Hello, all!

After several chapters of unending action I thought it best to slow down a bit. Give a small reprieve.

I will let everyone know, the next few chapters are going to feature more...emotions and intrigue let's just put it that way. But it's all part of the master plan. As such, this chapter is nice and short. Only 8.5k XD as opposed to 16.

No mailbag, but I will do one for chapter 24, I promise. I thank everyone who has reviewed and on a celebratory note, this story now has over 1000 follows! Huzzah!

Onwards!

"This life is a test, and we're put down here to make choices. The truth is, bad choices of other people can end up hurting us."- Elizabeth Smart

Chapter 23. The Man Who Would Be Master

Today was a good day.

Sun filled skies stretched across Coruscant like a blue banner of good cheer. A positive omen signaling good things to come. After all, the Separatist attack had been repelled. General Grievous was dead. The Republic now pressed their advantage. For once, the direction of the war seemed to favor the good guys.

At least that's how Anakin Skywalker preferred to see it. Obi-Wan didn't like it when he talked in 'absolutes' or whatever but why not celebrate a clear victory?

The lean, cut, handsome Jedi brushed light brown bangs out of his eyes as he passed a couple of human female Senators from the Core Worlds (he could tell by how fancy they dressed) who gave…admiring glances as he passed by in the decorated, extravagant halls of the Republic Executive Building. A bit of a harmless ego boost. Then again, there was only one woman for the Chosen One. The most beautiful angel in all of existence and he got to see her almost every day…when they weren't away on missions or diplomatic entreaties anyway.

Perhaps that's why he was in such a good mood. The Senate had resumed session. He'd just returned from a major victory on Scipio. Which meant that they both were on Coruscant at the same time.

And I know exactly where she'll be

He'd grabbed some Alderaanian Flame Lilies before hopping the airbus, a journey taken at least a thousand times before. But it never grew stale for Anakin. Being in love did that to a person he supposed. The Jedi Code be damned.

Stepping on the lift and pressing the button to the right floor, his thoughts drifted to the most recent campaign. Joy was swept away by a no small amount of guilt and conflict. Flashes of the duel with Count Dooku returned, a dark reminder of what he'd done…or almost done.

He'd been ready to kill the old man without pity or mercy. And the internal battle over the gravity of such an action continued to impact his psyche.

He's a Sith, the scum of the galaxy, whispered the beast.

A Jedi defends life, he does not take it, he reminded himself, repeating Obi-Wan's words to him as a padawan.

Obi-Wan was almost killed

And then you bested him in combat. He was unarmed

He deserved it

And what about your own sins?

The constant barrage between devil and angel on his respective shoulders continued to trouble the young man as he peered mindlessly out into the skyline of shiny buildings and speeding traffic.

Obi-Wan wouldn't tell the Council about his violation of the code. He gave a silent acknowledgement of thanks to his old master. Many on that lofty, arrogant body weren't his biggest fans in the first place. Especially Master Windu who always seemed to look for an excuse to admonish him. Hypocrite.

Flashes of dead Tusken Raiders lying motionless on the ground came back as if to say 'You're no better.' Anakin could practically see the blood staining his hands. The blight of murder still fresh on those fingertips. And for all the remorse following the deed, a small part of him not only relished in the slaughter but desired more…craved it even. All that power to make those who crossed Anakin Skywalker and those he cared about suffer.

The call of the dark side. Yoda spoke of it many times. Obi-Wan warned him more than once to be mindful of his feelings. He managed to press those feelings down. Compact them. Bind them. Ensure they never saw the light of day and he'd largely succeeded in that effort. Until recently that is.

Let go

That was the Jedi mantra. Let go of all emotions and attachments in hopes of inner peace and to serve a higher purpose.

'The only love I feel in my heart is haunted by what should happen if I let go.'

Prophetic words from Mortis that followed him around like a ghost, dogging every footstep, every decision, everywhere Anakin Skywalker went throughout the universe. He'd tasted the forbidden fruit. Savored its contents, its nourishment, the essence only someone in love understood. How could anyone let go of that?

The lift dinged and the doors opened to his destination. The one place he could call home in Padme Amidala. The one person who never judged, never lied, or desired for him to be any other person than himself. A peaceful slice of happiness amongst the chaos of war.

Feeling that warm, enveloping happiness return, he slicked back his long, flowing locks (almost neck length by now), stepped out and began to whistle. Yes, today was a good day.

Whistling an old tune he'd learned from Rex and the boys, he soon reached his primary destination. The lobby was empty and Anakin immediately felt a pang of an unpleasant reminder. A dozen souls perished in the Separatist attack, including Padme's aide, Neela. It was so…odd and empty without her there giving the proper phrase to enter. Judging by the absence of the chair, Padme hadn't found a replacement yet.

She can hardly blame me for walking in

Happiness. Yes, happiness was the key.

The doors automatically opened. There the Senator sat, typing away at her holo monitor. No doubt working on something important. She looked as beautiful as ever, with her hair placed in an elegant cylinder held together by a gold headpiece. A puffy sleeved, indigo dress only added to her loveliness, accentuating those deep, brown eyes that could level his very soul.

"Hey, angel."

"Ani? This isn't exactly a good time. I'm going over some prepared remarks from Chancellor Palpatine at today's session."

"Well as it just so happens, I was personally invited to witness his speech."

"Personally invited? That's certainly unusual. Do you know why?"

"No idea. Wouldn't tell me the reason. So I thought I'd pop over beforehand and say a quick hello."

