Chapter 13: All That Gain Power Are Afraid To Lose It
Anakin watched Padme pile on her heavy regal looking senatorial robes; robes that attempted to conceal her ever-growing belly. She was pinning her hair up in a tight severe bun. As he studied her motions, Anakin could not shake what he suspected, she was lying to him. He felt it by how she had been avoiding his searching eyes.
From the moment he had stepped into their apartment he could sense that something was amiss. She had company, Bail Organa, and someone else he couldn't quite trace. All day he waited for her to mention it to him, but she said nothing, and seemed very uncomfortable around him whenever he would try to get close to her. Making love wasn't even an after thought. Instead of pressing further, Anakin decided to tell her about what he, and the Chancellor had talked about. Anakin also informed her that he'd be out tomorrow night to attend a special performance at the Opera House to protect the Chancellor. Padme was quick to tell him that she would call Dorme to have dinner with her to catch up. More lies he thought to himself.
It was just the other day that he felt so alive, and happy to finally have the freedom to be with Padme, and soon their baby. What happened to all that? What was happening to them? On top of all that he was still plagued with his nightmares although he was now managing to sleep thanks to meditation, with a much more rested mind. Padme moved away from her bedroom mirror finally putting the last pin in her hair.
She walked over to Anakin, and put her arms around him. "I guess we won't be seeing much of each other today." She said sadly.
"No I guess not." Anakin looked down at her denying her the loving arms she craved for him to put around her.
Padme reached up, and put her arms around his neck. "But we'll see each other tonight."
She lifted herself on her toes to kiss him, but he turned his face away.
"Senator Organa." Anakin said very quietly.
"What? What about him?" Padme asked with a nervous tone escaping from her voice.
"He was here yesterday along with someone else. Another senator I believe. Were you ever going to tell me?" He said while removing her hands away from his neck, and walking away from her in disgust.
"Ani how do, do you know about that."
"I'm a Jedi Padme I sense things remember."
"Ani I'm sorry, I didn't know what to do. They showed up here unannounced to speak with me."
"Who?"
"I can't tell you. I promised."
"Oh you promised. Well right now Padme your promises don't seem to be worth that much."
"Ani please believe me that I didn't want to keep this from you."
"What did they want Padme?"
"I can't tell you. They made me swear to secrecy it's top secret."
"Maybe the Chancellor would like to know that Bail Organa is having secret meetings with mystery Senators about top secret things."
"Anakin please you can't tell him. I don't know what they have planned yet."
"Planned, what's going on Padme? You might as well tell me because I'm going to find out one way, or the other."
"I, I signed a petition."
"What kind of petition?"
"A petition to demand the Chancellor to withdraw his forces to end the war, and if all else fails remove him out of office."
"The senate gave the Chancellor emergency powers; he was only doing what they asked him to do, and now they want to get rid of him."
"I know Anakin, but they feel he is abusing his powers, and so do I."
"Oh you do. Then why did you want me to work for him?"
"Because I knew that he was a good friend to you, and that you would be happy working with him. I knew that this could be a good opportunity for you."
Anakin crossed his arms. "You have some way of showing it Padme."
Padme walked over to him, and gripped him by his biceps. "Please don't be mad at me Ani. I was only doing my duty as I saw fit as a member of the senate. This was not a easy decision for me."
"Are you really going to dinner with Dorme tonight?" Anakin asked her with a raised eyebrow.
Padme shook her head, and sighed. "No I'm going to a secret meeting that's being held tonight to discuss the petition of the two thousand signatures, and how we are going to present it to the Chancellor."
"Well that's perfect because I will be doing my job to protect the Chancellor at the Opera House tonight."
"Please don't tell him Anakin. Maybe you could speak with the Chancellor tonight during the show. Ask him to end this war, and let diplomacy resume."
"Don't ask me to do that. Don't put me in the middle of this. If you want to go ahead, and do this thing go ahead, but leave me out of it."
"Then you won't tell him, and you won't ask him?"
Anakin shook his head. "No on both accounts."
