***Chapter 14***

Anakin receives word that the Jedi Council has summoned him for testing. Excited, he races to find Padmé. He stops before a door and asks the guard if he may see the handmaiden. The guard speaks into his comunit.

"The boy is here to see Padmé."

"Let him in," replies a female voice over the unit.

The doors open and Anakin walks in. He is greeted by one of the handmaidens, Rabé. "I'm sorry, Annie. Padmé is not here right now."

"Who is it?" Amidala asks from the other room.

"Anakin Skywalker, to see Padmé, your Highness."

The Queen walks into the doorway. Anakin bows to her.

"I've sent Padmé on an errand."

"I'm going to the Jedi Temple, to start my training, I hope. I may never see her again, so I came to say goodbye."

"We will tell her for you. We are sure her heart goes with you."

Anakin bows again. "Thank you, your Highness."


The Senate chambers are huge. Thousands of Senators and their aides sit in a circular assembly area. Chancellor Valorum sits in an elevated area in the center. Palpatine, Amidala, two handmaidens, and Captain Panaka sit in the Naboo congressional box, a floating platform that can move to the center of the arena when addressing the masses.

Supreme Chancellor Valorum begins the assembly. "The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."

The Naboo box floats to the center and Palpatine addresses everyone, telling them how the Trade Federation has oppressed their planet. Immediately the Federation's box, with Senator Lott Dod, moves to the center and objects. Valorum quickly sends the Federation Senator back to his place.

"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of Naboo, who speaks on our behalf."

Amidala stands, "Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the graves of circumstances. Naboo's system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade…"

She is cut off by Senator Dod, who insists there is no proof and that a commission needs to be sent to ascertain the truth. Senator Ainlee Teem, of Malastare, moves his box to the center and agrees with the Federation Senator.

Valorum begins to speak, but is pulled back by his vice chairman, Mas Amedda. Valorum and his aides discuss the situation. While they are discussing, Palpatine tells Amidala that the bureaucrats are the rulers of the Republic and they are on the payroll of the Federation.

Valorum turns back to the microphone with a sigh. "The point is conceded. Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"

"I will not defer," Amidala replies angrily. "I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee. If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."

Valorum is stunned silent. He falls back into his seat while the assembly murmurs and begins to chant, "Vote now! Vote now!"

Mas Amedda takes over and tries to restore order. Palpatine is pleased. He tells Amidala that a new, strong chancellor will be elected who won't let their tragedy continue. Amidala observes the mayhem in the Senate chambers with sadness. She isn't sure she made the correct decision, calling for the vote, but she has to do everything possible to save her people.


Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have brought Anakin before the Council for testing. They walk out onto a balcony while they wait.

"The boy will not pass the Council's tests. They will say he's too old." Obi-Wan knows that Qui-Gon doesn't need to be reminded of the Council's age rule, but he feels the need to voice it anyway.

"Anakin will become a Jedi, I promise you."

"Don't defy the Council, Master. Not again." Obi-Wan sighs. He wishes he had his Master's gift to see in this child whatever it is Qui-Gon sees.

"I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan."

"If you would just follow the code you would be on the Council and you would have a stronger voice in such matters. They will not go along with you this time. They balk at taking younglings old enough to walk on their own."

"You still have much to learn, my young apprentice. The Force is full of surprises."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan nods. But the Council is set in their ways…though somehow Master Qui-Gon has managed to get others in after the Council's age cut off…but never someone so old…

"There's no need for us to stand out here all night waiting. Tahl is waiting for me back at our quarters, and I'm sure you'd like to spend some time with a certain someone before we are summoned back to the Council."

"Yes, Master!" Obi-Wan grins.


Anakin stands before the twelve Council members as they question him, testing his memory and knowledge. They ask questions about every aspect of his life up to the point where he arrived on Coruscant. When the question and answer time is complete, Mace Windu holds a small viewing screen. Images flash across the screen and Anakin is told to let the Council know what he sees. Anakin names the images Mace is looking at without mistake. Mace eventually turns off the screen and nods to Yoda.

"How feel you?" Yoda asks Anakin.

"Cold, sir."

"Afraid are you?"

"No, sir."

"Afraid to give up your life?" Mace Windu asks as he leans forward slightly.

"I don't think so."

Yoda's ears cock forward, "See through you, we can."

"Be mindful of your feelings," Mace warns.

"Your thoughts dwell on your mother," Ki-Adi mentions.

"I miss her."

"Afraid to lose her, I think," Yoda offers.

"What's that got to do with anything?" Anakin asks, feeling very annoyed that they keep focusing on his mother.

"Everything," Yoda admonishes. "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

I'm not afraid!" Anakin snaps.

"The deepest commitment a Jedi must have. The most serious mind. Much fear in you, I sense, young one."

"I am not afraid," he replies more calmly.

"Then continue we will," Yoda nods.