A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far Away

Chapter 145

Obi-Wan studied the Republic destroyer, called the Vigilance, that he would be using for his mission, deep in thought. Sighing, he began to walk towards the loading ramp.

"Obi-Wan!!" a familiar voice called.

He looked back to find Anakin and Luna hurrying to catch up with him.

"I was beginning to wonder if you two were ever going to show up and see me off," Obi-Wan told them as the they caught up.

"Sorry, time slipped away," Anakin explained apologetically as he and Obi-Wan began to walk side by side. Luna followed a few steps behind them, giving the illusion of privacy. Anakin made sure he kept a mental tab on the girl through the Force. He sighed, glancing at the Vigilance. "You're going to need me on this one, Master."

"Oh, I agree," Obi-Wan replied. "However, it may turn out just to be a wild bantha chase. Besides, your job here is much more important."

Anakin just nodded solemnly, taking a deep breath as they stopped in front of the ramp that lead to the ship. "Obi-Wan, I've disappointed you, disobeyed you more times than I can count, broken the Code, and I just wanted to say thank you for always being there despite it all. I couldn't ask for a better partner, friend, or master."

Obi-Wan smiled at his long time friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know, and you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be. I know you will do what is right when the time comes."

"Thank you," Anakin just managed to get out, past the lump of emotion clogging his throat. Obi-Wan just nodded with a knowing smile.

"Luna, I expect to see you when I return, and do try to keep yourself out of danger," Obi-Wan said, looking at the girl.

"I will definitely try," Luna told him with a partially forced smile as she tried not to think of the Revenge of the Sith's version of things from that moment forward. "No promises."

"Any hints for what's waiting for me?"

"Don't relax once you get your saber back," she said after a moment, the smallest flash of worry dancing in her eyes, "but you'll be fine."

"Once I get it back? You have me and Anakin confused," Obi-Wan told her with a chuckle.

"Then I reserve the right to tease you about it if you're wrong," Anakin informed his old master. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.

"Fair enough.... Well, I believe I hear General Grievous calling my name," he replied, before starting down the ramp.

"Obi-Wan," Anakin called, causing Obi-Wan to turn back around, "may the Force be with you."

"Good bye, old friend, may the Force be with you." And with that, the Jedi Master turned and left. Anakin and Luna stood there, watching until the Vigilance rose up into the air, leaving Coruscant behind. Luna couldn't help but notice Anakin's expression turning dark in worry.

"Obi-Wan will be fine," she reassured him. "Trust me."

"I know," Anakin muttered, forcing a smile as he glanced at her before his gaze returned to the dot in the sky that was the destroyer. He did, after all, Luna wouldn't lie about something like this, and he trusted her enough to believe her, even without checking the Force. Obi-Wan would be fine, even if Anakin couldn't quite make himself stop worrying.... Not that there was only one reason he was so worried. If anything, he wanted Obi-Wan to stay. "I'm.... I'm just worried this may be the last time we'll see each other on the same side."