black swan | a. skywalker

( CHAPTER 8 )

Anakin brought news to Palpatine.

'Chancellor, we have just received a report from Master Kenobi. He has engaged General Grievous," Anakin reported.

"We can only hope that Master Kenobi is up to the challenge," Palpatine nodded at the news

"I should be there with him," Anakin sighed.

"It is upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents. Don't you wonder why they won't make you a Jedi Master?" Palpatine looked up at the Knight.

"I wish I knew. More and more I get the feeling that I am being excluded from the Council. I know there are things about the Force that they are not telling me," Anakin sighed

"They don't trust you, Anakin. They see your future. They know your power will be too strong to control. Anakin, you must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you. Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force," urged Palpatine.

They walked into the hallway.

"How do you know the ways of the Force?" Anakin asked.

"My mentor taught me everything about the Force. . . even the nature of the dark side," added Palpatine.

They stopped.

"You know the dark side?" Anakin asked, shocked.

"Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force. Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin," Palpatine paused ,"They fear you. In time they will destroy you. Let me train you."

"I won't be a pawn in your political game. The Jedi are my family," Anakin replied.

"Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the dark side of the Force, Anakin, and you will be able to save your wife from certain death," Palpatine counted, wanting to get to him.

"What did you say?" Anakin asked when he hears him talk about Kyra.

Use my knowledge, I beg you . . ." he begged.

"You're a Sith Lord!" Anakin realized and with a swift movement, Anakin ignited his lightsaber.

"I know what has been troubling you. . . Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi. . . a life of significance, of conscience," Palpatine continued urging.

"You're wrong!" He didn't lower his weapon.

"Are you going to kill me?" Palpatine asked slowly.

"I would certainly like to," Anakin replied.

"I know you would. I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger," Palpatine was able to sense.

Anakin raised his lightsaber to Palpatine's throat. There was a tense moment, then Anakin relaxed and then turned off his lightsaber.

"I am going to turn you over to the Jedi Council," Anakin decided.

"Of course you should. But you're not sure of their intentions, are you? What if I am right and they are plotting to take over the Republic?" Palpatine added.

"I will quickly discover the truth of all this," Anakin said surely.

"You have great wisdom, Anakin. Know the power of the dark side. The power to save Kyra," Palpatine reminded him of what he wished to do!

Anakin stared at him for a moment. Palpatine turned and moved to his office.

"I am not going anywhere. You have time to decide my fate. Perhaps you'll reconsider and help me rule the galaxy for the good of all," Palpatine wondered as he sat at his desk.