The Jedi High Council was waiting for them already, with over half of the council in attendance and another four appearing via hologram. Anakin could see that Masters Yoda, Windu, and Ti were all discussing this heavily when they arrived, as though it'd been a hotly debated topic.
"Ah, Master Kenobi, Knight Skywalker. Good to see you, it is." Master Yoda said from his chair as he stretched some, his cane sitting nearby. "Captain Rex, I take it, this is?" The Grand Master questioned.
"Yes Master, this is my first in command. Captain Rex of the Five Oh First Clone Battalion." Anakin said in a respective tone as he heard Rex snapping into attention.
"It is a pleasure to meet all of you, Generals." He heard Rex.
"The pleasure is ours Captain. We've heard much of the Five Hundred and Firsts exploits." Master Shaak Ti said from her seat off to the side of Yoda. "Please, Knight Skywalker, Captain Rex, come to the center of the room." She said.
Anakin nodded, he was slightly nervous, despite having been here many times before. Whenever he was here it appeared the council was judging him. He watched as Obi-Wan took his seat with the Council, waiting for this to begin. It was Mace Windu who stood first.
"We'd like a detailed account first of your pursuit of Trooper Fives. We need to know everything that was said down there." Windu told them, all business as always with his normal stern look. Anakin didn't think he'd ever seen the man without it.
They nodded, and both Jedi and Clone launched into their retelling of the events of their meeting with Fives, and of the clone's tragic death. There was one thing that seemed to surprise Anakin though, and that was that he could lightly sense sympathy from the council as the story was told. Not much, but it was there.
"Hmm… most troubling this is. Captain Rex, believe Fives story you do?" He asked.
"I… I can't say I fully believe it Sir." Anakin heard Rex begin. "But… Fives was loyal to the core. He would never try to hurt the Chancellor or anyone else unless he knew something was wrong. He would never betray his brothers, or the Republic like that." Fives answered honestly.
Yoda nodded, thinking on these words for a moment. "Master Ti, anything to say on this, you have?" The small green Jedi asked.
Shaak Ti nodded some, "When I brought ARC Trooper Fives to Chancellor Palpatine, he requested that myself and Nala Se wait outside while he spoke with Fives alone, stating that he wished to let the trooper feel as though he was being given a fair say in matters. Not long after, I heard the Chancellor cry for help, and arrived to see Fives overpowering the guards and pointing a blaster at him. He ran shortly after, escaping from the facility. I was unable to regain his trail." She said, looking down some, Anakin could've sworn he saw regret flash across her face.
"And then, myself and Rex went in search of Fives." Anakin finished. "We were given a set of coordinates of where to meet Fives by another Trooper from the Five Oh First. It was there that the events we described happened."
Mace Windu sighed some, but looked to them. "Something is going on here. Regardless if the Chancellor is involved or not there was a reason that the Kaminoan's did not want us to analyze one of these chips. There is something being hidden here." He said. "We just need to find out what."
"Clouded the force has been, escaped our view for far too long this Sith has. Maybe shed some light this will." Yoda said, shaking his head. "Lost trust in the Jedi, many have. Due to the war this is." He said, sorrowful.
"Master Yoda is right. Many people have come resent the Jedi for our involvement in the war as Generals. They view it that we've started this war and drug it out. It doesn't help that Dooku himself was once a Jedi as well." Obi-Wan said. "We were never meant to be generals like this."
Anakin was caught off guard by this… and by some of the truth that it struck in him. By what it did. Finally, he decided to speak. "Masters, if I may…" He said, with some uncertainty.
"What is it Skywalker?" Windu asked.
"I feel as though we've lost our way with the force…" Anakin suddenly said. This seemed to shock the High Council, as eyes widened, and more than a few glares were sent his way. He didn't care… this was something he'd been seeing. It had to be said.
