Nyla spent nearly 30 minutes reporting on the incident that took place on Serenno. She looked each one of the Jedi Council members in the eye as she explained why she needed to see Dooku, and why she offered Master Itso's kyber crystal to him.

She revealed to them much that they did not know about her Master. In her story, she explained that the crystal was heavily sought after by Dooku for its unique properties. The Council knew Itso claimed his last lightsaber crystal from an unlikely source, though it came as a surprise to those seated about that the previous blade had been the property of Count Dooku himself. Master Itso had defeated Dooku in battle just before the war on Geonosis. He'd answered the call of the crystal, purified it, and used it as his own. This was a rarity so far in the Jedi Order, and Dooku...blinded by greed and anger from losing a duel...made Deveron Itso pay with his life.

Nyla had been a witness to it all. She'd accompanied her Master on that trip, not knowing it'd be their last trip together as Master and Padawan. And though the outcome had affected her for the rest of her days, she was glad she'd been there. She had retrieved her Master's saber from Dooku, and never let the coveted crystal out of her sight.

When Nyla finished, the Jedi Council was at a loss for words. She avoided their stares and soft murmurs, fearing the worst. They then politely asked that she wait outside as they spoke with Anakin next.

She couldn't blame them for wanting to talk to Anakin alone. However, the thought brought a faint smile to Nyla's face. It appears as though the Council does want to hear what Anakin had to say about the battles, she thought. She wondered if Anakin would still be angry afterwards, or as angry as he had been on Serenno, after telling his side of the story of their unexpected mission together.

And so, in the solemn silence outside the Council meeting room, Nyla waited. Sometimes she paced; other times she sat silently, eyes closed, meditating. She really had no idea how much time had passed until the doors finally opened. To her surprise, Obi-Wan was the first to exit.

"Jedi Xemo."

"Master Kenobi." Nyla studied his expression, which gave away none of his thoughts.

"If I may have a few moments with you?" His hand gripped her elbow gently, though he did not smile. "Alone?"

"Absolutely."

They walked together in silence; Obi-Wan's hand never leaving Nyla's arm. She didn't ask where they were going, and Obi-Wan didn't tell her. He did, however, make sure no one was following them. She thought this rather peculiar, but trusted that whatever he wanted to discuss had very much to do with what went on inside the Council meeting. She tried to prepare for whatever anger or disappointment he and the Council may have felt for her and her choices. She stood by those choices, but she wasn't looking forward to hearing what Obi-Wan felt about those choices. His disappointment with her would sting the most.

They turned a corner and Obi-Wan glanced over his shoulder once again. When they were absolutely alone, Obi-Wan ducked into a nearby room, pulling Nyla inside with. She watched as he tapped a few instructions into the keypad, and the heavy door slid to a close.

"Obi-Wan, what's going-"

He stepped into her, silencing her with his mouth. His hands moved along her neck to her face, cupping hard as his kiss deepened. As taken aback as Nyla was by the suddenness of his kiss, it took no time for her to find her rhythm with him again. She was just beginning to get lost in the strength of his need when he pulled back.

"Do you know how hurt you could have gotten?" he breathed.

She went to answer, but his mouth was once again devouring hers. When he broke the embrace this time, she gasped for air. Obi-Wan's full and thoughtful gaze was staring back at her when she finally opened her eyes, and...was that fear she saw?

"Do you know what may have happened to you if we hadn't come?"

The short beard about his mouth did little to conceal the tension in him. Nyla felt how rigid his entire body was, consumed by the what-ifs and the what-may-have-beens. His eyes, so large and expressive, revealed the very thoughts he wasn't giving voice to. Nyla blinked, trying to process it all. "Obi-Wan, I-"

He kissed her again, and this time, it was the kind she remembered best whenever she thought of their night together. It was slower, full of his desire for her and not his fear of losing her. When their mouths parted, their foreheads remained touching.

Obi-Wan felt the heat of embarrassment rise to his face. "I'm sorry, I just..."

"I know" Nyla said softly. "I'm sorry, too."

"Why go alone?" He lifted his forehead, but his eyes stayed centered on hers. "Why go alone, when you have me?"

