Disclaimer; My name isn't Lucas. Period.
Eight Years Later –
Ansion: a planet of the mid-rim. Most could sum it up into few words, such as: small, backwards, old fashioned, and unimportant to most of the Galactic Republic. However, it seemed to have had company of special significance as the atmosphere was disturbed by four Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptors – or Jedi Starfights – anxious to make their return to Coruscant.
"Well, that was tedious." Nineteen-year-old Anakin Skywalker complained into the communicator between the ships. "I almost thought that my birthday would be missed if we stayed any longer. I can't wait to get back to Coruscant."
"Come on, Skywalker," fellow Padawan, Barriss Offee, reprimanded, "It wasn't too bad."
"Oh really?" Anakin's tone was somewhat incredulous "Says the girl who got kidnapped. You do realize that they sent out assassins for us, right? Good thing we got on the Borokii's good side." he countered quickly.
"Oh, please," the Mirialan girl replied, "You act as if that was the hardest thing you've ever had to do. I have to admit, Skywalker, I never knew you could sing though – personally I think they let us go because they couldn't bear to let such a voice's last utterance be in death. It would be too strange to for pain to have melody." she teased.
Anakin shuddered and grimaced, he didn't really want to sing, but it was only because he had no other choice – sing or die. Uh, not much thought went into that one. "Yeah okay, whatever. At least I was a little more creative than acrobats." he snapped back.
"Hey! My acrobatics were just as good. At least I –" Barriss began to argue defensively.
"Anakin! Barriss!" Master Unduli's reprimanding voice came over the line, "Enough! We did what we had to to survive the mission. You did well, the both of you. If we had not worked together we would not have gotten out of the danger we were in. So stop squabbling like children, Qui-Gon's trying to talk." both padawans fell silent in turn.
"Now that you're both listening," the communicator crackled with Qui-Gon's voice, "I'll say what's next. Anakin, you and I are to return to Coruscant; while Master Unduli and Barriss go on their next mission. I'm setting the coordinates for hyperspace, I suggest you do the same, Anakin."
"Yes, Master" Anakin replied, punching in the numbers on his computer. "I'm ready whenever you are." he told the older Jedi.
"Excellent. May the Force be with you, Luminara, Barriss." Qui-Gon simply said.
"May the Force be with you Qui-Gon." Luminara replied as his ship jumped to hyperspace, heading toward Coruscant.
"Showoff" Barriss grumbled as Anakin tilted his ship a few times in salute, then followed his master – disappearing among the innumerable stars.
Anakin landed his fighter in the Jedi Temple's hangar, noticing immediately that Obi-Wan was waiting for them – their 'welcome home' committee. He opened the cockpit, climbing out of the fighter with a large grin firmly set on his face.
"Well hi, Obi-Wan, you don't need to come and welcome me home. Even though I'm truly touched by this most gracious sentiment. I'm perfectly fine thanks, the mission went very, very well" Anakin teased, placing a hand to his heart in mock sentiment.
Obi-Wan chuckled, "Its always nice to see you home. It reminds me how much I like being on a mission." he replied in kind.
"You mean you leave because of me? That hurts me Obi-Wan, truly it does." Anakin feigned hurt, looking as if he would cry – All in jest of course.
At that moment, Qui-Gon approached them, "I'm glad to see you, Master" Obi-Wan greeted with a slight bow of the head.
"Its good to see you as well, Obi-Wan. How was your time with Senator Greyshade?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Marvelous. The Financial Reform Act was stalled after there was discovered a connection between the Senator's assassination plot and the Act. Though now there is a debate of whether it was a good thing, or may have just aggravated our current situation further." Obi-Wan answered with a slight chuckle.
"Always the way with these senators." Qui-Gon added, "They can never make their minds up. Bickering about things until the subjects no longer matter."
"But you can't say that of all senators," Anakin interjected quickly, "I think that some of them are actually wanting to do the best for the people." he thought of the Chancellor, and how kind he was – Padmé was a senator now as well, and from what he'd heard, she was very concerned about the Republic. A champion of democracy he would even argue.
"Some do, but there is always corruption to destroy things which are created for the better good. Remember this, my Padawan, where there is corruption, bad decisions will always follow. Many of the senators are this way." Qui-Gon explained to his padawan.
"Senator Peregrine isn't like that" Anakin argued in return.
"No, Tristan is one of the very few genuine ones. Nevertheless, he is a politician. You remember how he signed that bill to save Ozara's life? That was very political, very dangerous. Even he has weaknesses, others will exploit that." Qui-Gon answered, effectively shutting Anakin up.
Obi-Wan chuckled, "Funny that should be brought up" he said, "We have been invited to dinner at the Peregrines. Apparently both Leiana and Ozara are on Coruscant, and the Senator found out about Anakin's birthday. We are to celebrate it with them." he looked at Anakin, just waiting for the boys look.
"We're – we're going to see them?" Anakin asked, looking at Qui-Gon. His eyes shone with happiness, and obvious eagerness.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchanged a look, then burst out laughing, "I'll check with the Council" Qui-Gon said, "If they have nothing for us to do, then yes." Anakin smiled widely, then resumed his composure.
