Chapter Two

The Republic Cruiser was waiting for the Jedi as the group approached the landing pad in a speeder.

Asia leaned over and whispered to Chae "are you okay? You seem a bit quiet."

Chae, who had been staring into space, suddenly snapped out of her brooding. "Oh, I'm fine. Just feeling a bit weird about going to Naboo, that's all."

Asia nodded sympathetically. Going to Naboo must have been a painful experience, even ten years after Qui-Gon Jinn's death on the planet. Not just for Chae but for Obi-Wan and Anakin too.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Asia replied. "You have me with you… and Obi-Wan."

"I just wish I wasn't leaving Fyre alone again," Chae sadly. "She must hate me for being away so much. I know she likes staying with your family but I feel like I'm taking liberties."

Asia giggled. "Oh, don't be silly. My parents love Fyre like she was their own daughter. And Jordi loves having an excuse to act like a big kid. Not that he needs much encouragement."

Chae knew Asia was only trying to help. But it didn't stop her from feeling like a terrible mother for always leaving Fyre. The Republic Cruiser loomed into view as the speeder slowed down and then stopped at the landing pad. Chae lagged behind as the others headed up the ramp. Obi-Wan stopped near the top of the ramp and looked over his shoulder. He waited for her to catch up with him.

"Are you sure you're okay with this? About going to Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Chae lied.

Obi-Wan frowned. "You don't need to put up a front for me. I know you better than that. I know you've never really gotten over your father's death."

"I'm not a child anymore, Obi-Wan, I can cope!" Chae snapped and she walked onboard the ship.

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Queen Apilana was sat on her throne, flanked by handmaidens, and was holding a meeting with her security team.

"When are the representatives due to arrive?" she queried.

"It will vary, your majesty," Captain Panaka replied. "But they should all be here within three days. Bail Organa of Alderaan and Tom Antilles of Corellia will be here early tomorrow morning."

"Good, good…" Queen Apilana said. "Things are going according to plan."

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The Republic Cruiser and the various diplomatic ships were not the only ones heading for Naboo. Durge had agreed to his mission and was now heading for Naboo in his modified – and stolen – Sith Infiltrator ship. He had stolen the ship nearly one hundred years before from a Sith apprentice who had pushed his luck just a little too far.

Durge looked at the control console. The Republic Cruiser hadn't noticed him yet. Good, just as he had wanted it to be. The more he stayed in the shadows, the better. He didn't want his target getting away.

A Jedi would not be an easy target to kill. This assassination would need careful planning. He had been told this girl was powerful so he would need to make sure he was prepared.

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It was early evening on Naboo when the Republic Cruiser ship arrived, carrying the Jedi. Two other ships were already there.

"Looks like Bail Organa is here," Chae said as they disembarked their ship.

Aayla Secura gave Chae a puzzled look. "How do you know?" she asked.

"I'd remember that Corellian cruiser anywhere," Chae replied, looking at the Corellian-made cruiser, The Tantive IV.

The other Jedi all looked at each other. Everybody in the Jedi Order knew about the situation between Chae and Bail Organa. She had never fully forgiven Organa for trying to take her child from her when Fyre was born. Over the years, they had learned to try and at least tolerate each other for Fyre's sake, as Chae felt that Fyre should be allowed to know all sides of her family. Chae had even allowed Fyre to visit Alderaan a few times.

The rest of the group moved across the hanger bay. Chae, however, stood where she was, staring at the Tantive IV. The thought of Bail Organa being around made her feel uneasy, even now. Feeling a hand rest on her shoulder made her jump and Chae spun around.

"Sorry, Chae, I didn't mean to startle you," Obi-Wan said.

Chae didn't say anything and just wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest. Great, she thought, Organa is the last person I wanted to see

Queen Apilana walked across the hanger with a handful of guards as the Jedi approached from the opposite way. Obi-Wan and Chae lagged behind.

"I am pleased that you were able to make it," the young queen said. "The other delegates are already here."

The Royal Party lead the Jedi to the throne room, where they were then shown to their rooms by the palace servants. Chae was glad she was sharing her room with Asia. As least she was with someone she trusted. Chae threw off her hooded robe and collapsed on the bed.

Asia sat on the other single bed and crossed her legs. "Something's bothering you, isn't it," Asia stated more than asked.

Chae rolled over on to her stomach and looked at Asia. "It's just that it feels weird being here, you know, what with my father dying here."

Asia smiled sympathetically. "Yeah, I guess it would be a little strange."

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Somewhere in the Naboo forests, Durge landed his ship. Animals scattered in terror as the ship hit the ground. The Gen'Dai stepped off the ship and scanned the horizon with electronic binoculars, with the intention of locating the exact position of Theed Palace. Once he had located his destination, the bounty hunter collected what he would need, secured his ship and started on his way.

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"Do we have to do this?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan frowned. "Yes. The Queen has asked us to represent the Jedi, and Coruscant, at the meeting so it's only polite that we attend the Welcoming Ball."

Anakin knew better than to argue, as he knew he wouldn't win. Their female counterparts were already in the main ballroom when Obi-Wan and Anakin arrived. The hall seemed to be packed full with various delegates, diplomats, aides and assistants.

As the other Jedi mingled, Obi-Wan went to find Chae. She was stood outside on a nearby balcony, gazing over the moonlit forest. Obi-Wan watched her for a moment. Chae was clearly not happy about being on the planet that her father had died on. And, on top of that, Bail Organa was there. The man who had wanted to take her baby was the last person Chae would want to see again.

Chae glanced over her shoulder. It was obvious she had been crying, despite the poor lighting outside.

"Why did I aggress to come here?" She asked. "Too much pain, death…." Chae turned away.

Obi-Wan joined Chae at the balcony's stone railing and took hold of her hand. He wanted to say something but the words escaped him. Chae had lost both of her parents in tragic circumstances. Obi-Wan knew that, if things had been different, Qui-Gon Jinn could still be alive.

"Maybe you should go and get some sleep. I'll cover for you here," Obi-Wan offered.

Chae shook her head. "No, I need to be here."

Asia walked out on to the balcony. "Hey, come on you two. Everybody's wondering where you are."

Taking her by the hand, Obi-Wan lead Chae back into the ballroom, with Asia leading the way.