Chapter 8

"Thank you, Your Highness.  Your hospitality has been most gracious," Tamerlane was saying.  "But we must be on our way now."

"Of course," Amidala replied with a benevolent smile.  "Know that the court's doors are always open to you.  We are pleased to have you as our honored guests.  While you are in Theed, please, consider these walls your home."

Bowing, Tamerlane nodded and quickly turned to leave.  DiArta stepped forward, however.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" she gushed and bowed deeply.  "We shall do just that!"

Tamerlane's hand was on her arm, pulling her towards the door.

"Come visit with me again before you leave Naboo," Amidala said and bid them farewell.  As soon as they had gone, she faced Sabé with a troubled expression.

The young handmaiden was quick to recognize the look in her friend's eyes.

"Your Highness?  Is something wrong?"

Amidala pursed her lips thoughtfully.  "Of all the Jedi I have met, those two were the most un-Jedi like pair I've encountered."  She smiled to herself, realizing she was being kind in saying that much.  There was something strange about those two, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.  "That master seemed very young to me."

Sabé smiled.  "There are young masters about these days."

Amidala returned her smile.  She knew her friend was referring to Obi-Wan Kenobi.  He was a Jedi Knight Sabé particularly admired.  On Tatooine, he was the one who had stayed behind with her on the crippled ship.  Afterwards, Sabé had told Amidala how he often stayed close to her, knowing she, as Queen, was distressed over the plight of her people.  His kindness had meant a lot to her then, for he probably sensed that she was frightened, and he frequently offered her words of encouragement and consolation.

"Yes," Amidala agreed.  "Perhaps circumstances brought those two together as it did Obi-Wan and Anakin."  A thought suddenly occured to her.  "Did you notice, the Jedi Tamerlane was wearing a braid?  And the apprentice was not?"  She remembered when she'd first met Obi-Wan, he sported a long thin braid just behind his right ear.  At the time, he was Qui-Gon's apprentice.  And then, she recalled Anakin telling her about his own braid, which now identified him as an apprentice.

"Yes, I saw her braid," Sabé said, interrupting her thoughts.  "What of it?"

"It's the apprentice who wears the braid," Amidala stated.  "I thought there was something odd about those two."

"Maybe in their case, the opposite is the norm," Sabé offered.

Amidala sighed.  Sabé was right not to think anything of it.  Perhaps it was disappointment that made her so judgmental all of a sudden.

She had to admit, when she had first heard that the Jedi Council was sending two Jedi to Naboo, her heart had soared.  Surely it would be Anakin and Obi-Wan.  Instead, the council had sent this young master and her much older non-human apprentice.  Naturally she would think there was something wrong with them.  Quite simply, they weren't the right Jedi at all.

Amidala waved the rest of her handmaidens over and addressed the guards and courtiers milling about the throne room.  "I am retiring to my chamber for the rest of the afternoon.  I want to be left alone for awhile.  I won't be receiving anyone else until this evening.  Please see to it that I am not disturbed."

The guard nodded and bowed.  "Yes, Your Majesty."

**********

Tamerlane thanked Terza and walked calmly into the room with DiArta at her heels.  Once the assitant had left and the door securely closed behind her, Tamerlane turned and glared at DiArta.

"What are you thinking?  We can't stay here!  We can't prolong this charade any longer.  We need to leave this place now.  Right now!"

DiArta passed her long tongue over her teeth and turned away from the irate Jedi without showing the slightest bit of concern.  She picked up a small ornate clock from a shelf and examined it closely.

"We'll leave when I'm ready," she said flatly.  "I'm not ready, so pipe down, will you."

Tamerlane moved to confront her companion.  "Don't you realize they've rolled out the red carpet because they are expecting two Jedi to come here?  Two real Jedi Knights are coming here!"  DiArta seemed unphased by this bit of information.  Tamerlane took a deep calming breath.  "Look, for all the disturbance I'm feeling, they are probably already here!  The jig is up!  We have to leave!"

DiArta just shook her head.  She took the clock and tucked it into one of the pouches on her belt.  She didn't care if Tamerlane saw her or not.

At first Tamerlane was too startled for words.  Then she appeared too numbed.  She closed her eyes and swore softly, dragging her hand through her bangs in exasperation.

"What are you doing?"

DiArta ignored her and continued pawing the contents of the room.

"Answer me!" Tamerlane yelled.

DiArta shot her a warning look.  "Mind your tone, girl.  We have to eat, don't we?  We need money for transports.  Supplies.  How do you think we got this far?"

"No!" Tamerlane countered.  "You will not rob these people.  I will not allow it."

DiArta turned to face Tamerlane and put her hands on her hips.  She stood silently regarding her, then ground her teeth together in irritation.

"So, you think there are other Jedi about?  Here in the palace maybe?  You think maybe they are here on an assignment?"  She paused and slowly walked over to where Tamerlane stood.  She leered up at her forcing Tamerlane to sway backwards.  "I just have to wonder what kind of assignment would lead the Jedi here of all places.  Maybe they are looking for someone."

Tamerlane paled.  "That's exactly what I think.  That's why we need to leave."

DiArta just smiled.  She took a step back and sighed.  "No.  I say we stay here for the night.  It'll give me a chance to wander about.  See if there is anything else that catches my eye.  Who knows what treasures could turn up."

Tamerlane turned from DiArta in disgust.  She took several deep breaths and tried to clear her mind.  If she thought she was in trouble with the Council before, she was ten times in trouble now.  Her dreams could only be interpreted one way now.  She was getting herself in deeper and deeper.  It was time to look towards the other outstretched hand.

Summoning her shredded courage, she faced DiArta again.  This time with steadfast resolve.

"I'm leaving the palace now.  With or without you.  But if you choose to stay and insist on pursuing your criminal intent, I have no choice but to intervene."

DiArta frowned deeply, then slowly, the corners of her mouth turned upwards and then she burst into laughter.

"Spoken like a true Jedi!" she cackled.  "Still clinging to your senseless code of ethics.  Oh how those Jedi abhor evil."  She waved Tamerlane away.  "Go on and leave me.  I'm tired of you anyway.  You're too pathetic for the likes of me."  She walked back over to the shelf of ornaments and began pocketing several other items.

Tamerlane felt a rising anger at DiArta's defiance.  "You have been warned," she seethed.

"And you have been warned," DiArta shot back.  "Go on.  Get out of here."

Tamerlane turned, then decided to try one last time.  "If you don't stop this insanity now, I will be forced to turn you over to the palace guards."