He cracked a grin and slid over to the desk.

"Or perhaps something more..."

He loved his ability to make her blush like a schoolgirl. She was adorable like that.

"Not that I wouldn't like to reciprocate but-"

A tender kiss interrupted her, followed by three more against suppulant, pouty lips that only increased the appetite of the Chosen One.

"I locked the automatic doors when I came in. No one will disturb us."

At first, his boldness seemed to pay off as Padme eagerly explored the inside of his mouth before moving to place soft, delicate kisses on his neck. Raw passion slowly built its way up in Anakin's chest as he breathed in her intoxicating scent. A little moan escaped those lips…a good sign. A green light signaling she wanted more.

This continued for another half minute before he sensed hesitation from his wife.

"Wait."

Damn it. He'd been so close too.

"I'm sorry, Anakin. But it's just not a good time."

"There's at least half an hour before the speech. We can easily sneak in a couple quick ones before then."

That didn't seem to improve her mood. If anything it further soured the chance of getting laid.

"Do you ever take me seriously beyond sex?" she snapped.

Anakin, taken aback by the verbal lashing from his normally even tempered wife, let it pass. He could feel her vulnerability acutely. And regret.

"I'm sorry," she immediately apologized. "It just hasn't been an easy week since the attack."

"I know," he responded sympathetically. "I noticed it too when she wasn't here this morning. The Chancellor plans to hold a ceremony for the fallen."

"It's not just that. Ani…I saw her die. Right in front of me. Practically disintegrated. It-"

She placed a hand in front of her face but it failed to catch an escaped cry as tears began rolling down her rosy cheeks. Anakin raced in order to stem the flow, taking her in his wide, expansive arms.

"Hey it's okay. I'm here."

"I'm stupid for acting so undignified. I've felt so off lately."

"You don't ever have to apologize to me for being human," he assured softly into her ear. "I've seen countless men killed. No one ever gets used to it."

Padme smiled at the comfort of her adoring husband. But it quickly morphed into lines of worry as she turned towards Anakin.

"Ani…" her voice suddenly became reluctant. "She's not the only one who lost her life."

"What do you mean?"

"You were there when Count Dooku murdered Rush Clovis."

Anakin gave a slight frown.

"Clovis? Padme, don't tell me you still cared for him."

"He was a colleague and a friend despite his flaws. And he certainly didn't deserve to be murdered in cold blood like that."

"The guy poisoned you once."

"A complete accident."

"His dealings with the Separatists weren't," he insisted more forcefully, growing more uncomfortable at the topic by the second. "If not for our arrival Dooku would have succeeded in bankrupting the Republic."

"That's not the impression I received during our last correspondence," Padme insisted back. "I was in the process of securing a fair rate on Republic loans before Scipio was invaded. He claimed he was being set up."

"He was just trying to weasel his way out of trouble. People like Clovis are the reason this war continues. If you ask me, he's better off dead."

That had been the wrong sentiment to voice. Padme immediately pulled away, steel glinting in those normally soft, understanding brown orbs.

"Since when did you become so unbelievably callous?"

"You said it yourself, I was there Padme. I could sense his desperation. That scum-"

"Maybe you should try listening to your own advice," she interrupted. "To see a life extinguished is a horrible thing, Anakin. No matter what the circumstance. I believe Clovis when he said something was off and now-"

Anakin's insensitivity gave way to empathy as fresh tears threatened to smudge the light but intricate amount of makeup expertly applied on that face he loved so much. IT twisted him up inside when she cried.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly and remorsefully. "I should have made more of an effort to save him."

"It's not your fault," Padme conceded. "I just hate that he died in such a gruesome manner. And we'll likely never know the truth of what actually happened."

He took her in his arms once more and rocked her gently. She didn't resist.

"It's okay. The banks are being placed under the protection of the Chancellor for the time being."

"I had hoped to avoid such an outcome."

"He's pledged to relinquish control when the war is over. Trust me. Everything will work out."

A flicker of uncertainty went through his wife. He wondered if doubt was a contagious emotion because not for the first time Anakin debated if he sought to convince himself more than anyone else. Was this the price of war? Endless scheming and the compromise of one's values?

"I hope you're right."

"In the meantime I got you something."

The Flame Lilies which lay on the desk were presented to the distinguished Senator in prime romantic fashion. Anakin's stomach did a backflip as she accepted them with gusto and gave a pleasurable inhale.

"They're beautiful. Thank you, Ani."

"See, I guess I do think of other things besides sex."

Rolling her eyes but smiling all the same, they resumed their tongue dance and Anakin was more than happy to oblige as he became lost in a sea of perfume, cloth, and smooth, soft skin. No Jedi Order, no Council, no war, no Dooku, no reminder of any sort of looming inner darkness or past misdeeds.

After all, today was about happiness. And nothing made him happier than Padme Amidala.

The Separatist attack on Coruscant failed, their attempts to annex the Banking Clan thwarted and completely nullified by the Core Five. But the end result went exactly as planned. Despite the victory, fear of further invasion was enough to spook the Munns into doing the one thing no one thought possible: giving up their precious financial empire.

"It is now clear to the Banking Clan that we can no longer be neutral in this war," Senator Nix Card spoke in front of the Senate. "Not as long as Count Dooku threatens our autonomy. Therefore it is in our best interests and the galaxy's best interest to cede control of the banks to the office of the Supreme Chancellor until such time where said arrangement can be reevaluated."

