My thanks again to everybody who is reading and keeping up with the story. I truly do appreciate all your comments! We're getting closer to the end so I will try to keep posting on a fairly regular schedule. That also means that things should really start picking up. Enjoy!
Princess-Lalaith: I really appreciate you taking time to read both stories. Thank you again for the nice comments at the end of NC. While I think we all would enjoy seeing nothing but Anakin and Padme living blissfully together, I think knowing what else is happening in the galaxy gives even more importance to the time they do get with one another. Plus, sometimes it is fun to be part of the bad guy's plans as well ;). Thanks for pointing out Shmi's past I will say that it is a theme that will continue throughout this story, but won't get directly answered until possibly later. Glad too you liked the languages. I purposefully did not include translations this time as I wanted everybody to use their own 'take' on what was being said. As for SW languages online, I would suggest starting at Wookpedia and maybe the Royal Handmaiden Society and going from there. The different languages I've used have been borrowed from 'Earth' languages and mixed up. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Charlie-Hayden: I've admittedly have never been a fan of Panaka. Despite that, he has generally acted in the Queen's best interest, but we shall see if this will continue. Thanks for reading!
Bandqsecurityaw: Thank you very much!
Mlhkvh5: I'm glad you liked the mock battle. I recall when I did the 'trailer' for this story at the end of NC, getting tons of emails and PMs with everyone worried that Anakin had turned and was killing everyone off. Have to admit, it is fun putting in those little twists. I'm also glad to know you like OW's and Sabe's relationship. I think my underlying point was to say that type of 'secret' relationship could work under the right circumstances. Still, I foresee them having many challenges ahead. Many other situations are brewing. We shall see how they all are resolved. Thanks for reading!
ILDV: Thanks so much!
Hewhoreaps: I think one of my pet peeves with the PTs was that Anakin had been referred to in the OT as a cunning warrior. I think too often though he got portrayed as a blunt instrument. I definitely wanted to take time to explore his ability not only as a great warrior, but that he could think his way out of the box. Glad you liked it!
MoAngel: I thought he was being quite crafty indeed. More is here! Thanks for reading!
Kaptain Kristi: More is here!
Jojotheorange: You and all my other readers are special ;) Thrilled that you enjoyed the wargames. More is here! Thanks for reading!
Bahjcb: Happy that you enjoyed the action. Lots are brewing in the Kenobi family. Thanks so much for reading!
Anakin folded his hands behind his back as he and Queen Amidala stood together, watching Naboo's new orbital space station coming to life. The flagship Queen Amidala, the grandest of the five Mon Calamari capital ships, was larger than any vessel in the service of the Naboo. At twelve hundred meters in length, she could transport over fifty thousand troops, as well as carry thousands of metric tons of equipment. Ovoid shaped, her unique design made her stand out. But her graceful exterior hid her devastating power.
The ships were heavily armed with numerous turbolasers and proton torpedo launcher tubes strategically placed throughout the exterior hull. Each vessel possessed numerous backup shield generators, allowing them to withstand severe punishment from an adversary. And despite their bulk, each ship was equipped with the most advanced hyperdrive technology. Due to the ship's size and complexity, Professor Zhall equipped them with standard cloaking shields. It would take considerable time before he could develop a functional adaptive unit, especially since he and his engineering team had been occupied with converting all the control interfaces for human usage.
Since his ascension to Overlord three months prior, Anakin, who was now eighteen standard years old, had been involved in bringing the ships into service, as well as the initial construction of the new orbital facility. If he wasn't seeing to new troop training, he was often at one of the shipyards, assisting with the production of the new Defiance-class starfighters. In between his official duties, he squeezed in training sessions with General Tro. She had altered his training to focus more on the meditative arts, due to the return of his visions.
Or at least they seemed liked visions.
Anakin's dreams were hardly like the nightmares he had experienced when he was younger. Instead of ominous warnings of the future, he now saw images of places he had never seen and strangers who seemed oddly familiar. Most unsettling were the whispers that came from nowhere.
It almost felt like he was being watched.
"My Lord," called out the Ops officer.
"Yes?" Anakin answered after exchanging warm smiles with the Queen.
"We're ready to initiate the power transfer."
"Proceed," he ordered, returning to his spot next to Amidala by the large viewport.
"Everything alright?" she asked softly.
"The station should be coming online in just a few moments."
She smiled, and then turned her attention back towards the viewscreen. "You've done an excellent job in a short amount of time."
