Chapter 6: A New Mission

It had been a few days since the war had started. The dark cloudy sky that morning reflected the deep worry, and high anxiety in Coruscant. The Senate was baffled on what their next move should be. They were resting their hopes on Chancellor Palphetine.
He would be meeting with the Senate later on that day to talk about this new crisis facing the Republic. Yoda, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan had gathered in the Jedi Council chamber early that morning to discuss the pressing issues facing them.

"Victory? Victory, you say. Master Obi-Wan not victory. The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Begun the Clone War has."

Mace nodded. "Master Yoda is right, now we have a war on our hands. It goes against everything the Republic stands for, and the Jedi Order has worked so hard to protect.

Obi-Wan sighed. "The situation has gone completely out of hand. Where did it all go wrong? And this strange claim from Count Dooku that this Darth Sidious; a Sith lord is controlling the senate. It doesn't feel right."

"Joined the dark side Dooku has. Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now."

Mace turned to look at Yoda. "We must catch Dooku; he is the key to stopping this war."

"Stop Dooku we must."

Mace put his index finger on his chin. "And keep a close watch on the Senate as well"

Yoda nodded. "I agree."

Obi-Wan gazed at the senate building. "This afternoon the Chancellor will be meeting with the Senate. Senator Amadala has decided to stay for awhile to attend these meetings."

Mace walled over to sit on one of the chairs surrounding the chamber. "That brings us to the next issue we need to discuss."

"What issue is that Master Windu?"

"Your concerns that you had expressed to me about Anakin right before you had set off for Kamino. You were right. He does have an emotional attachment to Senator Amadala, and it's a strong one."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms, curiosity was written all over his face. "How do you know that Master Windu, what happened?"

"The boy does have exceptional skills. He's very gifted and intelligent. But he is also extremely emotional which as we all know can be dangerous to a Jedi's life.

And it almost did become dangerous; it almost led him on the path to the dark side."

Obi-Wan's eyes grew wide, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. "The dark side."

Mace nodded. "Yes, when I was with him in the Tuskan Raider hut after his mother had just died in his arms. He was devastated. I felt enormous pain and anger surging through him. "

"Felt young Skywalker's pain, and suffering I did too."

"Yes, it was very strong. I immediately sensed what he was about to do. Right as he was about to reach for his lightsaber, I used the Force to retrieve it from him. I witnessed, and felt the hate surging through him. He was going to slaughter all of them even the woman, and children. "

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Anakin would never do that. Master Qui-Gon believed he was the chosen one to bring balance to the Force, and I do too."

"Never the less Obi-Wan, I stopped him from going through with it. But not before I felt his deep emotions for Senator Amadala. He even admitted to me that he cannot lose her. I know that's something he would not have told me if he had mastered the art of controlling his thoughts, and feelings. I told him that he must learn to control his attachments, and emotions. And that he is still very vulnerable to the dark side. "

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, and sat down on a chair next to Mace. "I know Masters I am very concerned over his feelings for her. And I am not sure what to do about it."

"You will watch over him, guide him on the right path. You must keep faith Obi-Wan. Where is your Padawan now?"

"He's been resting recovering from his broken arm."

"Good he will need his strength to help fight this war."

"Thank you for informing me about Anakin Master Windu. He still has much to learn.

I know he is frustrated. I think he feels we're holding him back. There's nothing more I'd like to see then for him to succeed, and become the Jedi I know he has in him."

"We want that too Obi-Wan. We wouldn't have trained him if we didn't believe in him, and in Qui-Gon's words. His last request."

------

Senator Amadala and Captain Typho sat quietly on their floating platform listening to the bickering debate. It went back and forth for hours. The political dignitaries expressed their concerns, and opinions towards what was now deemed by the Supreme Chancellor; the Clone War. The republic was being dismantled by the hands of Count Dooku leading the separatist movement. The gritty voice of Mas Amedda reverberated through the magnificent dome shaped structure.

"Order, we shall have order!" Mas Ameda the Majordomo cried for what seemed the thousandth time that afternoon.

