Reader's Note: In this chapter, you will meet canon characters which, for various reasons, were remove from the original film. Ryoo and Pooja, for example, were Padmé's nieces in the original canon; however, since they ended up on the cutting room floor, I saw fit to make them her niece and nephew here, as it just seemed to fit my story better.

- Author

"Prime Minister," the tall, rail thin Kaminoan said, "May I introduce Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi." She turned to regard Obi-Wan. "Master Kenobi, it is my great pleasure to introduce Prime Minister Lama Su of Kamino."

Obi-Wan bowed politely as the tall Kaminoan prime minister stood up to regard him. He was at least a foot taller than the female, his garments more ornate and colorful. He bowed his head slowly in Obi-Wan's direction.

"Master Kenobi, it is indeed an honor," Lama Su said politely. He gestured toward a panel on the side of the room, and another long, thin chair, like his, but smaller, lowered itself from the ceiling next to his. "Please, sit down, and make yourself comfortable."

Obi-Wan smiled politely. "Thank you," he said, and, as the prime minister sat down, he took his seat beside him. He folded his Jedi cloak neatly over his lap as he sat down.

"We are so pleased that you have finally returned," Lama Su continued. We have been awaiting your return for some time now. Please tell your master Sifo-Dyas that his order will be filled on schedule." The Kaminoan regarded him proudly. "Two hundred thousand units are ready now, with a million more on the way."

Obi-Wan was thoroughly confused; he had no idea what the tall Kaminoan was talking about, but information was what he was after. He chose his words carefully so as not to arouse any undue suspicion. "I'm sorry," he said, smiling, "master... who?"

Lama Su continued. "Master Sifo-Dyas is still a leading member of the Jedi Council, is he not?"

Obi-Wan leaned forward in his chair, placing his elbows on his knees. "Master Sifo-Dyas was killed almost ten years ago," he replied.

The Kaminoan prime minister's expression changed from curiosity to one of deep regret. "Oh, dear, I am so sorry to hear that," he replied, an air of genuine concern in his voice. He turned to regard Obi-Wan again. "But, I know he would have been so proud of the army we have created for him."

Obi-Wan could barely believe his ears. He leaned forward again. "Excuse me," he said, puzzled. "...the army?"

"Oh, yes," Lama Su continued, the sense of pride returning to his voice. "And I must say, it is one of the finest that we have ever created. I know you will be most pleased when you see them."

The puzzle grew larger, more complicated. Obi-Wan could barely believe his ears. Why would a Jedi, and one as highly regarded as Master Sifo-Dyas, request an army? And without the knowledge or approval of the Council? No, he thought, there must be some mistake.

He needed to find out more. He smiled at his host once again. "I'm sure I will," he said. "Tell me, prime minister, did my master Sifo-Dyas say who this army was for?"

"Oh, yes," Lama Su replied. "This army is for the Republic."

The Republic? Surely there was some misinformation here somewhere. He regarded his host and hostess, and momentarily stretched out into the Force with his feelings. He could sense no deception on their part, no hidden motive. They were telling him the truth, or at least they believed they were.

"But, Master Kenobi," Lama Su continued, "you must be anxious to examine the units for yourself."

Obi-Wan would have liked nothing more. He smiled warmly at his host as they stood up.

"Of course," Obi-Wan replied, a friendly smile on his face. "After all, that's what I'm here for."

"Excellent," Lamu Su replied. "The facility is only a few hours journey from here. But, it grows late, and I'm sure that you are tired from your journey."

He motioned to the tall Kaminoan female, and she approached them. "Tawn We will provide you with food and shelter for the night. Until then, please consider yourself our honored guest. If you require anything at all, Tawn We will see to your needs. We shall leave for the facility first thing tomorrow morning."

Obi-Wan bowed politely to his host. "Thank you for your hospitality, prime minister," he replied with a smile. "I look forward to seeing your work."

Obi-Wan turned and followed Tawn We as she led him down the corridor.

The tall, yellow flowers swayed wildly in the field as Artoo fired the landing thrusters of the ship and set it down gently in the field next to the sprawling, one story house nearby. As the subtle whine of the engines died down, the long grass and flowers swayed gently in the breeze as the entry platform near the rear of the ship slowly opened and locked into position.

Padmé stepped out onto the platform, and looked toward the house. She smiled as she saw the setting sun filtering gently through the trees. It had been a long time since she last visited, but the old homestead looked just as she remembered it. She turned and called to Anakin.

"Anakin," she called, "come on. They should be coming out to meet us anytime now."

"On my way," he called. A moment later, Anakin stepped out from the cargo area of the ship, his arms full of suitcases and baggage. He was obviously struggling to carry it all. Artoo rolled along closely behind him.

Padmé smiled and ran to help him. "I'm sorry," she said apologetically, and took her satchel and one of the suitcases from him. "I guess I'm just a little excited about being home," she said, grinning up at him sheepishly.

Anakin smiled back at her. Her face was aglow, and she seemed so vibrant, so happy. She looked so much more relaxed than she had back at the resort. "That's okay, I understand," he chuckled. "It's been a long time since you've seen your family, hasn't it?"

"Two years," she replied. "I talk to my mother and sister often, but it's been so long since I've seen them."

Anakin looked around at the surrounding landscape. It seemed so quiet, so peaceful, so beautiful. "This is where you grew up?" He asked.

Padmé nodded, smiling. "Yes," she replied, "this has been my family's home for six generations." They stood together on the platform for several minutes, taking in the surrounding landscape.

Anakin finally prodded her with his elbow, and motioned toward the platform. "Well, come on then, let's get going," he grinned. "We don't want to keep them waiting."