When you have me. Nyla was more surprised by those words than any of his abrupt kisses. Looking into his eyes then, the fear she sensed was once present was completely gone, replaced now by duty. But there was something else there...something Nyla wasn't sure she'd seen before in Obi-Wan: a sliver of desperation in his stare.

"Lean on me, Nyla." He took her hands in his. "Call on me. Use me. Allow me to be at your side. Just...please don't think you have to do all the work alone."

She lowered her gaze to his chest. Everything Obi-Wan said was the truth, though it didn't make it easier having to explain her decision again. "It was just something I had to do" she replied. "I couldn't have called you away from your duties alongside Master Windu, and I didn't think you'd understand my reasoning anyhow."

Obi-Wan tipped her chin upwards with a single finger, greeting her gaze with a smile. "I may not understand, but I'll still back you. To be honest, I hardly understand any of Anakin's choices, but I support him nonetheless. Sometimes I'm rewarded, many other times, though..." He raised an eyebrow, eliciting a chuckle from Nyla.

The moment between them helped ease the tension, and Nyla felt Obi-Wan's body relax more beneath her touch. While it felt good to be this way with him again, Nyla still felt some apprehension over what went on in the Council room without her. If she thought she could hide this from Obi-Wan, she was mistaken.

"Is there something troubling you?" he asked, concern slipping into his voice.

"The Council" Nyla began. "Are they upset?"

"Quite the opposite" Obi-Wan replied. He gave her arms a reassuring squeeze. "They're impressed with your fortitude and resourcefulness. Although, something about your story struck me as rather odd."

"Oh?" She watched as Obi-Wan's hand went to his beard; a trait she was beginning to adore.

"The kyber crystal" he said, "why go through all the trouble to give it to Dooku in the first place? I understand that, according to your tale, Master Itso's lightsaber provided some sort of wealth or power that Dooku wanted, but...why not keep it for yourself?"

A smile spread across Nyla's face. She took a step back and reached inside her jacket. Obi-Wan studied her with some perplexity as she lifted a crystal from her jacket.

"I gave him a synthetic one" she said, holding it proudly between two fingers. "This is the real one." With some satisfaction, she watched the true clarity of her plan as it took hold of Obi-Wan. "So now, when Dooku thinks to tap into my Master's crystal, he'll actually be-"

"-tapping into nothing" Obi-Wan finished, "And he won't actually know it until-"

"It explodes" they said in unison.

Obi-Wan's face broke into a huge grin. "You brilliant, brilliant woman."

Nyla was about to respond, but again, she was silenced by Obi-Wan's kiss.

Night had fallen on Coruscant, and Nyla awoke from her slumber. She glanced about the room as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Pillars of cool light filtered through the window covers, casting slivers of shadows across the bed where she and Obi-Wan lay. It took her a moment to realize she'd been dreaming. Fragments of the dream came back to her as she sat upright: red dirt, a hazy sun, dust swirling around her like a twister. It hadn't been a nightmare, but it was strange enough to wake her.

She sat there for a moment in the shadows, letting her mind clear. Next to her, Obi-Wan shifted quietly. He was asleep on his stomach, arms comfortably under the pillow that supported his head. As he stirred, a few rogue pieces of hair fell over his brow.

As if he could look any more handsome, Nyla thought unfairly. As tempted as she was to brush the hair from his face, she didn't want to disturb him. She did, however, allow her eyes to run the length of his bare back to the strong shoulders that carried so much weight besides that which was physical. Each muscle was an entire story to her, one she wanted to memorize from beginning to end. Earlier that night, she'd had the pleasure of learning a new chapter in that story. She could still feel lingering pressure between her legs to prove it.

She couldn't help but smile a little. At least that hadn't been a dream.

As softly as she could, she emerged from the bed and padded barefoot across to use the refresher. When she returned to the bedroom, Obi-Wan was awake. A drowsy smile played across his face in the moonlight.

"What is the time?" He lifted his arm, silently inviting her to join him.

"Not yet past 2." She snuggled back against his chest.

"Ahhh. Very good."

