Anakin didn't know how Obi-Wan did it, let alone enjoyed it!
All this time! All his wishful thinking… and this was it. Nothing special at all… just him and eleven others, sitting in a room together, discussing politics.
Being a member of the Jedi Council was far less glamorous than he had expected. He knew it involved a lot of important meetings, and he knew he should be paying more attention than he currently was, but it would be nice if the Council actually came to a decision on things, rather than find excuses to put off discussions for later.
Or at the very least, they could find a way to advance their discussions and solve their problems, rather than just praying that the Force would show them the way!
"Since he fled Coruscant there have been no sightings of General Grievous, and Clone Intelligence has reported no major alterations to Separatist fleet or troop movements since the demise of Count Dooku. If anything they have stepped up their assaults on several major planets!" Windu spoke as he gestured to a holomap of the galaxy that was being projected into the centre of the Council Chamber. Several sections of the map, indicating planets, were highlighted in red. Anakin knew just by looking at the map that they were each different theaters of war.
Felucia was one planet highlighted, as was Mygeeto and Cato Neimoidia. From what had been discussed in the meeting thus far, Anakin had learnt that Aayla Secura was present on Felucia alongside her own Clone legion, whilst Master Mundi handled the growing situation on Mygeeto. Apparently, the destruction of the secret lab on the planet hadn't weakened Separatist control by much, and Master Mundi had been sent in to 'clear up the mess', as Windu had put it.
The mission to Cato Neimoidia was under the command of Plo Koon, and just from that knowledge alone, Anakin knew the planet was in safe hands. Plo Koon and the 104th Battalion were more than a match for any Separatist resistance.
That said, thus far, none of the ongoing campaigns had revealed the location of Grievous, nor any surviving members of the Separatist Council. Dooku might have been gone, but that didn't mean the war was over. It would never be over, not unless they found a way to beat Grievous.
"What about the droid attack on the Wookiees? Master Luminara recently reported an increase in the number of Separatist heavy vehicles on the planet. Without help it will soon be overrun." Ki-Adi Mundi spoke up next, his holographic form gesturing towards the dot on the map that indicated Kashyyyk.
"If we lose that system we lose one of our most valuable allies in this war." Master Tiin replied, a grim look on his face. Anakin couldn't help but nod his head in agreement. Kashyyyk was too valuable to lose, and the Wookiees were an incredibly powerful ally.
He also owed them a great deal. Without their intervention, he would have lost Ahsoka when she had been kidnapped by Trandoshan hunters.
That fact alone made him want to volunteer to lead a mission to assist Master Luminara. However, before he could offer, he was beaten to it.
"Vital trade lines, Kashyyyk offers. Good relations with the Wookiees, I have. Reinforce Master Luminara, I will."
"Very well, Master Yoda." Windu said, accepting the Grand Master's offer without hesitation. Some deep dark part of Anakin wondered if Windu liked the fact that Yoda would be off planet so that he could try and take control of the Temple in his absence.
'Don't be an idiot Anakin!' A voice that sounded suspiciously like Ahsoka's whispered in his head. No doubt she would say something like that to him. Windu might have been brash and aggressive at times, but he wasn't the type to try and seize power… was he?
Shaking off these thoughts, Anakin turned his attention to Master Ti, who was, for once, stationed on Coruscant, rather than Kamino.
"On the bright side, our intelligence does report that the siege at Onderon has come to a standstill. Saw Gerrera's forces are proving to be more than a match for the droid known as Kalani. Perhaps this could be a good time to assist? I'm sure Senator Bonteri would welcome any help we can offer."
Flashes of his mission to Onderon came to Anakin's mind. That had certainly been an interesting experience. Saw and his sister, Force rest her soul, had been more than willing to throw the droids off of their planet, and thanks to some training, they had created one hell of a guerrilla fighting force, managing to push the Separatists off the planet with minimal Republic assistance.
And from the sounds of Master Ti's report, they were still holding their own well against the Separatist attempt to retake it.
"We will discuss the Onderon conflict in our next meeting. For now we must prioritise finding and eliminating General Grievous, as well as learning what information we can about Dooku's Sith Master." Windu replied to Master Ti, reminding Anakin again of why he hated these meetings. The Separatists attacking Onderon were vulnerable, and they had the perfect opportunity to do some real damage and possibly remove a threat like Kalani.
And yet, once again, the Jedi Council in their self imposed tunnel vision refused to act!
What would they do if they even found out where Grievous had run off to? Sit around and discuss what to do for a week?
