Anabeth: Spark Of Change

Chapter 22 - Message From Mandalore

"Alright, let's go again," Obi-Wan instructed Ana who was groaning as she got back onto her feet.
"Remind me again why we're doing this," she complained as she grasped her lightsaber tighter.
"Because, as brilliant as your fighting style of exploiting the weaknesses of each form might, Master Windu wants you to learn to go up against someone whose knowledge of their form is equal to your knowledge."

"Right, the Master of Soresu and all, that's why he asked you," Ana sighed in defeat. Windu had a valid point of course, but it was late in the eveing and she much rather would just go to bed and postpone the training session to some other time.

"Fine, one last time and then we're done for today," Obi-Wan finally offered. Anabeth gave him a grateful nodd as she braced herself for Obi-Wan's attack. However, it never came and instead the Jedi Master's comlink started to beep. "I have to take this," he said before quickly turning off his lightsaber and clipping it to his belt to take the call. Ana did the same as she slowly walked over to him to see who was calling at this hour.

"Kenobi here," Obi-Wan picked up.
"We received a transmission you better come and take a look at," Master Mundi's voice rang through the com. "And bring Ana too, this is of interest to both of you".
"We're on our way," Master Kenobi replied as he turned to Ana. "You got lucky, no more training for today".

"You summoned us?" Ana made their presence in the room know. She was surprised to find only Master Yoda and Master Mundi to be present. The two Jedi Masters barely looked at them before turning back to the transmitter and pressing a button to play a message. Obi-Wan and Ana stepped closer curiously when the holographic image of none other than Satine Kryze appeared in front of them. Ana knew that this couldn't mean anything good.

"This is a message for Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anabeth Velar," Satine's voice echoed through the room. "I've lost Mandalore. My people have been massacred, and Almec is now the prime Minister. I can't explain everything now, but Almec has the support of the crime families. Obi-Wan, I need your help." The room was silent for a minute as both Obi-Wan and Ana stared at where the image of Satine had been only a few seconds ago.

"Your thoughts on this, Master Kenobi?" Master Mundi pushed for them to say something.
"Satine has been at odds with the Death Watch for years, and according to a report from Padawan Tano, they are no longer in league with the Sepratists. If there was a takeover on Mandalore, it was most likely an independant act caused by the Death Watch alone," Obi-Wan began to asses the situation.

"Without involvement from the Sepratists, this is an internal affair for the Manadalorians. I'm afraid we cannot help," Mundi told them.
"We cannot just hand Mandalore over to these crime families and let Satine become a martyr," Obi-Wan argued, almost sounding overly emotional about the situation.
"I'm afraid her decision to keep Mandalore neutral makes this situation difficult," Master Mundi tried to be diplomatic.
Ana was not taking it though and rushed to Obi-Wan's aid. "And since when has difficult ever stopped us? The way I see it we have a planet in need of some peace keeping. Isn't that our job?"

"Understand your point I do. But to take action, support from the Republic Senate we would need," Yoda joined the discussion. Anabeth was going to respond when Obi-Wan stopped her with his attempt to be diplomatic.
"You know what the Senate will decide. They will not send aid to a neutral system."
"At this time, nothing more can we do," Yoda let them know that there was nothing more to be discussed here.

"Since when do need permission from the Senate to go places? The last time I checked the Jedi were and independant organisation and didn't fall under the authority of the Republic," Ana complained as Obi-Wan and her walked through the empty hallways of the Temple.
"We don't need permission, but our troops do. If we send them to Mandalore without their approval we'd be starting yet another war."
"Then why not send some Jedi to quietly investigate the matter and free Satine? It would be the least we can do for her and the planet," Ana argued.

She had expected to hear a lengthy explaination as to why this wouldn't be possible but instead Obi-Wan remained quiet. "Wait, you're planning on going to Mandalore, aren't you?" she asked in disbelieve as she realised what he was planning. "I want to come with you."
"Ana, I am already breaking the rules by going without the Council's approval. I can't just make you be my partner in crime and put your life in danger over this."

"You're not making me do it, I'm asking you for it," she determinedly pointed out.
"Ana, it would be irresponsible and beyond my authority to take you along. I need you to stay here, alright? I promise, I won't be gone long." Ana knew that Obi-Wan meant well by forbidding her to come to Mandalore with him, but this was not his decision to make.
"Fine," she pretended to agree with him.

Ana wished him goodbye and good luck and promised him not to tell anyone where he was going as they parted ways. However, as soon as Obi-Wan was out of sight Ana masked her presence in the force and turned around to follow him. It turned out that he had decided to borrow one of Anakin's ships for this little detour so it couldn't be traced. And while Obi-Wan ran pre flight checks Ana snuck herself onboard and hid in the cargo hold.

She almost felt sorry for going against orders by sneaking away with Obi-Wan, but she was not about to sit still while Satine's life was in danger. She had the feeling that there was more to the takeover on Mandalore than meet the eye and if that was the case, then Obi-Wan would sooner or later be thankful to have her there with him. For now however, all she could do was to wait for the ship to get them to their destination.