Rumour Has It - Part II

After spending most of the night reading tedious Initiate records, and Padmé giving him the cold shoulder the next morning, Anakin was not in the best of moods as he arrived at the Temple. A group of younglings quickly scattered when they saw him coming; Anakin spotted his next targets among them. He followed the Initiates to the Map Room, glad he could kill two birds with one stone.

Uuna Lux and her Bothan friend J'kar Hudorra met Anakin's apprising gaze with obvious trepidation. The pair fidgeted, clearly wanting to escape, but as they were too Jedi-trained to do so, they politely offered to vacate the room instead.

"No need. In fact, you're just the persons I wanted to see." Anakin grinned wolfishly.

"We are?" Hudorra sounded slightly uncertain; he exchanged alarmed looks with his companion.

"Yes, you are," Anakin confirmed cheerfully. He had decided that a straight approach was the best; after all, he already knew every fact there was to know about them, now it was just the matter of confirming the impressions the exhaustive records had given him.

"How can we help you Master Skywalker?" Initiate Lux asked earnestly.

"I hope you can answer a few questions for me."

"Of course –"

"Why –"

So, it was as he had thought: Lux was a follower, while Hudorra could challenge his superiors if needed. Both qualities had their disadvantages and advantages, but Obi-Wan needed someone who could question him more than he needed someone who would always follow his lead.

"What is the most important duty of a Padawan?"

"To obey her Master," Lux answered without any hesitation.

"To learn and question," Hudorra said, equally certain as his friend.

"Oh? I see." Anakin stroked his bare chin, like he was deep in thought. "Thank you for your input." He turned to go.

"Master Skywalker, wait!" Hudorra exclaimed. "What is the answer?" Both teens were looking at Anakin with round eyes, certain he had all the right answers. He decided to take pity on them.

"From my personal experience, a Padawan's most important duty is to keep their Master alive and well. To accomplish that, you need to both obey and question."

The Initiates were looking a little confused; Anakin felt as cryptic as Master Yoda. Not able to resist the temptation, he continued, "One more question: Master Kenobi – a great Jedi or the greatest?"

That one they both managed to answer right.

-o-

A few hours later, Anakin was shovelling Nuna bacon into his mouth with record speed.

"Anakin, slow down. I'm beginning to seriously fear you are going to choke on your meal." Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with raised eyebrows, his own plate only half empty.

"Can't, I –" Anakin swallowed his last piece of flatbread. "I promised I would be in…" A glance at the chrono. "– in thirty minutes back in the Temple hangar. One of the Initiate groups has a flying class and I sort of promised their instructor I would come and show them a few tricks." Not to mention, it was also the perfect opportunity to assess their flying skills. Obi-Wan did not like to fly – one could say he absolutely detested it – so it was crucial his future Padawan had excellent skills in that area.

"They asked you to demonstrate your suicidal flying skills to a group of impressionable younglings?" The incredulous tone of voice told Anakin what Obi-Wan thought of that idea.

"More or less," Anakin said and took a big gulp of caf. Master Cai hadn't actually asked him – it was more that he had offered himself to the task, giving her no chance to refuse. Sometimes being the Chosen One had its advantages.

"You?"

"Hey, I'm a great pilot!"

"Perhaps they think you will serve as a great warning example," Obi-Wan mused.

"My flying skills have saved your sorry hide numerous times," Anakin pointed out, keeping an eye on the chrono. With his incredible flying skills, the thirty minutes it usually took to fly from Dex's to the Temple was reduced to twenty – easily.

"Your flying skills have nearly killed me numerous times," his Master claimed, very unfairly. All of their crashes had been perfectly controlled forced landings, and as for the time Anakin had shot down Obi-Wan's fighter – well, that had been a very unfortunate accident. "Although I have to say that I'm not quite sure who I pity more – the younglings or you. I'm glad I never had to teach you how to fly."

Anakin pulled a face. "So am I."

"Well, thank the Force we were both spared from that." Obi-Wan grinned. Anakin's answering grin was only slightly marred by his bulging cheeks, full of Nuna bacon. Obi-Wan chuckled. "Uncivilized heathen. I don't know where I went wrong raising you," he said fondly.

Anakin basked in his Master's good-humoured regard, feeling suddenly indescribably grateful that he had ended up as Obi-Wan Kenobi's Padawan, and no one else's. Only Obi-Wan could have guided him into Knighthood. For the first time, Anakin thought that perhaps there was some youngling now – troublesome, alone, gifted – that deserved the same opportunity he had been given over ten years ago.

"Master," he began hesitantly. He didn't quite know how to put into words what he wanted to say. "Have you thought about…"

Immediately, Obi-Wan's focus was back on Anakin, alerted that their cheerful banter had changed into something serious. "Yes?"

Anakin ducked his head, suddenly bashful. "I just think that I…that I was lucky. To get you as my Master, I mean. That's all."

