READERS: I apologize for the long delay. I have been soooooo busy with school and work and life in general. I haven't had a chance to catch my breath. Plus I had a hard time letting go of this chapter. Good news though, we are almost finished and chapter 13 is practically done. It will be added in a few days. Please enjoy and thank you for all the comments and support.
Twelve – The pull of the undertow
It took more effort to hide the shock and the disappointment he felt as he watched her exit the council room chambers. Obi wan absently stroked his beard confused that only weeks ago, Padme admitted she loved another man and carried his child. Now she seemingly contradicted that by verifying a secret union with his best friend that existed before the start of clone wars. He knew profound feelings existed between Padme and Anakin, but he never expected either to give in to them, especially Anakin. It was a bond she and Anakin didn't trust him enough to divulge. However, now was not the time to realize any hurt this caused. An ominous chill passed through him at that moment--a feeling that something terrible was going to happen. It reminded him of the eery silence that preceded the death of his own master. There was something about Padme's responses that didn't sit right with Obi Wan. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing...an important piece to her story. Her statements were worded carefully, truthful but with an air of ambiguity. Her impassive expression betrayed nothing and was crafted as well as her statements. She offered no more than the council required. Never too general or too specific, she satisfied the interrogation without hesitation or surprise. It was as if she knew what to expect. As he listened to her statements, Obi Wan sensed the same minute disturbances in Padme's force signature as before—nearly imperceptible to those close to her, otherwise flawless to those who weren't. Last time he brushed it off as an effect of her pregnancy. This time it was something entirely different. Considering the gravity of the situation, the slight imperfections in her light concerned Obi wan more. He noted strange bruises on her wrist. As he questioned the cause, a sinking feeling made him wonder if perhaps Anakin was somehow involved. He had hoped this was not the result of Anakin finally knowing a painful truth. Obi wan hoped that Anakin wouldn't or didn't let his anger get the best of him. However, it would explain why he had been so agitated and withdrawn lately.
Perhaps Padme told him about Palo.
He thought that perhaps there was a way Anakin could come through this with his future as a Jedi still intact. Obi Wan furled his brow as a fresh worry plagued his thoughts.
Was she really carrying Palo's child or Anakin's?
It wasn't clear whether the other council members sensed her pregnancy. Still, Obi wan did not want Anakin's career sacrificed for a child that may not be his or for a hopeless marriage that can be undone.
"There was no lie in her statements. She is indeed Anakin's wife." A heavy silence followed Mace's words. The air was laden with a mixture of shock and disappointment.
Yoda slowly passed a hand over sparse white hair. His eyes cast downward. "Grave is this development."
"We have no choice but to expel him from the Order." Ki Adi's holographic image spoke slowly.
Obi wan looked at each council member in hopes of a sign of mercy from the guarded visages. He finally lowered his gaze to his hand resting on the arm of his chair. Obi wan knew how much it meant to Anakin to be a Jedi. It gave him purpose and hope. It helped him focus and control his enormous abilities to serve the greater good. Obi wan recalled the selfless feats he made to save lives and fulfill his duty as Jedi knight. More than anything Anakin wanted to live up to the standards the masters before him had set. Often times, he struggled reconciling his personal goals with the emotions in his heart in the pursuit of perfecting himself. Anakin was conflicted the moment he returned from his first mission alone. Now Obi wan knew why. he had to find way to persuade the other masters to give Anakin time to clear up the matter. He hoped that perhaps Anakin would see reason and let Padme be with Palo, and save his place in the Order. However, if Anakin were indeed the father, there would be no going back.
"Something to add, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan met Yoda's emerald gaze. The large knowing emerald eyes conveyed a mixture of sympathy and understanding. Yoda understood the pain of losing a close friend and former padawan. Obi wan finally spoke, "I feel we should delay our decision in this, until Anakin has had a chance to be heard."
"I doubt if his statements will contradict the senator's. Either way he must answer for his decision," Ki Adi turned toward him, his holographic image flickered as he spoke.
