Three – The Proposal
An fog of uncertainty seemed to saturate the nation as life became more turbulent. Suspicion became the norm amongst the politicians and other members of government as more rumors of disappearances, conspiracy theories and 'quiet detainment' circulated. Amongst the public, Emperor Palpatine's regime and the war were both the topics in most conversations. Speculation and projections of the empire's future were often the catalysts of intense debates amongst the people as views on these things were mixed. Those in favor of Palpatine were confident and felt secure enough to make it known, while those who were not in favor of him, either boldly proclaimed it or fearfully held back. In an attempt to deny reality, some citizens choose to ignore the perverse changes and continue to maintain the aspect of normalcy in their lives despite the sinking feeling in their hearts. Nothing was certain anymore.
For decades, the Waldorf Towers hosted every U.S president, accommodating them with the presidential suite. Hotel management considered it a great honor to accommodate the first U.S emperor with an exclusive Imperial suite. For very important and sometimes prolonged sessions of the U.N., Emperor Palpatine would leave his vast Westchester palace and reside in his New York City location.
It seemed the City's residents held their collective breath during the emperor's stay. The reason was unclear whether it was the excitement of his presence or the fear of it. Emperor Palpatine could sense the tension amongst the people. He could feel the fear, the anger and the hatred that seemed to be laced into the very air, and he enjoyed every breath of it he took.
The Imperial suite was truly extravagant and was the measure of opulence and sophistication. It spanned the entire length and width of the building and was filled with elegant furnishings, handmade exclusively for royalty. The suite was complete with high ceilings, decorative moldings and dramatic marble floors. Enormous thick drapes adorned the large windows that offered magnificent views of the Chrysler building, Lexington Avenue, Park Avenue and the various skyscrapers that bordered it.
Behind a cherry wood desk sat his majesty, signing documents and reading statements and declarations. He sorted through a few documents placing certain ones in a folder. Without raising his eyes from the papers before him he spoke softly in voice that carried an undertone of malice, "We have come to the end of this stage in my objective, Mas." He closed the folder and handed it the horned Chagrian. "I believe it is time to begin the next. Have all the operations packages been delivered?"
The blue skinned aid to the emperor extended his hand and received the file, "By nightfall, all politicians and government personnel will have received it. They have been instructed to sign and submit it within the allotted time."
"Good." He was smug and leaned back in his chair. "Then there is nothing left to stand in my way."
Mas Ameda, ever devoted in his service to the emperor, never feared him and was always tactful when expressing any observations or concerns. For this reason, Palpatine considered him his most loyal servant of them all.
"My lord," Mas began, "I have noticed as well as most that are loyal to the empire, that those individuals who continue to oppose your rule by revealing pieces of your plans could become a problem—pose a threat."
Emperor Palpatine chuckled to himself, "A threat you say?" There was a hint of irritation. A calculating coolness quickly replaced the defiant laughter. "Those fools are only aware of these things because I allow it. They do not know that revealing these tiny truths only strengthen the fear of me. And it is through fear that they will remain obedient. As for those that are not fearful, dissidence, agitation, or sedition will not be tolerated and they will be dealt with soon enough."
The emperor stood up and walked to the balcony doors behind his chair. He was something of an enigma--illusive and intangible. The sight of him drastically contradicted what he truly was. Though he appeared as a small elderly man that now ruled a nation, beneath the face of humanity was a well-concealed face of the darkside. As his gaze met the skyscrapers along Park Avenue, he meticulously went over in his mind his strategy in settling the issue of the fearless. "I know no threat, Mas. There are none. Not even the Jedi are aware of what lies before them."
"Forgive me, your majesty. But how can you be so certain?"
The emperor glanced over his shoulder at him. "I have foreseen it. The Jedi order will fall into nothingness."
"What of the remaining senators and house members whose loyalty is still in question?"
"There are spies in my service. With even a whisper of disfavor of with empire, my agents will execute the proper protocol." He turned to face Mas. "I will continue to allow these—agitators and conspiracy theorists—to divulge the tiny details. In the meantime, we will begin the next stage of the plan."
"My lord?" Mas raised his horned head and awaited his next command.
Palpatine pointed a crooked finger. "Arrange a meeting with Ban Paulry. I have an urgent matter that requires his personal attention." He paused, "A week from today create a list of those who have not submitted the signed affidavit and forward it to Mr. Paulry. After I meet with him, he will be expecting it."
"If I may my lord," Mas shifted in his seat. "The allotted time is three weeks. Isn't this a bit premature."
