Chapter Eighteen
The Jedi Council Chamber was a wondrous room in the top of the central spire of the Jedi Temple. The room was lined by large windows an all sides save the door. Almost any way you looked, there was a magnificent view of the bustling, metropolitan city-planet of Coruscant. By day, it was a vast jungle of metal stretching as far as the eye could see in all directions; but by night the planet shone almost like a star unto itself.
It was in this room that the Jedi Council currently met with Obi-Wan and Anakin. Yoda, the both spoken and unspoken leader of said council- a short, green creature who wielded a surprising amount of power- currently spoke, instructing the team. "Track down this bounty hunter, you must, Obi-Wan."
"Most importantly, find out who he's working for," Mace Windu, a human with dark skin and an imposing figure, added.
"What about Senator Amidala? She will still need protect," Obi-Wan said. Of course, he, being the brilliant planner and tactician, thought of such details.
"Handle that, your padawan will," Yoda said simply. As he spoke, Obi-Wan turned to look at his padawan. Was he really ready for such a mission?
"Anakin, escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo. She'll be safer there, and don't use registered transport. Travel as refugees," Master Windu said. Well, that means Sarali isn't coming. She won't be happy with that unless she's helping Obi-Wan.
"As the leader of the opposition, it will be very difficult to get Senator Amidala to leave the capital," Anakin pointed out. Finally! That boy is starting to show some real sense!
"Until caught this killer is, our judgment, she must respect," Yoda said with a tone of finality.
"Anakin, go to the Senate and ask Chancellor Palapatine to speak with her about this matter," Windu said.
And that was that. Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed before walking out of the Council Chamber. Just as Obi-Wan had with Qui-Gon, Anakin immediately shared his concerns.
"Sarali won't just sit around here, you know. She'll go with you whether you want her to or not," Anakin pointed out.
"Well, I shall just have to express to her the seriousness of the situation," Obi-Wan said confidently, almost as though she were a padawan or a youngling, not a person outside of the Order who most certainly did not have to follow his directives.
"Which she'll turn right back at you as the reason why she should come," Anakin threw back.
"You're certainly sure she'll argue," Obi-Wan observed. Since when was his padawan so observant of guarded people?
"I know my own sister well enough," Anakin said, only bristling slightly.
"She certainly seemed fond of debate," Obi-Wan said half to himself.
"Always was," Anakin returned fondly.
ooooooooooo
The Supreme Chancellor's Office was very similar to the Council Chamber in that there was, once again, a set of large windows offering a vast vista of the planetary city. However, the interior of the room was done in reds in blacks, contrasting sharply with the light feeling of the Jedi Temple. Also, this room exuded a feeling of solitude rather than the collectiveness of the Jedi Order, almost as though a select few were allowed here.
In this room, two people once again stood, though this time beside the windows rather than at the centre. This side not, of sorts, ended with a simple statement by Palpatine, "I will talk with her." Now of course when he said 'talk with her', it could more accurately be said that he would persuade her by means of power and personal acquaintance and colleagueship. "Senator Amidala will not refuse an executive order. I know her well enough to assure you of that."
"Thank you, your Excellency," Anakin said with a slight bow.
"And so, they've finally given you an assignment," Palpatine said, switching abruptly to a more personal topic, and one of great interest to both of them. "Your patience has paid off."
"Your guidance more than my patience," Anakin said humbly, for him at least.
Palpatine turned and began to walk away from the windows. Next, he said, "You don't need guidance, Anakin. In time, you will learn to trust your feelings." And that will be easier to teach to you than to her. "Then, you will be invincible."
Anakin followed as Palpatine continued to walk farther into the office. "I have said it many times: you are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met." And she is the most gifted non-Jedi, of course. Perhaps it would be easier if he were to train her.
"Thank you, your Excellency," Anakin said after a second. After all, how do you respond to a comment like that?
"I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin," he said, building up Anakin's ego a little more. And only because you will join me. "Even more powerful than Master Yoda." The Dark Side is strong, but not strong enough until it has, no, I have you. If I had you both, my plans would be set.