Resisting the urge to sigh in anger, Anakin instead turned his focus to another theater of war, one that had only opened up within the last twenty four hours.
"Masters, has there been any word from Obi-Wan?" Anakin inquired, directing his question more to Yoda than to anyone else. If anyone had the answers, he would.
Unfortunately, it was Master Windu who managed to speak first, a scowl on his face.
"The mission to Mandalore is in direct violation of treaties made by the Senate and the Mandalorian government. We've taken a grave risk by allowing this."
Anakin could tell that Windu's words weren't directed at him, but more for the benefit of the entirety of the Council.
Even still, Anakin couldn't shake the feeling that somehow, Windu was blaming him for it.
'He probably thinks you are a bad influence on Obi-Wan or something… that you encouraged him to break such treaties.'
Shaking off the internal thoughts, Anakin chose to reply.
"Masters, Duchess Satine was murdered in cold blood by Darth Maul. He now rules over Mandalore, not the Mandalorian government. Prime Minister Almec is nothing more than a puppet for his schemes. Any neutrality treaty the Republic had with Mandalore went up in smoke the second Maul took over. This invasion is perfectly justified if it removes that tyrant from power!"
"Plus if Master Kenobi is able to capture Maul, we might obtain vital Sith intelligence from him." Kit Fisto spoke up, offering his support to Anakin, who nodded at the Nautolan in gratitude.
"Even still, the risk is too great. Mandalore does not take too kindly to invaders, and they are known for holding a grudge. What's to say they won't retaliate in the future?" Master Tiin spoke again, his voice full of doubt.
"If we can get Mandalore on our side, think of the possibilities!" Anakin put forward, hoping the Council would see sense. He doubted they would succeed of course. No doubt Lady Bo-Katan would want to retreat back into Mandalorian isolationism after the siege was over, but even still, it was worth the risk.
Before Master Kolar could voice his obvious disapproval however, Master Yoda held up a single clawed hand.
"Valuable points you make Skywalker. To answer your question, heard from Commander Boil early this morning we did. Made landfall on Mandalore, the 212th has. Apprehended Prime Minister Almec, they have, but still searching for Maul, they are."
"I understand Master Yoda. Thank you for the update." Anakin replied, bowing his head in gratitude once again.
"Regardless of Master Kenobi's success, we must put a plan in place as a safeguard against any possible Mandalorian retaliation, or worse, a hostile reaction from the Senate when word of this invasion reaches their ears." Windu spoke again, his grim outlook ruining the positive outcome Anakin felt he had achieved from the discussion.
"Perhaps I could take the 501st and support Master Kenobi?" Anakin ventured, wondering how it would be taken. Surely the offer of support would result in Maul being captured faster and the invasion ending before any real harm could be caused to galactic politics?
"Absolutely not Knight Skywalker!" Windu, predictably, snapped, his eyes boring into Anakin's skull, making Anakin feel like he had to shrivel back in his chair. "A second legion of Clones arriving on Mandalore would only make the situation worse for all parties. Master Kenobi is more than capable of handling Maul, besides, you are needed here on Coruscant for the time being."
"For what purpose Master?"
"To act as the Chancellor's liaison, since he seems to see it fit to interfere with Jedi affairs."
A rush of annoyance and anger flooded through Anakin. How dare Windu speak about the Chancellor in such a way! He was doing his best to help the Republic, and that included the Jedi! Why couldn't Windu… why couldn't the Council see it?!
"I understand, Master." Anakin replied through gritted teeth, taking a calming breath to cool his anger.
It didn't fade completely, but at least it prevented another outburst. He didn't think getting kicked off the Council the same day he had been promoted to it would be a good image to have.
The rest of the meeting proceeded much the same. Endless discussions went nowhere. Next to no decisions were actually made, and Anakin left the meeting feeling like nothing had really changed for anyone.
Yes… he was a Council Member now, but he was still not a Master.
If anything, Anakin got the feeling that he had been granted nothing more than a token seat on the Council. Part of him wondered what would happen if he actually came to a meeting with something important to put forward. Would all of the other members simply ignore him? He wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.
Striding into his quarters, Anakin allowed a loud sigh to escape his body as he moved over to the small makeshift kitchen area he had.
Jedi quarters weren't exactly expansive, but he and Ahsoka had lived here quite comfortably during their time together. That was of course when they weren't on Yularen's Venator.
Glancing around the room, Anakin's eyes were drawn to a few ship models that he owned, mostly built from scratch by his own hands. He recalled Padmé buying him a model of a Naboo starfighter, similar to the one he had first flown all those years ago against the Trade Federation blockade.