Anakin flashed a proud smile at her. He enjoyed impressing her. "Thank you, my Queen, but the credit should go to the Professor and our exceptional engineers." His mirth disappeared as he added, "Also, we are fortunate that there've been no further incidents with the Trade Federation."
The Queen frowned. "No new updates from our sources?"
Anakin shook his head. "Only that the Viceroy and his main lieutenants have gone into seclusion."
"It could mean that they're up to something," she suggested grimly.
"Or that he's merely trying to save face after our…intervention," Anakin replied, unable to mask his mischievous grin.
"All in all, I will rest much more comfortably at night once we have the sector's borders secured."
"Now that the space station is online, we will be able to get supplies to the outposts along the border much more quickly." Anakin reported. "It should be only a few more months before the sector is properly protected."
Amidala nodded and returned her focus on the images filling the viewscreen. "I forgot how beautiful it is up here." She grinned as she shot him a sideways glance. "No wonder you spend most your days helping with the station."
"It is part of my duties, my Queen."
"And here I thought that we were overburdening you."
Anakin was about to retort when his skin felt as if he had just walked into a frozen storage vat. He blinked several times as he noticed everything growing still and dark. Voices seemed like echoes, and it took all his strength to move a millimeter. Everyone aboard the ship, including Padmé, seemed to be locked in place. Anakin was about to call on the Force when a soft, familiar voice called out to him.
"I am here, my child."
Anakin's eyes bulged as he forced his head downward. "My lady."
The Force smiled. "None of that. There's little time."
"What is happening to me?"
The luminescent being softly brushed her hand against the side of his face. "Events are converging much more quickly than expected. It's time to accelerate your training."
"The coven?"
She nodded once. "I am going to take you to them now."
"How?"
"My precious one, there is still so much for you to learn…but time is short. Are you ready?" Anakin sighed and looked over at Padmé, who was standing unnaturally still. "I'm sorry, but there is no time for good-byes. I promise, you will see her again."
Anakin offered her a strained smile before nodding in agreement. "I'm ready."
"Close your eyes and relax. This is going to feel somewhat strange."
Not even a second after complying, Anakin felt as if she embraced him. About to open his eyes, he suddenly felt as if doused with water. Struggling to breathe, he tried to wiggle free from her grasp but her hold only tightened. The sensations of wetness were quickly replaced by scorching heat. Moments later, the Force released its crushing embrace, allowing him to draw in a steady breath of air. Anakin opened his eyes and found a forest of trees had replaced the angular curves of the capital ship's bridge.
He was also not alone.
In a clearing several meters away stood a large man and a small woman. The man was taller than Anakin, broad shouldered, and had curly black hair. The woman had dark brown hair and stood about as tall as Padmé. Her skin was olive in complexion, much like his, and her face seemed very familiar.
The man raised his hand up in greeting. "Welcome to Dathomir, Chosen One. We've been expecting you."
"Who are you?" he asked, peering curiously between the two.
"I am Torus, and this is Mother."
Anakin looked around, unsettled. The Force felt very different. The currents around Mother were unlike anything he had ever witnessed about a person. It was difficult to judge where the division between the woman's essence and the Force's energy occurred. They almost seemed conjoined. Noticing that his hosts were watching him intently, he quickly slammed his mental shields tight. "How did I get here?"
Torus and Mother exchanged brief glances. "That is a story for another time," he replied.
"Son of the Suns, the fabled Chosen One…do you accept our challenge?" Mother asked in a soft voice.
"Challenge? What challenge?" Anakin asked curiously. "The Force told me that I was here for more training."
"Our ways are unlike those of the Jedi," Torus informed him. "To learn our mysteries is not without risk. You do not have to accept."
Anakin folded his arms as he pondered the situation, which he didn't need to. He knew that he must comply with the Force's bidding without question. He was more interested though in the reactions of his potential teachers. They did not seem jarred in the slightest by his hesitation. Finally, he answered. "I accept."
Padmé blinked several times as she saw Anakin disappear. It took her several seconds to find her voice. "Where'd he go?"
The rest of the bridge crew looked equally confused. "Raise the shields!" The ship's Captain shouted.
Padmé hurried over to him as he grimaced at the Ops panel. "I don't understand. According to the ship's holographics, one minute Lord Skywalker is standing next to you, the next, he simply…disappeared."
"That's impossible," she retorted.
"Impossible or not, he's gone and sensors report no other vessels within a parsec, Your Majesty."