"Will you be here when I get home?" Padme asked with a hopeful tone.
"I don't know, I'm not sure when the show will end, and what the Chancellor has planned afterwards."
"Anakin please don't shut me out just because we see things different politically."
"I don't know what's happening between us Padme."
Padme walked over to him with desperate eyes, and moved her hands up and down his chest. "Can't we just put all this past us. Let's listen, and help each other instead of turning against each other. Ani, Make love to me like the way you did on Naboo, and the night when you asked me to marry you. So long ago when there was nothing, but our love."
Anakin let go of his anger, and the rest of the problems and burdens weighing on his mind for the moment. He took Padme in his arms, and held her close resting his chin on her head.
Padme closed her eyes, and breathed in the musky masculine scent of him. "No war, no plotting to tear us apart."
Anakin rocked her gently dreading the knowledge that he would have to let her go, and face the day that was laid out in front of them. "I wish we could stay here together, and let the rest of the universe fall apart, but we have a senate meeting that's starting in a half an hour that we both have to be at."
"Does that mean you forgive me my love?" Padme held him tighter.
"I was angry, and hurt that you kept this from me. I don't agree with what your doing, and what you're going to do, and I will not be apart of it. But yes, I forgive you." Anakin gazed into her sorry pleading eyes, and leaned down to kiss her much more passionately then they had enjoyed together for a awhile. The sensation of their tongues brushing against each other, and their hands caressing one another rapidly accelerated their heartbeats. Her growing stomach firmly pressed against him. Itching to touch her breasts and peel off her clothes; he pulled away knowing that once they started there would be no turning back.
Anakin moved his mouth away from hers with a loud smack. He sighed as he rested his forehead against hers. "We'd better get going. We'll continue where we left off tonight all right angel?"
Padme nodded her head against his. "Yes absolutely my love." She said breathlessly.
With one last deep longing kiss they turned to leave for the senate meeting.
-----
The senate building was filling up quickly. Loud chatter of different languages rang in his ears. He stood on the unmovable platform studying all the curious faces of nameless senators that resided on thousands of platforms. To Sith's hell with the rest of this garbage because all that matters is to save Padme, and their baby, Anakin thought to himself. He loved Padme more then life itself, and was determined to do whatever he had to do to save her; when he found the answer he'd know.
Chancellor Palphetine began his speech. "Good morning my fellow colleagues. Before we begin our main discussion on the crisis of this war, I would like to touch upon a few matters. First off, I would like to introduce to you all my new bodyguard, and personal assistant, Anakin Skywalker." Applause of excitement, and enthusiasm came charging from the occupants of every seat in the arena. Padme smiled, and clapped warmly for her fiancé; Anakin flashed her a naughty smirk, and winked at her quickly. She blushed at the funny knowing look Captain Typho threw towards her.
"Mr. Skywalker is a former member of the Jedi Order a very gifted, skilled fighter, and possesses great intelligence and wisdom. We have much to thank him for. As you know ten years ago during the Trade Federation blockade dispute, he single-handedly blew up a droid control ship in the midst of an attack on Naboo. As a result, millions of lives were spared. I am forever grateful to him for his bravery, and I'm very proud to have him work by my side. He has been a good friend for a long time." Anakin smiled, turned to Chancellor Palphetine, and bowed to him. More enthusiastic applause broke out from the audience.
It was at that moment that Padme felt a heavy blanket of fear, and regret hanging on her shoulders. She was having major second thoughts about encouraging Anakin to take this new position by the Chancellor's side. There was something about how Anakin looked standing next to Palphetine, and then bowing to him that made her sick to her stomach.
Chancellor Palphetine raised his hands to stop the applause. "Now my friends I know that most of us want to work together to restore piece to the Republic, but unfortunately there may be treason among our group. I have been informed that a large group of members of the senate have been gathering support for a certain petition."
A sharp pain of fear struck Anakin in the chest as he heard the word "petition", he bit his lip in response. Padme felt the same sharp pain in her chest; it traveled all way down to her womb. Nausea was beginning to overtake her. She feared if it didn't go away soon, she'd be sick all over her platform.
