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Place: Jedi Temple, Living Quarters, Coruscant

I was not expecting visitors at all this evening, but I did receive one. It was very late when I lifted my head slightly from the holocron I was studying as the electronic buzzer outside of my door rang shrilly in the small room. I clicked off the holocron and stood, walking hesitantly to the door. I pressed the door activation button and immediately looked into Obi-Wan's face. I sighed as I looked at him. "What do you want Obi-Wan?" I asked tiredly, remembering the events of that afternoon. "I wish to speak with you. May I?" He asked. I shrugged and nodded. "If you wish to." I submitted. He smiled his thanks and stepped into the room as I closed the door behind him. I pulled back my Jedi robes and sat down on the edge of my bed while Obi-Wan took the chair nearest to the bed.

He smiled and hesitated a moment, pulling the cuffs of his robes from his hands. "Elaina, I wish to speak with you about your visions." I cocked an eyebrow and nodded. "From what I saw today, you're still having them, but they're having a physical effect upon you." He said. I quickly stood with an exasperated sigh. I knew what was coming next. I'd been lectured about this enough and not just by anyone. Many members of the Jedi Council had heard of the effects that my visions were having upon me and wished for me to receive help, but at the same time desired me to tell them my visions so they could try to interpret them. It made no difference. No one can understand them. Not even I understand my visions. I fear it will be a long time before I understand their significance, their meaning, why they haunt me. "Obi-Wan, I don't need help. I can take care of myself. I have since I started having them. And besides, they haven't been doing this all the time. Just sometimes." I protested. "But Elaina its not the same thing anymore. You could have seriously hurt yourself back there." Obi-Wan said firmly. I shook my head fiercely and turned from him. "It wasn't that bad." I said.

I heard Obi-Wan stand angrily as he continued. "It wasn't that bad? Is that what you said?" He asked, his voice clipped. "Thats right." I answered him cooly. "Elaina, let me tell you what I saw back there. Look at me!" He said angrily, putting a firm hand on my shoulder and whirling me around to face him. I stared at him indifferently, unwilling to submit to the obvious truth he was trying to point out at me. "Let me tell you what I saw back there." He said, his voice quieter than before. "I saw you walk strongly away from me, your hands clenched. Then I saw you stop suddenly, then fall against the window as if you'd been slapped. You slipped down the wall and began to cry out, no, scream. Yes, you screamed Elaina." Obi-Wan whispered as I flinched.

"You screamed and it echoed throughout the entire hall. By the time I ran to you, your head and body were already losing control of themselves. And you were choking Elaina, physically choking. This was no ordinary vision, nor any ordinary nightmare. It was real, and you were suffering from it. What would have happened if I hadn't been there Elaina? Someone would have found you possibly unconscious, possibly dead. And it would have been assumed that someone had beaten you to death. Thats what would have happened." He said fiercely.

I bit my lip, but set my chin firmly, refusing to look him in the eye. "These visions aren't normal. They could kill you Elaina. And I would not want that to happen, not when I could have saved you." He said quietly, his tone becoming gentler, softer. I finally met his gaze and saw the sincerity in his words. "I don't need help. I can make it on my own, like I always have." I whispered. The hope in Obi-Wan's eyes faded as he seated himself once more. He put his head in his hands and ran them over his hair in an exasperated action. "Very well. Do as you will. You obviously won't listen to me. Go ahead, get yourself killed." He muttered angrily. "Very well, if that is what you wish." I replied tersely. A look of regret flashed through Obi-Wan's eyes as he sat back in his chair, his eyes never leaving my face.

"What did you see Elaina? What was so horrible that it was choking you to death?" He asked quietly. My blood seemed to freeze in my veins as I remembered the person from my vision. I shook my head. "He was a man I think, but I perceived that he was not completely man, more like a machine. But he was no droid." I scoffed. "He held out his fingers and squeezed them together, squeezing my throat at the same time, using the Force.." I rubbed my throat, wincing. "Who was he?" Obi-Wan asked. I shrugged. "I don't know. I've never seen him before in my life." I answered. Obi-Wan didn't respond, but simply shook his head. "I don't understand." He murmured.