Obi-Wan's arms found their home around Nyla's waist, their fingers lacing together once their hands connected. The heat of his body provided a sense of a security as much as it warmed her against the chill in the room. That, combined with the gentle rise and fall of his chest against her back, was enough to send Nyla back to sleep with ease.

For Obi-Wan, sleep didn't come as easily. Nyla's body stayed tucked close against his, and he felt a sense of calm come over him that would have normally lead to sleep overtaking him. Instead, as he closed his eyes and tightened his embrace around Nyla, he thought he felt her breathing start to increase. Soon, her long eyelashes began to flutter against her cheeks as she lay agitated in his arms.

Concerned, Obi-Wan sat up. "Nyla" he whispered, his hand going to her shoulder. "Nyla, wake up." He watched her closely as she opened her eyes.

"Obi-Wan?" She stared up at him, slightly confused.

"You must have been dreaming" he said, settling back onto his side. "And it must have been quite the dream."

Nyla shifted onto her back and rubbed her eyes tiredly. "That's the second time tonight. At this rate, I'm almost afraid to try and sleep again."

"Would it help to talk about it?"

Nyla smiled, tracing the line of his beard with her fingers. "It's all just nonsensical stuff...Hardly cause for concern."

Obi-Wan nodded, and then allowed himself to kiss her. He and Nyla hadn't risked many nights staying together since the first time they were intimate. In those few instances, however, he noticed how much better he'd slept when he was beside Nyla. He wasn't proud of this, but on the nights he slept without Nyla beside him, it felt more lonely than ever. It brought back too many memories of a time long ago; a time of emotions that he had struggled to put behind.

But Obi-Wan wanted to change that. He wanted to be with Nyla more, the more that he was with her. In the years following his time with Satine, Obi-Wan had plenty of time to consider all the mistakes he'd made. Many were the result of youth and inexperience, others were shortcomings that he could have easily fixed. Now, with Nyla, not only were old emotions being reawakened, but so was his desire to make right what he didn't do...or wasn't able to do...with Satine.

Looking down at Nyla then, with her milky skin drenched in moonlight, her high cheekbones hidden by just a touch of her dark hair, her full mouth smiling up at him...he was never more certain that he wanted to do things with her correctly.

"Hey." Nyla tapped Obi-Wan on the tip of his nose. "Where'd you go?"

He blinked, returning from his thoughts to the present moment. For a split second he considered telling Nyla about his troubled past with Satine, the struggles he had with the life he devoted himself to and all the beliefs and ideals that came with it. Right now, in this bedroom, he continued to question the Code he lived by as he shared a connection with someone who made him feel alive and frightened all at once.

He wanted to tell her, and yet, he was frightened to do so. Frightened more than I care to admit, he thought. He felt the same amount of fear when he realized she had gone to confront Dooku.

I already lost Satine. If I should lose Nyla also...

"Obi-Wan?" Nyla propped herself up so she was eye level with him.

But I can't tell her about Satine. Not yet. Not here.

"What is it?" Nyla asked.

Obi-Wan met her troubled gaze and shook his head. "Nothing." He reached over and caressed her cheek, his mouth forming a shy smile. "Just lost in my thoughts, I guess..."

"Again?" The smirk she gave him matched the playful tone of her voice.

Obi-Wan chalked Nyla's smile up as yet another weakness of his. He willingly lost himself in that weakness, shifting his body weight on top of her as her mouth opened willingly to his. The power of their Force bond was as awake as their bodies were in that moment; it hummed like a live wire, pulsing with energy in the room.

As their passion increased and their bodies became one, Obi-Wan quickly forgot all his fears and misgivings. He allowed himself to feel the realness of Nyla and her incredible body, but most of all, her Force energy, which matched his unlike any he'd ever felt.

Padme Amidala walked through the hallways of the Senatorial Complex to the new Jedi's temporary quarters. With instructions from Chancellor Palpatine, she was to escort the Jedi to his office for a brief meeting, to regale her efforts on the planet Serenno against Count Dooku and give her his personal thanks.

Truth be told, Anakin had already mentioned this tale to Padme when he arrived home from the abrupt mission. The high manner which her husband spoke of this Jedi made Padme all the more curious. Anakin had also mentioned, in utmost confidence, that he believed Obi-Wan had developed romantic feelings for her. Padme had found this especially curious. Now, it seemed, she would finally get the chance to meet this woman and put her curiosity to rest.

