Sorry for the delay, things will be posted a bit hit and miss for a while. Am very busy with other stuff. Sorry. Major changes starting, but somethings remain the same.
Chapter 2
A small Jedi shuttle arrived outside the Senate building. Inside was Palpatine and several Jedi. Dozens of Senators waited with their aides. Palpatine, R2 and Anakin got out, Mace and Obi Wan stayed back. "Are you coming, Obi Wan?"
"Oh no. I'm not brave enough for politics. I have to report to the Council. Besides, someone needs to be the poster boy," Obi Wan said.
"Hold on, this whole operation was your idea. You planned it. You led the rescue operation. You have to be the one to take the bows this time," Anakin said, wanting to get out any way he could.
"Sorry, old friend. Let us not forget that you rescued me from the Buzz Droids. And you killed Count Dooku. And you rescued the Chancellor, carrying me unconscious on your back, and you managed to land that bucket of bolts safely . . ." Obi Wan listed.
"You know as well as I do that I couldn't have done that without you! You deserve the speeches," Anakin said, a hint of desperation in his voice.
". . . the endless speeches," Obi Wan continued, obviously enjoying the fact that he was getting out of the political stuff, and Anakin wasn't, ". . . Anakin, let's be fair. Today, you are the hero and you deserve your glorious day with the politicians, Besides, I think Padme's waiting inside…" he whispered the last quietly for Anakins ears alone.
"All right. But you owe me . . . and not for saving your skin for the tenth time . . ." Anakin said, obviously happier about the task if he got to see his wife.
"Ninth time . . . that business on Cato Nemoidia doesn't count. I'll see you at the briefing." Anakin smiled at that comment and walked away.
The Chancellor and his entourage then approached Master Windu. "Chancellor Palpatine, what a welcome sight! Are you all right?"
"Yes, thanks to your two Jedi Knights. They killed Count Dooku, but General Grievous has escaped once again."
"General Grievous will run and hide as he always does. He is a coward."
"That maybe true, but with Count Dooku dead, he is the leader of the Droid Army, and I assure you, the Senate will vote to continue the war as long as Grievous is alive," He'll make sure of it, Anakin thought.
"Then the Jedi Council will make finding Grievous our highest priority."
Bail, Anakin and the crowd walked away from the platform toward the Senate Hallway. Anakin always thought it kind of pointless to have a whole room with just columns that had no practical purpose. It seemed a waste of space to him.
"Skywalker, the Republic cannot praise you enough," Bail said. Anakin had always liked Bail Organa. He was like Padme, idealistic, but he had a solid base of realism which made him a good politician.
"Thank you, Senator Organa. The kidnapping was a bold move by the Separatists, but it was a mistake that Obi-Wan and I were able to take advantage of," Anakin said as 3PO and R2 followed behind.
"It couldn't possibly be as bad as all that," 3PO said to R2, who merely beeped in reply. "Well, there, I agree with you. In fact, I could do with a tune-up myself."
Anakin drifted to the back of the crowd with Bail, the robots scooting on ahead. "The end of Count Dooku will surely bring an end to this war, and an end to the Chancellor's draconian security measures." The Senator and Anakin had known each other for a while, and while he didn't know about Padme and his relationship, they shared political info occasionally.
"I wish that were so, but the fighting is going to continue until General Grievous is spare parts . . . The Chancellor is very clear about that."
Behind a large column Padme stood in shadow covered in heavy clothing. Waiting for Anakin to finish.
"I'll do everything I can with the Senate," Bail was saying.
"I'm sure you will, but will it be enough?" Anakin turned to the Senator, "Excuse me," Anakin bowed.
"Certainly," Bail said as he then went off after Palpatine and the others. Anakin went to Padme. They embraced and kissed in greeting. They hadn't seen each other in eight months.
"Oh, Anakin! Thank goodness, you're back," she said, holding him tightly. Anakin thought it was the heavy robes, but he definitely felt a bump between them.
