Warning! This a long chapter! Sorry about that.
Also hate to be the bearer of bad news, This weekend I'm writing the final chapter of The Edge of Blackness. Yup I'm done writing it. Then I'm going take a few weeks off. Then I'll start writing The Edge of Balance or Edging the Balance . It will be one those titles. Oh some the twist I have plan for this story.(hehehe I love being bad!) However, I won't be done posting this story until the end of Feb. Then I'll start posting the sequel.
Enjoy!
Chapter 38
Anakin sat in the Center's garden, letting the late afternoon dry his tears again. He could think of another way to spend his afternoon but he made promises to everybody to go through this. What he had fear the most, happened. Everybody pretty much told the doctor what was wrong with Anakin Skywalker.
Oh well what is done is done. It just plains hurts to go through your life again. Everything must be dragged out and open. Who said what is beyond me. Padme or Obi-Wan knows me too well. So far, the drug problem hasn't been mention. Yet somebody knows and my bet is it's Obi-Wan. "Do this for the twins and Padme " I keep telling myself. In the end, they will love you for it. They are home now, my son and daughter. Still, strange to hear that. Obi-Wan reports they need to get on some kind schedule. Meaning, why can't they eat at the same time. Instead of one eating at one time and the other eating at another time. Mostly at night do they do this. Wait Obi-Wan, it will be your turn one day. I still can't sense them in the Force. What I get out the archives, are not helping and Qui-gon thinks I'll to wait bit more. I have no patience lately.
When will they let me go home? I have been here for almost two months. I can walk with crutches with no problems. I'm happy with that right now. Obi-Wan was not exactly thrilled to hear me say that. Fearing I'll never walk on my own but I will, in time. Just want to go home now, back with my wife and children.
Anakin opened his eyes and found a Toguta standing before him.
"Good Afternoon Master Ti" Anakin said, knowing she preferred to be call Master Shaak- Ti.
"You'll get a good afternoon. Hello Anakin" she said as gave him a kiss. "Everything Ok. You look a little sad."
"Just a tough session with Dr. Venith, my head straightener."Anakin answered. "Going through my childhood, need I say more."
Shaak-Ti picked up his hand and sent a wave of calming force through him. "That might help ease the sadness. What you really need, is to be home now. I saw the twins before I came here. They are so cute. I think Leila is going be the tough one. Pretty sure she has her mother's spunk in her."
"That's what I'm afraid she has. Luke, well I don't think he's showing me his true nature. Smart boy."Anakin smiling.
"Well I have a report from the Council about Master Windu behavior. Unfortunely, they didn't throw Mace off. Yoda, Koon, Allie, Undulii and Tiin, voted against that. The rest of the Council voted for his removal. However, Koon, Allie, Unduli and Tiin, voted that Mace takes a three-month leave of absence from the Council. His replacement is Khanarth Kaliey. Who is just as bad as Mace but there was nobody else for the job. Now for the more confusing part of meeting, they voted on way to punished Mace, is he ever tried to threaten you again. They are going to lock him up on TiesIV"
"TiesIV? That's not a Jedi place."Anakin, giving her a strange look. "How they get Master Yoda to agree to that?"
"They didn't. Yoda doesn't know about it. This was done behind his back. Ki-Adi went to Senator Aboza and asked if a Jedi could be sent there."Shaak -Ti replied "And he said yes."
"Since when has the Council been going behind other Council's members back?"Anakin, not happy to hear about this." Not saying that hasn't been done before but still not right Shaak Ti."
Shaak-Ti looked at Anakin "There are some members of the Council, who had enough of Master Yoda. They feel it's time for him to step down. They also wish, that Master Windu also leave too."
"You know they won't leave. Yoda feels that there is nothing wrong with the order. Shaak-Ti, we both that's not true."Anakin answered. Then using the Force, without her knowing, call out to Qui-Gon to come here now.
"Anakin, there is also talk of not granting you Master status now." she said quietly.
"Why? Because of Mace?"
"Yes and the fear of you. Anakin, you have become more powerful. It's scaring some people and giving some people hope too. Anakin, you have become a double edge sword in the Order. You need to at the Council meetings again. That's why I'm here, see if something can be set up. Maybe with you back on the Council, thing will calm down." Shaak-Ti, reaching for his hand again.
