The Lost Twenty First | Star Wars Fan-Fic

2- The Light

The clamour was approaching and shadows danced across the hall, growing larger and nearer. The tall stone walls echoed cheers of both celebration and self-importance, so Senator Padmé Amidala knew that could only mean one thing. She smiled to herself, leaning against one of the grand pillars.  She had told her usual company that she had a meeting to attend, which wasn't entirely untrue, so that she could be alone. It had been far too long and she could not afford any disturbances. 

"Thank you again, Chancellor."

It was his voice. The voice she had only heard distorted over comms for the last months. Immediately, she wished to follow the sound, but she restrained her desire and leaned back, hidden in the darkness, waiting. Always waiting.

"As I have said many times before, no need to thank me, my young and humble friend. Please accept the praise with grace." Palpatine smiled, leading the small crowd in support and appraisal, "Ah," he paused, widening is arms in welcoming, "Master Windu, what an honour for you to join us."

Windu glided between the senators to stand beside Anakin, opposite Palpatine. He bowed his head, "Chancellor, I am very glad to see you back on Coruscant unscathed." 

"Yes, we were just discussing Kenobi and Skywalker's flawless rescue." Palpatine rolled his eyes, "Please do convince the young General that his skill and instincts are worthy of applause."

"Skywalker has done his duty." Windu said, nodding to Anakin who failed to meet his eye, "I would not expect any less." He paused, "Now, Chancellor, may I speak with you? There is much to discuss regarding the circumstances of your kidnapping and captivity."

"Of course, my friend." Palpatine paced in tandem with Windu, the senators beginning to disperse. Anakin remained, tracing the Chancellor and Windu with this glance. He clenched his jaw - he did no less than what was expected of him. He did no more than was expected of him. If he had force pulled the Invisible Hand down to Coruscant and crushed Grevious' metalloid skull in before they even left the orbit, maybe then he would have a chance for a pat on the back. 

Of course, Windu was technically correct, Anakin had done his duty, but as Palpatine enthused, he had done so flawlessly - achieved the impossible. If the Chancellor himself could see it, who is Windu to degrade his hard-earned praise? Who is Windu to measure him in any way? Who is Windu - images of himself reflected in Count Dooku's glassy eyes flashed through his mind. The bright blue and red emanating from his blades, lighting the contours of the Count's face, as his head rolled from his shoulders. Perhaps, his rescue was not so flawless afterall. Perhaps, Windu's comment was kinder than it had to be. Perhaps, Anakin let himself get caught in his own feelings again. 

"General Skywalker."

Anakin tore his eyes from Windu, resting them on the new speaker, Senator Organa of Alderaan. Anakin recognised him as one of Padmé's frequent associates, "Yes, Senator? How can I be of service?"

"Nothing of the sort," he waved off Anakin's dutiful courtesy, "But I would like to ask for your speculations on the continuing war effort: from your experience in the Outer Rim, would you predict the fighting to end soon?"

He sighed, attempting to clear his mind. Anakin opened himself to the Force, using it to soothe his temperament, though all it really did was temporarily tame it to a manageable degree. Another flaw. Another defect. Another spiral starting. Was he not the chosen one? Shouldn't he be able to control something as trivial as his own tantrum? 

"Not soon enough, but I wouldn't be surprised if the war was over within a matter of months." he exhaled, "The only prominent leader the Separatists seem to have left is General Grievous. The fighting will continue until he's a pile of scraps."