Chapter 1: Follow the Light
“I know what has been troubling you . . . Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi . . . a life of significance, of conscience.”
“You’re wrong!” Anakin assured the Sith Lord.
“Are you going to kill me?” Palpatine asked, turning his back on Anakin.
“I would certainly like to,” Anakin replied, barely managing to control his anger.
“I know you would, I can feel your anger, It gives you focus, makes you stronger,” Palpatine’s voice droned, aging slightly as his poisonous words continued to confuse Anakin.
He’s a Sith Lord! How could I leave him alive? But he could help me save Padme. But I’m a Jedi… Padme… The dreams, about her birth, they’re getting worse and… Wait. I had those dreams about my mother, and gave into my hate as a result of it. She never would have wanted that, and neither would Padme.
“I’m turning you over to the Jedi council,” Anakin said firmly, deactivating his light saber and stepping back a few steps.
“ Of course you should. But you're not sure of their intentions, are you? What if I am right and they are plotting to take over the Republic?”
“I will quickly discover the truth of all this,” Anakin assured both himself and the Chancellor.
“You have great wisdom, Anakin. Know the power of the dark side. The power to save Padme.”
Anakin paused for a moment, still confused about what to do, but Palpatine turned and walked back to his office. Anakin turned and walked away, his mind racing with confusion.
As quickly as he could, Anakin hurried back to the Jedi temple where he found Master Windu in a hangar, where he and several other Jedi were boarding a ship.
“Master Windu, I must talk to you.”
“What is it, Skywalker? We are in a hurry. We have just received word that Obi-Wan has destroyed General Grievous. We are on our way to make sure the Chancellor returns emergency powers back to the Senate.”
“He won’t give up his power. I’ve just learned a terrible truth. Chancellor Palpatine is a Sith Lord.”
“A Sith Lord?” Master Windu asked in astonishment.
“Yes Master. The one we’ve been looking for.”
“How do you know this?” Mace asked suspiciously.
“He knows the ways of the force, he’s been trained to use the dark side.”
“Are you sure?” Mace asked.
“Absolutely,” Anakin said without hesitation.
“Then our worst fears have been realized,” Mace said as he started for a ship. “We must move quickly if the Jedi order is to survive.”
“Master, the Chancellor is very powerful. You will need my help if you are going to arrest him.”
“For your own good, stay out of this affair. I sense a great deal of confusion in you, young Skywalker. There is much fear that clouds your judgment.”
“I must go, Master,” Anakin pleaded.
“No. If what you have told me is true then you have gained my trust, but for now remain here.”
“Yes Master,” Anakin submitted.
“Wait for us in the Council Chamber until we return,” Mace said, climbing into the side of the ship with three fellow Jedi Masters.
Anakin sat in the cushioned chair in the Jedi Council Chamber, thinking of how he had wanted to have these seats for so long, and then it hit him. Palpatine didn’t give him that position to have his voice heard, he was merely trying to drive a wedge between Anakin and the Jedi.
I know they frustrate me, especially Master Windu, but they are still my family in the force. I cannot turn my back on them. I won’t!
Anakin rose to his feet, with the force flowing through him, and with it a new determination. He left the Jedi temple and hopped into his speeder, making his way to the Chancellor’s office.
Nearly out of the cockpit before it landed, Anakin wasted no time in hurrying to the Chancellors office. The elevator felt as if time had been standing still. Adrenaline, anxiety, the force, and a strong presence of the dark side was surrounding everything as the elevator ascended. Anakin kept focus on the force, the true force that the dark side could never stop.
When the doors opened he immediately sensed Master Windu and the Chancellor near the precipice. He scurried out there to see Master Windu standing over Palpatine, the purple saber inches away from the Chancellor’s face.
“You are under arrest my Lord,” Mace said in a mocking tone.
“Anakin! I told you it would come to this. I was right. The Jedi are taking over.”
Anakin noted the fear in Palpatine’s voice, but for some reason Anakin didn’t think it was Mace Palpatine was worried about.
“The oppression of the Sith will never return. Your plot to regain control of the Republic is over . . .” Mace said grimly. “You have lost.”
No! No!” Palpatine said, his voice growing old and deep. “You will die!” his words echoed throughout the office as they were accompanied by a sudden blast of dark blue lightning from his hands.
Mace’s saber managed to block the lightning, but it was beginning to force him back. Palpatine begged to Anakin to help him, and Mace did the same while repelling the Chancellor’s dark powers. Anakin knew of those powers all too well. He remembered when Dooku had done that to him, then sliced his arm off.
As if he were guided by something other than himself, Anakin had drawn his light saber and brought it downward toward Palpatine’s head. Palpatine’s lightning had a grip around Mace’s saber, and the Sith used it to bring Mace’s blade forward to block Anakin’s swing. Suddenly the Sith Lord was up and Mace and Anakin were flung backward.
