Half a year had passed since young Boba Fett was placed in the Prism. Half a year since the infamous mercenary Orra Sing ended her life on the cliffs of Florum. The Order had already begun to forget the story of the assassination attempt, for the war continued and showed no signs of ending. However, over the last few days, Anakin had begun to notice that he had not forgotten the incident after all, or rather, something had appeared that prevented him from forgetting. For several nights in a row, the young man had been having a very similar dream — out of a bluish mist, the outline of a tall, thin woman with a long ponytail of dark hair gradually emerged. She stared intently at Anakin and said in a voice that pierced his soul, making his consciousness tremble:
"The game will begin very soon.
And Skywalker recognised her, understanding more and more clearly who she was and what she was trying to tell him. But he didn't dare tell anyone about his thoughts and suspicions, not even his mentor. Yet he knew he had to say something, for he could sense the danger emanating from this woman, and not just for himself. Someone was going to get seriously hurt, but it wasn't clear who. Anakin thought about these dreams constantly, which didn't escape Asoka's watchful eye.
"Anakin, is something wrong?" she asked as they walked from training to lunch. "You were very distracted today and almost missed several serious blows."
"Yes, I... no, everything's fine, I just didn't get enough sleep," Anakin replied dismissively, retreating back into his thoughts.
Ahsoka didn't press the issue, attributing the teenager's pale complexion to fatigue and sleepless nights. But he was actually trying hard to make sense of the visions and understand who they were about. After lunch, Anakin decided to go see Yoda, who knew a thing or two about such matters. The Master was in the Council Chamber, sitting in his chair and thinking about something. It seemed impossible to catch him in any other state. The young man knocked and, hearing a quiet permission, cautiously entered. Every time he was in this place, he felt strangely timid and seemed to shrink in stature, so oppressive was the grandeur of the room where the best of the best gathered. Perhaps one day he too would become someone who entered here not just on business, but as a legitimate member of the High Council. But that would not be for another fifteen years, when he was awarded the title of Master. For now, he had to resolve an internal problem that had tormented him so much that he simply could not sleep properly.
"What brings you here, young Skywalker? What did you want to talk to me about?" asked the Master, opening his eyes and rising from his chair.
"Master," began Anakin, sitting down in the chair opposite Vind. "I have been having the same dream for a long time. It tells me of some danger, but I do not know what that danger is or who it threatens. They do not tell me.
"Within yourself you must find the answer," said Yoda, looking intently at Skywalker, who over the past six months had transformed from a skinny, awkward teenager into a tall, strong young man. "Meditate you must, but remember, the future is constantly changing and there are countless possibilities.
Anakin clearly understood the Master's message, even though it was not spoken directly, and, thanking him, he quietly left the Hall so as not to be late for the general gathering of the Padawans. It was traditionally held at the end of each week to summarise the progress of each of the students. Skywalker hated them with a passion, but he couldn't miss them. Ahsoka would be upset, and he didn't want that anymore. And so, with a heavy sigh, the young man walked into the lecture hall, where the other Padawans were already sitting at tables arranged in four rows. As always, he was the last to arrive. Ignoring the disapproving glances of Master Windu, who, as luck would have it, was leading the meeting today, he apologised briefly for being late and sat down in his usual place in the middle row by the wall. From the first second he heard the Master's boring drone, he began to think about how to speed up time without snoring loudly enough for the whole room to hear. That would hardly add to his already less than perfect record of success. And then he remembered the advice Yoda had just given him.
"Meditate more you must," flashed through Skywalker's mind. Yes, that was right. Anakin leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and tried to relax and block out his thoughts, immersing himself in the night vision. At first, there was only darkness before his eyes, but gradually images began to emerge from it. Now there were not one, but two, a familiar but almost unrecognisable woman and another figure standing behind her, clearly male, tall and large, with short hair combed back. Judging by his formal attire, he was a politician. Another second of careful observation and Anakin recognised him, noticing that the aura around him glowed an ominous orange, indicating imminent danger.
