Anakin Skywalker's Redemption

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 16: The Battle of Kashyyyk

Setting of Chapter 16: Yoda leads the battle on Kashyyyk. In case you are wondering about how I got this some of the lovely information about Kashyyyk and the heroes mentioned, then I suggest you get yourself a copy of Star Wars Revenge of the Sith The Visual Dictionary.

Kashyyyk is the home to many Wookiees that live there.

Wookiees trade hardwood for technology.

Master Yoda's shuttle lands in the Wookiee city of Kachirho.

Chewbacca and Tarfful greet the Jedi Master with respectable bows.

Master Yoda is well respected on their home world of Kashyyyk.

In case you do not know, Master Yoda's gimer stick is a gift from the Wookiees.

Chewbacca lowered his crossbow and Master Yoda jumped onto his back.

Chewbacca a.k.a. Chewie as most of us know him by, is two hundred years old in case you did not know.

Chewie practically knows Kashyyyk like a book because he was born in the city of Rwoookrrorro, which is hundreds of kilometers from Kachirho.

Rwoookrrorro was an area where tall wroshy trees. His mother, father, and several cousins still live there.

Chewie is a mechanic, holo-game competitor, and a fluttercraft pilot, Chewbacca learned his skill at Rwoookrrorro's landing pad, and helped design and build the Wookiee escape pods.

So when it came to outsmarting droids or Clone troopers, Chewbacca is the Wookiee with the plan.

He has explored his homeworld from pole to pole.

Chewbacca is restless by nature, he has visited scores of planets, and he is a veteran of numerous adventures, including run-ins with Trandoshan slavers.

Chewie is very compassionate than he is fierce, he will nevertheless prove himself that he is an able and cunning warrior.

He is no stranger to combat, but he worries about Kashyyyk because it may not be able to defend itself against the invasion force because if they do not, then they may fall into Confederacy.

Kashyyyk also has a tree-city.

Wookiees cannot speak Basic, meaning English to humans.

When Wookiees roar and barks the language is called Shyriiwook, but they have a way of making their intentions understood.

Their language contains over one hundred and fifty words for wood.

Master Yoda was in one of the tree houses with Chewbacca and Tarfull were waiting for him. Yoda was in session with the Jedi Council back on Coruscant so he was talking to them on Hologram.

Ki-Adi-Mundi said, "Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau?"

The whole Jedi Council was on Hologram and Anakin spoke, "A partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the chairman on Utapau."

"Act on this we must," Yoda answered. "The capture of Grievous will end this war. Quickly and decisively we should proceed."

"The Chancellor has requested that I lead the campaign," Anakin said calmly.

"The Council will make up its own mind who is to go," Mace said. "Not the Chancellor."

"A master is needed, with more experience," Yoda replied.

"I concur," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied. "Master Kenobi should go."

"I agree," Yoda replied. "I also think Roxanne Quin should be his backup if he needs help."

There was a moment of silence between the Jedi and Obi-Wan said, "With all due respect, Master Yoda, Roxie isn't a Jedi Master."

"I agree," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied.

"I will speak to her myself," Master Yoda replied. "All in favor?"

"Aye," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied.

"Aye," Mace said and looked at Anakin who remained silent.

"Very well. Council adjourned," Mace said and the HoloNet disappeared and Chewie and Tarfull grunted.

Chewbacca growled something to Tarfful and Tarfful nodded and they took Yoda to their base they had set up away from the Tandoshan slavers.

Master Yoda made contact with Roxanne Keira Quin.

"Yes, Master Yoda?" Roxanne replied as she answered her comlink.

"Roxanne Quin, you are hereby granted a seat on the Jedi High Council," Yoda said.

"Thank you, Master Yoda," Roxanne replied in complete shock. "You have my pledge that I'll uphold the principles of the Jedi Order."

"You are on this Council," he said. "As one of the Senior Members of the Jedi Council, I, Yoda, Master Maltoise, and Master Windu hereby grant you the rank of Mastery."

"Thank you," Roxanne said.

"The Council is sending Master Kenobi to Utapau to deal with Grievous," Master Yoda replied. "If assistance he needs. Contact you he will and assist him you will."

"Understood, Master Yoda," Roxanne replied softly.

"I sense confusion coming from you," Master Yoda said gently. "Any way I can help?"

Roxanne smiled and said, "No, Master Yoda. There's really nothing any one can do unless they can change the past."

"That no one can do," Master Yoda replied as he signed off the comlink.

In case you do not know what Trandoshans are, they are a reptilian humanoid species from a world that's in the same system as Kashyyyk.

Tarfful has severed as a leader for the Wookiee city of Kachirho longer than a human lifetime.

He's experienced captivity, fallen into the hands of the Trandoshan slavers who have been enemies to the Wookiees, and they also made a deal with Count Dooku.

Tarfful stands at two meters (seven feet) tall, he is looked up many, and he takes the place of commander when the Separatist forces arrives.

Tarfful knows that if it was not for the team of Republic clone commandos that he wouldn't be here because when he was captured they freed him.

Tarfful has made a commitment to himself to fight to the death to whoever threatens to enslave the Wookiees.

Yoda is considered the citizenry of Kachirho to be a member of their extended honor family, for helping out with an earlier attack made by the Trandoshan to lure hundreds to Wookiees into slavery.

Master Yoda and the others make contact with the Jedi Council and they listen to the reports.

As soon as the reports are over, the hologram flickers off and Master Yoda walks over to the other side of the tree house and looks at what's going on.

The Clone commander tells him, "The droids started up their main power generators."

Master Yoda looked at him and said, "Now the time is, Commander."

"Yes, sir," he replied.

Tarfull and Chewbacca lead a group of Wookiees and growl, then all of them growl and take off after the droids.

Droids and heavy machinery march across the waters of Kashyyyk and the battle droid said, "Charge!"

The Clone troopers release their fire.

Then the Separatists releases fire and Wookiees and Confederacy droid forces attack.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 17: Seeds of Rebellion Forming In Padme's Apartment

Setting to Chapter 17: Takes place in Padme Amidala's apartment. The Senators of the Petition of Two Thousand take matters into their own hands.

C-3PO was passing around Aqualish hoi-broth and he offered a drink to Giddean, who waved his hand.

"It is an acquiring taste," C-3PO said.

"We can't let this turn into another war," Padme said as she looked at the Senators with a shocked look.

"Absolutely that is the last thing we want," Bail assured Padme.

"We are hoping to form an alliance with the Senate and the Chancellor from further subverting the Constitution, that's all," Mon Mothma explained in a gentle tone.

Padme thought for a moment and said, "I know a Jedi I feel we should consult."

I think they really can help and I can't stand lying to my husband, Padme thought.

Bana Breemu looked at her and said, "That would be dangerous."

"We don't know how the Jedi fit into all this," Mon Mothma replied quickly.

"I only wish to discuss this one. One I trust," Padme said softly.

"Going against the Chancellor without the full support of the Jedi is risky," Giddean answered.