"I missed you, Padme. I've missed you so," he said, nearing tears.
"There were reports that you'd been killed. I've been living with unbearable grief," she said, tears falling down her face at the thought.
"I'm back, I'm all right. It feels like we've been apart for a lifetime. And it might have been ... If the Chancellor hadn't been kidnapped. I don't think they would have ever brought us back from the Outer Rim sieges." He started to give her another kiss when she stepped back.
"Wait, not here . . ." she said, now very aware of their surroundings.
"Yes, here! I'm tired of all this deception. I don't care if they know we're married," Anakin made another a grab for her.
"Anakin, don't say things like that. What would happen if people found out? You'd be a political target, I couldn't bare that!" she said.
"And so would you, I don't want anything to happen to you, but I don't like this secrecy," Anakin sounded resigned to keeping it a secret longer.
"Neither do I, but the war will soon be over. Patience, my handsome Jedi . . ." she looked around furtively. "Come to me later."
He hugged her tightly then let her go in acceptance. "Are you all right? You're trembling. What's going on?" he sounded worried.
"I'm just excited to see you." she said untruthfully and Anakin picked up on the lie.
"That's not it. I sense more . . . what is it?" he was really starting to worry now
"Nothing . . . nothing . . ." she said, ducking her head.
"You're frightened. What is it?" she began to cry.
"You've been gone eight months . . . it's been very hard for me. I've never felt so alone. There's . . ."
"What's wrong?" he asked, brushing away her tears with his hands.
"Something wonderful has happened." she tried to smile, but unsuccessfully.
They looked at each other for a long moment, "I'm . . . Ani, I'm pregnant."
Anakin was stunned, he looked completely shocked, and the elated, he felt like dancing on the columns, He took her into his arms with a big grin. "That's wonderful," he laughed in delight, "Who else knows?"
"Obi Wan and Master Yoda, I told them when I thought you dead." she said, chocking on the word dead.
Anakin saw her worried look, "We're not going to worry about anything right now, all right? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life."
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On Utapau a small Neimoidian shuttle landed. Grevious descended from the platform. "The planet is secure, sir. The population is under control." a battle droid sai.
"Good. Where is the Separatist Council?" Grevieous ordered.
"This way, sir …" the droid replied. Grevious got into an elevator and enter the conference room. He pressed a button and Darth Sidious appeared. "Yes, Lord Sidious." Grevious bowed.
"General Grievous, I suggest you move the Separatist leaders to Mustafar," the hologram said.
"It will be done, My Lord."
"The end of the war is near, General, and I promise you, victory is assured."
"But the loss of Count Dooku?"
"His death was a necessary loss, which will ensure our victory. Soon I will have a new apprentice . . . one far younger and more powerful than Lord Tyranus." the hologram flickered and disappeared.
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Padme stood on the balcony, brushing her hair. Anakin leant against the wall, watching her with a loving expression. ". . . every second I was thinking of you. Protecting the endless, nameless Outer Rim settlements became a torture . . . the battles were easy, the longing became unbearable . . . I've never been so happy as I am at this moment."
Padme paused in her brushing, "Ani, I want to have our baby back home on Naboo. We could go to the lake country where no one would know . . . where we would be safe. I could go early-and fix up the baby's room. I know the perfect spot, right by the gardens."
"You are so beautiful!" he said, not exactly answering her, because he knew it unlikely that it would happen.
"It's only because I'm so in love . . ." she joked.
"No, it's because I'm so in love with you," he said coming over to her and hugging her from behind. He rested his hands on her very swollen stomach.
"So love has blinded you?" she said with a raised eyebrow looking up at him.
"Well, that's not exactly what I meant . . ." he said, trying to get that dangerous look out of Padme's eyes.
"But it's probably true!" they both laughed at that.
"I love you," he said, burying his face in her hair.
"I love you too," she said, resting her back against his chest.
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Padme was on a table in an area filled with white equipment. She was giving birth and screaming in real pain. The image was blurred, but he could hear everything clearly.