A warm smile came to his face as he remembered the evening he spent at Padmé's apartment, slowly piecing the model together bit by bit whilst his wife watched him work. It had been a simple present, but it had meant the world to Anakin.
'Padmé… you need to relax now. It's all going to be ok.'
'Anakin… where is Anakin!? I… I need him!'
A flash of the memory of the night before, of the nightmare he had endured hit his mind, wiping the smile that had been on his face clean off. He still didn't fully understand what it meant… but he hoped, no… he prayed it wasn't what he thought it could be.
It was just a dream… right? It couldn't possibly be a vision!
But what if it was a vision! Like the ones he had of his mother! No… he wouldn't let that happen, not again!
He wouldn't lose Padmé… not ever!
Beep beep.
The sudden sound of his personal communicator echoed across the quarters, drawing his attention away from mulling over his dream and back to reality. Despite not even knowing who was calling him, Anakin found himself grateful for the interruption. Anything was better than contemplating the possibility of…
Shaking the thought off his mind, he moved over to the communicator in his room and pressed his hand against it, accepting the call.
A few seconds later a hologram faded into existence before him.
"Koh-to-yah, fellow Council Member Skywalker. How are you today?"
"Master Plo? This is an unexpected surprise. I'm very well thank you. How does the campaign on Cato Neimoidia go?" Anakin replied with as much respect as he could muster. He hadn't been anticipating a call from Plo Koon at all, especially since the Kel Dor Master was currently occupied on the frontline.
Still, he appreciated the distraction, and aside from Obi-Wan, Plo Koon was the one Council Member that Anakin felt he could trust.
"The campaign proceeds as you would expect Skywalker. The Separatist fleet around Cato Neimoidia is formidable, but we should succeed given time." Plo responded with a tired sigh. Even via hologram Anakin could tell the Council Member was weary, both physically and of the war in general.
"Do you need some assistance, Master? The 501st can be there within…"
"No need my friend. I have the situation under control, and I'm sure Captain Rex and his men could use the break considering the recent conflict above Coruscant and on Yerbana. Besides, you are needed on Coruscant."
"So I've been told." Anakin muttered under his breath as he turned away from the hologram, trying to conceal an annoyed expression from the Kel Dor.
"Skywalker? Is there something on your mind?"
There was… but honestly, Anakin wasn't sure if he really wanted to share it. As much as he trusted and liked Plo Koon, he was no Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Obi-Wan would listen to him. Obi-Wan wouldn't judge. Obi-Wan would offer advice that he knew would help Anakin. That was why Anakin valued his friendship more than any other. Obi-Wan was more than a mentor or a friend. He was a brother.
Plo Koon however, he was a Jedi, through and through. He didn't know Anakin, not the way Obi-Wan did. Anakin expected that any advice that the Kel Dor could give would only annoy him.
Still… it couldn't hurt to talk… could it?
"It's…. I just don't understand Master Plo. I thought being a Master was a prerequisite to being a member of the Jedi Council. How can I be on the Council if I'm not a Master? Do I have some sort of junior role or something? Or is it all just some sort of twisted joke?" Anakin exclaimed as he spun around to face Plo's hologram, letting it all out. Anakin knew he shouldn't have snapped, not like that, but he couldn't help it. He wanted answers.
Plo was silent for a few moments as he contemplated Anakin, one of his clawed hands coming to gently scratch his chin in a way that reminded Anakin of Obi-Wan. What was it with everyone doing that pose?! First Obi-Wan, then Ahsoka and Rex, and now Plo!
"Skywalker, your position on the Council is not something to be taken lightly, and I can assure you it is no joke. You will be treated with as much respect as the other Council members. You already made several valuable points in today's meeting." Plo began after a few more moments of silence, his masked face locked directly with Anakin's eyes.
"Master, I don't…"
"However Skywalker, you must understand than the unorthodox nature of your assignment troubles many of the Council members. We are not completely against your appointment to the Council, for you have more than proven yourself in this war. What we are against however is the Chancellor's use of you for his own political gain. Please understand that."
Anakin did, in a way. He knew the Council and the Chancellor did not see eye to eye on many things. That would never change.
That said, Palpatine was his friend. He would never use Anakin for his own personal gain. His appointment to the Council was for the greater good of the Republic as a whole, not Palpatine's.
"I understand Master Plo. I apologise if my words were harsh." Anakin replied, half genuine and half not.