"The Jedi aren't any happier with this situation than we are," Padme said.

"Patience, Senator," Chi Eeway replied as she looked at Padme.

"We have so many Senators on our side," Fang said. "Surely that will persuade the Chancellor."

"We are going to present the Petition of the Two Thousand to the Chancellor. Things will change," Bana replied in a soft tone.

"Let's see what we can accomplish in the Senate before we involve the Jedi," Bail said. "Heaven knows they have more to deal with than any of us."

Padme sighed and nodded as she thought, 'Oh, my love. What are they doing to us? Will you ever find a way in your heart to forgive me?'

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 18: Anakin and Obi-Wan's Farewell

Setting to Chapter 18: Obi-Wan prepares to leave Coruscant to go to Utapau and Anakin is walking with him to the Jedi hangar bay and Roxanne catches up with them.

Anakin Skywalker followed his former Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to the Jedi hangar bay where his ship was awaiting for him.

"You're gonna need me on this one, Master," Anakin replied.

"It may turn out to be more than just a wild bantha chase," Obi-Wan said.

"I've disappointed you," Anakin said. "I haven't been very appreciative toward your training."

"You are strong and wise, Anakin," Obi-Wan commented. "And I am very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I ever hope to be."

"Obi-Wan," Anakin said as he stopped. "May the Force be with you."

"Good-bye, old friend," Obi-Wan replied. "May the Force also be with you."

Anakin watched as his Master's ship disappeared.

Obi-Wan headed to the command station where his team of Clones were waiting for orders.

A Clone trooper said, "Most of the cities are concentrated on this small continent here. On the far side."

"I'll keep them distracted until you get there," Obi-Wan said. "Just don't take too long."

"Come on, Master Kenobi when have I ever let you down?" Cody asked.

Obi-Wan laughed and said, "The burden is on me not to destroy all the droids until you arrive."

Roxanne caught up with Obi-Wan and said, "Aren't you going to need a bigger star ship?"

"What are you talking about?" Obi-Wan asked as he gave her a confused look.

"Master Yoda asked me to assist you with capturing General Grievous," Roxanne said as she got onboard the ship.

"When we land on the planet, you talk to the people first and once you get the information you need you hide the ship and sneak up on Grievous," Roxanne said.

"You know that he'll put up a fight," Obi-Wan said and then Roxanne flashed him a mischievous smile and he added, "Let me guess you've got a plan for that?"

"You'll have to wait and see," Roxanne replied.

They got onboard the same ship and took off.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 19: Anakin Feels Lost

Setting to Chapter 19: Anakin tells Padme that he feels lost.

Anakin Skywalker walked into Padme's apartment and his vision of Padme played in his mind. This time he saw someone else with Padme when she gave birth to their child. It was his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Save you energy," Obi-Wan said to Padme.

Padme shook her head and said in barely a whisper, "I can't."

"Don't give up, Padme," Obi-Wan urged.

Padme sighed and died.

Anakin sensed Obi-Wan's presence in the Force and the smell of hoi-broth and he knew perfectly well that Padme hated the smell.

Anakin pulled out a scanner Palpatine gave him of suspect Senators and began looking at the list.

"Anakin, what in the world are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?" Padme asked when she stood in the doorway.

Anakin looked up and saw her standing in full Senatorial regalia: heavy folds of burgundy robes and a coil over her head. She had a blank expression on her face instead of greeting him with a smile like she usually did.

Anakin usually refereed to this look as her 'Politician Look' and he hated it.

"Waiting for you," he said. "What are you doing here in the middle of the day?"

"I have a meeting in two hours," she said. "I left a document here this morning---"

"Meeting with Palpatine?" Anakin asked. "I have to be there too."

"It wasn't my idea to have the meeting," Padme said.

Anakin threw his datascanner on the couch and Padme entered the room.

"Obi-Wan's been here, hasn't he?" Anakin asked in a sharp tone.

"He came by this morning," Padme answered softly as she put a cloak up in her closest.

"What did he want?" Anakin asked.

"He's worried about you," Padme said. "He said you've been under a lot of stress."

"What about him?"

"The way you've been acting since you got back-"

"I'm not acting. I'm not the one doing the pretending! I'm not the one sneaking in here in the morning."

"No," she said with a smile. "That's usually when you're sneaking out."

He closed his eyes and said softly, "I'm sorry, my love. I know I've been a stubborn bantha to deal with. I just feel like I'm locked behind prison gates because they won't open up for me. Sometimes I feel like I'm crawling on my hands and knees and the only person I can reach out to is you. I'm terrified of these four walls because these iron bars can't hold my soul in. All I need is you and sometimes I call out to you or scream for you to hurry to my rescue because I feel like I'm falling or about to crash."

Anakin sighed and said, "I feel lost."

"What's happened, my love? You've always been sure of yourself. What's changed?" Padme asked as she looked at him.

"Everything, I guess," Anakin said as he thought for a moment. "I don't know. Everything so out of place, I can't even tell you. The Council doesn't trust me, Palpatine doesn't trust the Council. They're plotting against each other and both sides are pressuring me, and----"

"The Jedi Council is the bedrock of the Republic because without them there wouldn't be one," Padme said.

"The bedrock of the Republic is democracy, Padme."

"They trust you with their lives," Padme said flatly. "What is this really about, my love?"

"I don't know," he said. "I don't know anything anymore. All I know is something's happening to me and I don't like it."

"What is that you don't like, Anakin?" Padme asked.

"I feel like I'm not the Jedi I should I want more, but I know I shouldn't."

"You expect too much from yourself," Padme tells him as she walked over toward him. "No one can expect more out of you."

'Yes they do and I do, too,' Anakin thought as took Padme in his arms and said, "I found a way to save you."

"Save me?" Padme repeated, a little confused.

"From my nightmares," Anakin replied as he took her in his arms.

"Is that what's bothering you?" Padme asked.

"I won't lose you, Padme," Anakin said flatly.

"I'm not going to die in childbirth, Ani," Padme said quietly. "I promise you."

"No," Anakin said and held her hand. "I promise you."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 20: The Senator's Confront Palpatine

Setting of Chapter 20: The rebelling Senators present Palpatine with the Petition of the Two Thousand.

Anakin Skywalker stood beside Chancellor Palpatine while the meeting took place.

There were four Senators in his office and they were: Fang Zar, Neel Alavar, Male-Dee, and Padme.

Padme was doing the talking and Anakin knew that his wife wanted to be anywhere else in the galaxy instead of here in Palpatine's office trying to negotiate the Senate's demand.

Padme was speaking in her Politician Vice and wearing her 'Politician Look'.

"We aren't trying to take over your government," Padme said. "If you were trying to organize something we sought to impose our requests as demands we would hardly bring this before you. This petition has been signed by two thousand Senators, Chancellor. We only ask that you instruct your governors to interfere with the legitimate business if the Senate, and open peace talks with the Separatists. We only wish to seek a way to end the war, and bring peace and stability back to our homeworlds."