"Anakin, help me! Help, Anakin, where are you? Anakin, I love you. I love you," she said to the ceiling. She gave a blood curdling scream and died.
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Anakin stood in the middle of a swamp. A black figure moving around him. He had his light sabre ignited. He quickly turned and clashed sabre with a black figure. It was empty and dark, it was death.
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Kit Fisto charging after droids, suddenly killed. Master Mundi, cut down. Other Jedi, killed. All at once, all the same. No killer was seen.
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Anakin woke up with a start. He was covered in sweat. He breathed deeply, and tried to shake the visions from his head. They stayed where they were. Padme was sound asleep next to him, he carefully slipped out of the sheets to sit on the edge of the bed. He closed his eyes tightly together as if to block everything out. He put his head in his hands and wept. After a while he regained his composure and crept quietly down the stairs to avoid waking Padme. An hour later, Padme woke to realise her husband was gone. "Anakin?" she got out of bed and went down stairs to look for him.
Anakin was standing on the large veranda meditating. He had been trying to figure out what he had seen and getting his head around the inevitable. Padme took his hand, but he didn't turn to look at her. "What's bothering you?" she asked, concerned.
"Nothing . . ." he turned to face her and looked at her. He saw the japor snippet around her neck. "I remember when I gave this to you." he said with a small smile.
"Anakin, I know you better than that!" she chastised him.
"It was a dream," he said, knowing she wouldn't drop it.
"Bad?"
"Like the ones I used to have about Qui gon just before he died," he looked away.
"And?" she asked, knowing there was something in particular about this dream, because he had so man like it in recent years.
"It was about various people." he said, trying to get the subject dropped.
"Tell me," she said.
"It was only a dream," he said, but when Padme gave him a long worried look he took a deep breath and started to answer. "They died."
"Was one of them me?" she asked, seeing the way he looked at her when he said 'they.'
"Yes," he ripped out of his voice, looking away in pain.
"The baby?" she asked, worried about it, rather than herself.
"I don't know," he replied honestly.
"It was only a dream," she said, trying to reassure him. Anakin took her into his arms, knowing she was only trying to comfort him. Not knowing that he knew that the future was set. She was going to die in childbirth.
"I…I just don't know why I wasn't there," he said, choking up. They held each other tightly and then she looked up at him.
"Anakin, this baby will change our lives. I doubt the Queen will continue to allow me to serve in the Senate."
"I know, but you're a respected Senator. You will still be heard and be able to bring change," he said, "and I am sure you will be important with the Temple."
"Anakin, if this child is Force sensitive will it go to the Temple?" she asked looking up at him.
"More than likely," he smiled down at her, "The Council will insist, but don't worry, it will have it's uncle Obi Wan and Father to look after it. The Council will also be allowing it to stay with you and me, so it will know who we are."
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Anakin walked into the old apartment he used to share with Master Yoda. He now had a room of his own, there wasn't much in it as when he was in Coruscant he stayed with Padme, but he would always have a warm feeling for the place that he spent several wonderful years with his Master. Anakin walked into the mediation room where Yoda waited. They sat and started to talk about Anakin's visions.
"Premonitions you always have had, why for this one come to me?" Yoda asked after much thought.
"They are of pain, suffering, death. Padme's death, the death of Jedi's," Anakin replied, obviously upset at the thought of Padme's death.
"Careful you must be when sensing the future, Anakin. The fear of loss is a path to the dark side," Yoda warned. He seemed to know that Anakin just needed to tell someone about these visions, rather than be advised, but he was still a teacher and some habits couldn't be changed.
"I know. I know it's coming, but I want to prepare, is there a way I can do that?" Anakin obviously knew there was no stopping it. But he was having a hard time letting go and accepting.
"Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Your time with her will be precious, stay on Coruscant you shall for the time being."