"Thank you." Obi-Wan smiled gently. "I happen to think that I was pretty lucky as well, to get you."

Warmed to his very bones, Anakin speared the last piece of his meal and shoved it into his mouth.

"Oh, Anakin?" Obi-Wan remarked innocently. "Your flying lesson starts in twenty minutes."

"Kark!" He swore and promptly choked on a piece of bacon.

-o-

In the end, Anakin was only a little late – and that had nothing to do with his flying skills, and everything to do with a six-vehicle pile-up and an incompetent emergency crew. As for the lesson itself, it had gone…without any major incident. The younglings had undeniably learned a lot, but Anakin could concede that teaching children to fly was perhaps not really his forte.

Anakin was a great believer in showing how things were done, rather than telling, so he had herded the group of Initiates to a first suitable ship, made sure they were strapped into their seats, and had proceeded to show them how the whole flying thing was really done. Which had resulted in some screams, whimpers and one Rodian puking all over himself and those unfortunate enough to be sitting next to him. The putrid stench had been overwhelming in the confined space, so Anakin had been forced to cut the flight demonstration short.

When they had landed, the younglings had unstrapped themselves and exited the ship with haste, a few of them lurching like drunken pirates. Master Cai, who had reluctantly agreed to wait in the hangar, had looked almost as white-faced as some of the Initiates. Her thin lips and blazing gaze told Anakin he had been effectively blacklisted.

It had not been for nothing though; there was one small slip of a girl, who had been shrieking with joy rather than terror and whose wide grin had taken over her whole face. Clearly a kindred spirit, who could appreciate the need for speed and impossible manoeuvres. Her exhilaration made Anakin smile; he winked at the girl – Liá Shekar – as he left the hangar, deciding to give the little pilot private lessons in the future. That kind of enthusiasm for flying should always be encouraged.

He cast his mind back to the records he had read last night. Initiate Shekar had not been on Ahsoka's list; according to her teachers she was an average student, hard-working but absent-minded, and had an unfortunate tendency towards daydreaming during history and politics classes. Anakin could relate.

He stopped, deep in thought. Liá would benefit enormously from a Master like Obi-Wan, so maybe…Anakin felt a strange tightness around his heart. Perhaps it would be too cruel to expose Obi-Wan to another speed terror.

Yes, it was clear that Initiate Shekar was not right for his Master after all.

-o-

A few days later, Anakin plopped himself down on a chair next to his second in command in the Officers' Club. Rex saluted him by raising his half-full glass and Anakin grinned back. It was an unspoken rule that the rigorous protocols between officers and their subordinates were not adhered to in the one place they all came to relax.

And relaxation was something Anakin definitely needed. His entire week had been nothing but an unending parade of long Initiate records, awkward questions and chasing down potential Padawan candidates. He was sick of it. It gave him a whole new appreciation for Yoda's sneaky tactic of just shipping Ahsoka to him, no questions asked, no return of the package possible. He had never known from how much tediousness the old troll had saved him from – that is, if one ignored the fact that Anakin hadn't wanted a Padawan to begin with. But it had all worked out in the end, so…

Anakin and Rex nursed their drinks in companionable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Anakin was looking at the bottom of his glass, when his Captain eventually asked, "General, any news about when we are shipping out?"

"No, but I imagine it'll be soon," Anakin groaned, already dreading the coming parting with Padmé. But at the same time, he was feeling restless, itching to be back in the front lines, fighting, making a difference.

"I hear that we might get some reinforcements."

Anakin stared at Rex, uncomprehending.

"A new Jedi Padawan for General Kenobi?" Rex elaborated.

"A reinforcement? A liability more likely," Anakin barked. He should have known that Ahsoka had blabbed to Rex – that or Rex had heard it from Cody, who had heard it from Obi-Wan himself…But the latter was unlikely, for surely his Master would have told Anakin first?

"If they are anything like Commander Tano, then they are a force to be reckoned with." The corners of Rex's mouth twitched from amusement. It was the closest thing to laughing Anakin had ever seen the clone Captain get.

"I wish I could tell you who it is," Anakin sighed. He stared dejectedly at his empty glass. "But Obi-Wan hasn't said anything. I guess I'll get to know with everyone else, hopefully before we ship out."

"General…have you talked with General Kenobi about this?" Rex was watching him intently, a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Well…not exactly." Or at all really. Suddenly Anakin felt ridiculous; what on earth he was doing moping in the Officers Club, complaining about Obi-Wan to Rex of all people? Rex, although his friend, was still Anakin's and Obi-Wan's subordinate.

Anakin shook his head, smiling wryly. "You're right. I should be talking to Obi-Wan." He patted his Captain on the shoulder and rose from his chair. "Thanks, Rex."

"My pleasure, General."

Determined, Anakin left the club in search of his mulish Master. He was going to get to the bottom of the whole Padawan issue – whatever it took.

