The sixth chapter. Anakin's rebellious nature shows itself more clearly, when his desires are not fulfilled. Two brothers try to part on friendly terms, but resentment and jealousy are no easily pushed aside.

Enjoy!

Chapter VI – Parting of Brothers

On the large balcony of the Senate dome, hundreds of Senators, councilors and aids mingled with one another. The vast number of species found here made the Senate a true melting pot. All could be seen, from Twi'leks, to Gamorreans, Wookies and Cereans. Among these, two human figures stood apart, engrossed in what seemed like a captivating discussion. They spoke in low, hushed voices, so they could not be overheard.

"There has been much unrest in the Senate lately" said Senator and Viceroy of Alderaan, Bail Organa.

"It is understandable" responded Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo. "A vote granting more emergency powers for Palpatine is a very delicate matter."

"This war has gone for far too long." Bail shook his head slightly. "And the only effects have been that the Galaxy is more divided than ever and Palpatine has been slowly accumulating more and more powers. At this rate, he can be considered more of a dictator than a Chancellor in the truest sense of the word."

"Still, the Senate has been the one granting him the necessary votes" Padme argued.

"True. Tell me, Senator, have you numbered yourself among his voters?"

Padme took her eyes off from the endless lines of traffic to look at Bail, although she wasn't all that surprised by his question.

"Yes" she answered, honestly. "You must remember that my representative, Jar-Jar Binks, was the one who proposed the first granting of emergency powers to the Chancellor. Although it was his decision, it was done under my authority. Because Jar-Jar represented me in the Senate, every decision that he made fell under my authority. If I hadn't worked so hard in the years prior to the start of the war to build my political credibility, the initial vote would have never occurred."

"And, without being able to use the Clone Army, the Republic would have been at the mercy of the Separatists" Bail agreed. "But what of the other votes, during the last three years?"

Here, Padme's shoulders slumped slightly, but just for a second, before she straightened her posture once more.

"I agreed to these as well" she said, but on a more uncertain tone. "I thought that it was for the best, that it would ensure us closure. Now, when I look back . . . I realize that it might not have been such a wise decision."

Bail nodded, in understanding.

"The Chancellor's motives are harder to comprehend with each passing day."

"There were situations when he could have turned to negotiations, but in stead, he chose to remain on the path of war" Padme said, on a slightly disappointed tone of voice. "This whole war is a failure to listen and communicate between the two sides. If only we could set aside our differences and just talk, much of this unnecessary bloodshed would be avoided."

"Some of us feel that way as well" Bail answered cryptically.

"It is an unrealistic situation" Padme said, gazing at nothing in particular. "Palpatine's choices have made a peaceful resolution nearly impossible."

Bail continued to watch her, thoughtfully.

"Padme" he finally spoke "what do you think of the direction in which this Republic and its government are headed?"

The young woman turned to the raven-haired Viceroy, caught off guard. Not by the question, which was being pondered by every sentient being during the last year, but by the way in which it was posed. Bail had addressed her by her name, not her formal title. That could only mean that he desired the answer of a friend, not a fellow politician.

"Honestly" she said, slowly, choosing her words carefully "I have found myself in situations during which it nearly impossible to think. Or understand, for that matter. In the first few months of the war, everything changed so fast and I was forced to adapt in stride. One cannot allow too much analysis in his mind during such challenging times. As everyone began to slowly adapt to the new order, I kept wondering just how it came to this? How could an institution, which survived almost unmodified for tens of thousands of years, change so abruptly, over the span of a few months?"

Seeing as the woman fell silent, Bail asked:

"What conclusion have you reached?"

"That the catalyst behind these sudden changes has always been Palpatine. There was a time, long ago, when Naboo was in peril. Back then, I looked up at him. In my mind, he seemed to stand for all that was fair and just in the Republic. He was a ray of light in an ever darkening time."

"Do you still hold him in such high regard?"

"No. He has changed too much. Or maybe he has always been like this, but has been hiding his true intentions for the past thirteen years. Right now, I cannot be sure which is true."

Bail nodded, once more, watching his friend closely. Padme showed true courage by discussing such delicate matters in a place where there was a chance of being overheard. Shuddering, the Viceroy remembered what happened to Senator Othan Wiskhar of Bakura, who, just a few weeks ago, had the audacity to formally accuse Palpatine of malevolent intentions towards the state, in the middle of a Senate session! What ensued can be easily imagined: the Senator was accused himself of treason and allegiance with the Separatists. After an arranged trial, he was sentenced to spent the remaining day of his life on Nam Chorios, a barren, backwater planet in the Outer Rim, used as a prison colony.

"Senator Wiskhar's trial was only an act for the public" stated Padme. Obviously, she had been thinking of the same thing.

"Yes. Just an elaborate game, to keep up the pretense of democracy a little longer."

"Senator Amidala, may I have a word with you?"

Padme turned around, towards a tall, white skinned man.

"Yes, Senator Xui?"

"It concerns the bill stating Saleucami's next supply shipments for the army. You see, the demands have increased very much lately and . . . "

Padme waved her hand, interrupting his tirade. .

