"My name is Anakin," he repeated slowly, carefully getting to his feet. Less than ten minutes on this planet and I've already met a Jedi, he thought to himself.
Master Jinn nodded. "You nearly got yourself killed there. I'm still going to ask you to come with me for questioning."
The girl walked over, frowning. "Is that really necessary, Master Jinn? I'm perfectly fine, and he didn't do it." She looked at Anakin and offered a smile.
Master Jinn's scowl melted, and he sighed. "Senator, you know the drill. All suspects, of any level, are to be questioned." He looked at Anakin, his expression kinder now. "Sorry about this, but you'll have to come with me."
Anakin raised an eyebrow, and stared at the girl. "Senator? You're a senator?"
"She is Senator Padme Amidala," one of the guards spoke up. "And we're her security staff."
"We're dressed like this for her own protection," another stated.
The girl, Padme, looked around and rolled her eyes. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, but neither the security nor Jedi will listen."
Anakin stared at the senator, studying her. She was probably in her early twenties, she looked older than him, though he was taller. Dark wavy brown hair that fell past her shoulders, blue eyes, kind face… he had studied her profile several times during his Sith training. Why didn't I recognize her?
Jinn cocked his head towards a ship that lay nearby. "We should go see if our ship is fixed. My former Padawan, Obi-Wan, is trying to help repair it. We'll take you to the Temple – protocol."
Two Jedi. Could this get any easier? Anakin allowed a mild smirk to show as he followed Jinn, Padme, and the guards towards the shuttle. The blinking astromech, a blue R2 unit, followed close behind, vibrating with a shrill stream of whistles and beeps.
Up close, Anakin recognized the shuttle as an old freighter – probably another part of the secret cover deal they were doing. There was a mechanic inside, messing with the controls, and behind him, another Jedi. He was bearded, but with lighter, shorter hair that Jinn, and he looked to be in his thirties. As Anakin boarded the ramp, he became aware of the guards staying by his side with every move he made. His mind flashed to the comlink in his pocket, but he forced himself to forget about it.
Hearing footsteps, the other Jedi looked up, and bowed low to Jinn. "Master, I heard shots, but wasn't sure if it was you. Are you alright?"
"It was us, but we're fine," Jinn replied. He motioned for Anakin to come forward, then turned back to his friend. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, meet Anakin Skywalker."
Anakin forced a polite smile. "Pleased to meet you, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow before turning to his Master. "Is he the one that attacked you?"
"No. We thought he was, but he's not. But procedure says we need to bring him in anyway," Jinn stated. He looked at Anakin. "It's time I properly introduce myself. I'm Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
Anakin remained silent, and studied the two Jedi, honing into the Force to try and sense more about them. The Master was wise, he observed, yet compassionate, strong-willed, and sometimes reckless. The apprentice – former apprentice – was more of a 'by the book' guy, but strong and firm, loyal and brave. If he could gain their trusts, he could easily make his way into the Temple and complete his mission in no time.
Padme looked around. "Is the ship fixed?" she asked curiously.
"Yes, ma'am," Obi-Wan replied. "We can make it to the Temple for better repairs. Then, we'll bring you to the Senate building."
"Master Jedi, me and the men will go seat ourselves in the cargo hold then," the first guard stated.
"Yes, Captain Typho. We'll contact you when we arrive," Qui-Gon Jinn answered.
"How far are we from the Jedi Temple?" Anakin asked, trying to figure out where he was.
"Several miles, but it's not that far. We'll get there soon enough," the Master replied. "I do apologize for all this fuss, but…"
"Yeah, procedure. Got it," Anakin interrupted him, turning and walking towards the cargo hold. "Tell me when we get there, Jedi."
Obi-Wan watched Anakin disappear through the doorway, then turned to his Master, an irritated expression on his face. "Why are we bothering with him?" he asked. "He didn't do it, and I'm getting these vibes from him."
Qui-Gon glanced around, then leaned in next to the Knight's ear. "Obi-Wan… Anakin is force sensitive. Didn't you feel it? He honed into the Force, trying to study us – probably didn't even realize it."
Obi-Wan stared at him for a moment, before realization hit, and the Knight shook his head, groaning. "Master, with all due respect, please don't tell me your bringing this up again."
"Obi-Wan, I told you about the visions," Qui-Gon insisted. "Did I not? Did I not say that in this time of need for Jedi warriors, when we're on the brink of disaster and war, the Chosen One would arise?"
"Master, he is a kid you picked off the street for questioning," Obi-Wan argued. "He is not a Jedi, and he cannot be the Chosen One!"
Qui-Gon shook his head, and turned away. "Where is your faith, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan remained silent, and lowered his head as the disappointed Master walked into the cockpit. Slowly, Obi-Wan walked over to the cargo hold doorway and peered inside. Anakin was sitting in one of the chairs facing the guards and Padme, completely silent, a distracted look on his face. He noticed the scar over his eye, and wondered how it got there. It was clear he was Force sensitive – Obi-Wan could feel it clearly now. But he can't be the Chosen One, he told himself. It's impossible… isn't it?
xXx
When the Jedi Temple arose among the huge skyscrapers that created Coruscant, Anakin found himself gaping at the structure. It was taller than any of the other buildings, with five spiraling towers reaching towards the sky, which was morphing from a dark purple to a deep orange because of the coming dawn. It was almost five thirty in the morning.
