The small Jedi Shuttle carrying Palpatine and the Jedi arrives at the landing platform. Mace Windu and a dozen senators waiting, including Bail Organa who has C-3PO and R2-D2 in tow. Anakin and Palpatine get out while Obi-Wan hangs back.
"Are you coming, Master?," Anakin asks.
"Oh no. I'm not brave enough for politics. I have to report to the Council. Besides, someone needs to be the poster boy."
"Hold on, this whole operation was your idea. You planned it. You led the rescue operation. You have to be the one to take the bows this time."
"Sorry, old friend. Let us not forget that you killed Count Dooku, rescued the Chancellor, and you managed to land that bucket of bolts safely."
"All because of your training, Master. You deserve all those speeches of your greatness."
" . . . the endless speeches . . . Anakin, let's be fair. Today, you are the hero and you deserve your glorious day with the politicians."
"All right. But you owe me . . . and not for saving your skin for the tenth time . . ."
"Ninth time . . . that business on Cato Nemoidia doesn't count. I'll see you at the briefing."
Anakin smiles and walks away as the ship lifts off. Mace Windu moves past the crowd and bows at the Chancellor, "Chancellor Palpatine, what a welcome sight! Are you all right?"
"Yes, thanks to your two Jedi Knights. They killed Count Dooku, but Darth Maul has escaped once again."
"Maul will run and hide as he always does. Once we eliminate him, negotiating a surrender will be simple. It's a Jedi matter for now. You can begin an exit strategy for the Clone Army. I think it's fair to say this war is at an end. The Senate will have authority again soon and we can put this matter behind us."
"The Droid Army does not negotiate and the leaders of the Trade Federation have been in hiding for some time. I assure you, I will continue the war as long as this threat persists. Unfortunately, that means I will have to continue my rule for a bit longer."
"I assure you, the Jedi Council will find Darth Maul and bring an end to this," Mace becomes serious, "And once the war is at an end, you will be able to step down."
"I would love nothing more than to reinstate democracy to the galaxy," Palaptine smiles.
Bail, Anakin, and the crowd walk away from the platform toward the Senate Building Grand Hallway.
"Skywalker, the Republic cannot praise you enough," Bail tells him.
"Thank you, Senator Organa. The kidnapping was a bold move by the Separatists, but it was a mistake that Obi-Wan and I were able to take advantage of."
"The end of Count Dooku will surely bring an end to this war," he looks over his shoulder to ensure Palpatine is out of earshot, "...and an end to the Chancellor's draconian security measures."
"The fighting is going to continue until Darth Maul is finally stopped . . . The Chancellor is very clear about that. I'm afraid I agree."
Bail seems annoyed, "You're a good Jedi, Skywalker, but perhaps politics isn't your strong suit."
"Perhaps not."
R2-D2 and C-3PO follow behind the crowd, "I'm relieved this war is finally drawing to a close," C-3PO tells him, which is followed by a few beeps and chirps from R2, "I hope you're wrong R2. I dread what might happen next if the galaxy continues along this path."
As the crowd moves into the building, Anakin hangs at the back of the crowd and allows everyone to scoot along ahead of them. Behind a row of large columns, a figure follows the Jedi and he senses it. He smiles ot himself and waits for a moment before slipping behind the column - and into the arms of Padme. They embrace and kiss.
"Anakin! The Force was with you! You're back."
"I missed you, Padme. I've missed you so much."
"There were whispers . . . that you'd been killed. I've been living with unbearable dread."
"I didn't think they would have ever brought us back from the Outer Rim sieges, but I'm back now" he starts to give her another kiss.
She steps back, "Wait, not here . . ."
He grows a bit frustrated, "I'm tired of all this deception. I don't care if they know we're married."
"Anakin, don't say things like that. You're important to the Republic ... to ending this war. I love you more than anything, but I won't let you give up your life as a Jedi for me. We've talked about this."
"I've given my life to the Jedi order, but I'd only give up my life, for you."
She smiles, "Patience, my handsome Jedi . . . Come to me later."
Anakin smiles, but his face falls as he senses something, "Are you all right? You're trembling. What's going on?"
"I'm... just excited to see you. That's all."
"That's not it. I sense more . . . what is it?"
"Nothing . . . nothing . . ."
"You're frightened," his concerns turns a bit toward anger, "Tell me what's going on."
"I wanted to wait until tonight to tell you this, but... I'm... I'm pregnant."
Anakin is stunned. He thinks through all of the ramifications of this. He takes her in his arms, "That's . . . that's wonderful."
"What are we going to do?"
"We're not going to worry about anything right now, all right? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life."
Darth Maul moves through a dark hallway somewhere in Coruscant. He approaches a platform and bows in the center of circular lights, "What is thy bidding, my Master?" A large hologram of Darth Sidious extends in front of him.
"Darth Tyrannus is dead. Your fleet of Seperatists has been destroyed. The remaining Trade Federation leaders have retreated to Mustafar. It is a volcanic system in the outer rim. They will be safe from detection for the time being."
"All is going according to plan."
"In spite of yourself!," Sidious shouts, which elicits an angry sneer from Maul, "Your trap for the Jedi did not go according to plan. Do you realize what I almost lost?"
"I will not fail you again, Master."
"Certainly not. I have foreseen a new apprentice," this once again elicits an angry sneer, "One who is more powerful than any I've encountered. You will be replaced."
"What would you have me to do?," Maul's voice is a low growl.
"You are now the sole commander of the Seperatists. Take all remaining forces to Utapau and await further instructions."
The hologram fades and Maul seethes with anger.