As she came upon the Jedi's quarters, Padme smoothed her hands over the front of her gown, giving her appearance a once-over. She wanted to give the best first impression possible.

Satisfied with her appearance, she knocked on the heavy metal door and waited.

Nyla hadn't been expecting anyone that morning. Obi-Wan left before the first light of dawn, and afterwards, Nyla indulged herself in falling back to sleep for a time. Now, as she readied herself for the day ahead, there came an unexpected knocking.

"One moment, please!" Quickly, she pulled a tan colored shirt over her torso, grabbed her belt and straightened it across the waistband of her dark pants, and headed for the door. She couldn't imagine who it might be that was calling upon her, though she hoped it wasn't anyone too important. Her hair was still slightly damp from the shower and left loose about her shoulders, not yet tied back in its usual braid.

As Nyla opened the door, she was only minimally taken aback by the regal woman standing before her.

"Jedi Nyla Xemo?" the woman asked.

"Yes?"

A hand was extended to her, as was a warm smile. "Padme Amidala, Senator from Naboo. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Nyla shook her hand, slightly shocked at the presence of a senator at her quarters. Her earlier years spent on Coruscant had given her enough exposure of the Senate and its members to last her a lifetime, but she didn't recall any of them being as young and as beautiful as the Senator who stood before her then.

"A pleasure to meet you, Senator Amidala. Please...come inside." Nyla offered the woman to join her within the room. "I'm afraid I wasn't notified of any Senate visits today? I apologize for not being more prepared."

The Senator waved a hand. "No need for apologies. You'll find I'm not like most others in the Senate."

Nyla was quickly realizing that. She folded her arms over her chest, studying her with friendly intrigue. "So, what may I do for you, Senator-"

"-Please, call me Padme." Her smile grew. "I'm a friend to the Jedi, and I've heard many great things about you in particular. I hope we can become friends, as I have with so many of those in your company."

Nyla gave an approving nod. "I see you're quite different already from the typical politician...and that is something I can get behind."

Padme bowed her head. "Thank you for that."

Senator Amidala was as lovely in looks as she was in speech, that much was certain to Nyla. The young Senator seemed hopeful in building a friendship, something Nyla wasn't exactly used to. She found it refreshing, compared to the formal, nauseating behavior of other senators that she'd come in contact with.

"So, Padme..." Nyla smiled. "How may I help you?"

"Chancellor Palpatine has summoned you to his office. He hopes to speak with you about your bravery on Serenno."

The Chancellor heard about that? Nyla wondered how and why it was even a concern of the Chancellor's, but...then again...he did seem to meddle in the affairs of the Council rather often. In the short time Nyla had been back on Coruscant she had noticed this...and disliked it.

"He sent me as an escort, if you would join me?" Padme asked, her large eyes full of encouragement. "Chancellor Palpatine is also from Naboo and we are quite close. It isn't often he wishes to speak one-on-one with a Jedi on their heroics, but he seems quite intrigued by your efforts."

"I'm sure he is." Nyla hoped the distaste she held for politicians wasn't too noticeable in her voice. She'd have to remember to be more careful going forward. "I'd be happy to join you. Lead the way."

The Senator saw them out, but not before Nyla could grab both her blaster and her light saber from the table. If Padme found it odd Nyla wanted to bring her weapons with her, she didn't show it one bit.

"Have you been enjoying your stay here?" she asked Nyla.

"It's had its ups and downs." She exchanged a smile with Padme. "But my living arrangement has been quite comfortable, if that's more your meaning?"

"Yes, and I'm glad to hear it! You are welcome to stay as long as you need, unless you plan on moving to the Temple?"

The notion had occurred to Nyla only once before, when they'd returned from Vanquor. If she was going to be a permanent fixture here, and her relationship...or whatever it was...with Obi-Wan was to continue, she'd have to commit to the way of living on Coruscant. The longer she remained here and fought alongside the others, the question of her moving would become a matter of necessity over choice. She just hadn't really thought much about it, between Ryloth, Vanquor, and now Serenno.

