Chapter Five - Into the Light

"Dark times are these."

Yoda's sigh echoed ominously around the Temple's central security hub. Display screens showed troop movements across Coruscant airspace and surrounding sectors. Ever since Master Tiin's intrusion, the Jedi had been on high alert.

Mace Windu stood with hands clasped behind his back, brow lowered. "Now we are certain the hidden Sith has eyes and ears inside even these walls. Nowhere is safe from his machinations."

On the displays, clone squadrons assumed attack formations around the Temple. Thousands of soldiers engineered to be unwaveringly loyal to the Republic, now seemingly turned against the Jedi. The sight made Anakin's chest tighten.

Yoda's eyes were distant, as if peering into the Force's deepest currents. "Revealed at last. The shrouded path ahead is. Lead us onward. We must, though dark, the way."

The other Masters nodded solemnly, faces set. After years of relentless war, the Jedi had become hardened warriors. Anakin knew each of them would unflinchingly sacrifice their lives for the Order and the Republic.

He only prayed such a direction would not prove necessary this day. But if Palpatine resisted arrest, the confrontation could quickly turn bloody. A political trial was their goal, yet the Sith did not surrender power gently. The dark side clouded everything.

Mace turned to Anakin, expression calculating. "Skywalker, only you have built trust and familiarity with the Chancellor. You must be the one to confront him, so his guards stand down."

Anakin's mouth went dry, but he nodded. "I understand, Master." The thought of an intimate betrayal twisted his stomach. Whatever Palpatine's plots, he had still shown Anakin true affection over the years. This would cut deeply for them both.

Obi-Wan clasped Anakin's arm. "I know how difficult this is for you, my friend. But take comfort - your actions today spare the Republic from tyranny."

Drawing on his master's steadying strength, Anakin steeled himself for the trial ahead. His feelings told him Obi-Wan spoke truly. The Jedi duties of justice, protection and sacrifice must be his guides now.

With the Council's blessing, Anakin set out alone for the Chancellor's office. Dark clouds brooded over the Senate dome like an ill omen. Anakin tightened his cloak against the errant wind that buffeted his airspeeder.

Was the coming storm natural or shaped by Sith hands to match the swirling chaos in the Force? Palpatine had woven his webs patiently for so long. But those webs ended today.

Landing amid the flat Senatorial plaza, Anakin strode briskly through the vaulted lobby. His measured footfalls echoed across polished floors that could soon be stained red if Palpatine chose violence over surrender.

The Chancellor's elite guards watched Anakin approach. Rex and Cody, distinguished veterans. Once, they had gladly served at Anakin's side. Now duty made them obstacles to be carefully maneuvered past.

"Hello gentlemen," Anakin greeted them evenly. "The Chancellor requested I come report to him on an urgent military matter."

Rex and Cody saluted crisply, then waved him onward. Anakin's shoulders eased. The first hurdle was passed. Now for the true test.

The guards opened the ornamented doors to reveal Chancellor Palpatine within, framed by the massive window and its view of the city he secretly sought to rule. Anakin paused on the threshold, letting his memories overtake him. How many times had he stood in this spot, seeking the Chancellor's wisdom and praise? The familiar comfort now took on sinister undertones.

Palpatine looked up from his desk. "Anakin! I wasn't expecting you. Soon, the Republic will benefit from the strategic brilliance of my new protégé." His kindly face creased into a smile. The expression was so sincere, so unchanged.

Drawing the Force around himself like armor, Anakin stepped inside.