At that DiArta dropped what she was holding and spun around to confront Tamerlane in a frightening display of fury.  "You do that, my little snitch, and I'll go straight to those phantom Jedi you sense and turn you over as well!  They are the ones who are hunting for the kill!"

Tamerlane didn't answer.  She turned slowly and walked steadily through the door.

DiArta suddenly panicked.  She tried to convince herself that Tamerlane lacked the courage to go to the guards.  By doing so, her pretense would be exposed.  Surely the girl must realize that.  If anything, she would only leave the palace and disappear into the city.

Something else told DiArta she had underestimated Tamerlane's devotion to her training and beliefs.  Tamerlane just might follow through with her threat.

In a split second, DiArta decided not to hang around.

Chapter 9

Jar Jar, Anakin, and Obi-Wan walked towards the throne room in relative silence.  Jar Jar had eaten too much lunch and was feeling groggy; Obi-Wan couldn't shake his sense of unease, and Anakin was too busy envisioning his first meeting with Amidala in over a year.

Jar Jar went inside the throne room first to do all the official and formal introductions.  Obi-Wan and Anakin waited in the hall beside a guard.  When Jar Jar returned, he looked decidedly lost.

"Thesa nobodee dare!" he announced.

Anakin immediately bristled with concern.  Obi-Wan turned to the guard.

"Where's Her Highness?" he asked simply.

"Her Highness has retired for the afternoon to her chamber and does not wish to be disturbed," the guard replied.  "She will receive guests this evening however.  Those were her instructions."

Everyone visibly relaxed.

"Her Highness wasn't taken ill was she?" Anakin inquired.

The guard shook his head.  "Her Highness was radiant," he replied admiringly.  "Certainly feeling well.  She had received guests earlier and was, if anything, a little tired."

Anakin sighed.  He chastised himself for being too jittery.  Jar Jar looked disappointed.  He had been looking forward to this surprise gathering of his favorite people almost as much as Anakin.

"Well then," Obi-Wan said at last.  "We'll just return later."  He looked up at Jar Jar.  "If you wouldn't mind, Jar Jar, could show us to our rooms?  We'd like to freshen up.  Then we'd like to mill about for awhile and just check things out."

Jar Jar appeared to be thinking long and hard.  "Rooms, rooms...ah mesa know off some rooms fer spare.  Dis way, in sout wings."  He offered them an apologetic smile.  "Guess rooms got used up.  Nottin elss mesa fear."

"If there are a lot of guests staying at the palace, it's no wonder Her Majesty got tired out," Anakin observed.

"Any rooms will be fine, Jar Jar," Obi-Wan assured.  "A room at the palace is very gracious of Her Majesty.  It will indeed be a luxury.  Jedi do not take shelter for granted when on assignment."

Jar Jar nodded.  "Mesa could neber be a Jedi.  Too hard a life."  He began leading them down long corridors, farther and farther away from the heart of the palace.  "Sout wing not bery farther.  Mesa like if yousa all clossa to me.  Thes rooms all I's ken do.  If wesa knew yousa wass comin, mebbe had time ta fine somtin close."  He walked along casually, not realizing he was walking alone until he went to turn a corner and saw the Jedi standing several paces back.  "Huh?  Whatta?"  He hurried back to them.

Anakin and Obi-Wan were staring up at Jar Jar in surprise.  They both wore confused expressions.

"What do you mean, you didn't know we were coming?" Obi-Wan asked.  "Didn't you hear from the representatives?"

Jar Jar looked panicky.  What did he mean exactly? he thought.  "Umm, well...sure."

Anakin stepped towards him.  "You mean you heard from the representatives that two Jedi were coming and you are just surprised to see us?  Isn't that right?"

Jar Jar sighed, relieved.  "Yess!  Dat's it.  Espictin Jedi all along."

Obi-Wan wasn't convinced Jar Jar had understood Anakin's meaning.  "So you were expecting Jedi?  From the Council?"

"Right, right?" the Gungan replied slowly, his certainty waning.  This conversation was confusing him.  "Espictin toes Jedi.  Wesa no espictin yousa.  Okeday?"

Now Anakin was confused.  He tried a different approach.  "So you weren't expecting the Jedi dispatched from the Council to be us, that's what you are saying."

Jar Jar moaned and clutched his head.  "Ahh, mesa gettin brain-bog!"  He paused and took a deep breath.   "Wesa so hopin Jedi wer yousa.  Haff espictin Jedi to be yousa.  Mesa glad yousa come inyways."  He nodded for emphasis, sure he had made himself clear this time.

Obi-Wan did understand, but was not pleased.  "But Jar Jar, we are the Jedi dispatched by the Council.  We are the ones you were to expect."

Jar Jar's eye stalks stretched to their limit in surprise.  "Huh?  Council no sent out more Jedi mebbe?"

Anakin and Obi-Wan simultaneously shook their heads.

"No, we are the only Jedi dispatched to Naboo," Obi-Wan explained.

Now Jar Jar was getting exasperated.  "Den whosa dos udder Jedi?"

Anakin's jaw dropped.  Obi-Wan leaned ominously close to Jar Jar.

"What other Jedi?" he demanded.

**********

DiArta made her way down the halls back to the throne room.  She stopped herself short, spying the guard outside the throne room door.  She wondered briefly if Tamerlane had spoken to any guards yet.

Taking a deep breath, she decided not to chance it.  She turned and made her way down a different passage and through a series of large open rooms.  If she could find somewhere to hide until nightfall, she could move about the palace with ease and help herself to any trinkets she found, before sneaking out.

She passed through another open room and down a short hall.  She spied one of the queen's handmaidens turning down a passage.  DiArta suddenly got an idea.  She followed the handmaiden down the hall and watched her go through a large ornate door.

The handmaidens rarely strayed far from the queen, DiArta thought.  Find a maid, find Her Majesty.  Visions of jewels and precious metals filled her mind with greed.  She stood back momentarily, hastily constructing a plan in her head.  Then with a wicked smile, she jogged up to the door and pounded on it forcibly.

Amidala and Sabé looked up, startled.  Rabé crossed the room to the door and peered through a viewscope.

"It's one of the Jedi, Your Majesty," she informed.  "Shall I let her in?"

Sabé stepped out from behind the chair Amidala was sitting in where she had been helping style the queen's hair for the evening.  Instinctively she switched to her role as bodyguard.

Amidala looked puzzled, but otherwise unconcerned, despite the frantic pounding.  "See what she wants," she told Rabé.

The handmaiden opened the door and DiArta rushed in, uninvited.  Rabé moved to intercept her, but Amidala motioned her back.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," DiArta began and bowed clumsily.  "It's come to my attention, your life may be in danger."

