt this much. That greeting with General Vos... It looked like they were in love. Very much so. For a moment he thought they were about to kiss. And now they were walking with casual, easy affection that Cody had never seen General Kenobi use, even as he started slowly introducing everyone to some affection as he required.
Waxer nudged him. “You okay there Commander?”
“Yes, I'm fine, Waxer.”
“Right, that's why you're staring after the generals like you've been hit over the head.”
Cody glowered at Waxer. “Just surprised. I didn't realize our general was so close to anyone.”
“Me either. Was it just me or were they about to kiss?”
“Maybe. We shouldn't speculate about it. The Jedi can do what they want.”
“Uh-huh. That's why you're acting strange.”
“Shut up, Waxer. Find something else to do. I'm going to go see how Rex is getting on with his general.” Cody walked forward to Rex and Skywalker.
Rex seemed mildly entertained, a little shell shocked, and maybe a little cornered. But he was fine.
Skywalker was very enthusiastically telling him about what he could do.
Cody listened with some amusement. Yes, Skywalker was definitely young, but it sounded like he'd get along with Rex just fine. At least he would once Rex got over the shock.
Obi-Wan was talking with Quinlan as he was getting ready for bed, discussing the different things they had missed over the last three months, discussing the changes.
Quinlan couldn't say everything, of course. He was now on the Council. He had restrictions on what he could say about the war and other things.
Obi-Wan didn't mind. He understood. They were just settling into bed when his comm buzzed.
He groaned. "What now?" He picked it up.
Hello, Obi-Wan.
Who is this? How did you get this number?
You may call me Sidious. I have my ways and that is how I got this number.
"Obes? What is it?" Quinlan asked, leaning on his brother.
Obi-Wan numbly passed him the comm.
"Oh. Oh kriff. He's going after you too?"
Obi-Wan blinked. "He's messaged you?"
"Yeah, night I got on the Council. Been messaging me on occasion ever since. You better answer. He's not going to leave you alone." Quinlan handed him back the comm. "I'll be here."
"Okay... thank you Quin." Obi-Wan stared at his comm.
Do not block me. I will just be in contact again, and if someone you love ends up dead... Well, you know why. Do not tell anyone or they will die. Well, I suppose you can tell your brother if you're so close.
Why message me?
Because you are intriguing. You killed my apprentice, you have trained up a prodigy, and you are the brother of the youngest member of the Council. I have my eye on you.
That's not creepy at all.
Oh, my intentions are all about how useful you can be.
Useful? Please. I'm a Jedi, and I am happy where I am.
But you could be so much more.
Sometimes, less is better.
Oh, I see. Philosophical. I will enjoy this.The Jedi philosophy is not everything in life.
There are some interesting ways of life out there.
You should consider the Sith way of life.
Why? It is nothing but cruelty, malice. About caring only for oneself. twisting the Dark side to your own ends.
The Dark side, the Sith... it is freedom from the chains that seek to control us.
Chains?
Yes, always being in control, never getting what you want... those are the chains we seek to break.
I see. I am not interested in that.
Oh, but you will be, if given the right push.
Why are you doing this?
Because I want you, and I will have you.
No. You won't.
We shall see... we are only three years into the war, Obi-Wan.
I am not going to Fall.
Who are you trying to convince? Me? Or, perhaps, yourself?
Obi-Wan stared at the comm, leaning on Quinlan heavily.
No matter. Good night, Obi-Wan. I will be in touch, and you will answer.
Good night, Sidious.
Obi-Wan tossed his comm to the side and turned to hug Quinlan tightly. "I don't like this."
"I don't like it either," Quinlan murmured. "He went for a bolder tactic with you immediately. I wonder why?"
"Maybe he feels like you would have reacted poorly? And maybe he thinks you had already told me, so he had no reason to hide."
Quinlan sighed. "Sorry, Obes. I didn't realize he'd go after you too."
"It's okay, Quin. We're doing okay. That was... an interesting conversation. I can handle philosophy. I love being a Jedi. That's never going to change."
"I know. But you know that it's just a matter of finding our breaking points and this war on its own is going to wear us down, even if nothing happens to us and those we love."
"I know... I know." Obi-Wan let out a breath. "We are going to hold out as long as we can. We are going to impress everyone with how long it takes us to give in. We are going to do our best to be the Jedi masters everyone believes us to be."
"I can handle that. We can't let Sidious get to us."
"Three years, at least, that's how long we should try to last. Three years to figure out this war, the Sith."
"And report to the Council so they can help us. I've already started. We just need to keep it unofficial."
"I can handle that." Obi-Wan nodded.
"Good. Love ya, Obes. Let's get some sleep." Quinlan pulled his brother down and cuddled.