Mace, flew far across the room, losing consciousness as he collided with the wall. Anakin flew backward, not quite as far and he managed to stay on his feet. His saber worked furiously and instinctively as Mace’s purple saber blurred around at his head. Chancellor Palpatine was gone, the true form and intent of Darth Sidious was known to Anakin now as the two began to square off.
Anakin had never seen such a unique formation of attack patterns. One minute he was using classical parries, similar to Dooku, then he’d be bouncing off of the walls and tables similar to Yoda. Yet the entire time, he had the constant awareness of Master Windu. Anakin could feel the Sith beginning to penetrate his defenses, but Anakin held strong to the words of his Master, Obi-Wan.
The lightsaber is my life. The force is life, feel the force and it can never let you down.
Anakin was completely submerged in the force now; no thoughts, no people, merely the force. Sidious was growing tired of this, and picked up the tempo, swinging faster and with more evil energy behind it. Yet the more he poured into the fight, the less it seemed to matter. Anakin closed his eyes, yet still could see everything in the room.
Anakin was amazingly parrying and counter attacking everything Sidious could give him with one hand. Sidious’ frustration and anger furthered the extent of his powers, but Anakin was locked in his trance and was still beating Sidious to every punch.
Finally Anakin parried the saber downward and kicked Sidious’ arms, sending the blade across the room behind the Sith. Anakin’s saber was at the Sith’s chin, neither dared to move. Anakin opened his eyes and noticed the rampant fear in his opponents.
“Do you yield?” Anakin asked.
Sidious’ eyes began glowing bright with hate. With all of his dark powers he could muster, he blasted Anakin with lightning, hitting his saber with little effect. Anakin could feel the lightning trickling down his arm into his mechanical hand. The pain was incredible, and it was beginning to tire Anakin, but he knew he had to hold on.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t, and Anakin’s trance had been broken, along with his vertical stance. Anakin dropped to the floor, grabbing his right arm in pain. Sidious, now using the full force of the dark side sped at an inhuman speed to Mace’s saber, then leaped through the air bringing the saber crashing down on the fallen Anakin.
Sidious never landed.
He struggled, but could not figure out why he was frozen. Looking down at Anakin, the realization and fear struck him. Anakin had frozen him in the air, deactivated the saber and was now forcing Sidious to bring Mace’s saber up to his chest. Sidious and Anakin locked their minds in a battle of wills as Sidious’ arms lowered, then raised back and forth. The battle of minds, became a battle of wills, which is a battle of spirit, which in this case was dark versus light.
Despite Sidious’ rage, years of experience and training over Anakin, he was nothing compared to Anakin’s new state of mind. Mace’s saber whirred to life as the purple blade pierced into Sidious’ chest, dropping the Sith to the ground. Sidious’ eyes were glowing brighter until they were pure yellow as he fought death. Anakin reached out and grabbed Mace’s saber.
Mace, was just now coming to, and although he was dazed, he knew what he was seeing. Anakin, purple saber in hand, ripped it from Sidious’ chest, then slashed forward, severing the head of the once Chancellor, now deceased Sith Lord. Mace could feel an incredible flow of the force from Anakin, like nothing he had ever encountered. It was so stimulating, that it’s power was aiding Mace in returning to his feet.
Anakin spun around and met Mace with a smile.
“I’m sorry for disobeying your commands, Master.”
Chapter 2: Suspicion
Master Yoda watched the battle unfold as his clone troopers with the combined might of the native Wookies, easily repelled the droid armies of the Separatist movement. Usually Yoda’s focus was on the battle, but there was something off putting.
Yoda calmed his mind and reached out through the force, sensing two large presences. One was obviously the dark side, it’s wicked intent nearly made Yoda ill, but the other was pure, and filled with serenity. Yoda felt the dark presence growing weaker and weaker until it violently died out, screaming throughout the force. It could be only one thing, Yoda thought.
“Commander,” Yoda spoke to the nearest clone. “Make contact with the Jedi council, you must do immediately.
“Right away sir,” the clone said, nodding to his subordinate, who actually made the call.
Yoda stood in patience as a hologram of Mace Windu appeared before him, alongside him was Anakin Skywalker, but no one else. Master Windu was breathing heavier than normally, and looked a bit shaken. Although it may have been the hologram that did this, Yoda also noticed a change in Anakin. He seemed much calmer and collected than usual, especially with Mace around.
“Master Windu, where are the others?” Yoda asked.
“They were killed by the Sith Lord.”
“Sith Lord you say? Hmm, and where was this Sith Lord hiding?”
“Here on Coruscant,” Anakin answered. “It was Chancellor Palpatine all along.”
“Discovered this, you did, Anakin?” Yoda asked.
Anakin paused for a moment. It was very rare for Yoda to use his first name, and it made him feel somewhat at ease.
“Yes, I did. The chancellor was trying to turn me to the dark side, I managed to see through his lies thanks to your wisdom Master Yoda.”
