In a way, it would never have been possible except for Jailyn's perceptions. Anakin had been busy working with her, ignoring all other strains on his time other than Jai's lessons and Padme's embraces. Obi-Wan felt something off, but it was covered so very quickly he did not even see the true significance when the Chancellor was abducted.

Jailyn knew.

"It's a trap," she noted. "A very good one."

"What do you want to do?" Anakin asked, calm and collected. In the time since her elevation to Jedi Knight, she had been given reign to train him in spite of the elevated age. He was officially her apprentice; the trio they made with Obi-Wan had indeed proven unstoppable during the time of the Wars. Now, though, it seemed the battles were at an end.

"Spring the trap," Obi-Wan suggested.

Jailyn laughed. "Sounds like fun but... what if we let them keep Palpatine a little longer?"

"How long?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Until the Chancellor loses his patience!"

Anakin let his jaw drop at Jailyn's suggestion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that Palpatine IS the Sith we've been searching for."

Obi-Wan rang his fingers tentatively. "Are you sure, Jailyn?"

Jailyn had seen a lot in the past few years, and she detailed all of it to her companions. In the end, neither of them could deny that she seemed to be sound in her assumption- a thought that disturbed the Jedi more than they could imagine. "We have to tell Master Windu," Anakin sighed, shaking his head.

"I know we do." Obi-Wan contemplated. "On the other hand, we should also let the Sith reveal himself."

Jailyn found a smile on her face as the idea came to her as well. "How long do you think until Palpatine stages an escape?"

"Two weeks." Anakin calculated in his head the logistics of the plan that came to the trio and nodded in agreement. "We can have a trap of our own waiting for him by then."

-- -- - -- -- -- - --

"You're the best bait," Jailyn reminded Anakin. "You, he'll believe."

Anakin shook his head. "I'm not strong enough, Master; please don't make me..."

"You'll do fine," Mace Windu assured. "If you need, I am sure that Knight Meiral will make herself available for you."

"This Sith is strong," Obi-Wan noted, "but the four of us are stronger."

Anakin took in a deep breath, preparing for the exchange about to take place, keeping his mind open to allow the others to hear the conversation about to take place...

-- -- --

"You're a Sith!" Anakin finally accused, the past hour of conversation boiling to this one point- this one offer of power.

"I am open to many theories..."

"You're a Sith!"

"The Dark Side is powerful. None can escape it's appeal."

"I can."

"Then you will die."

"Not so fast." The buzz of three additional lightsabers drew Palpatine's attention to his new arrivals even as Jailyn threw a green bladed saber to her apprentice. "Well done, Anakin."

"This party's over," Windu added.

"And just in time, too," Obi-Wan noted.

With four assailants, Palpatine found he was powerless. They were all strong, and prepared. In the end, the unfortunate end was realized; refusing to give up, the corrupt politician was backed into a corner and found his death at the end of Obi-Wan's blade.

The Force breathed a sigh of relief as the evil was extinguished.

-- -- -- --

"Anakin Skywalker, in the past we have had no rank suitable for you. As a Knight, you would be at the mercy of our Order's summons. However we are eager to recognize the strength of mind you possess with your understanding of the Force. We therefore grant you the rank of Jedi Sentinel. May you be a beacon for all, and a protector for those around you."

Quite cheers erupted from those assembled as Jailyn leaned to the side, whispering "Good job" into the ear of her former pupil.

"Knight Jailyn Meiral, in recognition of your accomplishments in the Clone War and your successful mentoring of Anakin Skywalker, you are now conferred with the rank of Jedi Master and all the benefits of this position. May you be as adept at schooling your next padawan as you were with the first."

Jai blushed furiously at the attention, but accepted the elevation silently with a bow of her head.

As they left the Temple, Anakin found himself capture in a hug by a very happy, very strong pair of arms.

"Anakin! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Padme."

Jailyn turned to leave, but found the senator had other ideas. She put a hand on the younger woman's arm to pause the Jedi's departure. "Anakin, I have an announcement for you as well," Padme managed.

"What is that? Is everything all right?"

"Better than that, Daddy Skywalker."

Anakin's mouth dropped. "A child?"

"Twins."

Anni yelped like he had when a child, finishing by picking the slight form of his wife into the air and shouting, "Wizard!"

Jailyn laughed at the display, once again attempting to leave.

"Jailyn, I know this is highly irregular," Padme continued, "but I think you can imagine with Anakin's midichlorian count the babies are very likely to be Force Sensitive. Jedi."

Jai nodded, suddenly feeling lightheaded as she realized what was about to be asked of her.

It was Anakin who managed to get the question out first. "If our children must be fostered by the Jedi, I would appreciate knowing they are well-cared for; Padme and I will need to return to Naboo to help heal the hurts there."

Jailyn bowed. "I will talk with the Council and see what can be done."