Chapter 1
It was well past nightfall on Coruscant. The halls of the Jedi Temple were dim and still now. Most of the students and masters had retreated into their private quarters for studying or meditation. Anakin chose to do neither and was busily recording correspondence to two people his heart treasured most; his mother on Tattooine, and the young Queen of the Naboo, Amidala.
He hadn't seen either one in over a year and was determined to keep in touch with them, despite his current cloistered existence.
Tonight's letters were more mundane details of life at the temple and reports of his progress there. "The test yesterday went well. The lesson this morning was easy." And so on and so forth. He wanted to end each correspondence on a cheerful and personal note. He tried hard to keep his emotions at bay. He didn't want either one of them to hear just how unhappy he really was. Of course he wanted them to know he missed them, but not the extent. Twice he had to redo Amidala's letter. Finally, he turned off the recorder and surrendered himself to silent brooding.
He inhaled deeply, clearing his mind, and closed his eyes. The Force became like a tangible element and suddenly he was sharply aware of a oneness with all things around him. It helped him feel less alone. Only through the Force could he feel like a part of the other students at the temple who unintentionally had rejected him. They always tried to be polite to him, but behind their civility, Anakin easily sensed shards of resentment, confusion, and mistrust. He spent long hours pondering why this was so and came to the conclusion it was because he was not like them. He hadn't been brought up in the temple since infancy like they had. His childhood had not been filled with lessons, kindly mentors, and wise masters. His early life had been one of slavery, labor, and poverty. To make matters worse, he had already been apprenticed to a Jedi even before he arrived at the temple. This immediately set him apart from the others, who struggled through lessons everyday in hopes of catching the attention of one of the Masters looking for a Padawan.
The students here had also led a very sheltered life which kept them sensitive to violence and evil. Anakin was beyond indifferent to such things. He had already seen every kind of greed, ruthlessness, and villianry the galaxy had to offer. It was as though the other students sensed that in him and interpreted a tolerance for evil.
Anakin sighed despondently. In the two years he'd been at the temple, not one student had come forward to offer friendship. Worse than that, it seemed to Anakin that his own Master wanted little to do with him. Obi-Wan rarely came by to offer instruction and never included Anakin on any of his assigned missions. Anakin's protests were often met with a dismissive gesture and single word explanations. More often than not, the word was 'patience.'
Anakin opened his eyes with a snap. A familiar anger and bitterness were surfacing and he struggled to suppress both. He emptied his mind. As a sense of calm drifted over him, he could feel the Force ripple, then surge. He sensed an approaching presence, or rather the Force surrounding it. Anakin's heart beat faster. He could hardly believe what he was feeling. He focused his eyes on the closed doors of his quarters and tried hard to wait for the knock that would announce the arrival of someone Anakin had not seen in over a month.
"Obi-Wan..." Anakin breathed.
Obi-Wan Kenobi paused, stretching out with the Force, wanting to know Anakin's state of mind, before rapping lightly on the boy's door. He wasn't sure if Anakin would be receptive to him after the argument they had the last time they were together. The flicker of Darkness he'd sensed earlier was gone now, replaced by an eager anticipation. That was encouraging to Obi-Wan, for he was certain Anakin had sensed his presence, but he couldn't fathom why the boy would be pleased to see him.
As soon as Obi-Wan knocked, Anakin sprang across the room and opened the door. Obi-Wan stared blankly at his apprentice for a moment or two before finding his voice.
"Anakin...May I come in?"
The boy nodded quickly, flashing a smile. He stepped aside and the Jedi Knight soundlessly glided into the room. Anakin was surprised at how much he had missed Obi-Wan. He bit his lower lip and firmly rooted himself by the door to keep from running over to his Master and welcoming him back with a brotherly bear hug. He didn't think the older Jedi would appreciate such a gesture from him. He believed Obi-Wan thought of him as a pupil, nothing more, nothing less; even though Anakin thought of Obi Wan as not only his teacher, but his friend, brother, and the father he never had. It was times like this that Anakin missed his mother's reassuring affection most.
Anakin sighed heavily, pining again for the kind of bond most apprentices had with their Masters. A bond with Obi-Wan that had yet to form. Disappointment edged his voice as he stated, "I sense this is not a social visit."
Obi-Wan studied the boy from across the room. The odd mixture of emotions he sensed coming from Anakin puzzled him. He took a deep breath and tried to smile reassuringly.
"No, but I feel you'll be pleased by what I've come to tell you," the Jedi relayed in his decidedly pleasant voice.
Anakin stood mulling Obi-Wan's words in his mind before remembering his manners. He quickly gestured at a chair.
"Sit, please. Forgive me," he whispered.
The Force flowing between them darkened faintly. Obi-Wan frowned, recognizing it. The boy was pleased to see him, but was also guarded and wary. Obi-Wan's presence made Anakin uncomfortable. It always had.
I've been away too long this time, Obi-Wan thought to himself. A shadow of regret fell over him. It was past time to mend their relationship. Gracefully, Obi-Wan slipped off his cloak and sat down in the nearest chair.
Anakin blinked back at him, surprised. Obi-Wan must intend to stay for awhile if he took off his cloak. Anakin strode over to his desk and slid into his chair anxiously, then gave the Jedi his undivided attention.
"You keep this room too warm," Obi-Wan pointed out.
"Oh, so that's why you took the time to remove your cloak," Anakin said. "I like the heat," he added dismally.
Obi-Wan sighed. "I know. I didn't mean anything by it. It was just an opinion of mine." He frowned. This wasn't going at all as he had hoped. He tried again. "The reports of your progress that I have received have been quite favorable," he said in a measured tone.
Anakin didn't say anything. Obi-Wan continued.
"In the short time you have been here, you have not only caught up to the other students your age, but you have surpassed them. Your skills are remarkable."
Anakin looked down. His only acknowledgement was a nod.
Obi-Wan sensed the boy's shift in mood and wondered at it. It was as if Obi-Wan's praise had disturbed him. He folded his arms across his chest and regarded the boy with impatience.
"You should be pleased," Obi-Wan chided softly.
Anakin quickly looked up. "I am pleased. I'm really glad you think I'm doing well in my training."
"Anakin, is something wrong? Is there something you're not telling me?"
The boy sighed heavily and dragged a hand through his short spikey bangs. "It's just that it is hard to be happy about something that makes me an outcast." He stared hard at Obi-Wan. "It sets me apart from the others."
"The others? The other students, you mean?" Obi-Wan asked a little taken aback. "Why should that displease you? The other students hold you in high regard. You've earned their respect. Their admiration --"
Anakin spun out of his chair and began pacing hotly. "Their envy and their mistrust would be more like it!" He stopped and glared at Obi-Wan. "How can you come to such conclusions, Obi Wan? You're never here. You don't know how it is."
Obi-Wan looked away and took a deep, steadying breath. Perhaps he deserved that. His apprentice's remark had stemmed from longing, not disrespect. Obi-Wan had heard from Anakin's instructors how the other students shunned the boy. The instructors had often regarded Anakin as arrogant and aloof, but it was clear now, it was not by his choice. The other students had made the decision for Anakin. Obi-Wan had hoped these reports were exaggerated at best.