"You need not say more, Senator. I will be glad to help you."

Aanon Xui's face lit up with a small smile.

"Thank you, lady Amidala. I am in your debt."

Padme bid her goodbyes to Bail and joined Xui, towards the main chamber.

Watching her, Bail could not suppress a little chuckle. She was one of the few Senators that he knew who had kept her honest love and compassion for the Republic and its people. A politician with good intentions was a rare jewel these days.

"I see you have far more interesting activities to pursue than greeting a colleague."

Slightly startled, Bail looked at the speaker.

"Lady Mothma, I am never above greeting my friends" he said, amused.

"So I see."

Dressed in a silky, white robe, Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila was known throughout all political circles as one of the Republic's most devoted supporters. A somewhat stern and aloof woman, she was, nevertheless, a very capable representative and leader.

"How are the proceedings going?"

"Not as well as I'd have hoped" Bail, sighed, frustrated. "We have very few signatures. Without them, the Petition is worthless!"

"Have you talked to the representatives of Malastare and Ryloth?"

"Yes, I have. But you know Ask Ak. He's a firm believer of Palpatine. I couldn't tell him that much, fearing that he might denounce us all."

"And Orn-Free-Taa?"

"He is worried by the repercussions that could befall Ryloth if our group is discovered."

"All in all, we are standing still" Mothma said, leaning against the metal railing. "And we even haven't decided on an official spokesperson! Without someone strong to present the petition, all of our efforts will have been for naught!"

Bail placed his hands on his temples, wishing, for a few precious seconds, that all of this madness would simply fade away into nothingness, and the Republic would become once again the noble institution that he had sworn to serve. But it was a futile wish.

Coming out of his ruminations, Bail gazed at the round dome of the Senate.

"There is someone who could help us" he said, slowly.

"Who?" Mothma asked, after watching him in silence.

"Padme Amidala of Naboo. She has all of the necessary qualities."

Mothma appeared deep in thought for a few moments.

"But hasn't Senator Amidala been one of Palpatine's strongest supporters? Surely you remember that she called the vote of no confidence thirteen years ago?"

"I remember" Bail answered. "But right now, she is as mistrustful as us towards Palpatine's intentions. I have talked with her earlier."

"You know her far better than I, Bail. What kind of a person is she?"

"She's an idealist, always placing the needs of the people before her own. I've seen her make a lot of sacrifices in the last few years, all in the name of the Republic. She a natural-born diplomat, able to cope very well in tense situations. But, all the same, she isn't afraid of conflict. She may be a pacifist, but she has the heart of a warrior."

Mothma, nodded, slightly.

"Then it is decided. Contact Senator Amidala as soon as possible. I will speak to the members of the Loyalist Committee and we will decide our next course of action. We must act quickly, if we are to stop the sun from setting on the Republic."

Bowing, the two Senators departed, in separate directions.

x x x

The Council chamber, set atop the tallest tower of the Jedi Temple, was said to be a place of calm, whose members showed no other emotion than complete serenity. There couldn't have been a more untrue statement.

Today, the chamber was rife with determined voices, in the middle of an argument. Many of the Masters were off planet, on distant battlefields. They used holo transmitters to be able to actively take part in the session.

"So, General Grievous is on Utapau, then?" asked Master Ki-Adi Mundi.

"Yes" answered Anakin. "An encrypted message was found in a diplomatic package from the Chairman of Utapau."

The shimmering holo projection of Yoda frowned. The little Master was transmitting from Kashyyyk, the Wookie homeworld.

"Hmmm. Act on this, we must. To capture Grievous, quick and decisive we must be."

Straightening himself in his chair, Anakin prepared himself. This was it! The moment of truth!

"The Chancellor has requested that I lead the campaign" he said, on a casual tone.

"No" interrupted Mace Windu, firmly. "This decision belongs solely to the Council, not to Palpatine."

Anakin couldn't help the deep stab of resentment that he felt towards the dark-skinned man. As always, Mace Windu did not have any faith in his abilities.

"A Master is needed, with more experience" argued Yoda.

"I concur" intervened Mundi, stroking his beard. "Master Kenobi should go."

Obi-Wan was not that surprised at the proposition. He had expected his time on Coruscant to be short-lived.

"All those in favor say ay." Master Windu ordered.

"Ay" called Mundi.

"Ay" said Adi Gallia.

The same answer came from the other members of the Council, except Anakin.

"Then it is decided. Master Kenobi, you will be sailing with the Sixth Army towards Utapau in five hours."

"Of course" agreed Obi-Wan, with a rueful smile. "My hopes for rest and relaxation will just have to wait!"

This prompted a series of chuckles from the other Masters, as they rose from their seats.

"Anakin" Obi-Wan called toward his friend, but he was already heading out of the chamber, with determined strides.

"So stubborn", Obi-Wan murmured under his breath. He knew very well that his former apprentice desired to be the one to catch and eliminate Grievous.

His abilities make him arrogant, he had said, three years ago, and it was still true.

