(Listen to Tessa on Transformers Age of Extinction throughout the chapter)

Anakin woke up in a sweat, sitting up in a panic, as he had done so many other nights since his trip to Mortis. This time, however, he woke his wife up along with him. Padme rolled over and caressed his cheek. "Anakin, are you alright?"

Anakin shook his head and stood up, donning his cloak. She pressed, "Was it the nightmare again?"

Anakin was quiet for a moment before nodding, running his hand through his hair as he responded, "Yes. I think I need to go to the temple. Clear my head."

"Anakin, are you sure that you don't want to talk to Obi-Wan?"

Anakin shook his head, although not with near the levels of ferocity that he had shown in previous conversations. "You know that would mean that I have to tell him about us. I can't do that, Padme."

Padme nodded sympathetically, but pressed. "You need to talk to someone Ani. It helped with the vision about Revan. It could help with this one too."

Anakin was quiet for a moment, but soon nodded, leaned over to her, kissed her, and then held her close. "I'll figure something out, Padme. I promise."

Anakin left Padme's apartment in a speeder, heading for the temple. Flying always helped clear his head, but Anakin did not want to the time to think. He wanted the peace of mind that he felt in combat. He wanted to duel, hone his skills, let the sweat and blood drip, and lose himself in the feeling of combat. He didn't want to think. He wanted to feel.

The speeder arrived at the temple with little fanfare or notice, as the late hour of the night left Anakin as one of the few Jedi awake. He parked his speeder and retreated down to the arenas deep within the depths of the temple. He expected to fight a training droid, figuring that no one else would be awake at this his time of the night, but was surprised to find Revan in the depths of the temple, pouring sweat, obviously having been in combat with training droids for hours. The remainders of several lay out on the sides of the arena, with the one he was currently engaging smoking in several spots.

Anakin watched, captivated as the Jedi Master executed a combination strike on the droid that finished with his violet blade going through the droids' center console. It fell to the ground, inoperable. Anakin walked out, slowly clapping. "Brilliant show."

Revan softly smiled and nodded. "What are you doing out this late, Anakin?"

Anakin shrugged, attempting to keep a façade in the force up, hoping his guard would keep Revan from sensing the conflict in his soul. "Couldn't sleep. You?"

Revan stared at him for a moment, clearly staring beyond the surface, but soon responded, "About the same, I would guess."

Anakin looked around the arena. "Not a good day for the training droids. Care to fight something else?"

"What did you have in mind?"

Anakin slid off his cloak and activated his lightsaber. Revan smiled in response and pointed his blade at the young Jedi.

Anakin charged and swung down, engaging the Jedi Master. Revan easily parried, force pushing Anakin back. Revan charged, taking the offensive as he flipped through the air and swung his blade down, pushing Anakin to the defensive. Revan engaged Anakin with multiple strikes, continuing to push him back. Deciding on his strategy, he let up for a moment, allowing Anakin to go back on the offensive. He allowed himself to be pushed back into the middle of the arena. At that moment, he backflipped up to the second level surrounding the arena, forcing Skywalker to follow. It was then that Anakin realized his mistake. Revan was there, waiting for him with blade raised. Three simple strikes twisted Anakin's blade around and disarmed him, leaving Anakin with a violet blade pointed towards his throat. Anakin scoffed and rolled his eyes. "HOW did I fall for that? Oldest trick in the book."

Revan deactivated his lightsaber and handed Anakin back his own. "Sometimes, the oldest tricks are the most effective. They're the oldest for a reason."

The two walked over to the edge of the viewing platform and took a seat. After a moment of silence, Anakin asked, "So why couldn't you sleep, Master?"

Revan looked at the young Jedi Knight for a moment, gauging the man, before responding, "Same reason as you, I would imagine. Visions, dreams…nightmares."

Anakin looked away and nodded. "I can't shake this nightmare. It's been with me ever since Mortis."

"Have you talked to the council?"

"I was a little more occupied with the vision from the Revanchist, Master."

Revan chuckled. "I'd imagine that was slightly more pressing."

Anakin looked around, expecting to see Alex Roth somewhere, but to no avail. Curious, Anakin asked, "Where's the Exile?"

"Protecting Senator Malric, I would imagine."

Anakin chuckled. "I'm sure the pair are enjoying that assignment. She certainly seemed to appreciate his presence on Aaeton."

At the same time, the Peace Caucus was meeting in the antechambers of the Senate Building. Their meeting had started after Senator Malric's emergency meeting with the Senate Oversight Committee. It had continued late into the night, as they argued expanding the war effort. Senator Malric, after much thought on what Revan had said on Aaeton, began to advocate that they drop their defense of peace. "…my home world was destroyed! Even as we speak, there are thousands upon thousands of soldiers fighting in the streets of our capital! Revan may be a warrior by nature, but he brought up a valid point. If the Separatists continue to invade our worlds and treat our people with no mercy, then why should we advocate stopping the war effort? Shouldn't we fight to rid the galaxy of the vagrants that ravage peaceful systems?"

