one on one with newt.

[mugwart]

Anakin sank to his knees before the chancellor, his messy hair sticking to his forehead as he lifted his eyes
to look at him. His heart began to pound as he examined his mangled face, his eyes seemingly growing more
and more evil by every second. Anakin clenched his jaw. He would not be a part of this. He couldn't. His
loyalties lay with the Jedi... He'd made a promise. "Rise, Darth Vader," the chancellor bellowed, sounding
a bit too pleased with himself. Anakin's hands began to shake as he slowly reached under his robe. "No," he
whispered. The chancellor was taken back by this. He stood up straighter, his eyes widening. "No," Anakin
repeated. "No, I am not Darth Vader." He wrapped his hand around his lightsaber, lifting himself to his feet.
"What?" the chancellor spat. "You are, you are Darth Vader." Anakin gritted his teeth, glaring into the
chancellor's manic eyes. "No, I am not Darth Vader," he said again. "I am Anakin Skywalker." The chancellor
aggressively shook his head, stumbling backwards as Anakin drew his lightsaber. He muttered, but nothing
audible came out. "I am Anakin Skywalker!" Anakin screamed, lifting his weapon. "I am a Jedi! I am Anakin
Skywalker!" He slashed forward, driving his lightsaber through the chancellor's chest. He shoved him to the
floor, glaring into his dying eyes. "I am not Darth Vader. I am Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi knight. I am not
Darth Vader," he muttered through clenched teeth. Tears began to well in his eyes as he staggered to his
feet. He could only imagine how disappointed Obi Wan would be in him for even considering joining the
chancellor for any amount of time. "I'm sorry," he whispered, stepping backwards, tears rolling down his
cheeks. He sheathed his weapon, stuffing it under his robe. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." He stepped
backwards, until his back was pressed against the door. There, he collapsed. Someone would find him
there, whispering apologies to his fellow Jedi. A vow circling in his head: he would forever remain loyal
to the Jedi.

[Spotted.Newt]

A pair of brown eyes flickered open, only to shut again as bright light overwhelmed them. Slowly, nineteen year old Riksha opened her eyes again, squinting as they adjusted to the bright light. Where was she? What had happened? Why was she here? She went to sit up, but instantly lay back down as pain shot through her body. It was then they she noticed the oxygen mask on her face, and that her surroundings were mostly a sanitary white color. As her mind began to clear and make sense of her situation, she realized she was in some sort of medical room. But why? That's when she remembered, everything flooding back to her.
She had been fighting, alongside clones and her former Master Qyu-Lyen. They were trying to take the planet, to liberate it from separatist rule. Qyu-Lyen had sent her on a mission, to get inside the building the separatists had claimed as their stronghold, and plant bombs to destroy it. But something had gone wrong... The details were still fuzzy,as she tried to recall what had taken place. Riksha remembered an explosion, being hurtled through the air, and then nothing.
The question now was, who had rescued her?
She heard the door open, and turned her head slightly to see who it was. The Queen entered the room, which answered her question about who had rescued her and where she was. Riksha looked at the Queen with a suspicious gaze. Why would someone intent on destroying her kind rescue her? "Good, you're awake," The Queen said in her signature cheerful and self important voice. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't make it. You've been teetering on the edge of death for several days now." Several days? She had been out that long? No wonder she was so disoriented. "Anywho, I've got a little decision for you to make. A business proposal, you could call it." Well, she was about to find out what the Queen wanted. There was no way anyone in this planet would save her life without knowing they could get something in return. "You see, you weren't the only we captured. We got the other Jedi too." No. Not Qyu-Lyen. "You have two choices. One, you stay with me as my newest servant, and I release your friend. Or two, you refuse and you both die." Some choice that was. "I am an honorable business woman, and I know you Jedi are honorable as well. If you give your word that you will stay, I trust you will keep it. Likewise, I promise your Jedi friend would be released." The Queen watched Riksha, with an almost scrutinizing gaze. Riksha thought over her choices. She couldn't bear the thought of her former master being killed by these people. As are most padawans, Riksha was terribly loyal to him even after being knighted. There was a special bond that is shared between a padawan and their master, a bond not easily broken. Taking in a shaky, painful breath, Riksha responded. "I'll stay."