"It will soon be over," a low, ominous voice sounded in his ears.
"No!!!!" Skywalker cried out in protest and despair and opened his eyes, not noticing that the entire hall had stopped listening to Winda and was staring only at him.
"I know! I understand!" he continued, not noticing that he was speaking aloud, and jumped up from the table in excitement, clearly forgetting where he was. Energy was pouring out of him and demanded an outlet.
"Skywalker, you really should leave, you're not yourself," Windu said anxiously, approaching the young man. "What's going on with you?"
"Nothing special, Master," Anakin replied calmly, embarrassed by this turn of events. "And yes, you're right, I really need some fresh air." He quickly gathered his school supplies into his pocket, lowered his head, and hurried out of the hall. The Temple was silent, everyone was either absent or busy with their own affairs. Anakin went down to the dining hall to think in peace and wait for Ahsoka, who should have been finishing her report on her latest assignment by now. He took a cup of compote and a sandwich from the counter. Choosing a table further away and quieter, he typed a message to his mentor on his comlink, asking her to come there. He decided to open up to Asoka; he couldn't keep silent any longer, because the matter was taking a serious turn. She knew that her student would not be messing around for no reason, and fifteen minutes later she entered the dining room. The girl was out of breath, because she had a lot to tell, and Anakin silently handed her his glass of compote. Tano gratefully accepted it and, after downing it in one gulp, finally asked:
"What's the matter, Anakin, did you get scolded at the meeting again?
"Not at all, it's about that assignment from six months ago," he began, looking at Asoka with wide eyes. "I wrote in my report that Orra Sing was killed during the operation, but we didn't have any solid proof of her death at the time, and now..." And Anakin began to tell her everything, ending his speech with the words:
"And today, while meditating, I finally understood what will happen next and who is in danger. Bail Organa! Yes, him! I am now absolutely certain of it!
"Wait, Bail Organa," Ahsoka stopped him, raising her index finger. "That's Senator Alderaan. Are you sure you saw him?"
"Absolutely, Ahsoka, I saw them just as I see you now," Anakin said firmly. "We must go to the Senate immediately and warn him.
"Do you think he'll listen to us?" Asoka didn't like the Padawan's idea and didn't hide it very well.
"In any case, he must know," Skywalker said just as confidently, and, confirming the seriousness of his words, began to rise from the table.
"In that case, I'll go with you," Ahsoka sighed, realising that there was no convincing her Padawan, for in his stubbornness, Anakin was her equal.
He was delighted by her support, and together they hurried to the Senate building, arriving just in time. Bail was just leaving the main entrance, and his starship was already waiting for him on the landing pad. It turned out that Organa was preparing to leave for Bespin for negotiations. He walked peacefully towards the ship, accompanied by several guards, and seemed to suspect nothing, and was therefore very surprised, to say the least, when Padmé Skywalker suddenly appeared in front of him at the gangway and, blocking his way, spoke quickly and excitedly, stumbling over her words and swallowing some of them:
"Senator Organa, I beg you, be very careful, you are in grave danger. Please, do not let your guard down!
"Anakin," the senator smiled warmly when he saw the boy, "I am very glad to see you, but believe me, there is no need to worry, the negotiations are peaceful, nothing terrible awaits me on Bespin.
"No, I saw more today than I have ever seen before," the young Skywalker continued to argue passionately. "I sensed that someone was in danger, and now I realise that it is you! Please, I beg you, let me accompany you!"
Organa was about to start arguing again and assure him that his guards knew their job well and would not allow any danger, but seeing such sincere concern in the teenager's eyes, he couldn't resist and gave in. He simply understood that Anakin would not back down and would continue to worry about him until he personally made sure that everything was all right. Better to let him see for himself:
"All right, I'll take you with me, as... ahem... extra security," Bail said after a moment's thought. "After all, it will be useful for you to see how peaceful people interact."
