Chapter 3

After the initial shock of what had happened, Anakin felt wondrous and dread at the same time. A minute ago, he felt nothing, now he was overwhelmed with an array of feelings. He hid his emotions in fear of Padme getting scared at his reaction.

"When did…you…find out?" Anakin choked.

"I found out just after you left when the doctor came to see me. Isn't it wonderful Ani?" She asked sweetly.

The powerful Jedi looked out into the sunset. The lights of Coruscant below had no effect on his view of the sky, but it boggled his mind to think about it. Everything seemed confusing to him, the only thing that made sense to him was that the sun always set and rose bringing forth a new day and that he was going to be a father.

"Anakin?"

He continued to stare at the sunset.

"Okay then, I'll be in the kitchen, scratch that…in the bathroom, throwing my guts up." Padme ran off behind where Anakin couldn't see, but he could sense.

Within a few minutes Padme returned to Anakin.

"I'll be needing a little more help during and after this pregnancy. Lord knows I can handle this by myself." Anakin finally broke his gaze with the setting sun.

"I'll always return and help you Padme, always." He said with finality.

Good, oh look another step in my plan is complete; this seems easier than it should be, I won't let in pain me too much. The strain could hurt the babies.

"Thank you Anakin, I love you so much!" She slipped her arms around Anakin and hugged him. With his strong arms he hugged her back.

Anakin's communicator buzzed and vibrated loudly to capture the attention of those around it. He departed from Padme's hug and answered the communicator.

"It's Obi-Wan, there is a special council meeting that we have to attend. Be there promptly please." The line went dead. The Jedi knew that was his cue to leave.

"Padme, I have to-"

"Go. I understand." She interrupted. Off he went.

Darkness had set into the sky, but this was the time when the planet seemed luminous, this was the time when you could see the neon lights from the lower levels, and for some reason it provided a little relief for Anakin to be out in the night sky than to be cooped up with Padme.

He couldn't believe he was thinking this, he couldn't believe that right now he preferred to be without her. In her moment of need, in the months that she needs it most and there he was only thinking about himself.

Anakin's greed angered himself, but focused so that he could remain neutral during the council's meeting.

Obi-Wan was standing outside the Temple as usual just before the meeting. It seemed to be his way to neutralise a neutral mind. It was a little beyond what Anakin understood, or he was just waiting for Anakin. For a generally smart Jedi with a lot of Force behind him, even the most childish thought processes seemed to be that a master's idea of something tough.

"It is good to see you're on time." Obi-Wan uttered friendly.

"Master, aren't I allowed one time just to make a mistake. It is the only way we learn and grow." Skywalker replied.

"Now you're thinking like a Master, but a mistake can cost lives, Jedi cannot afford to risk people, but enough of my little speeches. I'm pretty sure you've heard them…"

"Before." Anakin interrupted.

Both of the Jedi entered the temple and went into the council chambers.

"Skywalker and Kenobi, please enter." Mace Windu's voice chanted.

Anakin walked into the middle of the chamber and awaited the information; Obi-Wan sat in his round-shaped chair.

"Jedi-Knight Anakin Skywalker, you have been nominated to become Jedi-Master. This is for all that you have done during your duty as a knight. But before this can be put into place, you must do one last task."

Oh my god, all this action in one day. I could have gone against a nest of Geonosians, mynocks and other creatures trying to take over the republic and still not have been as satisfied as I do today.

Yoda began to speak.

"The murderer of Palpatine, you must find and bring here, final will then the nomination be made."

Well, that's just put a dent in my hopes and dreams.

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Isn't it a terrible thing having writer's block? You know what you want to do or say but you can't express it with words? Well, that's kind of what's been happening with all my stories, plus reality has a funny way of not giving me the time to do anything about it. Thank you: The Future Mrs. Cole Sprouse for reviewing chapter 2. For the rest of you, enjoy the story anyway!