"This is the first time something like this has happened in the history of the Jedi Order. The code calls for his expulsion. As an expelled knight, he would not receive the honors the lost twenty have received. Anakin has come too far and demonstrated great ability. He shouldn't be dispatched like this." Obi wan said looking at both Yoda and Ki.
"I must say, as radical as his actions are, I am not certain that now is the right time for this, Masters." Shaak Ti spoke softly as she addressed the masters. "He is a knight with exceptional skill. Our numbers have drastically dwindled during the course of this war. I feel we will need him before it is over."
"The war is practically over now. Master Lindo is on his way to capture Grievous." Plo Koon raised his head toward Shaak.
"And until he is neutralized, the war resumes without change."
Mace reasoned, "No one here wants to Anakin expelled. Yes, he is a powerful Jedi with great potential. But the code is the code and we must abide by it."
"Masters, is he not the chosen one?" Shaak Ti asked, "Is he not the one who will bring balance to the force? Should we just sever all ties? He has yet to fulfill the destiny the prophesy has laid before him."
"That is a prophesy that misread could have been." Yoda said cryptically. "A serious violation he has committed against the code. Be ignored this cannot. Impossible it will be for Skywalker to remain a Jedi. I understand your disappointment, but chose young Skywalker did to break the code. Knew well he did the consequences of his actions." Yoda said tapping his gimmer stick on the floor.
"I am aware of the severity of Anakin's actions, Master. I understand that it cannot stand in the Order, but I believe that he should be given an opportunity to rectify this." Obi wan realized that his persistence may be construed as Master-Padawan attachment, but he didn't care. He had to give Anakin an opportunity to save himself. "He shouldn't be dishonorably expelled."
"Rectify? Obi wan, Anakin is bound to the Senator by marriage. He cannot abandon her." Ki Adi shook his head.
"Is that commitment any different from the commitment he had to the order?"
"What else can we do? His actions have left the council no other option but expulsion. Our hands are tied."
"Why should we show preferential treatment for Anakin? He has committed a violation. It should treated as such." Saesee Tiin, the Iktotchi Jedi master questioned his fellow council members.
"Yes, although very few, we have had violations before, but none have been like this. Anakin should not get special treatment, however the type of violation should. This situation requires a different course of action because it may not have to result in his expulsion. I agree with Obi wan. This matter can go either way. Anakin should be allowed to choose." Shaak Ti leaned before and folded her hands neatly on her lap, content with her decision.
Obi wan observed that the majority was not swayed by anything that was said. He sighed deeply and asked, "Isn't it natural to err? No one is perfect. No one is infallible. This is especially true within the Jedi Order. We all have opportunities to admit our mistakes and our faults. We all are given chances to rectify or atone for most of them. Anakin is one of our own. We should show him compassion and allow him to decide whether his mistake was getting married or remaining a Jedi."
"I doubt this will do any good. He has an attachment to the Senator." Mace glanced around the room. "He will not let her go. My feelings tell me that he will prefer to leave the order."
"Then we should allow his next action to determine our judgment. He can remain married and surrender his lightsaber or renounce his marriage and remain a Jedi." Obi wan concluded.
"Yes." Yoda stroked his chin as he nodded. "Until a decision he makes, suspended he will be. But quickly he must decide or decide for him the council will." Yoda ears twitched slightly.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Someone who will potentially become more powerful than us all could be exposed to corruption through love. His love for the senator may have developed an attachment. We all know that is a path to the darkside." Kit Fisto said as he tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair.
"Skywalker will make the right decision. Jedi or not, he has been trained to know the line between the light and the dark." Mace said glancing at Kit.
"A choice between the order and his wife?" Kit shook his tentacled head. "This will not go well."
"It is a choice he must make. He cannot have both. On this I am sure we all agree." Yoda said.
Mace raised his eyebrows, expectantly. "Are we all in agreement on this?
The ayes returned largely in unison with few stragglers. Obi wan agreed and prayed to the force that Anakin would be levelheaded enough to see reason. He hoped that by this time, Padme had told him everything and Anakin's decision would that much easier to make.