"I'm sure something can be set in the Royal Palace. My case being review either this week or the next. I have gone as far as I can with th physical therapy part. The rest of the healing is on time's hands. There is no need for me to be here anymore. I want to go home so bad and be with Padme again. I don't dare use Jedi mind tricks either." Anakin laughing.
"No, you don't Anakin! But what are you going to do with Council? If you aren't there in the next couple months" Shaak-Ti, stopping now, not sure if she should continue.
"What's going happened? Shaak-Ti, what is really going on" Anakin, hoping that he didn't have to act now. He wasn't physically ready for anything. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and knew Qui-Gon was here finally.
"A vote, to force Yoda off the Council. It hasn't been done for more than 200 years but Ki-Adi did find out that we can do that. Shaak-Ti, looking sad. "We were never told about this"
"Oh course not. You know how many Council members would have been thrown out. Shaak-Ti, the Council is supposed to be working in trust but has it? At one time, there were sixteen Councils' members and they were elected by the Jedi Knights. How did that change? Now if you are on the Council, it's pretty much permanent. Those four extra voices, could be use right now. They could vote again or with Yoda and Mace or vote me off the Council. Did you know at one time, the Jedi knights had they own officials and Senate? Granted it, it was over 300 years ago but at least they had a say in their lives." Anakin stopping to catch his breath.
"So much has been lost, to few who in time, took over the Order. Why? They fear the force because they didn't understand it. They didn't understand, that each person feels it differently. Then they fear the dark side, not realizing, all of us have part of it, inside of us. You have to acknowledge it and touch it. Only then, do you understand the light. No part is really stronger than the other. It's a balancing act between both of them. Oh Shaak-Ti, why are they so afraid of change. Nothing stays the same, everything changes and it's not always for the worst. Change will make things better in the long run. Yes, sometimes you have to go through the fire. In the end, it should be worth it. But I rather go through the fire or in my case the greyness and do nothing at all." Anakin, taking a drink of water.
Qui-Gon could smile after hearing that. "That's right Ani. Things do change."
"I have heard you say there's a grey area of the Force. You floored Master Yoda with that statement. That's going against Jedi's teaching and yet, you got anyway with it. Some Council members disagree with you on that. But they aren't you and didn't survive a near death experience like you. Anakin, something has happened to you and lucky for the Order. It was the best thing to happen and you can disagree too."Shaak-Ti starting to laugh a little.
"That's why, we need to get you back on the Council. Back there and argue against Yoda and Mace." then she got up and started to walk around. "You live a life that's beyond them. I think you are more grounded in reality than those two and few others. The meeting is filled tension and there's no trust anymore. The last one was two days ago and Luminara couldn't believe it was Council meeting. I promise her, once you were there, it would get better and fun. Oh Anakin, I didn't mean this visit to be like this but I had to talk to somebody. I miss our talks. Oh I forgot about this, dumgar me. "Shaak-Ti grabbing her bag. "Here, its from the Younglings, they miss you terribly."
Anakin took a message and watched it. "Did they enjoy the goodies I sent them? I'm glad you told me about the council. When I do get back there, one way or another, at least I know what I'm up against. I look forward to dealing with Master Yoda and Mace. I'm sure they are planning to get me off the Council. Well, all I can say, try it. I'm in a mood for a good challenge."
"Whatever you do, I will stand by you. So will Master Allie and Master Mundi. Rumor has it. Obi-Wan permanent replacement is Luminara. Personally I don't think she cares who's leading as long she is left alone."Shaak-Ti, rolling her eyes. "As for your goodies, they were a huge hit with them, much to annoyance of Mace. Well I have to go. Take care Anakin Skywalker, I expect to see your ass in the Council meeting very soon."
"Don't worry, you will." Anakin, giving her a kissed goodbye.
Soon as Anakin felt it was safe, he turned to Qui-Gon
"What do you make of that? Shaak-Ti is serious. They are going too tried to remove Yoda from the Council" he said, pretending to read.
"I'll be more worry about Mace than Yoda. In the end, Yoda should bow down to what is right. Mace won't now and he sees you as a threat. That little part worries me but like I said before, I have warned Yoda about not listening."Qui-Gon, letting out a sigh. "Sadly I don't think he's taking my advice. Foolish Yoda, very foolish of him."