The Chancellors speech continued. "A petition that apparently sets the purpose of reversing my carefully weighed decisions, and overthrowing this government. If anyone knows any information about this, I trust that you will come forward to enlighten me further of this crisis. It is our obligation we hold to protect the Republic." Nervous mumbles spread through the room.
"Therefore, I have decided for galactic security purposes all privacy screenings within the senate will be removed. As you know these screens allow senators to discuss our issues in private, but I feel it is necessary for the survival of our system for this practice to be discontinued until further notice. I am appointing a new senate security chief to oversee this new project. We will also be installing a new surveillance system with hovercams placed throughout this establishment. I know it will take some time to get used to, but I feel it is crucial in these days of war and chaos."
Two thousand senators struggled to wipe their expressions of shock, and fear hidden from their face as they heard the abundant approving applause from the ignorant crowd. The realization that so many members were on the Chancellors side was more terrifying then the relinquish of their senatorial rights.
"But the security will not stop here." Palphetine said loudly, and he pointed his index finger firmly to his floating platform. There have been many, many threats from the separatists, but the worst came recently. I am in great danger as is everyone here on Coruscant. The separatists want to kidnap me, and imprison all who reside on our sovereign planet." A chorus of frightened, worried voices spread throughout the large amphitheater.
"Have no fear my friends I have discovered a solution to our problem. There are now plans in motion to secure a full-proof security system. Curuscant will be defended by brand new sophisticated technology. There will be a double layer of energy fields. Arriving ships that are approved through our new security system would pass through a series of inner, and outer shields. These shields would surround our entire planet. It will be the ultimate force field."
Padme gasped in horror. Applause, whistles, and cheering blasted from the room as she watched this nightmare unfold. Sweat was pouring down her back, she clutched her hand to her forehead.
Captain Typho turned to her. "Are you alright senator, do you want to leave? Do you need me to get a doctor?" Padme took in a deep breath, and shook her head. "No, no I'll stay. I'm all right. It's my duty to stay."
Typho spoke again. "But if you're sick, or if something, something is wrong."
Padme shook her head again. "No, nothing like that Captain." Padme looked down, and patted her belly. "It's ok I'll be all right; it's just hot in here."
Captain Typho stood up. "All right, I'll get you some water." He said, and left the platform.
Anakin watched her through worried eyes, his heart was pounding furiously. He felt her fear, and discomfort. If she didn't get better soon, he'd leave his post, and get her out of there as quick as possible. Palphetine turned to Anakin an expression of curiosity etched through his face, Anakin said nothing, and turned his eyes away from Padme.
The booming voice of Mas Ameda roared predictably. "Order, order now senators."
The room quieted down again as the Chancellor continued. "In addition, we will also place new Gollan III orbital battle stations, and low-orbit space-dock facilities in strategic locations." A new wave of cheers of applause came as well as chants of "Palphetine, Palphetine" from the charged up mob.
Palphetine smiled. "I'm glad you approve of these new plans, and now onto the latest developments in our battle against this war."
Hours later the crowd began to clear out of the room as Anakin saw Padme, and Captain Typho leaving their platform. He was just about to turn, and leave as the Chancellors voice stopped the movement of his feet.
"I think our meeting went quite well don't you my friend?" Chancellor Palphetine said while smiling at Anakin.
"Yes your excellency, very well. Now if you'll excuse me."
Palphetine interrupted him. "Anakin I know that if you knew something about this ugly treason business you would tell me right?"
Avoiding eye contact with the Chancellor, Anakin nodded his head, and looked away.
"Chancellor I need to get some air, and stretch my legs. I'll be back soon."
"All right Anakin, but please hurry back we have much to discuss."
"Yes your excellency." Anakin walked off of the platform, and out of the arena.
He quickly ran out of the building to see Padme walking with Captain Typho towards her senatorial transport.
Anakin called out to her. "Padme wait, Padme are you ok?"
Padme stopped and turned around. "I'm ok Anakin." Padme turned to Captain Typho. "Please wait for me by the transport Captain."