"Thank you Master. I know she will die, I have accepted it. I just wish…" he trailed off. He obviously wished it weren't so and would be forever haunted by the fact that he knew and couldn't do anything. But he was a Jedi and Master Yoda had taught him well. He had to let go.
"Wish not. Move on you must. Trained you well I have. Accepted your loss you have. Good Jedi you are. Savour your time with her, do not let her know what is to come." he said. Knowing that it would only taint their time together if Padme knew.
"I won't Master," Anakin said. He looked out into the setting sky and wished there was another way.
"News I have for you my Padawan," Yoda said, getting off his meditation mat. They walked out to his sitting room where Yoda started watering his plants. Anakin noticed that in between the plants and various knick-knacks from around the galaxy, there were a couple of holo pictures of him and Yoda's other Padawans. There was one of him after just having drawn with Master Yoda in a sparring match and another of him having just been knighted. "Prerogative it is of a Jedi's old Master to tell him of his ascension to Mastery. The Council feel, due to your skills and temperament, that become a Master you should. Pleased I am for you."
"Master?" Anakin said shocked, "That's… that's wonderful news!"
"Member of Council you will become as well," Yoda said, with a smile on his face. "Earned it you have."
"Master and a member of the Council. Isn't that a bit unusual, especially at my age," Anakin asked. He was pleased, but puzzled at this.
"Unusual Jedi you are. For the past couple of years, the Council thought you ready they have. Wise you are, and knowledgeable of the ways of others. Glad we are to have you one our Council." Yoda looked at Anakin. "Go you should, tell your wife. Pleased I am for you."
Anakin smiled in goodbye and with a nod of his head left. He was a Master AND on the Council. It was very welcome news.
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Anakin walked down the Temple hallway towards the briefing room were several Jedi exited. He had been busy with Master Yoda and so had missed the meeting. Obi Wan stood at the front of the lecture hall. He was shutting off holograms and charts as Anakin came in. The last of the Jedi had already left. "You missed the report on the Outer Rim sieges," Obi Wan scolded.
"I'm sorry, I was held up. I was talking to Master Yoda," Anakin apologised. He had a huge grin on his face. Obi Wan knew exactly what had happened.
"In short, they are going very well. Saleucami has fallen, and Master Vos has moved his troops to Boz Pity," Obi Wan looked at Anakin with a sly grin. "Congratulations on your appointment, MASTER Skywalker." They shook hands, grinning broadly.
"Thank you so much, Master Kenobi," Anakin said. They had a quick laugh over it. Obi Wan was clearly happy for him, but Anakin saw something behind the smile. "What's wrong?" Anakin said, knowing his old guardian too well.
Obi Wan gave Anakin a steady look, "The Senate is expected to vote more executive powers to the Chancellor today." Obi Wan said.
"Hmmm. It will speed things up in the Senate, but I wonder what cost there is for it."
"Anakin, be careful of your friend Palpatine. He has requested your presence," Obi Wan said as they left the room.
"What for?" Anakin asked, surprised. Palpatine didn't usually call him out of the blue.
"He would not say," Obi Wan was obviously not happy about that.
"He didn't inform the Jedi Council? That's unusual, isn't it?" Anakin asked. Wary about what Palpatine wanted him for.
"All of this is unusual," Obi Wan burst out, obviously frustrated, "and it's making me feel uneasy. You're probably aware that relations between the Council and the Chancellor are stressed."
"I know the Council has grown wary of the Chancellor's power. With good reason probably, and I know the Chancellor doesn't entirely trust us." Anakin replied.
"The Force grows dark, Anakin, and we are all affected by it. Be wary of your feelings," Obi Wan warned. Anakin only nodded in compliance.
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Anakin stood in Palpatines office overlooking the cityscape of Coruscant. Several buildings had been destroyed due to the fighting over the planet. Everything seemed dank and hazy and dark.
"Anakin, this afternoon the Senate is going to call on me to take direct control of the Jedi Council," Palpatine told Anakin. What? That will be a disaster in the making. The Jedi will not like this.