“Defeated the Sith, my wisdom could not,” Yoda replied.
“Master Yoda, your instructions on letting go and putting the good ahead of myself aided in my decision. I apologize for even considering his offer.”
“Considered, yes, but chosen not it was. A meeting, the Jedi Council must have. Although the Sith is destroyed, the Separatist forces will still continue the conflict.”
“I agree,” Master Windu chimed in. “Once you are finished at Kashyyyk, return to the Council Chambers where the rest of us will be waiting.”
“May the force be with you,” Yoda said as his transmission faded out.
“Anakin, would you contact the other council members? I need to rest for a few moments and regain all of my strength.”
“Yes Master” Anakin said immediately and obediently.
Mace shook his head in awe. Anakin had never been so calm and submissive before. Perhaps destroying the Sith had more of an impact than expected. Either way, there was something different about Anakin. For once, he had earned the respect of Mace Windu.
After nearly a week of waiting, the remaining members of the Jedi Council had finally convened, minus Kit Fisto, Agen Kolar, and Saesee Tiin and Anakin. The council asked Anakin to wait outside, which bothered him, but not like it used to. In fact, there were several things Anakin normally would be irritated about, but now they seemed to matter less.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin’s long time friend and mentor emerged from the council chamber with a smile. He had just returned from Utapau where he and his clones managed to destroy General Grievous. With Dooku, Grievous, and now Sidious out of the picture, the Separatist leaders would soon crumble.
“Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, signaling for the youth to enter the Council Chamber.
Anakin came inside, nodding to the various members of the council. Master Yoda, Master Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Even Piell, Oppo Rancis and of course, Obi-Wan.
Anakin bowed to them all, and began to take his seat, but was immediately halted by Mace. He and the rest of the Council stood, igniting their light sabers as Yoda came forward. Anakin immediately knelt before Yoda, who rested the humming blade inches above Anakin’s left shoulder.
“Anakin Skywalker, a powerful Jedi Knight you have become. By destroying the Sith, balance to the force you have returned. We, the Jedi council hereby dub you Jedi Master.”
Anakin busted out in a joyous laughter, but quickly recovered himself. Yoda chuckled to himself at Anakin’s excitement. The Council put their light sabers away and bowed to Anakin in unison, who was already bowing. Anakin sat in his chair, exchanging nods with Obi-Wan.
I told you I’d make you proud Obi-Wan.
“This is a dangerous time for the Jedi,” Master Windu began. “With the Chancellor dead both the senate and separatists could easily fall apart. We must watch the senate carefully, for I am sure Palpatine’s influence extends greater than we know.”
“But who will not be corrupted? Shaak Ti asked.
“What about Senator Amidala?” Obi-Wan asked. “She’s more than capable as a leader.”
“No,” Anakin said, much to Obi-Wan’s surprise as well as the rest of the councils. “She is still lacking in the experience for this type of position. I think we and the Republic need Senator Organa.”
“Bail Organa?” Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. “From Alderaan?”
“Yes. He’s a good man, an honest man, and I think he’s our best chance of peacefully capturing the separatists.”
Yoda awaited patiently as the rest of the council members discussed the issue. He looked around to the various members, and much to his surprise, Anakin was the only one who was looking toward him.
“Master Yoda, what do you think?” Anakin asked.
“Agree with Master Skywalker, I do. Long time have I known Bail Organa, a for long time has he wanted a peaceful republic. Convince him to run, we must.”
“Then what is to become of the Senate?” Obi-Wan asked.
“We may have to temporarily take control of the Senate,” Mace said.
“Dangerous that is,” Yoda warned. “Harm our reputations, this might.”
“I think we should make a statement,” Anakin said. “The rumors are bound to circle throughout the planet, and it won’t be long before Palpatine’s silent partners begin to accuse us of treason.”
“I agree,” Mace said. “If we wish for the war to end, and peacefully, the people must have faith in the Jedi. Anakin, you were one of the Chancellor’s closest allies, I think you should speak on our behalf.”
“He’s right Anakin,” Obi-Wan agreed. “Most of the senators have seen you, or met you when dealing with the Chancellor.
“I am willing to, but not alone,” Anakin said, turning to Yoda. “Master, you should speak with me. All of the senators know of your reputation, and your wisdom. If they won’t believe me I’m sure they would believe you.”
“Agree to this, I do. Tomorrow the senate meets, and tomorrow the Jedi will speak before them. Adjourned, this meeting is.”
Chapter 3: A Father's Love
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan’s voice echoed from down the hallway.
Anakin spun around searching for his former master, but the halls of the temple were filled with younglings and padawans. As Anakin walked past he could hear them whispering about him.
“That’s him!” “The hero without fear…” “He destroyed the Sith Lord that Master Windu couldn’t stop.” “I hope I’m as good a Jedi as he is one day.” “I heard Master Skywalker was created by the force.”
