Chapter Seventy-Nine

Cian watched as Qui-Gon paced in front of her, his robe sweeping behind him. He had come to see her at her apartment but had let her know he couldn't stay long. However, during the time he'd been there, he'd quickly told her everything that had happened on his mission. She listened breathlessly as he described his and Obi-Wan's escape from the treachery of the Trade Federation, the beauty of the Gungan's hidden city and Naboo's capital of Theed, the bravery of the young Queen, his encounter in the desert with the dark warrior, the freeing of the boy named Anakin, and his unwavering belief he was the Chosen One.

"The Council doesn't believe it," he said. "I can see it in their eyes. But I'm certain of it."

He turned towards Cian, his blue eyes bright with conviction.

"This boy, he burns with the Force, Cian. I know he is the Chosen One."

Cian sat, her hands in her lap. "What will happen now?"

"He is to be tested by the Council." Qui-Gon voice firmed. "He must be trained. I know he is meant to bring balance."

Qui-Gon sat and took Cian's hands in his.

"This could change everything, Cian."

"Then I'm very happy for you, Qui-Gon."

He nodded, but before he could say another word the comlink on his belt chimed. He pulled it up and activated it.

"Yes."

"Master." Cian heard Obi-Wan's voice. "The Council is about to start the boy's testing. You should return to the Temple as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan. I'll be there shortly."

Qui-Gon turned off the comlink and put it back on his belt. He looked over at Cian.

"I have to go."

"Of course. I'll see you later?"

"I'm not sure. You heard what happened with Valorum?"

Cian looked down and nodded. She had not had a chance to speak to him since the no confidence vote and was terribly worried about him.

"I'll try to get back, though, if I can," Qui-Gon said.

He leaned over and quickly kissed her. Then he stood and walked swiftly out the door.

Cian sat on the couch, staring at the door through which he had gone. She hadn't even gotten a chance to tell him about their baby. She sighed. She would tell him when he returned.

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Aalea stared back at Yoda. The Jedi Master had asked her to come to his quarters. Aalea had never been in Yoda's quarters, though Obi-Wan had told her about it. Now, as she sat on a small green cushion before him, she still couldn't believe what he had just told her or, most importantly, why.

"He wants to train Anakin? Take him as his padawan-learner?"

"Yes."

"But what about Obi-Wan? What will happen to him?"

"Qui-Gon for him the Trials has recommended."

"Will he be allowed to take them?"

"That the Council has not decided. Nor whether to allow Master Qui-Gon this boy to take on."

"Where are they now?"

"To Naboo have we ordered them to return. The young Queen plans her homeworld to take back."

Aalea had not had a chance to see Queen Amidala. She had stayed in the apartments provided for her near the Senate Chambers, but Aalea had heard that not only was she a brave and capable ruler, she was also very beautiful.

"But Obi-Wan and Master Qui-Gon can't fight a war for her?"

"No, they can not. There for her protection are they."

Aalea nodded. "And where is the boy?

"With them is he."

"Master, what is going to happen? The Senate has elected Senator Palpatine as the new Chancellor. What will that mean?"

"It means change things will."

"But for the better or the worse, Master?"

"Change things will."

Aalea took a deep breath. She looked down at her hands, then back up at Yoda who was watching her with his large wise eyes.

"Master?"

"Yes, Aalea."

"I'm afraid."

"I know. That is why I asked you to come."

"You felt my fear?"

Yoda looked around him and moved his hand through the air.

"All around us is fear, Padawan Aalea. Something is stirring. A darkness. Strong must you be. And for Mistress Nyal, even stronger."

"Cian? I don't understand?"

"The future always in motion it is. Like moonlight on the water. And, yet, just as a single pebble can the patterns in the water shift, so can a single word or deed the future change."

He leaned forward and put his hand on Aalea's.

"Close to her stay. There for her be."

"Yes, Master. I will," Aalea replied, though she still did not understand what Yoda wanted of her. But she would obey him.

Yoda nodded, then gestured that the meeting was over.

Aalea stood and bowed. She turned and left Yoda's quarters and, as she walked down the corridors, her heart was heavy with foreboding.

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Cian sat in Valorum's apartments near the Senate Chambers. She had finally gotten through to him and asked if she could come see him.

Now, they sat together in his large common room. A fire burned in the fireplace and two goblets, one empty, the other half filled sat on the glass table in front of them. Cian was holding his hand.

"It happened so fast," he said quietly. "But, I should have expected it."

"How could you have expected it, Finis. You were her strongest supporter. I still don't understand how she could've done such a thing."

Valorum shook his head.

"Don't blame Queen Amidala, Cian. She did what she thought was best for her people."

"I realize that, but I hope that in doing what she thought was best for Naboo, she also didn't do something that could prove disastrous for the Republic."

Valorum reached over and picked up the half empty glass. He sipped it thoughtfully.

"Time will only tell." He glanced over at her. "Now, tell me. What is wrong?"

Cian smiled sadly. "I could never hide anything from you, could I?"

"No, not even when you were a little girl."

She sighed "Before I came over, Aalea contacted me. She told me Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have returned to Naboo with the Queen."

Valorum nodded. "The Jedi Council ordered them to return."

"Why?"

"I'm not sure. I believe it has something to do with this mysterious warrior Qui-Gon encountered on Tatooine."

He squeezed her hand when he saw the look of concern in her eyes.

"Don't worry, Cian. They'll be all right. They're just there to protect the Queen."

Cian shook her head. "But if she's planning to take back her homeworld, it could mean war."

"Yes, but Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan can take care of themselves." Valorum leaned over and picked up the empty glass. "Are you certain you don't want any?"

"No, thank you."

Valorum put the glass down. He eyed Cian.

"Are you going to tell me the rest?"

Cian took a deep breath. "I haven't even told him. I should tell him first."

"Tell who what, Cian?"

She gazed back at him. Valorum was the closet thing she had to a father. And right now she felt terribly alone and frightened.

"I'm pregnant, Finis. With Qui-Gon's child."

Valorum's eyes widened. "And he doesn't know?"

Cian shook her head. "I was going to tell him, but he was so excited about that boy he'd found. I didn't know what to do. And now Aalea tells me he wants to take the boy on as his padawan-learner." She sighed deeply. "How can I tell him something like this?"

"Cian, he has a right to know. You can't keep this from him."

"I know, Finis. I know. I'll tell him when he returns. I promise."

Valorum reached over and took Cian in his arms and, as she rested her head against his chest, she thought about Qui-Gon and how, even now, he could be in the middle of a war, fighting for his life.

To be continued......