16
Nearly a month after the Sith attack, the Universe had returned to normal. Once again the Galactic Senate had come together, reforming the laws that had been so strictly changed by Palpatine under his rule. Supreme Chancellor Amidala created a doctrine of peace, insisting on listening to every System's problems in a harder attempt at preventing any new outbreak of war. In time she retired the Grand Army of clones, providing them with jobs and benefits around the System.
The time had come when Anakin Skywalker made the decision to disclose the information of his secrets to the Council. With a shaky gait, he made his way to the center of the Jedi Council. The Masters before him loomed large over him, as if they were Gods. He feared their actions, but came to the conclusion that his future lay safely with the will of the force. Behind him, sat Obi-Wan, who seemed as nervous as he. It was his padawan that had broken the rules, and he somehow felt that their decision my hurt him as well. Though he felt this, he understood similarly that he had taught his Apprentice well, and whatever he did would be honorable.
Anakin pondered if the Council would be lenient on him in the wake of his victory over the Dark Side. With a final sigh and bow, he began to recite the words that had so plagued his life.
"Honorable Masters of the force, peers and friends alike. I come to you in an attempt to set my soul at peace."
Silence.
"I have not been faithful to the doctrines of the Jedi Order. In fact I have broken a few of them. I can only pray that after I explain my situation, you will find it in your hearts to discipline me as you see fit. My future lay in your honorable hands."
He paused, swallowing hard. This was the single hardest moment in his life. It even rivaled the seduction that Palpatine had attempted.
"I have entered in the holy unionof marriage. With the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic no less. Furthermore the two of us are expecting children. Twins to be exact."
He stopped, gauging their faces. Every single one of them sat calmly, showing no signs of anger or disappointment. At least not outwardly.
"I realize that I have violated a number of your doctrines, and once again, I can only pray that you punish fittingly."
Forever they sat, seemingly frozen in time. Each member searched a fellow's face. It was after an agonizing eternity that Mace Windu spoke.
"Young Skywalker. We are extremely shocked by the turn of events, and such revelations bring forth a choice for all of us. You must realize how difficult this decision is. Our shoulders are weighed heavily."
Yoda dropped from his cushioned chair silently. He limped toward Anakin, and for a brief amount of time, the young man feared a heavy strike over the brow with a gimer stick. It didn't come. Yoda simply stood, face down, staring at his reflection in the marble.
"Broken the rules of the Order were," He said. "The character in question, given, vote I do for a change in doctrine."
"The doctrine has been in place for millennia, Master Yoda." Windu retorted.
"Yes, but sacred marriage is. Become another trial for us all, it has."
Mace Windu seemed to understand. The other members didn't seem so understanding. "Love presents another test for any Jedi caught within it. What comes with love is jealousy, compassion, forgiveness. Once they have been delved into, and balanced accordingly, it can only improve the aforementioned Jedi's balance with the force."
Plo Koon, who was obviously not convinced began. "That brings about many risks."
"Risks they are, but if taken they will improve one's stance with the force. This, you see, is the key to the balance of the force." Mace replied smoothly.
"Learn we all have from the chosen one," Yoda said.
Anakin's heart took flight.
"But, since you have broken the doctrine of our Order, you must be punished. Chosen One or not."
It sank again.
"Your punishment shall be immediately going back on active duty. Your official sabbaticals have been revoked." Mace Windu leaned to Anakin's side, looking at Obi-Wan. "That goes for you as well, Master Kenobi."
"And it takes effect immediately after the birth of your children."
Yoda waddled over to Anakin, who quickly lowered to one knee. The boy felt a warm, three fingered hand upon his shoulder. "Look forward we do, to what Skywalker's offspring will be capable of."
Tears broke free from their dams in Anakin's eyes. Through training from childhood, he could not restrain the vast amount of emotions that came forth. In stifled sobs of joy, he smiled.
"If the force allows, they will be trained under one of the greatest instructors in the history of the Jedi. I pray that you will teach them well, Master Yoda."
As Yoda began to walk away, he stopped and turned. The very first smile that had ever been seen on the aged Jedi Master's face, shown brightly toward Anakin. "We shall see, my friend. We shall see."