Coruscant, Republic Command-Center:

After the briefing, everyone leaves.

Palpatine calls out to Anakin. "Anakin, a word, if you have the time."

Anakin leaves the other Jedi and Obi-Wan gives him a long look before heading after the rest of the Jedi. Anakin walks over to Palpatine.

"I just wanted to thank you" Palpatine says. "You have been of great help these past few years, urging the Jedi to take a more active part to end this war. Without your efforts, the Confederacy might very well have overthrown the Republic by now. Thankfully, you have made sure it has not come to that."

"You give me too much praise, chancellor" Anakin says. "Far too often my suggestions fall on deaf ears within the Jedi Order. They are set in their old ways and refuse to listen to reason. The High Council especially."

Palpatine nods. "They trust the council of Grand Master Yoda. And why shouldn't they? He has held his seat on the council for six hundred years; his experience is unparalleled, I dare say." He then chuckles. "Imagine the supreme chancellor of the Republic holding office for six centuries; I believe most would call it corruption and dictatorship."

Anakin finds the analogy somewhat unsettling. "Grand Master Yoda is not a despot."

"Off course not" Palpatine says. "But he understands politics better than most, I must say. This war has proven that, if anything. The Jedi have sworn to uphold peace and justice, but despite this, Yoda has always made sure to commit as few Jedi as possible to the battles and engagements. Always holding back, always deploying Jedi when victory is assured, reaping the glory and rewards of victory. I don't mean to take away any achievements from the Jedi Order; the Jedi have been instrumental in this war, without a doubt. But Yoda's caution and the fears of the High Council, it has prolonged this war needlessly. That you have been a voice of reason and urged the Jedi to take more action, it has been appreciated. The Republic needs more Jedi with your determination to maintain order and stability."

"Being passive is part of the Jedi teachings" Anakin says. "To be mindful and find clarity before decisions are made. In war, such thinking is not always practical."

"No, it is not" Palpatine nods. "You are a wise young man, Anakin. And a powerful Jedi. I am certain that you one day will be granted a seat on the High Council and that you will bring about much needed change and reform within the Jedi Order. The Republic needs something new, something that can keep it safe in the decades and years to come, once we begin to rebuild after this terrible war."

Anakin nods. "I am inclined to agree, chancellor. Had the Jedi been more… aggressive… towards pirates, corrupt officials, even against the hutts, then this war would most likely have never taken place."

Palpatine nods. "A wise conclusion, Anakin. Aggression, when used correctly, can be a very effective tool in maintain not only the peace, but also justice. I am glad that you have come to realize this. It gives me great hope for the future."

"Yes, chancellor" Anakin says and the two continue walking down the hallways.

XXX

Amidala, together four of her handmaiden bodyguards, enter a small briefing-room where Organa and Xizor are waiting, together with the selkath ambassador.

Xizor turns to Amidala. "Ah, Rear Admiral Amidala. Welcome, please, join us."

"Senator Xizor, Moff Organa, ambassador" Amidala says.

"We have a special assignment for you, admiral" Xizor says. "The selkath ambassador offers us more than support and the location of the Confederates cloning facilities. He has also offered us to negotiate peace with three other members of the Confederacy."

Organa cuts in. "If we can convince these planets to rejoin with the Republic, and abandon the Confederacy, General Grievous forces will begin to fall apart."

Ambassador Barra Manta speaks and his protocol-droid translates. "Ambassador Barra Manta says that recent setbacks for the Confederacy has created questions if the war can be won. The selkath of Manaan are not alone in wanting to leave the Confederacy and are willing to negotiate on the Republics behalf with these planets."

"What planets are we talking about?" Amidala wonders.

Xizor answers. "Sullust, Ithor and Ando."

"Your mission, your highness" Organa says, "is to escort ambassador Manta and provide security during the negotiations. And to act as the Republics representative. As you can understand, this mission must succeed."

Amidala nods. "When do we leave?"

Ambassador Barra Manta answers and gets translated. "As soon as the ambassadors contacts on the three planets in question can agree on a place to meet. Ambassador Barra Manta has been in constant contact with representatives for the three planets ever since he arrived to Coruscant and hopes an agreement will be settled soon enough."

"If you are successful, read admiral" Xizor says, "the Republic will be forever grateful and in your debt."

Organa adds, "You will gain substantial political favor."

"As I understand it" Amidala says to Organa, "that is something you can never have too much of, these days."

"Indeed" Xizor says.

Amidala turns to Barra Manta. "My ship is at your disposal, ambassador. We will depart when you give the command."

Coruscant, Jedi Temple:

A shuttle lands at the temple and Obi-Wan and Anakin exits the vessel and walks into the large temple.

"I don't know, Anakin" Obi-Wan says. "Deploying half of all Jedi still alive is a dangerous gamble. Even if it could win us the war."

"I believe it is worth the risk" Anakin says. "Besides, the Jedi should not be afraid to sacrifice themselves for the Republic and a chance for peace."

