The Clone Wars had raged across the galaxy for far too long, turning once scenic planets into war-torn battlefields and draining the limited resources for the Republic. The conflict was bleak and seemingly endless. However, a recent string of victories had somewhat lifted the spirits of the Republic fighters. The Confederacy of Independent Systems was becoming stretched thin as they attempted to reinforce their droid troops on many fronts in both the inner and outer rims. With the recent destruction of a major droid factory on Geonosis and the liberation of Ryloth from Separatists, they had as much a reason as any to celebrate. The fact that their victories coincided with the Nabooian Festival of Light was just a happy twist of fate.
The young senator and former queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala, was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Jedi for the celebration. A messenger from the front, a clone trooper named Waxer, had come to her earlier that day to deliver the news that a party from the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as several politicians from Coruscant, would be arriving that very afternoon.
"Were many lives lost in the action?" she asked him, referring to the Second Battle of Geonosis. The spoke on one of the many balconies on the Palace of Theed.
"It was rough going and many clones fell, but no Jedi were killed," said Waxer. His armor was scuffed from the recent battle and he held his dusty helmet under his right arm. Many of clones wore distinct hairstyles and tattoos to distinguish themselves. This one had a shaved head and a small soul patch.
"A victory is won a second time when the entire legion is brought home safe, but we must content ourselves with the ones who have survived. And show them the extent of our gratitude. I have heard that the Jedi Council have much pride in a new knight named Anakin Skywalker."
"And he deserves all their praise," said Waxer, not just as a formality, but with real feeling behind it. "General Skywalker has done more than could be expected of one so young. He has the courage of narglatch and the loyalty of a greysor, and has performed such feats - I can hardly tell you."
"I am excited to see him again."
"You have met him before, Senator?"
"A long time ago," said Padmé, trailing off. The clone trooper looked somewhat confused at that. After all, Padmé was so young that a long time ago did not seem to apply to her.
"Tell me," called a smooth voice, "Is Master Montanto joining us for the Festival?"
Padmé and Waxer were joined on the balcony by an elegant woman with a thin face and sharp, pale eyes. She wore a long green dress and an elaborate headdress, not unlike those that Padmé used to wear when she was queen of Naboo.
"I'm afraid I don't know anyone of that name, my lady," said Waxer politely, though obviously confused.
"Corporal Waxer, this is my old friend, Duchess Satine of Mandalore," said Padmé, "and she is speaking about Master Kenobi."
"Mandalore? I am surprised to see you at a Republic Festival," said Waxer. The Duchess was the head of the Council of Neutral Systems and an outspoken opponent of the war, after all.
"I am here visiting my friend only," said Satine, locking her arm with Padmé's.
"Satine has never been to Naboo for our Festival of Light and I thought she should see it at least once."
"Now, what of Kenobi?" pressed Satine.
"He fought valiantly, Duchess, as always. He had a minor injury on Geonosis, but is back on his feet and back to his cheerful self."
"His cheerful self. True, I suppose you could say that the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as General Kenobi could be seen as a cheerful man. After all, many people see humor in the ridiculous."
"General Kenobi is a good man and good soldier, too, my lady."
"A good soldier to a lady. And what is he to a Jedi?"
"A Jedi to a Jedi," said Waxer, growing ever more perplexed.
"You are far too hard on him. Obi-Wan is a good man," scolded Padmé. She then turned to Waxer and said, "You'll have to forgive Satine. There is a sort of merry war between her and Master Kenobi. Every time they meet they clash words with the same skill and tenacity as a Jedi with a lightsaber."
"I am hard on all the Jedi. I think their war is an affront to life itself," said Satine.
"But the Jedi fight for peace, my lady," said Waxer.
"Fight for peace. What an amusing contradiction." Satine's words were like silk, but there was a harsh edge to them that almost sent a chill up Waxer's spine. What an extraordinary talent, to make a hardened soldier feel a twinge of nervousness by the mere words of a politician. Satine released Padmé's arm and walked over to the balcony railing, looking out over Theed. She then turned to face them again, crossing her arms.
"Has Kenobi had a padawan?" Satine asked.
"Yes, Lady. He has taken and completed the training of Anakin Skywalker, who we spoke of earlier," Waxer said, with a nod to Padmé.
"Well, may the Force have mercy on young Skywalker."
"I think I had better stay on your good side, my lady," Waxer said, smiling at her.
"I agree," said Satine.
"Senator, Duchess, I'll let you get back to your business." Waxer bowed to both of them and returned into the stone palace.
Padmé walked over to join Satine by the railing. Theed was still bathed in the rosy glow of the early morning sun, staining the green roofs of the building a soft brown. The river ran slow and lazy through the city and they could see a few fisherman out in their boats, staying a safe distance from the waterfall, as they tried to catch gooberfish. It was an idyllic place, a paradise even, which gave both women a sense of guilt, to be there while so many suffered in the war.
