Strange World • New World by TruView
Author's NOTE: 'Sith Balance' will conclude the first person narrative of the Anakin Skywalker character in this story arc. Unfortunately, it's had a rough go of it; too many folks can't seem to get beyond the first chapter which was a pretty quick read. It could be that they simply prefer the impersonal voice in reference hoping to maintain the Darth Vader mystique. Or, my first person could use some serious work –which it could, admittedly. Anyway, it didn't feel right leaving things untidy. Enjoy!
Star Wars_The Darkside IV_ Sith Balance (Anakin)
[So the blinders have come off and all is revealed, Chancellor Palpatine is Sith]
The sight of my light saber on the ground totally destroyed worries me because I feel totally defenseless against a man I had no idea was both a Sith Lord and Chancellor of the entire Galactic Republic. By the way, why is he just standing there with a calm look on his face as if he has nothing to fear from me. I am still formidable, even without my weapon.
"I'm still formidable, even without my weapon." I actually say.
The old man casually smiles. "I'm sure you are Skywalker. Believe it or not, we are not at odds."
"Of course we are, you're a Sith!"
"And the Jedi have told you that the Sith are evil?"
"That's right!"
"Well of course they've said these things. We tend to be at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of our modius operandi, but our goals are essentially the same. We both want an end to war and peace. It's just that we Sith prefer a more direct path, whereas the Jedi opt for the scenic route. And as a consequence of these tendencies, they have been the cause of so much chaos in the universe. For so long, they've had the power and might to adjudicate with finality on some of the most difficult problems of our time but in their slavish devotion to a showing of an absolute impartiality, so much suffering has been allowed to persist."
"So the Sith are good then?"
"There's light and dark in all sentient beings. It is said you are 'The Chosen One'; that you'll bring balance to the Force. Maybe this means that you'll become a Sith."
"I can't see myself as a Sith! I'm a Jedi."
I start heading for the door and find that I can no longer move. He's actually using the Force to bind my ligaments to his will. I have more midi-chlorians flowing through my veins than any other Force user alive or dead. How can he detain me?!
"Surprised?" He said in all seriousness. "I could kill you here, now, Skywalker. But I don't want too. You have purpose yet to fill."
"You want me to follow you?" I asked incredulous.
"In a manner of speaking, yes. There is much I can teach you about the Force."
"You mean the Darkside."
"I mean the Force. The Darkside and the Light side both amount to the same thing... the living Force. It is The Great Mystery."
"I think I'll pass." I respond defiantly, but am still unable to move.
"Anakin, if one is to understand The Great Mystery, one must study all its aspects not just the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become wise in the ways of the Force, you must embrace… a larger view of the Force."
He finally releases me from his Force-hold and I instinctively reach for my light saber realizing only too late that it's no longer attached to my belt and that it has in fact, been cut in two."
"I understand such inclinations, Anakin Skywalker. The lessons we've learned from childhood stay with us well into adulthood. But for someone such yourself, you must break free from all that binds and become that chosen one by becoming a Sith and balancing the Force. You've tried the light side, now learn from the dark. Embrace it and have the best of both worlds." He pontificates at length turning away from me and looking out the window pane. And strangely, his words begin to blossom in my mind. They sound sweet and go down like honey, but it must be poison!
"You play word games Chancellor Palpatine. A talent you've had to cultivate in this arena, no doubt but you waste time trying to embellish the Darkside of the Force. I can see through your lies. Why all the subterfuge? Why not speak plainly?"
He sighs and then turns to face me squarely.
"I am speaking plainly. Some deception is necessary as a normal consequence of life. No one really wants complete and total honesty. Beyond that, Jedi are so shortsighted, they would have paid no heed to my explanations. As Chancellor with Sith influence, I've done a great deal of good helping to stabilize the Republic as good as anyone could have, better in point of fact according to many accounts. They've even granted me a lifetime appointment. How many past Chancellors can boast that? I must be doing something right."
"Mind manipulation!" I suggest not entirely convinced. But the honest truth is, that I am beginning to think more along such lines.