"Those who take longer than a week to submit this document are either hesitant or against me. The articles of allegiance have been made available to every U.S citizens since the day the empire came into existence. They have had plenty of time of consider their position. Any resistance or hesitation will result in death."
"Yes, your majesty." Mas bowed his head.
Sensing a shift in the force, Palpatine looked away from Mas. "That'll be all." He coldly dismissed his aid realizing someone strong with the force was approaching.
As Mas stood up and left the office, Palpatine's thought wandered to Anakin Skywalker, someone he hoped would become his pupil. He often compared him to a blank canvas. Anakin had limitless potential just waiting to be released. He believed that under his guidance, Anakin would fulfill his true destiny and take his place beside him. Palpatine would teach Anakin to harness the power of the darkside with dark deeds and hone his skill in the use of the force. Anakin would indeed become the most powerful Sith of all time. Years of Jedi training caused Anakin to bury the emotion that could have fed his immense power, essentially keeping him at a fraction of his true self. The thought often disgusted Palpatine. The Jedi was a self-righteous sect that hid their fear the darkside and forced their dogmatic beliefs on those too ignorant to know better. The brotherhood of the Sith was nearly eradicated by these unyielding Jedi. It would be poetic justice to turn their beloved 'chosen one' against them. The hand that would deliver then would now seal their fate.
"Your grace?" A soft pleasant voice spoke from the intercom on the desk.
"Yes Aroyo, what is it?" The emperor asked annoyed by this interruption.
"Knight Anakin Skywalker has arrived."
"Send him in." The emperor took a deep breath and slightly diminished himself. Suddenly he appeared as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and the troubles of the nation on his mind.
A moment later, the door opened and Anakin entered the office. He greeted the emperor with a slight bow of the head and a smile.
Palpatine took great care to appear as though he could handle his duty as emperor despite the tremendous responsibility.
Anakin looked around at the grandeur of the suite. "Most impressive."
The emperor looked around as well and sighed tiredly, "As well it should be. After all it is the Imperial suite and I am the emperor." He finished with a smile.
"You are." Anakin smirked, "I never mentioned this but when we spoke about this early last year, I had no idea you were actually serious."
"Oh no, Anakin. I was quite serious. The system was corrupt becoming bipartisan between the just and the unjust. Politicians resort to deception and manipulation. They use these tools not only on each other, but also on their constituents. I was compelled to do my duty as a loyal servant of the people." He spoke innocently. As he took a seat on the easy chair, he motioned for Anakin sit on the couch across from it. "A corrupted democracy delays the need for immediate action in a time of war."
"I agree." Anakin took his seat. "There are some that are—not pleased, to put it lightly."
"I am sure there are those that were shocked and even frightened by all this. There are some who don't like change, afraid to try something new and different. I'm not surprised that these people have the desire to fight the change. They are the ones who fear the loss of control. In fact, I've anticipated some opposition."
"You have?" Anakin raised an eyebrow. "What are you prepared to do?"
"Well Anakin, as you know, having a desire and acting on it are two completely different things. I do not expect people to hold to my ideals, as long as they acknowledge my position and pose no violent threat or unlawful behavior. However, I have authorized detainment for those that insist on breaking the law."
"Detainment? So its true." Anakin blinked. He shifted in his seated as if suddenly uncomfortable. "You are putting these people in jail?"
"No Anakin, they are placed in a hospitable facility and kept isolated while an investigation is conducted to determine whether they will function as lawful citizens. Measures must be taken to secure the empire." The emperor sounded and appeared apologetic. "It's a necessary evil."
"I have heard that the same applies to the politicians if they do not comply."
"That is true. They are the ones who set the example for the rest of the country. Some of these politicians are dear friends and colleagues that I have worked with over the years. However, I can't over look them. I graciously offer all of them a chance to step down and return to life as a civilian. You can't be a part of something you no longer believe in. Can you, Anakin?"
"No." Anakin looked away. "I guess not."
Palpatine could see he touched a sore spot in Anakin. He smiled to himself remembering the times Anakin vented his frustrations with the council.
"I am trying to restore order to the people of this country, Anakin. There are many individuals who want nothing more than to incite chaos."
"Have any been detained yet?" Anakin swallowed.
"Of course, these are delicate times, Anakin. The government is going through an extremely radical change—changing direction. I don't expect it to go over easily nor quickly, which brings me to one reason I called to see you."