Anakin chuckled to himself and fought through the crowds until he met Obi-Wan’s grin. Although he wasn’t sure, Anakin was confident that Obi-Wan was proud of all he had accomplished during his absence
“Anakin! There you are,” Obi-Wan huffed. “So many younglings, I nearly got trampled.”
“What’s wrong Obi-Wan, the younglings proving to be too much for you? I see a couple of your whiskers are growing white, are you getting old?”
Obi-Wan laughed. Anakin was the only person he was close enough to talk this way. It was much less formal than Jedi were accustomed too. Then again, Anakin was far more than his Jedi brother, Anakin was like his son. Although the Jedi were forbidden to have children, Obi-Wan always thought that if he had children that he would want them to be like Anakin.
“I may be a bit slower than you Anakin, but we all can’t be chosen ones,” Obi-Wan teased.
The idea of being the chosen one was always a heavy burden for Anakin, especially from his youth. It was hard to cope with the fact he had no father, and a great destiny ahead of him. And he knew if Obi-Wan hadn’t been there that he may have never made it out alive. Or escaped the pull of the dark side…
“Anakin, Master Windu told me of how you defeated Palpatine, and that he was the Sith Lord we were looking for. I know he was your friend and…”
“First off, I didn’t defeat him alone, Master Windu embellished a bit,” Anakin’s voice then grew cold. “And he wasn’t my friend after all, he lied to me, and tried to lure me to the dark side.”
“Anakin, that’s something I wanted to ask you about, and I mean not anger you if I do,” Obi-Wan said.
Anakin interrupted. “Obi-Wan, I may have been frustrated with you, but nothing you ask me will ever anger me. What is it?”
“Well, I was curious as to what Palpatine was saying to try and lure you to the dark side.”
Anakin stopped in his tracks, almost as if he were afraid. He looked at Obi-Wan with heavy eyes, and sighed deeply.
“Come with me Obi-Wan, it’s time you learned the truth.”
Padme Amidala Skywalker eagerly awaited the arrival of her husband. Obi-Wan had hinted to her the previous day that Anakin’s greatest wish would soon come true. She knew how badly Anakin wanted to be a master, and how it hurt him to not be made one when he was permitted to the council.
C-3PO suddenly emerged from the balcony with R2-D2 close behind him. “Miss Padme,” the golden droid called. R2 whirred and beeped several times. “Yes R2, I was about to tell her.”
“Tell me what 3PO?” Padme asked.
“Master Anakin has returned,” was all he could make out before Padme rushed down to the front door of her apartment.
Anakin was halfway through the door when Padme rushed at him and nearly tackled him down, hugging and kissing him as he spun her in the air. Obi-Wan was at first puzzled by their behavior, but he knew that they had secretly had a relationship for years, but he would never mention it to either of them.
“Oh, Obi-Wan,” Padme said, pulling away from Anakin. “How are you?”
“It’s okay Padme,” Obi-Wan smiled. “You two don’t have to hide around me. Not that you were ever good at it.”
Padme flushed a bit, Anakin and Obi-Wan laughed, then Anakin became serious again. He ushered them into the living room, where R2 and 3PO were waiting.
“Master Kenobi, it is so good to see you again,” 3PO said. R2 beeped and spun his head around a bit. “Yes I will. R2 says hello as well.”
“Yes, hello R2,” Obi-Wan said, walking past the droids and sitting on the couch.
“Are you thirsty Obi-Wan?” Padme asked. “I could get you something.”
“Don’t trouble yourself on me, but thank you anyway. Now Anakin, what this “truth” you wish to talk about?”
Padme’s heart skipped a beat then began to make up for it with several extras. She looked over to Anakin, who was perfectly calm. He gave her a smile, which relaxed her. She knew his smiles well enough to know there was nothing to fear. She sat down next to Obi-Wan, while Anakin was looking out the balcony.
“Well?” Obi-Wan asked. “I’m sorry if I’m rushing you, but I am a bit worn out from my trip back.”
“This won’t take long,” Anakin assured. “Obi-Wan, do you remember a few years ago when I went to Tattooine while you were on Geonosis?”
Obi-Wan nodded as he watched Padme’s growing fear. This had to be very serious if Padme was this worried, not to mention Anakin never told him all of the details of that trip.
“Well,” Anakin continued. “I was having those dreams I told you about.”
“About your mother?” Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin nodded. “Yes, well I went to find her, but she had been freed and married to a man named Lars.”
Obi-Wan smiled. “Free? Your mother…”
“Was freed, then captured by the sand people.”
Obi-Wan’s throat went dry. He knew of the sand people, and they were far from friendly to non sand people.
“Well, I found the camp she was at, and I found her, mortally wounded. She had been there for months and I hardly recognized her from the bruises. But I held her in my arms and she died.”
“Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, but was cut off.
“Wait, I must finish,” Anakin paused and took a deep breath. “I was so angry because of the fact I knew I could have helped her, and the way the beat her, I just… I lost it.”
