Saga Delayed Gratification (AU AOTC, A/P, Obi) [Author's Notes/Announcement 01/04/04]

Wow that Obiwan had left the Jedi Order was not what I was expecting. Nor Anakin I bet. Will we get to know why Obiwan left? I would have like to been a fly on the wall for what matters the council had to discuss with Obiwan. Although I bet it has something to do with papatine wanting Anakin as his bodyguard. I hope Anakin tells Obiwan about his meeting with papatine. An angry Obiwan, that I do not see very often in stories, so that was a nice twist. It makes him seem a little more human to me anyway.

Hope to see another post soon. This is great.

 

AAAAA!

CLIFFIE! OBI-WAN LEAVING THE ORDER!

I just thought of something. If Ani and Padme are already wed, how will Obi-Wan attend the wedding?

EVIL PALPATINE!

 

Reihla

Oh, now that's just cold! Leaving us after dropping a bomb like that! I hope you're coming back soon to shed some light on this

I'm back.

CrystalKenobi

Wow that Obiwan had left the Jedi Order was not what I was expecting. Nor Anakin I bet. Will we get to know why Obiwan left? I would have like to been a fly on the wall for what matters the council had to discuss with Obiwan. Although I bet it has something to do with papatine wanting Anakin as his bodyguard. I hope Anakin tells Obiwan about his meeting with papatine. An angry Obiwan, that I do not see very often in stories, so that was a nice twist. It makes him seem a little more human to me anyway.

Obi-Wan needs to be a little more human and a little less 'what he saw Qui-Gon as' perfect.

Hope to see another post soon. This is great.

Thanks. Is this soon enough?

KSA

AAAAA!

CLIFFIE! OBI-WAN LEAVING THE ORDER!

I just thought of something. If Ani and Padme are already wed, how will Obi-Wan attend the wedding?

EVIL PALPATINE!

New reader? If so, welcome! And Ani and Padme aren't wed yet. This started between the Battle of Geonosis and Anakin escorting Padme back to Naboo.

Peregrine the Merciful deigns to relieve the suffering of his (few) loyal readers...

***

"Left the Order? But why?"

"The Council does not take seriously Count Dooku's warning that a Sith Lord controls the Senate. If the Council is going to blind itself to such a great threat, I can no longer be a part of the Order it governs."

Anakin shook his head. "You've always been willing to believe the worst about politicians. Perhaps the Council is less partial in their perspective."

"Perspectives be damned!" Obi-Wan said vehemently. "This is too great of a threat to ignore. If the Sith Lord is indeed influencing the Senate, he must be discovered and his influence ended, or the Republic is doomed to fall." Obi-Wan continued, his voice taking on a ranting tone. "The Council is too concerned with threat of the Separatists, and this so-called 'Clone War'. They can't see that the greater threat lies within, that the Sith is the greater danger."

"But isn't Count Dooku on the Dark Side, now? Why would he tell you the truth?"

"Because he left the Order for the same reason, because it continues to support a government that has become infiltrated at its highest levels by the greatest enemy the galaxy has ever known. You know the history, Anakin. You know the destruction the Sith have wrought."

"The last battles with the Sith were a thousand years ago. Until you and Qui-Gon defeated that Sith back on Naboo, the Jedi thought they were all destroyed."

"But we know now that they survived, by limiting their numbers to two, a Master and an Apprentice, in a twisted corruption of Jedi ways, which is all they've ever been. Anakin, imagine the galaxy with the Sith in the place of the Jedi, advising the government. And they wouldn't be servants of the government, oh, no. They'd be the masters."

Anakin sat back in thought. "They'd force everyone to obey their dictates." His words to Padme on the subject of politics, uttered half in jest, echoed in his mind. Then they should be made to. A chill ran down his spine as he realized the import of his statement.

"Exactly. Anakin, a Jedi's highest duty is to the Force. Next is to the galaxy and its peoples. Only then does his duty fall to the Republic. The Council has forgotten that. They have become as much of politicians as the Senators themselves!"

Anakin shook his head, recognizing that he would be unable to sway his - former, he caught himself - Master. "What will you do now?"

"Count Dooku offered me a position with the Separatists when we were on Geonosis. If his offer still stands, I can learn what more he knows of the Sith Lord, and possibly track the Sith down. I'm the only living Jedi to have defeated a Sith in battle. I should be able to track down the Sith Lord and expose him. Then the Council will have to

 

YEAH! Obi-Wan is still gonna be a Jedi (in truth, if not in reality)!