Padmé kissed him on the cheek, then turned and started down the platform. "Hurry," she said," I'm anxious for you to meet them."

"Let's go, Artoo," Anakin called over his shoulder, and the little droid whistled in reply as he followed them down the ramp. "Don't forget to lock up the ship and turn on the jamming transmitter," he reminded him. "We don't want anyone else finding us and knowing that we're here."

Artoo beeped in reply, then turned and rolled to the access terminal on the side of the ship. A quick turn of the dial, and the platform raised itself into the closed position. Atop the ship, a small antenna emerged from a port in the outer hull, and a slight beep could be heard intermittently as the transmitter engaged itself. His job complete, Artoo turned and followed them down the path toward the house.

"Aunt Padmé! Aunt Padmé!"

Padmé burst into a smile as they rounded the corner in the path and she saw the two small figures running toward her, arms outstretched. She dropped her bags where she stood, and ran a few steps up the path, dropping to her knees to catch them in her arms as they threw their own around her.

"Ryoo! Pooja!" she exclaimed happily, hugging them tightly. She pushed them back so that she could see them better. "My goodness, how you've grown! You're both so big now!"

"Did you bring us a present, Aunt Padmé?" Ryoo asked, excitedly.

Padmé looked at him, her face beaming. She tussled his sandy blonde hair, then leaned and whispered in Ryoo's ear. "You know I did, you rascal," she said softly, "You'll just have to wait a while to get it."

"Ryoo, mind your manners!" a strong voice called, "At least let your Aunt Padmé say hello to everyone first!"

Padmé looked up from the children and saw her sister, Sola, coming up the walk behind the children. She stood up and ran to meet her, throwing her arms around her neck, hugging her tightly.

"Sola," she said quietly, her voice cracking slightly. "It's been so long... and I've missed you so much."

Sola hugged her tightly in return, and a tear found its way to her cheek. "I've missed you too, baby sister," she said softly. "I'm so glad you're home."

Padmé pulled back, and held her sister's shoulders, her own eyes wet with tears. "Me, too," she said with a sniffle, a broad smile on her face. "Where are mom and dad?"

"They're at the house, getting dinner ready," Sola replied. "They sent us out to meet you."

Ryoo and Pooja threw their arms around their aunt and hugged her again. "We're so glad to see you, Aunt Padmé," Pooja beamed up at her. "We've missed you a whole lot."

"I've missed you too, Pooja," she smiled back. "And I've brought someone that I want you all to meet." Padmé looked over her shoulder and saw Anakin standing a few feet away, watching them quietly. "Anakin," she called, "come over here and meet my family."

Anakin brought the suitcases over and placed them on the ground next to Padmé, and she reached out and took his hand.

"Ryoo, Pooja," she said, "This is my very special friend, Master Anakin Skywalker." She smiled at Anakin, then looked back to the children. "He's a Jedi Knight."

The children looked up at him in awe, their faces beaming. "Really, Aunt Padmé?" Ryoo asked, his eyes never leaving Anakin. "A real life Jedi Knight?"

"Yes, Ryoo," she replied, "a real life Jedi Knight. Anakin Skywalker, this is my niece and nephew, Ryoo and Pooja."

Anakin stooped down and took both of their small hands in his. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he nodded, grinning widely. "Your Aunt Padmé's told me a lot about you both."

"Wow," Ryoo said, his face beaming. "A real Jedi Knight! Can we see your laser sword?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with delight. Anakin looked up at Padmé, his face beaming nearly as brightly as Ryoo's.

"Maybe later, Ryoo," Padmé laughed. "Right now, we need to go and see your Grandma and Grandpa."

"So," Sola said, matter-of-factly. "This is the young man who's finally captured my baby sister's heart."

Anakin stood up and turned to Padmé's sister, who was regarding him with a broad smile. Padmé took his hand and pulled him close too her, putting her arm tightly around his waist. "Sola," she said with a smile, "I'd like you to meet my fiancé', Anakin Skywalker."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sola," he said, and extended his hand to her. "I've heard a lot about you," he said. "You're as beautiful as Padmé described you."

Sola stepped forward, past Anakin's outstretched hand, and embraced him warmly. "Welcome, Anakin," she said, as she hugged him tightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Padmé's told me quite a bit about you, too."

The quiet moment was broken by the excited shouts of the children. "Wow!" Pooja exclaimed excitedly, "Ryoo, lookit! A real astrodroid!"

Padmé, Anakin, and Sola turned just in time to see the children running toward Artoo, who had just come around the bend in the path. They immediately threw their arms around him, and Artoo whistled and beeped in obvious surprise.

Padmé laughed out loud when she saw them dancing around Artoo. Anakin turned to Artoo with a smile, "Artoo Deetoo," he said, "Meet Ryoo and Pooja."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Artoo," Sola called, then she looked back at Padmé and Anakin. Come on," Sola said, "Mom and Dad are preparing dinner for us. I know they're anxious to see you, and to meet you, Anakin."

"I'm anxious to meet them too," Anakin replied with a nod.

Anakin and Padmé picked up their suitcases and followed Sola to the house, with Ryoo and Pooja dancing around Artoo as he rolled along behind them.

The smell of fresh baked bread was the first thing he noticed as he entered the room. He closed his eyes and inhaled, deeply. It was a wonderful aroma, one that spoke of home, one that reminded him of the bread that his mother used to bake for him when he was a boy. It was an aroma that he hadn't enjoyed in a long, long time. How appropriate, he thought to himself, that the first thing he noticed about Padmé's home reminded him of his own. Anakin opened his eyes, and looked around the room.

