A small flame erupted from the end of the soldering tool as Anakin carefully moved his hand across, directing the flame in the precise pattern needed to solder the two wires together. If he messed this up… well…
Padmé's apartment would become a smoking crater on Coruscant.
It was moments like these that Anakin was grateful for his innate ability with mechanics. He had always been gifted as a child, if he did say so himself. Threepio, despite his personality quirks, was evidence of that.
A few tense moments passed as Anakin continued to solder, when finally he was rewarded with the sight of the two wires finally fusing together.
Turning off the tool, he placed it back into the toolbox he had before taking a second instrument out in its place, this one a welder.
The interior of Ahsoka's hilt, or more specifically the emitter, had been destroyed in the process, hence the need for it to be rewired. Now it was just a case of simply replacing the emitter itself.
Anakin had tried to salvage what he could of lightsaber's original emitter, but had failed. It was clear from the start that it was nothing more than molten slag, and yet still he had tried, for Ahsoka.
Alas, he had failed, and that left him with only one alternative. Finding a replacement.
Luckily for him, he had plenty of scrap metal laying around within the toolbox itself to fashion something that could work. It wouldn't be the most elegant looking emitter in the world, but it would function. If Ahsoka chose to replace it later on, and no doubt she would, then she could with ease. For now all that mattered was making the saber functional again.
Moving the rewired hilt to the side, Anakin positioned two small pieces of metal beside one another. Reaching across he grabbed his welding mask, something that he also kept within his tool kit, much to Padmé's amusement in the past, and began to work.
Slowly and surely he fused the metal fragments together until finally he had something that resembled an emitter.
Without delaying any further, and oblivious to the way the sun was slowly rising outside the windows, Anakin reached across to grab the hilt, before positioning it and the emitter together.
Turning the welder on once again, Anakin continued his work, slowly fusing the metal together.
It was a slow and steady process, one that he had to be extremely careful with. If he slipped up, even slightly, he could do irreparable damage to the lightsaber, and then Ahsoka would absolutely kill him!
Anakin didn't know how much time had passed before he finally finished his work. Turning the welder off, Anakin glanced at the saber sitting before him. The hilt and the emitter had been fully attached to one another, and if he had done his internal wirings correctly, which he knew he had, it should be fully functional.
Removing his mask and placing it back into his toolkit, along with the welder, Anakin moved his hand to pick up the hilt when a soft voice hit his ears.
"That's not yours… is it?"
Anakin couldn't help the wide smile that came to his face at the voice of his wife. Rising from his seat, he turned to see her, standing by the bedroom door, watching him with fascination.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"I did, thank you. But you didn't answer my question." Padmé replied as she moved over to Anakin, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle embrace, one that he happily returned.
"No Angel, you're right, as always. It's not mine, it's Ahsoka's."
"So why do you have it?" His wife questioned, pulling back to look at his face with a smirk present on her lips.
"I might have borrowed it on Grievous' flagship… and I might have sort of let it get damaged."
"Anakin Skywalker! How could you!" Padmé spoke with mock horror, swatting his arm in the process.
"I know, I know… I got careless. But hey, at least I repaired it. That's good… right?"
"Assuming it works!" Padmé replied as she moved back from Anakin, arms on her hips.
"Hey! It's me! It'll be fine."
"It better be, otherwise I'm not stopping Ahsoka from beating you up!"
"She'd probably make you a widow if I didn't fix it!"
"All the more reason to hope it's fixed then."
Rolling his eyes at Padmé's statement, Anakin reached back down to pick up the hilt, holding it out before him carefully.
"Moment of truth." Anakin said as he reached a finger down towards the ignition switch, before pressing it gently.
A bright flash of golden light erupted from the emitter moments later, and Anakin had to refrain from giving himself a pat on the back at his success.
"There we go. Looks like I've just saved myself from being hunted by a ruthless predator from the planet Shili."
"Unless you find another way to upset her of course!"
"Hey!" Anakin exclaimed in response.
Breakfast, courtesy of Threepio, was a quiet affair, something that was not out of the ordinary for both Anakin and Padmé. Both of them were early risers, for very different reasons, and neither seemed to be able to shake their routine either.
Not that Anakin minded. He enjoyed watching the sun rise, and it meant he got to spend more time with Padmé.
Padmé… and his unborn child. He still couldn't believe it. He was going to be a father!
Would he have a son? A daughter? He had a feeling it would be a daughter. That's what he'd choose personally. The idea of a mini Padmé running around filled his heart with joy.