A few notable representatives, including Bail Organa frowned in disapproval and did not applaud. But the reactions from the others were near unanimous.

Rubbing his goatee, the Senator from Alderaan said nothing but kept private counsel.

Perhaps Ahch-To was right

"It is with great reluctance that I take on this immense responsibility," Palpatine spoke with humility. "Rest assured, when the Clone Wars end, I shall reinstate the banks as we once knew them. But during these treacherous times, we cannot allow our money to fall under the manipulations of a madman, by Count Dooku or Separatist control again."

More applause, this time much louder, and Organa's frown deepened.

"May there be prosperity and stability in all our Republic lands. May our people be free and safe. Long live the banks!"

But the Chancellor was not finished yet, an odd smile creeping into his lips.

"And I would like to make a very special recognition. Though all of our brave clone troopers and generals deserve credit for this victory over the Separatist threat, one in particular stands out above the rest. General Anakin Skywalker of the Jedi Order. We all owe him a great personal debt of gratitude. Thank you, General!"

The clapping and cheering became so loud, his aide barely heard him over the roar.

"Contact Senators Amidala and Mothma. I need to speak to them right away."

For at the moment Bail Organa did not feel very free nor very safe.

Breakfast in the cafeteria of the Jedi Temple. A place most Jedi went to nourish themselves and enjoy a brief moment of peace from the ongoing conflict that stretched into its third year. The palpable exhaustion could be sensed among even the oldest and most experienced among them.

For Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano it had become a primary means of planning and discussion which now reached a critical juncture with the climax of the war now having passed. Despite the grim Holonet reports of more deaths, Separatist attacks, and the never ending hunt for Count Dooku, they both knew better. The Clone Wars were wrapping up. Republic militarization and industrial might reached unprecedented levels. More and more authority slipped away from separate institutions into the hands of the Supreme Chancellor. Grievous was an irreplaceable loss for the Separatist military and their holdings now spanned only a handful of areas among the Inner and Outer Rim.

The pieces were set. Darth Sidious would make his move. The big question: how to counter accordingly. After a few days off from Master Yoda (even Jedi could suffer from overwork) they were right back to planning preparations.

"How much longer until this ends?" Ahsoka asked him.

Luke picked at his food mindlessly as he contemplated the question. He'd sped up the timeline true but Sidious's aims appeared not to have deviated at all. Same endgame…different methodology.

"A month, maybe two tops," he answered.

"Sidious will wait that long?"

"The Sith have been planning the eradication of the Jedi and the Republic for a thousand years. Six to eight weeks won't make much of a difference. If nothing else, the man is patient."

"Which is why we need to act quickly."

Ahsoka felt the same urgency as he did now. Good. Not that she didn't care before but the near death of Padme Amidala imprinted a lasting sense of do or die in the Togruta. And just how far the enemy was willing to go in order to achieve their sadistic vision.

"We need to act with purpose," Luke reminded her, quoting the old Jedi saying verbatim. "As Sidious prepares his final strike, we need to do the same."

"So what's next?"

A balancing act of different actions and items that honestly threatened to create a migraine. But to defeat the Sith, expert planning became crucial.

"The way I see it there are four main aspects to countering the Grand Plan: keeping Anakin from getting any closer to the dark side, protecting Padme, removing Sidious from power, and the clones."

"Well Padme is alive-

"No thanks to you, I might add."

Ahsoka smiled briefly in appreciation knowing just how much Luke had grown to adore his mother. Honestly, it was very sweet.

"Anakin seems…normal. At least by Anakin standards."

"He's not exactly subtle, is he?" Luke remarked with a bit of dry humor.

"No Skywalker is," she responded with a wink. "But you've planted the seed of Order 65 in Bail Organa. That just leaves Order 66."

By far the most complicated and perilous of their respective problems. Exposing a vast conspiracy of that scale required delicacy and timing.

"The Kaminoans have the information and data we need about those biochips. But the trick is coming up with an excuse to go there."

"They're notoriously tricky from what I've heard. And you've never been to Kamino before. So I'd suggest bringing someone along. Someone like-"

"The Empire wiped out their entire civilization by the time I came of age," he interrupted. "But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. First, we need proof."

Ahsoka pursed her lips at the ducking of the subject of help yet again but chose not to pursue it.

"The only proof we could find is in the clones themselves. Unless one of the chips malfunctions, there's no way to expose it. Technically, they're not supposed to even exist."

"There's a way to expose everything," Luke said, quieting his voice even further as a group of padawans passed by. "My father told me in the past that the clones would often have nightmares of their programming replaying in their heads. If we can pinpoint any kind of odd, eccentric behavior or dreams, we can use it to take a trip to Kamino."

Deciding he wasn't hungry in the slightest, he got up from the table and pushed the tray back. Ahsoka gave him an odd glance.

"Where are you going?"

"Down to barracks to speak with Rex and the boys. I'm due to supervise training anyway. When you get the chance, you should do the same with the 104th."

"Unfortunately there won't be much time. I'm leaving offworld with Master Plo for Ord Mantell in a few days. The Separatists are trying to capture the Regional Depot there."

"Well, still try to find out what you can. I'll see you later when I get back, okay?"

Ahsoka nodded but made a mental note to keep pressing Luke on certain matters. The need for secrecy certainly made sense given the unique, borderline impossible situation and the high minded arrogance of the Jedi Council made for a difficult audience. But she was sure they could convince the more liberal members, especially Yoda and Obi-Wan. So why the level of trepidation she detected in him?