Captain Typho smiled, and bowed to her. "Alright my lady."
"I felt your pain and discomfort my love, you look pale." Anakin said while gathering her in his arms.
Padme put her arms around Anakin's shoulders. "I'm fine Ani, Captain Typho is going to take me home. I need to lie down."
Anakin heard his name being called. He felt a familiar presence in the Force. Padme, and Anakin both turned towards the voice.
"Anakin." Obi-Wan was walking quickly towards them.
Anakin turned back to Padme. "I want to take you home."
"No I'll be fine. I'll contact you when I get home. Go talk to Obi-Wan, please Anakin."
"Are you seriously ok angel?"
"Yes Ani, I'm fine."
"All right, but if I don't hear from you right away, I'm coming home to check on you."
"That's fine Ani. I'll see you later love." Padme said while hugging Anakin, and kissing him a quick goodbye. Anakin released her reluctantly. Padme walked over to Captain Typho, and left in the transport.
Anakin crossed his arms as Obi-Wan approached him. "What are you doing here Obi-Wan?"
"Master Windu was going to sit in on the senate meeting, but at the last minute I asked if I could instead. Congratulations, you've finally achieved a place with your politicians; this must be a glorious day for you?"
"Thanks, but I don't know if it's going to be permanent."
"How come?" Obi-Wan was quite taken aback by this answer. Maybe there is hope yet, the Jedi Master thought to himself.
"Padme, and I are getting married soon. We haven't talked about what we're doing after that."
"That's great Anakin, but I'm very surprised you're not displaying much enthusiasm about this new career path. I would think this would be a dream come true for you."
"Let's not get into dreams right now alright."
"So how does Chancellor Palphetine fit into your future?'
"I told you I'm not sure yet, but I do appreciate that he's been so supportive."
"At least that's what he wants you to think."
"What do you mean?" Anakin crossed his eyebrows, and gave Obi-Wan a stern look.
"Anakin can't you sense that something is out of place? I find it strange that only days after you leave the Jedi Order the Chancellor is announcing in front of the entire senate that you are now his personal assistant, and bodyguard. Not to mention all these drastic new security measures."
"He asked for my help, and Padme insisted that I take the position so I took it temporarily. And I support the Chancellor on his decisions to secure the republic."
"Anakin do you remember what I told you the other night at the club about Master Qui-Gon."
"Yes."
"I wasn't finished telling you what he told me."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "I know, I know be wary of my feelings the Force grows dark."
"Yes, but there's more."
"Like what?"
"Anakin I know that we've had to struggle with our differences throughout your training, and I've gotten used to the fact that you do not enjoy listening to my criticism, or advice. But it is crucial that you listen to me now. The dark lord of the Sith will reveal his identity and soon. The Sith will try to seduce you."
"Me?" The word just barely escaping Anakin's breath.
"Yes, Anakin you."
"Who is the Sith Lord?"
"I don't know; unfortunately Master Qui-Gon's vision is blinded by the dark side."
"But Qui-Gon-Ginn can sense something." Anakin said the words more to himself then to Obi-Wan.
"Yes he does. Remember his words, your focus determines your reality." Suddenly, Obi-Wan sensed a nearing presence that made him feel uneasy. He knew the time to draw their conversation to a close had come.
Anakin wasn't aware of what Obi-Wan sensed. He was too busy remembering what he had been told that day on the landing platform there on Coruscant. He was just a boy then. It was shortly afterwards Darth Maul struck down Master Qui-Gon. Anakin had asked the Jedi Master what midiclorians were. His memory carried him back to Qui-Gon's unforgettable words "midiclorians are a microscopic life form that resides within all living cells, and we are simbiance with them. Life forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the midiclorians life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind you'll hear them." Anakin could almost hear Qui-Gon's-Ginn's voice as if he were standing right next to him, and whispering it into his ear.
Obi-Wan brought Anakin back to the present. "Anakin I have to go back to the temple. Till then remember keep your concentration in the here, and now. May the force be with you always." Obi-Wan turned to walk away.