If he had a son however, he'd love him just as much.
"So… are you going to tell me why you got up so early?"
Padmé's voice broke him out of his internal thoughts, bringing his attention back to her as she sat across him at the dining table, a concerned look on her face.
"You already know. I got up to fix Ahsoka's lightsaber so she wouldn't make you a widow."
"Ani… I heard you get up at god knows what time. I thought you were just going to get some water, but then you didn't come back."
Anakin sighed, knowing full well he'd been caught. It was next to impossible to hide anything from Padmé Amidala.
"I'm sorry Angel, I didn't mean to wake you."
"Don't worry about that Ani… I'm not. I'm more worried about you. Did you have a bad dream? A vision?" His wife inquired, reaching across the table to gently grasp hold of Anakin's hand.
"I…" Anakin began… unsure if he should tell her everything. He wanted to of course, but what if… what if it affected her health? Or the unborn baby's health?
What if whatever his dream was about came true?
No! He wouldn't let that happen! Not again! Not ever!
"Ani…?"
"It was just a dream about the recent campaign Angel. Nothing to worry about. War does that to people."
Anakin knew Padmé wasn't convinced by his answer, but he was glad when she decided to drop it and give him some space. No doubt she thought he'd tell her in time, if he wanted to.
Anakin didn't know however if he ever did want to tell her.
Breakfast passed by rather quickly with little interruption. Both husband and wife used the time together to catch up, to discuss everything they had missed out on. Padmé had regaled him with tales of her exploits in the Senate, as well as an in depth explanation of how the war had changed the politics of the Republic, and not for the better. Anakin knew that this was not a topic they agreed on all the time, but had said nothing to counter her points. The last thing he wanted to do was cause an argument.
On his end, Anakin had done his best to explain how the frontlines had changed. Padmé however had turned the subject of the discussion away from the war itself and to his men, leading to Anakin regaling his wife with his own stories about the 501st and 212th. She had asked about Rex and Obi-Wan's well-being first, as he had expected. His wife was fond of his former Master and Clone Captain after all.
Just as Anakin began to explain an overt prank that had been played by the newest edition to the 212th however, his private comm link pinged twice, signalling an incoming call.
'Probably the Council requesting a debrief about yesterday's events'. Anakin thought to himself as he rose from his place at the table, moving to pick up his comm-pad in the process.
Upon retrieving the pad however, he saw it was not the Jedi Council calling him.
"Ah, Anakin my boy! I do hope I have not disturbed anything you were doing this morning?"
"Of course not Your Excellency! How can I be of service?"
"By simply coming to see me at my office when you have time, my old friend. I have a very important task for you."
"I will come right over Your Excellency."
"Do take your time Anakin. I have plenty of paperwork to occupy myself in the meantime."
"Yes, Your Excellency. I will see you soon."
"Indeed my boy! I look forward to it, as always."
With that, Chancellor Palpatine cut the line, leaving Anakin with new direction for the day.
Turning back to Padmé he saw her smiling in his direction, though not as widely as he had hoped. He could tell through the Force that something wasn't right with her.
"Are you ok?" He asked.
"Yeah Ani…. I'm fine. Don't worry about it. You better get going. Sounds like the Chancellor needs you."
"When does he not, not that I mind. He's a good friend."
Padmé merely hummed in response as she went back to her half eaten breakfast. Anakin could tell that Padmé hadn't been entirely truthful with her response to his earlier question, just as he hadn't told her the full truth regarding his nightmare either.
Still, she had respected his response at the time, as so he would do the same here.
When she was ready… if she was ready, she'd tell him, just as he would her.
Before heading to the Chancellor's office, Anakin made a quick detour.
Newly repaired lightsaber hilt in hand, he knocked against the front door to Ahsoka's apartment twice. A few seconds later it was opened by its owner, who had a mildly annoyed expression on her face.
"Greaaattttt… just great! How Padmé can stand seeing your face first in the morning, I'll never know. I'd sooner see Threepio!"
"Ha… believe me Snips, I think she'd say the same some days." Anakin replied with a smirk, before offering his hand out, saber presented to her. "I can't stop for long, Chancellor needs me for something, but I thought I'd return this to you. It's as good as new, though the improvised emitter doesn't look all that great, so you might want to replace it later on. "
Ahsoka nodded her head as she retrieved the hilt from his hand, examining his handiwork.
"I mean, it's not as graceful as what I once had, but then you're not exactly a graceful person, so what can I expect. Thanks Skyguy. Consider your debt paid."