"Anakin," he began quietly. "Sit down."
Anakin looked over at his Master; his heart flooding with remorse. Was it any wonder why Obi-Wan didn't want him around? Anakin was angry now, but more at himself than his Master. He dropped heavily into his chair and massaged his eyes to ease the tension he was feeling.
"Forgive me, Master," he murmured. He focused his eyes on the floor, hoping to convey his humility.
Obi-Wan waited until he was sure Anakin was calm again before continuing.
"How am I to rely on your control when you continually succumb to such outbursts?" the Jedi began, softly but firmly. "The masters tell me you are ready for what I am about to propose, and yet you contradict them."
Anakin looked up sharply. Ready? Ready for what? he thought.
Obi-Wan stood slowly. "I see before me a boy who is controlled and motivated by his emotions, not the Force. When you can demonstrate to me that you are ready, then I'll speak with you about this again. Good night, Anakin." He bent to retrieve his cloak.
Anakin jumped out of his chair and seized Obi Wan's wrist. "Master! You can't go now. You must tell me! I'm ready! I swear to you I'm ready!" His youthful exuberance easily pushed aside any shame Obi-Wan's words might have instilled.
Obi-Wan fought a smile. "So certain are you? Even though you've no idea what I'm talking about?"
Anakin nodded. He placed a hand over his heart. "I feel it. Here. Deep down inside."
The older Jedi nodded. "I feel it too. That's why I came here tonight. I've been given a new assignment. I want you to come with me."
Anakin's already large blue eyes grew even larger with surprise and delight. "You...and me? Together on an assignment for the Council?" He could barely get the words out, his heart was pounding away so hard in his chest, his breath was coming up short. Obi-Wan nodded again and Anakin threw his arms around him in an impulsive and gracious hug.
"Thank you! Thank you! You don't know what this means to me! I've wanted to be with you more than anything..." He suddenly realized what he was doing and released Obi-Wan, stepping back quickly and glancing up at his Master sheepishly. "Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to get all mushy like that. I'm just so happy."
But Obi-Wan was smiling, amused. He put a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder, then gestured for him to sit down once more. Anakin hurried to obey. He grabbed his desk chair and slid into it. Obi-Wan took the time to straighten his disheveled tunic before sitting down across from him.
"First of all," Obi-Wan began, trying unsuccessfully to sound stern. "You must learn to control your emotions. Allow yourself to feel, but don't let your feelings run away with you. A Jedi must be able to feel...everything. But it is important to maintain control of what you feel. Otherwise, your emotions can be used by others as a weapon against you."
Anakin nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Yes, Master. I know. It is my worst fault. It is something I struggle with everyday. I'll do better. I promise," he hurriedly assured. He took a deep breath and pushed everything out of his mind and filled it with thoughts of serenity and calm.
Obi-Wan smiled again, settling back in his chair. He closed his eyes and tapped into Anakin's now peaceful state, struggling with his own onrush of emotions. Obi-Wan realized at that moment why he found it so difficult to be around the boy for very long. The connecting Force between them was always so charged and penetrating, Obi-Wan often felt unable to control its power. Anakin's power, to be precise. Did the boy have any clue at all of the magnitude of lifeforce within him? Did he realize how easily he could influence others with his own feelings? All those wants and ambitions? Did he realize how dangerous his powers could be to himself and those around him? Obi-Wan shuddered involuntarily and quickly opened his eyes. He took a deep breath and dismissed his feelings as centering too much on his anxieties again. Something his own Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, was always quick to point out to him.
When he faced Anakin, he saw the boy was staring at him expectantly, his gaze piercing.
"I went before the Council this morning," Obi-Wan began quietly. "For a briefing. I asked if I could take you with me this time. I thought it would be a good mission for the two of us. Nothing dangerous, mind you. Just somewhat unpleasant, perhaps. This time the Council agreed."
Anakin was startled. "You mean you had to get their permission before you could take me on a mission?" All this time, he thought Obi-Wan simply hadn't wanted him along.
Obi-Wan regarded him through narrowed eyes. "The Council felt you needed to have all the groundworks laid in Jedi training first before going out on assignment. I tried several times to persuade them to excuse you from schooling, as you already had mastered many of the basic skills." He paused and sighed. "It's been hard for me working alone. I needed someone with me, but they wouldn't agree to it." He shrugged. "I've never been one to defy the Council's decisions. Perhaps I should have. I didn't realize your time here was as unpleasant as it has been."
Anakin nodded. "I understand. I...wish you would have told me this before."
Obi-Wan shrugged. "There was nothing either of us could have done to change the way things were. I suppose we should have confided in one another. I don't believe we have ever felt confident enough in our relationship to open up to one another." He sat forward slightly. "But this mission will give us the chance to begin to trust one another. Depend on one another. The way a master and apprentice do. It's our chance, Anakin."
Anakin felt ashamed of the bitterness he had harbored against Obi-Wan for so long. He lowered his head, feeling a lump in his throat. He wanted to apologize, but he didn't know what to say. Did Obi-Wan even know how angry he had been with him all this time?
As if in answer to his unspoken question, the older Jedi continued.
"I know I haven't been there for you the way you needed me to be." Anakin looked up, shocked. Obi-Wan smiled sadly. "I want you to know, I've been going through a rough time myself, since Qui-Gon was killed. We had been a team for so long, it's hard for me to picture myself along side any one else. Even my own apprentice. An apprentice he gave to me." He shook his head ruefully. "I never should have let my devotion to Qui-Gon impede our relationship. I didn't mean to abandon you, Anakin. Please don't feel that way."
"Master...don't apologize," Anakin whispered. Anakin recalled how much Qui-Gon had meant to him and how much it hurt to have to let him go. And he had only known the master a very short time. Certainly Obi-Wan would have been affected ten times as much by his death. Anakin hadn't even taken Obi-Wan's feelings into account. Obi-Wan, like his Master before him, was outwardly serene. He rarely appeared emotional about anything. It always gave Anakin the impression that Obi-Wan was apathetic and dispassionate. Looking at his Master's expressive face now, he should have known better.
Obi-Wan held up his hand. "Anakin, please let me finish. I owe you this," he persisted. "I don't fault your dislike of me. But I'm asking you to put those feelings behind you. Come forward with me."
Anakin's shoulders slumped and his face flushed with embarrassment. He had always thought Obi-Wan didn't like him and he never understood why. He suddenly remembered a conversation between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan concerning him. Obi-Wan came right out and told Qui-Gon that Anakin was dangerous. At the time, Anakin thought Obi-Wan was grossly exaggerating since he was only a small boy. It was the first time he had felt animosity towards Obi-Wan. He thought then, maybe Obi-Wan was jealous of all the attention Qui-Gon was giving him. It wasn't until after Qui-Gon's funeral, and after Obi-Wan had told Anakin he was going to train him, that the young master had informed Anakin of his fears of teaching someone as powerful as Anakin to tap into the Force. He had explained that until Anakin had control and understanding of his immense powers, training him was dangerous. Obi-Wan admitted he feared the negative possibilites of failure on his part. Anakin had been so relieved to hear that the Jedi had only been referring to his training when he had labeled him dangerous, that he scarcely heard anything else Obi-Wan had said that night. Anakin had misjudged him then and realized he had misjudged him again.
