Greetings to my loyal readers. I must profoundly apologize in the delay of this update. Some major real life events have been going on, which have kept me quite busy and don't not look to improve any time soon. I promise to get the next update out as quickly as possible, but if there are further delays, please don't think that I have abandoned the story. Thank you all so much for your patience and I hope you enjoy this next installment.

Emerald Green Queen: Sounds like you are having to fight through DRL too. I completely understand. I definitely like your perspective on romance in a story. I too feel that it gives a work a 'soul,' so to speak. Anakin's next gift, i agree is really obvious. However, the particulars of how that will come about is still very much in the air. Glad you liked the QG moment and as well as the nod to Luke's situation in ESB. While I enjoy writing different scenarios from canon, I do enjoy though keeping the connections alive and well with what happened in the movies. As for Ilianya, we'll find out soon what real role she had in the 'disappearance' of the threat. I'm thrilled that you like Padme's characterization. To me, in this set of circumstances, she's even more important than she was in canon, if you can believe that. Thanks so very much for reading!

Fortune Zyne: Thanks!

Naberrie Skylar: Well, I definitely like keep everybody on the edges of their seats. As for Padme's 'gift,' for the moment I would say that it is more of a practical nature. Of course, that can change with time ;). As for PDA's, look for more soon. Thanks for reading!

Ghostreaper181: Definitely some major changes in the sequence of events. Now we'll see if they have the affect we hope they will. Have to love Sabe's singular wit and yes, she seemed to have better timing this time around. Thanks for reading!

LetNys: Thanks so much. I enjoy making subtle and not so subtle connections to the OT. Thanks for reading!

Sweet Christabel: Happy to read that the mush is just right. I agree that too much can detract from the story. Thanks so much for reading!

Kates Master: Thanks so much. Glad you liked!

Lady Kiara Skywalker: I appreciate the warm thoughts and thanks for the support!

Darth-Taisha: Glad you liked the QG scene. As for Anakin, I've always felt that his powers and abilities got overshadowed by his arrogance in the movies. That said, going down the road where he begins to realize the depths of his gifts will lead to other problems and issues. Thanks so much for reading!

EpisodeSkywalker: Absolutely I'm enjoying your reaction to the cliffes ;). I thought this one though to be relatively less evil than the previous ;). I can understand your viewpoint concerning Ellise; however, in future chapters we will get a better sense of where she stands. Glad also that the story makes you smile. I'm happy to hear that. Thanks so much for reading!

Random Shinobi: Thanks for catching my astrophysical snafu. Shame on me. You are quite correct in that the phenomenon that was detected was a gravimetric wave. I. however, used the term seismic more to create the image of the weapon Jango Fett used in AotC which used a high energy distortion to destroy the asteroids while OW gave chance. However, I digress. In terms of their detection, in our universe, NASA has been working on a probe that is going up in the next decade that would be able to measure gravimetric disturbances from litteraly hundreds, perhaps thousands of light years away. So while I'm writing science fiction here, apparently there is some link to some true science. Plus, my training is primarily in the biological sciences and it has been a number of years since I've taken a physics course so you will have to please excuse the moments when I draw on creative license rather than practical, empirical application. As far as me being vague, trust me, there is a reason ;). Thanks for reading!

Pokey: Yes!

Lokigirl: I think Anakin is just as powerful but in this story he will be more aware of this fact and all that implies. Thanks so much for reading.

NothingFeelsGood: Happy to know that you enjoyed the Anakin scene. I wasn't too sure how well it would be received. Thanks so much!

The lush, green world of Kuat was a welcomed sight to Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, and probably even more so to his new apprentice, who had been held up within the Telos medicenter for weeks. Although troubled by taking Jaden as his student before speaking to Sabé about it, Obi-Wan couldn't help feeling exhilarated being on an actual mission once again. For the moment he could not remedy the situation, so he would do as Qui-Gon had taught; he would focus on the present.

The Kuati shipyards produced some of the most technologically advanced ships found anywhere in the Republic. Governments from thousands of systems had brokered deals with the Kuat leadership to help build their own planetary navies. Politically, this exchange of ships and technologies gave Kuat a strong, influential presence in the Senate, which explained why the Jedi were immediately called upon by the Supreme Chancellor's office to investigate the disappearance of the esteemed Professor Tojas Zhall.