Luckily for Nyla, the pair was stopped in the hall as two of Padme's fellow senators passed by. Padme greeting both of them and introduced Nyla, who happily shook their hands. As the senators spoke, Nyla waited, eyeing their exchange. From what she could gather, Senator Amidala was well respected, and seemed genuinely kind. A rare trait for a senator.

And if there are others in the Senate like her, perhaps the world of politics isn't as doomed as I once thought, Nyla considered.

When the small talk ended, Padme did not revisit the question about Nyla transitioning to the Temple, but moved on to talk about the Chancellor. She brought Nyla up to speed on the latest tasks within the Senate, and even invited her to attend a Senate meeting in the future. Nyla gracefully agreed, much to Padme's pleasure.

As they came to Chancellor Palpatine's office, Padme waved a slender arm towards the grand doors. "He's all yours. I hope your meeting goes well."

"You won't be joining?" Nyla asked, doing her best to hold back her disappointment.

"I wish I could, but I've got to get back to my own tasks." She gave Nyla a hug, holding on to her arms as they parted. "I do hope we'll have a chance to talk again, Jedi Xemo. It's not often I get to converse with a female Jedi...I find you all rather refreshing, to be honest."

Nyla laughed. "As refreshing as I find a female Senator?"

"Perhaps moreso" Padme joked.

With a few clicks of the keypad at the Chancellor's door, the entrance opened, and Padme took leave.

Waiting at the entryway were two guards, their solemn helmets concealing all facial features. Eyeing them cautiously, Nyla stepped inside the vast room. Her eyes were drawn first to large windows that lined the back wall, giving way to an unparalleled view of the sweeping skyline beyond. Handsome furniture placed in a semicircle around a much larger, single chair waited at the top of a small flight of stairs. Around the rest of the room stood statues of...various senators? Nyla couldn't guess. Whatever they were, they did little to bring a welcoming feel to the place. In fact, Nyla felt a subtle chill as she entered further into the Chancellor's quarters.

"Nyla Xemo! You've arrived!"

She turned to see Chancellor Palpatine drifting forward from an adjacent room. He was smiling, arms extended. His elaborate Senatorial robes made him appear as though he were drowning in the fabric; a small old man made larger by the opulence of his position.

"Do make yourself comfortable, would you?" He gestured towards the seating area at the top of the stairs.

She took his cue, selecting one of the chairs in the semicircle. It was almost as uncomfortable as the energy within the room.

Chancellor Palpatine took a seat across from Nyla and adjusted his robes, his smile never once faltering. "I've heard quite a few stories about you" he began, "they have been...most impressive."

Nyla bowed her head. "You are too kind, Chancellor." When she lifted her gaze, she thought she saw one corner of his mouth twitch.

"It isn't often that a Jedi takes it upon themselves to strike out on a lone mission. And certainly not one of your kind. If I'm not mistaken, the Council often frowns upon lone missions, don't they? You must have had a good reason for such courage."

One of your kind.

Frowns upon lone missions.

Good reason for such courage.

Three insults buried under pretty words and a polite tongue. Nyla saw right through him, and yet...smiled all the same.

"Again, you are too kind, my dear Chancellor" she replied, her voice thick with gratitude. "I appreciate your sense in knowing I wouldn't risk my fellow Jedi's lives if I didn't have good reason."

"Mmm hmm, of course." He laced his fingers together thoughtfully. "Count Dooku. He is quite powerful, yes?"

"That is what they say."

"Oh, he is." The Chancellor's smile broadened arrogantly. "How ever did you find a way to escape him?"

He's mocking me. Nyla breathed in and out slowly. He doesn't want to congratulate me, he wants to know how I did it.

"Someone with as long a list of grievances as Count Dooku" the Chancellor continued, "I'd think he would put up quite a fight."

"He did, for a time" Nyla answered.

"And yet, it seems you were able to make it back to Coruscant just fine."

"Yes. With the help of a few others." As best she could, she smiled at the Chancellor. "The Jedi are never really alone, even when they think they are. That's why our enemies, including Count Dooku, often find themselves in compromising positions." Nyla sat back in the chair calmly. "Such as being flung out a window, for example."