It was a large, octagonal room, spacious and tastefully decorated. The many windows around the room's perimeter let in ample sunlight, even at this late hour in the afternoon. The furniture was simple, but looked comfortable, and it was well worn from many years of use. The colors, the paintings, the pictures on the walls; all of it relayed a message of home, of family, of security.

"Mom, Dad?" Sola called as she set the suitcase she was carrying by the door. "They're here!"

"Anakin," she said, turning her attention back to them, "just sit those bags there by the door. We'll put them up later."

Anakin nodded, and set them down next the one that Sola had been carrying. "Here, you two," she continued, "give me those heavy cloaks and I'll go and hang them up for you."

Padmé had no objection, as Anakin had agreed to allow her to pack the blaster pistol she had been carrying into her suitcase before they arrived. They obeyed as instructed, and Sola placed them over her arm, and then turned to look back out through the open door. "Ryoo, Pooja," she called, "come on in here, you two, and leave poor Artoo alone."

Padmé watched with a smile as the two children ran onto the porch and into the living room, chattering wildly. "Run along, you two," their mother called after them, "go and wash up for dinner." Artoo followed them through the door, then rolled and found a place for himself near the fireplace at the corner of the room.

Sola started down the hall to one of the adjoining rooms. "Just make yourself comfortable, Anakin," she said. "Mom and dad will be out in a minute."

Padmé walked to Anakin's side, smiling, and took his hand in hers. "Welcome home," she sighed, her face beaming. "So, what do you think?"

Anakin looked around the room. "It's wonderful," he said, shaking his head. "Not just the house, I mean. It's all so... peaceful."

"Padmé!"

She was still holding onto Anakin's hand when she heard the familiar voice call to her. She turned, just in time to see her mother and father enter the room from the kitchen entrance. Her mother's face was aglow as she wiped her hands with the towel she held in them.

She was a small-framed woman, her long brown hair tinged with streaks of gray, which she wore in a loose braid that hung over her left shoulder. Her eyes were as dark brown as Padmé's, and her smile just as familiar as Anakin watched her approach; it was obvious to him from whom Padmé had inherited her charm and beauty.

Padmé took a couple of steps forward toward her mother, embracing her. "Hi, Mom," she said quietly, and squeezed her eyes shut tightly as her mother returned her tight embrace.

"Padmé, darling, it's so wonderful to see you," her mother replied, rubbing Padmé's back gently as she hugged her. She pushed her daughter back and held her shoulders so that she could see her better. "Sweetheart, you're as beautiful as ever," she said, her face beaming.

"What about me?" a deep voice inquired, "Aren't I entitled to a hug, too?"

Padmé looked up from her mother's face and returned her father's broad smile. She embraced him warmly. "Of course you are, Dad," she sighed, placing her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes as he returned her embrace. "You know I always have a special one for you."

She looked up at him. "That's my girl," he said with a laugh, smiling broadly.

Anakin regarded him as he and Padmé greeted each other. He was a tall man, about his height, stout and muscular, with dark hair and a dark, ruddy complexion. His hands were large and strong, and showed the telltale signs of many years of hard work. His eyes were bright and merry, and his face was cheerful and compassionate at the same time.

Padmé, turned and motioned to Anakin to come closer, and he came and stood by her side. She reached down and took his hand, squeezing it tightly.

Padmé pulled Anakin closer to herself. "Mom, Dad," she said, turning her head to regard her parents, "This is Anakin." She turned to look back at her fiancé. "Anakin, these are my parents, Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie."

Jobal smiled warmly at him, and then embraced him tightly. "It's so wonderful to meet you, Anakin," she said.

"Thank you," he said, smiling at her as she release him from her embrace. "It's nice to meet you, too. Padmé's told me so much about you."

Ruwee Naberrie took the towel from Jobal's hands and wiped his own, then extended his hand to Anakin and shook it tightly. "Welcome, Anakin," he said. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Anakin smiled back at him, bowing his head slightly. "It's an honor to meet you, sir," he said, then release his hand. "You're daughter speaks very highly of you."

Ruwee smiled back at him, then looked at Padmé. "She'd better," he chuckled, "if she knows what's good for her."

Jobal slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "Oh, Ruwee, really," she said, "the young man's only been here a moment or two. Behave yourself!"

Sola came back down the hall from putting away their cloaks. "I hope dinner's ready," she said, "I'm starving, and I'm sure they are, too."

"Yes, let's go to the dining room," Jobal said, motioning to Ruwee to lead the way. "I know you two are hungry, you've been traveling all afternoon." She smiled at Anakin. "I hope you're hungry, Anakin," she said, "we've prepared a good sized meal for you."

"Yes, ma'am," he nodded, "Everything smells wonderful, and I am kind of hungry. We haven't eaten since breakfast."

Padmé grinned back at him mischievously. "I hope you made a big dinner, Mom," she said. "If he eats like he did at breakfast this morning, there may not be much for the rest of us."

"Don't worry," Jobal laughed, "I've been cooking for your father for nearly forty years," she said, patting both of them on the back as they made their way to the dining room. "I'm sure there's plenty."

Sola called to the children, and Ryoo and Pooja bounded through the living room and down the hall after them.

Dinner was delightful; it had been a long, long, time since Anakin had tasted home-cooked food, especially food as good as what Padmé's parents had prepared for them. Everything tasted wonderful, and there was plenty of it. Padmé had noticed how much he seemed to be enjoying it, and encouraged him to eat as much as he wanted, and he did so, happily.

He and Padmé were seated across from her sister and her husband, Darred, whom Anakin had met as they entered the dining room. He watched the children with great amusement as Sola and their father tried to get them to eat their dinner, and he listened with great interest as Jobal and Ruwee shared stories of Padmé's adventurous childhood. It was a wonderful experience, and brought back warm memories of the times at dinner with his mother when he was a child. He had always enjoyed those moments, though they were nowhere near as grand as this.

