Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or anything in it.

I know, I know, I should be working on one of my other stories but the ideas just won't seem to stop coming!

So, there are a lot of factors that make the prequels, particularly the first two parts, suck. But I feel that most of it has to do with Anakin and the way he is portrayed. The Original trilogy builds him up to be this force for good, this righteous hero who fell from grace. But what we got in the prequels was a whiny, selfish, self-serving jackass who, for the most part, only seemed to care about himself. Wouldn't it have been a much more compelling story if Anakin was presented as someone who really cared about the Republic and the Jedi but felt that both were corrupt and disliked the fact that he couldn't seem to do anything about it? Thus this story was born!

Jedi Temple

Morning

Sixteen year old Anakin was sitting at the kitchen table, eating some breakfast as he watched the holo-news.

"In other news, Senator Sheev Palpatine of Naboo has announced his candidacy for Supreme Chancellor." The reporter said as it showed a picture of Palpatine in the far left corner.

"More politicians grabbing for power. Obi-Wan said disgusted as he walked into the kitchen.

"But in this case, it may be the lesser evil. Senator Palpatine doesn't appear corrupt, or at least as corrupt as the other senators." Anakin pointed out and Ob-Wan looked at his apprentice dryly.

"Things are not always as they appear my Padawan," Obi-Wan advised as his commlink went, "This is Kenobi."

"Obi-Wan," Mace Windu's small, holographic form appeared on the commlink, "You and your Padawan need to report to the Council chambers right away."

"We'll be right there Master." Obi-Wan said and the hologram faded as Anakin sighed.

"Great, more fixing the Republic's problems." Anakin grumbled and Obi-Wan sighed.

While he loved Anakin like a younger brother, this had been an ongoing debate, argument really, between them for years. Anakin believed that the Jedi were being used to fix the Republic's problems, limiting their effectiveness. Anakin believed the Jedi were meant to follow the will of the Force, not the orders of the Republic. Obi-Wan could admit that Anakin had several good points.

"The Council is waiting Anakin, best not to keep them waiting." Obi-Wan said instead of arguing.

Council chambers

Later in the morning

"A new Mission, we have for you." Yoda said as master and apprentice stood in the circle of twelve Jedi Masters.

"Queen Amidala of Naboo arrived on the planet late last night," Mace told them, "she is here to convene with Senator Palpatine to discuss about the Senate's upcoming vote on the military creation act. However, upon arrival, it was discovered that a bomb had been placed on her ship when it detonated."

"Fortunate it was that Queen Amidala had a decoy in place."

"Indeed, although someone does not seem to want her to meet with the senator." Plo Koon noted.

"Obi-Wan, you and Anakin are assigned to the Queen. Find out who is trying to kill her and why." Mace ordered.

"Then we have to arrange a meeting with the Queen, which may prove difficult." Obi-Wan noted.

"The meeting has already been set for tonight. Be at Senator Palpatine's apartment tonight at five." Mace ordered.

"Yes Master." Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed.

The two Jedi then turned and exited the council chambers. Once they did, Obi-Wan turned to his Padawan.

"You were unusually quiet during the meeting." Obi-Wan noted and Anakin scoffed.

"Would it have mattered if I hadn't been? We would still be on this assignment anyway, just sees a better use of our time to get the job done rather than arguing with the council." Anakin said and Obi-Wan sighed as they walked.

"I know you are unsatisfied with the Council's relationship with the Republic Anakin but it is necessary." Obi-Wan said and Anakin scoffed once more.

"It is necessary for us to have a relationship with the Republic, not for us to be called upon to solve all their problems," Anakin said as they stopped and Anakin looked over at Obi-Wan with a hard expression, "we are called peacekeepers but we are little more than the Republic's servants Master. The Senate has too much hold over us. And the senate has their own agenda Master, how long until we are sent out to slaughter a village, a city, a planet?"

"The council would never allow that." Obi-Wan said firmly.

"What if they don't have a choice? What if the Supreme Chancellor forces them to? The Republic has the Jedi under its thumb and one day, it may cost us." Anakin said hotly.

"It won't Anakin." Obi-Wan insisted.

"I hope you're right Master, truly I do." Anakin said and Master and Padawan turned and continued their walk out of the temple.

So, what do you think? Please leave any thoughts or comments you may have in a review, feedback is greatly appreciated.