Chapter 4
Anakin looked at his son and daughter with pride. He said, "Well I'm glad you were accepted into the Order. Is the council still in session?" Luke nodded and Leia said, "Like Luke said, they got an odd holotransmission." Anakin said, "Sounds like the Council's usual business. Why don't you two find your quarters, C3P0 will show you the way. Padme, would you like to accompany them?" Padme said, "I would love to." She moved from Anakin's side and joined her son and daughter. Anakin smiled and walked toward the Council chamber. He felt the ripple in the force right before…SLAM, the door to the chamber burst open. Anakin stepped back a few feet. Standing in the doorway was Mace Windu. Anakin's mouth fell open. Windu said, "Skywalker. I see you have returned." He continued, "I can also see that your are surprised to see me. I didn't die that day the emperor blasted me out of that window. Thanks to you, however, (he flexed his fingers on his mechanical arm) I have this to remember the experience. " Anakin croaked, "Master, I…" Mace held up a hand and said, "You have atoned for your wrongdoings Skywalker. I can only hope that you do not fall again. I would like to invite you within the Council chamber, I believe we have a mission for you." Anakin could barely suppress his gratitude but he said, "Yes Master." Anakin walked into the chamber and Windu closed the door behind him. Looking around, Anakin saw one or two familiar faces, Jedi not slain during Order 66. Obi Wan looked up from his chair and smiled. Anakin smiled at his old master and Obi Wan said, "Anakin, there is a force wielder at these coordinates who needs the Council's assistance. We have determined that it is no trick, but we need a Master with considerable skill. You will take along a student as well. You may choose." Anakin nodded and said, "Thank you, all of you. I will not fail you. I choose my son, Luke, to accompany me." Obi Wan nodded and said, "Tomorrow, you both shall leave. Luke will be prepared tonight." Anakin bowed and turned to leave. Obi Wan called, "Anakin!" Anakin stopped and turned. Obi Wan said, "You will have a seat on this council one day, I promise." Anakin smiled and said, "Thank you, Obi Wan."
The following morning dawned cool and clear. Anakin rose and stood on the balcony in Padme's apartment, savoring the morning air before the thousands of vehicles thickened it to smog. Padme walked up behind him and slipped her arm about his waist. She said, "Are you ready for what you have to do today?" Anakin nodded and said, "I just don't want to let them down again Padme…" Padme said, "You won't Anakin. Just be yourself and do what you know is right, not what anyone tells you. Besides, how old are you now, 36? I think you know how to handle yourself." Anakin pulled her into an embrace and whispered, "I love you." Padme smiled into his shoulder and said, "I love you too, now go, those old Masters are probably waiting for you. They get up at the crack of dawn." Anakin nodded and put on his utility belt. His lightsaber felt comfortable at his side as he strolled outside onto the landing pad. He waved goodbye to Padme as he jumped in his cruiser and flew to the Temple. Arriving inside the Council chamber several minutes later, Anakin found his son dressed in brown robes with a silver lightsaber hilt glinting on his belt. Luke smiled and said, "Hey Dad. Leia's a bit steamed you didn't pick her. But don't worry, I'll make you proud." Anakin patted his son on the back as Obi Wan approached them. Obi Wan said, "Anakin, you may leave when ready. Though I must warn you." Obi Wan dropped his voice so Luke could not hear, "There are reports of rouge Jedi in the area. Be careful." Anakin nodded and motioned to Luke. Father and son walked together out of the temple and boarded a shuttle waiting to take them off into the unknown.