Chapter 1
The stars twinkled as they never had before. An engrossing blend of light and dark, fluidly spiraling outward into the vastness of space. The smoggy skies of Coruscant were normally blanketed with a film that sealed off the Universe from view, but that night was entirely different. The smog could not stop the penetrating light, and the night was beautiful. It seemed as though the stars were speaking personally to the population of Coruscant. The adage that red skies signified death were brought to mind as Anakin gazed upward into the heavens. The universe itself knew that it was on the brink of change. Drastic change. One star shown brighter than the others. Anakin instantly noted that it was star of the Borleias system. It gleamed and twinkled, struggling to pierce the skies. The night was a symphony to Anakin's eyes.
"Master Anakin," A robed Jedi youngling spoke. " You're needed inside the temple."
Anakin did not remove his gaze from the sky. He knew who it was without looking. In all honesty, the force wasn't even needed. He could tell by the voice alone.
"I will be there momentarily."
For a brief time, Anakin stood silently, uncaring of the world around him, and watched the sun of Borleias blink silently. It was pleasant to find a distraction in those complex times. The Universe walked upon a razor's edge, and the one at the helm was undoubtedly Anakin Skywalker.
The recent events that nearly unraveled the Galactic Republic weighed heavily on his mind. The revelation of the Sith, and the end of the Clone wars had rushed by so quickly, it seemed only a blur in Anakin's mind. He could only focus on the fact that Sidious had escaped from his and Mace Windu's grasp, and had fled across the galaxy. Though this fact was a disappointment to him, he took refuge in the fact that the moment came when he had the chance to choose between two of his most loyal friends, he made the right one. At least it seemed like the correct choice. He regretted the fact that he might have had the power to save his beloved wife from death by utilizing the dark side of the force. Within his heart, a churning had commenced, gnawing at him. What if you had taken refuge underneath the cloak of darkness? Will you have any chance of saving Padme now that the decision has been made? It sickened him. The teachings of the Jedi Order, however thorough, had not prepared him for this.
Padme was not dead. Not yet. The dreams had not ceased, which indicated that she was still in grave danger. But he could at least cling desperately to the fact that there was still time. He would go to whatever lengths necessary to save her. He could only pray that the will of the force somehow would envelope those he loved in a wave of protection. He cared not of his own well-being.
Sidious, Anakin's former friend and mentor, was officially number one on the list of Jedi responsibility. Unofficially, Padme's safety had usurped that position. There must be a connection between the two, Anakin mused. If it lay in the shadows of this ordeal, he would find it.
With a final stare into the heavens far above, he turned and entered the Jedi Temple for the latest briefing.