Obi-Wan remained still and silent, watching Padme’s reactions to Anakin’s words. Tears were swelling up in her eyes and she was holding her lower stomach carefully. It was then Obi-Wan was beginning to see where this might be leading.
“So I killed them. Every single one of them. Man, woman, child, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I quenched my hateful thirst. To this day, part of me still hates them for what they did, I’m sorry I never told you.”
“Anakin, you realize you nearly turned to the dark side?”
“I know. I came close, but thanks to the love of my friends,” he turned and smiled at Obi-Wan. “And the love of my wife, I managed to stay on the right path.”
Obi-Wan’s eyes lit up. Married! Married?! That went way beyond attachment, which was firmly forbidden for the Jedi. Obi-Wan was beginning to wonder how well he knew his former student at all.
“I began having similar dreams about Padme too. Identical to the ones about my mother. In my dream she would die, giving birth to our children. Somehow Palpatine knew this, and he used it against me, promising he could teach me to save Padme if I would only learn the dark side. I should have told you this long ago, but Palpatine was convincing me that I would be expelled from the order and that you would turn your back on me.”
“Anakin, I will never turn my back on you. But you’re right, you should have told me. About it all, especially the marriage, you know the rules of the Jedi.”
“I do,” Anakin said, turning away again. “It’s just I promised my mother that I would become a Jedi and make her proud, and I wanted to make Qui-Gonn proud, and I was desperate to make you proud.”
“Anakin, you have no reason to question my pride for you. You’re not only the most gifted Jedi of all time, but you’re my best friend, my brother, my son.”
Anakin smiled as tears tried to build up in his eyes. Padme was already crying until Anakin wiped her tears away with his hand. C-3PO and R2-D2 were listening patiently several meters behind them.
“Oh my R2! Obi-Wan is master Anakin’s father!” R2 beeped in response. “What do you mean figuratively? He just said it.” R2 beeped again, almost sounding angry. “Look, I’m the protocol droid aren’t I? Why don’t you go plug into a terminal with a virus?” R2 beeped very loudly, which caught the attention of the humans as R2 rolled away. “R2, come back, I didn’t mean that!” 3PO screamed, chasing after him.
“Anakin, you realize what all of this means? I must inform the council immediately.”
“No, please don’t. I have to. They weren’t your lies.”
“But Anakin,” Padme pleaded. “Won’t they expel you from the order?”
“Possibly,” Obi-Wan said. “If I were to convince Master Yoda to…”
“No. I’ve done this to myself and I will suffer the consequences, if any. However, should I be expelled, there is one thing I must ask of you Obi-Wan.”
“What Anakin?”
“Regardless of what they do with me, I want my children to become Jedi, and I can’t think of a better person to teach them, than you.”
Obi-Wan was truly touched. The idea of even meeting Anakin’s children made him feel happy, but unlike a happiness he had ever known. Perhaps it was something that only a father could feel. True, he wasn’t Anakin’s father, but if anyone was, it was him. He knew that Anakin’s child would become a great Jedi if trained from birth, quite possibly better than Anakin.
Padme, Obi-Wan noticed, didn’t seem to like the idea. In fact, she was growing angrier during their conversation. Anakin had noticed Obi-Wan studying Padme, then turned to his wife who looked more beautiful than he had seen her in months. Which also meant she was furious with him.
“Anakin, the child hasn’t even been born yet and already you’re ready to give the child away! If you do that, we’ll never get to see him or her! Remember when you left your mother?”
Anakin had never thought about it from that perspective. He was most eager to be a father, but he also knew that the Jedi would benefit greatly from such an acquisition. He looked to Obi-Wan who was still taking everything he had learned in, while Padme was still angry.
“Perhaps you should discuss this after we speak with the council,” Obi-Wan said. “It is possible that you could still remain in the order, then you could train your child yourself.”
Obi-Wan felt relieved. That seemed to lessen Padme’s anger and intrigue Anakin. Perhaps he had been too worried to even consider that as a possibility. Although, if that many things were racing through his head, even master Yoda would find it difficult to come to a solution.
“I think that’s a good idea Obi-Wan. I’m sorry Ani, I overreacted, but it’s just, we’ve never talked about what to do.”
“No, Padme I was wrong, to both of you. But Obi-Wan is right, we’ll have to wait to see what the council does before we make any decisions.”
“Very well, but we must speak with the council about this tomorrow Anakin. I don’t like keeping things from them and this is sure to cause problems. The Jedi Order can’t stand to lose you and I’ll back you as far as I can, but if the council rules against it…”
“Obi-Wan, do not worry. If the council decides that I am not fit to be a Jedi, then I will respect their decision. That is what you would do.”
Obi-Wan knew the emotion for Anakin and Padme was something Jedi were supposed to refrain from, but it truly made Obi-Wan feel like his relationship with Anakin was far beyond the Jedi order. Had neither of them been Jedi, he now knew that they would still be like family.