Prodded by Ruwee, Anakin joined the conversation and shared some of the stories of his own life, from the time that he first met Padmé on Tatooine all those years ago. The children stopped eating and listened in wide-eyed wonder as he told stories of pod racing, starships, and his adventures as a Jedi padawan under Master Obi-Wan's tutelage.

Padmé sat close to him, and watched him with warm satisfaction as he laughed and talked with her family. He seemed so happy, so innocent, as innocent as he was when she had first met him all those years ago. It was no wonder, she though to herself, that she loved him so much.

In due time, they finished dinner, and Padmé, Sola, and Jobal began to clear the table. Anakin stood up and started to help.

"No, no, Anakin," Jobal said, taking the plate from him, "we'll clean this up." She smiled at him. "You and Ruwee go out to the garden and relax. We'll be out to join you shortly."

Anakin started to insist that he help, but Padmé smiled at him, and nudged him toward her father. "Come on, Anakin," Ruwee said, placing his hand on his shoulder. "That's our hint that they want us to go outside so they can talk about us."

"Now, Ruwee," Jobal said, "you know that's not true!"

"Sure, sure," Ruwee chuckled, leading Anakin to the double doors that led to the garden patio. He leaned toward Anakin and lowered his voice. "They've been talking about me for all these years, and I don't think they're going to stop now."

Anakin grinned at Padmé over his shoulder, then followed her father out into the garden.

Sola looked out the kitchen window toward the patio as she rinsed another dish and handed it to Padmé to dry. "He's so tall, so handsome, so... cute," she said to Padmé with a grin. "I can see why you fell in love with him."

"I didn't fall in love with him just because he's handsome, Sola," Padmé said, busily drying the dish in her hands, then placing it in the cupboard.

"Well, obviously," Sola replied, then handed Padmé another dish, "but it's a great place to start, little sister."

Padmé slapped her with the dishtowel. "You're terrible," she said, and then went back to drying the dish in her hand. "Is that all you think about?"

Jobal was placing the leftovers in the refrigerator. "If it was," she replied slyly, turning to face her daughters," I'd have grandchildren running all over this place."

"You may yet, Mom," Sola said with a wry grin, smiling at Padmé.

Padmé looked at her, her mouth hung open in a mixture of a smile and a look of disbelief. "Sola!" she said, astonished, "I'm not even married yet and already you've got us having children!"

"As cute as he is," Sola replied, "I'm surprised you're not on your way already!" Padmé laughed out loud, then reached into the sink and splashed her sister with the rinse water. Sola returned the splash, and a small water battle broke out near the kitchen sink.

"All right, you two," Jobal said, "That's enough of that! If you keep making a mess, we'll never get out of this kitchen tonight."

She came and stood next to Padmé and began helping her dry the dishes. She looked out at Anakin as he sat on the bench near the garden wall, talking with Ruwee.

"He is handsome, isn't he?" she said with a smile, and then turned to look fondly at Padmé. "And it's quite obvious that he loves you very much." She leaned closer to Padmé, her voice a little lower. "I think he's wonderful," she said warmly.

"Thanks, Mom," she said softly, looking out the window at Anakin. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he sat in the warm evening air, talking with her father. "He seems so happy here," she continued, and then looked back at her mother. "He hasn't had an easy life. Thank you for making him feel so welcome."

Jobal put her free arm around Padmé's waist and hugged her. "If what I've heard is true," she said with a sigh, "The life of a Jedi isn't usually an easy one."

Sola finished rinsing the last supper dish and handed it to Padmé. Padmé looked out the window as she slowly dried it, and Sola and Jobal listened to her as she continued. "No, it's not," she said thoughtfully, watching Anakin out the window as she spoke. "They give up so much when they join the Jedi order."

She turned to look at her mother and sister. "Anakin was a slave as a child, on Tatooine, when I met him all those years ago," she said. "I remember the first time I met him, he was working in a repair shop, and he was only about ten years old. He said I must've been an angel because they were so beautiful." She smiled and paused for a moment, then continued. "Anyway, he said his greatest dream was to become a Jedi, and Master Qui Gon freed him, and he's been a student under Master Obi-Wan ever since."

Sola and Jobal listened intently as she continued. "He gave up his mother, his home, everything he knew, to become a Jedi," she said quietly, "and now he's given all that up, for..."

She paused, then looked at her mother and sister again, her eyes wet with tears. "For me," she said, her voice trembling.

Sola placed her arm comfortingly around her sister's shoulder, then smiled at her, her own eyes shining from the tears that stood in them. "That's what love's about, little sister," she said softly.

Padmé looked at her and managed a smile. "Am I really worthy of that kind of sacrifice?" she asked quietly.

Her mother placed her hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. Padmé looked at her, and her mother motioned for her to look out the window to the garden, and they all looked at Anakin.

"He thinks you are," she said with a smile. "Isn't that all that really matters?"

Anakin looked out over the garden, toward the vast meadow that reached beyond it. Near the middle of the meadow, a small river flowed quietly between the stands of tall, green trees and rocky outcroppings on either side of the riverbank. A cool breeze blew continuously, and the tall flowers and meadow grass swayed gently in the breeze.

Anakin took in a deep breath of the fresh, cool night air. "It's so peaceful here," he said, closing his eyes and stretching out with his feelings. He could sense the Force stronger here than he had ever felt it before, and it puzzled him somewhat. He had been on other planets like this one several times, but never before had he felt the Force so strongly. But it was no matter, he though, whatever the reason, he cleared his mind and allowed himself to relax in the comforting flow.