"What I mean is. Well. The Council, and all the Jedi were so certain that the force would guide us to the Sith Master that is behind this war. Yet it's revealed nothing to us!" He said. "If we believe Dooku, then this Sith is right under our nose somewhere here on Coruscant yet we can't sense him." He said. "Never mind that we've lost our way with the people, just as Master Kenobi and Master Yoda just showed us. If it is our duty to reinforce that it is our duty to serve the people of the galaxy. Then we have not done it. All we've made them believe is that we are the leaders of armies and warriors. We've even gone against our own members without the force. Despite what everyone here knew of Ahsoka… she was instantly dispelled from the order for an act she did not commit!" He said, panting lightly from his rant… he'd grown to resent parts of the Jedi order, and as much as it pained him to he had to reveal it.
There was a long silnce as he watched many thoughts race across each Masters mind. Shaak Ti was looking down in thought. Mace Windu was glaring down Anakin as always. Kit Fisto seemed to partially agree. Ki Adi Mundi had a stoic silence about him, as did Master Plo Koon. Yoda's eyes were closed, in deep thought, his expression unreadable. And Obi-Wan, who Anakin most wanted the approval of, seemed deeply concerned by his words, but when their eyes met, he sent Anakin a reassuring gaze. It seemed that Obi-Wan was partially on Anakins side, which reassured and calmed him more than he could know.
"Hmm… carried these thoughts with you, you have, Knight Skywalker. For a long time now it has been?" Yoda asked calmly.
"Y… yes master." Anakin said as he looked down. "There are many things about the code and the orders actions that I must admit I do not agree with. I understand why we do some of them… but I feel that some of these are what pushes us away from the force! We claim to have compassion for every living thing, and yet we do not show it." Anakin said, almost pleaded. He knew his emotions were running wild… despite trying to gain control over them he just couldn't… he'd felt distanced from parts of the order for a time now. Sometimes he felt that Obi-Wan was the only one he could trust.
He saw Yoda nod, as the rest of the group seemed to be silent. Anakin had no clue if his words had struck a chord with the High Council, or if they'd had any effect at all. "I feel much turmoil within you young Skywalker. Come with me, you and Master Kenobi shall. Much to discuss, I feel there is." Yoda said, suddenly standing. "Captain Rex, return to your guest quarters you may, or return to you unit, if you wish."
"I think I'll return to Torrent Company, Sir. They… they need to know about Fives." He said. "I'll keep this quiet until we learn more."
"Good, good. Go to your men Captain, need you, I'm sure they will. Notify you, we shall." Yoda said. Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan, and then followed the Grand Master.
Grand Master Yoda had led them to a quiet meditation room not far from the Council Chambers. It was peaceful, and the Light side of the Force was apparent within. Even with his turmoil, Anakin felt a wonderful calm sweep over him when he entered.
"Grand Master… I must apologize for my outburst." He said as they entered, but Yoda silenced him with a wave of the hand.
"Worry not, Knight Skywalker… many necessary truths you brought forth, although unpleasant to the Council they may be." He said as he sat on a pillow within the room, offering Anakin and Obi-Wan to join him. "Please, join. Someone to meet, there is."
Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan, who nodded before sitting. Taking a deep breath, Anakin sat as well. Unlike the others, he laid his lightsaber out before him. Taking it apart always allowed him to meditate more capably. He centered himself, closing his eyes and calming his breathing as he focused on releasing his emotions into the force. Soon he could feel the force signature of both Obi Wan and Yoda, shining brightly.
'What is it you wished to show us Master?' He heard Obi-Wan ask through their connection. He could almost sense the slight smile in Yoda's response.
'Not what, but who.' The Grand Master said as suddenly Anakin felt the area around him transform. He could suddenly hear water lapping at a shore, could feel the sun on his face, and the light smell of fresh grass and saltwater. Anakins eyes opened.
They were on a small island, surrounded by water. Anakin couldn't even see any other landmasses. But… he could sense someone had joined them, someone who's presence he hadn't felt in a long time.
"Obi Wan… Anakin. It is good to see that you've brought them Master Yoda."
Anakin's eyes snapped, and he caught a glimpse of Obi Wan jerking his head around as he did the same. Before them stood Qui-Gon Jinn, the same as he'd been all those years ago on Naboo.