The hum of the ship engines filled Avaryce's ears he walked down the ramp toward the shuttle bay of the Republic assault cruiser. His cloak billowed behind his footsteps as he pulled on his leather gloves. His lightsaber glinted in the light as it swung back and fourth on his belt. The area was moderately filled with shuttles of various sizes, containers and a small Jedi Starfighter. An astromech droid was already inserted in the slot and preparing the ship for takeoff. There was a small cluster of clone troopers standing before the shuttle bay console. Just above the console was a holographic image of the planet Ando, where General Grievous was reported to be located.
The cluster of troopers opened up as Avaryce walked through and he asked, "Commander Neyo, what is the report from intelligence?"
Commander Neyo, with his helmet tucked under his arm, looked over shoulder at Avaryce and pointed to a spot on the hologram, "Most of the cities are concentrated here. Intelligence reports Grievous could be hiding here in this particular city. It's the most cavernous and is a perfect location for him to hide."
Avaryce gazed at the point indicated and considered the best approach. After a few seconds past, he nodded his head as if an answer was suddenly revealed. "Very well. I will go down and investigate." Avaryce started walking toward his starfighter and continued, "When I find him, G3-K2 will give you my signal to engage. When you arrive, make sure nothing gets on or off the planet."
Neyo obediently responded, "Yes, sir."
Avaryce offered a brief nod before climbing into the cockpit. As the cockpit dome closed, Avaryce allowed a smile to tug at the corner of his mouth. He found a way to take advantage of both the Jedi and the Sith. The council ordered that Grievous be neutralized and Lord Sidious obviously wanted him out of the way. Avaryce was certain he would deliver. However, he would see that the result benefited his own cause.
Palpatine looked up from his desk and sighed dejectedly, "It disappoints me so that the Jedi continue to disregard you. I didn't expect them to overlook you for this mission."
"Neither did I." Anakin paced slowly before the desk and shook his head."My trust in them has shaken, as is their trust in me. I feel there are things going on that they wish to exclude me from." He could not deny the mounting frustration and hurt was reaching a critical mass. It just stoked the rage he struggled to control.
"Such is the case when it comes to power." He leaned back in his chair. "Once its achieved, they will do what they must to make certain they keep it. You must not allow them to continue this treatment of you. Since patience and diplomacy have failed, the only recourse you have left is action."
"Action?" Anakin stopped mid stride and looked across his shoulder the older man.
"They have forgotten who you are, Anakin." Palpatine stood from his chair. "They take you for granted, treating you as if you were possession rather than person. You are under the boot of the Jedi council. Its time you free yourself of subjugation."
Anakin watched him approach from around his desk, "How could I do that?"
"The Jedi are drunk with power. As they continue their attempt to seize control, they thirst for more power."
Anakin quirked an eyebrow at the last statement.
Palpatine continued, "Isn't it not true that power also produces fear? Fear of losing control? Fear of losing power?"
"It is. But the Jedi use their power for the benefit of others. They use it for good."
"Good is a point of view. The Jedi have corrupted themselves. If they lose you, Anakin, they lose access to a power greater than any in history. They will do what they must to preserve their control."
"I find that hard to believe." Anakin shifted turned and walked toward the window and gazed out at the skyline.
"Do you?" Palpatine asked with raised eyebrows, "Think back through your career, Anakin. I know there has been at least one shining moment when you felt the Jedi held you back from using your power for something you thought was important."
As memories passed through his mind, he began to speak, "The only thought that comes to mind is…" and suddenly the moment was revealed.
"Your mother." Palpatine finished.
Anakin turned to face him and nodded. "Yes."
"The Jedi kept you away from her. Prevented you from seeing or saving her. Why do you think that is?" Palpatine asked rhetorically and continued, "The Jedi require their new initiates be so young that they can barely recall their parents or loved ones. You've had a rare opportunity in knowing and loving your mother. Once you began your training naturally they learned your power-- your destiny and they had to control it. They wish you to sever all ties and commit fully to the order. Forsaking the past and all others." He pointed a finger. "But you could not. Your mother could have been saved if you had been allowed to go to her. If she survived, the Jedi would have to share your allegiance with her."