"Your words were not, my friend. As for you remaining a Jedi Knight, I feel the need to remind you that to ascend to the rank of Master, one must pass many trials, including that of raising a Padawan to Knighthood. Whilst I am firmly of the opinion that Ahsoka was more than ready for her trials by the time of her departure, again, other Council members were not."
'So it's all Ahsoka's fault I'm not a Jedi Master then! If only she had stayed and…'
Anakin snapped that line of thinking down instantly, a deep sense of shame and self loathing rushing over him. How could he even think that about Ahsoka! It wasn't her fault… it never had been!
"I know Master, I just…"
"Skywalker, you are young, and yet far more skilled than many twice your age. Please, be patient. In time, the rest of the Council will see your worth the way I and Obi-Wan do."
"Thank you Master Plo." Anakin replied as he bowed his head to the hologram, feeling somewhat better for the discussion. He still had many reservations, as well as an undercurrent of anger towards the Council for not promoting him, but he understood their position better now. Perhaps, just perhaps, they really were looking out for everyone, and not just themselves.
Looking back at the hologram, Anakin fully expected it to fade away. However, it did not.
Master Plo shifted to the side cautiously, as if on edge about something. In a way it reminded Anakin of himself when he was nervous.
"My turn to ask Master, are you ok? You seem… off?" Anakin inquired, hoping he could return the favour to the Kel Dor, if only slightly.
Plo shifted his head to the side for a few moments, checking over his shoulder, likely to see if they were in private before he turned back to face Anakin.
"There is another reason the Council allowed you a seat Skywalker, and it has to do with the Chancellor."
"I… don't follow?"
"Chancellor Palpatine has remained in office for far too long, and his power and influence over the Senate is concerning. Once this war is concluded, many Senators are expecting him to relinquish the emergency powers he has gained over the course of the war. However, the Council is concerned that the Chancellor will not uphold this agreement."
"That's ridiculous Master! The Chancellor would never do such a thing."
"Perhaps, I cannot say. However, we were hoping that you might be able to assist us by reporting any suspicious activity on the Chancellor's end."
In the span of four words, the anger that had been slowly sliding away inside Anakin rushed back up to the surface. This time he didn't care about snapping!
"WHAT?! The Council wants me to spy on Palpatine?! That's treason! I won't do it!"
"Anakin… there is more, something the Council did not want me telling you." Plo interrupted, surprising Anakin at the use of his first name, rather than his last. Despite his anger, Anakin fell silent, knowing this was important, before gesturing for Plo to continue.
"The Council… originally they wanted you to report not only on the Chancellor, but on Agent Tano as well. I have since talked them out of it, however that does not mean they do not still believe she too should be monitored. If you do not take this mission, someone with a less sympathetic mindset will, and they will monitor and report Ahsoka's activities to the Council. At least, if you do this, she will be safe."
The anger that was building up within Anakin threatened to explode at that very moment. He had to turn away from Plo's hologram. He didn't want the Jedi Master seeing his expression.
"The Council… wanted to spy on Ahsoka as well?! After everything she did for the Jedi… for the Republic… they wanted to betray her again!" Anakin said, his voice dark and ominous by his own admission. It wasn't enough for the Jedi Council to expel her for a crime she hadn't committed… now they wanted her every move monitored and reported back to them as well!?
"They were concerned with her closeness to the Chancellor. Some believed that she may assist him with holding onto power after the war concludes. I disagree of course and got that section of the assignment dropped beforehand, however that will not put an end to their distrust of both the Chancellor and his personal agent."
"I can't believe this!" Anakin snarled, spinning back round to face Plo. He didn't care now if the Kel Dor saw his face.
"I understand your anger, but please Skywalker, if you do not take this mission, someone else will, and then Ahsoka will be spied on as well. For her sake, I ask you to do this."
He didn't want to. He wanted to tell Plo Koon to 'kriff off'. He wanted to march to Mace Windu's quarters, punch him in the face and then resign from both the Council and the Order.
But if he did that, the Council would send someone else to spy on his Padawan… and that he wouldn't allow!
If keeping Ahsoka safe meant reporting any suspicious activity of the Chancellor's to the Council, then so be it.
Besides, it wasn't like he had to tell the Council everything.
Taking a deep breath and counting to three, Anakin gave Plo Koon his answer.
"Fine, but I'm only doing this to keep the Council off of Ahsoka. She's dealt with enough of their lack of trust in the past. I won't let them harm her like that again."
"On that Skywalker, we are in complete agreement."