Creepy teaser!

Call me a loyal fan, too!

 

Bah, I miss four posts, and Anakin confesses to the Tusken Murders, he is assigned to be the bodyguard of the Chancellor, Obi-Wan leaves the order, and we later find out that he is undercover.

I didn't miss too much.

Wow. I loved the Confession scene. Very well written.

I'm thinking that your teaser has something to do with the realization Anakin comes to with Obi-Wan's help - viewing the world in terms of me. I am guessing that that was Anakin speaking to Padme. Of course, watch me be totally wrong. *rolls eyes*

Hmm... an interesting turn of events. Obi-Wan gone to "join" the Separatists...

Also, the bodyguard thing is really disturbing. Just after Anakin turned away from ol' Palps, Palpy decides to pull him back in by force. This can't be good.


~ats~

 

Wow you came up with the twist I would have loved to have seen in the movie. From a Certain point of view. I love how you brought that classic line into the story. I will be worried about Obiwan, because he does not know that in many ways he will be working for the sith lord. I will be worried about Anakin also, too close to the sith lord for me to be comfortable he will be. Also your teaser has me suspecting that I am going to be worried about Padme also.


Look forward to another post soon.

 

?from a certain point of view? How Kenobi! I knew his leaving the order had to be part of a greater plan. Hopefully he?s perceptive enough to immerse himself in the Separatist pit without being corrupted by it.

 

"Hopefully he?s perceptive enough to immerse himself in the Separatist pit without being corrupted by it. "

Actually I disagree. In AOTC, we don't really see the reason behind the seperatist movement. They may indeed have some very good reasons to be going against the government. All we know is that Dooku has a treaty that he wants signed, and that to get the support of the trade federation, he needs to take out Amidala. We know he is a sith, but the movement he heads, may indeed have some very real gripes against the Republic. Let us see how this plays out...

Matt


"To know without seeing is to know everything" Chinese proverb

 

Hi Matt,

Your point is well taken, but I wasn't referring to the Separatist's political ideals. As you said, their motivations at this point aren't proven. What we do know is that they use very unethical means to achieve their ends.

The corruption I was referencing has more to do with Dooku's use of dark side powers to achieve his goals, along with the tactic of hiring someone to assassinate Amidala to secure the loyalty of the Trade Federation. To me, that stuff is pretty corrupt.

I love Obi-Wan, but the sad truth is that whenever good people immerse themselves in a snakepit it often happens that they come out with a peculiar fondness for snakes.

 

KSA

YEAH! Obi-Wan is still gonna be a Jedi (in truth, if not in reality)!

From a 'certain point of view', yes.

Creepy teaser!

Anakin's going through a reality check. It's called 'growing up'.

Call me a loyal fan, too!

Thanks!

_across-the-stars_

Bah, I miss four posts, and Anakin confesses to the Tusken Murders, he is assigned to be the bodyguard of the Chancellor, Obi-Wan leaves the order, and we later find out that he is undercover.

I didn't miss too much.

Nah. Not much at all.

Wow. I loved the Confession scene. Very well written.

Thanks. It's a natural progression, I think, from Anakin trusting Obi-Wan more, for him to open up and share those things that Obi-Wan is now more receptive to.

I'm thinking that your teaser has something to do with the realization Anakin comes to with Obi-Wan's help - viewing the world in terms of me. I am guessing that that was Anakin speaking to Padme. Of course, watch me be totally wrong. *rolls eyes*

Well, he intends to speak those words to Padme...

Hmm... an interesting turn of events. Obi-Wan gone to "join" the Separatists...

If they'll have him...

Also, the bodyguard thing is really disturbing. Just after Anakin turned away from ol' Palps, Palpy decides to pull him back in by force. This can't be good.

It's Palaptine. Of course it's not good. And I had a musegasm that will be revealed in the next post after this one...

CrystalKenobi

Wow you came up with the twist I would have loved to have seen in the movie.

Well, if the outcome wasn't already set (Anakin falling and becoming Vader), it could have gone this way. Well, I like to think so.

From a Certain point of view. I love how you brought that classic line into the story.

It's a Kenobi tradition.