Obi-Wan sighed and smiled, quickly snuggling in. "Love you too, Quin." Obi-Wan yawned.
They fell asleep, curled around each other as they often did. It was the best way to sleep, and with the war, it was promising to be a rare scenario. They would take what they could get when they could get it.
And hopefully, hopefully, the Dark side would leave them alone even if the Sith would not.
.
It took two days for General Vos (call me Quinlan!) to leave. Cody was relieved. Everywhere he went those two days he saw Obi-Wan hanging on Quinlan or vice versa. Hey, if he was going to call Quinlan by his name he was definitely going to call his own general by his name. They were very close. Quinlan was clearly also Kiffar, and was probably ensuring that Obi-Wan was caught up with affection.
But did they have to be so close about it? They were clearly a couple. Had to be. Why else would they be like that? Anakin on the other hand was like a puppy about giving and accepting affection. Always very eager but also always on the move.
And shortly after, they had another mission. Likely following the information Quinlan gave Obi-Wan. It would be the first time they saw Anakin in action.
It was... something. He wasn't like Obi-Wan, and yet, they worked seamlessly together. They had to be used to the differences between them after so many years of Obi-Wan training Anakin. Anakin wasn't as refined, or poised as Obi-Wan pretended to be. He was wild and reckless and impulsive. But he wasn't angry. He just... acted. He was also very creative and good at thinking on his feet. That first mission, not one of his plans put anyone at risk needlessly.
Cody knew then that Rex was in good hands and relaxed. Now he could focus on being the best commander he could, not just to keep as many of the troopers alive as possible. But to also be the best second to Obi-Wan he could. To be the best friend he could. Even if he had no chance with Obi-Wan.
Even if he had no chance... He still had to be there for his general. Still needed his Jedi to trust him. Still needed Obi-Wan to feel comfortable training with him. To feel comfortable with getting what affection he needed when he got injured. It hadn't happened yet, but it would, some day. That was inevitable.
Cody would do it. For Obi-Wan, and for the safety of the 212th when it came to battle.
.
Obi-Wan and Anakin were talking on the way to Christophsis. It looked to be a challenge, but that wasn't on Anakin's mind as he cuddled with Obi-Wan in Obi-Wan's room.
“M-Quin said something before he left... He mentioned Ahsoka hasn't been made a padawan yet...” Anakin bit the inside of his lip as he thought.
Obi-Wan tapped his chin, hiding a smile at the way Anakin was thinking. “No, she hasn't. She'll be at the Temple a while yet. They’re not moving any initiates with the war going on.”
“Okay... Um... Obi?” Anakin sat up and looked at Obi-Wan seriously. “What if I decided to train Ahsoka? Take her as my padawan?”
Obi-Wan nodded slowly. “I had thought to do so myself... Are you certain? How will you train her?”
“The Force says I should train her,” Anakin responded confidently. “As for training... the same way you trained me, I suppose. With a lot of patience.”
Obi-Wan laughed. “That's a good start, Ani. Are you certain you are ready for a padawan?”
“No, I'm not... But Ahsoka needs me to train her, now. She's not going to be able to wait much longer. I know all the forms. I know enough of all the basics, you dragged me on too many different missions not to learn something. I will ask for help if I need it. And from what I've seen of the troopers, I think they could make sure she survives and thrives with their knowledge, too. With the war, she'll need it.”
“Good. I wasn't ready for you, you know. Quin wasn't sure he was ready for Aayla. And Kit wasn't even that sure about Nahdar. You're in good company. I like to think I did a good job with you.”
“You did Obi... I'll submit the form now. I hope Ahsoka can meet us on Christophsis. Might not be the best to start her on the battlefield but... I'd like to meet her as my padawan on a planet rather than a ship.”
“Good choice.” Obi-Wan smiled.
“And she'll want to see her grandmaster.”
Obi-Wan choked. “Right. Grandmaster. Me. Huh. At thirty five. That's going to take some adjusting.” He shook his head. “I'm proud of you, Anakin. My padawan, mere months out from his Trials, already taking on a padawan of his own. That's unusual, but I'm certain you can handle it. My only question... how are we going to tell Qui-Gon?”
Anakin laughed. “We'll call him after she arrives. Idris is going to be thrilled.”
“Oh he definitely will be.” Obi-Wan grinned. He wrapped his arm back around Anakin.
Anakin started in on the form, asking questions occasionally to be sure he was doing this right. With the form filled out, he set his holopad back down and grinned. “I'm taking on a padawan.”
“Yep. And she'll be calling you Master.”
“What? Oh... Oh yeah... that's weird. I've barely been a Knight for more than a month...”