"Anakin, I'm asking your forgiveness," Obi-Wan prompted when the boy failed to respond.
Anakin blinked back tears. "You're apologizing because I made you feel like you had done something to deserve my anger. You haven't done anything wrong, Obi-Wan. I'm the one who needs forgiving. I want you to know, whatever I may have felt about you, I've always been honored to be known as your apprentice. You're very respected by the students here and I have to confess," Anakin added with a grin, "I never passed up a chance to tell someone that my Master was Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Obi-Wan laughed and shook his head in disbelief. "Don't think you're the only apprentice who does that. Even I used to brag about Qui-Gon being my Master. He was well-known in the classrooms as a hard to please, maverick-type of Jedi. Everyone wanted to be his apprentice because he was powerful and could wield a lightsaber like no body's business." He smiled with recollection. "When he finally chose me as his Padawan, I told everyone: all my friends still at the temple, my teachers, the other masters, and even my worst rival, just to make him envious." Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Of course, now I see how immature and boastful that was...but at the time, it was great fun."
Anakin was staring at Obi-Wan, entirely enthralled. He could feel from this moment on that things had changed between them. He relished being able to sit and talk with Obi-Wan this way. It was something he had always longed for.
"If I were you," Obi-Wan continued, "I would hold off on the bragging until I have proven myself worthy of it."
Anakin's brow furrowed. "I've never doubted the promise you made me. You will be a fine master, Obi-Wan. Why would you think otherwise?"
"I'm inexperienced. I've never trained a Jedi before. It's a tremendous undertaking. A responsibility not unlike that of raising a child." Obi-Wan paused, his mood growing more serious. "The Force is so strong in you, Anakin. Your grasp of it so far is what has enabled you to excel here. But I know you have yet to realize your full potential. You haven't mastered a tenth of the powers within you. When you finally do, you will be one of the most powerful Jedi ever. Qui-Gon sensed this about you. He knew this to be true which is why he was so adamant about you being trained. He believed in you."
"He believed in you too, Obi-Wan."
The older Jedi flashed a smile. "And I'll do everything I can to guide you and help you become the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon saw in you." His eyes took on a distant look. "One day, you will know your full power and you will rise above the greatest evil in the galaxy. You will be the master and with one fateful act of unselfish courage, you will bring balance to the Force. Evil will no longer reign."
Anakin's eyes were as wide as saucers. "You've seen this for me?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Qui-Gon saw it too."
Anakin was stunned. "But Master Yoda has always said my future was clouded. Too difficult to see."
"It is clouded. I don't have a precise picture of how and when all this is to come about, I only know that it will. It is the reason I find the task of training you so daunting. Until you learn to control your emotions and utilize the Force in the way of a Jedi, there will always be the chance you could be 'turned'."
"Turned?" Anakin didn't understand.
"To the Dark Side," Obi-Wan said gravely. "There is that threat. Especially if the Sith Lords ever get wind of you. They would teach you to use the Force for evil." He paused and took a deep breath. "The Darkness can enslave you. It seems easier, stronger. It can control you beyond your values, your morals, your beliefs. It will strip away the person you are and mold you into someone your mother wouldn't recognize. The Sith don't even retain their own names. They take new ones. You are truly lost if you succumb to the Dark Side. Fear, anger, aggression. Hate. You must never give into those feelings."
Anakin felt cold, despite the high temperature in the room. He couldn't imagine anything that would make him turn to the Dark Side. He would rather be dead than use his knowledge of the Force in the service of a Sith.
Obi-Wan sighed. "Which brings me to the reason for our assignment," he stated. Anakin perked up.
"You mentioned it might be unpleasant," Anakin hinted.
Obi-Wan nodded. "It could be quite unpleasant, but necessary. We can only hope it won't come to that." He looked at Anakin and frowned. "For a young Jedi in training, and even an apprentice alone, the galaxy can be a dangerous place. And now, with evidence of activity in a new Sith faction, a young and inexperienced Jedi on their own poses an even greater risk. Not only to themselves, but us all."
"Who is it, Master?" Anakin asked.
"Tamerlane Merl," Obi-Wan announced. "I doubt you've heard of her. She was chosen as an apprentice six years ago by Master Elle Zack. Four years ago, Master Zack developed an illness. She died recently. Tamerlane was left alone quite suddenly and at nineteen, she still has quite a bit of training left before she can face the trials that would make her a full-fledged Jedi. Another master, a longtime friend of Master Zack's, came forward and offered to take Tamerlane as his apprentice, in memory of his friend. His name is Master Brock Seal Erons. His intentions were good, but he wasn't aware or chose to ignore the fragile emotional state of his new apprentice. Their shared feelings of grief and loneliness became misplaced towards each other. Well, it was only a matter of time before circumstances errupted between them."
Anakin was trying hard to grasp Obi-Wan's meaning. "What happened? Did they get in a fight?"
"There was an altercation of sorts. In the end, Tamerlane interpreted this mutual grief as something else. Master Seal Erons rejected her. Now she's gone off on her own. It's up to us to find her."
Anakin still didn't understand. "Why doesn't her Master go after her?"
"Two reasons mainly," Obi-Wan explained. "The Council fears his pursuit of her would only make her flee even further. And secondly, Master Seal Erons does not want her as an apprentice anymore. He accepted her as his apprentice for the wrong reasons. He sees that now." Obi-Wan paused and took a deep breath. He could still see the confusion in Anakin's eyes. He tried to rephrase his explanation. With Anakin, it was easy to forget he was talking to a twelve year old boy. "Quite simply, she believed that she was in love with him. Now she's feeling rejected and betrayed. It devastated her emotionally. She's run away."
Chapter 2
Anakin and Obi-Wan walked purposefully through the gleaming halls of the temple. Students they passed eyed them curiously. Using the Force, Anakin could feel their dislike and jealousy for him and their great respect and admiration for Obi-Wan. Walking beside someone whom they admired so much, filled Anakin with a sense of pride and took the sting out of the negative jolts in the Force directed at him.
At twelve, Anakin was already up to Obi-Wan's shoulder in stature. If he kept growing the way he had been, in a few more years he would be taller than his classmates, as well as Obi-Wan. Anakin liked that idea. He wanted to be tall, just like Qui-Gon. In every possible way, Anakin wanted to emulate him. He wanted to honor the master's memory by doing well and showing everyone that Qui-Gon had been right about him. He would make him proud.