Chancellor Palpatine stared at her. Gone was the twinkle in his eyes and the haughtiness in his grin. Nyla waited quietly, studying the change that came over him.

After a moment of terse silence, Chancellor rose from his chair. "A drink, Miss Xemo?" He motioned to a clear glass decanter full of a deep purple liquid. "A toast, to your courage?"

She stood up as he began to pour her some. "Really, that's unnec-"

The Chancellor handed her the glass. "A toast, Nyla Xemo."

Icy cold energy swirled all around her. She took the glass, feeling this energy as it enveloped her. Something didn't feel right about being there. She sensed it from the moment she stepped inside, but now...now it was like the very room itself had frozen over.

"To your bravery, and quick, selfless thinking." Palpatine raised his glass. "And to the defeat of Count Dooku...for the time, that is."

Nyla waited until he drank first, then took a sip of the purple liquid. It provided the only warmth she felt in that room as it traveled through her body. She was glad to have something to hold on to as well, as she was having trouble resisting the urge to ball her fists each time the Chancellor spoke to her in his condescending tone.

"I hear you have only recently moved back to Coruscant." Palpatine's lips formed a tight smile. "From Takodana, no less."

"Yes, I, uh...I happened along Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker-"

"-I know the story, dear" he said, silencing her. "I know much more than you may think. The Jedi and I..." He turned his back to Nyla and stared out at the city beyond the windows. "Let's say we work closely together, moreso than any other previous Chancellor."

"Is there a reason that you, as opposed to any other previous Chancellor, feels the need to be so involved?" Nyla she took another sip, watching Chancellor Palpatine's proud shoulders stiffen ever-so-slightly at her comment. She was thankful the glass was hiding her smirk.

"I would think it was obvious" he retorted, turning back to her. "The Separatists and the Republic are at war. Every mission the Jedi are called to is directly related to everything we deal with on the Senate floor." He walked towards Nyla, hands clasped behind his back. "In fact, that is how I heard about your little foray on Serenno."

"Foray?" Nyla's knuckled tightened about the glass. "It was hardly a foray, Chancellor."

"Skywalker's report said otherwise."

What? No. Anakin wouldn't have made it out to be any more than a solo mission. I never asked him to come with me in the first place, why would he say otherwise?

"I'd like to ask a question of you, if I may" the Chancellor said, his smile all but disappearing. "You sense the power that Anakin Skywalker possesses, yes?"

Nyla hesitated. "Well, yes, he-"

"And do you, Nyla Xemo, agree that you have sensed some anger about him?"

The air in Nyla's lungs halted. How does he know this? She looked at Chancellor Palpatine then with great wonder. The surprise Nyla felt must have been visible on her face, because Palpatine was smiling again. It was a broad, cool smile indicative of unspeakable knowledge and awareness. The sight of it unnerved Nyla, so much so that all she could do was remain silent.

"Yes, it appears as though you have." Chancellor Palpatine seemed pleased. "I want you to know, you have nothing to be concerned about. Skywalker is...young. Brash. But - his heart is in the right place."

Nyla watched Palpatine closely as he spoke. He considered the floor as he took each step, his mind thoughtfully recalling Anakin as though he was a son and he was the proud father. While Palpatine spoke to Nyla, he never looked at her. He seemed to be in a daydream of sorts, and it struck Nyla as incredibly odd.

"Trust me, Anakin Skywalker is in good hands." The Chancellor turned to face Nyla finally, and all the expression was gone from his face. A steely stare was all he granted her. "I don't care to have others come to Coruscant and disrupt the order we have here. Especially those from planets who harbor the likes of smugglers, gamblers, and other such underground lifeforms."

Nyla set the glass down on the table with a heavy thunk. "If you'll excuse me, Chancellor. I don't prefer to continue conversations with those who so openly insult the planet of my birth." She turned to leave, anger throbbing in her temples.

Palpatine settled his arms against his stomach, hands slipping beneath the heavy fabrics contently. He was satisfied with the reaction by the Jedi, especially because she was finally ridding him of her presence. When she exited through the door and was no longer in sight, he settled back into his chair, reveling in the delight of iliciting anger in yet another self-righteous Jedi.