"My debt? What, were you gonna charge me interest if I didn't complete it fast enough?"
"Too right. Five thousand percent a day."
"Since when were you a loan shark Snips?"
"Since someone broke my lightsaber!"
"True. I deserve it. Anyways… best be off before the Chancellor decides to have me tried for being lazy before the Senate or something!"
"I'll put in a good word for you next time I see him to stop that from happening."
"Awww… thanks Snips! See ya!"
"Later Skyguy."
With that, Ahsoka closed the door on him as he began to walk away.
He only made it to the turbolift before he realized he hadn't told her he was going to be a father very soon!
If anyone deserved to know, it was her.
'It's fine. I'll tell her later on. I've got all the time in the world to tell her after all.'
"Anakin, my boy! So good to see you again. Please… come in, come in! Make yourself at home!"
"Thank you Chancellor. I'm honoured to serve you." Anakin replied as he moved to take the seat opposite of Palpatine at his desk, his eyes moving over the copious amounts of paperwork present before the Chancellor.
Palpatine caught Anakin's line of sight and spoke, humour in his voice. "Would you believe that I had a clean desk yesterday? I blame Grievous for all of this paperwork. Shame he escaped, but alas, there was nothing more you could have done to prevent it. At least we finally got Count Dooku, and we have you to thank for that my friend! You have the Republic's eternal gratitude."
Anakin bowed his head in appreciation of the praise. It was highly unlikely that the Jedi Council would share the same outlook on the situation as the Chancellor did after all, and they certainly wouldn't congratulate him for defeating a dangerous monster such as Dooku. If anything, Anakin would be willing to place a lot of credits on him receiving a reprimand for one reason or another.
"I did my duty Chancellor. I'm just pleased we were able to get you out of there unharmed."
"Indeed, and now to business. No doubt you are wondering why I invited you here this early? I do hope I wasn't interrupting your morning?"
"It's fine Chancellor. What do you need from me?"
"What I need Anakin is for you to be my eyes and ears."
Palpatine's statement confused Anakin to begin with. What exactly did the man mean? Did he need Anakin to spy on someone for him? Or gather intel?
"Nothing of the sort my friend. I would not ask such distasteful things of you!" Palpatine replied when Anakin asked, making the Jedi Knight feel at ease. "All I need from you is to act as my personal representative on the Jedi Council."
Anakin's eyes widened at the Chancellor's words. Was he suggesting…
"I'm… I'm honoured, Your Excellency, but I'm not a member of the Jedi Council."
"Perhaps not, but then, perhaps it is also time for that to change. You have more than proven yourself as a Jedi Knight my boy, and you would make a formidable Master and Council Member. I have already put forward my request to the Jedi Council. Communication between our two departments seems lax at best, and if we are to find General Grievous and put an end to this war we need constant updates from each other. You will carry messages from me to the Council as my personal representative, and then bring any important information from the Council meetings back to me. A simple task for one as skilled as you, and there is no one I trust more within the Jedi Order to fulfill it. So my boy, what do you say?"
A lot had happened at once there, and Anakin struggled to comprehend it all succinctly.
Palpatine had recommended him to become a member of the Jedi Council? To become a Master? Could he even do that?
And if he could… would the Council listen?
Surely they had to! He had more than proven himself these past few years, and he had beaten Dooku! That had to account for something… right?
Plus if he wasn't allowed onto the Council, who else would Palpatine trust to act as his personal representative? Yoda? Windu? Plo Koon?
The only other person that would make any semblance of sense would be Obi-Wan, but even then Anakin knew that his former Master would hold more loyalty to the Order than to the Chancellor. In a position such as this, one had to be transparent to all sides, favouring neither over the other.
And whilst Anakin would be the first to admit that he wasn't the greatest fan of certain Council members, he also knew how to work with people he didn't like. The Chancellor might be his friend, but for this mission he wasn't working as Palpatine's friend, but for the good of all of the Republic.
"I'll do it Your Excellency, if the Council will let me."
"They'd be foolish not to my friend. Now I suggest you hurry over to the Jedi Temple. I recall Master Windu mentioning holding an early morning Council meeting to discuss recent events, and as their newest member, you ought to be there."
Anakin had never moved through the Jedi Temple with so much speed in his stride before. He was going to be a Council Member! A Master! At last!
He struggled not to break into a sprint. He struggled not to keep a wide smile from forming on his face in glee, even as he passed by Master Sinube in the halls, giving him a nod in greeting.
He struggled not to grow impatient as the turbolift to the Council Chambers ascended the tower.