[Spotted.Newt]

"This doesn't look good."
Obi-Wan was talking to the Jedi Council, regarding a small separatist controlled planet. But it seemed that the planet was a center for the slave trade market. This gave them a leverage among other Separatist controlled planets, thus making the Republic's job that much more difficult. Not only that, but some neutral planet in the areas, tempted by the profits of the market, were turning towards the Separatists.
"No, it does not," agreed Master Windu. "But there is hope. If we liberate the planet, there is a chance that other planets will follow in resisting the Separatists."
Obi-Wan stroked his beard, thinking about this. "It has been about a year since our last attempt at liberating this planet. If I recall correctly, it did not go well."
"Correct, you are. But try again, we must," Master Yoda replied. "Formulate a plan, you will, to bring victory."
"Master Yoda, with all due respect we don't have the resources to launch a full scale invasion. Nor do we have the Jedi to spare to oversee this operation," Obi-Wan pointed out. "In fact, the only Jedi we could spare for such a thing is Anakin."
There was a murmur that passed around the members of the Council. Obi-Wan stood in the center if the room, waiting for the Council to come to a decision. It was Yoda who spoke when they had quieted down. "Handle such a mission, do you think young Skywalker is able?"
Master Kenobi was silent for a moment, thinking about it. "Well, he does have a knack for beating impossible odds."
"Then go, he will," Yoda concluded. "Prepare him, you should."
"I will do my best," Obi-Wan replied, bowing respectfully to the council before turning and exiting. Pressing a button on his com link, he contacted Anakin. "Anakin? I have a mission for you.... If you would please meet me in the briefing room, it would be much appreciated."

[mugwart]

Anakin's heart pounded as Obi-Wan's words filled his ears. He always grew nervous when he was called upon
for a mission. He was always sent on the dangerous ones - which, actually, he was humbled by - but he
couldn't help but feel that they were trying to get rid of him. The evening he'd killed the chancellor, Obi-Wan
had found him, a mess of himself on the floor with wet cheeks and red eyes. Anakin had repeated murmured
apologies, and Obi-Wan had promised to keep it a secret. He assured Anakin he wasn't angry with him, as the
Dark Side had a way with manipulation, and Anakin, what with his pent up anger and frustration with the
Council bubbling up inside him, he'd been an easy target. He was strong, his Master had told him, and that was
why the chancellor wanted him so badly. That is also why Anakin had come to his senses and slain the man
before he'd given in. The Council still doubted him, but Obi-Wan did not. His bond was strong with his Master.
He'd looked up to him since he was just a boy. He was like his older brother - the father that had been absent
his whole life, even. Anakin could hear in his voice that the mission was important. Obi-Wan was placing his
faith on him, which was all Anakin could ask for. He decided not to reply, sharply turning his small ship to
return to the Jedi Temple.

[Spotted.Newt]

Obi-Wan paced across the floor in the briefing room, trying to formulate a plan. He knew very well how dangerous this mission could potentially be, if not executed well. About half a dozen Jedi had died on the past attempts to liberate the planet, which was part of the reason it had been an entire year since an attempt had been made. Quite frankly, the Republic was getting a bit desperate, and this mission could turn the tide in their favor. If Anakin succeeded.
When he heard no reply, Obi-Wan grew a bit anxious. This was partly due to the risks involved in the mission, and partly due to the fact that he was always worried when Anakin failed to reply to his calls. Sure, the young Jedi always turned up and was always alright, but he couldn't help worrying anyway. When he heard the faint sound of a ship docking, Obi-Wan went to meet it. Sure enough, it was Anakin. "It certainly took you long enough," the Jedi commented as he walked towards his former padawan. "You know, calling in never hurt anyone."

[mugwart]

A smile traced Anakin's lips. "I figured it was important and I should focus on getting here," he called to
Obi-Wan as he strode to meet him. "I'll try to remember to call in next time. I apologize." His voice grew
softer as he neared the man he trusted most in the galaxy. As he did, he fell into line beside them as they
walked quietly to the briefing room. "This is important, isn't it?" Anakin asked carefully, pronouncing his
words as crisply as he could. "A lot is riding on this mission. I can feel it. I can see it in your eyes." He glued
his eyes to the ground, just far enough ahead of them that he could tell when someone was passing in front
of them. His chest filled with the same nervousness as usual, but more intensely. There was a tension in the
air he couldn't deny, and it made it hard to breathe. Obi-Wan stayed silent for a long time, until the doors
were closed behind them in the briefing room.

[Spotted.Newt]

Obi-Wan stood waiting, while Anakin strode towards him. He had to admit that he admired the Jedi's ability to find humor in the situation, where there was very little humor to be found. He predicted that Anakin's humor would end shortly, when he learned the details of the mission. Master Kenobi walked beside Anakin, not speaking a word until they were back in the briefing room. He used the Force to shut the door behind them, before sighing. "Yes, Anakin. A lot is riding on this mission." He pulled up a hologram, zooming in on a small planet. "You remember this planet? The one that has strangely gone without a proper name?" Obi-Wan asked, though he knew for certain that the young Jedi was familiar with the planet. "The Council has decided it is time to try and liberate it again. Every day that it stays under the control of the Separatists, the Separatists grow stronger. The planet is the center of the slave trade market. Unfortunately, the market has grown popular among their neighbors. This planet has a strict policy, about not trading with planets that are not aligned with the Separatists. Thus, the neutral systems that have taken an interest in the market are willingly joining the Separatists. This could cause have devastating effects for the Republic." Obi-Wan had been staring intently at the hologram as he spoke, but now looked up at Anakin. He knew that slavery was still a sensitive subject for the young man. In fact, Obi-Wan began to doubt whether it was wise to send Anakin to the planet. Though he trusted Anakin, he also knew full well how his emotions sometimes clouded his judgment.

