CHAPTER THREE
❝ light-years away ❞

"Sir!" A distinct voice rang aloud, echoing through the hallways of the Venator class Star Destroyer.

Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi paused and turned to face the clone trooper rushing toward him. "Yes, Cody?" he asked.

"You're wanted on the bridge," Cody informed him, with an air that suggested urgency.

Obi-Wan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He hadn't been expecting the Council to request an update for another few hours. "Now?"

"Yes sir."

The pair walked to the bridge, where Obi-Wan was greeted by the holographic image of Jedi Master Mayrose. She was a kind woman with dark skin and warm brown eyes, who also happened to be the youngest member of the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan respected her a great deal, and they had been friends for many years. "Maia," he greeted pleasantly. Suddenly his face dropped as he caught sight of her expression. "Is everything alright?"

She let out a breath that told him it was not. "Obi-Wan," she began, "we've received a call for help from Alysia."

The words left him stupefied. It had been years since he had heard that name. For a long moment he was able to say nothing at all. Everything around him faded to a dull buzz, so lost was he in the vortex of his thoughts. Finally, he managed to repeat, "Alysia." Then, after collecting himself, he asked, "Is she ok?"

Maia hesitated only briefly, but it was enough to make Obi-Wan go pale with fear. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "The message was sent from Ryloth on her behalf."

"What did it say?" Obi-Wan pressed.

"She's requested Jedi assistance to Kro Var. Specifically mine or yours. According to the message, they're under Separatist Blockade."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Separatist blockade? We'll have to act fast."

Maia nodded in agreement. "You know I would go if I could, but unfortunately there's a situation here at the Temple, and I have to stay until it's resolved. That's why I've called you. What's your current mission status?"

"Anakin is more than capable of finishing up with the Separatists here," Obi-Wan said, a little too quickly. "What would you have me do?"

"You are to travel to Kro Var on a diplomatic mission. You can take the Stealth Corvette so you're not seen. The Council believes that the Kro Varians have already aligned with the Separatists, but I've convinced them to send you to appeal on behalf of the Republic."

"So this is a negotiation," Obi-Wan observed. "Not a rescue mission."

"Correct, but you must be prepared for anything, The Kro Var warriors are to be treated as highly dangerous—"

"The Kro Var warriors," a sudden voice interrupted from behind Obi-Wan that caused him to startle. He whipped around to see Ahsoka Tano standing behind him, looking entirely too eager. "I've read about them. Supposedly they're some of the most powerful beings in the galaxy, apart from the Jedi."

Beside her stood Anakin, who appeared to not have the same knowledge on the subject, but nonetheless looked eager at the prospect of a new assignment. "So, when do we leave?"

"I will be leaving at once," Obi-Wan said decidedly. "You won't be coming with me. You and Anakin need to stay here and fight."

"Come on, Obi-Wan, the battle's practically won," Anakin protested. He gestured at his padawan."You'd really let all Snips research go to waste?"

"We'll take no more risk than necessary," Obi-Wan said firmly. "And I won't argue with you about this."

Anakin sighed. "You always say that," he said, "and then expect me to drop everything and come rescue you."

"I hardly think that's fair," Obi-Wan scoffed, rolling his eyes for good measure.

"Really?" Anakin demanded. He turned to the other Jedi Master on the hologram and asked, "What do you think Master Mayrose?"

"That's an argument I'll refrain from involving myself in, Skywalker," Maia said, eyes twinkling. "But do stay alert. You're on call for backup."

"You better not need it," Anakin informed Obi-Wan, pointing at him as he backed away. He turned around and exited the bridge, Ahsoka at his heels.

Obi-Wan was left standing at the table alone, and when he glanced up, Maia was still there.

"Obi-Wan," she said, somewhat suddenly. "You have to know, this was not an easy mission to get approved. The Council is not pleased."

Obi-Wan staggered. "What?"

"According to our sources, the Separatists have been visiting Kro Var for weeks. With no blockade present." she said, emphasizing the last words.

Obi-Wan blinked. Then, suddenly, he understood. "You think it's a trap?"

"I don't. But the other council members are not convinced. And you must admit it's suspicious." She paused before adding, "Alysia has missed her last few check-ins with the Council."

"She's never been the most timely," Obi-Wan said, automatically seeking to defend his old friend. "Surely it was just an oversight."

"I agree with you," Maia said. "I can't believe Alysia would have intentionally withheld this information from us."

"If I get there, and she is in danger—" Obi-Wan began. He couldn't finish. The Council would expect him to treat her as a deceiver, but he knew she would never.

"Sometimes you must do what you feel is right," Maia said carefully. "Rather than what is expected of you."

Obi-Wan looked up, surprised by the defiant glint in Maia's eyes. He had always viewed her as dutiful when they were younger, rarely seeking to draw attention to herself, and disinclined to break the rules. It should have occurred to him earlier, he realized, that this was only her surface persona. Maia's flair for rebellion might not have been as observable as Alysia's, but perhaps it had been what united them all along.

He inclined his head. "As you say, Master Mayrose."

✦✧✦✧

Maia could feel him the moment she hung up on Obi-Wan, standing over her shoulder, waiting for her. She took a steadying breath before asking, "Can I help you, Master Windu?"

She turned around to see him staring at her intently with those eyes that held no hint of softness.

"I was just wondering whether you really think it best to send Obi-Wan on this mission," he said, voice filled with condescension. "We have others nearby that might be better suited to the task."

"No, it has to be Obi-Wan," Maia replied.

"Because of their history."

"Because of their connection," Maia corrected, then wondered why she was even trying to explain. She was certain Windu could never understand. "And yes, their history. Obi-Wan has always been able to get through to Alysia."

"Be that as it may, I don't trust them."

"You don't trust Obi-Wan?" Maia pressed. "He's been nothing but trustworthy his entire life."

"No, I don't trust them. Together. Obi-Wan might be an ideal Jedi Master now, but he made his fair share of mistakes as a padawan, Master Mayrose. And a good deal of them happened because he got far too attached to those around him." He scowled as he said, "Alysia always seemed to compound that particular flaw."

"Well," Maia said after a brief pause. "That was then. I'm sure much has changed in ten years."

"Time is unreliable," Master Windu replied. "You can rarely predict what will happen because of it."

Maia took a steadying breath. "Then I suppose we'll just have to have faith," she said.

Master Windu tilted his head. "Faith," he mused. The Jedi Master walked over to the holotable, displaying a map of various Outer Rim sectors. Red spots flickered all across, designating areas of high Separatist presence. Far more than had been present just the day before. "Faith is a habit of fools."