Finally… after so long… his feats were being recognized. This was the moment his entire life after leaving Tatooine had been building up to.
Jedi Master and Council Member… Anakin Skywalker!
It sounded good in his head.
After what felt like hundreds of hours, the turbolift finally stopped, and the doors opened.
Anakin wasted no time striding down the hallways towards the Council Chamber doors.
Did he have to wait to be summoned like before? Or could he just walk straight in? What exactly was the Council's protocol in welcoming new members to their ranks?
It was times like these that he wished for Obi-Wan's company. He would know what to do, or what the proper protocol was.
Anakin knew he had to make a good impression on the Council to be fully accepted into their ranks. The Chancellor's good word, despite how much it meant to him, would likely mean next to nothing to certain Council Members.
Closing his eyes, Anakin delved into the Force, hoping to both calm himself, and find some direction.
Through the Force he could feel the presence of the Council Members inside. Discomfort and concern were predominant, as was a sense of tiredness. Anakin couldn't tell who exactly each sense was coming from, but he knew that this would not be an easy meeting.
Perhaps he should come back…
"Skywalker… beaten me to the meeting you have? Bad look for me, that is, hmmm!" Yoda's voice brought Anakin out of the Force as he spun around, eyes widening at the sight of Master Yoda, slowly hobbling towards him, chuckling under his breath.
"Master Yoda I… I'm not sure I follow?"
"Simple it is Skywalker. Late to the meeting, I am. Grumpy, Mace will be with me."
"You Master… late?" Anakin replied, struggling to stop himself from laughing as the Jedi Grand Master came to stand beside him.
"Not nice to mock your elders, it is. Nearing nine hundred, I am. More sleep I need, than most." Yoda responded, using his walking stick to gently prod Anakin in the shins in jest.
"Yes Master Yoda, I apologise." Anakin replied, bowing before the Grandmaster in the process, hoping that this wouldn't negatively impact his ascension to the Council.
Yoda chuckled again before he gestured towards the Council Chamber doors with his hand, opening them with the Force.
"No apology necessary, Skywalker. Much to discuss, we have."
With that, Yoda led the way into the Council Chambers, heading towards his seat.
Anakin moved to follow, unsure exactly where he should stand, or sit. He was part of the Council now… right? Did that mean he got a chair to sit at as well?
The only vacant chair he could see was the one that belonged to Obi-Wan, and he wasn't going to take that anytime soon.
Finding no answers in either the Force, or the faces of the other Council Members, Anakin opted to take his normal spot in the room.
Standing in the center, with the Council looking at him from all sides.
At first it had unnerved him, as if he was being watched by predators from all angles, just waiting for him to trip up so they could ambush him.
Now however he was used to it, as well as their scathing remarks.
Turning his attention back to Yoda, Anakin watched as the diminutive Jedi Master settled into his seat, before turning to look at Windu, who had a grimace on his face.
"Yes Mace, late I am. Care, I do not. Tired, I was."
At the Jedi Master's comments, Anakin heard several of the Council Members laugh. The bright smirking face of Kit Fisto stuck out the most, as did the way Plo Koon's hologram shook his head with good humour, just as he would when Ahsoka was up to her tricks back at the start of the war.
He missed those times. Things had been much simpler then.
"I apologise, Master Yoda." Windu spoke softly, his tone surprising Anakin.
That said, it shouldn't have surprised him, not really. Anakin had seen a new side to Windu back during the crisis with the Sith Shrine. He still didn't fully trust the man, and he knew for a fact that the feeling was mutual, but he had a newfound respect for him as well. He had been just as determined as Anakin to save Ahsoka when she had been captured by Maul.
As much as Mace Windu aggravated him, there was no denying that he was a true Jedi Master. If things had been different between them, then perhaps Anakin would see him in the same light as Obi-Wan or Plo.
Alas, the Force clearly had something else in mind, and Anakin had to live with that.
"Take your apology into consideration I will, Mace. Right now, other things we have to discuss. A bold request, the Chancellor has put forward."
And just like that, Anakin felt all eyes in the room on him. Even those that were holograms felt like there were burning right into his skull.
He took it back. Despite years spent before them, the Jedi Council still intimidated and made him feel uneasy, especially in situations like these.
He couldn't help but wonder… would he ever truly be free of this feeling? Even if he was on the Council… would the others ever take him seriously?
Anakin opened his mouth to speak… trying to find words to explain the situation. He had to make them understand! This wasn't about his own personal desires, this was about the safety of the Republic, and of the Order as a whole.