A wave of panic surged throughout her body. Padmé wanted to use everything at her dispose to find Anakin immediately. She couldn't bare the thought of something terrible happening to him.
She had to do something.
Ready to order a planet-wide search, the communications officer called out to the Captain. "Sir, incoming message from the surface."
He looked over at Padmé who ordered, "Put it on screen."
The image of Ilianya Tro instantly filled the viewscreen. She looked strangely haggard. "Your Majesty, are you reading me?"
"You're coming in fine, General. Please report."
"Before you launch a fruitless investigation, I might be able to offer you some answers," Tro said without emotion.
Finding herself atypically alone, since none of her handmaidens had accompanied her to the ship, Padmé glanced about the bridge briefly. "I will meet you in the throne room in one standard hour, General."
"Until then, Your Majesty." She replied with a half bow before disappearing.
Padmé then ordered, "Captain, please prepare my shuttle."
"At once, Your Majesty."
Padmé sighed as she gazed longingly at the stars in the viewport. In her heart she knew Anakin was alive. But nothing more than that. She wasn't surprised though that the enigmatic Tro knew something about Anakin's disappearance.
The spirits help Tro if Anakin is harmed in any way.
Valkin Ord grimaced as he replaced the bacta patches on his arm. Three months of treatment had done little to heal the scar, a memento of his last encounter with Count Dooku. Had Lord Sidious not desperately need his skills, his injured arm would have been the least of his ailments.
"Count Dooku…this is an unexpected…" Valkin stopped short as he grasped his neck in an effort to breathe.
"You foolish, boy!" Dooku barked. "Your lack of caution has alerted the Master! He wants you dead!"
Valkin used the Force to call his clipped lightsaber to his hand. About to ignite the weapon, he felt himself being hurdled across the room, abruptly stopping when he hit the back wall. "Do not further insult me further."
"My Lord, I did what I had to in order to complete the vessel."
"And have you been successful?" Dooku asked arching an eyebrow.
"I have, my Lord." He responded on his knees. "The gunship will be ready in six months!."
A murderous grin filled Dooku's features as he withdrew his arched handled lightsaber. "Excellent…my Master wants to take no chances," he said as he ignited the weapon. "He knows of your impending betrayal."
"Master…No!" Valkin pleaded.
Dooku spun his lightsaber in his hand several times before arching it back, readying it to separate Valkin's head from his body. Valkin could hear it hum and crackle through the air as it approached, but the noise suddenly stopped as he saw the crimson blade hovering dangerously over him.
"That's enough, Lord Tyranus!" Lord Sidious instructed. Valkin glanced over to see the bluish hologram of the Sith Lord hovering just beyond Dooku's shoulder, brandishing a wicked grin. "Don't kill him…yet."
"Thank you, my Lord."
"I will not stand for treachery, Lord Ord!" Sidious hissed. "You are alive only because you alone are able to complete your ship. Be warned, if I sense any further deceit, I will not hesitate to destroy you myself."
"I...understand, my Lord." Valkin panted.
"And so you won't forget this failure…Lord Tyranus, leave him…a momento."
"With pleasure, my Master."
When the image of the Sith Lord disappeared, Count Dooku with one motion swiped the tip of his blade along Valkin's forearm. He screamed out in pain as he clutched onto the uninjured portion. Meanwhile, the former Jedi knelt by his ear. "I'm sorry old friend for that vulgar display. It was my intention to end your pain quickly." He then rose to his feet. "We were foolish to think that we could oppose Lord Sidious…his powers…are too great."
Still grimacing and clenching his injured arm, Valkin grumbled. "You've given up? Our plans are finished?"
Dooku quickly spun around. "Not necessarily, my friend."
"What?" Valkin asked through clenched teeth. "You heard what he said…he knows everything."
"Not quite," Dooku retorted. "He remains unaware of my involvement. We can use that to our advantage." Firing him a sharp stare, he instructed, "You will have to make do with the kelvacyte you already have. No more raids, understood?"
Valkin nodded vigorously. "I will do as you ask."
"Good," Dooku bellowed. "You must have the ship ready soon…I don't know how much longer before he seeks it out himself.."
"It is well hidden."
"Not from a Sith," Dooku ominously warned.
Valkin peered out his shuttle's viewport at his incomplete gunship. The main weapon was nearly complete; however, most of the craft's defensive systems, not to mention the critical shielding units were still under construction. Dooku was right. Time was growing short. Reaching with his uninjured arm for the Com panel, Valkin entered a complicated sequence and waited.