"The Jedi will no longer report to the Senate?" Anakin remained calm, not showing anything.
"They will report to me . . . personally. The Senate is too unfocused to conduct a war. This will bring a quick end to things." Anakin felt mental sirens going off. This was not a good idea.
"The Jedi Council may not see it that way," Anakin warned.
"There are times when we must all endure adjustments to the constitution in the name of security," Palpatine said. I wonder what this change will mean in the long term for the Republic. Whatever it is, it will not be good.
"With all due respect, sir, the Council is in no mood for more constitutional amendments," Anakin warned, fairly sternly. Anakin knew it was best to keep on the good side of Palpatine, but sometimes things went too far.
"Thank you, my friend, but in this case I have no choice . . . this war must be won."
"Everyone will agree on that." Anakin said with veiled sarcasm that Palpatine failed to pick up.
"Anakin, I've known you since you were a small boy. I have advised you over the years when I could ... I am very proud of your accomplishments." Where is this going? "You have won many battles the Jedi Council thought were lost . . . and you saved my life. I hope you trust me, Anakin."
"Of course," Not, Anakin added mentally.
"I need your help, son," Son, I'm not your son! Admittedly I'm not anyone's, but if I were it would be one of three people. You are not any of them.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked warily.
"I fear the Jedi. The Council keeps pushing for more control. They're shrouded in secrecy and obsessed with maintaining their autonomy . . . ideals. I find simply incomprehensible in a democracy." The Council and the Order are not part of the democracy, it is like that to ensure impartiality and to allow us to move through politics easily.
"I can assure you that the Jedi are dedicated to the values of the Republic, sir." Not the Chancellors
"Nevertheless, their actions will speak more loudly than their words. I'm depending on you." Here it comes, what's he going to do now?
"For what? I don't understand."
"To be the eyes, ears, and voice of the Republic . . ." Holy Sith, he's asking me to spy on the Temple! That's against everything I've been taught, betraying every feeling. He must be really confident in my loyalties to think I would do that. "Anakin . . . I'm appointing you to be my personal representative on the Jedi Council." Anakin mentally chocked.
"I am already a member of the Council, sir, and as such, cannot be your personal representative. I will discuss what you will, but I am afraid I will not be able to do as you ask, even as a friend, it's against the Code," Anakin said, looking at him seriously. The gall! I have to handle this carefully.
"Oh, I understand completely," Palpatine said, looking over at him, "I would never want you to do something that made you uncomfortable." Palpatine looked as if he were scheming. The Council distrusts you. I am going to be in so much trouble being associated with you. You are cutting off my exits. I will have to make my own.
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Several Senator sat in Bail's office. It was a bright and cheery place, completely unlike most offices it was bright and cheerful. Odd for a Senator. Bail, Padme, Mon Mothma and a few others sat on the sofas in the centre discussing the issue that had brought them there today. Padme was wearing a heaving coat that only barely hid her huge stomach. To be honest everyone had already noticed, they just hadn't said anything because they respected her too much.
"Now that he has control of the Jedi Council, the Chancellor has appointed Governors to oversee all star systems in the Republic." Bail was saying.
"When did this happen?" one Senator said.
"The decree was posted this morning." Bail replied.
"Do you think he will dismantle the Senate?" Padme said, worried. It was something that was on all their minds.
"Why bother? As a practical matter, the Senate no longer exists," Mon Mothma said.
"The constitution is in shreds. Amendment after amendment . . . executive directives, sometimes a dozen in one day," a senator complained.
"We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight," Bail insisted.
Everyone looked at each other. Worried at the implication of what Bail had said.
"What are you suggesting?" a Senator asked.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to sound like a Separatist," he said, slightly ashamed at the implication given.
"We are not Separatists trying to leave the Republic. We are loyalists, trying to preserve democracy in the Republic," a Senator made the distinction.
"It has become increasingly clear to many of us that the Chancellor has become an enemy of democracy," Bail said.