Author's thoughts
A shorter chapter this time round, heavy in dialogue again, I know. But then that's what half of Revenge of the Sith is. Dialogue and manipulations. Nothing I can do about it I'm afraid. Don't worry though, there is action coming soon... and I think you all know what action that's gonna be! 0_0
In regards to this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing the Council Meeting for once. We don't really see as much from them during the war as I would have liked so I thought now would be a good time to show the contributions that Anakin could make to the Council. Say what you will about him being childish at the best of times, but in reality, having Anakin on the Council would of benefited them greatly, as he has perspective that they lack. His more unorthodox methods and beliefs led the Republic to many victories over the course of the Clone War and allow him to see things from angles that the other Council Members could not. If he could just temper is immaturity, then I reckon the Council would see his skills far more clearly.
As for the other half of this chapter, well, with Obi-Wan busy on Mandalore, I needed someone else to deliver the 'spy for us' speech to Anakin, and Plo Koon made the most sense, doubly so with the extra task the Council almost made Anakin do as well. Talk about blackmail huh?
Overall, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I'll stop ranting now.
Thanks again to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all his hard work and help.
Next time round, Anakin struggles to deal with his new mission.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Alfredo12StarLegionaire: I mean, I'd of faced a riot if I didn't include that meme, same with the Wookiee line from Mundi in this chapter. Gotta get those fan favs in somehow! XD
The future is indeed dark at the moment, but I'm sure nothing will go horribly wrong. What's the worst that could happen? XD
Interesting info regarding Ahsoka's power levels. I always figured she got a bit stronger after Mortis. Not enough to rival any of the powerhouses like Sidious, Anakin or Yoda, but enough to hold her own.
sirkiehs: Thanks. Glad you've been enjoying the story thus far. It's been one long journey for sure, and I'm glad it's coming to an end now... even if I still have a bunch of writing left to do for it.
The 'talking' chapters are honestly my favorite to write. I prefer character interactions over constant action myself. Palpatine and his manipulations are my favorite to write. Getting those single lines that sow doubt in are vital, so I'm pleased you think I've done a decent job in that regard. :)
If you are still trying to figure out the ending regarding Ahsoka, then I've done what I intended to. I don't want it being blindingly obvious, as that takes away from the tension of the story. I hope to keep people guessing right up until the final chapter of where she will end up. That's the plan at least. :)
As for your criticism, looking back now it might have made sense for Depa to be awake during the Temple fiasco, yeah, but I already had a bunch of characters to deal with in that arc, and I wanted Windu to have some personal stake in it as well outside of just 'the good of the Jedi Order'. Hope that makes sense.
kuriboh1233: Totally! Sheev is a kind grandfather figure to all. No evil plans whatsoever! XD
the Mandalorian terminator: Honestly? The vote aspect of the chapter was actually my beta reader's idea. He deserves the credit for that, not me. :)
Glad you enjoyed the Padmé and Anakin stuff. I'm rubbish at romance, but if you think it was good then that's great! XD
As for the 'restricted sections' of the Jedi Temple and Anakin wanting access, that will come up later for sure. :)
TragicFiction: I've no intentions of having Ahsoka learn 'Electric Judgement' anytime soon, but who knows, she could one day. Plo Koon knew how to use it if I recall. Maybe he could teach her... assuming nothing bad happens to him! 0_0
loldelegate: Indeed he can talk to her about his fears... assuming he can find the time. He's gonna be a busy man now what with his new Council status and mission for both them and the Chancellor! Hopefully he won't forget though! XD
No worries about the rant. It was interesting to read through for sure. You make some good points and I understand your dislike of Midichlorians. I only chose to use them for science reasons with 'Project Nullify'. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though. (at least I hope so... you know what the vocal minority of Star Wars fans can be like sometimes)
Ninelotus: You're not sure why you've stuck with it?! Imagine how the hell I feel! I've been at this for roughly three years now! I've considered abandoning this story more than once, but only kept going for the sake of others!
I've never promised an alternate end that was 100% different from canon! I only set out to tell a unique story about Ahsoka working for Palpatine, as I wanted to see the two of them interact.
If you don't think things are different or that the story isn't worth your time, that's fine by me. I'm not holding you hostage.
Hekkasi: I'm glad you enjoy the politics of it all. I like writing those scenes, as they are vital to understanding the prequels and why the Republic collapses and becomes the Empire. :)
You won't get to see Mandalore in this story, but Obi-Wan and Caleb will be showing up again soon for a certain... 'special event', shall we say? You can probably figure out what that will be. XD
tf330129: Doing my best! XD
RyanSquad: Those are some dark thoughts indeed, but lets face it, if Ahsoka and Vader teamed up, no one would be able to stop them! 0_0