"What are you talking about?" Sabé asked tersely.

DiArta glared at her momentarily, then focused back on Amidala.  "The Jedi master who was with me, she tricked me!  She's not my Master!  She used some kind of mind control on me to use me to gain access to the palace.  She means to kill you."

The handmaidens exchanged worried looks.  Amidala remained outwardly composed.  Such news was alarming, but panicking wouldn't do anyone any good.

"Who is she?  Why does she want to kill me?" Amidala asked quietly.

"Your Majesty, she's coming this way!  There is no time.  You must flee your chambers.  I fear I cannot defend you against the likes of her.  You must go and alert the guards."

"Your Highness," Sabé began.  "We need to get you to safety.  We'll sort this out later."

Amidala held up her hand.  Her voice still eerily calm.  "You didn't answer my question.  Who is she?"

DiArta ground her teeth together in agitation and thought fast.  "Your Highness, must leave now.  She's taken my lightsaber.  I have no way to defend you.  I only came here to warn you."

A flicker of irritation marred the young queen's fair features.  "Answer my question."

DiArta swallowed hard.  What was the one thing she could say that would frighten the Queen enough to make her leave?  Ah yes...  "She's a Sith, Your Highness."

The very word made Amidala's heart skip a beat.  She rose slowly, gathering her robes around her.  She spared a disquieted look at Sabé.

Chapter 10

"We'll split up," Obi-Wan told Anakin.  "We have a lot of ground to cover.  It will be more efficient that way."

Surprisingly, Anakin felt his confidence slip.  "But Master...if I should find her first, how will I be able to stop her?  Alone, that is?"

Obi-Wan faced his apprentice.  He put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.  "Trust your abilities, Anakin.  Rely on your training and let the Force guide you."  He could still see a hint of uncertainty in the boy's eyes.  "I'll be with you.  You'll be able to feel our connection even though we are physically apart.  Trust me."  He paused and took a deep breath.  "Go now.  The Force will be with you."

Obi-Wan turned, but Anakin suddenly seized his arm.

"Master!  My dream!  I must tell you my dream."

Obi-Wan knew Anakin must believe his dream held some significance if he insisted on relaying it to him now of all times.  "Tell me then," he urged the boy.

Anakin hurriedly sorted through the details of his dream.  "In it, there was this evil.  An unseen evil.  From an unexpected source.  You and I and Tamerlane were all fighting.  We wanted to fight the unknown evil but instead we fought each other.  The evil had distracted us this way until it could get away."  He paused for a breath.  "When I couldn't fight anymore, the evil was able to steal something good from us.  None of us realized it until it was too late.  The evil got away.  Something precious to us was taken."

Obi-Wan stood unmoving for a moment, digesting the information Anakin had just told him.  "Of course, the Queen," he said.  "We'll need to ensure her safety."

Anakin smiled gratefully.  Obi-Wan turned and sprinted up the hall.

"Ahh, exsqueeze me, Anny, butta whatta mesa ta do when yousa all fightin da evilles?" Jar Jar inquired.

Anakin thought quickly.  "The guards, Jar Jar!  Someone should alert the guards!  Tamerlane and her companion must be found."

"Oh moi moi!" the Gungan exclaimed excitedly as he bounded off in the opposite direction.  "Dis iss bombad jus lika beefor!!"

Anakin grinned, then whirled around and headed for the queen's private chambers.

**********

Tamerlane walked briskly passed the hall which led to the throne room.  She had decided to inform the captain of the guard of DiArta's thieving and then hopefully, in the ensuing meleé that was likely to follow, she'd be able to slip away unnoticed.

The Force was crackling with energy.  She tapped into it, fine tuning all her senses to acknowledge everything around her.  By doing so, she sensed the two Jedi Knights long before actually seeing them.  Their combined power was impressive and intimidating, to say the least.  They were drawing freely from the Force, amassing its strength.

Tamerlane slowed, gliding along the wall while trying to look inconspicuous to the occasional courtier who happened by.

The Jedi were near.  She had to leave this area before they located her.  The thought of having to confront them was unnerving at best.  She toyed briefly with the idea of leaving the palace without speaking to the guards, but DiArta was right about one thing, she was still bound to the Jedi code of ethics and sense of honor.  She would not let the Maschan rob the palace, even if it meant exposing herself.

The sensation of the two Jedi she felt wavered slightly and divided.  This told her they had separated.  Tamerlane wasn't sure if this was especially good or bad.

Tamerlane stopped walking and pressed herself against the wall behind a pillar.  She wondered who these Jedi were and if they were actually here in pursuit of her.  Maybe they were here on a mission totally unrelated to her.  She hoped, but doubted it.  There was no trouble in Theed worthy of their attention except her.  And now DiArta.

Tamerlane started walking again, stretching out with the Force, concentrating hard to try to locate the positions of the two Jedi.  It became harder since they had split up.  Their lifeforce was not as obvious as it had been before.  One of them was definately moving away but the other was close.  Very close.

She began to wonder what would really happen to her if they found her.  She knew for a fact she would be hauled back to Coruscant and subjected to punishment.  But maybe she would only be forced to surrender her lightsaber.  But then maybe, they would sentence her to death like DiArta had said for even considering training outside the order.

She stopped walking suddenly.  A sensed presence striking her like a blow to the face.  She turned and looked behind her.  There, at the opposite end of the hall a lone figure seemed to materialize before her eyes.  Tamerlane gasped.

The Jedi continued calmly walking towards her, his long mahogany colored cloak swayed gently at his heels, making his stride appear fluid and graceful.

Tamerlane inadvertantly began backing away from him.  The Jedi Knight slowed deliberately, sizing up the situation.  The Force began to flow between them allowing them a connection all Jedi shared.

Tamerlane's heart began pounding.  She licked her lips nervously and placed her hand on the hilt of her lightsaber.  "Don't come any closer," she warned him.

The Jedi obeyed, slowing to a stop.  His icy blue eyes locked on hers with an intensity Tamerlane found mesmerizing.  She stared back at him and stood her ground, summoning the courage to respond if he chose to challenge her.

"I know what you want," she began sharply.  "You've come to arrest me."

The Jedi knight shook his head slowly.  "No."  He took a moment to let her feel his sincerity through their connection.  "You've nothing to fear from me, Tamerlane.  I've only came to bring you back home."

His voice was soothingly deep and melodic and Tamerlane's tension eased somewhat.  She took a deep steadying breath.  "Please, just leave me alone," she whispered.

