Chapter 4

Anakin sat down facing Master Yoda in the grand master's dimly lit meditation chamber. He had decided that morning that he had to seek advice. He couldn't let everything just bottle up inside him, he had experienced that last night and he realised he needed an escape. But he couldn't reveal his marriage to Padme. He had to be subtle.

He had sought out the wisest member of the Jedi Council, who knew all the deep intricacies of the force. Yet he was afraid that Yoda would reject him; he wasn't ever sure if he liked him. Yoda always seemed to have a gruff disapproval of Anakin's very existence. When he accepted his request, Anakin felt so relieved that tears began to well up in his eyes. He could sense Anakin's distress and asked him to meditate with him for a short time before addressing his concerns.

"These visions you have….are they of yourself? Or someone close to you?" Yoda enquired

"Someone….close." Anakin said. He was glad Yoda didn't pursue the matter further,

"Be careful when sensing the future Anakin. The fear of loss is the path to the dark side. Rejoice in those who become one with the force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy …the shadow of greed that is."

At these words Anakin realised it was a stupid decision to come and see Master Yoda. He did not know the extent of his love for Padme. Jedi did not know or understand love. How on earth could he rejoice in her death? These words infuriated him. He clenched his teeth to prevent him from breaking out.

"What must I do Master Yoda?" he asked.

"Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose." Yoda said.

Anakin stood up, disappointed, and parted ways with the grand master. He had been looking forward to meeting with Yoda and to be honest, he expected a bit more than this. As he walked through the hall to receive Obi Wan's report on Grievous, he suddenly wished he could tell him about his problems. He might lend a more sympathetic and understanding ear than Master Yoda, but he would have to tell him about his marriage, and there was a strong chance he would report that information to the council by obligation. He just wished circumstances were different….

Anakin paced the chancellor's office, streaked with the late afternoon sun, casting shadows on the red walls and strange statues. This was the first time he had seen the chancellor since arriving back on Corruscant.

"Anakin this afternoon the Senate is going to call on me to take direct control of the Jedi Council."

Anakin considered the implications of this for a moment

"The Jedi will no longer report to the Senate?"

Anakin considered this for a moment.

"They will report to me…personally. The Senate is too unfocused to conduct a war. This will bring a quick end to things.

Less deliberation, more action Anakin thought to himself. That can only mean greater efficiency.

"I agree," he said, nodding. "But the Jedi Council may not see it that way."

Palpatine paced the room and stopped.

"There are times when we must all endure adjustments to the constitution in the name of security."

He really was not sure how the Council would take to this news.

"With all due respect, sir, the Council is in no mood for more constitutional amendments."

"In this case I have no choice…this war must be won," Palpatine replied with conviction.

"Everyone will agree on that," Anakin said, glad to find some common ground between the council and Palpatine.

Palpatine gazed outside the window at the setting sun. He seemed deep in thought.

"Anakin, I've known you since you were a small boy. I have advised you over the years when I could ... I am very proud of your accomplishments. You have won many battles the Jedi Council thought were lost . . . and you saved my life. I hope you trust me, Anakin."

Anakin's reply was swift. "Of course."

Palpatine looked at him seriously.

"I need your help, son."

Why? Anakin thought. "What do you mean?" he blurted.

Palpatine took a deep breath, before continuing.

"I fear the Jedi. The Council keeps pushing for more control. They're shrouded in secrecy and obsessed with maintaining their autonomy . . . ideals. I find simply incomprehensible in a democracy."

Anakin contemplated his words. Did he find an element of truth in what Palpatine was saying? For some time now he had observed how the Jedi were distancing themselves from him. As if they didn't trust him. As if he was dangerous. The thought brought a spark of anger. But he couldn't admit this to Palpatine out of loyalty to the council .

"I can assure you that the Jedi are dedicated to the values of the Republic, sir," he said.

"Nevertheless, their actions will speak more loudly than their words. I'm depending on you."

Anakin looked at him. "For what? I don't understand."

"To be the eyes, ears and voice of the Republic." Palpatine told him, with the faintest trace of a smile .

Anakin thought about the implications of his words.

"Anakin. . . I'm appointing you to be my personal representative on the Jedi Council."

Anakin stood still, stunned,

"Me ?... A Master? I am overwhelmed, sir, but the Council elects its own members. They will never accept this."

"I think they will ….they need you more than they know ," Palpatine told him, his lips curving into a smile

Anakin's mind was racing far ahead, thinking about what he would be allowed to if he was granted mastership. One thing particularly captivated him though. If he was a master, he could access forbidden holocrons in the holocron vault, a privilege only given to masters. And he could use it to search for information relating to his main concern: the seemingly imminent death of his wife. There was so much information in the Holocron Vault. Maybe there was something that could be done.

He spent that night in Padme's arms, with his hand touching her bulging belly tenderly. Fearing for her life, he held her close, kissing her softly every now and then. He eagerly awaited the next day, where he would be granted mastership, and he could then commence his research into what needed to be done.