"M…master Jinn?" He heard Obi-Wan ask, suddenly sensing a flare of emotion from his longtime friend and Master.
"Yes, it's me Obi-Wan. It's good to see you." Qui-Gon smiled some. Anakin saw something he never though he would, Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the more reserved Jedi Masters, had tears in his eyes as he got up and went to his old master. Qui-Gon smiled wider, and embraced his once Padawan.
"M..Master Qui-Gon… I… I'm sorry." Obi-Wan said.
"It's okay Obi-Wan, you have nothing to be ashamed of. We both underestimated Darth Maul that day." He said calmingly. This caught Anakin off guard. He could remember how sorrow had radiated from Obi-Wan for a long time after Qui-Gons death. How he would spend hours meditating within his room just to move on. Qui-Gon had been a father to Obi-Wan. It's no wonder the loss had cut him so deeply.
"It's good to see you Master Jinn." Obi-Wan said as he pulled away.
"I know Obi-Wan. You've done well in life, teaching Anakin as you did." He said before both returned to the circle to join them. Yoda was smiling somewhat, which caught Anakin off guard.
"Shown me many things, Master Jinn has. Taken on the role of bridge between the Jedi and the Light side of the force he has chosen." Yoda said.
"M… master. Why are we here?" Anakin asked uncertainly.
"It's quite simple Anakin. Just as you'd said earlier. The Jedi have been slowly losing touch with the force. While they still walk the path of the light side. The Clone Wars have muddied the waters, and many Jedi have come to follow the Code above the will of the force."
Anakin was shocked to hear this, and could see that Obi Wan was as well. Yet Master Yoda remained as stoic as always.
"I requested Master Yoda bring you here because you've both had experiences which can prove that the Jedi Code can and must change with the will of the light side of the Force. With the current imbalance of the force, it is the only way in which the Jedi can remain." He said.
"Imbalance, what do you mean Master?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon sighed softly. "For one thousand years the Jedi reigned while the Sith remained hidden away thanks to the rule of two. They operated within the shadows. Only one master, and one apprentice. This insured that the Jedi would grow complacent and would come to believe the Sith were no longer a threat. While followers in the Dark Side would come, and go. None were powerful enough to truly claim that title. As soon as the Jedi grew so complacent as to no longer view the Sith as a threat, did this imbalance begin. It has finally begun to grow, and slowly the balance has been tipping into favor of the dark side." Qui Gon told them.
Anakin took this in, it… it was a lot. He couldn't believe all of this. The Jedi losing their way. The Sith tipping the balance in their favor. W…was this all part of the 'Chosen One' prophecy? And how could he and Obi-Wan change the order. I mean, yes, Obi-Wan could for sure, he was on the council after all. But him, the council didn't trust him. He was certain at times that Master Windu flat out disliked him.
"Master… how… how can we change the Jedi Order?" Anakin asked.
Qui-Gon smiled at this, "I do believe you know already Anakin. As it's something you've already done." He said chuckling, "And as have you Obi-Wan. The force has tested you in many ways. It gives me pride to say that you've passed them." He said.
The look of confusion on Obi-Wan's face would've had Anakin rolling if this wasn't such a serious moment. "Oh come now Obi-Wan. Surely you must remember Siri." He said. At this, Anakin's eyes did widen. Siri Tachi, a Jedi Master who'd died at the start of the Clone Wars… but… what did that have to do with Obi Wan. He knew they'd been close, but… surely not that close.
"I… I loved her." Obi Wan suddenly said. "And she loved me. When she died… I wanted so badly to kill the man who'd hurt her. Magus."
Anakin felt a sudden spike in anger from his Master, along with many other emotions. He looked to his master, and suddenly had such a deeper understanding of the man. He'd always seen Obi-Wan as stoic if witty. A man who Anakin considered 'by the book'. He'd never expect to see this side from his master.
"But… I didn't. I… I couldn't. It's not what she would've wanted. And I couldn't do it, not with Anakin there. I couldn't let him down either." Obi-Wan admitted, and Anakin could sense honesty from the man. It touched Anakin… he knew Obi-Wan thought highly of him, as Anakin did Obi-Wan. But, this was something else… he couldn't believe it.