The shuttle slowly lowered itself onto the open landing platform, where there were several men waiting for them. Anakin immediately recognized one from profile photos – Jedi Master Mace Windu. The two other Jedi behind him, and the group of senators, he didn't recognize.
Qui-Gon came up behind the undercover Sith, and gestured toward the door. "You can head outside with Obi-Wan. We'll need to take you to the Council."
"I told you I didn't do it," Anakin snapped.
"I believe you. Just procedure. And… there may be some other things we'll need to discuss before we let you go."
Anakin felt himself tense. 'Other things' he had said – had they already found out he was with the Empire? Slowly, he made his way down the loading ramp, quickly followed by Padme Amidala, her guards, Obi-Wan, and the droid. Qui-Gon came down last after speaking to someone via hologram.
Mace Windu came forward, a pleased look on his face. "Senator Amidala, we are relieved at your safe arrival," he stated. "Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan," he greeted the Jedi with a nod. When he laid eyes on Anakin, an obvious puzzled expression clouded his dark face. "Whose your friend, Qui-Gon?"
Anakin lowered his head as Qui-Gon spoke up. "This is Anakin Skywalker. I've brought him in because I believe there's some things we need to discuss." The Master made a nearly invisible hand signal, and Mace nodded in understanding. "Very well. We'll take him to the Council Chambers."
The two other Jedi took this time to introduce themselves. "Senator Amidala, pleased to meet you," the first, a white-bearded man, stated. "I am Master Dooku, and this is fellow Jedi Knight Kit Fisto."
Padme bowed politely. "Pleased to meet you, Masters Jedi. I believe I'll join the rest of the senators, now." The Jedi responded with a smile, and Padme walked over to the group of senators with her guards close behind.
Anakin raised his eyes to face Windu. The dark, bald Jedi Master was staring right back at him, eyes narrowed in what seemed like natural suspicion, seeming to search his soul. Uncomfortable, Anakin looked away and glanced at Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon noticed the discomfort in the atmosphere, and cleared his throat. "I believe we should head inside. Anakin, Obi-Wan will show you to the Council Chambers. I need to speak with Master Windu for a moment," he said.
Obi-Wan nudged Anakin's arm, and pointed to the large gates that led into the Temple's halls. "C'mon."
Slowly, Anakin followed Obi-Wan into the Temple. On this planet little more than an hour, and I'm already in the Temple, he thought, pleased. This mission will be the easiest I've ever had if this keeps up.
"I'm not going to give you a grand tour, but the Council Chambers is three floors up, third tower, largest room to the left." Obi-Wan's voice broke into his thoughts, and Anakin honed into his voice as the Knight continued. "Really nothing else you need to know. Don't worry – they'll just ask a bunch of questions then let you go."
Anakin didn't reply, but looked around, observing his surroundings. The halls and rooms seemed almost completely empty – the Jedi really were low on resources. In fact, the only other beings they passed was two small younglings and a service droid. As Obi-Wan led him through the abandoned halls towards the Council Chambers, Anakin felt a sly smile spread across his lips. I will not fail you, Master. I swear.
Outside, Qui-Gon stood on the platform speaking to Windu and the other two Jedi. "…I believe this is a strong possibility," he was saying with earnest. "This boy could be the Chosen One."
Mace listened intently, but there was a frown on his face. "Qui-Gon, you know I want to believe you this time. But twice this past decade you have insisted you've found the Chosen One. And each time, you were wrong. This has become an obsession of yours, and it must come to an end."
Desperate, Qui-Gon turned to Dooku. "Master, you must believe me. I know that I am right this time. The Force is exceptionally strong in him, and I don't think he even knows it. What about the prophesy? The Jedi numbers are dwindling, and this boy has appeared out of nowhere by mere chance. How is this a coincidence?"
Dooku sighed, and shook his head. He thought for several moments before answering his former apprentice. "I will ask the Council to test him," he stated, ignoring Mace's glare. "But even if he is Force-sensitive, he is much too old to be trained."
"I'll train him," Qui-Gon insisted. "I can teach him."
"That'll have to be considered very carefully," Dooku said. "You trained Obi-Wan well, but it was a struggle. You are reckless and impulsive, my former Padawan. You must have discipline. I will heed you by testing Skywalker and seeing about his Force-abilities. But I fear he may not be suitable enough to be trained as a Jedi Knight. If needed, maybe he can be sent to the Agri-Corps. And that's if the Council decides to have anything to do with him at all. It may never happen, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon lowered his eyes as the three Jedi walked away towards the Temple. As he stared out at the building that had been his home since birth, a sudden determination set in. Even if the Council didn't believe it, he knew that the Jedi Order was dying – and he was determined to save it. Never say never, Master…
xXx
Dawn's red and gold rays glowed through the large windows of the Council Chambers. Twelve of the Order's most respected and powerful members sat in chairs in a large circle. In the center of the room stood Anakin Skywalker, facing each of them in silence. He recognized several from profile photos during his training – the Council members were the most wanted by the Empire. Obi-Wan, Dooku, Kit, and Mace were present, as well as Jedi Master Yoda, Plo Koon, Aayla Secura, and several more. Qui-Gon, not being a part of the membership, stood in a corner, observing.