The Professor had been the Kuati, as well as the Republic's leading authority on astrophysics and aeronautical engineering. He had held distinguished faculty chairs at universities in twelve different systems. Zhall had also been the principle designer of the hyperdrive-enabled docking rings utilized by the Jedi Order. According to the Kuati government, Zhall was heading for a symposium on the western hemisphere when he disappeared. Obi-Wan's orders were to make contact with the High Council, and to be prepared to launch an investigation into the Professor's death if one was warranted.

Obi-Wan set his datapad down on his lap while roughly rubbing his face. His loud grunt of frustration over the little information provided by the Kuati hierarchy caught Jaden's attention. The boy was looking straight in his direction when he opened his eyes.

"Something troubling you?"

"I should ask the same of you, Master." Jaden grinned.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Oh, it's nothing life threatening. I typically prefer more information about an assignment."

"Perhaps it is like what you said on Telos," the boy observed. "This is simply a big misunderstanding."

"I'm not so sure of that now," Obi-Wan admitted, nervously stroking his beard.

"Do you sense something, Master?"

"Possibly," he said softly. "But, a good Jedi does not give into preconceived notions until he has all the facts."

"I think there is more to this than they told the Chancellor," Jaden replied.

"Oh?" Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow. "On what evidence do you base that observation?"

Jaden suddenly shifted nervously in his seat. "Along with the lack of detail as to what we are needed for...it's just…just a feeling I have."

"While insight serves us well as Jedi," Obi-Wan said with a half smile, "the rest of the galaxy operates on hard, cold empirical fact."

"I'll try to remember that, Master." Jaden huffed, folding his arms snugly.

Obi-Wan couldn't help smiling at the boy's frustration. In that moment, he saw himself in his student's place, trying to argue a point with Qui-Gon who seemed to need the last word. And it didn't help that Qui-Gon had almost always been right.

The pilot of their small shuttle poked his head into the cabin. "I beg your pardon, Master Jedi. We will be arriving at the capital's landing facilities in five minutes."

"Thank you, Captain." Turning towards Jaden, Obi-Wan flashed him a wink. "This is where the fun begins."

The Jedi Archives.

The place still made her feel like a youngling. Siri tried to employ several calming techniques that she had used over the years, but none seemed to work. Perhaps it was the fact that she had once vexed the Chief Librarian, Jocasta Nu to the point where her former Master had to seek both Masters Yoda and Windu's intervention to regain her access after an innocent prank went sour. For years after the incident, Mistress Nu always kept a watchful eye on Siri anytime she entered the supposed hallowed halls of the archives.

Siri wished that the need to come to this place was just as trivial. She had been troubled enough when she and Ferus were immediately ushered into an emergency, closed-door session of the Council upon their arrival. More frightening still were the worried stares and silent whispers exchanged amongst the room's august occupants when they saw the golden scepter retrieved from the doomed tomb. Master Yoda had immediately ordered Ferus and Siri down to the Archives where Mistress Nu could identify the relic.

Siri sensed the raw power of the Darkside grow stronger as they journeyed closer towards Coruscant. Perhaps it was aware it was drawing nearer to the Jedi Temple? At the same time, the thought that the artifact could respond in such a manner made her skin crawl. But dutifully Siri masked her trepidation from her student.

"Knight Tachi," The Librarian coldly addressed her.

"Mistress Nu," Siri responded as both she and Ferus bowed respectfully.

"Given the time of night, I assume that this is important."

"The Council wanted me to bring this to your immediate attention," Siri answered, offering the metal case, which enclosed the artifact.

"What is this?" Mistress Nu carefully placed the case down on a nearby table.

"We found it on Korriban's moon," Siri said, and then hesitated briefly before continuing. "It was in the tomb where Master Yaddle…"

The older woman appeared pain-stricken. "I'm happy to see that your fate differed from hers.'

"So are we," Ferus interjected.

Mistress Nu looked up and briefly grimaced before turning her attention back towards the case. "Now, let's see what you got here." Her face then paled when she saw the scepter. Siri noticed Mistress Nu taking a step back before removing the object.

"Do you know what this is?" Siri asked.

Jocasta carefully inspected the artifact, drawing its long handle towards her face. "Hmmm…very interesting," she mumbled under her breath.

"What is?" Ferus questioned impatiently.

Siri looked over her shoulder, giving him a stern look of warning before returning her undivided attention to Mistress Nu. "Find something interesting?"

"Perhaps." The librarian handed the weapon over to Siri, who had hoped never to hold it again. "Hang on to that, young Siri. There is something I have to check."