“Well then, I’m off, I need a good night’s rest as we have much to do tomorrow,” Obi-Wan said, beginning to leave.
“Wait, Obi-Wan. Should we speak with the council about this after Master Yoda and I address the senate?”
“That would be better, that is something we have to take care of immediately,” Obi-Wan agreed.
“What’s going to happen?” Padme asked. “Are the separatists a threat anymore?”
“I wouldn’t think so Padme. They’ve already lost Dooku and General Grievous and I doubt the viceroy have much experience in combat.”
“But Palpatine’s hand may have stretched further than we know. One of his close friends, a governor by the name of Tarkin I think. I assure you he is not one who enjoys peace.”
“Anakin is right. Until we can discover how far Palpatine’s influence stretches, the war will continue.”
“Who do you think will become the new Chancellor, or rather who do the Jedi want to be chancellor?” Padme asked.
“We suggested two names, yourself being one of them. But as Anakin reasoned, we may need someone with more experience, such as Senator Organa.”
Obi-Wan caught a look of surprise and anger on Padme’s face, but she quickly hid it before Anakin noticed. Obi-Wan wondered if he had inadvertently gotten Anakin into some trouble, but Padme wasn’t the type to get angered over that. For Anakin’s sake he hoped so.
“Anakin, I know how hard it must have been for you to keep these things from me, but regardless of how the council votes, you do know that there is no reason you can’t confide in me, or you Padme.”
Padme and Anakin were relieved, they were worried most about what Obi-Wan would think, especially Anakin. Padme was right all along, Obi-Wan was on Anakin’s side and he more than proved it.
“Good night Master,” Anakin said as Obi-Wan began to walk away.
“You forget, you’re the Master” Obi-Wan smiled. “May the force be with you.”
“May the force be with you,” Anakin returned, as Padme hit him in the arm.
“You became a Master?!” she asked as her eyes widened.
“Yes, I would have told you sooner, but it feels so good to get all of that off my chest, especially to Obi-Wan.”
“Well, I’m very proud of you, come on, let’s eat something and go to bed.”
“That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
I'd say that Anakin could for some time if necessary. Anakin Solo entered a trance once before he died that basicly doubled his power for a short time. If Anakin did the same, which it looks like he did, he could take Sidious, especcialy since Sidious was just wasted by Mace before Anakin fought him.
CHAPTER 4: Decisions
Anakin awoke to find Padme’s side of the bed neatly made with a note resting on the pillow.
“Anakin, I went to breakfast with Bail and his wife. Sorry I forgot to tell you, but I forgot I even made the date, see you after the senate meeting. Love ~ Padme.”
Although Anakin always loved waking up next to Padme, he was actually relieved to not find her there. She took Obi-Wan’s comment about Anakin’s suggestion of Bail too seriously, and they had ended up fighting about it before sleep. Padme was usually reasonable, but ever since her pregnancy she had become more irritable.
That didn’t bother Anakin though, it was healthy for her after all, and that was what mattered most. That she remain healthy and give birth to their beautiful child. Anakin was still excited, he was eager to be a father, but worried about his JedI responsibilities. This after all could be his last day as a JedI.
He could not worry about that now, he had to eat, meditate, and meet Master Yoda all in an hour. He walked into the kitchen and went through various cupboards and the refrigerator, cooking some eggs and bacon strips, and pouring a glass of milk. Anakin gulped down the first glass quickly, then rushed to the bathroom to relieve himself of the morning.
He cleaned the light blue milk mustache off of his face and came back to his meal. The eggs were perfect, but the bacon had been cooked a bit too long. Never the less, Anakin ate it quickly and awoke his trusty droid, R2-D2. R2 waited near Anakin’s JedI starfighter while Anakin got dressed. When he was finished he began to leave, then looked down at his mechanical hand.
Anakin put a glove over it, then tied three small straps to secure it from coming off and headed out to meet R2. He strapped himself into the cockpit and ran through the diagnostics checks with R2. Once R2 gave him the okay, he lifted off the ground and headed to the JedI Temple.
Master Yoda was already waiting at the hangar for Anakin. In his younger days, Anakin had thought himself Yoda’s equal based off of his affinity for the force. Yet if he could have been fooled that badly by the chancellor, he knew he was still a padawan compared to Yoda.
“Greetings, Master Anakin,” Yoda said as Anakin climbed out of the cockpit and R2 sprung out.
“R2 watch the ship,” Anakin commanded as the droid whistled. “Good morning Master Yoda, I apologize if I am late.”
“Apology not required, early we both are,” Yoda assured him. “Thought much about what you will say?”
“Well, to be honest I don’t have much to say, other than if he could deceive me is it so far fetched to believe he deceived everyone else.”
“Indeed, the treachery of the Sith was troublesome, but luckily you were there.”
“You give me too much credit Master Yoda, you forget Master Windu was there too.”