"Yes, my Lord." Jango Fett finally answered.
"It is time."
A long pause followed before the bounty hunter responded. "Understood. I will see to it immediately."
It was the middle of night in Theed when Queen Amidala returned to the Palace. Dashing by the handmaidens who were waiting for her in the hangar, she hurried through the corridors and into the throne room. Upon entering, through the shadows she saw Ilianya Tro sitting in one of the Royal Court's chairs. Hearing the handmaidens approaching, the Queen turned and entered in the code to seal them inside the throne room.
"Your Majesty," Tro rose up to greet her.
"You may dispense with the pleasantries…I want answers!"
"I then suggest that you take a seat, Your Majesty. I'm afraid there is no simple explanation."
The contemptuous side of Amidala wanted nothing more to disobey by continuing to stand until she her queries were answered. Her rational side though took hold as she quickly ambled to the throne. "Speak."
"As you know well, Anakin is very gifted with the Force—the prophesized Chosen One."
Amidala dipped her head. "I am aware of the Jedi legend. What does this have to do with his disappearance?"
Tro folded her arms snugly and begun to pace about the room. "It is not just a prophecy for the Jedi only. There are other beings in this galaxy who can touch upon the Force, but are not part of the Order. His arrival is just as meaningful to them as it should have been to the Jedi."
"I thought his calling was to vanquish the Sith."
Tro stopped in her place. "That is only part of the prophecy, Your Majesty. Balance won't necessarily be achieved by simply eliminating the Sith. There are many reasons why the Force is not in equilibrium. "
"What does that mean?" Amidala asked carefully.
Ilianya flashed her a cryptic smile. "Time will tell. As for Anakin, he has gone somewhere he can better understand his purpose. I can assure you though that he is quite safe."
"Where is he?" Amidala asked, unable to hide her anxiety.
"For the moment, I ask that you trust my judgment and believe when I say that he is unharmed." Tro responded coyly. "Apart from that, I cannot say anything more."
Queen Amidala thundered to her feet. "That's not good enough!"
"I understand your concern, Your Majesty." Ilianya said sympathetically. "And I know, if I were in your position, I too, would be demanding answers. You have to believe, though, that what is happening with Anakin right now will affect the fate of the galaxy for ages to come. We must allow him to find his way."
Amidala sighed as she descended back onto her throne. "It seems I have no choice."
Tro offered her a hopeful smile. "We are all subject to the will of the Force. Hopefully his time away will not be long…he is well-prepared for what he will face."
Amidala had never felt more powerless in her life. All the resources of Naboo were available to her, but they would do nothing to bring back Anakin any faster. Despite her personal feelings, her primary duty was to the people of her world, and she would have to keep those interests central. "For the meantime, I want you to act in Anakin's stead over the military."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Folding her arms, she continued, "I have no idea what I will tell the other commanders…especially Panaka…about his absence."
"Leave that to me," Tro quickly replied.
"Very well," Amidala relented, unwilling to confront her trusted advisor at the moment.
Tro bowed. "If that is all, may I take my leave, Your Majesty?'
Amidala nodded once. "You may."
Amidala couldn't get over the dark thoughts that were racing through her mind. For now, the only thing she could do was trust Anakin's fate to the spirits. And despite Tro's proclamations otherwise, she couldn't help feeling that her lost love was hardly in a position of absolute safety. There was much more to what had happened and Amidala would find out what it actually meant.
It was not very Jedi like, but Ferus Olin was upset..
The past few months had followed a similar pattern. Master Siri and he would wake early to hurriedly run through his exercises. Then she would disappear into their quarters for several hours, undoubtingly tending to the convalescing Dahlia. The afternoon was dedicated to his Master's other duties, which she was asking Ferus more often to fill in for, as she did not want to leave Dahlia along for too long. The day finally ended with the three of them sitting around the dinner table in their small apartment, usually with the young girl staring blankly at him until he excused himself from the table.
From his room he could hear them talk into the late hours of the night. The subject of their conversations was of no concern to him. Instead, it was the odd feelings that the girl Dahlia projected that were troubling. His friend, Barriss Offee, had tried to express her concerns as well, first to his Master and then to him whenever they dined together. Barriss had shared with him the disturbing images she had witnessed during the healing trace that brought Dahlia out of her coma.
Something was extremely off about Dahlia…
He and Barriss could feel it, why didn't Master Siri?