"I understand your reservations completely, Senator. I assure you the appointed governor will in no way get in the duty of the Senate," Palpatine said in a calm voice.

Padme looked at him and asked, "May I take it that there'll be no further amendments to the Constitution?"

"I want this terrible conflict to end just as much as you do, Milady. When it does I guarantee immediate return to democracy," Palpatine said.

"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war there?"

"You must trust me to do the right thing, Senator," Palpatine said in a stern tone. "That is why I am here."

"But surely-" Fang started, but Palpatine cut him off. "I said I will do what is right. That should be enough for your committee."

Clearly his tone said: Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.

Padme stood up and said, "On behalf of the Delegate of the Two Thousand, I thank you, Chancellor."

"And I thank you, Senator, for bringing this to my attention," Palpatine said.

Padme turned for a brief moment and looked at Anakin and followed the Senator's out of the room.

"I sense there is more to their request than what they are telling us," Palpatine said.

"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.

"They are not to be trusted," Palpatine said as he looked at Anakin.

"Surely Senator Amidala can be trusted," Anakin said.

"These are unstable times for the Republic, Anakin," Palpatine replied in a calm way. "Some see instability as an opportunity. Senator Amidala is hiding something. I can see it in her eyes."

"I'm sure you're mistaken," Anakin said quietly.

"I'm surprised your Jedi insights are not sensitive to such things," Palpatine said.

"I simply don't sense betrayal in Senator Amidala," Anakin said flatly.

"You seem to not want to admit it," Palpatine said. "There is much conflict in you, Anakin."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 21: Obi-Wan Kenobi Arrives on Utapau

Setting to Chapter 21: Obi-Wan Kenobi landed his ship on Utapau and Roxanne has made herself comfortable inside a cargo hold onboard his ship.

Obi-Wan Kenobi landed his ship on the planet of Utapau, into the hangar bay of Pau City and Tion Medon greeted him. "Greetings, young Jedi. What brings you to our sanctuary?"

"Unfortunately the war," Obi-Wan replied.

Tion Medon gave him a confused look and replied, "There's no war here, unless you've brought it with you."

'He's afraid,' Obi-Wan thought.

"With your kind permission I would like some fuel and to use your city as a base as I search nearby cities for General Grievous," Obi-Wan explained.

Tion Medon spoke in the alien language to the other group who turn to the Utai and they nodded.

"He is here," Tion replied. "We are being held hostage and they are watching us."

"I understand," Obi-Wan answered.

"Tenth level," Tion answered. "Thousands of battle droids."

"Tell your people to take shelter," Obi-Wan said. "If you have warriors now is the time."

They bowed to each other and Obi-Wan walked to his ship.

He turned his unit on and said, "Take a message to Cody and tell him I've made contact."

He went to the cargo hold where Roxanne was and said, "Well, according to our information Grievous has thousands of battle droids."

"Just more scrap metal for us to wipe out," Roxanne replied with a grin.

"I'm going to land the ship outside the hangar bay," Obi-Wan said. "You may want to hide somewhere else."

"He'll probably have an emergency vehicle stashed somewhere so I'll beat him to it," Roxanne said.

"Sounds good to me," Obi-Wan said and landed his ship outside the hangar bay.

Obi-Wan landed his ship outside the hangar bay and found himself a big lizard to ride to the tenth level.

"You know how to ride a thing like this?" Obi-Wan asked as he got on.

Roxanne smiled and said, "I'll help you with her or whatever it is."

They rode the lizard to the tenth level, searching for the control center.

General Grievous was talking to the Separatist Council so Obi-Wan and Roxanne stayed hidden where they were and listened in on their conversation.

"It won't be long until the armies of the Republic track us here," General Grievous said as he walked around the room. "That is why I am sending you to the Mustafar system in the Outer Rim. It is a volcanic planet. You will be safe there."

"Safe?" Nute Gunray repeated. "Hmph! Chancellor Palpatine managed to escape your grip, General. Without Count Dooku, I have doubt about your abilities to keep us safe."

"Be thankful, Viceroy that you have not found yourself in my grip," Grievous snapped.

He waited a moment for the lesson to sink in and said, "Your ship is waiting."

"This is it," Roxanne whispered in a low tone. "Now all we have to do is wait."

Obi-Wan nodded and waited until Grievous and the other droids around him got busy with something else.

Then Obi-Wan leaped down and landed behind General Grievous and he and his guards hardly noticed Obi-Wan standing behind them. Roxanne stayed in her hiding spot.

"Hello there," Obi-Wan said.

The droids and guards held up their weapons and General Grievous turned around and said, "Ah, General Kenobi. You are a bold one."

Grievous turned to face his droids and laughed. "Kill him."

Obi-Wan ignited his light saber and began to fight the droids. He used the Force to send a piece of durasteel down from the ceiling, crushing three body guards.

When he was finished, more droids circled around him, and Grievous said, "Back away. I will deal with This Jedi slime myself."

"Your move," Obi-Wan said coolly.

"You fool," Grievous growled. "I have been trained in your Jedi arts by Count Dooku."

"Really?" Obi-Wan asked. "I trained the man who killed him."

Then Grievous threw back his cloak and let it slide off and revealed four different color lightsaber and said, "Attack, Kenobi."

Obi-Wan got into position, but nothing prepared him for what Grievous had planned. He started to spin in a circle and with his lightsaber swinging.

Obi-Wan waited for the right moment to come and cut off one of his arms.

Grievous groaned and looked at his cut hand and got madder than a pack of wolves and attacked Obi-Wan.

Suddenly someone sent a orange double-bladed lightsaber flying like a boomerang and cut off Grievous' arm.

"Hey, you old bucket of bolts. We meet again," Roxanne said as she retrieved her lightsaber and added to Obi-Wan, "Sorry I'm late."

"No problem," Obi-Wan replied.

"You two realize that you are doomed," Grievous said.

Roxanne arched an eyebrow at Obi-Wan and said, "He obviously doesn't know who he's dealing with."

"Jedi scum," Grievous replied as he raised his hands and realized that he had two hands with two lightsabers.

Then the sound of blaster fire filled the area, the clones had entered the room and Obi-Wan watched as Grievous moved to a one-man scooter.

"I'll meet you where you parked your ship," Roxanne said. "You follow Grievous and we'll see where it goes from there."

"All right," Obi-Wan said as he jumped on his lizard and followed Grievous in pursuit.

Roxanne motioned for Commander Cody and he loaned her a crab droid.

"Make contact with the Council and let them know we've engaged General Grievous," Roxanne said.

"Yes, ma'am," Commander Cody replied and Roxanne took off.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 22: Mace and the Jedi Make a Move to Arrest Palpatine
Setting to Chapter 22: Mace tells the Jedi that he senses a plot to destroy the Jedi and the dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor. The Council makes a motion to arrest the Chancellor.

Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker were in session with Master Yoda and few other Jedi Council members.