Anakin's thoughts were interrupted by the hum of numerous ship engines as they arrived at the docking bay. A transport was in the process of boarding passengers. Obi-Wan turned towards it and quickened his pace. Council member, Adi Gallia, was waiting for them at the bottom of the boarding ramp. Obi-Wan quickened his pace and stopped before her with a respectful bow. Anakin bowed as well, then leaned close to Obi-Wan, to hear Adi Gallia's voice over the drone of the engines.
Adi Gallia handed Obi-Wan a data pad and two different holoprojectors which he slipped into an unseen pocket in a bag he had slung over his shoulder.
"It's everything you need. All the information we have on Tamerlane Merl, as well as her last reported sighting. She's keeping company with an older Maschan female named Skya DiArta. We don't have much information about her other than she is a con artist and a petty thief. Not a good companion for a young apprentice, but at least we know DiArta is not a 'known' enemy." She paused and licked her full lips apprehensively. "I know Tamerlane, Obi-Wan. Try not to judge her on her actions. She's a fine student and will make an honorable Jedi someday. She's only temporarily lost her way. We need to bring her home."
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "Try not to worry, Master Gallia. We promise you our best effort."
Anakin's heart skipped a beat upon hearing Obi-Wan's inclusive reference. It made Anakin feel like he was Obi-Wan's partner now. A part of a working team.
Adi Gallia's large dark eyes fell on Anakin.
"This will be your first assignment, young Skywalker. Utilize your training and obey your Master," she advised. "This can be a great learning experience for you if you let it. In not only the ways of the galaxy around you, but inside your own mind and body."
Anakin found himself tongue-tied. All he could do was nod and bow. The presence of the Force was overwhelmingly strong around her and Anakin felt it direct everything she did and said.
The ship's engines changed pitch, signaling a readiness for take off. All three Jedi turned towards it with a knowing look.
Adi Gallia raised her hand, fingers splayed, then turned her wrist and curled her fingers into her palm in her native farewell gesture.
"Be on your way and may the Force be with you both," she said.
Obi-Wan repeated her gesture, then bowed. Anakin hurriedly offered her his own sign of farewell. She smiled warmly at him and touched his cheek with her hand. Then she turned and seemed to float across the hangar bay, her long dark robes billowing behind her.
Anakin followed Obi-Wan to their cabin. He touched his cheek with his hand. The skin was warm and tingled slightly.
"She must be a powerful Jedi," Anakin murmured to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan smiled easily. "That she is. She can do more with the power of her mind to obtain her means than any other master I know. There isn't a species in the galaxy that's immune to her mind suggestions. It makes her a most sought after diplomat."
Obi-Wan took the bag off his shoulder and set it carefully on the large table which occupied a good deal of space in the small cabin. He slipped off his cloak and draped it over the back of a chair and seated himself with a long sigh.
Anakin stood in the middle of the room, not quite sure what to do next.
"You might as well relax and make yourself comfortable," Obi-Wan suggested. "We've a long ride ahead of us." He gestured at the bag. "We'll pass the time studying the data we've been given on the missing apprentice."
Anakin settled himself at the table, tucking a long leg casually underneath him and pulled his cloak tighter around him. "How do we know where this girl's at? How did the Council find out about this Skya DiArta?" he questioned.
"We've sent word out to all the Jedi throughout the galaxy on different assignments to use the Force to try to get of sense of whether or not Tamerlane was travelling within their given star systems. A Jedi can always sense the presence of the Force in an individual, especially another Jedi." Obi-Wan sat forward and withdrew the data pad from the bag and activated it. He studied the information flashing across the screen briefly before handing the device to Anakin. "A Jedi Knight stationed on Mascha discovered Tamerlane and reported her location back to the Council," Obi-Wan continued.
Anakin looked up from the pad, confused. "If she has already been found...why are we still looking for her?"
Obi-Wan smiled indulgently and tapped the data pad Anakin was holding. "Read a little further and you'll answer your own question. Always use the information made available to you before wondering about reasons."
Anakin focused back on the data pad and continued reading. He nodded suddenly. "So the Jedi who discovered her lost track of her when she boarded a transport with the female Maschan, DiArta."
"Right. There was no time for him to intercept her and prevent her from leaving," Obi-Wan explained. "But at least we know she is traveling with someone and we know where she was heading."
Anakin was flipping through page after page on the data pad screen, taking in every detail. Suddenly he gasped and looked up at Obi-Wan with an incredulous expression.
"Naboo!"
The older Jedi smiled brightly. He knew Anakin would be pleased. "Yes. The transport Tamerlane boarded was heading for that system." He locked eyes with Anakin. "That was one of the reasons I wanted you along on this mission. We both know that planet. We know the government." His smile broadened. "We have many friends there who would be willing to help us out if need be."
Anakin's breath was coming in gulps. His pulse began pounding in his ears. After all this time. Finally, he'd get to see her again. "Amidala," he whispered to himself.
"This was why the Council chose me for this assignment," Obi-Wan continued. "Those simple facts increase our chances of success on this mission." He placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "I couldn't have possibly gone to Naboo and left you behind, Anakin. I know how much Naboo means to you. And why. So you see, I'm not entirely heartless," he teased.
Anakin looked back at his Master with gratitude and affection. He smiled.
"Thanks, Obi-Wan," he sighed.
Obi-Wan's brow furrowed. "Of course, you'll still be expected to keep this assignment top priority. You mustn't allow yourself to be distracted from it."
Anakin hurriedly assured him with a quick nod. "Yes, Master. I understand. I am entirely devoted to the success of this mission."
Obi-Wan nodded acceptance, but held Anakin's eyes with his for a moment longer, letting the boy know that he appreciated his conviction even if he didn't wholeheartedly believe it. Anakin could feel Obi-Wan's skepticism.
"Master, I promise you. I want this mission to succeed more than anything. I want to prove to you, and everyone, that I can do what's expected of me. I want to show them I have the skill and the knowledge. It's all at your disposal."
Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed. "The motivation for our success should not be based on our own gains, Anakin. We should only be motivated by whatever is the right thing to do in a given circumstance."
Anakin blushed at the gentle rebuke. His first impulse was to defend his words, but instead, he merely lowered his eyes in submission and uttered a quiet, "Yes, Master."
Obi-Wan leaned forward. "Take heart, young Padawan. I trust your allegiance. I can feel the integrity behind your promise."
At that, Anakin brightened. He set the data pad aside and reached inside the bag for the holoprojectors Adi Gallia had given them. He turned it on and the shimmering image of a young woman suddenly stood before them, rotating slowly. Vital statistics and general information was projected above and below the image. Anakin sighed.
"She looks sad," he noted. He studied the features of the girl closely. "She's very pretty," he added.
Obi-Wan nodded. "A sadness can sometimes lend itself to beauty."
Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan. There was great sympathy in his eyes. Anakin took a deep breath.
"We'll find her, Master," he announced with a certainty he hadn't felt before. It became very important to him that this beautiful lost apprentice know someone cared about her. He turned back to the hologram. He wondered what she was thinking. How she was feeling. Did she feel alone and unloved with no one to turn to in her grief? Anakin knew those feelings. His heart went out to her, wherever she was. He suddenly turned to Obi-Wan, sensing the Jedi's eyes on him.