Anakin looked gratefully at Bail and nodded to Asoka that everything was fine, then followed him onto the ship. The journey to Bespin was not exactly close, but it wasn't particularly far either, enough time to talk about sensitive topics. Over the years, Anakin's harsh rejection of politicians had softened somewhat, becoming more selective, for example, not extending to this man in any way. He always found it easy to get along with Bail Organa and could even discuss personal matters with him, which was not surprising, as Organa was a very sensitive and understanding man who knew how to get along with almost anyone. It was not for nothing that he was often sent to planets hostile to the Republic, as well as for negotiations with separatists. Either him or Duchess Satin, but the latter was now at her home on Mandalore, along with Kenobi, officially as her bodyguard, but in reality...No one knew about this except Anakin, who remembered his conversation with the duchess, but he didn't particularly delve into their affairs; after all, it wasn't his fault that they were friends. The young man put aside his own thoughts about the compatibility of the Code and personal relationships for the time being; the war did not leave much time for personal matters, requiring concentration on completely different issues. For example, how not to die himself and not let his comrades perish, although at the moment Skywalker's premonitions were silent, and he could afford to relax a little.
"How are you doing, Anakin? Any progress in your training?" Bail asked as they sat in the ship's saloon, looking out the window.
"The Masters are often pleased with me," Skywalker began, sharing his doubts, "but I sometimes feel unsure of myself.
"What do you mean, Anakin? Do you mean you don't always know what to do?" suggested Bail, who knew how difficult it could be for beginners.
"Not exactly. Inside, I seem to be sure of what to do and how to do it, but as soon as I start doing it, doubts arise, even to the point of wanting to stop everything," the young man finally found an explanation for his thoughts. "You're probably not familiar with this."
"You're wrong, Anakin," Organa disagreed. "Now that I have experience and authority, I am mostly confident in myself and my plans, but when I was just starting out, it was very difficult for me because I had to be an example for my people, and there was no one around who could support me.
"But you managed it?" asked Anakin, unable to believe that someone like Organa could have experienced difficulties.
"It came with experience. Look at your mentor and you'll understand what I mean," Organa gave a simple example. "She was brought here as a young girl, afraid of everything and everyone, and look at her now."
"That's true, I've never met anyone more confident than her," Anakin was glad that he had spoken well of Ahsoka.
"You'll get even better, just trust your instincts," Bail smiled and, glancing at the game board with holographic monsters, suggested, "Want to play?"
"Of course," Skywalker rubbed his hands together, loving this game. "I'll beat you, Senator!"
The rest of the flight passed quickly, and they arrived at Bespin late in the evening. They were all put up in guest rooms in the local government building, with Anakin next door to Bail.
The night was uneventful, everyone had a quiet dinner and went to bed, except for Skywalker, who couldn't sleep, tossing and turning on the soft comfortable bed. Finally, closer to midnight, he was able to fall asleep, but even then he was not allowed to sleep. Out of the bluish darkness, right before his eyes, appeared other huge, yellow-brown eyes with long, thick eyelashes. Then a familiar voice penetrated his ears:
"The game has begun!" Orra Sing whispered ominously and raised her weapon. Anakin opened his eyes and, catching his breath, grabbed the sword from the bedside table and rushed into Bail's room to get there before the killer. Bursting in, he saw... the senator sleeping peacefully in his bed, with no sign of Orra. None whatsoever. The window was curtained, but Skywalker approached it without turning off his lightsaber. The windows were also closed from the inside. He looked under the bed and in the wardrobe — no one was there. The disappointment was painful.
"What's the matter, Anakin?" Bail muttered sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
"Nothing, Senator, sleep well," he replied, hiding the lightsaber behind his back and returning to his room.