Commander Cody suddenly appeared and said, "Master Windu may I interrupt? General Kenobi and General Quin have made contact with General Grievous and are fighting him as we speak."

"Thank you, Commander Cody," Mace replied softly as Cody's image disappeared.

"Anakin, deliver this report the Chancellor. His reaction will tell us his intentions."

"Yes, Master," Anakin replied and walked out of the chamber.

Mace watched him leave and said, "I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor."

Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded in agreement and said, "If the Chancellor doesn't give up his power, then he should be removed from office."

"The Jedi Council will need to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition," Mace said.

"A dark place this line of thought will it carry us to," Master Yoda said flatly. "Great care we must take."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 23: Palpatine Reveals His True Identity
Setting to Chapter 23: Anakin confronts Chancellor Palpatine about Obi-Wan and Grievous and Palpatine reveals what he truly is.

Anakin Skywalker walked into Chancellor Palpatine's office and noticed that the Chancellor wasn't in his chamber.

'He must be in a meeting,' Anakin thought as he sat down and waited.

Then Anakin sensed a disturbance in the Force and it was coming from Palpatine's desk.

'What could Chancellor Palpatine be hiding?' Anakin thought as he reached under the desk and found the hilt of a lightsaber.

'No way,' Anakin thought to himself.

He ignited the blade and it glowed blood-red.

'This isn't right,' Anakin thought as he put the lightsaber up and shook his head. He sat down in a chair and waited for Palpatine to enter the room.

When Palpatine did he noticed Anakin was in the room and said, "Well, Anakin this is a surprise."

"Chancellor, Master Kenobi and Roxanne have engaged General Grievous," Anakin said.

"We can only hope that Master Kenobi is up to the challenge," Palpatine replied.

"I should be with him," Anakin said.

"It's upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't fully appreciate your talent," Palpatine said. "Do you ever wonder why the Council won't make you a Jedi Master?"

"I wish I knew," Anakin said. "More and more I feel like I'm being excluded from the Council. I know there are things about the Force they're not telling us."

"They don't trust you and Anakin," Palpatine said as he joined Anakin's side. "They know your power will be too strong to control. You must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you. Let me help you know the subtleties of the Force."

Anakin felt a chill enter his body. "How do you know the ways of the Force?"

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

"You know the dark side?" Anakin asked.

"Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery," Palpatine said. "One must study all the aspects of it, 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."

Anakin gave him a puzzled look.

"Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin," Palpatine said. "Only through me can you a power greater than any Jedi."

"Learn to know the dark side of the Force and you will be able to save your wife from certain death," Palpatine finished with a smile.

"What did you say?" Anakin asked.

"Use my knowledge, I beg you," Palpatine said.

Anakin ignited his lightsaber and said, "You're the Sith Lord."

"I know what's been troubling you. Listen to me," Palpatine said. "Don't continue to be a pawn on 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 walked away from Anakin, but Anakin didn't lower his blade. "Are you going to kill me?"

"I would certainly like to," Anakin said.

"I know you would," Palpatine said with satisfaction. "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus and makes you stronger."

Anakin deactivated his blade and said, "I'm going to turn you over to the Jedi Council."

"Of course you should," Palpatine replied. "But you're not sure of their intentions now, are you?"

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

"You have great wisdom, Anakin," Palpatine commented. "Know the power of the dark side of the Force. The power to save Padme."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 24: The Big Showdown with Grievous

Setting of Chapter 24: Takes place on Utapau with Obi-Wan, Roxanne and General Grievous. Obi-Wan is on a wild bantha chase with Grievous and now it's the ultimate showdown.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was in a fine predicament now with General Grievous as they continued to fight. He jumped on board Grievous' scooter and they rode together.

Grievous got madder than an old red hen and grabbed his blaster.

Obi-Wan knocked Grievous off his scooter and it came flying toward Roxanne's way.

Roxanne used the Force and got in control of the scooter. They took the fight to the hangar bay.

Obi-Wan grabbed the elector-staff and went for the killing blow, but Grievous outsmarted him and kicked him in the stomach.

Grievous grabbed Obi-Wan and pulled his chest plates back.

Grievous gasped, and threw Obi-Wan back.

Before Grievous could do anything, an orange double-bladed lightsaber came his way and he blocked it.

"I'd think twice before I make a mistake like that again," Roxanne replied coolly, her metallic sky-blue eyes never leaving Grievous' face.

Grievous threw Obi-Wan over the edge of the platform and crossed blades with Roxanne.

"You think this is wise, girl?" Grievous asked. "Crossing blades with a droid?"

"I don't know," Roxanne replied coolly. "Do you think it's wise to cross blades with someone who is about to turn you into scrap metal?"

Grievous then took this moment and pulled a fake move on Roxanne and she leaped into the air. Just as she was about to land, Grievous took the opportunity to nail a blow on her right leg.

Before Roxanne could land, Grievous swung his blade and nailed the blade against Roxanne's right and left leg just enough to cause her not to be able to walk.

"Aaah!" Roxanne screamed in agony.

Grievous laughed as she tried to block his lightsaber, but he ended up giving her a wound on her right shoulder and picked her up.

Obi-Wan thought fast, 'I need a weapon.'

Then Obi-Wan saw the general's abandoned weapon lying a few feet away and called it to him.

"Hey, bucket head," Obi-Wan said. "Think fast."

Before Grievous could reply, Obi-Wan fired and Grievous threw Roxanne.

Roxanne's head hit the side of the plate form, but the blow wasn't hard enough to knock her out.

Obi-Wan fired shot after shot and then Grievous fell dead to the ground.

Obi-Wan pulled himself up and walked over to Grievous. "So uncivilized."

Then he rushed over to Roxanne and knelt down beside her and noticed her eyes were shut. "Roxie? Can you hear me?"

"I may be a little banged up, but I think I can make it," Roxanne said as she tried to get up, but Obi-Wan put his hand on her shoulder and said, "No, you need to stay still. I'll patch you up as best I can. Then I'll get you to the medical center at the Jedi Temple as quick as I can."

"Okay," Roxanne said.

Obi-Wan grabbed the med kit and applied bacta to her legs, shoulder, and cheek.

Then he contacted Commander Cody told him to get a stretcher for him to carry Roxanne to his ship.

A second later, Cody had the stretcher for him and they carried Roxanne onboard the ship.

'The only thing to do now is to notify the Council and Chancellor. Then we'll find out his real intentions,' Obi-Wan thought as he patched in the coordinates to the Jedi Temple.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 25: Mace Discovers the Truth behind the War

Setting of Chapter 25: Takes place on Coruscant at the Jedi Temple and Anakin reveals the information about Palpatine.

Mace Windu was talking to Master Yoda and he asked, "Do I have your vote in sending four Jedi Masters with me to arrest the Chancellor?"

"My vote you have," Master Yoda said and the others nodded.

"Very well," Mace replied in a sharp tone. "I will take what Jedi I have left and do what has to be done."

