Project Ares Gold Edition

Chapter 49 - Now and Forever

Jedi Temple - Coruscant

After their decisive win on Coruscant, many Imperial systems yielded and joined the renewed Republic. Despite the complete disarray in the Senate Building, members like Padme Amidala, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Riyo Chuchi were making impressive progress in calming everyone's nerves and getting things somewhat back to how they were before the war. Although far from perfect, things were starting to look up as change started coming in.

Meanwhile in the Jedi Temple, everyone was busy rebuilding. Almost the entire 501st was present, with the Coruscant Guard and 212th occupying the Military Complex. In the halls everyone was either repainting the walls to the previous dark tan colour scheme, or they were busy taking down all the Imperial propaganda that infested the sacred temple.

Combat engineers were working double time to try and patch any damages from the battle, including the three massive entry holes from Blue Team's insertion. It was a heartwarming sight, although they were not personally responsible for Order 66, the clones still felt that they owed a massive debt to the Jedi.

Speaking of the Jedi, after arriving from Yavin 4, most of them split up to do various critical tasks that required their attention. Masters Yoda and Jocasta Nu had to ensure that the holocron vault was still intact while Master Windu sent out a message to any surviving Jedi. "Coruscant is freed, we are home."

Meanwhile Blue Team was split between two roles. If they weren't tracking down rogue Imperial teams through the underworld, then they were assisting in securing Jedi artifacts from Palpatine's vaults and doing some heavy lifting amongst the rubble.

Following about a week of the reconstruction, something truly important happened. Gathered all around, the remaining Council members were taking about one topic in particular; relationships. The focus being on Anakin specifically. Anakin, Obi-wan, Shaak, and Plo were all in favour of amending the Jedi Code, whilst Yoda and Mace still having concerns.

It was obvious that the Code would change, but it was the extent of that change and the way they were going to implement it which was under revision. "Skywalker, is it true that you were emotionally compromised that night? Specifically because of your attachment to Senator Amidala and the Dark Lord?"

"Yes Master Windu, but can I expand on that bit?" Anakin responded, wanting to give everyone the whole picture and not just a snippet. With the Jedi Master nodding his head in a cautious affirmation, Anakin explained why he was so emotionally unstable leading up to that.

In short, between being ordered to spy on a trusted friend who was like a father to him and having dreams of Padme dying, Anakin was already stressed. And then when Sidious revealed that he had a means to save Padme, Anakin had all the more reason to listen to his friend, who had not let him down up until that point. Unlike the Council, who on multiple occasions showed that they didn't trust him. "Anakin, please expand on that bit, specifically mention what you told me on Naboo."

"As you wish Obi-wan." Anakin answered before listing all the major times he felt like he was just being pushed aside. Kenobi's assassination, Ashoka's trial, Yoda not listening to his concerns about his dreams, and to top it all off; Windu leaving him in the dark when Palpatine revealed himself to Anakin.

Factoring that in with Palpatine's constant manipulations and grooming, the Council all subtly scratched the back of their heads. How could they have missed this? Anakin had always been one of their best, especially during the Clone Wars. Sure his methods were unorthodox and he often went outside the lines, but he never failed to achieve the mission in a way that was best for everyone.

"Skywalker, truly sorry we are. All of us, apologize we do." Master Yoda spoke from his seat, before asking if anyone had any objections to what was about to happen. Skywalker was confused, having not been told about anything happening. That is when all the Masters stood up and ignited their sabers. Reactively, Anakin thought that he was being executed for the crimes he committed against the Jedi. Leaping back to the door and igniting his own saber, Skywalker readied himself for a fight.