"Hey…don't push yourself too hard."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Luke smiled as he left the cafeteria but Ahsoka sensed building levels of stress, forming a typhoon of urgency that tended to swallow those it inhabited.

Perhaps she'd have to pull two Skywalkers back from the brink before this was over.

Anakin enjoyed spending time with the Chancellor for many reasons. He didn't care if others thought of the man: too aloof, fake, untrustworthy, none of that mattered. Palpatine had been like the grandfather that never was. And unlike the Jedi Council, not constrained by rules and asinine protocols on feelings and emotion.

"Thank you, Chancellor, for your kind words today. I confess, I wasn't prepared to be named in your speech personally."

"Think nothing of it, my boy. It was well deserved after all. You single handedly prevented the Republic from becoming the victim of a swindle."

Right there. A perfect example. Whereas in the past he'd received nothing but scoldings or admonishments from the rank and file Jedi, Palpatine never hesitated to give praise or credit when due.

The Chancellor poured two glasses of celebratory Daruvvian champagne and offered him one.

"Thank you, sir. Though I can't take all the credit. Obi-Wan was instrumental in the battle."

"Naturally. You two work quite well together. It's heartwarming to see. To the Republic."

They clinked classes and downed the fizzy, sweet liquid to toast their success. Palpatine's expression altered slightly from one of satisfaction to one who was about to bring up a delicate subject.

"I hope you trust me, Anakin. Your devotion to duty and the Republic have been a cornerstone in this long and costly war."

"Of course, sir."

They stood in his office in a private meeting. Truthfully, his relationship with Palpatine made some among the Council uneasy. Nevertheless, he went anyway.

"I need your help, son." The Chancellor's expression became not quite pleading but caring and gentle as though an uncle were asking a favor from a nephew.

"I'll do whatever I can," the brunette stated emphatically.

"Your willingness is very touching, Anakin," the sixty plus year old said with a smile. "What I require is not an easy task but I know you can handle the responsibility. The Republic needs eyes. It needs ears and most of all a voice."

"What do you mean, sir?"

The Chancellor placed a comforting hand on the young man's broad back as they began slowly walking around the room.

"I require a more personal contact among the Jedi, especially on the Council. The regrettable incident with your former padawan highlighted the gray area between the Executive and the Order. Therefore, there is a need to further centralize military operations."

Anakin thought he could tell what Palpatine was saying but couldn't quite believe it.

"Sir-"

"No need to ask any more questions, my boy," the Chancellor interrupted with a warm smile. "Anakin, I am appointing you as my personal representative on the Jedi Council, effective immediately."

"But that would make me a master," Anakin said, completely taken aback.

"And? Do you feel you are not worthy of such a title?"

Palpatine's tone indicated faith but also a lack of understanding involving internal Jedi affairs.

"It's not that sir, it's just that the Council elects their own members. I don't think they'll agree to this."

"Anakin, I have known you since you were a small boy. Time and again I have said you are the greatest, most gifted Jedi I've ever seen. That statement still holds. If the Council sees your value as I do, they will acquiesce without a shadow of a doubt."

The twenty two year old couldn't help swelling internally with pride.

"You really think they'll agree?" he asked hopefully yet also naively.

Anakin missed the predatory smile the Chancellor gave him.

"I think they will. They need you. More than you know."

Luke Skywalker was supervising the target practice of the 501st when the news broke. In hindsight, it came at a very inopportune time. Delving into the thoughts and feelings of non Force sensitive beings required patience and a meticulous eye for detail. If anything was afoot, he'd have to be one hundred percent sure of its validity.

"Feeling alright, sir?" Tup asked.

"I should hope so. You did kill General Grievous after all."

"Destroying a cyborg gives me no pleasure. After all, the war continues," Luke said evenly. The Holonet had seen fit to publish and post his name everywhere after the battle. Only Anakin surpassed his fame. Something that drew very mixed feelings internally.

"You gotta give yourself more credit than that, sir," Kix called from standby as he sorted through his medkit. "You're the Jedi who stopped the Separatists from kidnapping the Chancellor. Not even General Skywalker or Kenobi could capture him."

"Ah, come on, leave it be," Jesse admonished. "The General doesn't need any of us fawning over him."

Luke appreciated the gesture though he wished his father were here to take some of the attention. Hero worship only went so far. At one point, a long time ago he might have relished the adoration of such a deed. The New Republic used his likeness constantly to promote the post Empire government.

Such sentiment rang hollow now, even if earned.

Luke Skywalker. Jedi Master. A legend

"General Tano said you were out for the count," Fives stated with just a bit of teasing. Of all the men under his command, the ARC Trooper was the least afraid of firing off a joke. Even at the expense of his Generals.

"She exaggerates, but yes I'm much better."

Fives' grin widened.

"That's not what I heard," the clone cracked as he fired off a couple rounds at the droid dummies. "She told us you slept for nearly an entire day."

Luke very much enjoyed the banter. Aside from the biting sarcasm of Obi-Wan and the rebellious sass of Ahsoka and Anakin, sometimes the Jedi lacked personality. Spending time with soldiers who thought of the world in simpler terms felt quite refreshing.

"Yes, well General Tano falls asleep before midnight at parties. Rex can back me up on that one."

The Captain, also supervising the firing line, rolled his eyes as the men snickered.

"Sometimes I forget how far she's come," he commented, a nostalgic look coming into his golden hazel eyes. "You should have seen her on Christophsis. The most wide eyed youngling I'd ever seen."

