Chapter 3: Unhinged Leader
It had been a couple days since Count Dooku had revealed to the Jedi that Chancellor Palpatine was a Sith Lord. In those days since, the Jedi and especially Anakin have begun to think what Dooku told them was true. In his most recent address to the Senate, he announced the appointment of regional governors. The Senate, in particular the Delegation of 2,000, opposed this due to the idea of undermining the democracy the Republic was founded on. He began demanding Jedi lead battalions of clones across the Galaxy, dispersing much of the Jedi Council. The only Masters remaining on Coruscant included Shaak Ti, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan.
In the Jedi Temple, Anakin was called to the Council where everyone was waiting for him.
"You summoned me, Master?" Anakin asks.
"Yes. The Chancellor has requested your presence. Though he will not say for what purpose." Obi-Wan says.
"He didn't? That's unusual isn't it?" Anakin asks.
"It would be… if we weren't given a damning accusation against the Chancellor." Mace Windu chimes in. "Anakin, go see the Chancellor and see what he requests. Report back here to see what he informed you." He orders.
"Yes, Master." Anakin bows and leaves the chambers.
"Stay safe." Obi-Wan whispers quietly.
In the Chancellor's office, Palpatine was in a meeting with Padmé.
"Chancellor, I don't understand. Why amplify the war like this?" Padmé asked.
"Senator, it's not like you to question my logic. This war needs to come to an end. And in order to make sure of that, we need to rid the galaxy of Sepratist forces." Palpatine responds defensively. "The regional governors will not be there forever, but they will oversee the territories that they are given control of. They are to ensure that there is a peaceful transition of power from the Separatists back to the Republic, and to rebuild their civilization."
"Sheev, we've known each other for years. If you feel distressed, considering you were kidnapped, you can talk to me. I unfortunately know how that feels." Padmé says in an attempt to calm the Chancellor down.
"Padmé, you've always meant well. And I appreciate the friendship we've had over the years, but I don't want you to think that what I'm doing is an emotional reaction. I hope you can understand that." Palpatine says in a calmer tone. "Anyway, I have an appointment soon. But feel free to come again sometime, I do enjoy our little chats."
"As do I, Chancellor." Padmé leaves Palpatine's office. When she is gone, his smile turns into a frown as he sits at his desk to wait for Anakin. Ten minutes later, the Jedi Knight arrives.
"You requested my presence, Chancellor?" Anakin bows.
"Yes, Anakin. There is something I wanted to talk to you about." Palpatine says, standing to greet the young Jedi. "I trust by now you have heard of my new policies in addition to my war efforts."
"I have, Chancellor. But I'm not the most politically savvy person." Anakin says.
"I trust you more than I do the Senate… and the Courts for that matter. Them criticizing my judgment and some of them even saying they are close friends of mine. I had met with Senator Amidala who even chose to question me. If I had my way, the Senate would be dissolved to stop the arguments." Palpatine passionately states, though he senses Anakin growing uneasy around him so he calms down. "But that is just a mere thought… not a reality. But there is something I request of YOU, Anakin."
"What do you want me to do?" Anakin asks curiously.
"I want to accept my appointment of you as my representative on the Jedi Council." Palpatine states, much to Anakin's surprise.
"Me? A Master? I honored sir, but the Jedi won't allow this. They elect their own members." Anakin points out.
"Well, we will have to wait and see what their reaction will be. Won't we?" Palpatine replies.
When Anakin returns to the Council, they are stunned by what Palpatine is requesting.
"Allow this appointment, we do not. More obvious Chancellor Palpatine's plans are becoming." Yoda says over a hologram.
"I understand, Master." Anakin says.
"And you are not planning on asking to be on the Council?" Mace Windu asks.
"I would never ask you that, and I even pointed out to the Chancellor that you would likely say no." Anakin responds.
"Wise judgement, Anakin. If that is all, we will adjourn." Windu says.
After the Council is out of session, Anakin says is walking and contemplating with Obi-Wan and Windu.
"I think it is time that we investigate what Count Dooku had said to us." Windu says.
"I agree. We had better move quickly though. If the Chancellor is sending more Jedi across the galaxy, it won't be long before one of us is sent to find Grievous. I fear once Grievous is out of the picture, we may be too." Obi-Wan says in agreement. The two Jedi walk away from Windu, he calls Anakin back.
"Skywalker, a moment please." Anakin walks back to him. "This is something of a personal note. I don't want you to feel that the Council's decision is anything against you. You undoubtedly have skill, and in the future being granted the rank of Master is possible. If you are patient, in time you could very well hold my rank."
"Thank you for saying so, Master Windu." Anakin says, at ease with the Jedi Master.
"There is something that is troubling me. Ever since you returned the Chancellor to the Capitol, you've been uneasy. I've sensed suspicion and conflict within you.
"When Master Kenobi and I placed Dooku in custody, he spoke of the manner of my mother's death." Anakin confesses.
"Yes I was aware of your mother's passing, but I never asked how." Windu says.
"Well the only person I ever confided in with that was the Chancellor. Now how could Dooku have known that, if he wasn't in contact with the Chancellor?"
"Tread lightly around Palpatine, Anakin. Dooku may have accused Palpatine in front of you, but don't let him know that you believe the accusation." Windu warns.
End of the chapter. I liked writing Palpatine as a paranoid leader, especially since he is based on Richard Nixon. The next chapter is going to be an interesting one to write. I just need to figure out where to go from there and how to write it. Until then, happy reading.