Senator Kista Andron, a beautiful blonde human and one of the three senators from Alderaan, argued, "We cannot be hypocrites and go back on our word now. Far too many have died, and for what? To what end does this war help the Republic?"

Alex Roth stepped forward and said, "Senators, if I may…"

Senator Organna nodded, and Roth spoke. "Senators, this is a fight between good and evil. It is as simple as that. We can complicate this issue by adding expenditures, diplomatic motions, and ideas of independence, but the simple truth is that men like Count Dooku lead the Separatists for a reason. Many may view the Senate as corrupt, but it's the only chance the galaxy has for independence. If Dooku and his master, whoever he is, win this war for the Separatists and seize control, it will be the end of freedom for trillions. This war is a war to save the galaxy from eternal darkness. It has to be fought."

Senator Jorda Tavik, a Twi'Lek senator from Ryloth, scoffed and said, "Spare us the moral lecture of war, Jedi. Might I remind you that you have only just come back to this universe and that you left the last one fighting to your last breath."

Alex Roth, more prone to peace than his master, ignored the thinly veiled shot at his viewpoint and nodded. "I'm a warrior, I'll give you that. I fight, that much is true. But I don't believe that Jedi are supposed to be generals. I believe that we were meant to be keepers of the peace. Just because I've spent my life fighting doesn't mean that I think I should have."

"So then, why do you advocate this war?"

"Because, Senator, I live my life by what my master taught me millennia ago. Above all, no matter what, always do what is right…"

Tavik rolled his eyes. "Jedi sayings are of little help at a time like this."

Roth shook his head. "I don't think that this is a saying. It's something that I truly believe. I truly believe that the Jedi protect the good and are bound to fight against evil. And despite the validity to the underlying political causes of the Separatists, and they ARE good reasons, Senator, I believe that the leadership of the Separatists have shown that they will fight a war in the way of the Sith: nothing off limits, nothing sacred, no mercy. If Dooku and his master lead their movement, then it cannot be good. It just can't. The only thing right and just is to defeat them. It's the only way to save the lives of billions."

Ana smiled in spite of herself. It wasn't just idealistic nonsense to him. After a life in politics, she could tell when that was the case. He truly believed what he said and was willing to lay down his life for those beliefs. Roth looked around the room again, locked eyes with her for a moment, and quietly repeated, "Above all, no matter what, always do what is right…"

Anakin and Revan sat, breathless still from their short but intense duel. "I sense unrest, Skywalker. What is it?"

Anakin shook his head. "It's just…I don't get it. I don't understand why everything has been made so hard by the council. I don't understand why they don't use you. We're fighting a losing battle. You and the Exile could make the difference in the war and they're trying to force you into the bottom of the temple. And I don't understand this rigorous code. It binds us so tight that we have no freedom to move. I hate…"

Revan nodded and gently said, "You hate…"

Anakin shook his head. "It's nothing. Forgive me, Master."

Revan nodded thoughtfully. "I once hated the council too, you know. Before my fall…and after I was brought back to the light."

Anakin looked over in surprise. "Why did you hate them after they let you back in?"

Revan stared blankly off into the distance as he reminisced. Quietly, he replied, "They lied to me Anakin. Shielded my identity. Attempted to cleanse my mind. Then after I learned the truth, they held me at arm's length, always distrustful of me. They did everything they could to keep Bastilla and myself apart."

Anakin looked away darkly. "I know the feeling." He muttered under his breath.

"But…they taught me something. Something I've held close ever since I came to realize it. You see Anakin, I saw them altering my mind as taking away my identity. They saw it as protecting me from being consumed by it. I saw them attempting to keep Bastilla and I apart as a continued effort to make my life miserable as a punishment for my crimes. They saw it as attempting to keep my life as free of potential snares to the dark side."

"What are you saying, Master?"

Revan was quiet for a moment before continuing. "I know how hard it is to stand by and watch the council dictate every detail of your life, just because you are 'special.' I know what it's like to feel as though no one trusts you, understands you. I know what it's like to sacrifice every aspect of your life to defend the entire Republic, but at the same time feel so alone. I know that you, like I did, blame the council for a lot of it. But I learned something, something I taught my Padawan and something that I hope you'll learn. They did what they thought was right, not just for the entire order, but for me. That engraved this truth in me: Above all, no matter what, always do what is right. I know they can be tough, Anakin. Believe me, I do. But they aren't spiteful, they aren't vengeful, they aren't jealous…they just don't know what to do with someone like you."