"Your compassion is admirable," he told Anakin quietly.
Anakin lowered his eyes. "Master...what if she doesn't want to come back with us? What are we to do then?"
Obi-Wan sighed heavily. "There's always that possibility. If she chooses not to continue her training under a new master, then she still must go before the Council and present her statement of decline formally."
"What does that mean?" Anakin pressed.
"It means she must take an oath and swear before the Council to never use her knowledge of the Force for any evil." Obi-Wan looked increasingly uncomfortable. "In doing so, she gives us her permission, and gives us the right, to take action against her should it become known to us that she has broken her oath." Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair and turned off the holoprojector. "It's very important that we bring her back with us. Hopefully, we can persuade her to come willingly."
Anakin looked up startled. "And if not?"
Obi-Wan frowned. "If not, we will have to take her anyway," he answered tonelessly. "She must swear that oath. She must also...surrender her lightsaber."
"Her lightsaber?" This was the last thing Anakin expected. "She's not allowed to keep it?"
Obi-Wan shook his head and looked back at Anakin gravely. "No. To do so, would be to dishonor it and what it represents. Only Jedi carry lightsabers." He paused and bit his lower lip. "And rogues who have no business carrying them. And the Sith."
Anakin felt chills run up his arms. He pulled his cloak tighter around him.
Obi-Wan stood suddenly and began pacing off agitation he rarely displayed. "That is the worse case scenario," he explained. He could feel the turmoil of emotions beginning to brew in Anakin and himself and wanted to turn their thoughts to something more positive. "I'm confident, with both of us working together, we can reassure her and convince her to come back to Coruscant with us to complete her training. Master Gallia has, after all, taken a pointed interest in her. It would not surprise me if she accepted Tamerlane as her Padawan."
Anakin nodded. "What an honor for her. I hope this is how things turn out."
Obi-Wan looked at his own Padawan and sighed. "We mustn't dwell on any anticipated negative aspects of this mission. We must channel our energies to ensure a positive outcome."
Anakin smiled slightly. Obi-Wan seemed to have a passion for using big words. Especially when his emotions were surfacing. A lot of the time, Anakin had to encourage an interpretation from him. "Are you saying, we should be more optimistic?"
Obi-Wan smiled and visibly relaxed. "No. I'm saying we should be more confident in the ways of the Force."
Chapter 3
Anakin couldn't get to sleep. His mind refused to shut down. So much had happened in such a short time. So many things had changed. He glanced over at Obi-Wan who was lying in the bed across from his. He didn't move and his eyes were closed, but Anakin knew he wasn't asleep either. Perhaps he too, was thinking about how things had changed.
Anakin smiled to himself. Finally something interesting and positive to tell Amidala. Her face immediately came to him; his very own Iego moon angel. It had been such a long time since he'd last seen her. He wondered if she had changed any. He knew he had and wondered if she would even recognize him. He picked up the long braid that was draped over his shoulder and examined the tightly bound end. It was only half this length when she'd seen him a year ago. He smiled and found himself proud of his braid for the first time. It was a distinguishing feature of an apprentice and was yet another way he was set apart from the other students at the temple. At first, he resented having to wear it, but now, it felt right. He wondered if Obi-Wan missed his braid, for he had worn one for years as Qui-Gon's apprentice.
"No...I don't miss it," came a quiet reply from across the room.
Anakin smiled. Obi-Wan opened his eyes and rolled over on his side to face him.
"Not at all?" Anakin questioned.
Obi-Wan shook his head slightly. "My time to wear one has passed." He took a slow, deep breath and folded his arm under his head. "Things change Anakin. It's the one truth you can entirely depend upon. Nothing stays the same, ever." The Jedi paused and looked away briefly. "To miss my braid, or more directly, what it stood for, would be to reject change in my life. One must always embrace change. The good and the bad. To fight against it, to long for a never ending status quo, is an exercise in futility."
Anakin considered this. "Surely, we can accept change without having to 'embrace' it." His mother's words concerning change came quickly to mind.
Obi-Wan smiled at him. "I sense the changes in your life, like the ones you were pondering before, are worthy of embracing. Very well, my young apprentice. Accept the bad. Embrace the good."
Anakin sighed. "I do admit, there have been good changes in my life."
"You're thinking of Queen Amidala," Obi-Wan noted.
"Yes," Anakin confessed. "It will be good to see her again." He suddenly frowned. "Obi-Wan, does she even know we are coming?"
His Master nodded slightly. "In a way. Through the senate representatives, the Council has informed the government on Naboo that two Jedi are being dispatched to her planet for an assignment. Of that much, I'm certain."
Anakin wasn't sure if this bit of information was good or bad.
"I'm sure," Obi-Wan continued softly and with a distinct glimmer of amusement in his eyes, "That Her Majesty is, at the very least, hoping one of those two Jedi will be a particular young apprentice of whom she is quite fond of."
Anakin felt his heart beat faster and the warmth of a blush cover his face. He turned away from Obi-Wan, embarrassed that the mere mentioning of Amidala's affection for him would provoke such a strange biological reaction. He quickly directed his thoughts to something else.
"She'll be pleased to see you too," he told Obi-Wan flatly. "She's just as fond of you as she is me..." Anakin's voice drifted off as Obi-Wan's infectious laugh filled the darkened room. "What?!" Anakin demanded, not understanding what he had said that had sparked the older Jedi's mirth.
Obi-Wan gazed at his young apprentice with a tactful expression. "I'm sorry Anakin. But you've no reason to feel ashamed. What you feel for Her Majesty, and vice versa, is endearing." He paused and sighed. "You are sharply intelligent and in possession of a worldly wisdom far beyond your years. Because of that, I too often forget with whom I'm speaking. I need to remind myself that there are certain subjects, certain truths, that you still approach with the naivete of a twelve year old boy."
Anakin still didn't understand. "Like what?"
Obi-Wan refused to make it easy for him. "Tell me what it is you feel for Amidala and you'll have your answer."
"...Friendship, I suppose," Anakin responded. He leaned back, hoping to conceal his blushing in thicker shadows. "She's my friend."
"Of course she is," Obi-Wan continued. "Like your friends back on Tatooine."
Anakin thought for a moment. "Well, no. Not exactly." He looked up at his Master for some kind of hint as to what he was getting at.
"Trust me, Anakin," the Jedi consoled. "Tell me what you feel."
Anakin, still embarrassed, shook his head to refuse, but words tumbled from his mouth before he could stop them.
"I'm not sure what I feel about her. It's different from anything I've ever felt before. I have to concentrate hard sometimes, not to let thoughts of her preoccupy me. It's as if I could lose myself in thoughts of her." Anakin frowned. He was sure he had answered badly. A Jedi should hardly be spending most of his time thinking about a girl. Even if she was a Queen.
"You must understand," Obi-Wan began gently, "that what you are feeling is perfectly natural."
"So what am I feeling?" Anakin asked, impatiently.
"It sounds to me like you're in love."
