Chapter 3
Anakin wasn't the type to spend much time in his quarters at the Jedi Temple. But now, he sat there on his cot, breathing heavily, thinking about everything he'd learned. He was distressed. But, the more he thought about it, the more obvious it became. All the pieces fell into place. Talking to Mundi had helped. It was only after he'd been in his room for about ten minutes that he remembered that he'd left without waiting for the Master to say anything about his being married... He hadn't left to avoid it... he'd been so distracted by learning that Palpatine was the Sith that he completely forgot about everything else.
He shook himself and headed back towards Mundi's room. The Master smiled at him and said, "Not to worry, Anakin. You've had an interesting day. I'll tell you what- let's talk to the Council about your discovery. You don't have to mention the rest of it if you don't want to... but in all honesty, I would suggest you just be honest. To tell you the truth, they'll be more alarmed about the situation with the Chancellor than they will about the Senator... and with the way things are going in the war for us- I'd say that we can't really afford to lose you..."
Anakin nodded. "Let's do it... I'm ready... no matter what happens..."
Master Mundi gave him a kind smile and they walked towards the Council Chamber. But then, he stopped, seeing Obi-Wan. Mundi said in a quiet voice, "How about you tell your friend first... "
Anakin nodded. "Yes. I agree with you."
And he walked up to his former master. "May I have a word, Master?"
Kenobi's expression changed. "Sure..." and invited him into his room.
Obi-Wan Kenobi already knew that Anakin was in a relationship with Padmè Amidala. It wasn't much of a secret... but to hear that she was expecting was the real news. Then, Anakin told him about the nightmare, and what he'd discovered from it about Palpatine was even more intense.
After Obi-Wan had a moment to process, he completely believed it.
Anakin surprised him by saying that he was going to tell the Council the same thing he'd told Obi-Wan.
Kenobi put a kind hand on his friend's shoulder. "Alright. I'm on your side, and I will do whatever I can..."
"Do you believe me- about Palpatine?"
"Yes. And I believe that the time will soon arrive for you to fulfill your destiny as the Chosen One."
Anakin looked at him knowingly. "I feel it too."
And soon, they were in the Council Chamber with Anakin telling them possibly the most important thing they would ever hear.
Master Yoda stroked his chin as Skywalker explained his vision, explained that he was married to Senator Amidala- which wasn't a great shocker... but that Palpatine was the Sith Lord they'd been looking for which was a bit of a shock. The Council decided to tackle that part first because it was the more important of the two revelations. In fact, most people on the Council were fairly certain Skywalker and the Senator were in a relationship- had been for a long time. Now, the news that they were expecting was slightly more jarring, but still, the importance of the Palpatine portion of the vision was what they needed to concern themselves with.
Something told Yoda that everything the boy had said about Palpatine was correct... and that perhaps, Yoda and the rest of the Jedi had been too quick to judge Anakin. Yoda could sense that Skywalker was indeed the Chosen One of Jedi prophecy. His time was coming, and soon, he'd bring balance to the Force... He sensed that the Chancellor was planning on trying to turn him to the Dark Side. But Anakin was trying his hardest to make sure that didn't happen.
The Jedi asked Anakin to give them a few minutes to deliberate. The young man bowed his head as a show of respect and exited the room, going sitting down on one of the benches in the hall. Anakin tried to clear his mind. His hand trembled. He was deeply troubled by the discovery he'd made. But, he wondered what it would mean for him. Would he be asked to kill the Chancellor? Would he be commanded to stand down? Would he be expelled from the Jedi Order? Would the Council even believe him? He had no idea. He had to force himself to calm down. Getting upset would only hurt him. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there when he was paged to return. It was probably about fifteen minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. He'd used the time by himself to contemplate all the possible outcomes and prepare himself for each of them. He thought about how he'd normally react in all these circumstances, and attempted to fix any possible over-reaction or negative response... He was going to be gracious in victory, defeat, or anything in between.
Once back inside the Council Chamber, Anakin awaited his fate. To his surprise, Master Yoda said, "Young Skywalker- meditated have we on the matters you have brought to our attention today... About the matter of the Senator, decided have we to allow you to remain in the Order. Afford to lose you we cannot. Also, the matter of the Chancellor- deeply distressing it is. We believe that correct you are... and the decision of the Council it is that your Jedi Trial it will be."
Anakin's mouth went dry. He hadn't quite seen this coming. But, he tilted his head downward to acknowledge them. "Thank you, Masters."
He almost thought that would be all, but Obi-Wan said, "It will not be easy, as I'm sure you're aware. We don't yet know what he's capable of- as far as Force-powers... and since he's the Sith, I'm sure he set a trap for us... perhaps to frame us for something, or to make it look like we're trying to take over... I don't know... but we all have a feeling that he has something else up his sleeve."
Anakin thought about that for a moment. "Yes. I agree."
He was convinced that the meeting was over now, but Master Fisto spoke up, "Skywalker, he trusts you. We know that. Use that to your advantage, but don't overestimate him... don't rush into anything."
"Use your judgment. Allow the Force to guide you, Anakin." Obi-Wan said in a warm voice. While normally, this would have had the undercurrent of stern instruction, as he'd used in Anakin's Padawan days... this was different. He was offering advice.
"The vision you had is probably just a ploy to tempt you to the Dark Side, but if by some slim chance, it's the true reality, we will be here for you." Ki Adi Mundi told him, then added. "I know that the Senator means a lot to you... but always remember the reason why attachment is forbidden... and remember that Padmè Amidala wouldn't want you to sell your soul to save her..."
Yoda nodded. "Meditate will I on these matters some more... perhaps find a way to keep her safe I can. Or at least, send some healing energy her way..."
Anakin had to fight tears. "Thank you, Masters."
