Yeah, I know, it took me forever to write and post this, and I apologize. My muse has been horribly silent these last few months. Anyway, for the purpose of clarity, *italics* (obviously without the bolding, I only use that in A/N's and whatnot) mean either independent thought or communication through a Jedi's bond with their master/girlfriend...well you get the idea. Also, for now, the format will be as follows: Chapters will alternate between the Naboo Crisis with Luminara and Barriss and the trip to Tatooine with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They will, of course, merge when Luminara and Barriss need to escape Naboo with the Queen and her party, and have to land on Tatooine. That'll also be around the point in this story when Anakin and Barriss first meet. And now, I believe I've revealed enough of what is to come, so for everything else? I guess you're all simply going to have to read to find out! Don't forget to review if you like what I'm doing! And now, on with the story!

Chapter Two

A few hours after having left Coruscant, Qui-Gon landed the small personal transport at the Mos Espa Spaceport. While en-route to Tatooine, Obi-Wan had received another piece to the puzzle with a short vision telling them the name of the Spaceport at which they needed to land. As they both left the cockpit, Qui-Gon decided it was time to try to once again curb his former Padawan's nervousness.

"So, how are things with you and Siri?" he asked casually. Obi-Wan sent him what could pass for a death glare.

Of all the times to bring that up, it has to be now? Obi-Wan thought. Before he could utter a word, Qui-Gon put a hand on his shoulder.

I am merely trying to get your mind off of your nervousness. And don't think I don't know what you two have been doing since the Council decided to abolish the no-attachments part of the Code, my dear former Padawan. Came Qui-Gon's calm yet teasing response. The color suddenly drained from Obi-Wan's face, only to be replaced by a deep red blush.

"How did you know?" he asked, somewhat dreading the answer.

"Come now, Obi-Wan. I've known for a very long time of the feelings you and Siri have for each other. You are both in love. It isn't so much of a stretch to figure out that after the Code was changed that you would both eventually wish to express your love by..."

"Please don't say it. I'm already embarrassed enough that you know what we've been doing together. I don't need to hear a detailed explanation of it out loud, Master." Obi-Wan said, trying desperately to find something to hide under. They'd been trying to be discreet, at least for a while anyway. Yes, the code had changed, but they wanted to have some discreet alone time to themselves first before telling their friends and their Masters. If Qui-Gon knew what they were doing already, then there was a good chance that Master Adi Gallia, Siri's own former Master, also knew.

"Very well, but only because we are about to leave the ship, and only because you asked nicely. Still, I am happy for you, Obi-Wan. I know it was very hard for you to ignore your feelings for each other all those years ago to keep in line with the Code. I never much cared for that part of the Code myself and it hurt me to have to end your relationship before it even began." Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan nodded. He remembered when Qui-Gon had fallen in love when Obi-Wan was still just a young Padawan. Then she had been killed on a mission and it had nearly driven his Master over the edge. He still didn't know why Qui-Gon had stopped himself from murdering Tahl's killer, as he was certain that he hadn't been the one to stop him. Obi-Wan never asked, however, as he respected his Master's privacy. If and when Qui-Gon decided to tell him, he would.

As soon as they exited the ship, they were greeted by the spaceport's dockmaster, a male Twi-lek with . Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had been to Tatooine once before and remembered quite well that most dealers and markets there didn't take Republic credits. This time they'd had the foresight bring along a credit chit that was basically connected to the Temple's discretionary fund, which was quite ample, and would simply convert Republic Dataries to Wuipiupi, the main currency that was accepted on Tatooine.

"Jedi? Here On Tatooine? In Mos Espa no less! What brings you here?" the dockmaster asked.

"My friend and I are here on business, nothing more. Not anything you need to be concerned with, of course." Obi-Wan said.

"Eh, what does it matter what business you're here to attend to, makes no difference to me. So long as it keeps me out of trouble I'm fine with that. There's enough of that outside this place anyway." the dockmaster replied.

"Don't worry, we have no intention of getting into any sort of trouble." Obi-Wan answered.

"Thats good to know. Look, I'd love to let you put your ship down here for free, but you know how the Hutts are. They jail anyone for even a credit less than what the regular charge is. Some even get fed to the saarlac." the dockmaster told them.

"Well we wouldn't want that now, would we?" Obi-Wan said, and gave the dockmaster the credit chit who transferred the appropriate funds to the Spaceports account and returned the chit to Obi-Wan.

"Well, there you are. Enjoy your stay at Most Espa, Master Jedi." the dockmaster said and strolled away. Obi-Wan looked over at Qui-Gon and smirked.

"You know, you could have said something at any time. I didn't have to do all the talking." he said.

"You should be the one to have the lead for this trip, since it is because of you that we are here. It is only fair to allow you to do the talking while I simply observe and offer advice as needed." Qui-Gon answered.

"I'm having a difficult time imagining you as a silent observer, Master. It is, after all, you who always had the lead in all our time together." Obi-Wan said. After a moment of silence, Obi-Wan looked over at him only to see Qui-Gon seemingly staring off into the distance. I do hope he hasn't discovered a lowly life form to save again. he thought. As if on queue, Qui-Gon looked back at him.

"I apologize, Obi-Wan. I was momentary distracted. I sense something here. Not at the spaceport, but close by. There is a very strong Force presence here." Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment, and realized his Master was right. There was something, or someone, here, and the Force was indeed nudging him toward it.

"I sense it too, Master. I think we've located what we've come for, and rather quickly I might add. I don't think I want to be here any longer than necessary" Obi-Wan said. Qui-Gon looked at him quizically.

"The Force has given you our answer as to why we're here?" he asked.

"Not entirely. All I know is that the presence we sense is what we came here for. I think it's a person, but I'm not sure. All I know is that we must find this presence. Once we do, I believe we'll know what must be done next." Obi-Wan replied.

"Well then, lead on, Master Kenobi." Qui-Gon teased. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and gave a slightly exasperated sigh. His Master was enjoying this just a bit too much.

And I shall leave it off there. I was going to add much more, but I think that's for another time, and it would have made this chapter a bit too long for my tastes. Anyway, next chapter Luminara and Barriss go down to Naboo and meet the Queen! I should have that chapter ready to post in a few days, but don't hold me to that, LOL!