Anakin looked over at him. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for someone to say those words, Master?"

Revan smiled. "Bastilla once told me, 'the truth must lie somewhere along the journey, because without it, how would we reach our destination?' No one taught me this Anakin. I finally learned after stepping back and looking over my life from afar."

Anakin nodded and looked away. "I just want to be a good master to Ahsoka…and a good husband to my wife."

Revan nodded. "You know, Anakin, those two aren't nearly as distant as some in the order would say they are. You're a good master to your padawan and a good friend to all. You're much better at this than you think."

Anakin shook his head. "I don't know, Master…I'm so frightened of failing those I hold closest to me. My visions…I'm surrounded by evil, Master. I can't seem to shake it. I don't want my friends and family to suffer as a result."

Revan stood up and put a hand on Anakin's shoulder, causing him to look up from the ground. "Let me tell you one more thing Anakin. No matter what anyone in this galaxy tells you, any dream speaks to you, any vision shows you, your future is just that: yours. Your choices will determine your destiny. No nightmare can change that."

With that, Revan walked off, intent on meditating before sunrise, leaving behind a refreshed and resolute Anakin.

Anakin arrived back at Padme's apartment to find her getting up, attempting to get her day started before the dawn. He gently kissed her and pulled her onto the couch. "Padme…I had a good talk with Revan. It was refreshing…not even Obi-Wan understands me like he does."

Padme smiled and kissed her husband. "I'm glad that he helped, Anakin. What did he say?"

"A lot of things…so many things. But I'll tell you something, something that really hit me. My destiny is just that: mine. I'm not going to let these dreams control me. I control whether or not they come to pass, not the other way around."

Padme wrapped her arms around her husband. "I'm so proud of you, Ani."

"He said something else to…something I can pass along to Ahsoka. 'Above all, no matter what, always do what is right.'"

Anakin dressed and then proceeded to escort his wife to her senate chambers for a meeting amongst the other members of the Peace Caucus. There, he found the Exile, along with Revan, who gave him a knowing smile, having sensed the Jedi's lightened load from across the room. Padme spoke, saying, "You all spent your night here. Bail said you've come to a decision."

Senator Malric nodded. "After a long night of debating and help from a wise Jedi…we've decided to drop opposition to the Republic Military Enhancement Bill. The bill will pass the vote today."

Padme swallowed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes Padme, we're sure. In fact, we're proposing to rewrite some of the legislation to allow for expansion."

Padme nodded. "Then it's decided."

"Padme…we want you to speak. To advocate for expansion. Your voice carries an extreme amount of weight. Yours is a voice that people respect. Will you help us?"

Padme cast a subtle glance to her husband, before nodding. "I'll do it."

Padme stood on her pod, watching as Senator Tian Jarrus, an Akranian of Kothlis, advocated for the expansion of the clone army. His impassioned plea lasted for well over half an hour, and Padme admitted, even if she had stuck to her guns and advocated peace, she would have been swayed, even if just a little bit, to support her counterpart. As his speech ended and applause sounded, Padme looked down at her screen one last time, familiarizing herself with her bullet points, before detaching her pod and moving to the middle of the rotunda. "Thank you, Senator…

Members of the Senate, as you know, I represent the Peace Caucus, who have advocated diplomacy since the inception of this awful war. Many of you expect me to give a defense for not expanding the war effort, to attempt to persuade you to open up the channels of diplomacy and let these actions bring this war to a standstill. Last night, after Senator Malric's report to the Senate Oversight Committee, the Peace Caucus met till early this morning, debating amongst one another as we attempted to reconcile with the attack on Aaeton that had just occurred. It was at this time that Alex Roth, former padawan of Jedi Master Revan, graced those present with a fervent petition to reconsider our position of peace…

You see, Senators, we have been advocating that peace be shown to those that refuse to extend to use the same civility. We have pushed for diplomacy with those that use it as a guise for conflict. He broke down for us what this truly is…a fight between good and evil. Right and wrong. No longer will my caucus stand in the way of those that want to end this conflict. No longer will we debate a course of action that will be ignored by those that fight against us. What we finally realized…was that, sadly, sometimes war is the only course of action when dealing with those that will not act with reason.

The Peace Caucus withdraws its opposition to the Republic Military Enhancement Bill, and further suggests additional legislation be added that expands naval development, adds a volunteer joint task force to the Grand Army of the Republic and the famed Intelligence Office Special Operations Division, and increases the number of clone troopers to be developed from five million to fifty million. The Peace Caucus wants this war over as soon as possible. Sadly, it appears as though combat is the only way to ensure peace for the galaxy."