Siri peered over at Ferus who was struggling not to laugh at her apparent unease. Strangely, since their meeting with the Jedi Council, she could no longer since the unusual surges of dark energy that had been radiating from the artifact. Siri had thought that it would grow strong in defiance towards its new surroundings. But the scepter, at least for the moment, did not want to make its presence felt.

"Tell me," Mistress Nu called out from her small office, drawing Siri back to the moment. "Did you find any kind of statue near the relic?"

"As a matter of fact, we did." Siri responded. "The scepter was in the hands of an onyx statue."

A momentary lapse in response piqued Siri's curiosity, causing her to peer around the holobook shelf and into the archivist's office. A large, wooden desk sat in the middle; Mistress Nu was hovered over it, engrossed with the information on one of the many datapads that sat atop it. Siri took two more steps forward before Mistress Nu turned to look over at her. "Still the curious one."

Siri couldn't help but grin. "Some habits die hard, I suppose."

The elderly woman flashed a quick smile. "Quite." She picked up the datapad and closed the distance between Siri and Ferus. "I believe you have discovered the Staff of Marka Ragnos."

"Marka Ragnos," Siri repeated to herself. "He was a very powerful ancient Sith Lord."

Mistress Nu nodded once. "I'm glad that you remember your history. Yes, you are correct."

"What is so important about a dead Sith's staff?" Ferus interrupted.

Mistress Nu stared harshly at him. "Ragnos was no ordinary dark lord. He was perhaps the most powerful Sith ever. There are many accounts from the Jedi of that era which said that his strength was so great, he had uncovered many mysteries of the Force, including existence itself." Siri and Ferus exchanged puzzled glances before Nu continued. "It was said that just before he died, Ragnos had learned how to manipulate the midi-chlorians themselves…that he could sustain life indefinitely."

"Apparently those are only stories," Ferus scoffed. "You said it yourself, Mistress Nu: he died."

"Ah, you forget the true nature of the Sith, young Padawan." The Librarian scolded. "Even the most powerful Dark Lord, in the end, was still only mortal."

"The other Sith must have learned his vulnerabilities and destroyed him," Siri observed.

"Quite right, Master Tachi." Mistress Nu praised. "Ragnos lived millennia before the rule of two and it took nearly all the Sith of that era to defeat him.

"That is all well and good," Ferus said impatiently. "What does that have to do with the scepter?"

"Understanding what type of creature Ragnos was should give you insight on how terrible anything associated with him would be," Jocasta retorted.

"Is there anything written about its purpose? Siri asked.

Jocasta frowned as she lifted her datapad. "Rumors, mostly. Some said that it was used to influence the outcome of many battles. Others spoke of how it was utilized to channel more dark energy into Korriban itself." She then hesitated, catching Siri's attention.

"There's more, isn't there?"

Mistress Nu released a deep sigh. "There is…. but you will have to speak with Master Yoda before I can say anymore."

"We just spoke with the Council," Siri said confused. "Why wouldn't they…"

"The Council is not aware of this provision. Only the residing Grand Master can grant access to such…sensitive information."

"I suppose having us come visit Mistress Nu was Master Yoda's way of making sure that we would go back to him after the session," Ferus observed.

"Your insight serves you well, Padawan." Mistress Nu praised, slightly cracking a smile. "I believe he expects you both immediately."

"Thank you for your time, Mistress Nu." Siri bowed before motioning to Ferus to gather the case.

As they were about to leave, the Chief Archivist called out, "Master Tachi."

Siri turned around and quickly walked back towards her. "Yes?"

"A word of advice," she spoke softly. "Most who have come into contact with Ragnos' staff have fallen victim to its false promises of unlimited power. I pray that neither of you become another one of its casualties."

Siri shot a nervous glance over at Ferus who looked noticeably concerned. Returning her attention towards Mistress Nu, she gave her a curt nod and a smile. "We shall both be careful."

"I hope so…for both of your sakes." Mistress Nu earnestly replied. "May the Force be with each of you."

"And with you also, Mistress Nu." Siri replied as she and Ferus walked over to the nearby turbolift.

When they entered, Ferus whispered, "Do you think she was trying to scare us, Master?"

"I wish I knew, Ferus." Siri shrugged as the lift doors closed.

Anakin couldn't help but feeling enthralled.

Although normally preferring to fend for himself, he enjoyed having Padmé take care of him. Of course, Anakin would be more than happy to return the favor as soon as he was back on his feet. For the moment, he just relaxed on the small bunk inside the Sovereign's only quarters with Padmé curled up next to him. He felt himself drifting off when a soft, but annoying chime rang out incessantly.

