********************

Beginning of Fear Chapter 2

By Heather H.

********************

Disclaimers: This story has NOTHING to do with the new movie, it only uses some of the characters, settings, etc. It probably breaks eight million copy write laws, but...that's why I'm putting this disclaimer: I DIDN'T MAKE UP several of the characters, they belong to George Lucas and LucasFilm and I don't take ANY credit for them.

Chapter 2

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Obi-Wan stared at the boy. "What do you feel?" he asked slowly. The boy stared at him. "My name's Obi-Wan Kenobi," Obi-Wan continued cheerfully. "What's your name?" "Anakin," the little boy whispered. "Anakin Skywalker." "How old are you, Anakin?" "Ten," Anakin replied. "Are you a Jedi?" Obi-Wan was almost speechless. "How do you know?" Anakin shrugged. "I could feel it." "Like you could feel the danger?" Obi-Wan studied the small boy carefully. There was something in those eyes....what it was, he couldn't quite tell. "Uh-huh!" Obi-Wan studied Anakin carefully. "Do you know what the Force is?" Anakin took a few steps back. "You should take another transport." "Anakin-" The little boy shook his head then turned and ran away. "Wait!" Obi-Wan called. But the boy was gone. Obi-Wan groaned. He needed that transport to get him back to D'Mar Three in time for the Council Meeting...what was he to do now? Pulling his hood over his head, Obi-Wan slowly began the long walk to Mos Eisley. Perhaps another transport would be leaving...but he doubted it. He also doubted the Council members were going to be very happy with him.

* * * *

Anakin thought his heart was going to explode in his chest. Why hadn't he told the Jedi of the feeling of dread he had? The sudden urge to lie down and cry harder than the most tortured widow? What had stopped him? He finally stopped running and faced the road behind him. Whoever that Obi-Wan Kenobi had been, was gone. Anakin couldn't believe he had asked him about the Force. Mama had warned him about the Jedi and he knew better than to talk to one...yet he secretly hoped Obi-Wan would safely leave Tatooine and make a swift return. Even though he knew hardly anything about the Jedi, he knew they couldn't possibly be as bad as Mama had said. After all, he _knew_ Obi-Wan Kenobi was good because...he felt it.

* * * *

The walk to Mos Eisley had taken longer that Obi-Wan thought it would. He was now in no mood to argue with another transport pilot, because he knew full well his temper would get the better of him. All he wanted was to rest his aching feet and a glass of water to wash away the sun-scorched feeling from his throat. He quickly made his way to Docking Bay Twenty-Six, but he was too late. The transport was just rumbling out of the bay and slowly lurching into the hot air. As he watched, the transport gave a hard shudder and began to list heavily to one side. There was a sudden flash of bright red light, followed by a tremendous explosion. The transport - and all those aboard her - were no more. Obi-Wan stood frozen in place. Anakin had been right. If he had taken that transport, he would have been - "I guess you're pretty lucky to have missed her, eh?" Obi-Wan glanced to his left and saw a short, stocky man leaning casually against the doorway. His tattered suit looked like it had been through _many_ fights, but the good natured smile on the man's face clearly countered that. Obi-Wan sensed this man could never bring himself to hurt a fly, let alone a person. "You could say that," Obi-Wan replied calmly. "Where are you headed?" "D'Mar Three and it is imperative that I get there." The man ran his hand over his balding head. "I can take you as far as Coruscant. Transports to D'Mar Three are pretty easy to catch there," he paused. "Free of charge." Obi-Wan inwardly groaned. Coruscant. Precisely where he _didn't_ want to be. But, it was better than nothing and being free defiantly made it worth the price. "Many thanks to you, friend," Obi-Wan smiled. "You are indeed a lifesaver." The man gave a hearty laugh that echoed through the large docking bay. "Nay lad! Whatever kept you from making the transport on time was a lifesaver! I am merely a humble servant! And please, call me Anton." "Obi-Wan," The men shook hands, then Anton said. "Meet me in Docking Bay Twenty-Seven. We leave on the hour."

* * * *

The city of Coruscant looked small and quiet from the _BloodStone_ flying high about it. The thousands of people milling about the streets seemed so small and helpless from that altitude. So...innocent.... When Obi-Wan had been a child, it had amazed him that one could leave Tatooine when its suns were setting and arrive only a short time later at a planet like Coruscant whose sun was just settling in mid-sky. Now older and much more educated, it was no longer such a wonder, but more of a calming elixir to help him balance his feelings. Coruscant was just waking up now. Everyone was at peace. Only after he had profusely thanked Anton and tried to pay him for his service (Anton refused, saying would have stopped in Coruscant anyway) did Obi-Wan set off to find another transport.

TO BE CONTINUED