"Tamerlane --"

"No!  I'm not going back.  I'm never going back there.  I'll never be able to live down the shame I've brought on myself.  So just leave me alone!"  For emphasis more than anything, she drew her lightsaber and activated it.  Her face became illuminated with its white gold light.

The Jedi merely sighed heavily and shook his head.  "Don't make me fight you," he said wearily and without the slightest trace of concern in his voice.  "It's inane for you to even suggest such a thing.  You can't beat me.  I'll win."

Tamerlane found his arrogance infuriating.  "Is that so?" she spat.  "I think you might be in for a surprise."  She lunged at him and he jumped back.  He seemed surprised at least, that she was actually following through with her threat.  He regarded her through narrowed eyes and reluctantly drew his lightsaber, circling to her left.

"This is pointless," he told her, irritation edging his voice.

Tamerlane struck at him again but he parried and shoved her away from him with his free hand.

"Caught you off guard there, didn't I?" Tamerlane teased.

The Jedi smiled slyly.  "Hardly."  He swung at her ankles and she was forced to jump high to avoid his blade.  "I really don't want to hurt you," he went on as they circled each other.  "But if you insist on baiting me, I'll have no choice but to teach you a lesson."

Tamerlane shook her head.  "In fencing perhaps?"  She lunged and released a flurry of blows directed at him.  He blocked each strike with his own blade, the sabers locking together and sizzling with lethal energy.

"I do have a reputation as an accomplished duelist," he informed.

Tamerlane grinned.  "Do tell..."  She lunged at him once more.

**********

Anakin was running, not knowing where he was going exactly, but trusting the Force to take him where he needed to be.

He turned down one corridor and then the next and found himself in a series of spacious rooms.  The oppulent furnishings and the crest on the wall told him he had found the royal apartments.  He spied a closed door and strode purposefully towards it.  Before he reached it, a handmaiden whom Anakin did not recognize came out.  She spied Anakin and stopped, blocking his path.

"Who are you?" she demanded.  "What is your business here?"

"My name is Anakin Skywalker.  I need to see Her Majesty," he began, but the handmaiden refused to move.  "Just tell her I'm here.  I must be allowed to speak with her."

"Her Majesty is not receiving anyone at this time," the handmaiden countered.  Anakin could feel an intense fear coming from inside her, although outwardly she appeared confident and calm.

"I need to know if she's all right.  Please tell her I'm here.  I know she'll want to see me."

The handmaiden glanced behind her at the door.  She folded her arms across her chest defiantly and stood her ground.  "No one is getting through that door."

Anakin eyed her warily.  "What do you mean by no one?  Are you expecting someone beside me trying to get in?"

The handmaiden didn't answer.  Anakin sighed.  He didn't like the idea of having to resort to Jedi mind control, but presently saw no other option.

"What's your name?" he asked quietly.

She seemed surprised that he would ask such a thing.  "Charné."

"How pretty," Anakin smiled.  He raised his hand slowly and passed it once in front of her eyes.  "Now Charné, you will take me in to see Her Majesty without further delay."

The handmaiden looked away as if suddenly deep in thought.  "I will take you to Her Majesty without further delay," she repeated automatically.

Elated, Anakin struggled to keep concentrating.  He could barely believe he had actually been able to pull such a thing off considering he had never actually tried it on anyone before.

The door opened and Anakin followed Charné inside.  At first glance, nothing appeared out of the ordinary.  Amidala was not there however, but Sabé was dressed in royal robes with another handmaiden standing beside her.  She stood up and looked at Anakin in shock.

"Anakin?  Anakin Skywalker?  Is that really you?" Sabé asked breathlessly.

Anakin was grateful he was at last recognized.  "Yes, it's me."  He looked around quickly.

"Well, what are you doing here?" Sabé continued.

Anakin shook his head.  "I don't have time to explain all that.  I need to find Amidala.  Is she here?"

Sabé gestured behind her.  "She just left, out the back way."

It suddenly occurred to Anakin that Sabé was not dressed as a handmaiden and that only meant one thing.  She was once again acting as a decoy.  But for what?  Or who?

Anakin bit his lower lip and crossed the room to where Sabé had directed.  "I have reason to believe Her Majesty may be in danger," he began to explain.

Sabé simply nodded.  "We know.  That is why she left.  If you hurry, you'll find her.  But don't worry, Rabé and the other Jedi went with her."

Anakin faced her, alarmed.  "Tamerlane?  Tall, blonde, pretty?"

Sabé shook her head.  "No, the apprentice."

Anakin inhaled sharply.  "Tamerlane is the apprentice."

"Her Majesty was right then.  She thought it was odd that the Jedi who claimed to be the master was the one wearing the braid."  Sab exchanged worried glances with the other handmaidens.

Anakin dashed towards the back door.

Chapter 11

DiArta's plan to get the Queen out of her chamber in order to gain free access to her jewels had worked, up to a point.  What she hadn't anticipated was the insistence of the Queen and her handmaidens that she, as a Jedi, accompany the Queen to safety.

They hurried along the back corridor towards the passage which led to the courtyard.  DiArta looked back longingly at the queen's chambers, knowing the farther away they got from them, the more unlikely her chances were of carrying out her plan.

Resigned and annoyed, DiArta's mind changed gears.  By now, Tamerlane would have had time to alert the palace guards about her.  Perhaps, since they were heading for the courtyard anyway, now would be a good time to simply escape.

Something else DiArta had not anticipated was a Jedi running to catch up to them.  DiArta panicked then, shoving Rabé away from the queen and backhanding her so fiercely, the handmaiden was rendered unconscious.  Amidala screamed, shocked and confused by the Jedi's action.  DiArta drew the blaster she had been given, having told them she'd lost her lightsaber, and trained the weapon on Amidala.  She concluded that her only chance now was to take the Queen as a hostage.  Everything was happening so fast, DiArta really didn't have the luxury of thinking through her actions.

"No!" Anakin screamed.  He drew his lightsaber, prepared to do whatever he had to in order to get Amidala out of danger.

"Stay back!" DiArta growled.

"Anakin..." Amidala's voice was an expelled breath.

"Let her go," he seethed and took a challenging step towards DiArta.

DiArta jabbed the nose of the blaster into Amidala's neck.  Anakin saw her wince in pain and stepped even closer.

"Don't you dare!" DiArta snapped.  "Or I blast her...and you.  I'm getting out of here now and she's coming with me to make sure I'm not detained any longer.  So you just back off."

Anakin exchanged looks with Amidala.  She appeared more concerned for his safety than her own.  Her eyes pleading him not to do anything rash.

"Do what she says Anakin.  I'll be alright," the Queen assured him.

