Come Undone
Chapter 8
"So, even though they don't 'approve of the attachment', circumstances dictate that allowances can be made for the time being." Anakin snorted in mock disgust. Anakin and Chancellor Palpatine were involved in a game of Aldusian Chess, a game that required it's participants to often think many, many moves ahead. He moved his piece over a few spaces and smiled.
"Although I am still technically Obi-wan's, apprentice I am also ostensibly planet bound for the duration." The young man shook his head, an exasperated, yet oddly amused look upon his countenance. "While he runs off and finishes a rather boring negotiation on some outer rim planet, I am required to spend 8 hours a day either in 'lessons' with Masters Mace or Yoda or practicing my saber technique. I believe I have you, Your Excellency... check."
"Not so fast my boy," Palpatine returned his smile, moving a piece of his own into an attack position. "And in the meantime... they allow you to reside with Senator Amidala then? Indeed, the council is being very, shall we say understanding?"
Anakin moved another one of his pieces, a look of triumph on his face.
"Understanding isn't the word I would use. I told them in no uncertain terms that I would be with my wife and if there would be a serious conflict with this issue, the lost twenty would become the lost twenty one. Prophecy or not, I am a man that will choose his own destiny. If it means parting ways with the Jedi order than so be it, but I will follow my heart from now on. I love her and nothing, not the Jedi, not anything, will come between us. Mate, your Excellency. I've beaten you again. Care to be trounced in another game? The council is busy with its own matters and Padmé's healers claim that I am underfoot when they are working," here he paused, all the brash cockiness washed away in an instant. "Perhaps it is just as well… I cannot stand to see her in any pain…"
"They do what they must my young friend, but I'm a little surprised…. you have no idea of the gender of the child?" Palpatine asked. The tone was innocent enough but the eye's flickered briefly. "I would have thought a Jedi as gifted as yourself would be able to discern that relatively minor detail…"
Anakin shook his head; he couldn't bring himself to tell the Chancellor that he was afraid to know… perhaps 'afraid' wasn't the right word. The idea of another being, even if it was a part of them was just too… too… it felt like an intrusion, but whether it was on himself or Padmé, he wasn't really sure. Besides, he and Padmé had made a bit of a game of it… a privet game… No, he just… couldn't.
Instead, Anakin emitted a slight chuckle and began to set up the pieces again.
"Not even 'The Chosen One' can be all knowing..." the words came out smoldering with vitriol, and controlled rage. "Although I think the term is a matter of convenience… If I am in training, 'the CHOSEN ONE' must not be held above the others. If I fail… then I must not be working hard enough… I grow more tired of the Jedi and it's archaic ways every day…
Palpatine smiled more broadly. "Indeed… But as for the game, I'm afraid that two games in a row are quite enough for me Anakin." His tone lowered and became soft and seductive. "I am surprised that the council has not included you in the war planning meetings. You've already proven what a great strategist you are." He moved to put the game away, his voice still low and conspirital. "Perhaps I can interest you in more of those Holocrons I showed you a few weeks ago... I know you found them as fascinating as I thought you might.
Anakin nodded absently, lost in his own thoughts for a moment. "Yes they are very interesting, your Excellency," he said at last. "But haven't you shown them to Master Yoda? He would probably be most helpful in discovering many of their secrets..."
Palpatine cut him off sharply. "You haven't spoken to anyone about these Holocrons have you? It could be very detrimental for both of us."
"Oh… Of… of course not Excellency." Anakin stammered. "It's just that I thought..."
"Yes, yes..." Palpatine cut in. "Sometimes I forget how youthful you are. Perhaps we should leave it for another time if you're not ready..."
"Oh no Excellency, I didn't, I mean... If you would still care to show me sir. Other than my wife, you seem to be the only one who has any faith in me anymore." Anakin offered the Chancellor a feeble smile. "I apologize for any offence..."
"None taken my boy," Palpatine's own smile returned. "I'm sure that you must agree that in these dangerous and uncertain times one must be exceedingly careful. Come with me then, we can continue your education...."
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In another part of the city, at the Jedi Council Temple, Master Yoda suppressed a shudder. Thankfully, none of the other members of the council had noticed, but to him, it was as if a shadow had passed over the face of the sun.