“Master Windu, yes,” Yoda said, chuckling in that light grandfather like laugh of his. “Master Windu claims an awesome display of power from you, saved us from the Sith.”
“To be honest Master, I don’t even know how I did that. It was as if the force just,”
“Took over?”
“Exactly,” Anakin said. “But this was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was almost like I saw everything through the eyes of the force itself.”
“Hmm, interesting description you give. Seen not, anything like that, have I.”
As Anakin and Yoda made their way to the Senate room, Bail and Padme came to greet them. Bail loved his conversations with Yoda. He had never met a creature of Yoda’s species, let alone a being that had lived as long as the small JedI Master. As Bail greeted Yoda, Padme snuck to Anakin’s ear, whispering, “He’s kicking.” Anakin was about to grab her and kiss her but Master Yoda’s watchful eye came upon him.
“Care greatly, for the Senator you do,” Yoda said.
Anakin stared across the room at her, not even realizing he was being talked to, then turned back to Master Yoda, “Yes, I do.”
“Worry not for her, safe she is. Concentrate on the senate, we must.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry Master, it’s just that,” Anakin stopped himself.
I can’t tell him yet, not right now at least. I’ll let him hear it along with the rest of the council. Besides, I wouldn’t want him to think I’m trying to gain sympathy.
“It’s just?” Yoda asked.
“Nothing. I’ll tell you later.”
Yoda decided it was best not to push the issue especially since they had work ahead of them. The chancellor’s aids were addressing the senate, explaining about how the JedI were believed to be behind the chancellor’s assassination. Top medical professors had examined his body and determined that before he died, Palpatine had been severely disfigured and his eyes were now glowing bright yellow. Though they were unable to discover the cause of these strange physicality’s, it was clear that a lightsaber was the murder weapon.
Mas Amedda, a powerful Chagrian and Vice Chair of the Galactic Senate stood before the senate.
“And now, on behalf of the JedI, I present JedI Master’s Yoda and Anakin Skywalker.”
Instantly the room went abuzz. Many of the senators expected either Yoda or Mace Windu to speak to them, but Anakin Skywalker truly caught their eyes. He was the “Hero Without Fear” and was a close friend of the chancellors. However, there were rumors floating around that he was tied to Palpatine’s death. As he and Yoda stood before the senate, the room fell deftly silent.
Master Yoda spoke first. “Greetings, members of the senate. I am Yoda, head of the JedI Order. For over eight centuries, have I watched over the republic. Safe to say, I think, that I am the eldest one here.”
Yoda paused as the senate chuckled at his last comment.
“However, even I was unable to see the awesome threat that was the Sith. An ancient order of evil force users, the Sith are. Aided them in deceiving us all, the dark side did. Only Master Anakin managed to break through the deceit of the former chancellor. To him, you must listen, if not to me.”
Several whispers echoed throughout the senate as Yoda and Anakin exchanged bows and Anakin took to the podium.
“My fellow members of the republic, I know that this seems impossible, and I would not have believed it had I not seen it for myself. Many of you know me, as I was a good friend of Chancellor Palpatine, and many of you have pledged trust in me, and I must ask you to do so again. The Chancellor attempted to lure me to the dark side of the force, but he failed, as he also failed to kill me moments later. It is true that I, Anakin Skywalker killed Palpatine, however, there is a side of him none of you knew. Darth Sidious. That was his Sith name, and with his dark powers he fooled us all into believing he cared for democracy, but it was all a lie.”
Anakin paused and took note to how quiet the room was. Everyone in there had met him at one point and they all knew him to be an honest, brave warrior that wanted a better republic. Hopefully, they would still feel that way.
“I killed Chancellor Palpatine, but I did so defending myself and this assembled body. As you all know, Count Dooku was the leader of the separatist movement, what you don’t know is that he was also a Sith Lord, and apprentice to Sidious. Palpatine played both sides, gaining more power as he did, and attempting to make the JedI look incompetent. The doctors cannot understand why he looks the way he does, but that is a result of the dark side of the forces evil, polluting power. The JedI have been loyal to the republic for over 1000 years and we still are today. Master Yoda has been the head of the order for over 800 years. If there were a plot to take over from the JedI, Master Yoda would have to be behind it as he is our wisest member. But ask yourselves, would anyone wait that many years to take over? Those of you that know me and Yoda personally must ask yourselves; would they really betray the republic? Democracy? I think you will discover the truth like I did. I thank you for your time.”
Anakin sat down and took a deep breath as Yoda congratulated him. The senate was still void of all sound until finally Mas Amedda spoke again.
“We must vote on whether or not to believe the JedI, but in order to do that, we must elect a new chancellor. Who will you vote to replace Palpatine?”
Many names were shouted about through the senate, but it came down to only three. Chi Eekway, a Wroonian whose reasonable and patient voice often escaped Palpatine’s ears. Mon Mothma, a human female from Chandrila. She too was a voice often not heard by Palpatine, but her wisdom was greatly appreciated throughout the senate. Finally, Bail Organa, a human male from Alderaan was also chosen.
