Title: Analogy of Conviction
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: G for now, later chapter will reach R NC-17.
Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while. However Anaika is my creation.
Chapter Four: To Catch an Assassin.
Planet Naboo. City of Theed. (Approx. 8 hours from Coruscant - using the Corellian Run)
"Master." Anaika groaned. "Why do I have to wear a dress?"
Qui-Gon zipped up the gown. "Because the Queen wishes it."
She groaned again. "But Master Qui-Gon, even in this gown I still look like a Padawan."
That much was true. Her short dark blond hair and thin Padawan braid gave it all away. Even with the beautiful royal blue gown.
The handmaiden the Queen had asked to assist them slipped out of the room, having an idea.
Queen Amidala of Naboo had requested the Jedi to attend the diplomatic function, after a rumored kidnapping attempt. She'd also requested the two Jedi attend undercover. Which was why Qui-Gon was wearing formal attire. He looked distinguished; Anaika had braided his hair back and bound it together with a thin black ribbon. His strong handsome features looked regal, she'd even trimmed his beard. He looked the part and would play it well.
The Queen's handmaiden returned carrying a round hatbox. "I've solved the problem, Master Jedi." she put the box down and removed a light brown wig from it; she also removed two small bottles.
Anaika turned, remarkable well for someone wearing a floor length gown for the first time. "A wig?"
Reba` nodded. "It will work, trust me, Padawan Skywalker."
The teenager yielded and sat down. Letting the handmaiden work, she explained the two bottles, one being glue, the other being the remover.
Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile when the handmaiden was finished. Reba` had hidden Anaika's dark blond hair under neither the light brown wig, which had been glued to her skin with the special glue so it looked natural. Then she'd brushed and styled the wig. Gone was the Padawan; in her place was a beautiful young woman.
Qui-Gon had been told one day he'd turn around and find a beautiful young woman as his apprentice. And it had happened. She was no longer the little ten-year-old he'd taken as his Padawan. In seven years she'd grown up and become a woman.
They had laughed together over those years. He'd held her as she'd cried in his arms. Nursed her through sickness, injuries and frustrations of youth. They had become a family and he loved her as she loved him.
Anaika stood, she smiled a little nervous. Seeking her Masters approval. She looked stunning and felt it. The gown was beautiful. It emphasized her small waist, the V neckline showed a little cleavage. Over all it showed what her usual dark Jedi attire and robe hid. It showed she was a stunning young woman.
A velvet choker chain had been lent to her by the Queen that held a blue stone as blue as her eyes. Reba` had also applied makeup and given her a manicure.
"Will I pass, Master?" she asked.
"Yes Padawan, you will."
Reba` was pleased. "You'll be introduced as Lord Qui and Lady Ana from Coruscant." she explained. "Father and daughter. The Queen thought this would be easer for you."
"Thank you handmaiden."
"And Master Qui-Gon, the Queen has asked for you to be her partner in the first dance."
"Tell the Queen I except," he told her.
"Dancing," Anaika, groaned. "Will I have to?"
"Yes, Ani."
Reba` was surprised. "You can dance, can you not?"
"Yes, but," she pulled the skirt of her gown up a little to reveal the healed shoes. "But never in heels."
The handmaiden looked at the field boots the Padawan had worn. They weren't healed. "You will be required to dance."
"I'll be lucky to walk without falling on my face." Anaika admitted.
"You have excellent balance, Ani. You can walk in heels." her Master assured.
"Then I will inform the Queen of your acceptance." Reba` declared and left.
Anaika let the skirt drop and walked around the room until she felt comfortable.
Qui-Gon held out his arm. "Shell we?"
She took his arm. "I am honored, father."
He smiled, and then escorted her out.
Queen Amidala had felt shivers run up her spin when she'd seen Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Now in formal wear, his hair pulled back, he looked incredibly sexy. She hardly believed the young woman at his side was Anaika. She looked so different. They both did.
The Queen gestured her handmaiden over. Whispering. "You did a remarkable job, Reba`"
"Thank you, your Majesty."
Qui-Gon and Anaika approached the throne.
Governor Sio Bibble announced them. "Your Majesty, I present Lord Qui and his daughter, Lady Ana, of Coruscant."
"Welcome to Naboo." Amidala greeted.
"We're honored to attend, your Majesty." Qui-Gon stated, blowing. "I believe we have a dance later."
"We do, Lord Qui. I look forward to it."
Anaika hid a smile; the Queen was flirting with her Master.
Qui-Gon took Anaika's arm again. *She was not flirting, Padawan.*
*She was, Master.*
*I'm old enough to be her father.* he noted as they moved on.
Anaika disguised her laugh with a cough. *Master, if I were not your apprentice, I would flirt with you.*
He chuckled quietly, whispering. "Thank you, Ani."
"Your welcome, father." she said sweetly.
"Go mingle," he ordered gently. "And keep your eyes open."
"Always." she mused and moved away, mingling. Moving with ease among the diplomats, dignities, and rulers of other worlds.
"You are a vision of beauty," a masculine voice almost purred behind her.