Someone else however, beat him to it.
"The Chancellor holds no political sway over the dealings of the Jedi Council, despite what he has deluded himself into believing. This action is an insult." Agen Kolar, a member of the Council Anakin hadn't had many dealings with in the past. He knew that the Zabrak had replaced Eeth Koth recently, but that was the extent of Anakin's knowledge on the subject.
That said, judging by the harsh and unfriendly tone Kolar used to describe the Chancellor, Anakin could already tell that they wouldn't get along with one another.
"It is certainly an unorthodox request, but perhaps one that could benefit us all?" Plo Koon's voice was a sharp contrast to Kolar's. The Zabrak had clearly been angry at the Chancellor's request. Plo Koon seemed different, as if he was open to either the idea itself, or to just simply considering it.
"The lack of clear communication between both the Office of the Supreme Chancellor and the Jedi Council has proven to be problematic in the past." Shaak Ti spoke next, leaning forward in her chair as her eyes moved to survey her fellow Council Members. There were times when Anakin wondered if Ahsoka would grow up to be as tall as Master Ti one day. Perhaps she'd even surpass him.
'Hopefully not… she'd never let me live it down if she did.'
"That said, to make a demand of it the way he has is unacceptable!" Kolar spoke again, tone nasty, a sneer present on his face as he glanced towards Anakin.
"We don't disagree with you Agen…" Windu spoke, voicing his opinion for the first time. Anakin could already tell that Windu didn't like the Chancellor's request, but it honestly surprised him just how little he seemed to be actively opposing it.
Could Windu perhaps be on his side?
"But perhaps… in these circumstances… it might be more prudent to allow the Chancellor this request." Windu continued, bringing one hand to his chin in a position that reminded Anakin of Obi-Wan.
'I wonder what Obi-Wan would have to say about all of this? Would he agree with the Chancellor?'
Kolar looked like he was about to speak again before Yoda raised a single clawed hand, silencing him. Anakin was surprised to see the Zabrak fall silent.
A few tense seconds passed by before Yoda spoke, addressing Anakin directly. It didn't escape Anakin's notice that this was the first time a Council Member had addressed him directly since the meeting had begun.
"Allow this appointment lightly, the Council cannot. Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine."
"I understand Master." Anakin replied, showing what respect he could. Yoda at least had the decency to involve him, the very subject of the discussion at hand, rather than treat him as if he was invisible.
"A dangerous precedent, this would set," the elderly Jedi Master continued, "If accepted unchanged, this request is." As he said this, the smile that had been present earlier now gone, he turned to Master Windu, who seemed lost in thought but also radiated a desire to speak through the Force.
"The most dangerous part of this request is that Anakin be made a Master." Windu began. "Not only does it undermine the authority of this Council, but giving politicians the power to dictate Jedi advancement could undermine the entire Jedi Order in time."
At this all the Masters, even Agen Kolar, nodded in agreement, and Anakin's heart sank. Could they really be thinking what it looked like they were thinking?
"Agreed. Useful for the war effort, this appointment may be, but decide when ready to be a Master, a Jedi is, Palpatine cannot." Yoda said, with a firmness that was unusual for the kindly old Jedi.
"This is outrageous! How can you be on the Council and not be a Master!?" Anakin suddenly found himself saying, and as if someone had flipped a switch, the entire room felt much colder than it had before, and even more unwelcoming than Anakin had ever thought it could feel.
Around him, Anakin felt eleven sets of eyes peering at him. Even those not physically in the room, such as Master Mundi and Master Plo, seemed to radiate intense disappointment and disgust, just by simply looking at him.
'They're judging me again… without even trying to understand why I'm so mad. How can they do this?!'
"Let us put this to a vote." Mace Windu said, his eyes still fixed on Anakin. "All in favour?" he asked, and Anakin watched in horror as almost all the assembled Masters gave their approval. Only Kolar did not raise his hand, even this compromise seemingly too much for him to accept.
"It's settled then." Windu spoke again. "You are on this Council Skywalker, but we do not grant you the rank of Master."
It had taken all of his Jedi restraint to stop himself from speaking out even more during the vote, but this was just too much. "How can you do this?! It's unfair!" he shouted, as they continued to judge him silently.
"Take a seat, young Skywalker." Windu was the one who finally broke the tense atmosphere, gesturing towards Obi-Wan's vacant chair in the meantime. Anakin could feel Windu's presence in the Force, shrouded in distrust of Anakin.