"Love?!" Anakin snapped. He covered his eyes with his hand and groaned. "Then I must suppress it," he announced with a confidence he scarcely felt.
"Suppress it? Why?" the older Jedi asked.
Anakin was beginning to get irritated. "Master, are you purposefully trying to confuse me? Wasn't it just yesterday that you were commanding me to control my emotions?"
"Control, yes. Suppress, no," Obi-Wan stated. He hoped wholeheartedly he had not instilled that idea in Anakin. Was the boy truly confused or just baiting him? He took a deep steadying breath. "Listen closely, Padawan. It is always wise for a Jedi to keep his emotions in check. A calm heart and a quiet mind is what enables the Force to guide us and speak to us. But don't ever think you are not allowed to feel anything, Anakin. Especially the tenderness and wonder of love."
"Love is a complicated feeling," Anakin replied quietly. "It's clear to me that not everything about love is tender and wonderful. Tamerlane Merl felt love for Master Seal Erons. Now she's run away, leaving behind the only life she's ever known and he's abandoned her to her fate."
Obi-Wan nodded in solemn agreement. "It's not that they were really in love, Anakin. Sometimes love is hard to recognize, and sometimes something else is mistakenly identified as love."
Anakin sighed heavily. "Then how am I to know if what I feel for Amidala is really love?"
Obi-Wan rolled over on his back and stared momentarily at the low ceiling. "Because, you are too unselfish for it to be anything else."
Anakin smiled. He let his thoughts drift back to Amidala and suddenly felt warm and happy. Maybe love wasn't such a bad thing after all. "Obi-Wan, have you ever been in love before?"
There was a long moment of silence before the Jedi answered. "No."
This struck Anakin as being rather sad. "Well...maybe someday."
"Yes," Obi-Wan sighed. "Perhaps someday." He paused then effectively ended their night's conversation by saying, "Sleep now, Anakin. Tomorrow is going to come early."
Anakin turned and closed his eyes tightly. "Yes Master. Sleep well."
Chapter 4
"Tell me again...about the palace."
Tamerlane Merl eyed her companion warily.
"I've told you everything I know. It's all second-hand anyway. I've never been there myself. My Master once described it to me. She attended a funeral there. For a slain Jedi."
"And the Queen? Did she wear many jewels?" Skya DiArta was mesmerized by any talk of power and wealth.
"I suppose she wears jewels," Tamerlane shrugged. "She is a Queen, after all."
DiArta smiled, exposing a mouthful of jagged pointed teeth. Her gray eyes glittered in the morning sun. Despite her young friend's reserve, DiArta knew finding this rogue Jedi would be the beginning of profits galore. No one would question the integrity of someone befriended by a Jedi. It didn't matter that the girl was only an apprentice. She still looked like a Jedi. She still wore the billowing brown cloak, the ecru tunic, the utility belt, and most significantly, the Jedi sword. Yes, DiArta thought, with a Jedi beside her, she could go anywhere, do anything. She didn't have to force the smile directed at Tamerlane, just the sentiment behind it.
"You're extra sad today," she noted and layed a clawed hand on the girl's shoulder.
Tamerlane looked out into the bustling streets of Theed. "I'm starting to think this wasn't such a good idea."
"No! Don't think that!" DiArta was quick to assure her. "The goal is simple. It cannot fail." She paused for emphasis. "You do for me, and I do for you."
Tamerlane closed her eyes and sighed heavily. "What makes you think the Queen will even receive me?"
"Just do what you must, but get me into that palace," DiArta said and ground her teeth together, out of habit.
"Why is it so important for you? What is it you are not telling me?" Tamerlane gave DiArta a stern look of warning. "I sense deception...all around you."
"So this is the thanks I get. Poor lovesick child," DiArta taunted. "You can't make sense of anything. I thought you Jedi could see the future. So tell me now, without me around to help you, what does your future look like? Is he still in your future? I think not. He's ashamed of you. They are all ashamed of you. You can't ever go back there because if you do, they will kill you. You betrayed a sacred trust. The only chance you have is to find your own way. I can help. But you have to do this for me first."
Tamerlane licked her suddenly dry lips. "They won't kill me. That's ridiculous. I could go back there anytime I wanted. Every student and apprentice is free to leave the order under honorable circumstances. They tell you this from the beginning." She stopped, suddenly realizing what she had just said.
DiArta caught it too. "You hardly left under any honorable circumstances," she jabbed. "Admit it, you're a rogue now. And that's why they search for you." DiArta dug her claws deeper in Tamerlane's arm. "Remember the Jedi Knight on Mascha? If it wasn't for me, he would have captured you. You'd be dead now. You think about that. Without me, you wouldn't have stood a chance." She released Tamerlane suddenly and turned with a jerk. "I'm off to find some food. You stay here. Out of sight." With that she left.
Tamerlane felt sick. She'd had that dream again last night. She was standing at the bottom of a large hole that had been dug out of the ground. She could look up and see daylight. Then "he" was there. Above her, looking down at her, but she could not see his face because the light was behind him. He pointed at her and when she looked down, she saw that the ground was beginning to fill the hole. She felt trapped. She couldn't move. Looking back up, she saw two outstretched hands. Both seemed to offer her a way out to safety. One hand she thought could be "his" hand. The other was clearly DiArta's. Both hands called to her, but she couldn't decide whose hand to accept. Meanwhile, the ground continued to bury her.
Tamerlane moved away from her position, having caught the curious stare of a passerby. She withdrew into the mouth of a shaded alleyway to wait for DiArta's return.
The dream could be interpreted so many ways. Perhaps DiArta was right and the hole symbolized her grave. The only way out would be to accept the Maschan's hand. The hole could also symbolize her current situation. She had gotten herself into something she was surely going to regret. Instead of getting out of trouble, she was allowing herself to get in deeper and deeper. So should she accept the other hand? Whose hand was it anyway? Could it really be her Master's hand, reaching towards her in love and forgiveness? Tamerlane sighed. She doubted it.
Somehow, the dream left her feeling cheated. Her only other alternative was DiArta. Skya DiArta was hard to trust completely. She spoke so many half truths, Tamerlane couldn't discern what was believable and what was not.
One thing was for certain, if DiArta had not helped her get off of Mascha, Tamerlane would now be in the hands of that Jedi. To Tamerlane, for a stranger to offer assistance to someone in trouble was always an admirable and unselfish act and was the sole basis behind the odd friendship they'd formed. At first, DiArta seemed to want nothing in return but Tamerlane's companionship. That was until she found out about the palace on Naboo.
Knowing their transport was heading for the Naboo system, Tamerlane had casually mentioned that her former Master had been there and told her of a beautiful palace on top of a mountain and a young queen who was no more than a girl.
DiArta became obsessed by it. She just had to see it for herself. She just had to meet this young monarch. She told Tamerlane it had always been a dream of hers to go to a palace and be the guest of a queen. Surely Tamerlane could find it in her heart to help a friend fulfill a lifelong dream? Tamerlane would no doubt be received with open arms. She was a Jedi, after all. In return, DiArta knew someone who knew an older Jedi Knight who had left the Order due to injuries suffered in an accident. With the help of DiArta's friend, they could go to this Jedi and Tamerlane could finish her training under his guidance.