"May the Force be with you Obi-Wan, and thank you." Obi-Wan turned around quickly, and smiled back at Anakin.
From the corner of his eye, Anakin saw the Chancellor approaching. Anakin quickly walked over to Palphetine.
"Anakin there you are I was looking for you."
"Sorry Chancellor, did you need me for something?"
Yes son we have much to discuss with my other fellow appointed security consultants on the new measures I announced." Palphetine smiled, Anakin began to follow him back to his office.
-----
Moments after he had arrived in the Chancellor's office Anakin was signaled through his commlink by R2 to inform him that Padme was ok, and resting. After his long strategic discussion with the Chancellor over Coruscant's new security plans; Anakin went home briefly to eat dinner, and shower. Unfortunately, Padme had already left for her secret meeting.
Anakin descended his speeder down towards the Opera house. From his point of view it strangely looked like there was an open gash in the dark building; a gruesome image of blood flowing into the large domed complex. When in reality he knew it was only the bright lights reflecting off the structure, and the occupants inside it moving vigorously.
When he arrived the atmosphere was cold, and unwelcoming. There was no laughter, or lightheartedness in the socialites that ascended the stairs leading to their chairs. It felt more like walking with a funeral procession instead of an excited crowd looking forward to an entertaining show. The elegant red carpet beneath his feet reminded him of boiling bubbling lava, the color of violence, passion, and seduction.
"Ah Anakin you've arrived."
Anakin crouched down next to the Chancellor and spoke quietly. "Sorry I was late your excellency."
"That's perfectly fine." Chancellor Palphetine turned to the other occupants in the room. "Leave us." The stern demand sent the group that included Mas Ameda rising from their chairs, and quietly leaving.
"Please sit down, and enjoy the show my friend."
"Thank you." Anakin said as he sat down next to Chancellor Palphetine.
Anakin watched the performance of Mon Calamari. There were lots of floating clear bubbles; its creatures looked like swimming pink flowing ribbons undulating through liquid. A strange foreboding melody accompanied their movements.
"Anakin can I share something with you?
"Of course your excellency."
"I cannot tell you how this so-called petition disturbs me so. To know your own fellow colleges are plotting against you is extremely upsetting."
"I understand your excellency, may I ask how you found out about it?'
"I have access to very reliable sources my friend. But I fear this petition is just what's on the surface. The real culprits will be the Jedi; I suspect the Jedi want to take over the Republic. They are planning to betray me."
"Chancellor, I don't think that."
Palphetine cut him off. "Anakin search your feelings you do know don't you?"
"I'm not sure, I'm not sure what they're up to. I mean I'm not with them anymore."
"Yes, and a wise decision you made too. They were too blind, and narrow minded to appreciate your talents, your passions. You are too powerful too self-assured.
They don't trust you Anakin. But I must confess I am a little confused on something."
"What's that?"
"I saw you speaking to Jedi Master Kenobi when I came outside to find you."
"Yes, he was there at the senate meeting. I ran into him." Anakin turned away from Palphetine's penetrating stare to concentrate on the light shining through the luminescent dancing bubbles.
"What did your former Master want?
"Nothing really why do you ask?"
"I just thought it strange that the Jedi would want to speak to you since you resigned from the Jedi Order."
Anakin shook his head. "Obi-Wan's just an annoying pain don't pay him any mind.
He doesn't want to let me live my life. He thinks he still has a right to tell me what to do, and give me advice."
"Advice about what Anakin?"
Anakin shook his head. "It's nothing really important just Obi-Wan being Obi-Wan."
"Come now Anakin you can tell me."
"No big deal really, he just wanted to warn me about the Sith. The Order has been doing that for years warning their Padawan's about the Sith. Like I said Obi-Wan doesn't know when to quit."
"Ah yes the Jedi are like that. They do not know when to give up their power over their apprentices. Remember this, all that gain power are afraid to lose it even the Jedi."
"It's not like that Obi-Wan just thinks he's doing good, he thinks he's helping me."
"Good is a point of view Anakin."
