Chapter Text
Anakin became increasingly nervous the closer he got to Caladan. He wasn’t the first Padawan to be assigned to House Atreides. The great house was known for being open to all forms of the Force, both that of the Jedi and that of the Bene Gesserit. But that was precisely the reason for his growing nervousness. The mother of the boy he had been assigned to was a Bene Gesserit. He had never met one in person, but he knew the stories that the Order had drilled into him. They used the Force for their own purposes and wove the fate of the world in the shadows. They didn’t care about justice or protecting others, only power and control.
“Watch your thoughts, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said calmly beside him. His master was steering the spice-powered shuttle through the orbit. It wouldn’t be long before he initiated the landing sequence. “Remember your training and don’t let fear guide you.”
“I’m not afraid,” Anakin replied defiantly. Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and nodded toward Anakin’s foot, which was bouncing restlessly up and down. The Padawan forced himself to stop. He focused on his breathing. Stale air filled his lungs. After a few seconds, he let it escape again. “T-6 shuttle, this is Master Kenobi and Padawan Anakin, requesting landing clearance.” The transmission crackled. First there was static, then a booming but friendly voice said, “Caladan Spacestation, landing clearance granted. We are sending the coordinates of the landing platform. Please confirm.”
Anakin leaned forward and nodded to confirm receiving the coordinates. Obi-Wan nodded back. “Confirmed. Landing in five minutes.”
Five minutes separated Anakin from leaving his old life behind and completing the final step of his training to become a Jedi Knight. He closed his eyes and let the nervousness wash over him. Like the waves on Caladan sweeping across the sand. In the two weeks since the announcement, he had read as much as he could about the planet. He was extremely pleased that he had not been assigned to a sand planet like Tatooine. He could live with water.
The shuttle landed with a jolt. Anakin opened his eyes and looked at his master reproachfully. “That wasn’t your best landing.”
Obi-Wan glared at him. “Hold your tongue, my young Padawan.”
Anakin raised his hands defensively, but couldn’t help a wry grin. His attention was drawn to the commotion outside. An escort moved purposefully toward their shuttle. Soldiers stood ready. The reception clearly demonstrated the strength of House Atreides. Obi-Wan held Anakin’s arm as he was about to get up. He looked deep into his eyes. “The Duke may be open to the Jedi, but that is not true of everyone in this corner of the galaxy. The peace between the Republic and the Emperor is a fragile one. Take good care of yourself this year and trust your instincts.”
“Of course, Master.” Anakin waited patiently until Obi-Wan released him and they left the shuttle together.
They were met by a cold wind outside. It crept under their wide robes and nestled against Anakin’s skin. A shiver ran down his spine. He buried his hands in his long sleeves and followed Obi-Wan, who was walking straight toward the escort. A man stepped out. He was strong and looked as rough and angular as the cliffs on Caladan. He stopped in front of them. A low hum escaped his throat. “My name is Gurney Hallek. On behalf of the Duke, I welcome you to Caladan. The Atreides family is already waiting for you. Come with me.”
Anakin and Obi-Wan followed Hallek in silence, using the time to look around. The path to the castle was dotted with jagged peaks, gusts of wind, and green countryside. Heavy clouds hung on the horizon. Hallek, who had noticed Anakin’s gaze, said, “It’s going to rain today. As always.”
The interior of the castle mirrored the exterior. The walls were heavy and dark, but broken up by numerous windows. Hallek led them past rustic decorations and heavy doors until they reached the reception room. Before Anakin saw her, he sensed an imbalance in the Force. Like a whisper. Lady Jessica stood behind the Duke’s simple wooden throne. Anakin exchanged a quick glance with Obi-Wan, who smiled encouragingly at him. His master had already been in contact with the Bene Gesserit during his diplomatic efforts. He was much more open to their practices than most Jedi. However, Anakin couldn’t completely ignore her piercing gaze. To distract himself, he focused on the Duke. Leto Atreides was a stately man. He rose with a friendly smile and outstretched arms. “Master Kenobi, it is a pleasure to see you again.” The two dissimilar men embraced briefly. “This time under much more pleasant circumstances,” Obi-Wan said kindly. The Duke grunted in agreement. “Indeed. Thank you very much for responding so quickly to my request.”
Anakin used the time to search the room for the prince. He didn’t have to look far. Two brown eyes were already waiting for him. Paul Atreides had his hands behind his back and was watching the scene with stoic indifference. But when Anakin smiled at him, a jolt went through his body. His lips parted. He took half a step toward the Padawan before stopping mid-motion. Anakin tilted his head slightly. That was an... interesting reaction.