Tamerlane sighed and leaned against the side of the building she was hiding behind and let herself slide down to the ground. She folded her legs out in front of her and picked a flower from the vine climbing the wall. She thought about what DiArta had said, about the Jedi looking to kill her now.
It was true, the Jedi Knights clung to their ancient sacred codes and certainly would not tolerate someone such as herself in their midst. Maybe she wasn't a rogue per se, but she was still an apprentice, who in a time of weakness had broken several codes. She sighed. She would just have to rely on DiArta for now and her promise of helping her get to this "retired" Jedi. Besides, Tamerlane thought, what possible harm could there be in showing DiArta the palace?
Tamerlane reviewed the plan once more in her mind. It was rather simple and should work. DiArta would disguise herself as another Jedi in some of Tamerlane's clothes. They would go to the palace and posing as two Jedi on assignment, would ask to be given an audience with the Queen. It was customary for Jedi working in a given system to formally greet the governing official. More than likely, their request would not raise suspicions. Once inside the palace, DiArta could at last live her dream and revel in the splendor of a royal court.
Tamerlane shrugged. It was the least she could do. DiArta had saved her life, after all.
Chapter 5
Anakin looked up from studying the data pad as Obi-Wan strode into the room.
"Gather our things. The ship is dropping into sublight engines now. In a short time, we'll be docking in Theed."
Anakin turned off the pad and rose slowly. He yawned and stretched stiffly. "I didn't sleep well last night," Anakin explained. "I kept having strange dreams."
Obi-Wan started to reply but was distracted by Anakin's belt. "Where is your lightsaber? Why isn't it on your belt?"
Anakin gestured innocently at the bed he had used last night. "It's right there."
Obi-Wan frowned. "Anakin, always keep your lightsaber on you. You never know when you might need it. Sometimes, even the most innocent-looking situations are the ones in which you suddenly find yourself in real danger."
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied dutifully and crossed the room to retrieve the lightsaber. Obi-Wan intercepted him by laying a hand on his chest.
"Call it to you," he instructed.
Anakin met his Master's eyes with a skeptical look. "I haven't quite mastered that yet."
Obi-Wan merely smiled. "All the more reason you should want to practice." He stepped aside. "Concentrate. Feel the Force between you and your weapon. Feel the distance separating you from it. Know its size and weight. Now, reach towards it and pull it to you, as surely as you would pull it to you if it was within your reach."
Anakin took a deep breath. He closed his eyes momentarily and stretched out his hand.
Obi-Wan turned to look at the lightsaber on the bed. It jerked and rolled, then suddenly flew up towards Obi-Wan's face. The Jedi ducked, narrowly avoiding being struck on the nose. Anakin had to jump to the left to catch it before it crashed into the back wall. He reluctantly faced Obi-Wan and offered him an apologetic look.
"I see what you mean," the older Jedi noted. He walked over to Anakin and held out his hand. Anakin gave him the lightsaber. "You'll do it again," Obi-Wan continued, "but this time, call it to your hand. Not just to you, but your hand." He placed the lightsaber back on the bed. "In the event you should find yourself disarmed for some reason, you can always rely on this method of retrieval."
Anakin was determined this time. He could feel the lightsaber. He knew exactly where it was. This time, when he stretched out his hand, he did so as if to merely pick the weapon up and in an instant, he felt the hilt of it in his palm. He smiled triumphantly and closed his fingers around it.
"Good," Obi-Wan breathed, a little surprised by the boy's success. "Very good." In this simple exercise, Obi-Wan had felt Anakin summon an incredible amount of power, focusing his mind and energy with an enviable precision. The lightsaber had no other choice but to do Anakin's bidding. "I'd say you have now mastered that technique," Obi-Wan added. "I sense when you truly want to succeed, you do."
Anakin activated his lightsaber and twirled it around a few times before deactivating it and attaching it to his belt. "I always want to succeed. I hate to fail." He walked passed Obi-Wan to pick up the bag on the floor.
"Then why didn't you succeed the first time?"
Anakin faced him. "I'm not sure. I don't feel very good this morning. I feel...out of sorts."
Obi-Wan looked both concerned and annoyed. "Distracted, perhaps?" he suggested.
Anakin frowned. "It's not what you're thinking. Something's not right. I can feel it. It's a disturbance." He studied Obi-Wan and wondered at his perfectly calm demeanor. Why couldn't he sense it too?
"I feel it," the older Jedi stated as if to answer Anakin's silent accusation. "Or rather 'her'."
Anakin's eyes narrowed. "You mean Tamerlane?" He looked skeptical. "Master, I've felt the Force in other Jedi before. It never has affected me like this. Surely there is something else. Something's wrong, I tell you."
Obi-Wan conceded. "Maybe." He paused, thinking. "We've no way to know for sure until the situation presents itself. You must realize, Tamerlane is a very negative presence at the moment. More than likely, it is her energy disturbing you. But we won't dismiss what you are feeling as just that. Stayed tuned into your feelings and use them to guide your actions. Remember what I said about the most innocent-looking situations."
Anakin nodded. He was more than a little pleased that Obi Wan didn't ridicule the disturbances he felt.
"Come," Obi-Wan said and turned towards the door in a whirl of cloak. "It's time."
For the first time this morning, Anakin appeared enthusiastic. He snatched up the data pad on the table and stuffed it into the bag, slinging it over his shoulder all in one fluid motion.
Obi-Wan started down the ship's passageways and Anakin hurried after him. Once they had disembarked, Anakin looked around hopefully. He sighed.
"I half expected Amidala to meet us," he confessed. "You did say she knew we were coming right?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "First of all, she's only been made aware that two Jedi are coming. Secondly, she is the Queen, Anakin. Royalty hardly wait for ships to dock in hanger bays. Don't be disappointed. We'll go see her as soon as we get settled in."
Once outside the bay, the two Jedi started walking briskly towards the heart of the city.
"Where will we be staying?" Anakin asked, looking around him at the lush greenery and colorful flowers that were so abundant here, even in the midst of a capital city like Theed. It was so very different from Coruscant.
"I was told quarters would be made available at the palace," Obi-Wan informed.
Anakin smiled. His large blue eyes glittered knowingly in the sunshine. "I'm sure Amidala had something to do with that."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Most certainly. Our instructions are to ask for the Gungan ambassador once we reach the palace," he continued. Anakin noticed the strange look on Obi Wan's face.
"Hey...you don't think it could be...?"
Obi Wan was trying hard not to smile. "Stranger things have happened."
**********
Jar Jar was late and he knew it. He deliberately tried not to hurry because that always seemed to make matters worse. His assistant, an older Naboo woman named Terza, had informed him that the Jedi he was to receive had already arrived. In fact, they were waiting just down the hall from his offices in the south parlor. Lunch would have to wait.
Struggling to don the garments and trappings of his official status, he started to trot down the hall, then stopped short.