"May the Force be with you," Master Yoda said.

"And you, Master Yoda," Mace replied equally.

Anakin Skywalker headed to the Council Chamber room where he saw Mace Windu.

Mace looked and Anakin and knew that he wasn't very thrilled by his interruption.

"Master Windu," Anakin said as he stopped behind him.

"Skywalker," Mace replied. "We just received word that Obi-Wan has destroyed General Grievous. We're on our way to make sure the Chancellor gives his emergency powers back to the Senate."

"He won't give up his power," Anakin said quickly as he felt the Jedi Master's attention on him. "I just learned a terrible truth. Chancellor Palpatine is a Sith Lord."

"A Sith Lord?" Mace sounded as horrified as Anakin had been. "How do you know this?"

"The man told me himself," Anakin said sharply. "He knows the ways of the Force and he's been trained to use the dark side."

Mace stared at him for a long time and nodded. "Then our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive."

"Master, the Chancellor is very powerful," Anakin replied quickly trying to stale for time.

"You'll need my help if you're going to arrest him."

"For your own," Mace said slowly. "Stay out of this conflict. I sense a deal of confusion in you. Your fear clouds your judgment."

"I must go, Master," Anakin urged.

"No," Mace said flatly. "If what you have told me is true then you will have gained my trust. For now, remain here. Wait in the Council Chamber until we return."

'He never has trusted me,' Anakin thought and said, "Yes, Master."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 26: Anakin's Fate

Setting of Chapter 26: Takes place on Coruscant. Anakin has told the Council what they needed to know and Master Windu told Anakin to remain here at the Temple. Now he is mediating in the Council Chamber. Will he chose the right path or will he betray everything he believes in?

Anakin Skywalker entered the Council room and these were Palpatine's words that kept playing in his head.

"Learn the power of the dark side, and become more powerful than any Jedi could ever dream of."

Anakin felt cold as he remembered the screams that echoed through his dreams. Again, he heard Padme's drying cry: "Anakin! Help me!"

Palpatine's voice spoke through Anakin's mind. These were words that he had not said before: "You do realize if the Jedi destroy me, any chance of saving her will be lost."

'No!' Anakin thought as he reached out blindly, not to the Chancellor, but to the one who had stolen his heart from the moment he met her:s To Padme. He sensed her presence, as if she was there, not just in the Jedi Council Chamber, but in his own mind, his heart, and soul- a true joining through the Force.

Senator Padme Amidala Skywalker was at home in her Senatorial Apartment when she felt Anakin's presence in the room with her.

'What is he doing here at this hour?' Padme thought and looked up.

She blinked as she shook her head. The room was so empty, but she could have a sworn for that instant that she had seen the Jedi Council Chamber. She stood up and looked out the window of her apartment out toward the Jedi Temple.

Anakin got up and looked out the window toward the Senatorial Apartment

Their connection told hold fully, and she knew Anakin was there, not alone in the Council Chamber-and he was here, too, with her. She could feel his love, and his fear for her- the horrible fear that was tearing him apart. The fear that she would die. Padme didn't know how horrible his fear was.

I'm not afraid to die. She had told him that once when they were being led to the arena on Geonosis for execution, and it was still true. She was only afraid that he would not know how much she loved him.

As the Force connection began to fade, Padme spoke against the words she had said then, when she first told him that she loved him before they were carried away. She knew Anakin wouldn't hear the words, but maybe he could feel her love behind them, the love that was stronger and deeper now than it had ever been.

"I truly, deeply love, Anakin," Padme's voice said in the back of Anakin's mind. "Before I die I want you to know that I will always love you. No matter what. I am yours, and I want you to know that."

Then he felt their Force connection and for that moment he began to realize that the prophecy was right. He was the chosen one and there was nothing that could change that, but the dark side wasn't the answer to his problems.

Anakin ran out of the Council room and jumped into his speeder.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 27: Mace vs. the Sith Lord
Setting to Chapter 27: Anakin won't turn to the dark side. Instead he'll make Chancellor Palpatine's plans backfire of him turning to the dark side. He'll kill Chancellor Palpatine. If you don't know what Vaapad is I suggest you read the Revenge of the Sith book.

Mace Windu, Agen Kolar, Saesee Tinn, and Kit Fisto entered Palpatine's quarters in the Senate Office Building. He knew Anakin and Roxanne were at the Jedi Temple and they would tell them what happens.

Chancellor Palpatine saw the door of his office open and noticed it was Mace Windu and three other Jedi Masters.

"Master Windu," Palpatine greeted them. "You're here sooner than I expected."

"In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic," Mace said as he and the other Jedi pulled out their lightsabers. "You're under arrest, Chancellor."

"Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" Palpatine asked in a dangerous tone.

"The Senate will decide your fate," Mace said.

"I am the Senate," Palpatine said in a different tone.

"Not yet," Mace said.

Palpatine stood up and said, "It's treason then."

He pulled out a lightsaber and spun around and fought them. He killed the other three Jedi. Then it's a battle between Mace Windu and Darth Sidious. Their lightsabers collided and Mace slashed the window in the Chancellor's office. Then Mace kicked Palpatine's lightsaber out of his hands and pointed his lightsaber at him.

"You are under arrest, my lord," Mace said flatly.

Anakin showed by his side and Palpatine said, "I told you it would come to this. I was right. The Jedi are taking over."

'That's not right,' Anakin thought to himself as he looked at Mace.

'They came because I told them that you were a Sith Lord, not in order to take over,' Anakin thought as he looked back at Mace and back at Palpatine.

"The oppression of the Sith will never return," Mace said flatly. "You have lost."

"No," Palpatine said. "You will die!"

Mace blocked Palpatine's Force lightning and Palpatine said to Anakin, "He is the traitor!"

"He is the traitor," Mace said and pushed back the Force lightning.

"I have the power to save the ones you love," Darth Sidious replied.

His normal face began to shrivel up and he said, "You must choose."

"Don't listen to him, Anakin!" Mace said.

"Don't let him kill me," Darth Sidious begged as he shot out more Force lightning at toward Mace Windu as Master Windu sunk into Vaapad.

"I can't hold it any longer," he said weakly. "I'm too weak. Anakin! Help me."

"Time to end this once and for all," Mace replied flatly as he gripped his lightsaber blade tightly.

"You can't," Anakin said. "He must stand trial."

"I trial will be a joke," Mace retorted. "He has control of the Senate and the courts. He's too dangerous to be left alive."

"That's not the Jedi way," Anakin said. "But in this case there's an exception for everything, I guess."

Anakin looked at Mace and back at Palpatine.

Darth Sidious knew what Mace was about to do when he raised his blade up and kill him.

"Please don't," Darth Sidious said.

Mace raised his blade and Palpatine pleaded, "Please don't!"

Palpatine raised his hand up and Anakin watched as Sidious was about to release Force lightning.