Part of him wanted to continue arguing or to storm out of the meeting in protest, but he finally realized that this was a fight he couldn't win. As that thought sank in his anger turned to resignation, and he began to feel ashamed. The Chancellor had entrusted him with an important task, but with his outburst he no doubt had made that job much harder than it could have been.
Despite the guilt he now felt, there was at least one thing that Anakin was grateful for, and that was that Obi-Wan wasn't here.
He could live with the other Council Members' looks and judging, but not Obi-Wan's. That would haunt him.
"I apologise, Master." Anakin finally said with as much sincerity as he could muster while bowing in a sign of respect. He didn't mean it really, but the Chancellor had put his trust in him, and he would do and say whatever it took to make sure he didn't let him down. And despite his still not fully faded anger, he realized that a show of humility was in order.
They would still judge him, he was sure. But in the end what did it matter? The Chancellor had ordered that he be there, and to go against that completely would be treason. Whether they liked it or not, they were stuck with him.
Author's thoughts
Welp... looks like our good friend Anakin has finally gotten onto the Jedi Council. Good for him!
Bad news... he's not a Jedi Master. Oh! And he might be being manipulated by an evil old man... not really sure! XD
Jokes aside, this chapter might be a bit stale for some, and I understand why they won't like it. Hopefully all of the politics and whatnot were somewhat interesting for you all, and that you enjoyed the spin on the Council meeting scene from ROTS. I wanted the iconic lines from that scene included, but felt like switching it up with the debate as well. Special thanks for that scene goes to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' who helped rewrite and expand that scene by the way. Give him your thanks as well. He deserves it. :)
Aside from that, and Anakin's mental state, which I hope I got right, there's not much else to say regarding this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it.
Next time round, the Council meeting continues, and Anakin is asked to undertake a task he really would rather not.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Darth Zyn: It's certainly one possibility yeah! It all depends on whether or not Depa chooses to accept the transfer. She might not be as willing as Grievous.
I'm glad you are enjoying the rising tension within. Hopefully I haven't ended up overhyping the story, and that the ending lives up to what you expect.
Katooni will be showing up once we hit the first flashforward. She's not a major character, but she will feature. :)
Moonpetal1: Can't have action all the time after all, or else it becomes stale and boring. Intrigue and character based stuff is what makes the prequal era so interesting, especially the politics of it all. They work in tandem to made ROTS what it is. :)
You only ever give them pain? Well... there is the difference between us then. I can't stand putting characters through any form of misery, even though I have to for the story. I still feel crushing guilt over it though.
Cat-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: Thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying them. Interactions between characters are my favourite thing to write. :)
the Mandalorian terminator: Your review is hardly late. No need to worry. Take your time. No rush. :)
Yeah Yoda, despite his cold front sometimes, does care for those he considers Jedi, and that will always include Ahsoka to him. Considering what is about to go down, it felt right to have the two of them talk.
And yeah, good old Anakin is actually have a good day for once. I wonder how long that will last?
loldelegate: Ahsoka using the sample on herself is certainly one outcome for sure. That depends on how much she craves power though.
You are right about Grievous there. His biggest strength is intimidation. As Dooku tells him in the 2003 Clone Wars if he lacks intimidation, it's best for him to flee.
Ahsoka would be a good choice to deal with Grievous on Utapau for sure, though the Jedi Council may suggest otherwise.
TragicFiction: No problem. Glad you liked it. :)
tf330129: Trying my best. :)
1saaa: I'm glad that I'm able to keep you guessing right up till the final minute. Makes it all worthwhile in the long run. :)
Yeah Yoda gets a bad rep for being the head of the Jedi Council. He was in a tough spot, as was the likes of Mace. But they all got played in the end of the day. Nothing they could really do. Palpatine played his hand incredibly well and put the Jedi in the perfect position to be exterminated overnight.
As for the blood sample, now that IS an interesting set of thoughts you've got there. Corruption is always a risk for sure, but then one wonders how Grievous avoided light side corruption from Depa's blood... assuming that's even a thing! XD
RyanSquad: For the record, whilst I'm not Anakin's biggest fan, I take no pleasure in torturing anyone's character with misery. It's why these final chapters are taking so long to write. I'm trying to avoid giving myself depression with my own writing! XD
Obi-Wan's fake death was pretty harsh for sure, and no doubt contributed to Anakin's distrust in the Council, but I don't hold it against him 100%. Plus Obi-Wan suffers enough as it is. Same with Yoda. They played with the hand they were dealt, which wasn't the best hand exactly. Almost as if the card dealer (Palpatine) had rigged the game! XD