"Yes, it is," Ruwee said, coming to stand next to Anakin near the garden wall. "This place has been our family's home for six generations," he continued. He looked about, thoughtfully. "We may leave, sometimes for a long time, but we always seem to come back here."

Anakin turned to regard Ruwee. He looked at Anakin, and then pointed toward a small rocky outcropping near a stand of tall trees at the edge of the river. "See that spot, over there, by the river?" he asked.

Anakin looked, and nodded that he did. "That was Padmé's spot," he said with a smile. "Whenever I'd find myself looking for her, sure enough, that's where I'd find her."

Anakin listened intently as Ruwee continued. "I'd find her out there at all hours," he said, "sometimes late at night. I'd go to check on her and she wouldn't be in her bed, and there's where I'd find her." He smiled at Anakin again. "That's the place she went to dream about all the great things she was going to do when she grew up."

"You must be very proud of her," Anakin said.

"Yes, Anakin, I am," Ruwee said. "She's done a lot of wonderful things in her relatively short life," he continued. "She's been in public service since she was seven years old, when she was selected for the political service academy." He continued. "Two terms as queen, almost served a third, and one of those was under that awful Trade Federation invasion."

Ruwee looked out thoughtfully over the river as he continued. "Now she's been serving as Senator to the Republic for the past two years." He turned and looked at the kitchen window, and Anakin followed his gaze. They could see Padmé talking with her mother and sister through the window. "She's done so much for so many people," he continued, "I was beginning to think that she'd never have any chance for a life of her own."

Ruwee turned to look at Anakin, placing his hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad she finally found someone like you to take care of her," he said thoughtfully.

Anakin smiled at him, then looked back to the window. "I do love her, Ruwee," he said thoughtfully. "Very, very much."

Ruwee smiled at him, patting his shoulder. "Well, if there was ever one that needed a Jedi to look after her," he laughed, "it's that one."

"I know," Anakin chuckled, nodding his head. "She's quite tenacious, isn't she? I think that's one of the things that I love about her."

Ruwee regarded Anakin carefully as he watched him look fondly at his youngest daughter through the kitchen window. He liked this young man.

Ruwee's expression grew more somber. "Tell me the truth, Anakin," he said quietly. "She's in more trouble that she lets on to us, isn't she?"

Anakin turned to Ruwee. Already, he respected him, and Padmé, too much not to tell him the truth. "Yes, she is," he said, matter-of-factly. "Someone's trying to kill her, Ruwee." Ruwee listened intently as Anakin continued. "There have already been three attempts on her life, two on Coruscant and one here, on Naboo, just before we left on our way here." He looked at Ruwee with an expression of honest concern. "Someone out there wants her dead, we just don't know who yet."

Ruwee listened as Anakin continued. "I did manage to get a name from one of the attackers this morning," he said. "I'm going to have Artoo take the ship tonight and relay that information to Master Obi-Wan." He turned to look at Ruwee again. "I'm sure that it should help him track down the ones behind these attempts."

Ruwee's face bore the anguished expression of a father deeply concerned for his daughter. Anakin placed his hand on his shoulder, and Ruwee turned to look at him. "I promise you, Ruwee," he said, a look of grim determination on his face, "I'll find out who it is, and I'll stop them, I swear it on my own life. No harm will ever come to her." Anakin looked back to the window. "I'll die before I let that happen," he said quietly.

Ruwee smiled at Anakin, and then squeezed his shoulder. "I know, son," he said, then looked back to the window himself. "So will I."

"Ryoo, Pooja!" Sola called, "Get to bed, now; I'm not going to tell you again!"

Padmé looked back over her shoulder and smiled as she listened to her sister try to round the two children up and get them tucked into bed. She opened the door and stepped out onto the garden patio, then closed it quietly. It was late evening, and as she walked out into the garden her gown swayed softly in the evening breeze. She had taken her hair down and brushed it out from the braided bun she had worn all day, and it hung in loose, flowing curls about her shoulders.

She looked up at the stars glowing brightly in the evening sky. The clouds had cleared, and the larger of Naboo's moons was in quarter phase, casting a soft, iridescent glow to the landscape. Off in the distance, she could hear the river as it flowed over the rocks at the end of the meadow.

She saw Anakin at the far edge of the garden. He still wore the dark brown pants and boots that he usually wore, and she could see his lightsaber sway gently in the moonlight as he stooped in front of Artoo. His brown vest hung on the back of a nearby chair, and the sleeves of his light brown tunic were rolled up to his elbows.

She slowly walked toward Anakin, and she watched as he slid the small, shiny holographic recording disk into the slot of Artoo's internal drive mechanism. Artoo retracted it as Anakin stood up, and she listened as he gave him his instructions.

"Artoo," he said, "take the ship tonight and relay this message to Master Obi-Wan." Padmé took another step or two closer to him so that she could hear him better. "Be sure to get clear of the system before you transmit it, and come back on a different route than you leave by, okay? I don't want anyone tracking you and finding out where we are, understood?"

Artoo nodded and whistled affirmatively, then followed up with a series of beeps and whistles. "Don't worry, Artoo," Anakin said, "Master Obi-Wan will know what to do with it. You just transmit it, and when you get the confirmation signal, head on back here."

He placed the translator back into his belt. "And be sure to reengage the jamming transmitter on the ship as soon as you get back," he added.

Artoo nodded once more, then turned and rolled down the garden path toward the direction of the ship. Anakin stood up and stretched, and Padmé walked up quietly behind him. She put her arms around him, laid her head on his back, and squeezed him tightly.

"Did you record it tonight?" she asked softly.