"Hello? Coruscant to Padawan Olin," Barriss said, waving her hand in front of his face. "Come in."
"Sorry," Ferus shook his head, immediately reaching down to take another bite of his dinner.
"Thinking about Master Siri's 'friend' again?"
Ferus shrugged. "Hard not to. It's all Master ever wants to talk about."
Barriss sighed. "I assume she feels responsible about everything that happened to her. She did have a rough go at it for many years."
"I can understand that, but come on, Barriss. The girl is well enough to fend for herself. I think Master Siri is obsessed."
Barriss, about to take a drink, held her glass in mid-air, casting him a worried glace. "Perhaps. But if I may be so bold, I think you are getting quite…overwhelmed… by this situation yourself. Maybe you should speak with Master Yoda and…"
Ferus' patience had ran out. He abruptly stood up. "And what? Have him share some platitude about how a proper Jedi should behave. No thanks. I'd rather continue to be ignored."
"Ferus," Barriss pleaded, but he had already spun about, departing for his room.
A pang of guilt permeated throughout his conscience as he stormed down the corridor. Ferus pushed it away, not wanting to consider that Barriss only wanted to help. When he cooled off later, perhaps he would go back and apologize. For now, he decided that it was time to confront his Master. He could not longer stand by idly as she continued to foster this unhealthy attachment.
Pushing through the door without knocking, Ferus immediately halted when he saw something impossible. On the opposite side of the domicile, Siri was standing behind Dahlia, who was apparently levitating two small training spheres around them. Ferus cleared his throat, causing both women to look in his direction and Dahlia to drop the spheres.
"Ferus!" Siri chided.
Ignoring her admonishment, he questioned, "What is going on here, Master?"
Siri looked from him back down at Dahlia before her features lightened. "Something amazing, actually." She then waved him over. "It appears that Dahlia is aware of her ability to touch the Force."
"She's Force sensitive?" Ferus said to himself, which reinforced his concerns over the girl who was trying to stare him down.
"She discovered it for herself only a few days ago. I have known for some time."
"And when were you going to tell me?" Ferus asked vehemently.
"Not that it is any of your business," Siri responded, her moment of levity suddenly gone. "But we are preparing to meet with the Council soon."
"To what end?" Ferus questioned angrily, when a seemingly impossible thought suddenly come to mind. "Surely you are not going to ask them for permission to train her?"
Looking like a guilty child, Siri darted her eyes away from him. "Master Siri thinks it would be in my best interest to be able to keep control on my powers…so that I can't cause harm to anybody," Dahlia meekly told him.
Folding his arms snugly across his chest, Ferus shook his head. "It looked to me like you are planning for more than just that!"
"Padawan!" Siri yelled. "Outside. Now!"
Following his Master out the door, Ferus looked over his shoulder at an obviously pleased Dahlia who batted her eyelashes and waved mockingly at him as he departed. Siri had walked around the corner of the hallway, which dead ended so they wouldn't be heard.
"What in the name of the Force is the matter with you?" She chided.
"Master, you have to get a hold of yourself." Ferus retorted, unable to hold back his frustrations any longer. "You have become obsessed with this girl and now you want to train her as a Jedi? The Council will never approve!"
"Don't tell me my business, Padawan!" Siri responded, folding her arms snugly against her chest. "This is important to her. It might be the only way she can find her family."
Ferus realized that he wouldn't get anywhere by engaging in a shouting match with her. Siri was never more headstrong when in the midst of a verbal confrontation. He would have to employ some diplomacy to try to get her to see reason. "Master," he said in a softer tone. "I understand that you feel obligated to help Dahlia. You were right, she has seen and been through many horrible things. But you do her no justice by making her utterly dependent on you. Sooner or later, the Council will order us away…what will you do then? Say no?"
Siri appeared to consider his observations. She took several steps back, all the while removing her gaze from the floor. Finally, coming to some decision, she responded, "I appreciate your concern, but I have to do what I know in my heart is the right thing."
Losing control of his anger again, Ferus spat, "You must be blinded by your obsession to not see that she isn't right." Leaning closer to her, he continued. "She feels all wrong…almost as if she's been tainted by the dark side."
"I don't mean to cause trouble," Dahlia said in a docile tone from behind them. "I can find my family on my own," she added, wiping a tear away before sulking back inside their quarters.
Siri recoiled as if physically stuck. "That was completely uncalled for, Padawan!"