Anaika had sensed his approach, turning with grace. She knew whom he was, having been briefed on all who were attending. "I'm flattered, your Highness."
Prince Adin of Dansha` smiled. "You have me at a disadvantage, Milady. You know me, I however do not know you."
"My name is Ana, my father is Lord Qui of Coruscant," she introduced herself, adding, seeing he was trying to spot her father. "The rather distinguished gentleman talking with Governor Sio Bibble."
Adin's green eyes widened with surprise. Lord Qui was better built then his own weapons Master, who was around somewhere. "Your father is a fit man."
She smiled; the Prince was handsome but nothing like her Master. "He believes a strong mind deserves a strong body."
"He has both then," the Prince decided.
"He does." she agreed.
"And you, Milady?"
"I am as agile in mind as in body, your Highness," she revealed sweetly.
He laughed, picking that up. "I believe so, Lady Ana."
One of the Queen's handmaidens came up to them. "Excuse me, Milady. The Queen wishes to speak with you."
"Of course. Excuse me, your Highness."
"Perhaps a dance later." he suggested, kissing her hand.
"Perhaps," she agreed, freeing her hand. Leaving with the handmaiden. Getting the feeling he was thinking of more then dancing with her. "Reba`, you have no idea how much I thank you." she said quietly.
"Your welcome." the handmaiden said with a slight giggle.
Queen Amidala had left her throne; her handmaidens remained at an expectable distance as their Queen talked with her guests.
Amidala smiled when Anaika arrived. "Lady Ana, we haven't had the chance to talk."
"No, your Majesty." she fell into step beside her.
"How is your brother?"
So, Anaika thought. The plot thickens. "Anakin is well, your Majesty."
"And has he grown handsome?"
"Yes he has your Majesty."
Amidala smiled to herself.
Qui-Gon approached as the music changed to a waltz. "Your Majesty, I believe we have a dance."
She took his arm. "Of course, Lord Qui. Excuse me Lady Ana," she said, seeing the Padawan's amused expression.
Qui-Gon guided the Queen onto the dance floor, taking her in his arms. He smiled politely but his message was to his apprentice. *Stop smirking, Padawan.*
*Yes Master.*
Amidala was surprised; the Jedi Master was a graceful dancer. "Your a remarkable man, Lord Qui."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
Other couples moved onto the dance floor.
Prince Adin found Anaika. "Milady, my I have this dance?"
She smiled, but groaned inward. "Yes of course." she took his arm and let herself be guided onto the dance floor.
Adin took her in his arms, guided her around the floor. "Your light on your feet, Milady."
"Thank you, your Highness." she said, but sensed a disturbance in the Force.
*I feel it also, Padawan.* her Master informed. *Be alert.*
*Yes Master.* she agreed, and then answered the Prince. He'd asked if she had any siblings. "A twin brother who is younger by fifteen minutes, and you, your Highness?"
"A sister, who is also younger."
She smiled, locating the source of the disturbance. *Master, I found him. By the entrance, brown uniform with the Princes' crest. Tall, stocky built, brown hair, brown eyes. Scar left check.*
Qui-Gon found him. *Got him, be alert. What of the Prince?*
*I sense no deception from him.* she reported.
*Then he could be the target. Be careful.*
*Yes Master.*
The dance finished after a few minutes, Qui-Gon escorted the Queen back to her throne. The Prince and Anaika walked over to them, Anaika having used the excuse of introducing her father to him to get the Prince to follow. She positioned herself beside the Queen however, since they didn't know which was the target.
Qui-Gon bowed before the Queen. "Thank you for the dance, your Majesty."
*Right behind you, Master.* Anaika warned.
He straightened and felt the barrel of a blaster at his ribs.
"Don't move." a voice hissed.
The Prince was stunned. "Captain, what are you doing?" he asked his Master-of-arms.
"Nothing that concerns you, your spoilt bratness." he remarked. "And don't try anything, I have a sniper with a clear shot of you. Now your Majesty, you and his Lordship here are going to walk casually to the door."
Anaika found the sniper. *Got him Master.*
*On three. One..Two..Three..*
Anaika acted, using the Force she pulled the rifle from the snipers hands as she knocked the Prince to the floor. The Captain fired where they stood only to have Qui-Gon use the distraction to elbow him in the face, then spin round and bring him roughly to the floor, the blaster now in the Jedi Master's hand, pointing at the Captain's chest.
It was over in a matter of seconds. The Queen's men apprehending both the Captain and his sniper before either could escape. Quickly the guests were escorted out.
Adin helped Anaika to her feet. "You have remarkably quick reflexes, Milady."
"Thank you, your Highness."
Captain Panarka was at the Queen's side. "Lets get you to safety, your Majesty. You too Milord, Milady." he insisted.
The Prince's men were already ushering him away.
Flanked by the handmaidens and the Captain, the three were escorted out. The Jedi either side of the Queen encase of a second attack.
It was midnight by the time they returned to their apartment, having only once left the Queen during that time to change back into their Jedi attire. Anaika had been glade to be rid of the wig, though she had noted her Master left his hair braided.
