Chapter 2

Anakin tore down the hallway as the toll of the dinner bells echoed throughout the corridors. Obi-Wan was walking a ways behind the boy. He was amazed at how much energy Anakin could muster to run for food after training all afternoon. He only runs faster, Obi-Wan mused, when a transmission from Padme or his mother is waiting for him.

As he entered the dining hall after his pupil, Obi-Wan could hear the many voices of the Academy's inhabitants, and the peals of laughter from the younger ones. The Jedi Council members sat at the front of the room by a large window. Their table was large, round, and carved from the wood of some great Kashyyk tree. In the center of the table was a holoprojector. From the holo, a Coruscant newsdroid was talking of the latest news in the galaxy to anyone willing to listen. The newsdroid, or "newsie", as the younger Padawans had nicknamed it, did not have a very large audience today, though. The Council members were in deep discussion among each other, some simply chatting amicably, while others talked of more pressing matters. The dark-skinned Jedi named Mace Windu was conversing with the diminutive, green, Jedi Master by the name of Yoda. Obi-Wan could see him gesturing with his hands as he spoke. Wondering what they were discussing, he went over to stand by Anakin.

"They have bantha stew today!" Anakin happily exclaimed to Obi-Wan. He smiled and put his hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"You deserve it a large bowl of it then, Anakin. You did well with the lightsaber today. Tomorrow we'll concentrate more on calming your emotions so that you will be able to better sense your opponent."

Anakin nodded distractedly, and Obi-Wan turned to browse through the selections of food to decide what he was going to have for supper. He was about to pick up a Corellian steak sandwich when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked down to see Anakin standing there with a concerned expression on his face.

"What is the matter, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked. "Wasn't the stew any good?"

"Oh, the stew," Anakin replied distractedly. "Yeah, it's fine." He then directed his Master's attention over towards the Council table. "They're talking about you, Master Obi-Wan," he said. "I think that they're going to want to speak with you about something."

"What would they be talking about me for?" Obi-Wan puzzled, wrinkling up his forehead. He put the sandwich on his plate and picked up a glass for a drink. Then he glanced towards the Council table again. Mace Windu turned towards Obi-Wan's direction and smiled when he spotted the Jedi. He motioned for Obi-Wan to come and join them.

"Told you so," Anakin said, smirking at his Master.

Obi-Wan looked at the boy with an amused expression. "Go back to your table and eat your dinner with your friends. I'll meet up with you again afterwards."

Anakin gave him a look that seemed to say, Don't get in trouble. Then he turned and left to eat his meal with the other Padawans. Obi-Wan picked up his plate and drink and walked over to the Council's table. A few Padawans moved out of his way as he walked. The Padawans treated the Jedi Knights and Masters with respect, with special reverence being directed towards the Council members. Obi-Wan was at the level of Jedi Knight, but many of the Padawans looked at him as a special Knight because they had heard the story of his battle with a Sith. They would often ask Anakin to tell what he knew of the story. Anakin, however, would remain silent when asked because he knew that Obi-Wan did not like to discuss that fateful battle.

Obi-Wan approached the great round table with his plate in one hand and drink in the other. Trying to mask the curiosity on his face, he greeted the twelve Jedi and then directed his attention towards the two whom had invited him.

"Good evening Master Yoda, Master Windu," Obi-Wan said with a bow. Smiling apologetically, he continued. "Pardon me for bringing my dinner along, but . . ."

"Don't worry about it," Mace Windu interrupted. "Everyone has to eat sometime." He motioned to a droid, which brought over a chair for Obi-Wan. Mace then shifted his chair to the side so the Obi-Wan could sit between himself and Yoda. At the same time honored and confused, Obi-Wan sat down. As he did, he peered over his left shoulder. His eyes were met by at least a hundred curious others which quickly shifted to look down at their dinners. He then turned around and situated himself.

"Comfortable are you?" Yoda questioned the slightly nervous young man.

"Yes, thank you very much," Obi-Wan replied with a small bow of his head.

"Good," Mace said. "Very good, because we have much to discuss."