I will be worried about Obiwan, because he does not know that in many ways he will be working for the sith lord. I will be worried about Anakin also, too close to the sith lord for me to be comfortable he will be.

Rather than fighting the Clone Wars, they'll be in the middle of the struggle between the Sith and the Jedi, a far more dangerous place.

Also your teaser has me suspecting that I am going to be worried about Padme also.

That will be revealed in time...

Look forward to another post soon.

Your wait is over!

Reihla

from a certain point of view? How Kenobi! I knew his leaving the order had to be part of a greater plan. Hopefully he?s perceptive enough to immerse himself in the Separatist pit without being corrupted by it.

That's the hazard of undercover work. Of course, when you go undercover you're supposed to have someone on the outside to contact regularly, to keep you from going too far 'in'.

NinjaSkywalker

In AOTC, we don't really see the reason behind the seperatist movement. They may indeed have some very good reasons to be going against the government. All we know is that Dooku has a treaty that he wants signed, and that to get the support of the trade federation, he needs to take out Amidala. We know he is a sith, but the movement he heads, may indeed have some very real gripes against the Republic.

The most effective lies contain a grain of truth. Yes, the Separatists do have some legitimate grievances against the Republic, I believe. The Senate is ineffective. The Republic falls far short of its own ideals. But the Sith, in the personages of Tyrannus and Sidious, are taking advantage of that situation to further their own ends, and exact the revenge of the Sith on the Jedi Order and the Republic, revenge for defeats dealt long ago.

Obi-Wan is, indeed, heading into dangerous territory.

XXXX{=============

Hm. The title of this fic promises Anakin/Padme, and there hasn't been much of that so far. Looks like I need to rectify that oversight...

***


Anakin walked briskly toward the Senate apartments, lost in thought. He had s

 

Wonderful post. I like how Obiwan and Anakin embraced as father and son or as brothers depending on one's view point. This was something I thought was missing in their relationship in the movie. There did not appear to be a closeness.


The way you told the scene with Padme and anakin was perfect. I worry that in way he may have told her too much, but than again the line you used about the senate being her doman and that he needed her help made perfect sense.

Look forward to your next post.

 

Greetings! I just stumbled on to this story, having followed a link, and I have to say, I was hooked from the very first "teaser" post. It's always nice to get a completely fresh perspective on one's favorite stories, and you are certainly providing that here!

Well done. I'll be around from now on.

 

I'm glad you showed how much Obi-Wan's leaving affected Anakin. I agree that the closeness of their relationship wasn't well developed in the movies.

It's great to see Anakin & Padme working together again and more than aware of the Sith threat. I wonder what she's got in mind for helping him...

 

Loved it! Especially Anakin's sarcastic thoughts when Padme told him that plan!

Love it!

I nominated this story for best new story and you for best new author!

 

KSA

I nominated this story for best new story and you for best new author!

Oh. Wow.

I, um... Wow.

Thank you.

 

Hey Peregrine, you shameless person!

Well, I've finally caught up and--thanks to some prodding--have stopped lurking. So far, so good! I especially like how you portrayed Anakin in a much more fair and insightful light (rather than the usual Anakin-the-brat characterization).

LOL, and I also love the classic Kenobi quotes (this referring to the last post, not the most recent one). You've got him down brilliant.

New post, please?

 

I have good news and bad news.

The good news is twofold. First, the talented and generous GuerreStellari and I have agreed to beta each other's fics. (Speaking of which, I highly recommend that those of you who have not already (and I know some of you have) check out Episode IV: Jedi Revealed .) Second, I have completed this fic; it resides in it's entirety on my hard drive!

Now, the bad news, also twofold. First, since Guerre is beta'ing me, I have sent her the entirity of this fic for her to beta the last posts' worth, so I won't be posting until she gives the go-ahead. Second, there's only two posts, plus an epilogue, left.

To soften the bad news, here's a spoiler:

(Padme) took a deep breath. "I do love you, and I know you love me. I just have to have faith that it will all work out."

 

It there going to be a sequel?

 

ARGH! No! Now it depends on me! Folks, my e-mail attachment thing has gone on the blink. But no delays: Peregrine7, send me the fic over PM! Eep! Now a story other than my own is being delayed!

Ha HA, and thanks for the plug!

