right after the news of Grievous. Chancellor Palpatine keeps Anakin at the Opera.* "Hmm hmmhmm leave us. *firmly* Leave us" Palpatine waves the senators away. They abruptly end their banter and conversations to leave. "Sit. Come now sit with me my boy. This is a time to celebrate !"

"Why? The battle has yet to be fought and won. We have suffered so many losses."

"Anakin*eye rollingly* "Do you remember what I told you? That time I took you to the lower levels of Coruscant?"

"Yes. I remember it well."

"You begged them to let you choose your own path. Do you remember? I told you there will always be a seat by My Side for you."

"Chancellor, with all due respect... I don't think I understand. Why are you bringing this up now?"

"Son, I've already given the order. The Clones will handle it from here." Anakin relaxes, Palpatine seeing this is pleased "Thank you, Chancellor. We must stop Grievous. We must end this war."

"Come now Anakin. You must sense what I've come to suspect. Without you, the Jedi would have suffered many great defeats at the hands of the Separatists and the Sith. Give me this moment, son."

Anakin Skywalker sits in a lavish box seat, his eyes fixed on the grand stage. The ballet performance of the Mon Calamari dancers, graceful and mesmerizing, unfolds before him.

"Very well sir" Anakin looks at the warbling bubbles of Mon Calamari ballet house performers. For a moment he even begins to appreciate the beautiful harmonics from the music as well, syncopations and impossible feats of sound full of reverberation coursing through everyone in the room. The dancers' motions and flexibility mesmerize and awe the crowd. Refracted lights from the warbling water bubbles dance ever so slightly around the room in tune to the entire production.

"Anakin, *said quickly and diminutively* do you remember when I taught a science class for you and your peers?" Anakin looks at Palpatine amazed that he remembers so specifically a day, but equally shocked at the random choice of topic

"yes. Chancellor. I didn't think you'd remember such a thing."

"Yes, it was a biology class. A lecture in the leafy sea dragon. My son, Like the sea dragon, i extend my influence amongst the coral and kelp. I care for my offspring and tend to my environment. I am a master of camouflage. Call me Palpatine from now on. No no no. I insist."

"Yes. Chancel... Sorry hah... Excuse me. *Assuredly* Palpatine. (Say my name Sebastian vibes)." *Palpatine nods approvingly and with a weighted, calculated pause* I'm sure you've been included in the Jedi plot to have me arrested. I've committed no crimes. Everything I've done has been for the betterment of the entire Galaxy."

"Sir, i." "Epp. *Holds his hand up to Anakin almost like ... Anakin relaxes* I want to tell you a story Anakin. A story about the Sith. I will submit myself to their inquiries willingly if you listen to me and are the one to take me in. Preferably... After this show. It is one of my personal favorites."

"Very well. I've known you my whole life. I find this all very hard to believe... Palpatine... But... "

"Yes. I know Anakin. You believe in justice. You believe in peace. You believe in democracy. You fight for it. I submit to a fair trial because I believe in you, son... *Looks at Anakin for a reaction. Sighs and continues his revelation.* This story begins with a drought, yes, a drought in Tattooine... *Reflective* hmm... I think it's time i tell you something important." "Ssss... *Anakin flinches*

"Palpatine, there hasn't been a drought for many cycles..."

"yes, there hasn't. I've made sure of this" *pauses for a flashback scene a younger Palpatine stands and stares at a Hutt* "The Hutts had reached out to the Senate to negotiate terms for trade. They wanted our technology to increase their efficiency while they did much needed upgrades. *Passively and with great inflection. Anakin looks over at Sheev who is staring deeply at the ballet* Disgusting how they live... Little did we know? A group of slaves had begun hording and withholding higher quality water from the Hutts. It was quite amusing. They even reached out to me for assistance. What can I say, but i was swayed by their deliberate yet effective defiance. *Chuckles* oh the details...mmmmm they told me their elaborate plan, but I made it simple for your mother and her little rebellion. When the Hutts invited me for dinner, I left abruptly after saying: -How can you serve me this cheap wine clearly made from low quality water when you wish to improve and sway my decision? When clearly your wine is vintage!! What sort of hospitality is this. Never on Naboo would we serve a guest less than what we have to offer. Especially, with our pristine waters .-Ah hahaha hyuuck. The Hutts quickly lowered their quotes and accepted our deals with stipulations. We would give them technology that could improve the lives of even their slaves, and they pay. You see, Anakin, this is how the world works for them. But not how it works for Us."