"I can't believe it has come to this! Chancellor Palpatine is one of my oldest advisors. He served as my Ambassador when I was Queen," Padme said, knowing deep down that Bail was right.
"Senator, I fear you underestimate the amount of corruption that has taken hold in the Senate," a Senaotr said.
"The Chancellor has played the Senators well. They know where the power lies, and they will do whatever it takes to share in it. Palpatine has become a dictator and we have helped him to do it," Mon Mothma observed.
"We can't sit around debating any longer, we have decided to do what we can to stop it. Senator Mon Mothma and I are putting together an organization . . ." Bail started.
"Say no more. Senator Organa. I understand. At this point, it's better to leave some things unsaid," Padme advised.
"Yes. I agree and we must not discuss this with anyone, without everyone in this group agreeing," Bail said.
"That means those closest to you . . . even family ... no one can be told," Mon Mothma warned. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. They were going to try and bring the Republic back to the Republic.
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Anakin walked into the classroom, it was filled with younglings scrambling to get their books together for their next lesson. Gaina walked up to the teacher who was busy shutting slides off and putting models away. "An apple for the teacher?" Anakin said, putting a red apple on her desk.
She looked around at him with a big smile. Delighted to see him. "I'm so glad your alive," she said giving him a big hug.
Anakin laughed as he returned the hug. "So am I."
"Are you staying long?" she asked as they pulled away from each other.
"I don't know, hopefully till after Padme gives birth," he said with a broad grin.
"Your going to be a father?" she asked with a shocked expression.
"Yeah, scary isn't it," he said, running his hand through his hair.
"I can see it. I'm sure you'll be fantastic," she said, "Daddy," she added with a sly grin.
"Well, auntie Gaina," he said, throwing her a cheeky grin, with which she sent back and dirty scowl. "How have things been around here?" he asked more seriously.
"Troubling, the war has left everyone troubled. Even the Younglings are troubled." they started to walk out of the room side by side, Gaina looked worried about the Younglings, "Would you talk to them? I know they look up to you."
"I will when I have time," he promised, already making time in his mental schedule for a little light sabre training with them. It was a long time since he had taught, what with the war and everything he was always off world.
"It's good to have you back, Master Ani" she said, throwing him a grin before going in another direction.
"Good to be back," he said, filling his nostrils with the smell of home.
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Anakin walked into the Chamber with the other Jedi masters, it was very odd, and surreal. He was now a member of the Council and a Master, there wasn't any further he could go as a Jedi except maybe take a padawan, but that was it. "Anakin, welcome to your first meeting on the Council," Mace said, pointing to Anakin's chair.
"I do my best to uphold the principles of the Jedi Order," he said, sitting down.
"Most disturbed I was by a message I received from the Chancellor. Wanted he did to order Anakin gain a place on the Council," Yoda started when they all sat down.
Anakin nodded and sighed, "he told me," Anakin looked around, "he seemed to think I would spy on the Council for him. I already told him no, I think power is going to his head."
"Right you may be. Think on this we will," Yoda said, "Talk of this another time we will." They then all turned to Master Mundi's hologram and started to talk of the real reason they were there.
"We have surveyed all systems in the Republic, and have found no sign of General Grievous," Master Mundi reported.
"Hiding in the Outer Rim, Grievous is. The outlying systems, you must sweep," Yoda said.
"It may take some time . . . we do not have many ships to spare," Obi Wan said.
"We cannot take ships from the front line," Mace added.
"And yet, it would be fatal for us to allow the droid armies to regroup," Obi Wan said thinking over the conundrum.
"Master Kenobi, our spies contact, you must, and then wait," Yoda said.
"What about the droid attack on the Wookiees?" Master Mundi said.
"It is critical we send an attack group there," Mace said.
"He's right, that is a system we cannot afford to lose. It's the main navigation route for the south western quadrant," Obi Wan said.
"I know that system well. It would take us little time to drive the droids off that planet," Anakin said.
"Skywalker, you have another assignment, and Kenobi must find General Grievous," Mace said.