Stirring, Padmé rub her eyes wearily before glancing over at the nearby panel. "Ah. Time to change your dressings."

"Already," he complained.

"You heard Yané's message about replacing the kolto patches every three standard hours."

"I suppose," Anakin reclined back folding his hands in back of his head. "Though I dislike feeling so useless. I really want to take a look around the ship. I can't believe Ellisé got her flying."

"We're fortunate that she did," Padmé answered, replacing the old wrapping with the new one. "A few more hours on that planet and we would have become permanent ice sculptures."

Anakin chuckled but stopped abruptly as he winced in pain.

"Still hurts?"

"Not as badly though, thanks to you."

Padmé smiled at him while she finished wrapping his other foot. "You will have to thank my father for that."

"What do you mean?"

"Before I went with him on my first refugee relocation mission, he insisted that I have some instruction in field medicine."

"I'll make sure next time we're out at the vineyard that I finish repairing the rest of his broken gatherer droids," Anakin grinned. "I'm sure that would make him quite happy."

"No doubt," Padmé giggled before placing the thermal socks back on his feet. "Speaking of my father, since we've professed our feelings to each other, you will have to seek his permission before we can officially court."

Anakin cocked an eyebrow curiously as he sat up. "What do you mean by officially court?"

"Well, you are courting the ruling Queen and there are…procedures," she answered cryptically.

"Procedures?" He asked, his anxiety rising.

"Nothing to worry about," Padmé reassured. "After you speak to him, we would be obliged to hold a formal ball declaring our intentions."

Anakin blinked rapidly. "You can't be serious, anera."

"What?" she answered with feigned hurt in her voice. "You don't want to publicly announce your intentions towards me?"

"It's not that, Padmé. It's just…" he swallowed.

"Just what?" She batted her eyelids playfully.

"I…uh…well…I haven't danced in quite a long time."

"We'll simply have to remedy that," she answered with a smile. Padmé was moving over to his right side when a soft knock at the cabin door caused her to pause. "Enter."

Ilianya poked her head inside, looking appraisingly at them. "Your Majesty…My Lord…Am I disturbing you?"

Anakin and Padmé exchanged a brief glance before the latter answered, "Not at all, General. Is there something we can help you with?"

"Actually, your Majesty, I would appreciate a moment to speak with Lord Skywalker in private, if that is acceptable to you?" Ilianya requested.

"It is," Padmé responded. "I need to check on my handmaidens and see if there is any news from home." Turning towards Anakin, she asked, "Do you need anything?"

"Only you," he answered with a smile.

"I won't be long," she said, leaning down to kiss him briefly. "Com me if you need anything."

"I will."

After Padmé left, Ilianya folded her arms and stared at his feet. "I'm surprised you didn't call on me to assist with your healing."

"I didn't wish to be presumptuous, General."

She flashed a brief smile before placing her hands on his feet. Within moments, Anakin could feel a comforting warmth radiate throughout his body which eliminated the pulsing pain. Ilianya then used the Force to remove the numerous bandages that had surrounded Anakin's suddenly healed feet. "Better?"

"Much. Thanks."

She nodded and sat down. "There is much for us to discuss."

"I agree," Anakin replied.

"That was some display of power you used back on the planet." Ilianya reflected.

"I thought it was Qui-Gon who had saved us from the avalanche?" He frowned.

"No, it was you," she replied, shaking her head. Ilianya stared at him silently briefly. "You have no idea how far your influence stretched, do you?"

"What do you mean?"

"What you saw was the result of a gravimetric wave triggered from two very powerful mines. It would have not only destroyed the planet, but everything else in that system." She informed him. "We too would have been killed, but your summoning the Force in such a…powerful manner caused the wave to… disappear."

"I wasn't even aware of what I did…or how I did it," Anakin admitted, swiveling from the bunk's edge in order to stand. He leaned next to the viewport, troubled by Ilianya's statement. "I never wanted this." Anakin then glanced over his shoulder at her. "All these powers…this supposed grand destiny I'm to fulfill…" He sighed deeply. "Nobody asked what I wanted or how I feel."

Rising to her feet, Ilianya moved closer but stopped several paces away from him. "I understand…perhaps more than you know." She shifted her gaze out the viewport as well. "I spent considerable time trying to fight my fate, but no matter what I did to avoid it…" She smiled, but to Anakin, it did not look like a sign of happiness. "It always found me, one way or another...as it will you, if you try to run away."