[mugwart]

Anakin nodded slowly along with Obi-Wan's words, starting intently at the planet. It was a planet full of
innocent slaves being tossed around like dead meat. Innocent people of all kinds and all species were sent
there to be sold to new masters. They didn't know what was to become of them, who was going to have
them next... They didn't know how they were going to be treated. It was a terrible way to live- if you
could even consider it living.
Anakin's heart filled with great empathy and subtle rage. He understand how these people felt, and it
burned him up inside to think about ever having to live that way again. He owed his everything to the Jedi
for rescuing him from the outskirts. He couldn't even begin to imagine what would have happened to him
otherwise.
"I know this planet," he murmured. "I knew a girl on Tatooine who was from there. The way she described
it, unless you were lucky enough to be chosen by the wealthy, it was a dirty, terrible place to be." Anakin
drew in a sharp breath, sitting up straight. He'd never been to the nameless plant, though he didn't think that
he'd ever want to. Thoughts of his late mother's bloody face clouded his head and he was suddenly terribly
lost in his mind. He pictured the little girl on Tattoine, her hair matted up and her face dirty, her watery blue
eyes full of fear and despair.
"I'll do it, Master Kenobi," he said suddenly. He was pulled back to the present when his lungs began to ache
from holding his breath. "I will succeed, Master. I will liberate the peoples there so they can live better
lives." His voice was strong, but behind his eyes was a deep anger. The peoples there did not deserve to be
there. No one deserved to be forced into doing labor of many kinds, despite age, gender, or strength. The
old were put to heavy work in fields, the women were forced into marriage and forced to bear children who
would only become slaves later on. Anakin leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at the hologram of the tiny
planet, his leg shifting restlessly.

[Spotted.Newt]

Obi-Wan could sense the rage that Anakin had deep inside. It was troubling, and he hoped that he would be able to move past that rage. The Jedi nodded in agreement to Anakin's description of the planet. "Yes, a terrible place to be indeed." Obi-Wan looked at his former padawan, thinking. If anyone could complete the mission, it was Anakin. Though his feelings might cloud his judgement, they could also prove useful in this task, if used properly.
When the young man spoke boldly of liberating the planet, Obi-Wan held up a hand. "Slow down, Anakin. It will not be that easy. The planet is very dangerous, and in all our attempts at liberation all clones and most Jedi that were sent have died. It is clear that the native people are loyal to the Separatists. If we are to be successful this time, we must work precisely and carefully." The Jedi paused a moment, looking at the hologram again and stroking his beard thoughtfully before continuing. "It has been decided that instead of sending an army, only you will be sent to the planet. We need an advantage if we want to win this battle. You must go, and gather information for us. You're job is not to try and free the planet on your own, but to work undercover to uncover the secrets that will allow us to attack again and win." Obi-Wan looked up at Anakin, to be sure the information was being processed.
"I have decided that our best tactic is actually one we used in the past. Remember when we had to rescue the Togruta people? You posed as a slave trader, and were welcomed by the queen of that planet. By my calculations, the same tactic should work on this planet as well. The only major differences are that you are not on a rescue mission, and that I will not be joining you. If you become friends with the Queen, your job will become much easier. She must trust you. "

[mugwart]

Anakin held Obi-Wan's gaze as he caught it. He listened carefully, but his mind was elsewhere. He heard
speaking, but no real words. He caught his final six words. He'd be going into this entirely alone.
Anakin didn't really mind being alone - rather, he preferred it. He was a rather introverted person, most
of the time, being civil when he needed to be. But the thought of going somewhere that would drag him
under the heavy waters of his mind with no one to pull him up bothered him. Yet he knew he was at a
greater advantage than most Jedi. He knew what it was to be a slave, so it was not an issue to pretend.
He was good at hiding things and avoiding even the most important questions. For years, he'd listened to
the Council call him the 'Chosen One,' and he knew he harnessed a greater power than even the most
significant Jedi.
"I will do my best to receive information, Master," he said quietly. He stood, his eyes shifting to the hologram.
The faint blue light reflected onto his fair skin, lighting up his eyes. Slowly, he began to smile as he looked
at Obi-Wan. "And I will do my best to call in every so often."