"Go, I will. Good relations with the Wookies, I have," Yoda said, having been on a mission there with Anakin before and several before that.
"It is settled then. Yoda will take a battalion of clones to reinforce the Wookies on Kashyyyk. May the Force be with us all." Mace said, closing the session.
On the way out, Anakin walked beside Master Yoda. "Behaved well in there you did, my old Padawan." Yoda said, pleased by Anakin's conduct at his first meeting.
"Thank you Master Yoda," Anakin replied, "I have tried not to shame your teachings."
"That you have not done," Yoda and Anakin walked on is silence for a little while. "While performing other duties you are not, you can teach younglings sabre techniques."
"Thank you Master," Anakin said, grateful that his request had been granted.
"Believe I do, a lesson now you have," Yoda said. Anakin smiled at Master Yoda and walked off to his lesson.
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That evening Anakin and Obi Wan met up. They were standing in a massive alcove looking over Coruscant at the fading light. "Listen to me, Anakin. The fact of the matter is you're too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs."
"He wants me for something, I feel the need to find out why," he replied.
"Anakin, regardless of how it happened, you find yourself in a delicate situation," Obi Wan said gently.
"You mean divided loyalties," Anakin said with a small smile as if that was barmy.
"I warned you there was tension between the Council and the Chancellor. I was very clear. Why didn't you listen? You're now stuck between them," Obi Wan said, obviously concerned for Anakin.
"I knew exactly what I was doing. Sometimes the truth and finding something out is more important than personal comfort, even in the Temple," Anakin said, "Besides, my first loyalty is to the Order and the Republic, then Padme. And though Palpatine would like to think he's the Republic, he is not."
"I hope so, I worry that you're getting into something you can't handle," Obi Wan said.
"Obi Wan, you of all people should have confidence in my abilities. I know where my loyalties lie," Anakin said.
"I hope so . . ." Obi Wan said. He was confident in Anakin, but he didn't know how to approach the job Anakin had to do.
"I sense there's more to this talk than you're saying," Anakin said, turning to face Obi Wan.
"Anakin, the Council have an unofficial assignment for you, we didn't want to tell you in there because all meetings are recorded and this isn't to be official," Obi Wan said, turning away from the piercing blue stare.
"And?" Anakin prompted. Obi Wan could never hide anything from Anakin.
"Anakin, look, I am on your side. I didn't want to see you put in this situation," he said.
"What situation?" Anakin asked, already knowing where it was going.
Obi Wan took a deep breath, "The Council wants you to report on all of the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to."
Anakin nodded and looked out the window silently for a moment, "I understand. It will be tricky though, if caught I could be executed for treason."
"We are at war, Anakin. The Jedi Council is sworn to uphold the principles of the Republic, even if the Chancellor does not. We will protect you," Obi Wan said gently.
"Listen to your feelings something is out of place," Obi Wan said.
"You're asking me to do something against the Jedi Code. Against the Republic. That's what's out of place here." Anakin said with wry humour. "Why are you asking this of me?" he asked with a slight frown.
"The Council is asking you. You said yourself something is wrong with the Chancellor."
"Hmmmm," Anakin looked out the window.
"Anakin, I've known you since before you were born. I wouldn't be asking this if it weren't important," Obi Wan said.
"I know, it's just something about this whole war stinks," Anakin said in a grumpy little boy voice.
"If I'm not much mistaken you haven't seen Padme for a while, so she doesn't know about you appointment, why don't you go tell her. Now go to Padme, and give my future Padawan a hug," Obi Wan said giving Anakin a slight hit on the shoulder to get him to go.
"YOUR future Padawan," Anakin said with a raised eyebrow.
"The Council flipped for it, I won," Obi Wan had a huge grin, obviously really pleased that he had beaten Mace and Yoda at a coin flip. Anakin laughed at the image of Yoda and Mace sitting around a coin and watching for it to give an answer. He then ran off to find Padme.
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