Luke laughed alongside the rest of the clones. The ghost of his father told him how green and immature Ahsoka had been at the beginning of the war. He smiled at the thought of the both of them arguing and sniping at each other.

"I wasn't on Christophsis. Wish I could have been there," Fives said wistfully.

"That's because you were still struggling to pass your basic combat exam," Hardcase jabbed with a grin. He proceeded to blaze his Z6 into fake B2s advancing on them.

"I was blasting droids at the same time your growth chamber sprung a leak."

Echo stood beside Sergeant Appo and Ridge, all three awaiting their turn. The ARC Trooper gave a chuckle before responding.

"Looking back, that training wasn't so bad. No one thought Domino Squad would do anything more than maintenance duty. And look at us now."

"You're still as skinny as a pole, Echo."

"Shut up."

The Jedi Master took in the wisecracks, both amused and light hearted. By the same token, their camaraderie also drove a stake into his heart. Every one of the men he currently served still carried an inhibitor chip that essentially branded them as slaves with no free will of their own once activated. To stop it almost seemed impossible.

Rex called for a ceasefire on the line which Luke used to his advantage to start another conversation.

"Tup," he said seriously. "To any man in this room. Have there been any oddities?"

The question was met with surprised expressions among the clones.

"What do you mean, sir?"

Luke wished he'd been given more to work with in establishing the conversation.

"Constant fighting is hard on everyone, including me. Fives was kind enough to point that out," he added humorously. "But I want to ensure that no man among this legion is suffering from combat related stress."

Jesse spoke up now.

"All due respect, General. This is what we've been genetically engineered for. We've been designed to withstand any kind of stress."

Luke lamented the answer hadn't been different. All of them were under the impression he meant common battle fatigue.

"It can manifest itself in many ways. Tremors, memory loss…dreams."

Again, that failed to register.

"I can't say that any of us have experienced anything like that," Fives spoke honestly. He took a small glance at Tup which the blond noticed right away. Then again, he couldn't press the issue too much. The cold, hard reality was the chip buried the coming event deep within their subconscious. Without anyone admitting to it there was little he could do in terms of bringing attention.

He had to put their minds at ease before any one of his men suspected otherwise. Clones valued loyalty above all else. To create the impression he might be looking for a slip up or weakness in any of them would backfire.

"Just ensuring the health of my men. Next group to the firing line. Reset the droid attack sequence."

That did the trick however there were some curious glances from Fives and Rex in particular. But before anyone could comment further, Luke's comlink lit up. The coding indicated it was Obi-Wan.

"Excuse me, gentleman."

He stepped outside the practice range only to see the auburn haired Jedi standing in front of him which certainly came as a surprise.

"Master? What's going on?"

"There is something afoot," Obi-Wan told him, concern quite evident in his tone. "Chancellor Palpatine has appointed Anakin as his personal representative on the Jedi Council.

It took every ounce of self control Luke had not to swear in Huttese as loudly as he could.

"Which effectively grants him the same privileges as the senior members," he accurately concluded.

"Correct. Except this violates Jedi autonomy. They will not take kindly to being ordered to do so."

Luke leaned forward, sincerely hoping the same mistake wouldn't be made twice.

"Yet I sense the Council is actually considering this?"

"I'm afraid so, though not for noble reasons. This move has caused further wariness of the Chancellor and his motives. There is a thought among some that Anakin should be accepted in this new position but not given the rank of master."

Oh you have got to be kidding me

"For what point and purpose?" Luke dared to ask as he already knew the answer.

Obi-Wan sighed, not enjoying what he was about to say.

"Do not tell him this yet. I wanted you to know first before a final decision was made. They will order Anakin to spy on the Chancellor and keep track of his movements."

Luke could have gone up to each member of the Council and smack them upside the head. It was a difficult situation to say the least. On the one hand, to agree to Palpatine's demand would further expand his power over the Jedi. To simultaneously deny him the rank of master and ask him to spy on a man he trusted? They may as well deliver Anakin on a silver platter to the Sith. On the other hand, to refuse had the potential exacerbate tension between the Chancellor and the Order. Having led Ahsoka to knighthood in just two years, no valid excuses were present to justify not bequeathing Anakin the title.

It was truly a no win situation. The only choice to be made? The lesser of two evils.

"Obi-Wan, you cannot ask this of him. I don't even know where to begin."

"Believe me, I am not a fan of this either. But devotion to the Order must come first."

Luke did a double take.

"Devotion?" he said, eyes practically popping out of the sockets. "This is madness! This is-"

So apoplectic Luke became, he briefly lost the ability to speak. This was…they were playing right into the evil bastard's Grand Plan!

Son of a Hutt. I've had enough of this

Without saying another word, he suddenly power walked past Obi-Wan.

"Take over for me, Rex. I'll be back."

Even the beloved captain dared not to say anything. To see the normally mild mannered General this upset didn't require a response. Only a perfunctory nod.

"Luke…where are you going? Luke?"

He didn't want to do this. By the Force, he really didn't want to. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

It was time to have a little chat with the Jedi Council.

One gunship ride back to the Temple later, he found at least half of the Council in the Situation Room which suited Luke just fine as most of the esteemed members were present- Yoda, Mace Windu, Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, Saesee Tinn, Adi Gallia, etc. Their rank and seniority mattered very little when every single one of them insisted on making the same mistake.

"Luke, don't!"

Obi-Wan's respective plea, still following him in a bid to prevent the tirade, fell on deaf ears. Windu was the first to notice his interruption.