"Nor do I. Why was I chosen? Chosen for this burden? I wish," My voice petered out, and when I spoke again, my voice was soft, the tone filled with longing. "I wish Qui-Gon was here." I whispered. Obi-Wan's eyes flicked up to my own. "So do I. At times, I wish that he was here to help me with Anakin. He could probably manage him." Obi-Wan said with a tired sigh. "There are days when I miss him so much that it hurts to breathe. He understood me Obi-Wan. He knew of my visions and of my predicaments. He understood me." I said, finally meeting his gaze. "I know." Obi-Wan was quiet a moment before he pulled something out of his cloak.

"Elaina can you tell me what you think this is?" He asked, placing the object carefully in my palm. I squinted as I looked at it. I held it between my thumb and forefinger, studying it skeptically. "Its a poisonous dart isn't it?" I asked him. He nodded thoughtfully. "I'm going to take it to a friend of mine tomorrow. He knows a great deal about technology like this. Perhaps he can tell me where it came from." He said, taking back the dart. "Where did you get it?" I asked curiously. "This is what was used to kill the changeling that Anakin and I chased the other night." I nodded thoughtfully, watching him pocket the object. "Would you like to come with me tomorrow Elaina? I mean, seeing as you and I will be working together on this mission." He said quietly. "I would love to. You've intrigued my interest." I said with a smile. Obi-Wan returned it and sat back in his chair. "Good. I want to introduce you to Dex. He's fabulous." He said with a reminiscent smile.

A sudden thought occured to me as I sat there. "Obi-Wan, I'm sorry this is a little late, but I haven't been able to see you. I wanted to tell you thank you for freeing me." I said kindly. To my surprise, a flush crossed Obi-Wan's cheeks and he smiled with an embarassed air. "You don't have to thank me. I promised you that I would." I nodded, but was unwilling to let him off that easily. "I know, but you didn't have to do it. You could have forgotten. But you didn't." I pressed. "I'm a man of my word Elaina. Besides, what would I do with a slave? Let alone a slave like you?" I was about to protest, but I stopped myself when I saw the twinkle in his eye. I drew myself up and cocked my eyebrow. "I'm not sure. What could you have done with a disobedient slave such as myself?" I asked sarcastically. "Dunno. Most likely would have set you to work on the things I didn't want to do. You know, cleaning, washing, scrubbing," I laughed before he could continue. "ME? Cleaning and scrubbing? I would have rather fought you in a lightsaber duel than done those things!" He smiled. "Thats why I freed you." He laughed.

We were both laughing loudly when the buzzer outside my room rang loudly. I frowned and Obi-Wan and I both stood. He walked with me to the door and I opened it. Anakin stood outside the door and he eyed me and Obi-Wan with surprise. "Hello Elaina, Master." He said uneasily, cocking his head as he stared at Obi-Wan. I glanced at Obi-Wan and was surprised to see a flush pass over him. "Anakin, what are you doing here this late?" He asked. "I might ask the same thing of you, Master." Anakin said evenly. Obi-Wan cocked an eyebrow as he stared at his Padawan. I myself stared at Anakin as well. I had not yet seen him defy Obi-Wan and this was the first time. "That is none of your business." Obi-Wan said finally. "Then I should not have to tell you why I am here." Anakin responded carelessly.

"It is late Padawan, return to your room." Obi-Wan said, impatience lacing his words. "I will, just as soon as I'm finished speaking with Elaina." Anakin said. Obi-Wan gritted his teeth.

"Anakin, now."

"Sorry Master. I must speak with Elaina."

"Whatever you have to say can wait."

"NO it cannot, Master."

"Why not, Padawan?"

"Because Master, we are departing on our mission in the morning. I won't have time to speak with her."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, knowing he was defeated as Anakin stared at him hard. I looked at them both and saw the difference that was between them. They loved each other, but Anakin was headstrong, and not nearly as bad as Obi-Wan had been before in his Padawan days. I had not imagined Anakin's apprenticeship happening like this. "Very well, my very young Apprentice. You may speak with Elaina. But make it quick." Obi-Wan said finally, aggravation peppering his tone. Anakin bowed low. "Thank you Master. I won't be long." He said. Obi-Wan stepped out the door and nodded to me. "Good-night Elaina." He said. "Good-night Obi-Wan." I said in a wondering tone. Obi-Wan shook his head, unwilling to explain, and walked off.