"You know, my friend, I wonder if you have just come so that you can antagonize Obi-Wan," said Padmé.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm very excited about this Festival of Colors that you have."
"Festival of Light," said Padmé with a chuckle. Satine was hopeless.
Just as the clone trooper had said, the Republic ships arrived that afternoon. There was quite the retinue gathered in the main square of Theed to greet them. The current Queen of Naboo, Neeyutnee, stood regally at the front, flanked by her handmaidens, guards, and council. Beside them stood Senator Amidala and the Gungan Representative Jar-Jar Binks, who was fidgeting like an impatient child. Duchess Satine stood farther back, closer to the sizeable crowd of cheering civilians. The residents of Theed had flocked to the square and the overlooking balconies, throwing the petals of the rominaria flower, so that the air was thick with the pink rain and the fragrant smell of them.
The shuttle touched down in a cleared area in the square and the cheer of the crowd reached a nearly deafening decibel. The gangplank lowered and people began to exit the ship, led by none other than Chancellor Palpatine himself. There were several members, aids, and interns from the Republic Senate, some of whom Satine recognized and many she had never seen before. It was the Jedi, however, who truly had her attention. Master Mace Windu led their way. He was an impressive figure, tall, strong, and usually serious, though even he cracked a smile at the elation of the people. Behind him was a handsome young man, who Satine took to be Anakin Skywalker, a Togruta girl who looked barely more than a child, two Mirialan women, and him.
Satine had not seen Obi-Wan in years, not in person, at least. There had been a rather memorable argument via holocron a few months ago. He was much more than the skinny youth she had known, broader in the shoulders and with a soldier's agility. He had a full beard now, too, which she wasn't so sure if she liked. Mace Windu and Palpatine exchanged a few pleasantries with Neeyutnee, who then gestured, inviting all of them into the palace. Obi-Wan's eyes caught Satine's as they were both moved through the doors, and his face twitched, almost as if he were about to smile.
"Queen Neeyutnee, it is an honor to be here, and you have our deepest thanks for hosting such a large party," Master Windu was saying. "I hope we are not too much trouble."
"The Jedi have never brought trouble to the halls of Theed. Quite the opposite. It is our honor to host you. I hear you have had quite the battle," said the queen.
"And in this one, we came out victorious."
"It often seems that the best defense is a swift and decisive offense, and with the assault on the Geonosian droid factory, we have defended the Republic most decidedly," said Obi-Wan.
"You are quite the general now, Master Kenobi," said Satine, stepping forward. "Though I wonder why you are still talking. Shouldn't you be off defending the peace with more war?"
"My dear Lady Disdain, it has been too long. And I must admit, after all this time you have only grown more beautiful. Though your tongue has certainly not dulled."
"How could it when it has such a whetstone as you to keep it sharp?" Out of the corner of her eye, Satine could see a smirk growing on the face of Skywalker, while the young Togruta girl simply looked puzzled.
"And if the recent victory has given me too much pride, at least I have you to keep me humble," Obi-Wan said, getting that infuriating twinkle in his eye. "I wish my ship moved at the speed of your tongue. I could complete the Kessel run in 10 parsecs."
"If you spent more time talking and less time cutting up armies with your glowing sticks, you might find that diplomacy is a more effective tool than you think. Even extremists can be reasoned with."
"If you can be heard over the clanking of their battle droids."
"Oh, the sarcasm of a soldier," said Satine scornfully, stepping closer to Obi-Wan.
"The delusions of a dreamer," said Obi-Wan, also moving closer, until there was no more than a foot between them.
"I am certain we all agree, Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have proven there are two sides to every dilemma," said Senator Orn Free Taa of Ryloth. He was a large Twi'lek man, who had been shifting uncomfortably as they argued.
"Agreed, and the Nabooians have invited all of us to stay for a week or longer. Let us put the war out of mind for the time being and celebrate with them in their Festival of Light," said Palpatine.
"Come, we will have drinks in the parlor," said Queen Neeyutnee, leading most of the party into the next room where serving droids were waiting with platters of cocktails and appetizers. Satine glanced back one time at Obi-Wan before following the Senators into the grand parlor.
"What was that all about?" asked Anakin. He had hung back from the crowd with Obi-Wan, his curiosity getting the better of him. Obi-Wan was watching the Duchess leave the room, looking lost in thought and far more serious than he had been a few moments ago.
"Never mind - it's all in the past."
"Oh, so you're close to her."
"I knew her," said Obi-Wan, a little sharply. Anakin could almost physically feel his walls going up. "A long time ago," Obi-Wan finished after a pause.
"What was your history?"
"It was an extended mission when I was younger. Master Qui-Gon and I spent a year on Mandalore protecting the Duchess from insurgents who had threatened her world. They sent bounty hunters after us. We were always on the run, living hand-to-mouth, never sure what the next day would bring."