"Hmm, an interesting development this is. Tempted you were Obi-Wan. But… able to form an attachment and not fall to the dark side you did. Impressive this is. I sense there is much pain in you from this, but fear not, for bear it alone, you should not have to." He said. Qui-Gon nodded, then looked to Anakin.
Anakin suddenly felt every nerve in his body scream out in warning… H..he couldn't tell them. Not about what he'd done. He couldn't tell them about Padme, about the child she carried… nor about what had happened on Tatooine… he'd sworn to carry that to the grave with him.
"Do not fear young Skywalker. Okay, it shall be. Trust, there must be if the Jedi are to overcome this." He heard Yoda say.
Anakin felt tears in his eyes… all that darkness, the hatred he'd carried since Tatooine, all the fears from his dreams of Padme. His desire to protect her, his love for her. He couldn't hide it hear, not when Qui-Gon clearly knew. So… he decided to trust, and held nothing back.
Obi-Wan was in shock of what he heard… The pain and fear that Anakin had hidden away and bottled up. All the hatred and anger and doubt. It was no wonder Anakin had seemed so trouble at times. Why he would act out and disobey instructions. To have hidden that away had taken such incredible power from him. And it hurt Obi-Wan to know that he'd let Anakin go on that way. That he'd let his best friend and brother bear that burden while he'd ignored the few times Anakin had come to him with these dreams, telling Anakin that he should just meditate on them and that they were just fears based on his attachment to his mother.
Anakin hadn't held back either. He'd told them it all, the dreams of his mother in pain. How he'd gone to Tatooine, his home. How she'd died in his arms… and how he'd sought out revenge in a moment of blind rage against the Sand People. He told them of his relationship with Padme, of how they'd married and now had a child on the way. Anakin even wore a ring on a necklace under his robes.
Now his friend was crying, the revealing of this pain having overcome him again. But he could feel some relief at the admission of what he'd done, and while he could now sense some darkness in Anakin, he could see more light, and sensed a desire for this darkness to be gone. He slid over, placing a hand on Anakins back. "It's okay Anakin. It's okay." He told his brother. "You aren't alone… you don't have to carry this burden anymore." He said. He felt he'd failed Anakin, and he swore that he would never do so again. He glanced up to Yoda, who had a look of regret upon his face.
"Doubted you, we have young Skywalker. Despite your differences from other Padawans, help you, we did not try to. Discuss this, we shall, but know that help you, the Council will." He heard Yoda say as Obi-Wan nodded.
Anakin slowly calmed himself, but said little beyond a thank you. Obi-Wan was certain that Anakin felt he would be removed from the Jedi for breaking the code. Obi-Wan was going to do what he could to prevent that.
"It is good you've revealed this Anakin… I know it hurts now. But you will find peace so long as you have trust in your friends and fellow Jedi." Qui-Gon said before turning to Yoda. "Master Yoda, I feel that after these revelations, that a new chapter in the Jedi Order is going to begin."
"Indeed… many changes have happened. Discuss this with the Council, I shall. Suppress such feelings we should not, lead to the dark side it does." He said with a nod.
Obi-Wan looked to them and nodded, he wasn't sure what Grand Master Yoda had in mind, but he prayed to the Force that it would be what would save his Padawan, and what would save the Jedi.
Qui-Gon nodded. "Good… I feel our time is coming to an end. Obi-Wan, Anakin… know that I am with you both. Trust in each other and in the Force. May the Force be with you." He said with a smile. And before anyone else could respond, they were all back within the meditation room. Night had fallen, and there was knocking on the door.
Hey everyone, I figured I would go ahead and get another chapter out while this was still hot on my head. I know this chapter is very wordy, but I promise as time goes on there will be action scenes a plenty. For now I just need to establish some things.
As always, I hope you enjoy the story. Please feel free to drop a review or something to tell me what you think. Love it? Hate it? Either way, I want to know as it lets me improve.
Fortunate Son, out!