Obi-Wan grinned. “It does take some getting used to. I remember watching Quin look around for who Aayla was talking to that first month.”
“Really? Well, that was when I first came to the Temple, wasn't it? No wonder I didn't notice.”
“Don't worry, I teased him plenty about it to make up for how much he was teasing me about breaking the youngest ever master record.”
.
Christophsis had been a mess from the start. And Anakin had gotten word that Ahsoka would be on the supply ship. So now he was pacing nervously. He'd already ensured that they had what they needed for a growing togruta. He'd warned Rex and the medics. The medics were doing their research, and Rex seemed a bit anxious about it himself.
Obi-Wan watched with amusement as Anakin paced, waiting for the supply ship.
“What's wrong with Skywalker?” Cody asked, stepping up. He had nothing new to report.
“Anakin is taking on a padawan, and now that she is about to arrive, he has become quite anxious.” Obi-Wan was more amused than anything.
“Ah. That's why Rex has been so tense lately. He must be anxious about getting a commander.”
Obi-Wan chuckled. “Ahsoka has no experience in command. He will have to help Anakin teach her what to do.”
“They're getting a shiny Jedi.”
“Yes. That usually is what happens when one takes on a padawan, unless that padawan has lost their master or that master is otherwise unable to train them.”
Cody glanced at Obi-Wan. “Oh. Do you know this padawan?”
“Yes, I spent a bit more than half a year as her crechemaster about six years ago. She and Anakin will make a great pair.”
Cody's brain nearly shut down as he thought about that. Obi-Wan had spent time as a youngling caregiver? Kark, could he get anymore perfect?
Ahsoka jumped off the ship, grinning. She bounded up to Anakin. “Hi Master Skywalker!”
Anakin startled at being called master, then recovered quickly. “Hello, Padawan Tano.” He cleared his throat. “Padawan Ahsoka Tano, do you want to be my padawan?”
“Yes, I do, Knight Anakin Skywalker,” she replied seriously.
He swept her up into a hug. “Good to see you, Soka.”
Ahsoka returned the hug, beaming. “I'm happy to be here. Um. I heard I was dropping in in the middle of a battle?”
Obi-Wan walked up, Cody trailing behind. “Yes, we were just debating on our strategy. We need to take out the shield generator. Think you are up to working with your master to do so?”
Ahsoka nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I am, Grandmaster!”
Obi-Wan stopped, a look of surprise crossing his face, then he smiled. “Good. We'll catch up later, Grandpadawan.” He turned to Cody and Rex. “Now, Commander, Captain, are you ready to give them the time they need?”
“Of course sir,” Cody replied. But his mind was actually a bit far away, trying to reconcile the idea that Obi-Wan was a grandfather, by Jedi standards. That was... something. He was young, still. But so was Anakin
Rex was still staring at the young padawan with something of a panicked look. A look of panic that had never crossed his face before. He was not prepared for this.
But everything worked out smoothly. Ahsoka proved herself though she was a bit reckless. They bickered a bit, though Anakin was more patient with her than he might have been in another universe.
There wasn't much time to congratulate themselves after, as they were immediately sent on another mission. It was only after that was successfully completed that they had some breathing room.
And then Obi-Wan grinned at them. “So, are we ready to make a call to introduce Ahsoka?”
Anakin had his arm wrapped around Ahsoka. “If Ahsoka is okay with it.”
Ahsoka blinked, then nodded, grinning. “They don't know?”
“Oh, I'm sure Quin knows, he is on the Council after all, but I don't know if anyone else knows.”
The call ended up being Quinlan, Qui-Gon, Idris, Dooku, Del, and Aayla. Nahdar was still busy preparing for his Trials and Kit was busy elsewhere. Tholme had been sent on some intelligence gathering mission and couldn't be in contact. Ahsoka ducked out of view before they started the call.
Everyone spent some time catching up, until finally, Qui-Gon couldn't wait any longer. “What is up with you two? And don't you deny it, I know you well enough.”
Anakin chuckled. “Never could get anything past you, Grandmaster.” He held out his hand. Ahsoka stepped into view as he wrapped his arm around her. “I wanted you to meet my padawan, who I'm sure you all recognize, Ahsoka Tano.”
There was an explosion of noise and excitement. The only one who didn't react like that was Quinlan. Quinlan leaned in. “Congratulations you two. I mean, I knew about it, but I'm still happy for you both. Saw this coming, of course.”
Obi-Wan chuckled. “Of course you did.”
“So, how does being a grandmaster feel?” Quinlan teased.
“Very surreal but that reminds me...”
Idris and Del excitedly congratulated Ahsoka on being in the same lineage. Dooku and Qui-Gon watched with smiles.
