fandomhigh | Ethics [Thursday, April 24]

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Ethics [Thursday, April 24]

As Anakin paced around the Danger room, he looked like he hadn't really gotten a good night's sleep in a few days.

Which was very true. Spending time in a swamp wasn't great for the back.

"Welcome to your Ethics final," he said, pacing around the room. "I will provide you with a series of scenarios. Go through each and provide the answers that best fit what you have learned through this class. Then explain your choice."

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"There can't be. The power they're shielding the others from - and they're strong mages, Altra will be one of them and they won't let their shields fall," he said earnestly. "Is what I have to channel. It wouldn't work. I have to do it myself."

Anakin hissed in a breath.

"I'd rather you come back alive," he said quietly.

"So would I," he said, managing a shaky smile. "If this is the price that has to be paid, I'll pay it. I know Vkandis Sunlord will be waiting for me. But," he wrapped his fingers tightly around the medal, and said in a very small voice what he hadn't said to anyone else, "I don't want to die."

Edited 2008-04-28 00:38 (UTC)

Anakin, for once, would have been grateful for a glimpse into the future, but the Force wasn't so obliging.

"I know," he said softly, reaching out a tentative hand towards Karal's shoulder.

Karal leaned into his hand, keeping his eyes down. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to burden you with this." I just needed to tell someone, someone who would understand.

"It's no burden," Anakin said. "And it's perfectly normal to be scared. During the war, the holonews labeled me the Hero With No Fear. It was the stupidest name ever. Of course I was afraid."

Karal glanced up at him. "It would have been easier if I hadn't had a chance to think about it," he said quietly. "If we'd just arrived and discovered what was needed, what could happen. There wouldn't have been time to think."

Anakin nodded and squeezed Karal's shoulder. "To second and third guess and to think of all the ways it can go...astray."

He nodded. "I haven't told anyone. I, Evey knows, she was there when I found out that the device needed a mage channel, and what could happen. But I can't bear to and if everything goes right, I would have worried them for nothing."

And if everything went wrong, his granddaughter would watch her friend die in front of her. And Evey would have even more pain to bear. And Gavin and Andrew...Anakin shook his head.

"If they're as bright as I believe them to be, they've already figured out the risks," he said quietly. "No need to voice the worst case aloud."

"They will be safe." It was a certainty, a comfort he was holding fast to. "Altra will Jump them back here if it goes wrong. They'll be safe."

"I'm quite certain none of them is worried for themselves," Anakin said.

He smiled a little. "I know they're not, so I have to worry for them."

"Leave that for me," Anakin said. "You focus on what has to be done instead."

Karal blinked hard several times before he looked up. "Thank you. For that, for listening. It, makes it easier."

Anakin squeezed his shoulder again. "It's what I'm here for."

And if that wasn't the strangest thing to finally realize. Somewhere when he hadn't been looking, he'd turned into Obi-Wan.

"For which I'm thankful." Karal's smile was a lot stronger and he nodded. "I should go," he said, smoothing down his robes as he stood, gathering up his satchel.

Anakin scrawled a number on a bit of paper and slid it over. "It's for my comlink," he said. "I might not be on the island when you return, but it doesn't mean I don't want to know how you're doing."

Karal picked it up, carefully folding it in half. "Thank you. I wouldn't think we'd be gone more than a week and, whatever happens, Jaina will let you know if I...can't." He smiled. "But I have faith it will work out for the best."

Anakin smiled back. "Then use in the summer when you want to annoy me," he teased.

Karal looked down at the paper, and then he grinned. "I will," he said, giving Anakin a half-bow, before turning to leave.

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Ethics [Thursday, April 24]

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Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!

Re: Talk to Anakin!