He was very annoyed with himself and didn't even try to hide it. The next morning, he avoided the senator's gaze. After a quick breakfast, Organa was to begin his speech to the people of Bespin. The hall was already ready, and the podium on the platform awaited the speaker. Anakin sat in the front row and watched the senator's every move closely. Bail climbed onto the podium and had already begun his traditional greeting when suddenly there was a loud crash from above. The organ flew backwards with a muffled cry, and Anakin rushed towards the sound coming from the ventilation grate, just in time to catch a glimpse of the fleeing Oora Sing. Skywalker cut through the grate with his lightsaber and rushed after her, but she had already slipped away. Then there was nothing left for him to do but return and see what had happened to the senator. Bail lay on the carpeted floor, pressing his right palm against his left shoulder, on the inside, where a smoking hole was visible through his white shirt. The local minister, a young man of respectable appearance, was leaning over him.
"Get a medical droid here!" he ordered someone, and only then noticed Anakin.
"I saw who fired, but I missed him," he said with annoyance and turned away. Half an hour later, he was allowed to enter the medical office, where Organa lay on a narrow couch, barely able to fit. His shoulder was bandaged, and his left arm rested on a white sling.
"The senator will recover; the wound was only superficial," said the mechanical medic, noticing the newcomer.
"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't manage to save you," said Anakin, sitting down next to him.
"It's all right, Anakin," Organa reassured him, his voice trembling slightly, but he tried to remain calm. "War brings worse things."
"What about the speech? You can't go out into the Hall now," Skywalker remembered the main thing.
"Let's think about it," suggested Bail, trying to smile.
"I know! My mentor taught me something!" the Padawan said, suddenly inspired. He grabbed his datapad and, under Bail's clear guidance, began to carry out his plan.
Finally, when the time came, Senator Organa took the podium again, only this time dressed in an impenetrable cloak that barely revealed his pale face and bangs, which were thrown back.
"Greetings, citizens of the glorious planet Bespin," a low baritone voice rang out in the hall. "It is no secret to you what happened today. But that is no reason to avoid meeting me. And so I stand before you, weakened by my wounds, but not broken...
"What a clever idea," whispered Anakin, sitting next to Bail, who was speaking into the microphone from the medical room. It had been their idea to create a hologram of Organa and project it onto a droid to send into the hall. He smiled and winked, managing at the last moment to nod cautiously behind the young man's back. He turned around — sure enough, Orra was already there, apparently having crawled through the pipe. She aimed her blaster again, but the shot was deflected by Anakin's lightsaber and flew into the wall. This went on for quite some time, with Orra dodging like a rabbit, wearing down her opponent. Finally, she managed to distract him and let a shot through, burning the young man's left arm. Orra smirked and headed for the window, when suddenly she was knocked down by a soft shot and sprawled on the floor, paralysed.
"There you go, you were wrong to think that frail diplomats can't stand up for themselves," Bale grinned, hiding his paralysing blaster under his pillow.
"Nice shot, Senator," Anakin said respectfully. "Give me five!"
And Bale, like a boy, held out his hand to the young man and slapped his palm against his.
By evening, they returned to Coruscant and watched as two guards dragged the arrested Orra away, who continued to look at everyone with her usual arrogance.
"How are you feeling, Senator?" Obi-Wan asked his wounded friend. "Do you have any suspects in the assassination attempt?"
"Thank you, I'm feeling better," Bale smiled, wincing in pain as the wound still made itself felt. "As for suspects... hmm... the list would be enormous.
"Still," insisted Kenobi, sensing that the answer was close. Anakin suddenly closed his eyes and withdrew into himself for a long time. When he returned, he looked at both of them.
"I see, I feel," he began hastily. "I smell chlorine, strong, and blood and pain, yes, that's it, white, everything is white, and the grinding of metal, very distinctive. A hospital!" he finally realised. "Blood, pain and death!"
"I understand what you're talking about," Organa stopped him. "How long have I been watching this creature!
"Who?" the two Jedi asked, confused.
"There's one here, I'll tell you, just let me rest a little," Bale promised them, and soon told them a story that made their blood run cold and their hearts freeze and crystallise...
***
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