Anakin sighed heavily and lowered his lightsaber, then reluctantly deactivated it.

"Good!" DiArta told him.  "That's very smart of you.  Now, put the sword on the floor and kick it over here," she directed.

Anakin tightened his grip on the hilt of his saber, staring back at the Maschan in defiance.

Angrily, DiArta seized Amidala's wrist suddenly and twisted her arm roughly behind her back, pushing her up against the wall.  "Tell the boy to do as I say."

Amidala remained silent.  She tried hard not to let her expression betray any pain or fear she was feeling.  She didn't want him to act irrationally out of concern for her.

"All right," Anakin said evenly.  "Just don't hurt her."  He carefully placed his lightsaber on the floor in front of him, his eyes never leaving DiArta's.

"Now kick it over here," DiArta said impatiently and tightened her grip on Amidala's arm.  The Queen closed her eyes against the pain.

Anakin could feel the anger rise in him.  He kicked the hilt hard, sending it skidding down the hall, and coming to rest well out of DiArta's reach.

"Now let her go," he demanded, struggling to quell his emotions.

DiArta just glared at him.  She pulled Amidala away from the wall and forced her to walk ahead of her.

"I'm telling you for the last time, boy, don't try anything or Her Almightyness, gets it."  They walked over to where the lightsaber was and DiArta snatched it up, tucking it securely in her belt.

Anakin watched them move slowly down the hall away from him and disappear around the corner.  He rushed over to where Rabé lay stunned on the floor and helped her up.  Her lip was split and bleeding and she still looked a little dazed.

"Are you alright?" Anakin asked.  She nodded slowly, then looked around in alarm.

"Her Majesty?"

"Come on," Anakin continued.  "We can't lose track of them."

"Which way did they go?" she asked and gingerly touched her lip with her fingers.

Anakin's mind was racing.  He knew his emotions were getting the best of him and saw this as a test of his control.  He commanded his anger to leave him and cleared every thought from his mind, welcoming the presence of the Force in its stead.  It filled him with a great sense of calm and he was able to hear its guiding voice.

"This way," he told Rabé and started up the hall.

His dream suddenly came to mind.  The evil from an unexpected source.  Fighting Tamerlane.  Being distracted and losing something precious.  It all made perfect sense now.  He stopped and closed his eyes.  He could see Obi-Wan.  He knew exactly where he was at.  He called to him, letting the Force carry his thoughts to his Master.  Obi-Wan could intercept DiArta.  He had to stop fighting Tamerlane and see the real enemy, the real danger that DiArta posed.

**********

Tamerlane circled and advanced again.  Her arms were sore and one of her wrists was burned.  She was tired and beginning to see the pointlessness of this duel.  Neither one of them wanted to actually injure the other but neither one seemed willing to back down either.

"You may as well give up now," the Jedi said, retreating from her advance.  "You hold your own in a duel, I'll admit that much.  But you will not get the better of me."

Tamerlane swung low and was blocked easily.  She stepped back, swung again and this time caught his upper arm, searing the sleeve of his cloak.  He jumped back and winced.  When he looked at her again, his eyes betrayed his escalating indignation.

"So, where's this lesson you promised to teach me?" Tamerlane taunted him.

The Jedi nodded.  "Very well.  You want a lesson?" he panted.  "How's this?"  With lightening speed he rushed her and attacked.  Tamerlane scarcely had time to block one blow when he advanced on her with another.  He drove her back relentlessly, and Tamerlane realized how easily he could seriously hurt her if he truly wanted to.  She tried lunging at him once to push him back, but he stood his ground and their sabers locked, their faces mere inches apart.

He must have seen the fear in her eyes or felt her weariness, for he backed away from her suddenly and merely stood watching her from the distance he'd put between them.

Gratefully, Tamerlane retreated as well and took the opportunity to catch her breath and wipe the sweat from her brow.  "Give me a minute and we'll pick up where we left off," she panted.

The Jedi shook his head.  He smiled at her, amused.  "I must say, your tenacity is your strongest point.  Your strength and stamina is also quite impressive.  You've been well trained, Tamerlane.  You have the potential to become a powerful Jedi Knight.  Why do you wish to throw that chance away?"

"You still think I should go back?"

"You still have a lot to learn about what it means to be a Jedi."

"What do I have to go back to?  Humiliation and disrespect?" Tamerlane answered and cursed under her breath.  "I don't have what it takes to be a Jedi.  Surely you can see that."  She took a deep breath and lowered her eyes.  "Please, just let me go.  I'm no danger to anyone."

The Jedi's demeanor changed.  He deactivated his lightsaber.  His voice when he spoke was warm and reassuring.  "I see no such thing.  You have the desire to be a Jedi," he began.  "I sense a deep commitment in you.  You have courage and compassion.  Don't belittle those virtues."  He stepped towards her.  "Granted, you're a bit unconventional, but I once knew a great Jedi who was also somewhat unconventional.  It was his compassion and his courage that set him apart.  You can still be a Jedi, Tamerlane.  It's not too late.  Come back with me.  Resume your training."

Tamerlane deactivated her lightsaber and reattached it to her belt.  She lowered her head.

"You make it sound as though I'm just a truant pupil, not a criminal worthy of punishment."

The Jedi looked at her confused.  "I told you, I haven't come to arrest you.  The Council is worried about you.  They wanted to make sure you were all right.  My apprentice and I were sent to find you and take you back to the temple.  The masters wish to speak with you concerning your future.  That is all.  Why do you believe you are a criminal?"

Tamerlane looked up at him sadly.  "Don't you know what I did?  To make matters worse, I fled the Order and have been keeping company with a thief.  I'm a rogue."  She paused and took a deep breath.  "I wanted to go back, but I was afraid."

The Jedi regarded her compassionately.  "Believe me when I say you have nothing to be afraid of."

Tamerlane swallowed hard.  "I have no master," she stated flatly.  "He's rejected me.  Even if I did go back, he will not train me."

"But there are others," the Jedi continued.  "Put this time behind you.  Regard it as a learning experience and consider yourself all the wiser for it.  You're still so young.  You have so much opportunity ahead of you.  Don't let pride take that from you."

Tamerlane gazed deeply into his eyes.  She could feel his sincerity and his concern.  She smiled wearily.  "Aren't you a wise one," she teased.  "And not so old yourself."  Tamerlane leaned closer to him and studied his face.  "Who are you?"

He grinned.  "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi," he said and extended his hand in greeting.

Tamerlane clasped his hand with hers and shook it.  "I know that name.  You should have introduced yourself when we first met.  I would have thrown down my weapon right then and there."