"No hurry. No hurry," he chanted to himself and proceeded at what he considered an appropriately safe pace.
People in the palace halls were passing by him at a normal walk and giving him curious looks.
Jar Jar stopped again to consider this.
"Mmm. Mebbe mesa goin too slow. Mmm, too carafull?"
One of the courtiers came up behind him. When she was beside him, Jar Jar started walking again, matching her pace. Surely she knew how fast to walk.
"Are you walking with me for a purpose, Ambassador Binks?" she asked, after they had walked together for quite awhile in silence.
"No reeson," Jar Jar stated. "Walken too slow and mesa never make it to da parlors. Haff ta meet wit da Jedi." It was then he realized he had walked with the courtier right past the parlor. He suddenly skidded to a halt, whirled around, and began stalking back up the hall. "Bye now." He pointed up the hall. "Gotta go meet wit da Jedi, you know." He turned around again, temporarily losing his sense of direction and almost hit his assitant with one of his long ears.
"Where have you been? I told you they had arrived," Terza chided him in a loud whisper. She took his hand and pulled him quickly up the hall and into the parlor.
Jar Jar peered over the top of her head at the two uncomfortable looking Jedi Knights who were both seated awkwardly on one sofa.
"Mesa here!" he announced in a booming and excited voice. Both Jedi jumped, startled. "Inna case yous habn't guessed, mesa da Gungan embassy-a-dor to da Naboo. Mesa Jar Jar Binks!"
The two Jedi slowly turned towards each other and exchanged wary looks. Somewhat reluctantly, they stood up. The tall human female extended her hand in greeting. Terza gestured at her as Jar Jar shook her hand enthusiastically.
"This is Tamerlane Merl," she introduced.
"Ooh, mesa lova da Jedi. Welcome to Naboo!"
Tamerlane tried to smile. "Please let me introduce my apprentice, Skya DiArta."
The second Jedi stepped forward. She bowed deeply.
"Ambassador, we are most honored, " she began.
Jar Jar studied the creature bowing repeatedly before him. He'd never seen one of her kind before. She seemed to have odd mannerisms for a Jedi, he decided, since he was very nearly an authority on what made a good Jedi. This one's eyes shifted constantly around the room and she kept grinding her teeth together distractedly. Jar Jar reached the conclusion she must seem strange because she was only a Jedi-in-learning. Jar Jar also noticed how the master Jedi kept giving the learning Jedi dirty looks.
"Ambassador Binks' life was saved by a Jedi once," Terza offered, to break the ensuing silence. "He loves to tell the story."
Both Jedi turned to Jar Jar expectantly. He smiled widely and looked a little shy suddenly.
"Coulda no hepp but be saved!" he began excitedly. "Big bombad Jedi, runnin right atta mesa. Ten of tousans of macaneeks ever where. No where to go so jumped on da Jedi." He paused, remembering his friend fondly. "Biggess Jedi yousa ever see." Everyone waited but he didn't continue. He stood motionless, lost in memories. Finally, Terza cleared her throat.
"Perhaps, you should escort our guests to their quarters now?" she prompted.
"Oh! Butta course! Yousa all muss be plenny beat. Quarters thes way."
The two Jedi looked at each other again in silent communication. Tamerlane suddenly spoke up.
"We wish an audience with Her Majesty. Will she receive us?"
Jar Jar slung his arm around her shoulders.
"Quinn Padmee is bery closs fren of mine. Terzaha will tell da Quinn. Yousa follo me now, okeday? Muss be plenny beat."
DiArta faced Terza. "I thought the Queen's name was Amidala."
Terza hid a smile. "He calls her Padmé. It's a long story. Don't ask."
As they came to a branching corridor, Terza turned into it.
"I'll inform Her Majesty that you have arrived and request an audience. The ambassador will be happy to take you to her once you are settled in."
Jar Jar smiled widely. "Oooh! Yess. Mesa bery happe. Bery happe."
Chapter 6
Amidala looked up, surprised.
"The Jedi are here? Now?" She rose slowly, gathering her skirts in her hands. "Who are they?" she asked, unsuccessfully trying to sound nonchalant.
"The Jedi Knight Tamerlane Merl and her apprentice, Skya...something or other. Forgive me, Your Majesty, her name escapes me."
For a split second, Amidala looked crestfallen. Her pretty face formed a perfect pout before shifting into a benign smile of acceptance.
"Yes, of course I'll receive them. As soon as they are settled in, have Jar Jar bring them before me. We will do our best to welcome them." She paused and took a deep breath. "Whatever they need, be sure they have it. They are to receive this court's full cooperation."
Terza nodded. "I'll tell the ambassador. We are honored to have the Jedi as our guests, Your Highness, and we'll make sure they do not want for anything while they are here." She bowed and hurried out.
Amidala walked slowly to the large window overlooking the courtyard. Her handmaiden and close friend, Sabé, came up quietly behind her.
"You were hoping to see...someone else?" Sabé guessed.
Amidala continued looking out the window. "Yes."
"You miss him a great deal."
Amidala smiled slightly. "Perhaps more than I should." She sighed and faced her friend. "It's been so long since I've even had correspondence from him. I wonder what he's been up to lately."
Sabé placed a comforting hand on the Queen's shoulder. "Try not to be sad, Your Highness. I'm sure he is thinking of you," she offered.
**********
Jar Jar was pleased. The meeting with the Jedi had gone well. Maybe he was beginning to get the hang of this ambassador job, he thought to himself.
With his honorable guests resting in their rooms and with no other pressing duties he could recall, Jar Jar ambled back to his office to send for a messenger to have his lunch served. His stomach was rumbling and he placed a hand over it.
"Soon. Bery bery soon. I's promise." Visions of plums and cakes with sweet meats filled his mind and made his mouth water. He was so absorbed in anticipation, he didn't notice the palace guard hurrying to catch up to him.
"Ambassador!"
Jar Jar shrieked and jumped, startled. "Right herra! No need yellin scarin mesa outta ten skins!"
"Forgive me, but there are two Jedi Knights at the palace gate. They are asking for you, sir," the guard explained patiently.
Jar Jar's eyes grew wide with surprise. "Whatta? Mur Jedi?" He looked back towards the guest quarters where he'd just left the last two. No, he thought, it couldn't be the same ones over. These must be new ones. He moaned. "Oooh, no munchin fer now. Sweet cakes haff ta wait." He looked down at his stomach. "Bery so sorry." He moaned again and reluctantly followed the guard down the hall.
**********
DiArta was roaming the room, touching everything. Her eyes gleamed hungrily at all the fine art and decor around her. Tamerlane was watching her.
"Strange, they acted like they were actually expecting us," she said, more to herself than DiArta. "They must be expecting some other Jedi Knights. Why else would they already have rooms prepared? And that ambassador spoke as if the Queen was actually waiting to receive us. I don't like this. I don't like it at all."
DiArta just grinned. "You should be counting your blessings." She spared a glance at her leary friend. "Relax, will you. Don't be so gloom and doom."