"Tonight, I will be leaving for Washington, D.C. to attend an important meeting that will take place very early in the morning. There are some matters there that require my attention. I couldn't leave until I spoke to you about this."
Palpatine paused weighing his words carefully. His eyes were fatigued and full of concern.
Interested, Anakin leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees.
"Keeping this country together during a time of war and political change is difficult. It's overwhelming as a matter of fact. There are so many issues that need attention and so many responsibilities that are on my table. It is impossible to attend to them all and bring to the people the same level of service they have received from me in the past." Palpatine paused again, "I need someone to assist me in these matters. I need someone I can trust, someone capable of such a great responsibility. I need someone who can represent me."
"You mean like an assistant?"
"No, better a second in command…like a vice president, if you will. You wouldn't just be Knight Anakin Skywalker, you'd be Lord Anakin Skywalker, High Commander of Operations and Supreme General to all military forces." Palpatine smiled.
Anakin stared at him for a moment, registering what was just said. He straightened and his lips parted as if he forgot to breathe.
Palpatine watched Anakin, as he appeared to be astounding and silently struggling within himself on the proposal. He gloated to himself remembering the trouble he caused months ago between Anakin and the Jedi council by suggesting he represent him on the council. This request was denied and sparked the council's suspicion of him.
He knew the memory still carried the sting of rejection for Anakin and invoked a small flair up of anger.
He was aware that eventually Anakin wouldn't be able to resist the part of him that wanted the title and the power that came with it.
He decided to sweeten the deal. "This position would be a life long service. You would continue to serve the people without dogmatic restrictions or guidelines to follow. You would be free to carry out whatever decision you deem necessary. Other than from myself of course, you'd have no one to answer to."
Anakin dropped his gaze to his lap and finally shook his head, "I – um." He stood up and seemed overwhelmed by this proposal. "I-I don't know what to say."
"Well, what else is there to say, son?" The emperor stood up as well. His eyes brightened. "Say you'll do it." He smiled and clasped his on Anakin's shoulder.
"It is a wonderful offer and a gracious one too. I am honored that you think me worthy of such responsibility. However," Anakin paused and glanced away. "I am a Jedi Knight and I can't involve myself in politics."
Anakin took a few steps away from the emperor, seemingly reluctant to speak his next sentence. He turned to face his friend and said, "I – I'm sorry. I cannot accept."
Palpatine was silent and his smile flattened. He nodded his head sadly and frowned. "I understand." He walked toward the balcony door. His shoulders dropped as if weighed down again.
Palpatine smiled to himself as he detected regret, frustration, guilt and anger pulsating from Anakin's aura. He turned to face him.
"Your contributions to our efforts in defeating the opposition have been unmatched. You would have been a valuable asset to the empire as you are with the Jedi, Anakin."
"The council continues not to see that." There was restrained irritation in Anakin's voice.
"I am certain they will in time. How long can they deny you such an honor as granting you the rank of master? You have done many things that a typical knight would not be able to do."
"It seems that nothing I do is good enough." Anakin slowly walked toward the balcony doors. "They always find something wrong regardless of my success. Its as if—as if—"
The shame associated with his line of thought suddenly silenced his voice. He bit his lip.
"As if they're jealous?" The emperor raised his eyebrows. "Anakin, recently you single-handedly delivered a damaging blow to the Separatists by killing Count Dooku. He was the mastermind behind their strategy and now that he's gone, it will be easier to defeat them and end this war. There are stories of your heroics and daring feats that continue to awe even the most conservative of people. Your name will be remembered, if not in the Jedi archives, then certainly amongst the people of this world. I couldn't blame them for being jealous. I probably would be too."
"No. It was foolish of me to think that."
"Jedi or not, we are all creatures of emotion. I think the more we repress them, the more damage we do to ourselves and perhaps others." The emperor paused, "I think you possess the power to become the greatest of all the Jedi and I suspect the council members are aware of that as well."
Anakin remained silent for a moment and then said, "I deeply apologize for not accepting your offer."
"You must uphold the oath you swore to the Jedi, Anakin. I understand. Your loyalty is something that can never be questioned. That is an honorable trait. The Jedi are lucky to have you." The emperor walked back toward him.
"Do not worry, Anakin. I think I can manage for now. This position I offer is tailor made just for a man like you; and so it shall remain vacant until another like you comes across." He paused and a shadow of malice quickly flashed across his face. It happened so quickly and unexpectedly that Anakin didn't even notice. "However, I don't believe another quite like you exists."