"Ah, so I see the rumors of my reputation as a swordsman are actually true," he said and smiled.

Tamerlane nodded.  "You are quite a hero in my ranks."

"Tamerlane, I --" he paused, a strange expression suddenly shadowing his features.

Tamerlane could feel it as well.  The Force surged suddenly.  It washed over them in a wave.  A name was carried with it, a call and a plea.  Tamerlane glanced around her.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes momentarily and allowed his mind time to decipher the meaning behind the silent message.  His eyes suddenly snapped open and he turned quickly and started running full tilt back up the hall.

"What is it?" Tamerlane called after him.

"It's Anakin!" he yelled over his shoulder.  "I've no time to explain."  He disappeared around the corner.

Not knowing what else to do, Tamerlane sprinted after him.

Chapter 12

Anakin and Rabé followed DiArta and Amidala at a discreet distance.  Anakin felt confident enough to let them out of his sight once or twice, knowing he could still sense their location through the Force.  He could feel DiArta's tension ease slightly and looked upon this as an encouraging sign that she might be ready to let Amidala go.

For her part, Amidala walked casually beside the Maschan, her face a portrait of serenity.

After awhile, Amidala spoke.

"It's very obvious now, you are not a Jedi.  Who are you?"

DiArta frowned.  "That's none of your concern."

"The young woman with you, is she really a Jedi?  Or a Sith?" the Queen persisted.

"Unfortunately, she is a real Jedi.  The part about the Sith, I just made that up to scare you."

Amidala scowled.  "That's reprehensible of you."

"I wouldn't have said it if I would have known how all of you were going to panic the way you did."

"How did you expect me to react?" Amidala snapped.

DiArta shrugged.  "Everyone knows there aren't anymore Sith.  And besides, what is a Sith except for a misguided Jedi?"

"A Sith is a Dark Lord, not a Jedi," Amidala corrected.

"Shut up!  Someone's coming!" DiArta snapped suddenly and grabbed the Queen's arm to haul her back.  Up ahead, the Gungan ambassador had gathered up a platoon of palace guards.  They were dashing in and out of different corridors, their weapons drawn, obviously searching.  DiArta hissed through her teeth in frustration.

"Move it girl, I don't have the time to play around anymore," DiArta grumbled.  They were walking quickly now, turning down a different hallway.  One DiArta did not recognize.  She suddenly realized she had lost her sense of direction and had no idea how to get out of the palace from their current position.  Cursing, she pushed Amidala against one of the huge marble pillars lining the walls.  She aimed her blaster under the Queen's chin.  "Get us outside right now," she declared, her voice shaking.  "I know you've been misleading me.  It's going to stop."

Amidala stood glaring at her.  DiArta looked away from her suddenly and frowned.  They both heard the sound of approaching footsteps.  Amidala spared a glance up the hall.

Two Jedi appeared from around the corner, racing towards them.  One was Tamerlane and the other was...Obi-Wan.  Amidala smiled to herself, greatly encouraged by this turn of events.

The Jedi both skidded to a stop and drew lightsabers a moment later as DiArta began firing her blaster at them.  They deflected the shots with ease and it became apparent to DiArta she would not be able to hit either one of them.  Disgusted, she turned the blaster back on the Queen.

"DiArta are you mad?!" Tamerlane exclaimed.  She couldn't believe the Maschan had resorted to this.

Obi-Wan and Amidala locked eyes.  She offered him a hint of a smile.  She wanted him to know his presence was both welcome and reassuring to her.  She drew strength from his unwavering gaze and felt her fear begin to dissipate.

Tamerlane spied movement down the hall at the opposite end of the corridor.  Anakin and Rabé were coming towards them, slowly, distinctly aware of the danger directed at the Queen.

"DiArta, look around you.  You can't win," Tamerlane began.  "If there is one thing that I've learned today it's that recognizing defeat can save you a lot of time and energy."  She and Obi-Wan exchanged quick, knowing looks.

Anakin was pleased to see his Master at the other end of the hall.  He knew he had been able to reach him through the Force.  He was surprised, however, to see Tamerlane standing at his side, ready to fight if need be.  The Force pulsed between the three of them and Anakin drew from it, concentrating.

DiArta's eyes were wild as she darted glances back and forth between the opposite ends of the hall.  She really didn't want to have to resort to blasting people, but presently had no other choice.  She already knew firing at the Jedi was pointless.  But the boy and the handmaiden were unarmed.  After all, she had his lightsaber in her belt.

"Don't mind us," DiArta seethed.  "We were just leaving."  She grabbed Amidala's arm and pulled her after her, as she started towards Anakin.  Amidala paled and her heart sunk as she saw DiArta raise her blaster and aim at Anakin.  "Sorry about this boy, but you are standing in my way."

A high pitched, excited voice suddenly filled the halls behind Anakin.  Everyone was momentarily rendered motionless.

"Der dey are!  Heer!  Heer!  I's foun dem!" Jar Jar exclaimed, running blindly into the hall with the guards at his heels.

Anakin sensed what was going to happen and felt himself moving in reaction without having the chance to tell his body to do so.

Startled, DiArta had swung her blaster around at Jar Jar and fired.  Anakin stretched out his hand and deflected the laser blast away from his friend.  He felt a searing pain up his arm as the blast hit his palm.  The impact sent him crashing against the wall.  Obi-Wan screamed his name and rushed forward.  Jar Jar fainted.

Suddenly everyone sprung into action.  Amidala had gotten ahold of Anakin's lightsaber, deflected a laser blast with it as DiArta shot at her, and then with one expert stroke, brought the blade down.  The blaster and DiArta's arm fell to the floor.  DiArta screeched wildly.  Tamerlane grabbed her and pulled her away from the Queen.  The guards quickly surrounded her and took her away.  Amidala deactivated Anakin's lightsaber and ran over to him.

Shaken, but relieved to find his apprentice relatively unharmed, Obi-Wan knelt on the floor in front of Anakin and helped him sit up.  Amidala threw her arms around the boy's neck and hugged him tightly.  "Oh Anakin, I was afraid you had been shot!"

Anakin shook his head.  "I'm all right," he stated and hugged her back.  He smiled sheepishly.  "This wasn't how I had pictured our time together.  Considering it has been over a year, I kind of had something else in mind."  He looked into her eyes and felt her warm hand touching his cheek.  "I haven't even had the chance to say 'hello' yet."

Amidala smiled.  "Hello."

Anakin sighed heavily.  "I'm so glad you're all right."

"But you're not," Obi-Wan interrupted.  "You're hurt."

Anakin looked surprised.  "I am?"

"Your hand," Obi-Wan told him.