Orn Free Taa of Ryloth stood up. "What order? That's the problem, there is no order. We have heard that this so-called Confederacy of Independent Systems now consists of: The Trade Federation, Techno Union, Commerce Guild, Corporate Alliance, Intergalactic Banking Clan, and many other star systems have joined to this false cause. Protests are going on right now around this very building as we speak. And more will continue to join if there is not something done now." He was interrupted by another booming angry voice.

"Count Dooku is leading and stirring on the chaos. I have heard that the Jedi tracked his whereabouts to Geonosis. They carelessly let him escape along with Jango Fett, who had attempted to murder Senator Amadala. Who will be next? Will all the senators soon need body guards? This is insane. The Jedi have become useless in protecting the Republic this new army is our only hope. They must…" Darsana the ambassador of Glee Anselm was left holding his tongue from the simple raise of a hand before him.

Immediately the room grew silent; everyone gave their undivided attention. It happened every time he would speak. They felt comforted by his voice and reassured. There was a calming affect, and a feeling that everything would some how work out.
Chancellor Palphetine stood up from the one unmoving platform in the center of amphitheater. With deep worry and concern on his wrinkling face the gray haired man began to address the Senate.

"My honorable colleagues I ask for your patience, and understanding. I agree the picture that has been painted for us appears very dark. Many Jedi died in Geonosis. They are doing their best to deal with this crisis just as we all have. Yes it is true the separatists have convinced more star systems to join them. They are growing more powerful, thousands have joined. But I a sure you, we will not lose our liberty. This great democracy of the Republic will prevail. The grand army we have now acquired to our resources will succeed. And I will continue tirelessly to plead with the separatists to reconsider their drastic measures, and protests. But most importantly; I will not sleep until Count Dooku is caught, and brought to justice as well as his hired killer Jango Fett."

There was a brief moment of silence. And then the place broke out with uproarious applause, chants of praise, appreciation for the Chancellor, and the Republic.

"Order, we must have order." Mas Ameda screamed at the top of his sore lungs.

Palphetine put up his hand to quiet the room again. "I am humbled, and grateful to all of you for hearing my plea. We will meet again soon. Till then good day to you all."

They were halfway out of the bustling Senate building when she heard her name being called. Walking quickly towards Padme and Captain Typho was Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan.

Padme smiled at him. "Senator Organa it's good to see you again."

Senator Organa bowed to her. "It's wonderful to see you back here safe and sound Senator. Everyone has been so worried about you with the attempts on your life."

Padme grinned. "Well the security that works so hard to protect me is noble, and trust -worthy. I feel safe and secure by their skills, and effort."

Bail nodded. "Your bodyguards have done an excellent job of service. The Republic is grateful." He extended his hand out to Captain Typho.

Captain Typho shook his hand and smiled. "Thank you Senator Organa; it is my honored duty to serve Senator Amadala."

Bail turned his attention back to her. "Will you be attending this evening's charity benefit?"

Padme nodded. "Yes, I will attend."

"Excellent, I look forward to seeing you and Captain Typho there. We have much to discuss."

"I will be there Senator Organa, but my other body guard Padawan Skywalker will be accompanying me."

"Oh yes, he has done a great job as well. Master Kenobi has trained him well. It will be a pleasure to finally meet him. My wife and I will see you both later then." He smiled and walked over to another Senator.

"My lady, are you absolutely sure you will not reconsider my additional security at the benefit?" Captain Typho asked with apprehension.

Padme shook her head. "I appreciate your kind offer, but I feel you deserve an evening with out worrying about my safety Captain. I have complete confidence in Padawan Skywalker's abilities, and R2 will be with us."

"Understood Senator, I will respect your wishes."

"Thank you Captain."

-----

The heavens had opened up all around Coruscant. The heavy sheets of rain pelted down over the large panoramic view from Chancellor Palphetine's quarters. He had asked to speak with Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker.