Anakin smiled and stepped into my room. I closed the door with thoughtful slowness, then turned to face Anakin. He had settled himself in the chair that Obi-Wan had just left and he was smiling broadly. "I knew I'd be able to see you tonight." He said happily. I tentatively sat down on the edge of my bed and looked at him. "Anakin, what was all that about?" Anakin's smile faded. "What do you mean?" He asked. "I mean, why did you do that? You deliberately defied a direct order from your Master." I felt a twinge of anger arise in Anakin's mind. "Because I needed to speak with you! Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to talk to you. Obi-Wan just didn't understand that. He needed to be told." He said firmly.

"Anakin, he is your Master! You are the apprentice. He gives the orders, you obey!" I said quickly. Anakin jumped to his feet in anger, his fists clenching. "I needed to speak with you Elaina!" He yelled. I sat back, and I'm sure that fear reflected in my gaze, for I was afraid. I had seen Anakin like this long ago when he didn't get his way, but he had been a child then, and not a Jedi Padawan. Anger was not encouraged in the Jedi Order, for it lead to the Dark Side, and I felt nothing but anger in his tone. "Anakin, sit down please." I said breathlessly. The hard edge in his fierce gaze softened and he sat down in his chair.

"I knew you'd understand 'Laina." He said. I stared at him in surprise. He was so satisfied. He thought that he'd won a battle of some kind. Had he thought that I'd been afraid of what he might do? Granted I was afraid, but I never dreamed that he would harm me. I didn't know what to think. "What did you want to speak with me about Anakin?" I asked quietly. "Several things. First of all, I've been having dreams. Terrible dreams." He said, shaking his head. "What about?" Anakin raised his head, and the pain in his eyes was an intense, bitter pain. "My Mom. She is in agony. I fear she is dying. But Obi-Wan won't let me go to her!" As Anakin spoke, his voice seemed to break, to become as a young child's, the young child I knew on Tatooine.

"Simply because you have dreams, does not mean that they are reality." I said sympathetically. His eyes flashed angrily. "Then should I disregard your visions? Your dreams? After all, they aren't reality!" Anakin snapped. I sat back on the bed, my hand dropping its hold on his in surprise. As I did so, his eyes seemed to clear and he grasped my hand in a panicked motion. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know whats happening to me." He said slowly, precisely. "I hurt so much inside. With dreams of my mother, how I so long to go to her." He paused. "I miss her. I hate the thought of anyone hurting her. I miss her." He whispered. "Anakin, I should not have contradicted you. I, too am sorry. I most likely would have reacted the same way if someone had said such things about my visions." I said kindly. He nodded a slight smile on his face. "Of course I forgive you Elaina. You are my oldest and dearest friend, besides Master Obi-Wan. And he is like my father." He paused a moment, regarding something seriously before speaking again. "I also want to talk to you about Padmé. Elaina, I care for her even more than I did when I knew her on Tatooine. Its grown so much and I, I don't know what to do about it." He said slowly.

I hesitated, my tongue growing heavy in my mouth as I remembered the advice given to me on this same matter. "Anakin, love is forbidden in the Jedi Order. We must have total dedication to our Order and our vows." Anakin nodded impatiently. "That doesn't stop what I feel though Elaina! Many Jedi have married and nothing happened to them." He said meaningfully. "That was different Ani. Times were different. Many of them married fellow Jedi. Padmé is no Jedi, Ani." I said quietly. "Who cares?! I love her! Why can't I love her? You love Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan loves you! So why can't I feel the same about the person I care about?!" He yelled angrily.

His words stopped me dead in my tracks. Did he know, or had he guessed? Anakin looked up and sensed my hesitation. He stared at me eerily, his blue eyes never leaving my face. "You do love him Elaina. I have felt it." He said quietly. The old fear arose in my heart as I stared at his somber face. He stared at me in that strange serious way for a time before blinking and looking away. I took a deep, shaky breath. "Regardless as to whether or not I have feelings for Obi-Wan, I cannot love him. My vows forbid it." I said quietly. "So you'll throw aside your love for your order?" He challenged. "If that is necessary." I said uneasily, not entirely sure of my answer. Apparently, Anakin saw that as well, for he scoffed. "Really? You know Elaina, I can't really believe you when you're not sure yourself."