Anakin lips pulled into a thin line. He dropped his gaze to the carpeted floor and turned his shoulder to Palpatine. His palms grew warm as his anger grew closer to the surface. Suddenly it all made sense. This was the reason Obi wan always encouraged him to ignore his nightmarish visions of his suffering mother. It was the reason why the council forbade marriage or siring children. It angered him that he did not realize this before.
"Do you see it now, Anakin?"Palpatine stepped closer. "They have and will do whatever necessary to keep control of you. But you must break free of their lies and their manipulations. They have created a fog around you. I can show you a path to a greater existence, Anakin. A path to greater power."
Bewilderment placed a vertical crease on his brow. He turned again toward him and asked, "Greater power? What are you talking about?"
"I can teach you how to broaden your range of power. Learn the different aspects of the force. Not just the narrow view the Jedi restrict you to."
He blinked. "How do you know the ways of the force?"
"My mentor taught me everything about great mystery including the darkside." Palpatine watched as Anakin straightened simultaneously as his brows lifted in surprise. "Through me you can gain the ability to make those who dare regard you with contempt respect you. You are a child of the force, tamed by the corrupted Jedi bureaucracy and a treacherous woman unworthy to be your wife."
Everything around him seemed to be spiraling out of control. Everyone he once held close was not who he thought they were. Part of Anakin craved the power that Palpatine promised to teach. Another part wanted to put as much distance as possible between them. Another part wanted to destroy him and have one less liar in his life. And almost involuntarily, his lightsaber ignited.
Palpatine closed his eyes and reveled in the wisps of black smoke permeating the younger man's aura. "I can sense your anger, Anakin. It makes you stronger. Release it and let them see you as you truly really are. Embrace the darkside and you'll have the power and the respect you truly deserve."
"You're the Sith we have looking for." Piercing blue eyes seemed to glow in the shadow of his lowered brow.
"I am."
"I should kill you where you stand." Anakin's words trembled as they escaped his lips, relaying the hurt and the anger festering from within.
"I know. I have kept that terrible secret from you. But I am the only who has not used you or willfully caused you pain. I have been forthright and honest with you about everything else. You understand my reasons for hiding my true identity. The Jedi are hostile toward my kind without a thought that a Sith could also want peace. I have been your friend and have proven that the Jedi's perception of the Sith is not true. Your anger amplifies your strength and focuses your power. Use it Anakin. It's the only way to free yourself and keep what is rightfully yours. Through me you can achieve a power greater that of an ordinary Jedi--a power that is your birthright." The old man straightened and sighed. "What do you plan do, now that you know my secret?"
Two opposing forces continued to do battle within the young knight. The urge to destory the Sith before him was overwhelming. To do so in the heat of anger would be touch the darkside.
You've tasted the power the darkside brings. You know how more powerful you would be. Kill him. The galaxy be better off with out him.
However, there still remained a part of him that knew better. He knew all too well that a Jedi never struck down an unarmed opponent. If he had done so, he'd become something entirely different than the man he wanted to be.
His hand trembled slightly as he slowly lowered the lightsaber. It was an outward sign of the inward struggle between the light and the dark. Anakin took a deep breath shaky breath and switched off his weapon. "I am going to report you to the council. They will decide your fate."
Palpatine slowly turned and said sadly, "Do what you feel you must. But do not continue to be the Jedi's pawn."
Avaryce remained in the shadows observing General Grievous as he addressed the small contingent of droids. A smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth as he stroked his chin.
Yes. Grievous will do quite nicely.
As the General finished his orders with a resounding cough, Avaryce removed his robe and emerged from the shadows. "You really should do something about that cough."
Startled, Grievous turned and sneered at the intruder, "Kill him."
Immediately, four guard droids approached, two from the rear and two in the front, twirling and jabbing their electrified sticks. Avaryce smiled, revealing his fangs and glanced slightly over his shoulder.