Anakin looked over his shoulder at her. "Yes," he said quietly. "Artoo's gone to deliver it now." He turned and looked back at the little droid as he rolled out of sight, then turned and held Padmé in his arms as she looked up at him. He brushed her hair with his right hand, and then gently caressed her cheek.

"I know it couldn't have been easy for you to record that," she said, her eyes showing her concern for him

He looked at her and smiled. "The only thing that's difficult for me anymore," he said softly, "is being away from you for more than a few minutes."

She looked at him fondly, and they stood quietly in each other's arms for a long time. Anakin finally smiled, and he gently touched his forehead to hers. "How about you," he asked quietly, "are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Yes," she said softly, "I am, very much so." She gazed deeply into his bright eyes. Even in the dim moonlight, she could see them so clearly, shining back at her. "I love you, Anakin," she said softly, "So much."

She placed her arms around his neck and pulled her to him. She closed her eyes and, reaching up to him, kissed him long and tenderly. He wrapped his arms around her waist tighter as he gently pressed his lips to hers, and the air was quiet, except for the soft whisper of the evening breeze and the distant chirp of crickets in the night air.

Ruwee placed his arm around Jobal's shoulder as she watched the two figures in the moonlight. Jobal turned to see him and returned his smile, and then they both looked out at the two young lovers in the garden.

"Well," he sighed, "our baby girl's getting married tomorrow, isn't she?" He looked down at his wife, and she nodded her head and looked up at him, smiling.

"I had begun to think this day would never come," she said, then turned and looked back out at the garden. She took a deep breath as she spoke. "He makes her feel so special," she sighed.

She rested her head on Ruwee's shoulder. "She seems so happy now," Jobal said quietly, "and she loves him so much." She turned a worried look to her husband. "This is her first chance to have a life of her own, Ruwee," she said. "With everything that's going on, I'm just so worried about her," she paused, then continued. "And him."

Ruwee shook his head and looked back out the window at his daughter and her fiancé, still holding tightly to each other in the moonlight. "I wouldn't worry, Jobal," he said confidently, then smiled at his wife, nodding his head toward the garden.

"I pity the poor fool that tries to get anywhere near her."

Obi-Wan finished the last few bites of the dinner that his Kaminoan host had brought to him earlier. It was quite good, though not exactly what he was used to. Fish seemed to be the primary source of meat on this planet, which really came as no surprise to him, considering that nearly ninety percent of the planet was covered in ocean. It appeared to have been a type of ocean perch, lightly broiled and seasoned with a blend of spices that he was unfamiliar with. Alongside, they had included several types of vegetables and roots, and something that tasted like a fruit pudding for dessert. All in all, he found it quite enjoyable, and he wiped the corners of his mouth as he finished, then placed his napkin back on his tray.

He stood up and walked to the large, panoramic window on the far wall that looked out over the ocean. It was quite dark, but the continual streaks of lightning provided ample light to see the huge, rolling waves that lapped against the light gray pillars of the many buildings in this large, ocean-bound city. The rain continued to fall in dense sheets, and it poured over the awning of the window in heavy droplets to the ocean above. Even through the thick plexiglass window, he could hear the roll of thunder in the clouds above as the lightning continued to flash.

He took another sip of the beverage they had brought with his dinner. It was a type of wine, and it had a peculiar, sweet flavor, but it was good, nonetheless. He turned from the window, and sat down in the large, padded chair near the table.

He turned the glass slowly in his hand as his mind replayed the events of the evening. An army; who in the Jedi Order would have requested such a thing, and without the Council's knowledge?

Could it be that Lama Su was lying to him? He reconsidered the possibility that his host and hostess might be concealing the real truth behind this unthinkable development. But, he had reached into the Force during his meeting with them, had searched for any impression that they might be hiding something. He had detected no trace of deception, no hint of mistrust. Whatever they were, or whomever they were really working for, they honestly felt that they were telling him the truth.

Then there was the matter of Sypho Dyas. He had never met the great Jedi master, but he had read about him in the archives. He had supposedly died aboard a freighter that was attacked by Trade Federation pirates nearly ten years ago, about the same time that Master Qui Gonn had died. From everything that he knew of him from what he had read, Sypho Dyas was well respected and highly regarded by the Council. How could have requested something as massive as the creation of an army for the Republic, and done so without informing the Council? No matter how he turned these numbers over in his head, they just didn't add up. He would have to wait until morning to try and find some answers to this ever-growing puzzle.

The translator in his pocket beeped three times, indicating that Arfour was trying to contact him. He pulled it out and activated it, and the display popped on with a chirp to let him know he was online.

"Yes, Arfour," he said, "What is it? Is everything alright?"

A series of chirps and whistles could be heard over the transmitter, then the message displayed on the screen. "Yes, Arfour," he replied with a grin, "I know it's still raining, and I'm sorry, but there's not much I can do about it." He laughed to himself; it wasn't often that an astrodroid complained about the weather.

Arfour sent another series of beeps and clicks, and another message popped up on the display he held in his hand. "A coded message?" he asked, a puzzled look on his face. "Does the code say who the message is from?"

Arfour whistled again, and Obi-Wan sat up straight in his chair, a look of genuine concern on his face. "From Anakin?" he asked, puzzled. "Why would he be sending me a one-way communication? Why didn't he just contact me directly?"

Obi-Wan stood up, walked across the room and pressed a button on the console by the window. The shades began to close, and the room grew dim. He reached into his satchel on the counter and removed the portable signal encrypter that he carried with him, and then plugged it into the slot on the holographic projector near the middle of the room. He turned and sat back down in his chair, taking another sip from the glass in his hand. "Alright, Arfour," he said, "relay the message to the holographic projector here in my room. Be sure to pass it through my encrypter for security."