Anakin quickly pulled out his lightsaber and ignited the blue blade. He raised his left hand to create a Force shield around Mace and himself to protect themselves from the harmful rays of Force lightning that was coming from Palpatine's hand.

Anakin blocked Darth Sidious' Force lightning from hitting her. Anakin Force-pushed

Darth Sidious into his desk, and Sidious drew out another lightsaber from out of nowhere.

Darth Sidious clashed his blade with Anakin's again, then Force-pushed him across the room.

He Force-pushed Darth Sidious out into the streets and jumped from the wall of the Senate building and held his blade tight.

"The Sith will no longer control the galaxy," Anakin said as he Force-choked Darth Sidious.

"Your thoughts betray you, my lord," Anakin said to Darth Sidious as he created a Force earthquake at a magnitude of twenty which Mace can feel from a distance that destroyed the bits and pieces of the Chancellor's office sending all of them flying in the air.

Anakin landed safely on his feet. "This is the end for you, my lord," he said to Darth Sidious as he began to breathe heavily. "At last the Sith are no more."

Mace Force-jumped as Darth Sidious tried to Force-push him, and continued to fight and kick harder than ever toward him.

Mace felt a sudden surge in the Force and knew Anakin had joined into the Force connection to fight the Chancellor.

"I'm going to end this once and for all," Anakin replied to Mace.

Darth Sidious suddenly raised his blade, knowing that Jedi were too strong for him to fight. He raised his blade as Anakin lifted his lightsaber and allowed his body to consume the Force lightning that was coming out of Darth Sidious' hands and he sent it back flying at Darth Sidious.

Darth Sidious screamed in pain as the Force lightning took control of his body. Anakin allowed the Force lightning to carry Darth Sidious out the window and into the streets where he met his death.

Anakin fell backwards into a chair and looked out the window that Darth Sidious went through and said as he sat down, "What have I done?"

"You have fulfilled your destiny, Anakin," Mace replied.

Anakin started to breathe heavily and said, "We stopped him just in time from executing the Jedi."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 28: Obi-Wan Arrives at the Jedi Temple

Setting of Chapter 28: Takes place at the Jedi Temple and Obi-Wan arrives with a wounded Jedi onboard on his ship and he finds out everything.

Anakin Skywalker and Mace Windu returned to the Jedi Temple and Master Yoda told them that he was on his way.

Then a voice said, "I have a wounded Jedi onboard my ship and I need a Jedi Healer at once."

"Obi-Wan," Anakin said as he grabbed his comlink.

"Anakin, come to my ship quick."

"I'm on my way."

Anakin made his way to Obi-Wan's ship by feeling his friend's presence in the Force. It was a Jedi ability that needed no explaining.

"I have an injured Jedi," Obi-Wan called as Anakin made his way to Obi-Wan's ship.

"Is he okay?"

Anakin turned to the voice behind him and recognized who it was immediately.

"Kari, it's great to see you again," he said sincerely as Kari (whom he had once fallen in love with) had become a friend who understood him and could sympathize with him.

"She is fine," Obi-Wan replied as he cleared his throat. "For now. It's Roxanne. I think she will be okay if you can treat her Kari."

"Of course, Master Kenobi," Kari said with her usual smile. "And it is wonderful to see you and Anakin here alive and well."

She now felt of Anakin as just another of her closest Jedi friends. They were her family...the only family she had now. Smiling sweetly, she walked past them to examine Roxanne. While passing, Obi-Wan said, "It is a great joy that you are well, too, Kari."

Kari replied with a friendly nod of acknowledgement and a pleasant, serene smile across her lips.

As a Jedi Healer, Kari was loved and respected not only for her personality but also for her abilities.

Once she had examined Roxanne, Kari turned to the others and said, "Bring her to the medical room. I think she may have broken her right arm and she has some pretty bad scrapes. She should be okay, but I really need to treat those wounds before they get infected...it could terribly be bad if that happens."

"Just tells us what needs to be done," Obi-Wan replied encouragingly. He knew Kari to be a bit timid and shy, but now she took full control of the situation at hand and gave everyone orders in a kind and patient orderly fashion which they all found agreeable.

"Anakin let the Jedi Council know of Roxanne's injuries. It will save Master Kenobi some trouble during his briefing, as I am sure he is tired."

Anakin nodded understandingly and left quickly as Obi-Wan gave Kari an appreciative look.

"Okay, let's get Roxie to the medical room everyone."

Hastily, everyone worked to move Roxanne off Obi-Wan's ship and to the medical wing of the Temple.

Kari was following at Roxanne's side. Squeezing her hand lightly Kari said, "Don't worry. You are safe with me, my friend."

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 29: Roxanne's Secret

Setting of Chapter 29: Roxanne Quin's in the med center and just came out of recovery. Obi-Wan and Anakin overhear that she's in a room by herself to recuperate. This is when things get a bit complex.

Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi decided to go pay a visit to Roxanne Quin because they heard she was out of recovery and in a room by herself.

Kari Kittreise pulled Roxanne's bed in a private room in the Jedi Temple medical room. She gave Roxanne a new IV and then Roxanne stirred from her sleep and the first words to come out of her mouth were, "Where's my comlink at?"

"Giving orders already?" said a sweet voice beside her with a friendly, teasing tone.

Roxanne glanced up to see a girl with honey-colored hair and cream-colored Jedi tunic standing beside her.

"Yes, I am," Roxanne said with a mischievous grin.

Kari shook her head and smiled.

"Here you go, Roxie," Kari replied and gave it to her.

"Thank you," Roxanne said.

"If there is anything else you would like just let me know," Kari said helpfully.

"Something to drink," Roxanne said.

Kari gave her a bottle of water and instructed, "You should get some rest now and let time heal those wounds."

"Rest?" Roxanne said with contempt. She looked into Kari's compassionate but unrelenting features. "Oh, fine. If I have to, but I refuse to be on bed rest."

"Don't worry, I would not dream of putting you on bed rest," Kari said, laughing at the thought.

"Call me if you need anything," Kari said as she prepared to leave.

Roxanne replied, "I don't want any visitors coming to see me today unless it's a life or death situation. Do I make myself clear?"

Kari raised an eyebrow at this commanding tone as she was not accustomed to anyone taking to her thus.

"I didn't mean it," Roxanne started to say before Kari interrupted.

"It's okay. I will tell anyone who comes I have ordered you to rest and you cannot be disturbed.

"Ordered me?" Roxanne said indignantly.

Kari laughed. "Do you want visitors or what?" she asked friendly.

"Oh, drat. Fine...do what you have to I guess."

Kari gave her old friend a kind smile and left the room.

Roxanne made herself comfortable and began to ponder on whether what she's been doing for the Republic is right or not and got a little confused and put her gold medallion down her shirt.

Deep down inside her she missed her husband and the love of her life more and more each day they weren't together. Ferus Olin hadn't even been gone for three weeks and yet her heart ached for him. Well, he left a week ago when she told him that she was coming to Utapau, but that's beside the point.

