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“I fear that for all your great power, you are wasting it, Anakin.”
“I’ve saved lives, sir,” Anakin said, taken aback and torn between flattered and offended.
“You have,” the Chancellor agreed, soothing, “the whole country calls you a hero, and there can be no question that you’ve earned it. Yet, I cannot help but think that you know that it’s not enough.”
“I don’t understand,” Anakin said, slowly, even though the Chancellor’s words prodded at his secret fears.
“Look outside, Anakin.” He gestured out the large window of his office. “Every day, you and the others like you are out there, fighting against all the terrible things that threaten the people. Still, nothing changes. One cannot expect this to be sustainable. Sooner or later, for all your efforts, we will be overrun.”
“I won’t let that happen, sir.”
At that, the Chancellor smiled. “I knew I could count on you, Anakin. I know with your help, we could truly bring peace and order to this nation.”
“What do you mean?” Anakin asked.
“You could be great, Anakin. Not just the nation’s hero, but its salvation, such that nothing would ever threaten us again. I just need your help. Yours alone. I fear your friends may not understand what needs to be done.”
Anakin considered it. He understood, in some ways. He knew firsthand how wearying it was to go out there every day and find it not a bit better, to always worry that his loved ones would get caught up in the crossfire. If only all these threats could be destroyed for good! And that he could be the one to bring that about, elevated above every other superhero…yes, a secret, shameful part of Anakin craved that more than anything.
“What do you need me to do?”