Arfour whistled in reply, and Obi-Wan sat back in his chair. A few moments later, the transmitter engaged and a low hum could be heard as Anakin's image slowly came into view on the holograph pad.

"Master Obi-Wan," he said, bowing slightly as was expected of young padawans when addressing their masters. Obi-Wan smiled; Anakin could be a lot of trouble, but he always remembered to bow when he first addressed him.

The message continued. "I regret that I am unable to bring this message to you personally, Master, but out of concern for Senator Amidala's safety, I'm having Artoo relay it to you from an undisclosed location."

Obi-Wan leaned forward, concern spreading across his face, as the message continued. "There has been another assassination attempt, Master, on Naboo," Anakin continued. "She's safe, but we were attacked by three would-be assassins late this afternoon."

Obi-Wan listened intently as Anakin continued. "I was able to gather a small piece of information from one of the attackers before he died, Master. Apparently, a bounty hunter named Fett has offered a large reward for the Senator's death. It also seemed that this particular assassin was an Alterian. Padmé said that he was a member of the Techno Army, a group of pirates in league with the Trade Federation out beyond the Outer Rim. As of yet, I haven't been able to figure out exactly how these pirates figure into a plot to assassinate her. Perhaps you'll have better luck figuring that out than I have."

Obi-Wan pressed a button on the arm of his chair, freezing Anakin's image. He sat back in his chair, trying to make sense of it all. Why would bounty hunters be interested in Senator Amidala? They had nothing to gain by killing her; bounty hunters operated outside the law of the Republic, anyway. Her removal from the senate would gain them nothing. And why would they be using Trade Federation pirates? Bounty hunters were usually loath to involve anyone outside their small circle of influence. None of this made sense.

He pressed the button on the arm of his chair again, and the message continued. "In order to protect Senator Amidala, Master, I have moved her to an undisclosed location, one much less visible. This was my own decision, and I haven't informed the Council as to her whereabouts. I'm sorry that I cannot provide you with more information as well, but I'm unwilling to risk her safety by doing so."

What was Anakin thinking? He had been given orders to protect the Senator, but to move her, and without the Council's knowledge, was far beyond the mandate given to his young padawan.

The message continued. "There's something else that I must tell you, Master," Anakin said, and then he paused for a moment. "I don't know how else to tell you this, and I'm sorry, but I'm leaving the Jedi Order."

Obi-Wan sat expressionless as he listened. "Padmé and I are in love, Master, and I now know that my place is here with her," he said. "I know you're aware of how I feel about her, and I've realized that my life would be meaningless without her. She's resigning her position in the Republic Senate and the two of us are going to be married tomorrow."

Obi-Wan looked down, trying to take in what he was hearing. He looked back to the image as the message continued.

"Master, you've been like a father to me, and I thank you for everything that you've taught me," Anakin said, "but I have to follow my heart, and my heart tells me that I belong with her. I hope you'll understand and be able to forgive me someday."

Obi-Wan sat the glass in his hand down on the table, and leaned forward, his hands folded in his lap, as Anakin's message came to a close. "I promise you, Padmé and I will be fine. I'll contact you again as soon as the situation here is safer, Master, or if I learn anything more." A look of genuine concern spread across his face. "Be careful, Master. I sense that all of us are in great danger. Until then, take care, and may the Force be with you." Anakin bowed his head once more, and then his image faded away.

The room was dim once again as the transmitter powered down, and Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair, sighing deeply. The lightning continued to flash outside his window, and a long, deep clap of thunder rolled across the sky.

The situation, it seemed, had just gotten a lot more complicated.

Padmé held Anakin's hand as he escorted her down the hall to her room. As they reached the door, she turned the knob quietly and pushed the door open. She smiled at Anakin, then took his hand and led him through the door.

Padmé put her arm around his waist and pulled him close to her. "This is my room," she said, looking around the room. She looked up at Anakin. "Do you like it?"

Anakin smiled as he looked around. The room was spacious and airy, the walls painted a pale yellow, with bright white curtains over the large bay window in the far wall. The walls were adorned with all types of awards and certificates from Padmé's many accomplishments in school and her career in public service.

The bed near the center of the room was large, dressed in a thick comforter, with four posts that held a large, elaborate canopy in place. Her mother had pulled the bed down for her and changed the bedclothes earlier. The bed was dressed in fresh satin sheets, and several large down pillows bore handmade satin covers. Her dressing table and mirror were next to the bed, her hairbrushes and personal items laid neatly on a large mirrored tray. Across the room, a large, elaborate dresser held many picture frames of various sizes.

"It's beautiful," Anakin said, taking her hand and walking slowly toward the dresser that held the assortment of picture frames.

They stopped in front of the dresser, and Padmé put her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. "I'm glad you like it," she said softly, "because tomorrow, it'll be your room, too."

She looked up at him with a smile, then wrapped her arms around his neck and started to giggle quietly. "I can't believe it," she whispered, and she squeezed him tightly, "we're actually getting married tomorrow!"

He started to laugh, then wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up off the floor, and she squealed happily as he swung her around several times. They both laughed together as he let her feet touch the floor again, and they smiled broadly at each other. "I know," he beamed, "I can't believe it myself."

Anakin turned with a smile to the pictures that adorned her dresser. "All of these are of you?" he said, his eyes searching the picture frames.

"Yes, most of them," she replied. "I used to wonder why Mom and Dad took so many pictures, but now I'm glad they did." Anakin picked them up one by one, smiling as he looked at them.

"Would you like to see my favorite?" Padmé asked. Anakin nodded, and she reached up on the dresser and took a small gold picture frame in her hand, bringing it to where he could see it.