Roxanne had been secretly planning to leave the Jedi Order after the war was over, but this blasted war wasn't ending fast enough. The Jedi meant the world to her just like her husband. But he came first above anything else in this world. He was her safe house when she needed it.

She closed her eyes and began to mediate, allowing her thoughts to wonder back and forth. Sleep wouldn't come to her so she picked up her comlink and said, "Ferus, where are you, my love?"

Roxanne reached out in Force and waited patiently for him to return her gentle touch. Though he was on Ussa, he would still be able to feel her through their Force-bond they shared between each other.

Ferus Olin woke up to the sound of his comlink crackling and thought, 'Who in their right mind would be trying to contact me at a time like this?'

He looked out his window and noticed it was still dark outside. Then he felt the familiar touch of someone's presence that he knew very well. He was dreaming about the person he wanted to be with more than anything in the world.

"Ferus,"Roxanne said through the Force."Answer your blasted comlink."

"You can't be talking on the comlink if you're talking to me through our Force-bond."

"Yes, I can, my love," said a voice that came from his comlink.

"Roxie?" Ferus Olin asked in shock, feeling happiness surge through him like an electric current. "Are you all right, my love? I sensed something terrible had happened to you."

"No, I'm hurt,"Roxanne said in a hoarse voice.

"Why?" Ferus asked.

"Lightsaber wounds by General Grievous' lightsaber with Obi-Wan on Utapau," Roxanne grunted into the comlink.

Ferus could feel that she was in pain, but he knew Roxanne could take care of herself.

"Darling…" Ferus paused for a moment. "When I sensed you were hurt I didn't know what to think. I reached out to you and when you didn't reach back I thought...I almost lost you."

"I'm so sorry if I worried you, sweetheart," Roxanne said. "Maybe this has taught me not to be too slow when it comes to outrunning a bucket of bolts."

Ferus laughed and sensed there was something more on her mind. "What's bothering you?"

"Nothing," Roxanne said, trying to avoid his question.

"You're planning on leaving the Order, aren't you?" Ferus asked gently.

Roxanne's mouth dropped, but she was too speechless to answer right off the bat.

"You can't leave the Order," Ferus said. "You're too important to the Republic to leave them now."

"I'm sick of all this,"Roxanne said in a disgusted tone. "I want this end."

"I know, sweetheart," Ferus said. "Don't give into your desires now."

Apparently Ferus said the wrong thing because to his distress Roxanne began to cry.

"I can't take anymore of this, Ferus," Roxanne said through her tears.

"Roxie?" Ferus said, sensing her distress. "Please tell me what's wrong."

Ferus heard Roxanne take a deep breath and slowly calmed down. "Do you really want to know how I feel when you're gone?"

"Yes," Ferus replied.

"When you're gone the pieces of my heart are missing you," Roxanne said. "When you're gone the face I came to know is missing you, and all the words I need to hear to always get me through the day and make it okay. I love you so much that it hurts, but I just can't keep on living with the way things are. Without you being by my side there's a part inside me that just wants to be with you so much."

Ferus knew that she wasn't exaggerating because he could feel the love behind her words through their Force-bond. He could actually feel her reach deeper in the Force and somehow channeled him through her body along with all the love that ever existed in the universe. She was always his safe harbor when he felt alone. Just like he was her world.

"I'll come and get you," Ferus said.

"Not yet, my sweet," Roxanne said. "Wait until I tell the Council then we'll decide from there. Once I resign I'll come and find you."

"All right," Ferus said with a smile. "I'll wait for your call."

Roxanne smiled to herself and said, "I hate to let you go, my love. But I need rest."

"I understand, sweetheart," Ferus said. "Good-bye, my darling wife. I love you."

"Good-bye, my darling husband," Roxanne said. "I love you, too."

Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were outside the door when they noticed Kari passing in the hall.

Kari looked at them and said, "I'm sorry, I told Roxanne to rest."

Seeing their downfall looks, she added slyly, "But that does not mean I see everyone who goes into her room. If you go in there, though, be prepared for a not-so-friendly greeting."

"Wonderful," Obi-Wan said sarcastically.

"Bye, you two," Kari said as she walked gracefully back to check her supplies.

Anakin and Obi-Wan nodded and Kari left the room. Anakin glanced at his former Master and asked, "Can you give us a moment, Master?"

"I suppose," Obi-Wan said. "If she gets cocky with you and tells you off for seeing her I'm not taking the heat for it."

"All right, I'll take the blame," Anakin said with a twisted smile.

Obi-Wan gave him a friendly, but rueful smile and went to the waiting room. He knew Roxanne and Anakin were alike in so many ways that he knew his former apprentice would be able to help Roxanne more than she knew he could.

Roxanne pulled her bed covers up and sighed as she glanced out the window and noticed the sky was changing to evening.

If there was a way to get what you wanted she would take it. She wanted be out enjoying life, not letting it pass by as she laid in this blasted hospital bed waiting for her injuries to heal. She used the Force to douse the lights in her room and closed her eyes, but sleep didn't come easily to her.

Ten minutes later, Anakin Skywalker walked into her room and she suddenly sensed that she wasn't alone.

He walked around her and examined her energy. He felt her try and reach out to someone in the Force and he heard a voice say, "I love you, Roxie."

'That voice,' Anakin thought. It sounded so familiar to him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on who it belonged to.

Then he heard Roxanne say, "I love you, too, Ferus."

I should've known, Anakin thought as he thought about the first mission he went on with

Roxanne years ago when they were teenagers. Ferus Olin was with them at that time.

Anakin had suspected that they had feelings for each other because the two were always inseparable.

Suddenly Roxanne sensed Anakin was in the room with her and realized that he had overheard her tell her husband that she loved him.

Roxanne quickly opened her metallic sky-blue eyes and glared at him for barging in her room like a drill sergeant. Meaning she was giving him a look that said, Who in the blazes do you think you are coming in here like a wild bounty hunter on a wild bantha chase and not succeeding in what you have to find?

"Go away," she said without even raising her head up from her pillow.

"How long have you been there?" Roxanne demanded.

"Not long," Anakin replied.

"What did you hear?" Roxanne asked.

"I just heard you tell Ferus that you love him," Anakin said as he looked at her.

Anakin arched his eyebrows at her and sighed, "Look Roxie I just want you to hear me out before you do something you may regret because I know exactly what you're going through."

"Not exactly," Roxanne replied calmly as she turned away from him.

"Roxie..." Anakin said as he paused for a moment. "Please."

"Okay, don't get all sentimental on me," Roxanne replied with a grin.

Anakin looked tired and she asked, "What happened while I was away?"

"Chancellor Palpatine revealed himself as the Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious," Anakin said. "I confronted Master Windu and he told me to stay here while he and the other Jedi went to arrest him. While I was waiting for him I discovered my purpose in being the Chosen One and I went to help Mace kill Palpatine. It was an intense battle, but in the end I killed Darth Sidious and fulfilled my destiny. We're waiting for Master Yoda to return from Kashyyyk to see what happens now."

