Clone Wars Gambit: Siege Part 45
He was far from all right. And of course Taria knew that, which was why shed asked. But thered he time for debriefings back at the Temple. Time to think of the fallen, and mourn them, and find ways to honor those whod made mistakes-and paid a terrible price to undo them. Time to come to terms with the loss of his friend. It was a journey hed started in Torbels sick house, but he still had a long way to go.
Im not even sure its a journey I can finish.
Knowing shed let him, just this once, he lied. "Yes. Im fine. "
She lifted an eyebrow. "You need more rest. "
"After the war. Taria..." Palpatine hadnt acknowledged what shed done. What shed sacrificed. It made him angry. "You saved so many lives. And now..."
"No regrets, " she said, under her breath. Her fingers tightened on his arm, and she tried to smile. "How can there be? Obi-Wan..."
Then Master Windu returned, and the moment was lost.
"Right, " Windu said, as Yularen toggled the bridge and told them he was on his way. "1 think were done here. Anakin!"
Anakin joined them. "Master. "
"Youve spoken to your Padawan?"
"Yes, Master. "
"Good. " Master Windu smiled, fiercely. "Then lets go. Well hop a gunship over to Dagger and make best speed for home. "
182.
Turning, he headed for the hatch, Taria falling into step beside him. One warm, affectionate glance over her shoulder, and she was gone.
"Home. " said Anakin. "Thats got a nice ring to it. " He was smiling broadly, a hint of mischief in his eyes and a sense of excitement, quickly tamped down. And then the smile faded. "So, Obi-Wan. We survived another one. "
Not all of us.
But that wasnt Anakins problem. With a wrenching effort, he pulled his mind from the pain and loss that were crouched ahead in the shadows, waiting. Inescapable.
"Yes, we did, Anakin, " he agreed. "By the skin of our teeth. "
"Yeah... " Anakin shook his head. "Yknow, Im starting to think we need a new hobby. "
He was tired, he was sad, but still...
"Trust me, Anakin, " he said lightly, "on that score, youll get no argument from me. "
And then they grinned at each other. No need to say more.
"Ken.o.bi!" Master Windu shouted from the corridor. "Have you forgotten what best speed means?"
"Oops, " said Anakin, and extended his hand with a flourish. "After you, Master Ken.o.bi. "
"No, no, Master Skywalker, " he replied. "I insist. After you.
Side by side, they walked out of the room.