Anakin lifted his hand to observe his injury.  The skin on his palm was blackened and raw-looking.  He frowned deeply.  "Ooo, ow.  That's nasty."

Obi Wan shook his head at his young apprentice.  "It's your own fault," he teased.  "And I have no sympathy for you when you pull a stunt like that and could have very well gotten yourself killed.  I hope it smarts for days."

Anakin grinned.  "I was only doing what the Force was telling me to do, Master.  There was no other way to stop the blast.  You know what, now that I've seen my hand, it really hurts,"  Anakin stated.

Amidala positioned herself at his side.  "Let's get you to a medic," she offered.  She took a hold of his other hand and pulled him to his feet.

"Look at you!" Amidala was saying.  She swept her eyes up and down his tall and slender frame.  She put her arm around his waist and smiled brightly.  "You've doubled in height.  In another year, you'll be taller than Obi-Wan."

Anakin lowered his eyes and tried hard not to let Amidala see him blush, but she took his chin in her hand and tilted his face up to hers.  "And you get cuter too," she whispered.

Anakin caught Obi-Wan's amused grin out of the corner of his eye and knew he must be blushing bright red now.

Sparing Anakin any further embarrassment, Obi-Wan cleared his throat and gestured at Anakin's lightsaber, which was still in the Queen's hand.

"That was an impressive demonstration of lightsaber skills, Your Majesty," he began.  "I hadn't realized you had used a saber before."

Amidala shrugged.  "I haven't, actually.  I guess I must have a little of the Force in me as well.  I don't even remember grabbing it.  All of a sudden, it was just there in my hand and without even thinking, I reacted."  She held the lightsaber hilt out for Anakin.  He accepted it from her with a grateful smile and clipped it to his belt.

Obi-Wan furrowed his brow.  "Just like a Jedi..."  He peered over at Anakin, whose eyes were locked on Amidala.

"I gave it to you," he admitted quietly.  "I called the lightsaber to your hand.  You were very receptive to the guidance of the Force.  It was risky, but it worked."  He faced his Master.  "Thanks for that extra practice session.  It really did come in handy."  He smiled again.

Struggling to keep his voice level and his anger in check, Obi-Wan took a deep, steadying breath.  "Anakin, she could have been seriously hurt if you would have lost control of that blade.  Perhaps we need to have a talk about reckless and impulsive behavior," he began.

"I'm sorry Obi-Wan.  I just didn't see another way.  I wouldn't have let anything happen to her.  I was in complete control of the lightsaber the whole time."  Anakin was looking up at him with wide apologetic eyes and Obi-Wan could feel his temper wane.  He sighed heavily and offered his apprentice a reassuring smile.  "Go.  Take care of your hand."  Anakin nodded, relieved.

Rabé took Obi-Wan's place at Anakin's side.  She and Amidala escorted him down the hall to the medical offices.

*********

Obi-Wan stood staring down the hall long after Anakin had left his sight.  He didn't realize Tamerlane was standing beside him until she spoke.

"If I hadn't seen all that, I would have never believed it," she stated.  "Who is that boy?  He's fearless.  And his control of the Force is unlike any I have ever known."

Obi-Wan faced her.  "My apprentice, Anakin Skywalker."  He sighed.  "I worry about him sometimes."

"How do you mean?"

"He's just now beginning to realize the things he is capable of.  He feels the power inside him and uses it even though he's not sure if he can control it."

"You find that unsettling?" Tamerlane went on.  "I would think you would be proud of his courage."

Obi-Wan lowered his eyes briefly.  "In a way...I am.  He's done nothing but impress me.  But I am ultimately responsible for any mistakes he might make as he explores his potential.  I only hope I can teach him the proper ways to utilize the Force before he tries something and finds he has no control."

"If he makes a mistake, it will be his own fault, not yours," Tamerlane offered.

Obi-Wan shook his head.  "No. I am his Master.  His mistakes are mine."

Tamerlane swallowed hard, bowing her head.  "I...wish my own Master felt that way."  It hurt to think he no longer wanted her as an apprentice.

Obi-Wan reached up tentatively and tilted her face back until her eyes once more met his.  He gazed steadily at her and sighed admiringly.  She really was beautiful.  He was taken by her aura of vulnerability and loneliness, and felt curiously protective of her.  "Don't be sad," he whispered and bent towards her slowly, feeling himself being drawn closer by her large dark eyes.  "I'll be there for you."

Tamerlane placed her hand over his on her cheek.  His palm was calloused but his touch was tender.  "Thank you," she sighed.  She gazed back at him, her heart pounding fitfully inside her.  He was so sweet, she thought.  And so handsome.  Her eyes traced the curve of his upper lip and she wondered what it would be like to kiss him.  She parted her lips and closed her eyes in a subtle invitation.  He drew her closer to him.  She could feel his breath on her cheek and the warmth of his lips just before they touched hers.  She felt her heart and time itself stop.

Suddenly a low pitiful whail coming from the floor just behind them made the Jedi abruptly turn away from each other.  Jar Jar was moaning, struggling to sit up.

"Whatta happen?  Did mesa git chot?"

Obi-Wan smiled and helped the Gungan to his feet.

"No.  You did faint however," he told him.

Jar Jar looked around him.  "Whersa very body?  Iss it all ober?"  He suddenly spied the dismembered arm down the hall in front of him and made a face.  "Eew!  Yucky!"

"Oh don't worry," Tamerlane assured him.  "There were no casualties."

"Thanks to Anakin," Obi-Wan added.  "He saved your life Jar Jar.  He could have been seriously hurt or maybe even killed.  Her Highness and Rabé took him to the medical offices.  You should go and see him."

Jar Jar's eyes grew big.  He clucked his tongue and shook his head.  "Moi, moi, mesa indebited to da Jedi agin!"  He trudged off with a huge smile on his face, feeling a new sense of purpose and importance.

Obi-Wan faced Tamerlane.

She gazed up at him, not sure what to say.  He had almost kissed her.  Even knowing he was willing to do so made her feel grateful.  Perhaps she wasn't such an abhorrent criminal after all.  She felt changed somehow.  It was as though she was able to think clearly for the first time in a long time.  She felt the Force flowing between them, conveying unvoiced thoughts and feelings.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relishing the new serenity in her mind.

"Tamerlane," Obi-Wan began softly.  "Will you come back with me to Coruscant?"

She didn't say anything at first, just reached over and took Obi-Wan's hand in hers.  She turned it slowly over, examining it carefully, then smiled.

"Ah, I recognize it now.  You're the 'other hand'."