Anakin took the picture from her hand and looked at it. Padmé was still queen, and she wore a bright white dress with a wide ceremonial collar. She was much younger, just barely into her early teens. Her face was painted in ceremonial fashion, and she stood on the steps of the capital building in Theed. She was smiling broadly as she handed a bright, glowing crystal orb to a large, bulky Gungan dressed in ceremonial robes. To the left of her, closer to the building, he saw his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, looking much younger than he did now, and his face was cleanly shaven, his padawan braid still evident, hanging neatly by his right ear. Next to him, a small, sandy haired boy, dressed in sand colored peasant style, stood with his arms by his side, his face thoughtful, with a grim expression.

"I remember this," he said slowly, rubbing his fingers gently over the glass of the frame. His eyes were wide with an almost childlike wonder.

Padmé looked at him with a smile. "I thought you would," she said, then turned her attention back to the picture. "This was taken right after Master Qui-Gonn brought you back to Naboo with us, remember?"

Anakin nodded his head slowly. "This was the celebration after the Trade Federation invasion was over," he said. He stared at the picture for a long moment. "It's been so long," he said, still mesmerized by the image of his younger self in the picture. "Mom and I never had a imager when I was growing up," he said. "I've never seen a picture of me when I was younger."

"It's the only picture that I have of you as a boy," she said softly, rubbing his shoulder with her free hand. "It's always been my favorite." She cuddled close to his side as she spoke. "I used to look at it for a long time, whenever I'd come home," she said. She smiled at him, and then turned her gaze once again to the picture in his hand, studying it with him for a long moment.

Finally, she spoke, softly, thoughtfully. "I've always tried to figure out what it was you were thinking, what you were feeling, when that picture was taken."

Anakin's eyes never left the image of the small boy in the picture. The smile slowly faded from his face, and his expression grew more pensive and thoughtful. He said nothing, his gaze transfixed; he seemed to be lost in time.

"I remember," he finally said, very quietly.

Padmé turned her attention from the picture to him, watching him thoughtfully as he studied the image. He looked as though he was remembering something painful, uncomfortable. She knew he was wrestling with some deep, inner pain, some haunting memory, and her heart yearned to reach out to him, to help him.

"Tell me," she said softly, brushing the back of her free hand lightly against his cheek.

His eyes remained on the picture for a few moments, his fingers still gently stroking the image of his young fiancé from so many years ago. Finally, he turned his eyes to her. They were as bright as always, but, in the soft glow of the lamp, she could see them shining from the tears that stood in them. Her heart ached with him, though she still had no knowledge of what was causing the pain that he was feeling. She gently stroked his hair with her hand, a look of deep love and compassion on her face.

He looked deep into her eyes, reaching out to her. "I was afraid," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "afraid that I'd never see you again."

Padmé's breath caught in her throat as Anakin paused for a moment, and then continued. "I was thinking about how much I was going to miss you when we left, and how unhappy I was going to be."

Padmé's heart melted, and she felt tears begin to sting her own eyes. Over the years, as she had looked at that picture, she had imagined all types of answers to her question, but of all the ones that she expected to hear, she was totally unprepared for that one. That one, honest, heartfelt answer struck her straight to the core of her heart.

She lifted her right hand and gently stroked his cheek, wiping away the tear that stood in the corner of his eye. "Oh, Ani," she whispered as she pulled him close and lovingly wrapped her arms around his neck. He clung to her tightly, his face buried in her soft brown hair, and she felt him trembling in her arms. She held him as tightly as she could, comforting him; he was so strong, yet beneath that strength were so many years of heartache. She wanted so desperately to take away his pain, to relieve all the years of suffering that he had carried with him.

"I'm here, Ani," she said softly, as she gently stroked his short blonde hair. "You'll never have to worry about that again, I promise." She held him tightly, comforting him just as he had her just a day before.

They held each other for a long time, until Anakin finally stirred. Padmé saw that the smile had returned to his face, and she returned it lovingly. She gently wiped the tears from his cheeks with her hands, then kissed him gently.

"I guess we'd better get some sleep," he finally said. "We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

"You'll be close tonight, won't you?" she asked him quietly.

Anakin pointed to the large, soft chair next to her bed. "I'll be right there," he said. "Your father told me he'd feel better if I stayed with you tonight." He smiled at her. "I know he trusts me, but I told him I'd sleep in the chair."

Padmé kissed him on the cheek. "That's very gallant of you," she said, "but don't get too comfortable there." She motioned toward the bed. "Tomorrow night, you sleep with me."

Anakin helped Padmé take off her robe and laid it neatly over the foot of her bed. The white silk nightgown that she wore was beautiful, and Anakin watched her as she pulled back the bedclothes and sat down on the side of the bed. She was a vision; he was certain that she was the most beautiful thing in the universe. She laid her head on the pillow, and he pulled the sheet and blanket up over her as he tucked her into bed.

She watched him with a smile as he gathered his light colored Jedi robes from his satchel, and headed off to the washroom to change.

In short order, he came back into the room and placed his clothes on the hook on the back of the door. He turned and walked to the chair, placing his lightsaber within easy reach on the nightstand beside it. She looked at it thoughtfully. Even with all the good things, all the warm feelings that they had shared on this wonderful night, she realized that he was still watching over her, still taking care of her.

He sat down next to her on the bed, then leaned down and kissed her gently. "Good night, Padmé," he said softly. "I love you. Sleep well."

"I love you, too," she said softly.

Anakin sat down in the chair next to her bed and pulled the blanket up over him. Padmé reached over and took his hand in hers, and, with his free hand, Anakin reached into the Force and turned off the light and then, hand in hand, they drifted off to sleep.

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