He sighed and rubbed his hands over his eyes. "I'm sorry 'Laina. I'm tired. This whole thing with Padmé, Mom, my difficulties with Master Obi-Wan, I'm just tired." His tired voice changed as it swelled with pride. "But I am glad that the Council thinks I'm ready to face the trials of taking on a mission by myself." I smiled. "I too am proud of you Ani. At last you can prove yourself, and I pray that you do." I said, my voice becoming soft. "Don't do anything rash Ani. I'm begging you. Please." I said quietly, but with pleading in my undertone. He waved his hand. "Don't worry about me 'Laina. I'll be a good Jedi. The best there ever was." He said, standing and kissing me on my forehead.

I smiled as I received his kiss and walked him to the door. As he began to walk away, I stopped him. "Anakin." He stopped and turned around, to where I leaned against the door-frame. "You might want to apologize to Obi-Wan for your defiance. After all, you're all he has." I said with a small smile. He smiled back and shook his head. "Sure. But I don't think I'm all he has. Unless I'm remembering wrong, I recall that he promised to protect you the day of the battle on Naboo. I know my Master, and therefore I know that that promise did not extend merely to the end of that day, but to the day when he would meet you again. I know this to be true Elaina. I know this." He said firmly, turning about on his heel and walking away from me, leaving me to puzzle out my thoughts about him, and Obi-Wan.

After he left, I turned off the lights with a simple wave of my hand and lay down in the bed, not pulling the covers over me, nor closing my eyes, simply laying there. I thought about Anakin, how different he had become. Obi-Wan was right. He had become arrogant. I regretted that terribly. I had so hoped that Anakin would grow in his journey to become a Jedi Knight, grow with grace and dignity. He had done the exact opposite. He had always been impatient, but I had not given it much thought. Most likely part of the reason for his anger was because of his age. He was as old as other Padawans, but he was further from becoming a Jedi Knight than they because of the lateness of his acceptance. Most likely that troubled him. Then there was Padmé.

I closed my eyes with a sigh. He could not love Padmé. He couldn't. That would jeapordize everything his friends had sweated for, what Qui-Gon had died for. I could not allow him to do that. Have you thought Elaina that you are no better than he is? My mind whispered. I shuddered. I knew this was true. But my love for Obi-Wan was not as projected, not as obvious as Anakin's love for Padmé. Was it? It couldn't be. I would have sensed Obi-Wan's knowledge of it. But he blocks his feelings from you. My mind pointed out. I opened my eyes wide in surprise It was true. I did not know how Obi-Wan felt. He could know my feelings and I wouldn't even know it. I sighed and closed my eyes, my fingers grasping for the necklace hidden beneath my Jedi robes. I held the charm in my palm, running my fingers over the worn overlapping lines of metal. It was my slave necklace. Many other slaves got rid of this sign of bondage as soon as they were freed. I could not. It was yet another thing I could not let go of, like my caring for Obi-Wan.

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Place: Senatorial Chambers, Coruscant.

I waited outside the door as the handmaiden went to fetch her Mistress. I ran my fingers over the cool surface of a metal sculpture beside the door thoughtfully. I hadn't seen Padmé in many years. Granted, not as long as the time when I'd seen Obi-Wan and Anakin last, but it was still a long time. I wondered if she had changed, if she felt the same as Anakin. If she did, it would be easy for me to sense it. I felt bad intruding upon her feelings, taking advantage of the fact that she was not a Jedi and could not hide her feelings, but it was something I wished to make sure of. This was not the only reason I'd come to see her. I'd missed her. Missed her presence, her laughter, her friendship. She had been one of the first people besides the Jedi to accept me as a friend despite the major difference between her station and mine. I could never forget that, ever.

I saw her from far down the hall as she walked briskly down it. Her yellow dress, a pattern of the Thousand Moons Systems, was enchanting, her hair hidden underneath a small yellow headdress. No white make-up shrouded her face, no huge concoctions of satin and silk engulfed her tiny figure. She was simply Padmé. I smiled in greeting as she approached me and happy smile already on her face. She walked up to me and stopped, unsure of what to do. I understood why. I had only become a Jedi Knight recently, and she did not know how to greet me. Therefore, it was I who leaned in to embrace her first. She smiled thankfully and received it, pulling away and looking at me with shining eyes.