-o-

In the end, the big confrontation Anakin had imagined between himself and Obi-Wan deflated into a slightly mortifying conversation. He had waited for the right moment to bring up the matter when his Master had unexpectedly beaten him to it.

"I hear you have been quite busy. Interviewing – or should I say terrorizing – Initiates. What are you scheming?" Obi-Wan asked, sounding half baffled, half suspicious.

Anakin avoided his Master's discerning gaze. Now that the opportunity was at hand, it was surprisingly difficult to talk about it frankly. "Who says I can't just be interested in how the younglings are doing? They are the future after all."

"Anakin, before this you hardly even looked in their direction. I doubt you knew any of their names."

"Well, I know now," Anakin muttered, sullen.

"Yes, and you don't sound very pleased about that."

Anakin bristled at his Master's stern tone and sniped back, "And you don't sound too pleased about that I have finally made an effort to know them – afraid I'll corrupt the potential candidates?"

"What on earth are you blathering about?" Obi-Wan frowned.

"Well, you know."

"Clearly I don't."

"You, taking a new Padawan."

"I am?"

"It's just that I wanted to help. To make sure that you got the best one. That they are suitable and…well. I just thought I should lend a hand. That's all," Anakin tried to explain, knowing he wasn't doing a very good job of it.

"Let me get this straight," Obi-Wan said incredulously, his voice as dry as Tatooine. "You have pestered Initiates and traumatized a flying class, because you have been vetting my hypothetical Padawan candidates?"

"Uh, yes?"

Obi-Wan stared at him, clearly lost for words. In other circumstances, Anakin would have taken great pleasure in managing to render his former Master speechless. But now he just felt slightly nauseous.

"I don't even know where to start," Obi-Wan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if to stave off a headache. "Why would you think I'm planning on taking a Padawan?"

"Everyone thinks that," Anakin was quick to point out. If he had erred, then so had the whole karking Temple. "It's all they talk about. And Yoda certainly all but confirmed it – said that you would teach again. And you went to see Master Drallig!"

The completely rational explanation did not have the expected result: Obi-Wan was still looking at Anakin bemusedly, as if what his former Padawan was saying made no sense at all. "I promised to teach a few lightsaber classes while we are in the Temple. I talked about that with Yoda – and Master Drallig."

Anakin winced. That…made sense. "So…I take it that you don't want a new Padawan?"

"No, Anakin," his Master said, clearly annoyed. "I am not planning on taking an apprentice."

"Well, how was I supposed to know?" Anakin asked, defensive.

"Perhaps you should have asked me."

"Right." Anakin blushed. Then he forced himself to continue. He had to ask – the whole mess had happened because he hadn't asked. "Why aren't you? Taking a Padawan, I mean. The Council would be pleased and…and there are talented, brilliant younglings who deserve it."

Obi-Wan shook his head, not looking at Anakin. For a moment it seemed his Master would not answer, but then he said, "No – at least not while this war is going on. I can't worry about anyone else." I already worry too much about you, Ahsoka, our troops, our friends. Although left unsaid, Anakin heard it regardless.

"I know," Anakin confessed quietly. "And I worry about you. I can't help it. That's why I got a little carried away with the Initiates…I know I shouldn't have. It's not my place to decide who you should or shouldn't choose as your apprentice."

"No, it's not," Obi-Wan said firmly. He turned towards Anakin and there was now a trace of a smile on his face. "But all the same, I promise that if someday I want to take on another nuisance, I will ask for your opinion."

"I'll hold you to that." Anakin smiled, relieved. He felt lighter, but curiously at the same time also steadier. "So, when is your class?"

"Why?"

"Oh, I'm definitely coming to watch how Master Kenobi teaches lightsaber techniques to a group of adoring Initiates. I might even cheer from the sidelines."

"Don't you dare."

But Anakin most certainly did dare. And it was just as glorious as he had thought it would be.

-o-

Meanwhile:

"Have you all heard?!"

"Heard what?"

"Anakin Skywalker is taking a new Padawan!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"I heard that too."

"But what about Ahsoka?"

"She is being knighted –"

"Already?"

"Don't be stupid – I heard she requested a new Master –"

"No, he requested that –"

"That makes no sense."

"I heard Master Skywalker is going to teach two Padawans."

"Is that even possible?"

"He is the Chosen One."

"I heard he has already started looking."

"He talked to Uuna and J'kar."

"Sierra Yorin too. And he taught that flying class."

"I heard that Gedo almost puked on top of Master Skywalker."

"So true – Liá told me all about it."

"Not a word to anyone but…I kind of heard Master Nu and Master Vók talking…they said that Master Skywalker…hacked into the Initiate records or something."

"It must be true then!"

"I wish he'd pick me."

"Me too."

"Force, he is so handsome."

"Yeah…"

"I still don't think any of this makes any sense."

THE END.