Obi-Wan had to interrupt. “Qui-Gon, how does it feel to be a great grandmaster? And Dooku, how does it feel to be a double great grandmaster?”
Qui-Gon almost choked on air at the question, while Dooku was less surprised but still a bit thrown by the reminder. Anakin started cackling. Normally serious Feemor doubled over laughing at their faces.
Aayla leaned forward, surprised but curious. “What's it like having a padawan, especially so quick, Ani?”
Anakin shrugged. “It's weird. I don't really feel like I know what I'm doing, but I seem to be doing something right. Obi is letting me make mistakes and everything. Only helping if I ask for help.”
“What made you decide to take on a padawan?”
“Quin mentioned that Ahsoka was still an initiate. I remembered that I had a weird feeling that I would train her years ago, which hadn't made sense, and then I meditated. It was an easy choice after that.”
Aayla blinked. “Huh... Well, congrats, Ani. Nice to meet you Ahsoka.” She looked away to someone out of view. “Right.” She turned back. “I have to go. May the Force be with you!” She waved and disappeared.
.
Anakin was thinking as he prepared for bed. He had introduced his padawan to everyone. He had gone over expectations for her for the next few years, and they had even discussed the differences between how things would be going for her compared to the norm.
So far, he was handling having a padawan well, he thought. It was anxiety provoking. Was he really ready for this? But it was meant to be. She was meant to be his padawan. They were so similar it was almost scary. He mentioned it to Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan just laughed and walked away, muttering something about Padawan's often reflecting their master's worst traits back at them.
Anakin wasn't sure he liked that thought. He frowned as something occurred to him. Aayla hadn't been as enthusiastic as he was expecting. She loved Ahsoka. Anakin had told her and Nahdar that he'd been feeling like he'd train Ahsoka one day. He'd known that since the time their masters took over some creche clans during an outbreak of flu. He'd just not said anything to anyone besides Aayla and Nahdar at the time.
But... Aayla didn't seem that happy. He wondered why, and resolved to make sure he checked in on her and set some time aside to hang out with her next time they were both on Coruscant.
He groaned. Kriff, he would have to balance time with Padme with training Ahsoka and catching up with friends and... that was going to be another adjustment.
Worth it. But it was an adjustment.
His comm chimed. Anakin jumped and eyed it suspiciously. He kept it on vibrate unless he was on duty. There should not have been a chime.
He picked it up.
Hello, Anakin.
Who is this?
You may call me Lord Sidious.
Like the big bad Sith would contact me himself. This is a stupid prank.
I assure you it is not, Anakin. Do not tell anyone about this... or you will not like what happens to them.
Prove that you are the Sith.
Why don't I tell you about Darth Plagueis the wise? No Jedi would tell you of his tale.
Anakin frowned. He knew all the major Sith names, and even some minor ones. He'd never heard of Plageius before.
I've studied Sith. His name is not in our records.
Of course he's not. He was my master.
...how about you tell me something more believable.
Very well. I will save his tale for another time. If you ever end up at a Sith Temple, you will find that you can just use the Force to open doors and get around traps. This is a trap on its own, lulling you into a false sense of security until you encounter an area that requires use of the Dark side, only by then you'll hardly notice.
Uh... I see. Is that what you're going to be doing with me? Trying to get me to Fall, to use the Dark side and be a Sith like you? It's not going to work.
Oh, you are a smart one. Clever. Of course, that is not all my plan.
Anakin cursed. He should not have revealed that he figured it out.
Of course not. You're a Sith who's been hiding out for decades, and the Sith have been hiding for centuries. Of course this isn't the end of things. You've got layers and layers of manipulations and I've got no chance to unravel them as a fresh knight.
Not just a fresh Knight... but a master, aren't you? Took on a padawan. A fourteen year old Togruta named Ahsoka Tano.
Leave my Padawan out of this.
I can't imagine what it's like to be in charge of someone so young and fragile already. Are you sure you're ready for this responsibility?
I've been preparing for it since I met her years ago. I considered everything before going through with it.
I see. So you made the choice.
Yes. Now can you let me sleep?
Oh, I suppose I can. But I will be in contact. Do not ignore me. You will not like the consequences. And remember, no one is to know of this little chat.
Right right. Good bye, Sidious.
Good night, Anakin. Pleasant dreams.
Anakin shuddered and stared at his comm in disbelief. Yeah, he was going to tell Obi-Wan. He didn't care what that meant for Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan knew how to handle himself and Anakin wasn't sure how to deal with this.
Yes, telling Obi-Wan was the right call. Anakin couldn't wait until morning and went to talk to him immediately. He needed the cuddling to calm his shakiness, and in the end, talking about it ensured he was able to sleep.