Chancellor Palphetine sat behind his desk. Moments ago he had asked the guards surrounding his door to leave them in privacy. "Jedi Masters, I have requested your presence because the senate is in disarray over this horrible war. We are losing more and more star systems to Count Dooku. I have lost a great deal of sleep knowing that Jango Fett could make another attempt on Senator Amadala's life. I ask you to catch this traitor of the Republic, and his bounty hunter. They must be stopped before it's too late. "

"Your request is most understood Chancellor and is a timely one. We do have some good news for you. Master Kenobi while still on Kamino had managed to place a tracking device on Slave I, Jango Fett's ship. Up until yesterday the signal we were tracking was responding. Fett must have finally managed to remove it. But we have a strong lead. It should not be difficult to retrace his path." Mace Windu looked towards Yoda.

Yoda nodded his approval. "Track Fett we can and will."

Mace inhaled a deep breath to prepare himself for the disappointing news he had to deliver. "Unfortunately we do not have a lead on Count Dooku. He has managed to disappear for the moment. But it is our hope when we catch Fett, that he will be able to reveal Dooku's whereabouts. "

"Very good, may I ask you Master whom you plan to send on this mission?" The Chancellor asked.

Obi-Wan took a few steps forward. "My Padawan and I can handle the job with my Master's approval." Obi-Wan turned to Yoda waiting for his decision.

"Prepare with young Skywalker you must. Approve of your presence for this mission I do."

Anakin was taking in all that was happening around him. Another mission had been assigned. They had only returned a few days ago, and his arm had just healed.

He was very much looking forward to his evening with Padme. Now he was going to have to break this news to her. He was leaving for who knows how long? Anakin cleared his throat to speak. "If I may ask Masters when do you think Master Kenobi, and I will be leaving for this new assignment?"

Mace placed his index finger on his chin. "I think two days should help us gather all our information to prepare for your mission."

"Excellent, I thank you all for your assistance. Please keep me informed on your progress. I wish you both much success and safety on your mission." The Chancellor rose from his chair, and walked over to shake their hands.

They all bowed to the Chancellor, thanked him, and headed towards the door. Yoda and Mace had already left his office when Anakin and Obi-Wan heard the Chancellor call for them.

"Master Kenobi."

"Yes, what is it Chancellor?" Obi-Wan asked with a quiet controlled tone to his voice standing in front of the doorway.

"I wondered if I could speak with your apprentice for just a moment."

Slightly alarmed and confused Obi-Wan held his emotions in check, and shifted his attention to his Padawan. "I'll wait for you downstairs at the entrance."

"I alright Master, thank you."

Chancellor Palphetine began to walk slowly back towards his desk. Anakin followed him in slight confusion and great curiosity. He felt honored, and privileged when ever the Chancellor would ask to personally speak with him. He had tremendous respect, and admiration for the Supreme ruler. He had become a good friend and mentor.

Chancellor Palphetine turned to look at him. "I hope you don't mind me taking you away from your work for a few moments. "

"Not at all you're Excellency."

"I wanted to congratulate you on a job well done on your first assignment. The Republic is grateful to you for protecting Senator Amadala."

"Thank you, your Excellency it was an honor to be given that assignment."

"And you will continue to succeed. You possess great talent, and wisdom beyond your years young Skywalker. There is no other Jedi I would want assigned to this very important mission."

"I am truly honored, and humbled by your faith in me Chancellor. But I must be honest with you. I am glad my Master will be accompanying me. The bounty hunter Jango Fett is quite crafty and clever. It will be very fortunate, if we can hammer any information
out of him as to where Count Dooku may be hiding. And even if we find Dooku, it won't be an easy task to capture him. I can tell you from personal experience that he's very skilled fighter, and is trained well in the arts of the Force." Anakin bent his head down and shook it in defeat. "He was too powerful."

A smile crept along the Chancellor's face. He placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"But in time you will be Anakin, you will be the most powerful Jedi ever."

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm almost finished with chapter 7 (which I think is a really fun chapter) so it should be out next week. Thanks for reading and reviewing my friends.