"You worry me, Anakin" he whispered, exiting the now empty chamber.

x x x

Padme settled herself on the sofa, getting as comfortable as her current condition would allow. Murmuring softly, she placed both of her hands on her very prominent stomach, covered with a soft green silk gown. She could feel the subtle movements of the life that slowly grew and took shape inside of her. He miracle that she and her husband had created.

Her husband . . .

Thinking about Anakin only succeeded in bringing even more worry into her troubled soul. His behavior in the last few days worried her. Because of those horrid dreams that he kept having, her husband acted very differently than his usual self. It had started first, with trying the dream a secret, but it quickly grew into something much more. There were times when she could feel him erecting a wall, a barrier around his soul, meant to keep everyone out . . . including herself.

Don't do this. Don't shut me out. I want to help you.

She remembered the argument they had shared the day before all too clearly. It had started from politics, a subject where their opinions differed more and more. When she had tried to tell him her opinion of the way things were going, he proceeded to accuse her of thinking like a Separatist.

But that was not what wounded her the most.

No.

She had been hurt by his cold, almost icy demeanor, so different from the warm, caring young man that she had married three years ago. She asked him to hold her in his arms, to forget all about war, deception and intrigues, remembering only the purity of their love. He did so, and she had felt the wall crumble and disappear once more.

But it was only temporary. And she knew it all too well.

Soon, there would be another conflict and he would raise that barrier of ice between them. It was only a matter of time.

Placing her face in her hands, Padme sighed.

Where have I gone wrong, Ani? How am I failing you?

She raised her face, wiping her bitter tears, but, to her shock, she was no longer in her apartment, but in a wide room, with clear, white walls, large windows and a wooden floor. In the middle of the room, on a mat, stood a young woman, with her legs crossed, deep in meditation. Long, curly brown tresses fell on her back and shadowed her face.

Then, the only door in the room opened, to admit a tall man, dresses in black, from head to toe, with a cape draping his shoulders.

Padme's breath faltered, when she recognized him to be an older version of her husband. He had the same cerulean eyes and sandy curls, but she could also see subtle signs that betrayed his age, such as fine wrinkle lines and a few gray hairs at his temples.

The woman, sensing his presence, rose from her meditation position and unhooked a silver lightsaber hilt from her belt.

The older Anakin did the same, unfastening his cape and letting it fall to the floor. Then the two ignited their weapons, positioning themselves in battle stances.

Suddenly, the duel began, as the two launched lightning-quick strikes at each other, switching from offense to defense very frequently. Anakin wielded his cerulean lightsaber, but the young woman had a sun-yellow blade.

Padme watched the duel in awe. Never had she seen a more perfect moment. The two were moving with a seemingly flawless grace, in a deadly dance of battle. They appeared to know each other well, for none was surprised by a sudden shift in tactics by the other. They anticipated each other's move so completely, that it lead Padme to believe that their minds were linked, somehow.

"Miss Padme? Miss Padme?" resonated a voice.

Padme tried to keep her focus on the two duelists, but she felt the image slowly fade before her eyes.

"Miss Padme, are you all right?"

Blinking a few times, to get her bearings back, the woman looked at her concerned droid, C-3PO.

"Yes, Threepio, I'm fine. What is it?"

"I wanted to announce you that Senator Bail Organa has arrived and is requesting to speak with you."

"Tell him to come in."

Placing the vision/dream in the back of her mind, Padme composed herself, becoming the dignified Senator Amidala once again. There would be a time for solving riddles later.

x x x

Anakin walked briskly towards the take-off platform, hoping he wasn't too late. The Sixth Army set sail in fifteen minutes and he had to speak with Obi-Wan.

Your former Master does not trust you, Anakin.

The young Jedi shook his head. This was the only thing that Palpatine told him with which he did not agree. Obi-Wan was his best friend, almost like a father to him. Surely, he wouldn't betray him, would he?

Shaking his head once more, he increased his pace. A pang of guilt was forming inside of him, for the way he had treated his mentor in the Council chamber.

"After all" he argued with himself "it isn't his fault that the Jedi Council has chosen him, not me."

Sighting Obi-Wan up ahead, Anakin almost broke into a run.

"Master!"

Obi-Wan turned around, surprised to see his former pupil standing in front of him, in a humble posture, with his head low.

"Master" he spoke, slightly out of breath. "Forgive me. I haven't listened to your teachings. I have been arrogant, and I am truly sorry. It is just that I have been so frustrated with the Council . . . "

Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, to calm him down.

"It is all right, Anakin. You are truly a wise man. I have taught you all that I know and you already are a far better Jedi than I will ever hope to become."

The two smiled at each other, sharing a rare moment of fraternity. Anakin almost felt at peace for the first time in the last days and wished that the moment would last forever.

"Have patience" Obi-Wan continued, on a gentle tone. It will not take long before the Council makes you a Master."

Squeezing Anakin's shoulder, Obi-Wan ended the moment, when he was summoned to his shuttle.

Anakin watched him leave, the shadows of the hangar obscuring his face. As Obi-Wan got farther and farther, so did the young man's grip on the serenity that he had felt inside of himself just a moment ago, falter.

The smile died on his lips, as he felt the turmoil and conflict within himself start anew.