Roxanne let the information sink in then Roxanne closed her eyes and sighed.

"I'll let you rest, okay?"

Roxanne nodded and watched as Anakin left the room.

"Can you tell me what happened? The Chancellor, the Sith Lord is dead?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked at Anakin.

"Yes," Anakin answered as he looked at Obi-Wan as they left the medical wing.

"Did you get anything out of Roxanne?"

"She's in no condition to talk to anyone," Anakin said. "She still looks pale and her lightsaber wounds were sort of deep."

Obi-Wan glanced at him and saw that he seemed exhausted. They stepped into a lift and rode it to the top floor.

"I'll tell you and Master Yoda everything that happened after I go check and see if Padme is all right."

"I'll be waiting for you," Obi-Wan replied.

Anakin landed his speeder outside Padme's Apartment.

Padme heard his speeder and rushed out of the house to embrace him and asked, "Are you all right? I heard there was an attack in the Chancellor's office. You can see the smoke from here."

"I'm fine," Anakin said as he kissed her. "I came to see if you and the baby are safe."

"We're safe," Padme replied. "What's happening?"

"We found out that Chancellor Palpatine was the Sith Lord we had been looking for," Anakin said. "I went to the Chancellor's office and we helped Master Windu. I killed Palpatine because he was a Sith Lord."

Anakin looked at her straight into her eyes and asked, "Tonight, while you were sitting here on the sofa, did you sense anything?"

Padme rested her head on Anakin's shoulder and said, "Yes, it was a wonderful feeling. It was as if you were here with me, holding me. Was it you?"

"Yes, it was me. It's hard to explain, but something happened to me tonight in the Council chamber. Master Windu told me to stay there while they went to arrest the Chancellor. I can't really explain what happened. I was thinking about what Palpatine told me and then I started to think about you," Anakin said as he stroked her hair.

Padme linked her arms around him and whispered, "I knew it was you. Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes," Anakin said as he nuzzled her hair.

"I wanted you to know I love you," Padme replied as she kissed him.

Anakin stepped back and looked into her eyes. "You saved me. You kept me from going after Master Windu to stop him from killing the Chancellor."

He leaned down and kissed her.

Padme looked at him with tears brimming in her eyes. She wept against him for a short time and then asked, "What are you going to do now?"

"I will go and explain everything to the Jedi Council first," Anakin said.

She walked with him back to the speeder. "I'll be back as soon as I can. You go to bed and get some sleep. Things will be different, I promise."

He watched her walk back to the house before he left in his speeder. He glanced back at Padme and took off to the Temple.

Padme lingered outside a while longer until C-3PO came and asked, "Oh, my lady is there anything I can do?"

"No thank you 3-PO," she replied softly with a smile.

"I feel just so helpless," C-3PO replied as he walked back to the house.

"Don't we all, 3-PO," Padme said softly as she followed her droid back into her home. "C-3PO, will you please let me know when Anakin comes home?"

"Of course, Milady," C-3PO replied.

Padme went to her bedroom and went to bed.

[Kaitlin Solo]

Chapter 30: Anakin Tells All

Setting to Chapter 30: Anakin tells the Council about his marriage to Padme Amidala. He also tells about the battle that took place in the Chancellor's office. Roxanne sneaks off from the Temple, still injured and they have to look for her.

Master Yoda, Senator Amidala and I have been married for three years. She's going to have our child any day now," Anakin explained as he looked at Obi-Wan and Master Yoda in the eye.

Anakin paused for a brief moment and said, "I know it's a violation of the Code, and I must resign. I apologize if I've brought shame upon the order."

"The Jedi Order has endured much tonight from the unfortunate events that have taken place," Master Yoda said as he looked at Anakin. "There's no shame, Anakin Skywalker. If it was not for you many more Jedi would have died tonight, and Darth Sidious would still be alive and the Republic as we know it would be in the hands of the Sith Lord."

"Master Yoda-" Anakin started; he stopped when Yoda held up a hand.

"Passion, one of the most dangerous things it is. Lead too many down the dark side it has. Fear for you I did," Master Yoda admitted. "Meditated on this tonight I have."

"All of this pain and death was called for?"

"Yes," Yoda said as he leaned on his gimer stick and looking at both of the younger men.

"Too arrogant and proud have we become," Yoda explain gravely as he sighed deeply.

"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan asked as he scratched his chin. "Aren't we to enforce the peace in the Republic? Isn't that part of our mandate?"

"A wise Jedi once said 'We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers.' For thousands of years we have been guardians of peace. Realizing the threats and advising the Republic as it grew, but when asked to play a more active role as generals leading their armies, we agreed when we should not have," Master Yoda said. "For now, young Skywalker you should get some rest. Master Kenobi might I suggest you do the same thing? We will continue discussing this in the morning after I have meditated on this matter fully."

Obi-Wan and Anakin and they left the Council Chamber. "Obi-Wan, can you give me a lift back to the Senatorial Complex?"

"Of course," Obi-Wan said as they climbed into a speeder.

Obi-Wan dropped Anakin off and helped him inside the house.

"I will. Thank you, Obi-Wan." With that, he walked sleepily into the apartment and on into the bedroom.

Padme suddenly awoke as the bed moved slightly, and saw her husband, fully clothed, asleep next to her.

She smiled to herself and began to remove his tunic and boots and then she pulled the sheet out from under him and covered him with it.

"Good-night, my love," Padme whispered as she kissed him.

The morning sun began to lighten sky when Padme woke up. She could tell that Anakin hadn't moved in the few hours since he been asleep. She had asked Motee, her handmaiden and best friend to put the curtain over the window to keep the house dark so he could sleep as long as he needed.

She found Motee preparing a pot of tea.

"That smells good, Motee," she greeted her friend.

"Good morning, Padme," Motee responded. "Why didn't you sleep longer?" She poured hot tea into two cups.

"I'm fine, Motee. I just felt like getting up," she said as she sipped her tea.

"Anakin came in very late; I think he's been asleep only two or three hours."

"Good morning, mistresses," C-3PO said.

"Hello, C-3PO," Padme replied. "You may power down now since you've been a big help to me."

"Thank you Milady," C-3PO replied. "Before I do Master Kenobi left a message for Master Anakin."

"What did he say?" Padme asked.

"He said when Master Anakin wakes up to ask him to come to the Temple because they found Roxanne passed out in the hallway of the medical center and she hasn't woken up since then."

"Thank you, 3-PO I will tell him," Padme said as she watched 3-PO go into the living room to power down.

"Good morning, my love," he said and kissed Padme.

"While you were asleep," Padme said. "C-3PO said Obi-Wan called and asked for me to tell you they need you down at the Temple."

"Did he say what for?" Anakin asked.

Padme looked at him and said softly, "It's Roxanne. Obi-Wan said last night she passed out in the hallway of the Council Chamber and she hasn't woken up since then."

"I will be back later," Anakin said.

"All right," Padme said and kissed him.