Star Wars: the Chosen One

Entry 12

I looked down and knew he could sense my mixed emotions...my fear, confusion...All of it. I took off in the opposite direction. I would go and see the Chancellor now, while I had some free time. Minutes later, I stood looking out Palpatine's window, looking out into the city. The air was brown and hazy.

Most of the city had recovered from the battle, but there were still many buildings that had been damaged and that still were. There were some missing ones as well because they'd been completely destroyed.

I was suddenly angry at what the Separatists did to the city.

"This afternoon the Senate is going to call on me to take direct control of the Jedi Council," Palpatine said, staring out at the city.

I couldn't believe it. Complete control of the Council? It couldn't be! "The Jedi will no longer report to the Senate?" I asked him.

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

Why would he talk about the Senate like that? I wondered. At least the war will soon end...hopefully.

"I agree," I decided at last out loud, "but the Jedi Council may not see it that way," I continued.

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

I remembered what Obi-Wan said and tried not to think about what I really thought about all this. "With all due respect, sir, the Council is in no mood for more constitutional amendments," I said respectfully.

"Thank you, my friend, but in this case I have no choice...this war must be won," he said, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Everyone will agree on that," I replied. Surely the Council would see it that way. If not...Have they really been so worried about the Chancellor and politics that they've forgotten that it's the war that's the most important? No...They've sacrificed as much as anyone in this war...I thought. Guilt easily hit me.

Guilt was an easier feeling to deal with than...Than thoughts of losing Padme. That was unbearable.

"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," he said.

I looked back up at him. "Of course," I answered without hesitation. I trusted him with my life. It felt good to be praised instead of lectured. I swallowed back the guilt at thinking that. Obi-Wan had been a good friend, also, but...Sometimes I enjoyed hearing Palpatine's encouragements.

"I need your help son," he said warily. His eyebrows scrunched up and he suddenly seemed stressed. I stretched out with the Force and sensed he was worried about something.

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

He turned away from me and walked across his office. "I fear the Jedi. The Council keeps pushing for more control. They're shrouded in secrecy and obsessed with maintaining their independence....ideals I find simply incomprehensible in a democracy," he explained.

I suddenly felt like he was wrong. He'd never been wrong before and Obi-Wan had said that the dark side was growing...But there was no way I could believe that.

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

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