"General Luke, what are you-"

"Are you all insane?! Do you truly have no sense at all?!"

Obi-Wan had to bite his fist in second hand shame. But Luke didn't care. His temper had been unleashed and holding it back was like trying to stand upright in the midst of a windstorm. The aghast looks on their faces only spurred him on.

"This has to be more idiotic than a Gungan on death sticks," he continued in a low growl. "Except even a Gungan on death sticks would know better."

"General Luke this is highly-"

He ignored Mundi and elevated his normally soft timber to sound like thunder.

"You're going to order Anakin Skywalker to spy on a man whom he sees as a second father? The man who also holds the power to put us all in jail or worse? It's stupidity and arrogance of the highest degree."

No part of him enjoyed losing his temper or yelling at the Council but this particular situation merited it. They all needed to hear how shortsighted they were being. How unbelievably moronic! How could they believe this was a good idea? It insulted the very tenants of common sense.

They don't know about Palpatine, the small voice of reason tried to say.

Damn what they do and don't know! his anger responded. They should know better, Sith Lord or no Sith Lord!

Windu and Mundi glared at Obi-Wan, their respective ire shifting towards the youngest member of the Council which only served to piss off Luke more. Obi-Wan didn't like the idea in the past or now. He carried the least amount of fault.

"Don't blame him, I would have found out eventually either way," he told them sharply. "And I'm very glad I did. Under no circumstance can you do this."

"It is not for you to tell us what we can and cannot do, Ahch-To."

Tinn's voice was supposed to sound like a warning but the darkest corners of Luke's ego outright dismissed any right these people had to lecture him. Had any of them been a Grandmaster of the entire Order save for Yoda? Was it not he who cleaned up the mess they left behind? Did they not take the equivalent of the galaxy's savior and in their hubris hand him over the devil?

No more. No more of this. If the Jedi had learned nothing in this timeline, he'd have to take matters into his own hands.

"Who guards the guardians?" he posited towards them. "Who do you answer to when a decision goes wrong?"

The collective reactions of the Masters were a comical mix of outrage, intrigue, and stoicness. The normally unflappable Mace Windu, Master of the Order, appeared as close to livid without breaking his normally cool demeanor.

"General Luke you are entirely out of line and violating the Code of the-"

"I'll show you what's out of line."

Not even a pin would have dared to drop at that particular comment. No one had ever dared to speak to the powerful, universally respected Mace Windu like that. Luke could discern as much and as his own temper began to cool realizing he was treading on very thin ice. Time to take a different tone.

"Anakin has passed the requirements necessary to become a Jedi Master. What is he to think when you grant the Chancellor's request and simultaneously deny the rank that comes with it? He mentored Ahsoka Tano to become one of the finest among the Order, the youngest Jedi Knight in centuries. His mastery of the lightsaber and Force abilities are second to none. Our current advantage in this war can almost entirely be attributed to him."

The swimmering tension amongst the powerful Force users in the room started to peter out. Luke felt keenly aware of his actions as they rippled through space time. What happened here could prove beneficial…or equally devastating.

"You cannot expect us to give in to the Chancellor's demands," Adi Gallia responded calmly, as though Luke's outburst had been a mildly interesting performance of some kind.

"Correct. You cannot."

He almost laughed at the bewilderment in Ki-Adi Mundi.

"It would be counterintuitive. Anakin is only twenty two years old and clearly not ready to serve on the Council. But he is the Chosen One. You must put a certain amount of faith in him. Demonstrate this by granting what he deserves and explain where improvement is required."

Luke meant every word and grew more insisting with each passing second. His father needed a certain degree of praise. He needed trust. If the Jedi didn't show even a modicum of either, he'd turn right back to the only person who showed him any: Palpatine.

Tell them, whispered the part of him that wanted to listen to Ahsoka. Internal forces of trust battled against fear and pride for supremacy over his mission.

They won't believe you without proof. Even if they do, what then? They'll try to rush in and arrest him exactly the same way as before

Fear and pride won out.

"This is the best way forward for Anakin and the Order."

"Enough."

Master Yoda, ever observant, ever careful when choosing to speak finally made his presence felt.

"Said your piece you have, Luke. For us it is now to decide Skywalker's position."

"Yes, Master."

Luke bowed respectfully as Yoda was the only one that held enough influence that could possibly change course. That is, if he hadn't completely pissed him off. His second master rarely, if ever, became angry. Irritable? Sharp? The ache in his shins from countless whacks of that cane on Dagobah served as proof.

He exited the Situation Room, ignoring the curious looks from a passing group of Jedi Knights. There was nothing more to be said and nothing that Luke desired to speak about any further. He'd made his case.

Would they listen?

Breathe in, breathe out. Let go of anger. Let it pass through the Force and allow inner peace to take its place. Control. Discipline. Detachment.

Wise words from many a Jedi. Mace Windu followed them to the letter. No one believed in the Order more than the Master from Haruun Kal. He was its greatest champion. A shining jewel of power and prestige that exemplified what it meant to be a Jedi.

Lately, his mettle had been tested. It made for several unpleasant, distracting conversations among the Council.

"Truly I did not expect him to react that way," came the sheepish tone of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Luke Ahch-To

Windu had been suspicious of this rogue Force user from the start but stayed silent about any suspicions. For the most part he'd followed the rules, commanded clones with distinction in the field, supported the Republic in the war effort, and carried himself in a manner befitting a Jedi Knight. Despite the man's eccentricities and tendency to ruffle a few feathers, he'd become a powerful ally.