"What am I to do?" Anakin threw his hands up in frustration. "It seems I have no choice."

Illianya covered the distance between them, then stood silent for several moments, contemplating his question. "I don't have any answers to give you. But what I can offer is to show you the many mysteries of the Force. Then you will know everything that you need."

Anakin offered a nod of acceptance before his eyes trailed over to his lightsaber, which sat atop an adjacent nightstand. "So, I take it you will teach me new ways to use that?" he motioned with his chin.

Ilianya scoffed. "Before I teach you how to inflict men's wounds, I will first show you how to heal them."

Anakin offered her a brief smile before looking away, once again. "When do we begin?"

"That entirely depends upon you."

Jaden could barely contain himself

Never in his wildest dreams had he ever see himself on a diplomatic mission, let alone going on one with none other than the legendary Obi-Wan Kenobi. It took every single one of the calming lessons that he had learned from Master Yaddle to keep from shouting out in joyful exuberance. Still, he was a Jedi and he had a duty to perform. There would be time later to exult over his good fortune.

The building that housed Kuat's High Council was surprisingly nondescript and technologically simplistic. Unlike the other structures in the area, which were obviously more modern, this one was much more compact, with only a few windows and two large columns at its entrance. Jaden had recalled reading in his mission briefing that it had survived several civil wars. After the last global conflict, which had occurred several millennia prior, it became a symbol of pride for the Kuati people.

As Obi-Wan and he entered the Council's chambers, the sound of a heated discussion echoed loudly, despite their arrival.

"We do not need the Jedi to get involved in a state matter," a thin man, dressed in royal blue robes, argued. "My people can handle the investigation."

From a semi-circular table that sat at the base of the room, an elderly man who sat at its apex stated, "The Council has already ruled on the matter, Constable Recht. Professor Zhull's disappearance is a matter that not only affects our world, but potentially the Republic itself. The Jedi will only help expedite the process."

Jaden wanted to say something—anything—to defend their presence. However, a quick glance at Obi-Wan left no doubt that he should follow his mentor's lead and remain silent.

"I hope we weren't interrupting anything important?" Obi-Wan finally addressed them.

"Not at all, Master Jedi." The elderly gentleman motioned for them to approach.

"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my apprentice, Jaden Fai. We've come at the behest of the Supreme Chancellor."

"I am Prime Minister D'val." He paused then pointed at the thin man, offering him a scornful look. "This is Constable Recht, head of planetary security. My apologies to you both for having to hear that outburst, but, Professor Zhall's disappearance has us all a little bit on edge."

"That is quite alright," Obi-Wan said with a hint of a smile. "We would appreciate it, though, if you could provide any additional information surrounding the circumstances of the Professor's disappearance."

The two Kuati looked pensively at one another before the Prime Minister responded. "Unfortunately, Master Kenobi, the communiqué we sent to the Chancellor is all we have to provide."

Jaden could not help frowning. His senses told him that there was more to this Professor's disappearance than what they were being told. Yet he sensed no deception from either D'val or Recht. Still, the notion that this was a simple misunderstanding was now moot. Something felt wrong. He knew there was an answer to the mystery, but for the time being it still eluded him.

A young page entering the room broke Jaden out of his ruminations. They younger boy snaked his way around the Jedi, making haste towards the Prime Minister. The elderly gentleman smiled warmly upon taking the proffered note. Returning to his chair, he read it quickly before looking back up at them. "It seems that we're in luck."

"Sir?" Constable Recht broke his silence.

"Apparently, some wreckage was found outside of Lon Ichtenden, and it appears to be the remnants of Professor Zhall's ship."

Jaden looked quizzically at Obi-Wan, who was already speaking. "Then we should travel there to find out if he escaped the crash."

"My people can handle it," Recht frowned at them.

"As long as Zhall is missing, I want the Jedi involved in every facet of the investigation," D'val ordered. "Is that clear?"

"Understood, sir." The constable gritted his teeth.

"Then shall we?" Obi-Wan motioned towards the door, moving slightly to the side to allow Recht to pass.

"Follow me," he grunted. "My transport is nearby."

While walking out of the Council's chambers, Jaden whispered to Obi-Wan, "This definitely hasn't been our day for warm welcomes, Master."

Obi-Wan guffawed and shook his head. "Better get used to it," he said with a mischeivious glint in his eye. "Such is our lot in life."

TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are most appreciated!