 

I'll address your comments later tonight or tomorrow. For now, here's the next-to-last (not counting the epilogue) post!

***

Anakin dutifully reported to the Supreme Chancellor's office the next morning, carrying with him more than a little trepidation. He and Chancellor Palpatine had not parted on the best of terms the day before, and Anakin was still a bit confused as to why the Chancellor had asked for him for this duty. Or had the request come before yesterday's conversation, and the direction of the conversation had prevented the Chancellor from discussing it with him? Recognizing that he was worrying himself into confusion, Anakin cleared his thoughts. No doubt Chancellor Palpatine would clarify everything this morning.

The Chancellor's staff announced Anakin, and he entered the office to find the Chancellor seated at his desk. The door closed behind him, leaving him alone with the most powerful man in the Galaxy.

"Good morning, Anakin! Ready to begin your new assignment?" If the Chancellor harbored any ill feelings after the previous day's conversation, Anakin could not sense it, physically or otherwise.

"Yes, Your Excellency," Anakin responded cautiously.

"Well, I suppose you need to know what that assignment will entail." Palpatine paused, and Anakin respectfully waited for him to continue. "What did the Jedi Council tell you of this assignment?"

Anakin shifted uncomfortably. "That I was to be assigned to your Office as your personal aide and bodyguard."

"And what do you think of this assignment?" the Chancellor asked meaningfully, standing and coming around his desk toward where Anakin stood.

"I don't know what to think. I don't understand why you asked for me when there are many more experienced Jedi. I am still a Padawan learner-"

Palpatine cut him off. "Anakin, I have said before that you have the potential to become the most powerful Jedi in the entire order. You may still be a Padawan in the eyes of the Council, but to me, you are far more capable than many who bear the title of 'Jedi Knight' - and even some who are called 'Master'." Anakin felt a chill at that last pronouncement, at least in part because he knew that before the events of the last two days, he would have swelled with pride at such a pronouncement. Even now, he found the compliment to be at least a little flattering. "And we have been friends for many years," the Chancellor continued, seemingly unaware of Anakin's internal dialogue. "If I am to place this trust in someone, I prefer for it to be someone with whom I already have a relationship."

"As to your exact duties, they are very simple. You are to be my strong Hand, to do those things I need done to which I cannot personally attend. Rest assured," he added, and Anakin realized that the Chancellor was responding to the concern Anakin had allowed to cloud his face, "that I will not ask you to compromise your commitment to the Jedi Order and the Jedi Code. You need only remind me if I should inadvertently do so, and I will gladly rescind or modify the mission."

When Anakin remained silent in thought, Palpatine continued on. "For now, let me give you your first mission. I want you to escort Senator Amidala home to Naboo. Remain there until you are assured of her safety, or until you receive further instructions from me." Anakin nodded.

"Now, I understand that Obi-Wan Kenobi has left the Jedi Order." Anakin looked up with a start, surprised at the Chancellor having found out already. "I know that you and he had grown closer of late. I know also that losing a mentor, especially under such trying circumstances, can be difficult. Anakin, if you need to confide in someone, please come to me. I want to continue to be a friend to you."

Anakin had choked up again at the mention of Obi-wan's name, though he was able to refrain from tears. "I- I would appreciate that, Your Excellency."

"As would I, Anakin." His voice was grandfatherly. "Do you know who will be handling the rest of your training?"

"No. I guess that the Council will assign m

 

That's right, young Skywalker, the Chancellor thought to himself. Transfer your obedience to me, and you will be mine!


Watch it Anakin he is going to trick you somehow.

I like how you described how Anakin was feeling and the way you handled the conversation between the two.

 

Nicely done, the way you maneuvered Anakin into Palpatine's service. Seems like Obi-Wan might have cut ties a bit too soon, at least from the perspective of pushing Anakin into confiding in the wrong person.

Looking forward to the next post!

 

Ah, perfectly lovely, Palpy. Just go ahead and spoil everything, why don't you.

Mmm, my, my. I'm glad that Anakin and Padme had a little chat, even if he couldn't tell her everything, at least he told her why.

And, like everyone else wants to know, will there be a sequel?


~ats~

 

Just found this, and I must say I'm hooked. This is quite a compelling story.

 

Wow, I fell about 6 posts behind!!! Excellent job, I am very impressed at the cliff hangers you so carefully left at the end of each post.