"I have to admit I don't agree with all their beliefs. The Jedi's point of view towards emotion is way off."
Chancellor Palphetine smiled, and nodded. "Passion, passion is the strongest emotion that we can feel, and so much can come from it. What we love, and whom we love. The Sith believed very strongly in passion. You know Anakin, the Sith are a fascinating heritage. I did a little research on them myself."
Anakin looked at him curiously. "Really why?"
"History is an amazing thing my friend, I've always been enthralled by it. In order to be a wise, and powerful leader it is important to understand all the events, and circumstances that have led us up to where we all are. That includes studying all types of civilizations. What made them thrive and succeed in this tumultuous galaxy? How they fought, and won their wars. What were their passions their desires?
"I couldn't agree with you more Chancellor."
"For instance Anakin have you ever heard of the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?"
"No."
"Ah, well you see it's a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis the Darth Lord of the Sith so powerful, and so wise. He could use the Force to influence the midiclorians to create life. He had such a knowledge of the dark side; he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying."
"He could stop someone from dying?"
"Yes according to legend. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural."
"What happened to him?"
"He became so powerful the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power; which eventually of course he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew; then his apprentice killed him in his sleep, ironic isn't it?"
Anakin nodded. "Yeah ironic."
"He could save others from death, but not himself."
"So Plagueis, the Sith Lord achieved this power through the dark side."
"Yes, but as I said Anakin it's only a legend, but with further investigation perhaps I will be able to unravel this mystery. I'd be happy to inform you on any progress I make with my research."
Anakin sat very quietly for a moment taking in everything the Chancellor had just said to him. Finally, he turned to look at Palphetine straight into his dark eyes. Anakin felt like he was seeing this man who had been his mentor, and friend for the first time. He was seeing him in a whole new way, in a whole new light. "Yes, please do that."
------
The hologram of Darth Sidious flickered in front of his faithful apprentice's eyes. He had been hiding out for far to long. Lord Tyranus was old, and tired of dodging the Jedi's radar. He wanted revenge and victory now.
"Order sixty six is almost in place." Darth Sidious the dark hooded man replied back to his apprentice.
"Jango Fett told me before he died that there was a safety code just in case."
"Don't worry there will be no need for that my friend. I assure you. The Jedi will not know what hit them."
"Are you sure Skywalker is the man for the job?"
"Without question, he is extremely powerful. He will be the greatest Sith ever."
"But Skywalker is so temperamental, he does not take orders well."
"He will take orders if he believes he has no choice. That it is the right thing to do."
"How are you going to convince him of that?'
"You shall see soon my apprentice."
"Then we will finally have our Empire."
"Yes Lord Tyranus, but we must be patient. I sense that young Skywalker is not quite ready yet to complete his training, his former Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is holding him back. Kenobi must die; I will see to that. Like myself he has a great deal of influence over Skywalker."
"But Skywalker left the Jedi Order."
"They have a bond. They trust each other. It is our mission to destroy that along with the rest of the Jedi Order."
"What about Senator Amadala what about his feelings for her?"
"Their love for each other will be their undoing."
"How so?"
"She is pregnant with his child. They are planning to marry very soon. He left the Jedi Order to be with her. I have been working on Skywalker for many years now to believe what I have planted in his mind. His fear of losing Padme will turn him to the dark side, and in the process will kill her, and his child."
"Excellent my Master."
"I must go now Lord Tyranus I will contact you when it is time."
"Yes my Master."
This was a very complicated chapter to write, and I have spent hours doing research for it. I've had information gathered to do the senate scene alone for months now. Not to mention all the research I have done reading the ATOC and ROTS novels, watching the movies, and doing internet research to write this story. I am determined to finish this story I promise you. I want to thank my beta readers: Rose, and Christie for helping me. I could not have made it this far if it wasn't for them.
I really hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you will continue reading my story. What will be Anakin and Padme's fate? Will Anakin turn to the dark side? Wait and see. I already started writing chapter 14 hopefully I'll be able to get it out in a week or so. Please review thanks for continuing to read.