Now those suspicions were back on the forefront. It took a great deal of gall and a sharp tongue to get under his skin. Luke Ahch-To clearly had both.

I'll show you what's out of line

"The disrespect shown to the members of this Council cannot be allowed to go unpunished," Windu opined. Kenobi was a good man. Though he sometimes joined in on Skywalker's shenanigans, his dependability and loyalty were second to none.

"I quite agree," Saesee Tinn concurred. "What he did was unthinkable."

"His method of confrontation may have been wrong. But the broader points had merit," Adi Gallia opined, much to the surprise of everyone in the room. A normally no nonsense Jedi, stoic on a level similar to Master Windu, decided to defend the rogue.

"And who is he to criticize our judgment?" Ki-Adi Mundi sniffed almost imperiously. "This Council which has been a mainstay for a millennium. Who have guided thousands to knighthood and beyond. Are we not to decide what is best?"

"The fact remains that the Chancellor has increased his meddling in Jedi affairs," Windu said to the nod of many in the room. "And with the recent absorption of the banks, there is reason to believe he seeks to acquire more power as the war continues."

"A concerning development no doubt," Master Yoda interjected in his gravelly timber. "But lose sight of the issue at hand, we cannot. Skywalker's future is at stake."

"He must see that for the good of the Council and the Republic why this is necessary."

"With all due respect Master Mundi, is Anakin to see this assignment as an honor? The denial of a rank which he has earned while being allowed on the Council for the sole purpose of espionage? Even I would find that difficult to swallow."

Windu glared sharply at Obi-Wan but strangely, the auburn haired man met his gaze and did not back down. Typical of Kenobi to defend Skywalker. And to let their bond cloud proper judgment.

"Skywalker is emotional and has yet to master himself. How then can he be named one when he has not earned the full trust of this body," he replied sternly.

"I think you mean your trust, Master Windu."

Obi-Wan's tone was respectful but pointed. However, it did not change his mind on the subject of the Chosen One. Talented? Yes. Gifted? Without question. It did not change Anakin's tempestuous nature or the inner turmoil which had come to characterize his reputation as Jedi.

"His connection with Palpatine can be useful in finding out more about his intentions," he argued back. "If Skywalker does as asked, he will have earned our confidence in full."

"Or it could very well backfire," Plo Koon said with his standard sereness. "If Palpatine finds out what we have ordered Skywalker to do, our Order could face legal jeopardy or worse."

"It is a necessary trial for him to face."

Obi-Wan quickly countered Agen Kolar.

"With respect, Anakin has already faced much more hardship and personal trials than most Jedi will see in a lifetime. While Luke may have been too abrasive, he was right. Ahsoka Tano has become a Jedi Knight under his tutelage. That at least makes him worthy of consideration."

"That is my opinion as well," Kit Fisto agreed. "He is a cunning warrior and swordsman. More importantly, he is the Chosen One. Forgive me, I was not there when the interruption took place, but Luke Ahch-To's assertions are not totally wrong."

"There is the matter of Luke Ahch-To himself," Windu reminded, not wanting that particular bugaboo to slip through the cracks of the wider conversation. "Why was he so insistent we do the opposite of our initial plan? What does he seek to gain by defending Skywalker so forcefully?"

"Perhaps he merely holds the faith that all of us should have," Obi-Wan suggested with no small hint of suggestion. "That if Anakin is to succeed, he must believe in himself. And we need to as well."

"He challenged our authority to make our own decisions. That makes him no better than the Chancellor in my opinion," Mundi said disdainfully.

"Who guards the guardians?" came the echo of Luke's words from Kenobi's lips. "Who are we to avoid accountability? Let's not deviate from the subject at hand. The fact of the matter is, Anakin by all objective measure has earned the title of Jedi Master. And to potentially rouse his ire by ordering him to spy on the Chancellor I believe is not only the wrong decision, but a disastrous one."

Such a strongly worded statement reminded Mace Windu of another ideological opponent. One who trained Obi-Wan but seemingly did not impart the same defiance or unorthodox views…until today that is.

"This is-"

"No more."

The ebony skinned master did not find himself interrupted often by Yoda as the two were more or less equals. Partners in leading the Jedi Order in the hopes of achieving peace and justice in the galaxy. But lately, the old master had taken to asserting his authority and influence more often. As if he suddenly viewed them all as padawans to be taught and retrained once more.

"Debated this enough, we have. Dangerous and disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine. But decide we must, either way. Time to vote, it is."

Windu took the cue. No Jedi went against Master Yoda.

"There is a motion on the floor. A judgment to elevate Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker to the status of Council member but without the rank of Master. He is then to be assigned on a mission of utmost importance in learning more about Chancellor Palpatine's aims for the war. All in favor?"

He raised his hand as did several others. The usual contingent that upheld the ancient traditions: Mundi, Tinn, Rancisis, Kolar, etc. But he counted and realized in horror he did not have a majority. The arms of those such as Fisto, Shaak Ti, and Depa Billaba sat unmoving at their sides.

Even my old padawan learner is against me?

"Motion to elevate Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker to the status of Jedi Master but not to the status of Council Member?"

Billaba, Shaak Ti, Fisto, Plo Koon, Gallia, and Kenobi all raised their hands. And then, slowly but dramatically, so did Yoda.

"Motion passes," Windu uttered, doing his best to subdue the bitterness he felt in his own plan being voted down. "It is done then. Bring Skywalker before us."