"I agree" Obi-Wan says, "though, I wonder if what we stand to lose with this mission might out-weight what we hope to gain."

"Such is the nature of sacrifice" Anakin says. "Just think, master" he then adds. "This will be the greatest battle ever fought by the Jedi in a millennia. We will be remembered as heroes!"

Obi-Wan is not as enthusiastic. "I would rather be remembered as a good friend."

They enter a large chamber, the High Council, where the council-members are waiting. Thirteen chairs, four are empty, three grand masters are present as holograms and the rest are physically present. ( Plo Koon, Kit Fisto and Mace Windu are the three holograms ). Obi-Wan and Anakin bow deep out of respect.

Ki-Adi-Mundi is first to speak. "The High Council have decided on which Jedi knights to send on the mission to Utapau. Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, you will serve as second in command of our ground-forces during this assault."

"As you wish, grand master" Obi-Wan says and bows.

Ki-Adi-Mundi continues. "The council has also decided that your apprentice is not to take part in this battle."

Anakin can not believe what they were just told. "Forgive me, grand masters, but I demand to know why."

"Demand?" Yoda asks. "Young you are and still an apprentice. Place demands on the council, not your privilege is."

Obi-Wan is next to speak. "My apprentice may be rash, but I believe that at least I am entitled to know why the council has decided to send me on such an important mission, without my apprentice."

Mace Windu, a holographic transmission, answers Obi-Wan. "The war has taken a great toll on the spiritual wellbeing of your apprentice, master Kenobi. It is something I have taken notice of for quite some time. It is time for your apprentice to find some rest and peace of mind."

Ki-Adi-Mundi is next to speak. "The council is worried that Anakin might lose his way. We all acknowledge that Anakin has proven a decisive resource for the Republic during this conflict and no-one can dispute his service and sacrifice. But now, with victory all but assured over the Confederacy, there is no more need for your apprentice to place himself in danger, and it would be better for him to take time to find himself and find inner peace and seek clarity."

Anakin looks at Obi-Wan in disbelief and then turns to face the grand masters. "I am sorry, grand masters, but I simply refuse to let my fellow Jedi depart on this mission and risk their lives without me. This is the most dangerous mission we have faced in centuries. I will not miss out on the greatest battle in Jedi history!"

"A veteran of this war you are, young Skywalker" Yoda interrupts. "Battles are great, in your experience? I think not. Your loyalty to your fellow Jedi, commend I do. But who is to go and who is to fight where, not your decision is. You must, the ruling of this council, accept and come to terms with it."

"The coming battle is not a quest for glory, Skywalker" Deepa Billaba adds. "It is a quest for peace and a chance for the galaxy to prosper once more. Personal victories should not be a priority."

Anakin is clearly not convinced. "Yes, grand master" he says, none the less.

Obi-Wan and Anakin turn and leave. Ki-Adi-Mundi gets out of his chair and walks out into the middle of the large room, at first looking at the door where Anakin just left, and then turns to his fellow council-members.

"Skywalker is hiding something from us" Ki-Adi-Mundi says. "His control of the Force rivals even our abilities."

Mace Windu nods. "In his pursuit of victories, he has grown stronger these past few years. He is, without a doubt, ready to face the trials."

"Powerful he has become" Yoda nods. "Impressive, Skywalkers connection to the Force is, always it has been. But, chasing victories he is, seeking to end this war quickly. A noble cause, but grave danger I sense with the path he has chosen. Remain on Coruscant now, he must."

"Can he be controlled?" Kit Fisto asks, him too a hologram.

"He must be controlled" Plo Koon says, also a hologram. "If not, he must be placed in exile, where his powers can do no harm to the galaxy."

"Can we be sure he has not already fallen to the Dark Side?" Deepa Billaba wonders aloud.

Ki-Adi-Mundi shakes his head. "We would have sensed it. He is not that powerful. He can't be."

Yoda sighs. "Strong the Dark Side has become. Darth Ty'Rahn, dead has been for many years, yet the Dark Side grows stronger. Another Sith Lord works against us, the only possibility there is."

"Assaj Ventress?" Deepa Billaba says. "Surely she could not have gained such powers?"

"No" Yoda shakes his head. "Someone far more powerful. And far more dangerous. Suspect, I do, Darth Ty'Rahn a master had. A master waiting for the moment to strike."

XXX

Anakin, followed by Obi-Wan, step out onto a large balcony with an amazing view of the city skyline. Anakin is upset and frustrated.

"Calm yourself, Anakin" Obi-Wan says. "Focus on the Force. Reach out, breathe, clear your mind of questions."

Anakin, somewhat calmer, shakes his head. "This is an outrage" he says. "I argued for the attack on Utapau, and now others are sent to risk their lives in my stead? How am I supposed to accept that?"

"We do what we must, for the greater good" Obi-Wan reminds Anakin.

"This has nothing to do with the greater good" Anakin says. "I could sense their thoughts in there. I could feel it. They are jealous of my victories, jealous of my power!"