"Did you talk to Obi-Wan last night?"Anakin asked.
"I couldn't, he was, oh uh, busy with Karis" Qui-Gon, shaking his head. "Whoever thought Obi-Wan Kenobi would be getting married. Which is good, he needs to get married."
"Oh Master was giving new meaning to the word, attachment" Anakin smiling. "Hmm sounds like he's making up for lost time too. Nurse coming See ya"
"Master Skywalker." she called out to him. "Dr. K'amott would like to see you in your room."
"Ok I'll be right there."he answered, getting up. "Now what?" then headed for his room.
"Hey Anakin!" Coocko called out from his room. "What's this I hear, you restarted S̀edgu heart last night?"
Anakin stopped at the door and put in his head in the room. "No, I didn't restart it. I just use the Force to get it beating the correct way. His heart went crazy last night. That's all, simple Jedi trick. Pod racing at eight. Ok I got to go. The doctor wants to talk to me."
"I'll be there, bring the money. Simple Jedi trick. Anakin you're too modest." Coocko easing back into his bed. "You save a life last night."
Hello Anakin, enjoy your time in the garden? I'll take it. You have recovered from last night excitement." K'amott asked.
"It was no big deal. For some reason I knew what to do and did it. It doesn't make me a hero." Anakin, sitting down. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Your case has been review and it has been decided. That the 5th of the next month, will be your release date."K'amott calming said. "After that, your treatments will be on an outpatient program."
"Thank You Dr. K'amott. I was staring to wonder if I'll ever be let go."Anakin breathing a sigh of relief. "Any bad news?"
"Only you wouldn't be clear for fighting for the Order. Healer Naporta has some concerns and so do I. Anakin, you might never fully recover this. That left leg of yours still weak at times. Then there's concern about your heart. Later on down in your life Anakin, you might need a replacement."
"I know that the Galeriana did a little damage to the muscle there. That's something that Jedi technique can't fix but that doesn't stop Stass Allie from looking either. As for the leg, Oh well."
"I got a good report from Dr. Venith. He feels you are making good progress. After you are release, you'll be going to his office instead. Are you finding him helpful?" K'amott asked.
"Yes I do, though it hurts like hell on most days. Some my angry is gone."Anakin answered. I just wish I had gotten some help earlier. Poor Obi-Wan still takes some the blame."
"That Jedi Order is a double edge sword. It can help and destroy people." K'amott remarked. "I was talking to a friend on Coruscant. There are rumors, that the Jedi Order is in turmoil. Just thought you would like to know that."
"Yes there's problems That's why I need to get out of here. So I can start attending meets via a hologram."Anakin getting up after saying that. "I got to send a message to the Council. They will love to hear the good news or bad news, Depending who's hearing it."
"Ah Master Shaak-Ti. How is Anakin doing?" Ki-Adi asked, pulling her into an alcove. "Were you able to talk to him about the Council meeting?"
"Yes and he does want to join in again. Then on the way back here, Anakin sent me a message. Next week, he'll be release from the Center."Shaak-Ti, quickly looking around. "Ki-Adi, he has gotten so powerful, the Force just radiates off of him. It will be another couple months before he's able to travel to Coruscant."
"This is good news to hear. Well I'll get the equipment he'll need sent to Naboo soon as possible. The sooner this done the better I'll feel." Ki-Adi stopping and looking around. "There's a rumor that Master Yoda and Master Windu are going to try yo get Anakin to leave the Order. Citing it would be the best for his family, if he did."
"Oh I would like to see them try that! Anakin Skywalker is not leaving the Order. They will have to kick him out. Now, do you think the rest the Jedi Order will stand for that?"Shaak-Ti folding her arms across her chest.
"No they would be an uproar over that. Master Kolar coming. Talk to you later."Ki-Adi, quickly leaving her.
"Everything Ok Master Ti" Agen asked.
"Everything is wonderful! she yelled out. "I saw Master Skywalker yesterday. He's being released next week. With that, he'll be able to Council meeting again. I'm looking forward to that."
"Good. The last one I almost fell asleep."
"Anakin, what's the good news for today." Padme asked, handing him Luke.
"I'm going home on the 5th"