14

Anakin stepped off the final section of the landing ramp, inhaling the warm Coruscanti air. It had been so long since he had smelled the fragrance of smoke and fuel, and he missed it. The gentle twilight of dusk began to slowly swarm over the planet, and once again the countless twinkling lights of Coruscant's city-scape filled the dark void.

Flanking him were his two children, who held him tightly. It was almost as if they were afraid he'd disappear again. They both looked up at their father, watching his expression intently as he gazed out over the skyline. In those moments, they were glad to be home.

The diminutive Whill known as Yoda came limping across the landing pad. Anakin prepared for a beating to end all beatings from the elder Council member. He watched with silent reserve as the small green creature slowly made his way to his feet.

"Oh lord," Anakin whispered to his children. "I'm in so much trouble."

As Yoda arrived at Anakin's feet, he stopped and looked up.

"Sensed the end of the Darkside, we have."

"Yes, Master," Anakin replied with a low bow. "We intercepted Ollo above Dantooine."

Yoda's expression dropped into a frown, which wasn't much different than the norm.

"Directly disobeyed the Council, you did."

"I apologize, Master."

"Apologize do not. Fought well you did."

"I want you and the Council to know my reasoning," Anakin started, hoping to get his excuse in before he was caned to death by a three foot Jedi Master.

"Your reasoning we know, Skywalker. Growing up, you are." Yoda smiled. "Much like Qui-Gon you have become."

"Is that a good thing?"

Yoda leaned upon his gimer stick, surveying the night skies. He seemed an innocent child staring into the limitless heights, but in truth, he was deep in thought. Finally he spoke.

"In a way." He smiled again.

Obi-Wan rounded the corner and began to head down the ramp when he saw Yoda. His eyes expanded like weather balloons, and he turned tail back up the ramp. "I believe I've forgotten some–."

"Obi-Wan," Yoda said, catching his fellow Jedi Master before he could escape back into the recesses of the Constantium.

Obi-Wan gave up, and turned around with a huge smile on his face. He knew he was in deep trouble.

"Let your former padawan travel across the galaxy against the Council's judgement, you did."

Obi-Wan cringed. He could feel the scolding ahead.

"Protect many people, you did also." Yoda turned once again to Anakin. "Done the same I would have. Nothing more than their name, the Jedi have."

Yoda noticed that Anakin was holding something wrapped in a thick cloth. His lips pressed together tightly. "Grim times we are all in. Proof of your innocence that is."

Anakin nodded. He wasn't exactly sure what to say in this situation., considering he was holding the severed arm of his clone.For a long moment he just stood staring off at the skyline. His uncomfortable revery was interrupted by the sweetest sound he had ever heard. It was his wife.

"Anakin!" She exclaimed, running to him. "I'm so glad you're safe!"

He embraced her as if he'd never be able to again. Her warmth filled his heart with a joy he had almost forgotten.

"What are you doing here, Anakin?" She asked. "You are a fugitive of the Republic."

Anakin smiled. "I have proof of my innocence." He held out the wrapped up arm.

She took the piece of cloth and unwrapped it. With a cringe she understood what he meant.

"I also have a recording of the clone and I dueling," Anakin continued. "Thanks to Obi-Wan."

Padme stood at her podium at the epicenter of the Senate chambers. With a proud expression on her face, she recounted Anakin's perilous story.

"And you will see," She stared Mas Amedda down. "That the DNA testing completed on the arm proves conclusively that it was an identical clone of Anakin Skywalker. You will all remember that he lost his arm almost a decade prior at the battle of Geonosis."

The Senate roared with approval. It was obvious that they were all glad to have the hero of the Republic back in good graces. Their timbre was so loud they could barely hear her begging for order. The universe was once returning to normal. Once the shouting and cheering had died down, she spoke again.

"There is also a recording of Anakin Skywalker confronting the impostor." She tapped a few keys on the podium's controls. "This video is being sent to each and every one of you."

It was now completed. Anakin's name was cleared.

"I now would like to call Senator Amedda to the floor."

Mas Amedda's face dropped. He could tell his career was going to be torn apart within the next few seconds. With a sullen face, he directed his floating podium to the main floor in front of Amidala.

"Your recent accusations, Amedda, have not only went unfounded, but have been entirely proven otherwise." Padme's tone was angered. This man had challenged her husband's honor, and it was time for him to formally pay. "Your assumptions were entirely made public in an attempt to deface a Jedi Master's name. This will not do, Senator."

"My accusations we–."

"Your accusations were irrational and wrong. You accused a Jedi of committing multiple murders. Not only was he a Jedi Master, but more importantly the Supreme Chancellor's husband. My husband!"

His face never left the ground where it lay.

"These accusations have sullied your name, and I would like everyone regardless of race and creed to think twice before believing anything this man says. Furthermore, I would like to move for your immediate removal from all Senatorial offices."

"Supreme Chancellor, with all due respect!"

"Yes, Senator, with all due respect. With all due respect I ask you to formally resign from office and allow a less brash Senator to take your place. It is not healthy for Democracy to have irrational voices among the easily swayed Populus."

Amedda snarled. "That sounds like something Palpatine would say."

"It may or may not, Senator. In some respects, Palpatine was a wise leader. I do not, and will never condone any of his actions, but nevertheless, I must say that we must keep our Grand Republic healthy for the Galaxy's sake."

Amedda was absolutely speechless. His career was crumbling at the hands of this...human.

"We will vote on the subject at the next Senate Session. Until then, I want to publicly proclaim that our loyal protectors, the Jedi are still with us. They serve goodwill only, and have never committed any crimes. I would like to personally thank them for their service."

With that, she returned to her seat. It was all over. Finally the Republic could return to normality. She could spend time with her husband without fear of being called an enemy of the state. Her husband was once again safe, and that lightened her heart. Levity would once again reign in her life. The stresses of serving the Universe had always hindered that, and with luck it would never do so again.