Memories

Chapter 14.

Before I had time to hide, someone exited the room and almost walked into me. From the trio of guards that accompanied him, I knew he was someone important, and it took me a couple of seconds to recognize the sophisticated, dark green robes and thin, white hair of Chancellor Palpatine. His blue eyes widened with surprise at seeing someone else roaming the Senate halls at this time, but his face softened into a smile when he recognized me, though I could see the confusion in his old face.

"Anakin," he greeted me warmly, holding his hands aloft in a gesture of welcome, "how are you doing, my boy?" I could feel him asking, "what," rather than "how," but he was too polite to bring it up. I was very self-conscious, though, when I caught his eye picking out my loose sleep shirt, in place of my formal Jedi robes.

I bowed awkwardly. "I'm ...," I struggled to find any words, "I'm ... okay ... I guess. How are you?" I'm sure my face was burning red as I fidgeted uneasily.

The chancellor tried to set at me ease, patting my shoulder and ushering me into his quarters so as to avoid any embarrassing encounters with other senators who might be passing this way. His room was large and spacious, with comfy couches strewn about the place and desks piled with things that needed doing. A series of statues stood against the grey walls, and the floor was carpeted expensively, with gold thread snaking around the borders. I usually liked coming to the chancellor's quarters, but I generally preferred to be dressed like I was about to do something other than sleep.

I perched uncomfortably on the edge of one of the low couches, sitting rigidly as the chancellor seated himself contentedly on one facing me. Having waved his security out of the room, he clasped his wrinkled hands together and faced me. "I hope you don't think I'm rude: I didn't answer your question before! As to how I'm doing, I am very well, thank you for asking. Might I be so bold as to inquire about your purpose in coming here?"

I looked at my hands, distinctly aware of the exposed wires and metal of my bionic one. Without my glove, my disability was obvious. "I-I wouldn't like to say," I stammered reluctantly.

"Ah, I see." He nodded knowingly, a twinkle in his eye. "It's private business, then, is it?"

I nodded distractedly. That emphasis he put on the word ... I don't know if I was uncomfortable, disturbed, or pleased. Did he know? I'm sure Padmé wouldn't have told him. Maybe he had guessed?

"Well, that's alright, then," he said cheerfully, then added with a laugh, "So long as you weren't here to blow up the Senate or anything!"

I looked mortified, shaking my head quickly. "No, I wouldn't dream of it!"

"I know, my boy; I understand," he responded compassionately. "No, I wouldn't believe that of you." Then he commented, almost as though to himself, "I wonder if the Council would think that ...? No, why would they? If they were honestly to think such a treasonous accusation of you," he paused, "well, I don't know if I could trust them! It would be very out of character for you, considering that you are such a gifted Jedi and surely invaluable to them."

My shoulders slumped as I huffed out a sigh. "Oh, I'm not sure they think I'm so invaluable at the moment."

"But why ever not?" He seemed genuinely concerned.

"I failed a mission pretty bad today," I said glumly, knocking my hands together absently.

"Oh dear, that must be awful for you. I'm certain you did your best! They must see that, surely."

"I'm not so sure." I didn't look at him, but I knew he was watching me sympathetically. "I made the same mistake twice, and they wonder if I was testing my powers or something," I finished sadly, rubbing my hands slowly.