Ruthless | Anakin Skywalker

II- IX

     The Senate building stood proudly growing closer, and closer as we made our way to the Chancellor's office. The Jedi Council had learned of an assassination attempt against a Senator, one of the reasons for the Council's presence. Although I was still a Padawan Learner, Shaak Ti was inducted into the Council after Master Yaddle left the Order. It was a great honor to be trained under a Jedi in the Council. Something I also enjoyed was hearing the dealings of the Council when they gathered outside of the Chamber. Like this day where I would be present in their dealings with Chancellor Palpatine. 

    When we reached the Senate building many Senators were leaving. Their departing breezes were revealing the illusion of my skirt; the skirt was made up of strips for easy movement during fight. I had started to wear a dress  because I liked Master Shaak Ti's dress, but I didn't like the slight restraint of the dress. Instead, I cut it up into strips and war form fitting, yet flexable, pants underneath. The slight blue accents and metal bands on my biceps made me stand out from other Jedi, which I enjoyed. My hair was still in a french braid with loose hairs still unable to be tamed resting around my face. My Padawan braid still revealed my apprenticeship, but was now decorated in some colored bands showing my growth since I first began as a Padawan. 

     As we entered the the Senate building I heard someone clear their throat beside me. I turned to look and my Master looked at me and tugged at her own hood, hinting I needed to put it on. I followed her instruction as I looked over my shoulder at the other Padawan here, Barriss Offree, did the same. It didn't take long to reach the Chancellor's office, with two red clad royal guards standing on the inside and outside of the doorway. Masters Yoda, Plo Koon, Kiadi Mundi, and Mace Windu sat on the seats in front of his desk while Masters Kit Fisto, Luminara Unduli, and Shaak Ti stood behind them. Barriss and I both stood further back as we looked on silently and respectfully to their meeting. I slightly turned my head to look at Barriss and she did the same. I gave her a light smile, and she returned it. I knew Barriss well because we studied at the library together before more and more systems started to leave the Republic. Leaving systems happened so often I considered it lucky to be back at the Temple after being away for three months. 

What scared the Jedi most was war, which was why we were here in the first place. Some systems want to have an army to assist us Jedi, but we thought the Separatists would consider it an action of war.

"I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends," Chancellor Palpatine told the Masters, "more and more star systems are joining the separatists."

"If they do break away-"

"No! I will not let that happen," the Chancellor interrupted Master Windu.

"But if they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers," Master Windu continued. My lips formed a fine line at the mention of war. I knew the Separatists thought the Senate was corrupt, but I wished they could come together to find a common ground. I knew they couldn't, it was illegal for any Senators to be contacting the enemy. 

Chancellor Palpatine looked to Master Yoda in concern, "Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?" 

I saw Master Yoda slightly bow his head, "Worse than war, I fear. Much worse," his voice announced gravely. I felt a shiver run up my spine from his words. I thought nothing could be worse then war. How wrong I was.

"What?" Chancellor Palpatine asked.

"What do you sense, Master?" Master Windu turned towards Master Yoda. I could see the concern on his face. I found myself slightly leaning forward wanting to know more.