"Sounds romantic," said Anakin. Obi-Wan gave him a withering side-eye.
"A civil war killed most of Satine's people, hence her aversion to violence. When she returned to Kalevala, she took on rebuilding her world alone," Obi-Wan continued, sitting down on the marble floor, his back against a pillar. Anakin sat next to him.
"You didn't stay to help her?"
"That would have been problematic," said Obi-Wan, sounding tired all of a sudden. "My duty as a Jedi demanded I be elsewhere."
"Demanded?" Anakin exclaimed, a little too loudly.
"I live by the code, Anakin."
"The code has changed." There was almost a hint of pride in his voice.
"Yes," said Obi-Wan, stroking his beard and thinking. "Now I know this isn't all you wanted to talk about. I can sense something else on your mind."
"Did you see Padmé?" Anakin asked, unable to hide a grin.
"I did."
"She smiled at me."
"Did she now?"
"Do you think she's thought about me. I mean, since we last saw each other."
"I imagine she has," said Obi-Wan somewhat cautiously. "Although, I also imagine that she has had much to deal with, serving as queen and then senator for Naboo."
"I think of her all the time," Anakin admitted. Obi-Wan already knew as much, but he had never heard Anakin say it quite so openly. His former padawan had grown more bold with his feelings since the code changed, which could be a blessing sometimes and a great hindrance others.
"Here comes Ahsoka," said Obi-Wan, as the padawan walked out of the parlor and came to join them on the floor.
"What are you doing out here?" she asked them.
"I believe your master finds himself enamored on the Senator from Naboo," said Obi-Wan.
Ahsoka did not have eyebrows, but the white markings above her eyes raised up in surprise.
"Padmé? She's wonderful, Master!"
"She is, Snips. But, I suppose war is not the time for romance," Anakin said, with a glance toward Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan felt small burst of pride at his old padawan. Anakin often let his emotions get the better of him and it was reassuring to hear him say something so sensible.
"Then again," said Anakin, and Obi-Wan's pride sunk. "Chancellor Palpatine said that we should forget the war for this short celebration. And what better way to celebrate?"
Ahsoka grinned widely at that and Obi-Wan glared at the both of them.
"Maybe you should take a page from my book, Master," said Anakin.
"I think not."
"Have you ever been in love, Master Kenobi?" asked Ahsoka. Anakin tried hard not to laugh, but failed spectacularly. His padawan was so observant on the field of battle and so oblivious to all personal matters. There was a lot of Obi-Wan in her in that regard.
"Let's join the others," said Obi-Wan with a sigh.
It took Sheev Palpatine what felt like hours to escape from the pleasantries and mingling in the parlor, but at last he managed to extract himself, claiming that the hyperspace journey had tired him. He and few of his loyal guards had retired to his temporary rooms in the palace. The Nabooians had given him a deluxe suite, of course. No less would have been acceptable for the Chancellor of the Republic.
Palpatine stationed most of his guards in the hall, allowing only his two most loyal, and perhaps most devious, to remain. Once the door was secure and the room scanned for bugs, he donned his hooded robe, took out his hollow pad and called Darth Tyranus, his apprentice.
"How are our plans going at the front?" asked Darth Sidious, in a gravelly voice, different from the sickly sweet one he used when speaking as the Chancellor.
"We have backed off of our offensive for the time being," said Tyranus.
"Good, good, we will lull them into a false sense of security and deal them such a crushing blow. The likes of which the Jedi have never seen before."
"Very good, my lord."
"Inform me of any complications. In the meantime, I have a party to attend."
Tyrannus did not inquire as to what Darth Sidious meant, but rather bowed deeply and ended the hologram call.
"If you don't mind me saying, my lord, you seem glum. Isn't everything going on schedule?" asked one of the guards, Rade Con, a little too boldly.
"It is not your place to question me."
"Yes, my lord," said Rade, looking abashedly down at his feet. "Forgive me."
"But, you are correct. We must have patience and take our time, lest the Jedi discover our plans too soon. However, I do wish there was some small mischief we could inflict upon them, especially now as they are all so hopeful for a swift end to this war."
"I might be able to help with that, actually," said the other guard, a Pantoran man called Bora Chi.
"Tell me," said Palpatine.
"While you were making nice with the senators and the Nabooians, I overheard a very interesting conversation between two upstanding Jedi knights. It seems the most exquisite Anakin Skywalker fancies himself in love with Padmé Amidala."
"Well, that is an interesting bit of news," said Palpatine, chuckling to himself. "And does the lady return these feelings?"
"That remains to be seen. But he is a fine general, a war hero, a Jedi knight. What lady wouldn't swoon for that?"
Palpatine cackled outright at that.
"To true. And I have wanted some leverage over young Skywalker for some time. I sense there is something corruptible inside of him and I would like to press the matter further. Come, we will attend this silly dance tonight and see what more we can learn."