"We have reason to believe you may be Force-sensitive," Mace told Anakin. "Thus, we have a series of tests to give you."
"Don't you just test my blood or something?" Anakin asked, frowning. 'Tests' didn't appeal to him – to much risk.
"Yes, but this will also show us exactly how well you can master your powers already," Kit explained, folding his hands onto his lap and widening his eyes. "Are you willing to go along with this?"
Anakin nodded. "Sure."
Mace straightened in his chair, and raised an eyebrow. "Then we'll begin." He reached behind his chair and came back with a small screen. "Now, you're going to say exactly what images come to your mind. That's all. We'll see from this screen."
Anakin felt his heart skip a beat. "Can you see everything that's in my mind?"
"Only what the Force wishes us to see." He nodded his head in Anakin's direction. "You can start now."
Pushing down his nerves, Anakin closed his eyes and honed into the Force. It was fairly easy – he had been doing this for years – but still pretended to struggle. Finally, random objects began appearing in his head. "I see… I see a cup. And a landspeeder. There's a lightsaber, and some sort of beast – a malia, I think. I see the Jedi Temple, and I see a volcanic planet… Mustafar…" Anakin snapped his eyes open and stopped immediately. If he had gone any farther, if the Council had seen any images of the Sith or him as a Sith, then his cover was blown for good. Even though he was a skilled warrior, he couldn't fight off the entire Jedi Council.
Mace and the rest of the Council had serious, thoughtful looks on their faces. Finally, Yoda, the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, spoke up for the first time. "Strong the Force is with you, young Skywalker." The little, green Jedi narrowed his brown eyes. "Trained have you been to use such powers, hmm?"
Anakin swallowed. "N-No, Master. I don't even understand what's going on." He felt sweat wet his forehead. Oh, hell, this can't be good.
Obi-Wan slowly rubbed his beard. "Well, to simplify everything, you have a high amount of midi-chlorians, which means you are Force-sensitive. Usually, we'll train Jedi Knights from age one, but it's a little late for you…"
"But you can surely make an exception," Qui-Gon spoke up quickly, stepping into the center of the room. "We are low on resources, as the Council knows."
Obi-Wan and Dooku frowned at Qui-Gon, but didn't speak. Mace frowned. "Qui-Gon, you know we can't take a risk like that. It takes years for Jedi younglings to learn how to master the Force. And Skywalker, you said you were already twenty? That is much too old, Qui-Gon, and you know it. It would be unfair to us and to Skywalker."
Qui-Gon's eyes shot bullets. "Not everything is followed by rules and protocols. Sometimes, we must risk everything in order to save everything."
"But this has never been done before in the history of…"
"Never say never," Qui-Gon interrupted. He turned to Yoda, eyes pleading. "I know this is the right thing to do. Please, believe me."
Mace turned to Yoda, sighing. "Master Yoda, the decision is up to you, then."
Yoda grimaced, and his long, pointed ears perked up in a thoughtful position. "Skywalker, believe you to have been brought for a purpose here, hmm?"
Anakin raised an eyebrow. "I-I don't understand."
Dooku narrowed his eyes. "If we accept you to join the Jedi Order, do you believe it'll be for the best? Do you think you have a future among us."
Anakin stared hard at each of the Master's. He was determined to get into the Order and fulfill his mission – and he wasn't going to let protocol get in the way. "Yes," he answered with a new firmness. "I do."
Yoda lowered his gaze, and spoke hesitantly. "Then be part of the Order, he shall."
Ignoring several disapproving glares from the Council members, Qui-Gon beamed. "Thank you, Masters. This will not be a mistake."
"Don't make us believe it was," Mace warned. "Now there is still the decision of who is to train Skywalker. You know, Qui-Gon, that you are restricted from doing so for a while."
Obi-Wan chose this time to speak up, clearing his throat before talking. "If it pleases the Council, and you, Master, then I shall train Skywalker." He then shot his Master a look that said I have your back, no matter how craze your scheme is.
Qui-Gon replied with a smile.
Another Jedi Master, a female Twi'lek named Aayla Secura, stated, "If you're sure you want to do this, Master Kenobi. I was under the impression you were not going to choose a Padawan."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I wasn't, but if Qui-Gon feels this strongly about it, I will take on Skywalker as my Padawan Learner."
Mace sighed, and Anakin couldn't tell if it were a sigh of defeat or resentment; but there was nothing the Master could do now, after a decision was already being made. So, under the stares of both the Council, Qui-Gon, and Anakin, he said, "Well then, welcome to the Jedi Order, Anakin Skywalker."
