A Nightmare on Coruscant
Posted by: Darth Danno 11.08.07 12:01am
Anakin awoke with a start in the middle of the night. His body was caked with sweat, his gasped for every refreshing breath of air. Glancing to his side, he saw Padme sleeping beside him; fortunately his late night tossing and turning didn't wake her. He moved to the edge of the bed and planted his feet on the floor, as he ran his fingers through his hair. He knew these dreams were coming more frequently, and becoming more and more vivid. They all involved the death of his wife. He knew he had to do something; he could not let these visions come to pass. He had to protect the love of his life and their unborn child at all costs. Talking with Master Yoda was no help; perhaps he should speak with Obi Wan? No, he shook his head, Kenobi was holding him back as it was. What help could he possibly be? Anakin knew he had surpassed his master in every way, but was being held back just the same. His time was coming, and coming soon. His reputation was growing with every victorious campaign in the Clone Wars. He was a born leader, why didn't the Jedi see it? Palpatine saw it. Yeah, that was it; he would go and talk to Palpatine.

Anakin fell back asleep, but it wasn't restful. So that morning, he got up, got dressed, and headed off to see the Supreme Chancellor. Even though it was still early, Palpatine was already in his chambers below the senate rotunda. The Chancellor's face brightened, and a smile crossed his face as Anakin entered the room.

"Anakin," Palpatine said as he rose out of his chair and crossed to the young Jedi. "How good it is to see you. Tell me, what brings you here at this early hour?"

Anakin sat and told the Chancellor about his dreams involving the death of those he cared about. Making sure to leave out the part that the loved one in question was his wife. Palpatine listened intently to the Jedi's tale, an expression of genuine concern marking his features. Anakin even told the Chancellor about his meeting with Yoda, and what the wizened old Master told him in reply.

Palpatine shook his head, "Master Yoda is quite wise. Wiser than any Jedi I have ever met. But even he does not have all the answers. There are still many intricacies of the Force left to be discovered. I appreciate you taking me into your council, Anakin. But I believe you already know what needs to be done. I've told you before son, trust your feelings. Your grasp of the Force is unique. The other Jedi know it, they can sense it, feel it even. They would never admit it, but I feel there are those within the Order who are...jealous of your talents, your skill. Very un-Jedi like. Please don't repeat what I'm about to say, but I feel your master is one who has come under that school of thinking. You no longer need guidance, Anakin. It truly wounds me to see the Jedi holding you back. But your time is coming, and it is coming soon. I cannot picture a more capable Knight to end General Grievous's reign of terror, and bring about peace and prosperity to the Republic, YOUR Republic."

Anakin smiled at the compliment, thanked the Chancellor for his time and friendship, and went on his way. After he left, Palpatine called his aide, Mas Amedda to his side.

"I am not to be disturbed." The Chancellor commanded. Mas Amedda nodded and left Palpatine alone.

"You can come out now." Palpatine called out to the seemingly empty chamber. Then, a figure emerged from a dark corner of the room. His face was horribly burned, he wore an old red and green sweater, and a battered felt hat upon his head. His right hand was adorned with a metal glove that had four sharp blades welded to the fingers.

"Your...dream therapy is working quite we well." Palpatine applauded. "He still believes these dreams and visions he has been having are due to the Force. Little does he know that Captain Typho informed me of Anakin and Padme's secret nuptials. His love for her will be his undoing. I will use it to drive a wedge between him and the Jedi, and use his lust for power to drive a wedge between him and Padme." The Chancellor let out a short laugh as he stared at his visitor.

"Always a pleasure to wreak mayhem on the young." His guest replied. "I just wish I could gut him like I did the others. It ruins my rep to let one live."

"No!" Palpatine snarled. "I need him alive. Once the Jedi betray him, and his wife abandons him, he will be primed to become my apprentice, and succeed where both Maul and Tyranus had failed."

"Well can't I at least scar him up a bit? Take the "pretty boy" out of him?

The Chancellor tapped his chin as he pondered the request. "A last insult to injury, eh? First his friends, then his family, and finally his face...why not. I think Mustafar will be the perfect place for that. But I think it would be more appropriate if it was his "former" mentor that did the damage, not you."

"Careful Palpatine!" The guest shook a bladed finger at him. "Don't forget who you're dealing with. I know you got some pretty bad powers, but even you can only stay awake for so long, and once you're asleep, you're in my world now."

Palpatine raised his hand in supplication. "Patience my friend, patience. After you're done in my employ, you're more than welcome to make yourself at home here in my new, soon to be created, Empire. After all, every town, including those in a galaxy far, far away, has an Elm Street."

His guest thought about the offer, and realized it had sequel potential all over it. Like "Nightmare on Coruscant II: The Dream Star Warriors". He reared his head back and let out a maniacal laugh. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

Darth Danno