"Anakin, calm yourself!" Obi-Wan urges. "Yes, I will confess that the council is concerned about your increasing status as a public figure and a hero in the Republic, and for your growing ties with the chancellor and other politicians. It goes against Jedi dogma to be involved in such matters. Anakin, we can all sense that you are hiding something. If the council seem cautious, it's because you have given them reason to be."

Anakin shakes his head. "I never believed that you, of all people, would turn against me."

Anakin leaves and Obi-Wan rests his arms against the railing of the balcony, hanging his head as he lets out a heavy sigh.

Amidalas Quarters, Coruscant:

Amidala steps out onto the landing-platform attached to her luxurious living-quarters. A speeder flies in and lands and Anakin exits the vehicle.

"Anakin, what are you doing here?" Amidala says. "I thought we agreed to be more careful than this?"

"I don't care" Anakin growls as he spots the handmaidens and B6, the butler-droid, inside.

"What's wrong? What has happened?" Amidala asks and then waves her hand and the handmaidens and the droid leave.

"The council is worried I am suffering from battle-fatigue" Anakin says and almost laughs. "They are worried about my increasing popularity in the Republic. So I will not be joining in on the assault on Utapau. I will not be there as thousands of Jedi engage in a dangerous mission. Hundreds are likely to die! I argued for this mission, Jedi will die because of it, and I am forced to wait here on Coruscant! It's insane! I will miss out on the glorious victory that will end the war! It's unfair! I am a war-hero, one of the Jedi Orders most experienced commanders! And as powerful as any grand master! And I am not allowed to take part in the attack on Utapau?! It's insulting!"

"Anakin, please, calm down" Amidala pleads. "Let's get inside" she then says.

Anakin follows her inside and she pours him a glass of water which he drinks.

Anakin shakes his head. "Yoda and the other grand masters on the High Council, they are fools. They are afraid of change. The only reason why Obi-Wan has not been granted a seat on the council is because he has defended me too often. He has defended me because he knows I'm right. And the High Council fears it. They are stuck in the past and they fail to realize it is time to change. There must be change if we are to preserve the future of the Republic."

"I agree that you should be there, with your friends, on Utapau" Amidala says. "You are one of the most experienced Jedi and they would benefit from your skills when assaulting the enemy installation. But at the same time, you have broken with traditional Jedi behavior, more than once, Anakin. I am not surprised that such behavior irritates more traditional Jedi, especially the ones on the High Council."

"I assure you" Anakin says, "that once the war is over, I will make sure that the Jedi change their ways. Obsolete customs will be removed and replaced by more rational ideas. The Jedi Order will be stronger for it and the galaxy will be a safer place. We must adapt, or we will suffer for it."

Amidala smiles at Anakin and strokes his arms. "You will one day sit on the High Council, I have no doubts of this. You and Obi-Wan both. I'm sure of it. And when that day comes, I know you will make the Jedi Order more respectable and more effective than it has ever been."

They hug and kiss.

"So when will you head back to the front?" Anakin then asks.

"I have been reassigned" Amidala admits. "I will provide escort to ambassador Manta as he tries to convince representatives from Ithor, Ando and Sullust to leave the Confederacy."

"Ithor and Sullust?" Anakin says. "And Ando? That would be a hard blow to General Grievous."

Amidala nods. "The hope is, that if they defect, the Confederacy falls apart altogether."

"Well, they certainly chose the best officer to oversee the escort and security. You may be an admiral, but there is no finer starship captain in the entire Republic navy" Anakin says.

"I must confess that I hesitated at first, for a moment at least" Amidala admits. "It's a dangerous mission, deep in enemy held territory."

"That has never stopped you before" Anakin points out.

"I've never been pregnant before" Amidala replies.

Anakin stands in silence, unable to utter a single word. Amidala smiles and shrugs her shoulders.

"I did not know" Anakin eventually says. "I swore to never use my powers on you… I had no idea. But… when? How?"

Amidala smiles. "I suspect it happened last month, during the strategy-conference on Alkovia, if you recall."

"Oh" Anakin says. "But… You can't go on this mission. It's too dangerous."

Amidala gets a little upset. "I will not abandon my comrades when they need me the most. I have a duty to my crew, to Naboo and to the Republic. And as an officer, I am obligated to follow orders. And I will certainly not tell our child that I avoided doing my duty and allowed others to die in my stead, simply because it was convenient because I was pregnant. That is not who I am, and you should know better than that, Anakin Skywalker."

"Forgive me, my lady" Anakin smiles. "I did not mean to offend you."

"Good" Amidala responds.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Anakin then asks.

"It is Naboo tradition to wait until the birth to find out" Amidala says. "But I am worried, Anakin. What if the child inherits your powers? Will the Jedi take our child? Will they take it from me and raise it to become a Jedi knight?"

Anakin hugs Amidala. "I will train our child. The Jedi will never take your child from you, Padmé. I will make sure of that. No Jedi, not Yoda, Windu or even Obi-Wan, will break up our family."

To be continued...