"Look at you! You look as dignified as Master Kenobi." She said happily. I smiled and blushed, but shook my head. "I fear I'll never look as dignified as Obi-Wan." I answered before winking at her. "But I'll try." She laughed merrily and drew me over to one of the couches in the room. "How is it? Being a Jedi Knight? Is it all you wanted Elaina?" She asked, settling back beside me. I thought about that a moment, then answered. "It is different. In a way not as different as being a slave, for I had a Master. Only I am not forced to do work that I do not like. And I'm not beaten." I said with a wistful smile. Padmé nodded and smiled, waiting for me to continue. "In truth, its different, but it feels right somehow. I am finally a Jedi Knight, yet in some ways I still feel like a Padawan. Like I'm still a slave. I don't know." I ran my hands over my eyes. "Its a strange feeling." I murmured.

Padmé put her hand comfortingly on my back. "I understand what you're feeling. I feel that way sometimes. Sometimes I think that I'm still the Queen, rather than a Senator. I feel like I can't move on." She said quietly. I raised my head and looked at her. "Thats exactly it! I can't move on. I'm stuck in one place, waiting to move forward." I said, standing and walking over to the great windows lining the walls. She stood and joined me. "But you, you must enjoy your work as Senator." I said, changing the subject. She smiled and nodded, looking out the window at the large monoliths. "Yes. I love it. Its even better than being Queen in some ways, but in others," She sighed and shook her head. "In others its not all its cracked up to be." She said with a wry smile.

"I understand completely." I said, returning the smile. Padmé nodded, then sobered suddenly. "Must I be protected and shipped off like this?" She asked. I turned to her and saw the frustration in her eyes. "Padmé, I know that you don't like the idea," I began. "You're right. I hate it!" She interrupted. "I know, but you must. I don't want to see you killed. Neither does anyone else." I reasoned. "Obviously someone does, or I wouldn't be in this situation." She retorted. I stood silently, waiting for her to calm down. "I am sorry Elaina. I should not be saying such things. I am grateful for the protection." She said half-heartedly. I smiled and nodded. "I know you are. Obi-Wan and I will try to end this as soon as possible." She turned and smiled. "I will be most grateful for that."

The door slid open and we both turned to face Obi-Wan. He raised his eyebrow but stepped forward. "If you please Senator, we're ready to depart to the docks." He said cordially. I frowned as I listened to him. Why can't he be so polite to ME? I thought wryly. Padmé nodded and motioned to her handmaiden, who handed her a suitcase. "Thank you Master Jedi. I am ready." She said, drawing herself up proudly and following Obi-Wan as he walked out the door. I followed them, observing the halls of the Senatorial Buildings as we passed them. We met Anakin at the commuter-craft which would take us to the docks and entered it.

I sat alone, my chin resting in my hands as I stared out the window, watching the numerous buildings pass quickly by. I felt pressure on the seat as someone sat down beside me. "Has it changed any from that first time you saw it?" Obi-Wan asked, a smile on his face. I turned to him, eyeing that smile. "You needn't refer to that incident now Obi-Wan. I have visited Coruscant many times and the joy of seeing it again has worn off, long ago in fact." I said sarcastically. Obi-Wan nodded, but his smile remained. "Just wanted to make sure you remembered." He said, falling silent. "Why did you think I would forget?" I asked after a period of silence. Obi-Wan looked at me in surprise. "You mean you remember some of the things that occured?" He asked, surprise in his tone.

"Of course Obi-Wan! I was only sixteen." I retorted. "I know, but it seemed like you were much younger then. Anyhow, with all your numerous adventures I would have thought that you would have forgotten something as trivial as my teasing you about never having seen Coruscant." Obi-Wan said with a smile. "Well I didn't." I insisted firmly. Obi-Wan's smile faded and there was a glimmer of sadness in his eyes as he looked at me. "You remember many things of those days don't you?" He asked. I nodded. "When Qui-Gon died?" He asked, his eyes flickering as he spoke his Master's name. "How could I forget the man who caused my life to truly begin?" I whispered softly.