"Get some sleep Anakin, if I recall correctly, you haven't slept for a good 48 hours." Qui-Gon said concernedly.
"Thank you Master" he said, bowing to Obi-Wan and his master. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Anakin" the other Jedi chorused as the younger man left.
"Do you think it's wise, Master?" Obi-Wan asked when Anakin was out of hearing range.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Qui-Gon inquired.
"I remember that Ozara was very close to Anakin, that might not be the best for either of them." the Knight replied.
"I believe that it would not harm either if they met again. They are older, and no doubt their friendship will continue – whether it's stronger or weaker I don't know. I see no harm in it. Besides, I have been thinking about seeing my old friend. It gives me a good excuse." Qui-Gon replied, patting his old Padawan on the shoulder.
"Does he still dream about his mother?" Obi-Wan asked, referring to Anakin. Qui-Gon shook his head.
"No. I contacted her last month, she's doing alright. His anxiety has been resolved, for now anyways." the Jedi Master replied.
"How is that? He hasn't spoken to her has he?" Qui-Gon nodded, "But Master, its against the Code. The Council would surely not agree."
"It is for the best for Anakin. If he keeps in contact with his mother, then he will be able to focus on his tasks better. He was worried, and I believe that because he was so old when he left her, that he should keep in touch." Qui-Gon explained.
"But Master-"
"You don't remember much of your own family, save your brother. I don't remember mine either. He remembers his mother more than anyone, except perhaps Senator Amidala and Ozara. Anakin is very protective of those who he cares for, and if he is in the unknown – then he is more in danger than if he knows." Obi-Wan nodded in understanding.
"Very well, Master. Although if the Council found out -"
"The Council doesn't need to know." Qui-Gon interrupted, silently conveying to Obi-Wan to not speak about the subject.
They walked out of the hangar, continuing in small talk about Qui-Gon's last mission.
Anakin sat up in bed, he couldn't sleep. 48 hours without rest, a hour ago he could have slept for a month. He was excited. He hadn't seen his childhood friend in eight years, hearing from others who had dealt with her father how the family was. He worried about the family like he worried about his mother, constantly finding out how they were.
From what he had gathered, Nadia and the Senator had married, having a few children of their own. The two girls had been sent to other planets for political training. Leiana was sent to Naboo five years ago, and had become an invaluable asset to – of all people – Padmé. She was now constantly with the Senator on Coruscant, and apparently every other male padawan who had met her was fascinated. Not that Anakin understood that, he never really found her that fascinating. Kind, perhaps, but she was demure and rather quiet. She wasn't like Padmé, she wasn't as strong-willed or confident. He wondered if he would see Padmé soon. . .he hoped he would. Perhaps if Leiana was Padmé's companion, they would meet by accident.
Ozara, however, he hadn't heard much. The Chancellor was the one person who seemed to know anything about Ozara. She had been staying on Alderaan for the last two years, with Bail Organa's wife Breha, from what he understood. This was her first trip to Coruscant, as Senator Peregrine had just moved permanently to 500 Republica.
'She's becoming a perfect politician' Palpatine had said, 'She has become very helpful to Senator Organa. He likes it, she's like the daughter he never had. No doubt, one day, she'll replace her father, and will represent her own planet. Either that, or her sister will.'
Fingering the pendant around his neck, he wondered about various things: what did she look like now? Had she changed as much as he had? Would she recognize him? Would she still be that stubborn, hardheaded, and odd girl he knew before?
Would their friendship still be the same?
His questions were bothering him but he knew he would not have answers until the next day. But it seemed so long until then, hopefully the Council wouldn't mind too much if they went. He'd have so much to tell her. That is – if she was still interested in listening to his stories about his life as a Jedi. What if she wasn't the way she used to be? This was his most concerning thought, and he tried to ponder on it.
His exhaustion, however, eventually won his thoughts over – and he fell; quite soundly, asleep.
In the Factory District of Galactic City, a starship deftly landed. Out strode an armored man, a helmet hiding his features. A bounty hunter from the look of it. From another ship which was a little further away, and better hidden, a tall man with a sweeping cape came forward.
"Jango" he greeted with a accent which distinctly indicated that he was from one the aristocratic planets on the outer-rim. Indeed he was, he was from Serenno.
"Lord Tyranus" the bounty hunter replied tersely, "I got your holo. So, Senator Amidala is coming tomorrow." he stated, not asked.
"Yes, she must not get to the Senate. My master's orders, she is to die on that platform where she lands. Is that understood?" Tyranus asked.
"Of course, My Lord. I shall see to it personally. I have someone who will do well, an assassin named Zam Wesell. She owes me a favor." Jango said under his helmet.
"Excellent." the Sith replied, "Get it done tomorrow, and My Master will reward you well" Jango nodded, and returned to his ship – while the Sith returned to his, and sped out of the hangar toward the place his Master had indicated. Geon