"Palpatine. *Waits. Contemplating* This show is beautiful. I'm glad you have shared these experiences with me. I've appreciated your recognition ever since I was a boy. However, these sentiments are what destroy us as a Jedi, I've maintained a code. All the Jedi have. There is honor in this. "

"No, Anakin. You don't quite understand my goals here. You see... This woman in the Hutts' lair. Oh this was so long ago. *The oh lip smack sheesh ugh i gotta get to the point* she was nothing most men would brag about but she had a fire and sense of loyalty that was to be respected. We met in the brothel of the Hutts while I was on some business, and I rather took a liking to her. You see, son in spite of the drought, whatever she touched seemed to spring water. I was intrigued. Perhaps i could use my influence to share this success or technique with others in our grand republic. I was right. I found a woman who worked night and day to the bone with a knowledge far beyond her peers. I was enamored. I never met such a woman in my life as a political figure and to this day have I yet. We fell in love, however brief... And i never knew of you until the day the Jedi brought you in."

Anakin looks down. Sensing him. ALWAYS sensed him...*

"But... you are a sith."

"I *grand pause* am the only Sith. I am *affirmatively* your Father. Everything I have done has been to ensure the prosperity of the entire Galaxy. Do we serve one or do we serve All?"

Palpatine places a hand on Anakin's shoulder, his expression shifting to one of deep concern.

PALPATINE

(softly)

Anakin, my dear boy, honor and principles can blind us to the greater truths that lie beneath the surface. The Jedi Code, the Jedi way, it restricts your potential. It inhibits your true power. Look around you, Anakin, at the turmoil, the suffering in the galaxy. Can you honestly say the Jedi's approach has brought about lasting peace?

Anakin's gaze turns contemplative, his eyes scanning the theater as the ballet's enchanting performance continues.

ANAKIN

(resolute)

But the Jedi are keepers of justice and defenders of the innocent. Our purpose is to protect, not to exploit.

PALPATINE

(leaning closer, his voice almost a whisper)

Anakin, justice is a concept manipulated by those in power. What if I told you that the very essence of justice lies in your hands? That you have the strength to shape it as you see fit? The Jedi Council, they limit your potential, dampen your ability to make a difference.

Anakin's brows furrow as he tries to reconcile his beliefs with Palpatine's words.

ANAKIN

(struggling)

But to embrace the dark side, to give in to fear and anger... wouldn't that corrupt me?

PALPATINE

(leaning back, his tone filled with calculated sympathy)

Fear, anger, passion... these emotions are a part of who you are, Anakin. Embrace them, harness them. The dark side is not a path of corruption, but rather one of liberation. It offers you the freedom to fulfill your true destiny, to protect those you love.

Anakin's eyes wander back to the dancers, their fluid movements intertwining with the music.

ANAKIN

(whispering, conflicted)

My love for Padmé... my loyalty to the Jedi... I don't know if I can abandon them.

PALPATINE

(leaning in, his voice tender)

Anakin, my friend, love should never be abandoned. It should be embraced, cherished, nurtured. The Jedi's strict doctrine forces you to deny yourself the happiness and fulfillment you deserve. With the dark side, you can protect your loved ones, shield them from harm, and create a better future.

Anakin's heart pounds, torn between his loyalty to the Jedi and the enticing promises of Palpatine's manipulations.

ANAKIN

(whispering, uncertain)

I... I need more time to think.

PALPATINE

(nodding, concealing his satisfaction)

Of course, Anakin. Take all the time you need. But remember, the opportunity for true power and freedom is fleeting. Do not let indecision or loyalty hold you back from your destiny.

Anakin watches the ballet's grand finale, the dancers moving with unparalleled grace. His mind battles between the pull of the dark side and his Jedi teachings, unsure of the path he should take.

FADE OUT.