"I'm sorry, Master." Ferus pleaded with her. "I didn't notice her there. Still, it doesn't change the fact I'm right about this!"
"Enough," she waved at him dismissively. "It is not for you to say and you would do well to remember your place, young one."
Shrugging his shoulders, Ferus shook his head. "With all due respect, Master, may I take my leave before I say something I might regret."
"Good idea," Siri said sardonically.
Ferus turned away from her, hurrying himself down the corridor. He didn't know where he was going or where he would stay; but, for the moment, anyplace was better than being in close proximity to Siri and Dahlia.
He needed someone to turn to.
Somebody had to understand what he was going through.
Unable to sleep due to the day's events, Padmé went upstairs in the Palace residence and gently knocked on Sabé's apartment door. The handmaidens had turned in earlier that evening and she needed to talk to someone before she burst with worry. Knocking again, Padmé was taken aback when her friend opened the door, revealing her pale features.
"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" Sabé asked wearily
Padmé gazed upon her in concern. "I should ask you the same thing. Are you alright?"
"Oh...it's nothing," she waved dismissively.
"Can I come in?"
Sabé nodded, allowing her to enter. Padmé looked around her apartment and was surprised that it hadn't been cleaned in some time. This struck her odd, given that Sabé bordered on compulsive behavior when it came to cleanliness. "What's going on?"
Sabé released a deep sigh, motioning for her to sit down. "I guess the nexu is out of the bag."
"What are you talking about?" Padmé asked her curiously.
Before Sabé answered, she jumped to her feet and then darted into the other room. Concerned, Padmé chased after her only to find her friend draped across the fresher floor. "Sabé!"
She wearily raised her head. "I'll…be alright."
"This is ludicrous! We have to get you to the healer."
"I've already seen Yané." Sabé sighed loudly. "However, this wasn't how I envisioned
telling you."
"Tell me what exactly?" Padmé repeated, her worry intensified. "Please don't be dying."
"Hardly, Sabé scoffed lightly. "It's nothing that six more months won't solve…I'm pregnant."
"Oh, Sabé!" Padmé said, joyfully embracing her friend. "I'm so happy for you.
"If I wasn't running in here all the time, I'd be happy for us too."
Padmé reached down to help her friend sit up against the fresher wall. Going to the facet, she wet a washcloth, which she carefully placed on Sabé's forehead. "Sola once told me that this helps."
"Strangely, it does." Sabé said with an amused smirk. "Thanks."
Padmé sat down on the floor, facing Sabé. "Have you told Obi-Wan yet?"
She shook her head. "He's been on a long assignment. We haven't actually spoken since he left, but I sent him a long recording with a choice of potential names."
"I don't know how you do it," Padmé said with a smile of encouragement. "I couldn't be that strong."
"It's amazing how strong you are when you have no other choice."
"Indeed," Padmé whispered as her thoughts drifted back to Anakin.
"What did Tro tell you about Anakin?" Sabé asked as if she had read her mind.
Padmé sighed loudly. "That he was safe and receiving more training."
"That's it?" She asked incredulously. "It's not like someone disappearing into thin air is an everyday happenstance."
"She wouldn't tell me any more than that…other than to trust her."
"Perhaps we should go primitive? Get out the thumbscrews and torture rack to make her talk?"
Padmé cackled, shaking her head in amusement. "You always know how to cheer me up. Thank you."
"What are friends for?" Sabé winked. Then her features became more serious, "You know myself and the others are here for you…no matter what."
"And the same goes for you," Padmé responded, reaching over to pat Sabé's slightly enlarged midsection. "You will be having your hands full fairly soon."
"Thankfully I have a little time before that happens," Sabé grinned. "Of course, Your Majesty," she continued more formally. "I will be able to maintain my duties until then,"
"I would rather that you take it easy," Padmé suggested. "Perhaps you can take care of the office work and let Lieutenant Typho cover all the physical aspects?"
"I hate office work," Sabé grumbled. "Besides, I should be able to move about just fine for at least another two months before I make a nice large target on the practice field."
"I know, my friend." She responded with a gleeful smile and a pat on her shoulder. "But I don't want you to take any chances and since your beloved husband isn't here to tame you, I'll have to just fill in for the meantime."
"Oh…great," Sabé replied sarcastically, feigning disgust. "Just what I need."
"How does Obi-Wan ever put up with you?"
Sabé chuckled, her grin widening. "My parents wonder the same thing."
"You're impossible!"
"I know."
TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are always welcomed!