Obi-Wan did not speak. He seemed stunned by my simple words. As I looked into his eyes, I saw reflections, reflections of past times. To my surprise, I was in them, along with Qui-Gon and Anakin when he was a young boy. I saw him argue with Qui-Gon after Anakin's rejection by the Council, saw the fight that he and I had immediately after, saw his reconciliation with Qui-Gon, saw his comforting words to me before the Battle of Naboo, saw Qui-Gon's death through his eyes, saw and heard his own promise to protect me for the rest of my life. I did not comment on this, though I know that he sensed that I saw what he remembered. I simply allowed my hand to make its way to his and entwine our fingers together as one. He sighed and sat back in the seat, staring at nothing, but I felt his comfort at my presence.

He smiled gently as the train stopped and I released his fingers. He approached Anakin as he stood as well. "Stay on Naboo. Don't attract attention. Do absolutely nothing without checking in with me or the Council." Anakin nodded, a small twinge of annoyance in his eyes. "Yes Master." Obi-Wan nodded firmly and took a step towards Padmé. "We will get to the bottom of this plot quickly, M'Lady. You'll be back here in no time." He said as I stood to stand beside him. "I will be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi." She said, smiling. She turned to me and gave me a wistful smile. "Well here we go again. Parting ways just as we've arrived." She said. I smiled and nodded. "We will see each other again." I assured her. Then I smiled reminicently and held my palm up, face out. Padmé stared at it in surprise, her brown eyes flickering from my palm to my face. She smiled and seemed to blink back tears as she pressed her palm against my own. "I thank you for your friendship Padmé." I said quietly. "And I thank you for your friendship Elaina." She said softly. As our palms slid apart, she quickly grabbed me in a fierce embrace. I held her a moment before she pulled away from me and nodded determinedly.

"Time to go." Anakin said softly. "I know." She replied, glancing back only once as she walked briskly out the door. "Anakin, may the Force be with you." Obi-Wan said, motioning to his Padawan. Anakin smiled and nodded. "May the Force be with you, Master." He responded, turning to me, a cocky smile stretched across his face as he leaned in for my embrace. I did so and held him for a time, simply letting his head rest on my shoulder, his soft breathing stirring the hairs on my neck. When I released him, I ran my hand across his face. "Don't do anything you'll regret Anakin." I whispered. He smiled broadly. "What makes you think I'll do something like that?" He asked slyly. I shook my head. "I'm serious Anakin." I drew him slightly away from Obi-Wan and looked at him seriously. "Anakin, listen to what Obi-Wan tells you. I know you don't like it, I know you wished to be treated as an equal, but if you want that to happen, you must learn obedience." I said softly. He slowly dropped his head and nodded. "Its hard Elaina." He whispered. "I know, but you must try. And Anakin," I leaned closer to him. "Don't act upon your feelings for Padmé. Please. I beg you." His blue eyes seemed to burn into mine as he stared at me. He then began to speak to me as we had as children, with the Force.

That is something I cannot promise you Elaina.

Please Anakin. Please.

Elaina, I love her. I can't change that feeling.

Anakin you know the rules. You know the vows of your order. Don't break them. I don't want to watch you suffer.

You won't, because when I'm with Padmé, I'm the happiest person alive.

Anakin, attachment is forbidden, possession is forbidden, but compassion, is central to a Jedi's life. Take this to heart, but do not confuse it with love between a man and a woman. That is forbidden.

You are trying to help me, encourage me. This I understand, but cannot honor. I will do what I feel is right.

If you do this you will jeapordize everything you have worked for in the last ten years! Everything! Everything Qui-Gon strived for and died for! Do you want him to have died in vain?

There was silence a moment before he spoke again.

He won't have. I promise you.

Ani,

Elaina, I will do what I feel is right. Master Qui-Gon did this and he was one of the greatest of the Jedi. You cannot deny this.

Please Ani,

Goodbye Elaina. Don't worry. I'll be fine. Trust me.

With that, he kissed my forehead gently and stepped away, catching up to Padmé as she strode from us. I stepped up till I was beside Obi-Wan as we watched the two, along with R2-D2, depart towards the transport. "I hope he doesn't try anything foolish." Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. The soldier behind him chuckled as he replied, "I'd be more concerned about her doing something than him." Obi-Wan and I both chuckled at that, at the idea that a Senator and former Queen would be more probable 'try' something than an energetic Jedi from Tatooine. But as I gazed at the captain, I discovered something unsual and not altogether reassuring. He was perfectly serious.

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