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“I’m sorry Master Windu, but I just believe there will be- issues if Padmé and Anakin participate in this mission without guidance from another Jedi.”
“Guidance?” Windu asked, his eyebrow flying upwards as he surveyed the youngest member of the Jedi Council.
Obi-Wan stood straight and tall, or at least as tall as he could manage, and tried to convey the seriousness of the situation in his tone. “Something along those lines. I think it would be wise if Anakin’s, or maybe Padmé’s Padawan attended.”
Mace Windu looked semi-politely engaged in what Obi-Wan was saying, but the younger Jedi had the sinking feeling that nothing he said would change the master’s mind on the matter.
“Although Skywalker and I hardly agree on many things, I’m sure we can agree on this: as Naberrie and Skywalker are on an undercover mission, it is of utmost importance that their identities are not compromised by an inexperienced Padawan.”
“Ahsoka and Barriss are both accomplished young apprentices,” Obi-Wan interjected.
Windu waved his hand, and turned to study the sun setting over Coruscant’s crowded skyline. “Kenobi, I know that you are not concerned about Naberrie and Skywalker failing to complete the mission. We are all well aware that they are two of our most competent Jedi. So speak. What is it about this mission that worries you?”
“I worry that Padmé and Anakin will… I’m not sure,” Obi-Wan sighed. “I’m well-aware they have a ‘connection’ that seems to verging from attachment to love, and I’m worried that given the circumstances of their undercover work, they may act upon those feelings.”
Mace Windu turned from surveying Coruscant to gaze at Obi-Wan, dark eyes boring into him. “You are afraid that Skywalker and Naberrie will ignore the Code and act upon their feelings,” he repeated.
“Yes, master,” Obi-Wan replied. “Anakin has always had a problem with attachment, and it hardly helps that Padmé was one of the first Jedi he ever met. He adores her; he tries to hide it but it’s obvious.”
Master Windu nodded thoughtfully. “I understand your concerns. His attachments are the reason the Council initially decided to forego Skywalker’s training. In fact, as you are well aware, the Council is still concerned with Skywalker’s attachments.”
“I sense a ‘but’, master.”
“And you’d be correct, Kenobi. But, however weak Skywalker is in the face of his attachments, Jedi Naberrie is one of those I would consider unlikely to break the Code out of impulse. She is dutiful and committed. After all her time at the Temple, I find it hard to believe that she would forsake her training for a romantic relationship with another Jedi.”
“I suppose that’s true, master,” Obi-Wan allowed.
“I also do not believe Naberrie would allow Skywalker’s commitment to the Order be forsaken out of lust. If Skywalker ‘adores’ Naberrie, as you said, I find it likely he would not wish her to break the Code for him. Especially during such an important mission.”
“It’s not the mission I’m worried about,” Obi-Wan repeated.
“I’m aware. I have no doubt they will complete with mission with success, and convince those of Mandalore of their personas.”
“But master,” Obi-Wan burst out. “They’re undercover as husband and wife.”