The Senate erupted in chaos and confusion, as Padme hung her head and descended to her platform. There, she was greeted by Revan, who put a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "I'm proud of you, Senator. I know that was excruciatingly hard."

Padme looked up, and with a fire in her eyes, said, "Finish this war, Master Jedi. The Senate is about to give you the tools. Do whatever you have to do to finish it."

"Of course, milady. Senators." Revan bowed and then exited, leaving behind an exhausted Padme.

The rest of the day on Coruscant was a blur, as protestors gathered at the foot of the Jedi Temple and in the Senate Complex, which eventually led to conflict with those that supported the war. Padme watched the reports on the HoloNet and shook her head, walking back to Anakin and wrapping herself in his arms. "Anakin…"

"I know Padme. I know."

"It was so hard. I betrayed everything I believe in."

"Padme…you know you've done everything in your power to make this work. Separatists with honor, like Senator Bonteri, they're gone now. We have no other choice but to fight back."

"I know…I know. I'm sorry-"

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You did the right thing."

Anakin heard his commlink buzz. "It's Ahsoka. I have to go…are you going to be alright?"

Padme wiped her eyes and nodded. "I will." Anakin nodded, gave her a kiss, and then headed for the temple.

Revan walked along the temple outer passageways, the orange light of the light afternoon casting a deep glow. Alongside him, right next to the edge of the roof, was the force ghost of Bastilla. "You would be proud of everything here Bastilla. There are some good people. Far better than when you and I were here."

Bastilla nodded and smiled. "I'm glad that you're taking to your new life. Anakin is lucky to have you."

"Did you know he's married? He told me last night."

"You two are far more similar than you would like to admit, Revan."

"Maybe. I'm starting to agree."

"How are you, Revan? I mean…how ARE you?"

Revan sighed. "Having Roth helps, but…I'm lonely Bastilla. You weren't just my wife, you were my best friend. I miss you."

Bastilla smiled. "You always were emotional, Revan."

Revan chuckled. "Part of my undoing. Bastilla, I want you to know…if I could go back, change the way everything happened, get to grow old with you…I would. I'm sorry that I left to search for the Emperor…I'm sorry that I left you all alone."

Bastilla's ghost stopped and caressed his cheek, Revan feeling her presence as he did so. "Revan, you can't look back, you can't alter the past, but you can transform the future. You have to move forward."

Revan sighed and nodded. "I know."

"And Revan…" They both stopped. "…there are dark times coming, love. Beware the dark side. It clouds everything. Cling to your new friends and defend them with your life."

"I will, Bastilla. I promise."

She smiled. "I know you will, my love. It's why people magnate towards you. It's why I fell for you all those years ago."

She caressed him again. "It's what I remember most about you."

Revan felt his eyes moisten. "You sound final, Bastilla."

She sighed and nodded. "I can feel myself weakening. After all these millennia together in the middle of two worlds, it's time for me to pass on to what comes next."

Revan felt the tears run down his face. "So then…this is goodbye."

Bastilla nodded and Revan watched her eyes deepen with sadness. "…This is goodbye. I love you Revan. And remember what you taught me all those years ago. 'Above all, not matter what…"

Revan finished, "Always do what is right."

Bastilla smiled. "Always do what is right." Revan looked up and saw his wife's brilliant smile one last time. He engraved it to his memory, and then watched as she slowly faded away.

Anakin arrived at Ahsoka's quarters to find the young Jedi finishing maintenance on her lightsabers. "Ahsoka?"

"Master, good, you're here. The council wants to go over some intel regarding the campaign into the Outer Rim."

Anakin nodded, which prompted Ahsoka to stand up and walk out, but not before he stopped her. "Ahsoka, wait."

She paused and turned back. "What is it, Master?"

He put both of his hands on her shoulder and smiled. "I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. Of the Jedi and person that you're becoming. I'm honored to be your master…and your friend. You're my family now, Ahsoka. The only real family I've got. I just wanted to thank you for everything. I don't know how I would have managed the past few years without you."

Ahsoka smiled. "Thanks, Master. I feel the same way. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and friend."

"Ahsoka, Revan told me something that has stuck with me since I heard it. I want to pass it along to you. I want you to remember this, if nothing else. 'Above all, no matter what, always do what is right.'"

Ahsoka smiled and put her hands on Anakin's forearms. "You didn't have to tell me Master. You've shown me with your actions, ever since the first day on Christophis. That's why I'd follow you to the end of the galaxy."

Anakin nodded and said, "Well then, we'd better get up to the council chamber to find out what they have planned for us." The two of them walked off, but as they did so, Anakin slid an arm around his padawan and closest friend.

(Hope you're enjoying the story! I'd love to read your reviews! DM me, review, etc. I love feedback. Hope you enjoy!)