Chapter 7
The next morning, Anakin woke up early. He went outside onto the verandah and began to meditate. His awareness began to expand like normal. He could feel the darkness, but it seemed more potent on Coruscant, like it was closer. But he still could not trace it to it's source. Just as he was about to delve deeper into the Dark Side, he sensed the presence of his wife behind him. He opened his eyes and without even turning around, he said with a smile "Good morning Padme.". He was rewarded with a smothered giggle. Padme said "I wanted to sneak up on you!". Anakin turned around and asked "What's your plans for the day?". Padme answered "Its the seventh day of the week, so the Senate dosen't meet today. Meaning we have the day to ourselves. So how does some breakfast sound? Then we go visit some friends of mine?". "Sounds good Padme, just please, no kriffing politics!"
Anakin and Padme caught an air taxi to the 500 Republica, the most exclusive address on Coruscant. Once they cleared security, they were escorted to an apartment on the thirtieth floor. The door opened and a man appeared, with a start, Anakin recognised Senator Garm Bel Iblis. Bel Iblis' lit up with a smile "Padme, how are you? Thank you for coming. Mon Mothma and Bail are already here. And this must be that husband that you keep talking about?". Anakin bowed his head respectfully and said "I am Anakin Skywalker sir, pleased to meet you.". Bel Iblis said "Likewise. You may not know this but I am a Corellian. And we have a reputation for being very daring pilots.". Anakin responded "I do know, I have a couple working for me at my workshop on Tatooine.". Bel Iblis said with a smirk "I have a busted up old SoroSuub X-34 landspeeder and I hear you are the best man to give it new life. Even as a politician, I still itch for the chance to do something crazy. So I am asking you to see just how much speed you can get out of my old speeder. I can pay you quite handsomely. Anakin said after a little thought "I would be happy to take the job Senator, but you will have to pay me in Aurodium. No disrespect intended sir, but Republic credits aren't any good on Tatooine and I need to be able to pay my employees.". Bel Iblis smiled saying "Thats not a problem, in fact its refreshing to come across a man as wealthy as yourself who cares about his employees. But I digress, may I have the speeder delivered to your workshop within the week?" "Of course Senator, I will send a message to the workshop tonight and let them know to expect delivery."
Next, Padme introduced Anakin to Bail Organa, Senator of Alderaan. Anakin shook hands with Bail and asked "How are things in your neck of the galaxy? I hear the Confederacy tried to attack Alderaan a month ago." Bail with a sad look said "Yes, the clones were able to repel the attack, but a great many of them were killed. Sad thing is this war might have been prevented if Dooku and Palpatine were just willing to sit down and talk. But its a moot point now. Truth is I enjoy days like today, where we don't have to debate and argue." Anakin said quietly "Its sad when you realise a lot of conflict thats taken place throughout our recorded history could have been prevented if everyone was willing to actually talk to one another. Thats part of the reason I left the Order. The Jedi are supposed to be peacekeepers and diplomats, not soldiers. Matter of fact Senator, the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith could have ended thousands of years ago if they took the time to understand eachother." Bail looked startled and said "That's certainly a unique perspective, I am curious as to how you came to it." Anakin choosing his words with precision said "Back when I was a youngling, I took lessons from the Jedi Archivist, Jocasta Nu. One subject I learned was the war with the Eternal Empire. Approximately three and a half thousand years ago, both the Republic and Sith Empire came under attack from the Eternal Empire, which ruled a goodly portion of Wild Space at the time. The Eternal Empire defeated both sides very quickly. But an individual known as The Commander formed an alliance to defeat the Eternal Empire. Both Jedi and Sith were in the ranks of this alliance, working together, learning from eachother. They succeded ultimately because they were able to actually understand eachother. The Commander himself was an immensely powerful Force user. He was known to be able to channel the Light side and the Dark side at once. His example inspired others. But no one knows what happened to the alliance.". Bail looked at Anakin thoughtfully and said "Thats interesting. And it certainly makes me wonder. But its questions for another day. For now, lets forget about this accursed war."
That evening Anakin and Padme returned to Padme's penthouse. Anakin spoke up "I must say, I actually find myself liking Bail Organa as well as Garm Bel Iblis. They actually take their duties as Senators seriously.". Padme said smiling "I hoped you would feel that way. Bail, Mon Mothma, Garm and myself are actually part of a coalition. Prominent politicians, civilians and business owners, to try and do some justice in this galaxy in ways that dont involve weapons. We want you to be part of this.". Anakin, rather startled asked "Why me? All I do is run a custom speeder shop." "A custom speeder shop that pulls down millions of credits a year. But its you that we need Anakin. You are a legend in the Outer Rim. Former slave, Jedi, now wealthy business man, all while you are under the age of twenty five. Your name is whispered amongst the slaves who didn't have any hope before. It also helps that you run a business on a planet where slavery is commonplace, yet you refuse to take part.". Anakin after a pause said "When you put it like that, if I can do some good, I will put my name to it.". Padme gave Anakin a glowing smile and said "Lets head to bed, theres a coalition meeting tomorrow afternoon in the Alderaanian Embassy, as a new member, you should make an appearance."