"Here's something you didn't know Master Skywalker: Since your return and your colossal defeat at the hands of your former padawan, this Commander Tano, a Togruntan female, The Jedi Council in your absence has been considering your removal."
Now he has me complete and undivided attention.
"How do you know this? You have been spying on the Council?"
"The Sith have access to Force abilities uncommon in Jedi ranks. Anyway, they will use the fact that you have sired two children with Senator Padmé as the impetus to dislodge you from your lofty perch. You see, they haven't learned anything. They conceded to the military which at times has been wrong despite their best intentions, going so far as to be willing to sacrifice one of their best and brightest with Ahsoka Tano. And now they're going to do that to you. But upon that threshold of rejection, you could go ahead and fulfill your destiny by balancing the Force! At some point in the future, you do away with both terms, Sith and Jedi creating a new union between the two. You do realize, there was once no separation between the two?"
"Yes, I know." I answer slowly unclear as to what to do about the Council's secret talks. It did make sense now. Grand Master Mace Windu with Ki Adi Mundi and other holding private talks at one of their residences.
"Here is something else to consider. The influence of the Jedi continues to wax and wane in Galactic affairs but in the next two years, they will no longer hold a seat at the table. The process to eject them utterly has been in motion for nearly half a standard year at the behest of a growing number of Senators, some you hold in high esteem…"
Is he lying? Who might he be referring too? Certainly not Padmé, not Senator, Bel Organa! He's a Sith! And Sith sow lies only to reap a harvest of death.
"You almost had me there. You know I can't verify anything you're saying."
"Yes you can. Go and confront the Council and ask them outright if they've been considering your ouster. Are you afraid, Master Jedi?"
That stings. Oh he's good.
"I'm not afraid. I'll get to the bottom of things. Trust me." I assure him.
"Good. You are wise to do so."
He slowly makes his way to me and places in my hand his gold-plated light saber handle. It's the most elegantly designed saber I've ever witnessed next to Dooku's curved hilts.
"This is yours now." He says, "Go boldly forth into a new future. Balance the Force as you were meant too. We'll discuss your decision in a couple of days."
The door opens and this is a sign for me to leave.
"You're not concerned at all that I might come back with a coterie of Jedi to apprehend you as the Sith Lord behind everything?" I ignite the blood-red weapon.
"Anakin, no one person is responsible for everything wrong in the universe." He says as a matter-of-factly which makes me seem even more foolish for posing the question immaturely. "And NO, I'm not at all concerned about you showing up with a pack of Jedi fighters at your back. I could kill anyone who shows up at my chambers, including you. I tell you what, take as much time as you need to decide. Find out more about your future prospects on a Council of a soon-to-be defunct Order of Jedi monks that can't seem to wake up to the new realities of the present. Stay with them or join me. It's up to you!"
I turn slowly regarding the new light saber in hand deactivating it as I make for the door. He calls out to me one last time.
"Anakin," I turn and raise my head eager to hear his words, "The reason you were bested by your former padawan, isn't because she was stronger than you in the Force. She isn't, but from you she has learned to be cunning. She had help. There were at least two other Force-wielders in the room. You couldn't detect them because they were cloaking themselves with the use of Darkside energy. See, even the Togrutan female has learned to step beyond the confines of the limited scope of the Jedi. You could learn from that example too or maybe you already have?"
I ball the hand not holding he light saber into a tight fist of anger. How dare he!
"Take this as well." He points to the small box containing my severed hands using the Force to send it to me standing just inside his office chambers. I grab it walking through the doors and hearing them close behind me. I am feeling light-headed suddenly knowing that I've already made my choice. It will alienate me and compel me to challenge old friends and family.
"There is no light and dark side, there is only the Force." I whisper to no one in particular as I make my way to the lift that will carry me down to the main lobby entrance. The energies flowing around me and through me have already changed. Some of my mechanical digits twitch excitedly, overcharged by Sith influence. I try not to smile, but I can't help it. I am changed.