Obi Wan didn't bother to pretend he understood.  "Excuse me?"

Tamerlane laughed lightly.  She squeezed his hand once before releasing it.  "Oh, just something I keep dreaming about.  It's nothing really."  She paused, taking a deep breath, then nodded.  "Yes, Obi-Wan, I'm ready to go home now."

Chapter 13

The balcony overlooking the courtyard offered the best view of Naboo's sun as it set, which was why Amidala had taken Anakin there.  Neither one of them was looking at the sky however.  They were too busy looking at each other.

"I wish you didn't have to leave again so soon," Amidala was saying.  "I've hardly gotten the chance to spend any time with you."

Anakin smiled easily.  "You're spending time with me now..."  The Queen's expression remained unchanged.  He sighed heavily.  "I know," he agreed.  "I wish I could stay longer too.  But I get the feeling that no matter how long I stay, it would never be long enough."  He turned and leaned his back against the stone wall surrounding the balcony.  "Obi-Wan and I have to go with Tamerlane back to Coruscant.  We need to be with her when she appears before the Council."

Amidala nodded.  "Oh, I understand, really I do.  But I don't  have to like it, do I?"

At that Anakin smiled.  "You know, a wise old Jedi master once told me I have to 'embrace' change, the good and the bad.  I told him the most I'd be willing to do is accept it."

Amidala nodded.  "I agree with you.  Maybe that 'wise old Jedi' wasn't so wise after all."

"I'll tell Obi-Wan you said that," Anakin teased.

"He said that?" Amidala laughed.  "I take it back.  Obi-Wan is very wise.  He's got an infuriating habit of being right about a lot of things."

"He was right about one thing," Anakin continued.  "There have been good changes in my life worthy of welcoming.  One of those changes was you."

Amidala lowered her eyes briefly.  "Thank you, Anakin.  That's really very sweet.  I feel the same way about you.  I think it's wonderful how things are turning out for you.  When I watch you with Obi-Wan, I can see a connection between you two that wasn't there before.  I know it's something you've wanted for a long time."  She paused and looked up at him.  "You two are a team now.  I'm just so happy for you."

Anakin nodded slowly and took a long slow breath.  "Now that it's really happening, it's kind of scary.  The first time Obi-Wan needed me to be his apprentice, I panicked.  I wasn't sure if I could do it."

"You did though," the Queen stated.  "You just need to start believing in yourself."  She layed a comforting hand on his arm.  "You proved today that you were more than able and I'm sure Obi-Wan was impressed."

Anakin grinned.  "And pissed off too.  I got quite a lecture when I got back from the medical offices."

Amidala smiled.  "It's only because he cares about you.  He doesn't want to see you get hurt.  You took a lot of risks today, Anakin."

"I know.  Actually, it felt good, knowing he cares.  It's so much better than when I thought he didn't."  He paused and turned around, looking out over the courtyard.  "I really didn't mean to take risks today.  I did what I felt I had to do, that's all.  Maybe there were safer alternatives but I didn't see any.  Besides, everyone has such high expectations of me, I tend to go overboard trying to find new ways to impress them.  You know, most of the students at the temple have been training since they could first walk.  They've had their whole lives to absorb it all.  I've only been there a couple of years and I'm ahead of them.  I know more.  I can do more.  But I don't understand why."

Amidala sighed.  "They wouldn't ask of you anything they felt you couldn't handle.  Maybe they expect more from you because they sense you have it in you."

"Maybe."  He faced her, his eyes dark with sadness.  "I feel so alone there.  The other students dislike me immensely.  The instructors seem convinced I already know everything they could teach me.  They think I prefer to be left alone.  Sometimes I hear talk about me.  I'm called 'The Chosen One.'  But I don't know what they mean by that."

"Things will get better Anakin," Amidala told him.  "You are with Obi-Wan now.  He'll teach you and guide you and look out for you.  You're his apprentice and as his apprentice you'll be living the life of a Jedi, not just learning about it.  Just trust him, Anakin.  He won't let you down."

Anakin smiled.  "That's all he has ever really asked of me."

The sun had set and stars began dotting the sky like jewels set against black velvet.  A cool breeze blew in across the courtyard and hailed the arrival of nightfall.

When Amidala rubbed her arms to warm them, Anakin took off his cloak and placed it over her shoulders.  She looked over at him and smiled.

"It is so nice to see you," she began.  "I hope you will get to come back to Naboo soon."

"Hopefully it will be a social visit too," Anakin remarked.  "Free of life-threatening situations in which you get held hostage.  I don't like seeing you in danger.  My heart can't take it."

Amidala leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.  "At least I know whenever my life is threatened, I can count on a handsome young knight to come to my rescue."

Anakin gazed at her fondly.  He smiled and placed a tentative arm around her.

"You can always count on me, Amidala. I promise."

Chapter 14

Mace Windu leaned back in his chair and sighed.  Yoda glanced over at him and nodded.  Then he directed his attention back to the young Jedi standing before him.

"Understand, you do, the inappropriateness of your actions?"

Tamerlane nodded slowly.  "I know what I did was wrong.  I know I broke the code.  I'm willing to be punished.  Just let me continue my training," she said evenly.

Obi-Wan shifted uneasily beside her.  "Master Yoda, if I may --"

Yoda's upraised hand effectively silenced him.  Yoda wanted to hear from Tamerlane first.

"Wrong, you are certain?" he questioned.

"What code do you think you broke?" Mace Windu interjected.

Tamerlane frowned. "I admit," she stressed, "that what I did was wrong..."

"So, what did you do?" Ki Adi Mundi inquired.

"What do you mean?  Surely you know?" Tamerlane retorted.  "Please don't make me go into details.  I'm very shamed by my actions."

"Tamerlane," Yoda began.  "What we need to know, is why think you did wrong.  Heard from your Master, and worried were we.  Only because fled you did.  From us you turned.  Think not that we could have helped you, hmmm?"

"You were still grieving, for Master Zack.  Your emotions were unstable," Ki-Adi-Mundi pointed out.

Anakin, who had stood beside Obi-Wan in silent observation of the proceedings now spoke up.  "Masters, I think I can understand how Tamerlane felt.  What she was going through.  Strong emotions, like grief...and love, are difficult to control even in the best of circumstances.  I think it would have been easy for her to mistake the bond she had with Master Seal Erons.  Knowing you are loved is a great comfort."

Tamerlane glanced over at him and smiled in gratitude.  "I wanted to be loved.  Perhaps this intense need I felt convinced me that I was," she explained.  "You must know I would have not turned to him, if I didn't think he loved me too."  She took a deep breath and bowed her head.

"We