The droids circled him with their weapons aimed. In one fluid movement, Avaryce ignited his lightsaber and cut down the first droid with just a flick of his wrist. The droids advanced. Avaryce dodged and maneuvered around each attempt and countered by slicing another in half. He pointed at a large container near by and directed at the last droid, destroying him and ending the fight.
Avaryce straightened from his stance and looked from the ruin of droid parts scattered around him. Again, he flashed a smiled toward the General and said, "Surely you didn't think that would be enough to stop me."
Grievous took several steps toward him. "Then I will deal with you myself...Jedi scum." He removed several lightsabers from his cloak.
Avaryce answered with a brief chuckle, "I assure you, Grievous. I am no Jedi." He added, "If I were going to kill you, you'd be spare parts by now."
Grievous took another step forward. "What do you want?"
The elf shrugged his shoulders innocently and said, "I am merely here to offer you a way out."
The alcove resonated with the cyborg's laughter, "You fool! I am not the one in need of rescuing."
"But you are, general. Not far from this planet is a battalion of republic clones with strict orders to destroy you and your droids."
"Then why shouldn't I kill you now?"
"Because we share the same master…Darth Sidious."
Grievous straightened, "A Jedi turncoat?" Yellow eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"I am called Avaryce Lindo. Those fools on the Jedi council have yet to realize that I am not one of them. Their ability to use the force has diminished and they are no longer able to see what is in front of them."
"What does any of this have to do with me?"
Avaryce casually checked his fingernails as he spoke. "You have been betrayed by our master. Through his pawn, he has disclosed your location to the Jedi which is why they have sent me here."
He shook his head. "You lie."
"You know as well as I that Lord Sidious has no need of the useless. Once you have served your purpose, he will wipe you out…the same as he did Count Dooku. Betrayal is the way of life for the Sith. And now that Dooku is gone, you are next."
Avaryce watched Grievous carefully noting that the cyborg wasn't completely convinced. Avaryce hooked his weapon on his belt and clasped his hands behind his back. "What if I told you that Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious were one and the same?"
Grievous blinked. Avaryce smirked and continued, "He is pulling the strings from both ends of the war. In a well conceived and thus far, well-executed plot of manipulation, Sidious will have gained rule of the galaxy, removed the vestiges of the Republic, rid himself of the Jedi and gained a new apprentice—one much younger and more powerful than Dooku. The separatist leaders will be quickly dispatched as well as all remnants of the opposition. He will assume his role as life long emperor answerable to none and you, my friend, will be a distant memory. But I still have use for your talents." He paused and said with a smile. "One man's trash...as it were."
Avaryce knew he had him. He watched Grievous's eyes dart around the room and noted that briefly trembled with anger. A series of coughs erupted from him before he asked, "What do you want with me?"
"Join me, Grievous." Avaryce said stepping closer. He looked on him with hardened eyes and said, "Sidious's rule will be brief. With your help, I will overthrow him and take the throne. You will be my right hand."
"How do you propose that will happen? Sidious and his new apprentice will be powerful adversaries, it will be nearly impossible."
"Sith tradition dictates that one will kill the other. Leave that detail to me. As for the one that remains...If my guess is right, the apprentice will destroy the master and by then I will have harnessed enough midichlorians to more than double my power. It can not fail."
"This is a one time offer. Are you with me on this, Grievous?"
Grievous paused and answered, "Yes."
"Good. Right now, I suggest you leave and find refuge somewhere remote. In the meantime, you will quietly raise a new army—one that is superior to the clones and faster to create." Avaryce quirked an eyebrow."I suggest you leave once your droids have engaged the clones."
He replaced the weapons in cloak. "How will I contact you?"
"You don't. I will contact you—in one year." Avaryce lightly tossed him a comlink. "You have much to do, General and little time. I suggest you make use of it."
NEXT: THIRTEEN- The trouble with Anakin
Council reacts, Avaryce sets her up, Friends no more