It did not take long for the tall, recognizable brunette to enter the Council Chamber. His emotions practically radiated like a blue sun inside the Ivory Tower. A stark reminder of why he'd been against Skywalker's promotion from the start. The boy had no discipline. They were unjustly rewarding him for the wrong reasons.

"You summoned me, Masters," Anakin spoke as carefully and controlled as he could.

"Indeed," Yoda said, his body language giving absolutely nothing away as to their decision. "Heard we have of the Chancellor's request to place you on the Council."

"You must understand the sensitive nature of this request, Anakin," Obi-Wan told him gently. "It is unusual at best and unconstitutional at worst."

"A precarious move this is by Chancellor Palpatine. Considered the matter carefully, we did."

Anakin held his breath as he awaited their verdict.

"We grant you the rank of master, but you are not on this Council," Windu summed up succinctly.

The reaction was predictable. Skywalker's inner conflict bounced from happiness and affirmation to resentment and confusion. A black gloved prosthetic hand flexed with tension. This might get ugly.

"Masters, I thank you for my promotion. But with all due respect, why am I denied a spot on the Council?"

"Allow the Chancellor to interfere in our affairs, we cannot," Yoda told him, a very grim look passing over his face.

"The Council selects its own members, you must remember this young Skywalker," Mace Windu spoke as though a parent were belittling a young child. Yes, he did remember all too well. "Not to mention there are no open seats available at this time."

"I understand your position," he said back, trying to keep his temper under control. "But couldn't you create another spot? Or…something?"

"Anyone who sits on this Council must be selected by the body itself and no other person," Mundi explained for what felt like the fifteenth time. "It would break thousands of years of precedent."

"But I trained Ahsoka to knighthood! She's the youngest Jedi Knight in centuries! Look at what I've done! All the battles...everything I've done for the Order and the Republic!"

"Calm yourself, Skywalker," Kit Fisto said gently.

The Chosen One, however, didn't want to calm down. He wanted to rant and rave about the injustice of it all, about how everyone in the room was a giant hypocrite. Windu sensed this and Obi-Wan clearly did too as he began speaking before a harsher admonishment could be handed down.

"Anakin, I think I can speak for everyone here when I say you have become one of the strongest and most accomplished Jedi in history. And at your age that is nothing to sneeze at. But be patient, my friend. Your promotion to the Council must come organically and not because the Chancellor ordered it."

If there was one man in the room who championed Anakin the most, Obi-Wan fit the bill. The brunette's frustration and anger subsided a bit. It did nothing to assuage the worries and skepticism that only became further embedded within the Master of the Order. Skywalker's volcano-like temper hid a deeper, even stronger thirst to prove himself. His relationship with Palpatine? A problem that only grew more and more obvious as the boy's loyalties divided.

And who started this ridiculous saga? Luke Ahch-To, who had the nerve to defy the will of the Council and centuries of tradition. Something needed to be done.

"Forgive me, Masters. I didn't mean to speak out of turn."

Yoda nodded as a sign that it was time to move on and that he accepted Anakin's apology.

"Time it will be soon for you to ascend the ranks of the Order. But beware of jealousy, young Skywalker. Resentment, a path to the dark side it is. Surrounds us, it does. Careful, all Jedi must be."

The meeting ended and Anakin didn't wait to have any casual chit chat. His pace was brisk and indicative of someone who desired to let off steam. No one made any more comments, however. Even if division still hovered around the room.

But now was not the time to discuss the issue further. Meditation and time to ponder were required as Master Yoda often advocated. Not to mention the war which stopped for no one.

"Are there any other topics of note to discuss?" he asked.

The collective body shook their heads and Windu was a half second away from adjourning until one of the Temple guards entered the room quite unexpectedly.

"Apologies, Masters," he said with a low bow and in a deep, unctuous manner. "But there is a Jedi Knight who wishes to speak to you."

"We are finished for today," Windu dismissed, not up for whatever half baked idea this Knight likely had.

"He insists it's a matter of most importance and thought you'd like to know straight away."

Looking at his fellow members to ascertain their desire to stick around a little longer. Most appeared content to see what the urgency was about. Yoda nodded to confirm his willingness to stay

"Very well. Bring them before us."

Upon settling back in their seats Windu deeply hoped that this truly was a matter of most importance. He felt uncharacteristically weary and wished to rest after a long day.

The Knight in question was a fair skinned, lanky, red haired human male who only looked to be about thirty years old. A recent addition most likely due to the pressing need of the war for more Jedi Knights in the field before they were ready. Another pillar of tradition destroyed by this conflict.

"What is your name?"

"Balen Galic, Master."

The young man was nervous. Understandable. He sought to put him at ease.

"And why do you seek an audience with us, Knight Galic?" he asked patiently.

Balen hesitated, as though he were unsure of his own decision now that he'd reached the pinnacle of Jedi prestige. Then the words came pouring out all at once.

"Masters…I wasn't sure if I should say anything. The war's far more important and I don't want to be a burden or-"

"Relax," Obi-Wan said kindly. "Speak true, Balen."

A deep breath later and the redhead continued.

"It concerns someone really popular. Someone I personally like. I didn't want to rat but I also couldn't let a violation of the Code slide either."

"Of whom do you speak?" Yoda inquired.

Mace Windu's brow furrowed into a mountain of wrinkles at the mention of the name.

"Luke Ahch-To, Masters."

Alright, lots happening at the moment.

Let me know what you think! Leave those reviews! 3

The next chapter is due in August.

~The Wasp