“We will take a brief recess, then return here to vote,” Mas Amedda commanded to the senate.
Yoda and Anakin left the senate building and climbed onto a clone transport and instructed them to take them to the JedI Temple. As they scurried through the busy streets of Coruscant, Yoda made his concerns public to Anakin.
“Worried I am. The three were most honorable choices, bought by Palpatine they could have been.”
“You’re right Master. Even if Bail wins we need to keep a tight grip on the senate, I still sense that something isn’t right here. I worry the JedI may not have evaded the Sith’s plan yet.”
The other members of the council were waiting for Yoda and Anakin to return. Everyone took a seat immediately and Yoda and Anakin told everyone what transpired. They were confidant that Bail would become the new chancellor, and that the separatists would be captured.
“Master Yoda, I understand that right now is not the best moment, but I must get this off of my chest,” Anakin said, much to everyone’s surprise.
“The floor is yours Master Skywalker.”
Anakin thanked Yoda and preceded to tell the council everything he told Obi-Wan the night before. From Tattooine, to Padme and the child, Anakin finally told them of the secret life he had been living, and how Palpatine attempted to use it against the JedI. Anakin apologized several times, but made it clear that he wanted to be a good father to his child and remain married to Padme.
“This is very troubling news you bring us Anakin,” Master Windu said. “You know that marriage is attachment, and that is forbidden for a JedI. Now I understand what Palpatine was saying to you the other day.”
“In your defense Anakin,” Ki-Adi-Mundi began. “As you all know I am a Cerean, and I have lost most of my family during this war. I can sympathize with Anakin on why he did not inform us of his actions. The bond of love is a powerful thing, but instead of shunning it, perhaps we should embrace his way. After all, my one surviving son is studying downstairs as we speak.”
“Yes, but that was different, There were very few Cereans left on your home planet, so we approved of your reproducing,” Mace said. “Anakin lied to us, and chose to marry despite what could happen. As much as it pains me to say this, I think this is grounds for expulsion.”
Anakin knew that this could happen, but he still could barely hold down the anger inside him. There was always friction between him and Mace, and even after Anakin saved his life, there was still this.
“Perhaps you are right Master Windu,” Ki-Adi-Mundi said. “But let us also remember that Anakin managed to destroy the Sith Lord, and return balance to the force. Do we really wish to lose such a powerful ally?”
The council sat in silence for some time. It was a lot to take in at once, especially with the senate voting in a new leader. Both sides had good points, but there was one person the council was waiting to hear from.
Master Yoda.
“Condone your lies, we do not Anakin. But, balance you did bring. Wise and powerful, you have become, and considering who the mother of you child is, no doubts are in my mind that an excellent JedI your child would make.”
“Thank you master,” Anakin bowed graciously.
“For too long have we not adapted, allowed ourselves to be rigid and close minded we have. A different approach the Sith took, and with it, destroyed we could have been. Punishment, we must consider later, but in the order you must remain.”
Anakin looked around to the various council members, who seemed to share in Yoda’s opinion. All but Master Windu, who was staring at Anakin with a glare of disappointment and anger.
“I do not agree with this, however, you have made a valid argument Master Yoda.”
“Then wait until the war is over, we will?” Yoda asked.
One after another the council agreed, and Anakin stood to thank them, even Mace for his honesty.
“I understand that I must be punished, but I still wish to thank all of you for allowing me to stay. I will do my best to make you realize, that I belong on this Council.”
The Council adjourned and majority of the members took a transport to the senate to see if a decision had been reached. When the JedI arrived, the senators were all leaving the building, some of them complaining, others ecstatic over what transpired.
Anakin and Obi-Wan caught Padme whose bright smile told them everything.
“Bail is the new Supreme Chancellor, this is so unbelievable. Now all we have to do is end the war. Oh my, I was so excited I forgot to ask how the meeting went. Did you tell them?”
Anakin nodded.
“And what?” Padme nearly screamed.
“Relax Senator, Anakin’s place is with the JedI.”
“Thank you Obi-Wan,” Anakin said, hugging his friend, then kissing his wife. He had never done that publicly and it made him feel like a new man to be able to do so.
“I can’t believe it,” Anakin said, rubbing Padme’s stomach. “I finally let the Council know about this, and I’m not getting expelled. And now we have a Supreme Chancellor that will return peace to the republic in a much friendlier fashion.”
“Bail is going to do a wonderful job, I just know it,” Padme said with glee.
“It’s the second best decision I’ve seen today,” Obi-Wan commented.
“Second best? What was the first?” Padme asked.
“Anakin.”
Yeah. I'm thinking jawas come in and fek Anakin up, so he goes suited, but still good. So his Force potential is maimed, stopping him from being the best there ever ever was physically, but he still reaches a moral pinnacle and defeats evil, proving that über powers aren't neccessary to be the best jedi of all time.