"You did well this evening, Padawan," he praised.
"Thank you, Master."
They heard the knock on the door. "The Prince." Qui-Gon informed.
Anaika went and opened it.
Adin was surprised to see a Jedi apprentice and not Ana, until he realized it was. "I wanted to thank you. For saving my life."
She smiled, gesturing him to come in, shutting the door when he was. "This is my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn." she introduced.
"Thank you Master Jinn. You have a remarkable apprentice," the Prince stated.
"I do indeed, your Highness. Excuse me. Not to late, Anaika." Qui-Gon insisted.
"Good night Master."
He bowed to the Prince and then retired to his room. *Let him down easy, Ani.*
*I will Master.* she assured, hearing him chuckling in her mind.
Adin saw her smile but didn't understand the meaning behind it. "Your quiet a convincing actress."
"I apologize for deceiving you, your Highness. The Queen insisted on the deception." Anaika explained.
"It's alright."
She ushered him back towards the door, opening it. "Good night, your Highness."
He saw she wasn't giving him any more then that. "Good night, Anaika." he bided then left.
She shut the door, turning off the lights; she went to her own room. After changing quickly in a sleep shift she laid in the darkness, finding she couldn't sleep despite being tired. Getting up, she slipped out of her room and into her Masters, curling up beside him. Something she hadn't done in years.
Qui-Gon smiled in the darkness and slipped his arm around her waist. "What's wrong, Ani?"
"Nothing," she whispered. "I just didn't want to be alone."
"All right." he said. Then kissed the back of her head. "You're getting too old for this."
"I know." she said sleepily, eyes closed.
He didn't let her go, didn't send her back to her room. She was becoming more a Jedi Knight and less the apprentice. And he was going to miss her.
*I love you too, Master.*
He smiled again. Then went back to sleep.
She was gone by morning. He showered, dressed and was ready to go. Carrying his pack into the sitting area.
Anaika was ready, waiting. Meditating quietly.
Qui-Gon touched her shoulder. "Time to go, Padawan."
She opened her eyes and stood. "I'm ready, Master."
Taking their packs they left the apartment. A young lieutenant was waiting outside; he escorted them to the hanger.
Anaika stowed their packs aboard the Republic Cruiser while her Master talked with Captain Panarka. She was coming down the ramp, when she saw the Queen arrive, dressed in handmaidens robes.
Padme` went directly to the apprentice. "Anaika." she hugged the young woman. "Thank you."
Anaika blushed. "I did what I had to, your Majesty."
"I have something for you." the young Queen announced and put a gold chain in her hand.
Anaika looked at it, a small perfect Nubian pearl hung off it. "Your Majesty I can't except this."
"Of course you can." Padme` took the chain and put it around the younger woman's neck. Then gave her a small velvet pouch. "This one is for Anakin. Tell him..," she hesitated. "It's from his Angel."
Anaika nodded. "I will."
"Thank you." the Queen hugged her once more then went over to the Jedi Master.
Anaika put the pouch away, then after tucking the pearl beneath her tunic, she went inside the ship to the cockpit. "Begin pre-flight," she told the Captain. "We'll leave as soon as Master Jinn is on board."
"Yes Jedi Skywalker."
She went to the Salon Pod to wait for her Master, relaxing a little. She sensed her Master come on board, then again before he joined her.
"You made an impression on the Queen, Padawan." he remarked sitting beside her.
"She is a remarkable person, Master."
They felt the ship lift off, remaining seated until after the transition from normal space to lightspeed.
Anaika stood, pacing a little.
"Your concerned about something, Padawan. I know that look," he noted.
"I believe I understand why we are here, Master," she revealed, stopping.
"Oh?"
"To stop Anakin from going over to the dark side."
Now she had his full attention. "Go on."
"Master Kenobi worried about Anakin's anger, being concerned that he was failing his apprentice. Then after our arrival, mine especially and our interaction, Anakin had changed, his control has improved, he hardly loses his temper."
"But?" Qui-Gon pushed.
"But," she sat near him again. "I have a feeling there is a catalyst yet to come that could push him down the path of darkness."
"Concerning his mother?" Qui-Gon guessed.
"Yes," she played with her Padawan braid. Then asked. "How different would she be, Master?"
He sat back in his chair. "Your mother was never a slave."
"No and no one would ever call Lady Shmi Skywalker a slave either," she noted.
"No, but Anakin's mother has been."
Anaika sighed. "I've surmised if anything were to happen to Shmi Skywalker, that Anakin believes he could have prevented. Then that would be the catalyst," she concluded.
"We should bring this to the Council."
"Master, the Council is not going to allow interference. You know that."
"Than what do you suggest, Padawan?" he asked. "Go behind the Council's backs?"
"We do what me must, Master." was all she said.
Qui-Gon understood her. "Yes Padawan, we do."
Author's Note: A little warning - Chapter 5 is rated R NC17.
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: G for now, later chapter will reach R NC-17.
Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while. However Anaika is my creation.
Chapter Four: To Catch an Assassin.
Planet Naboo. City of Theed. (Approx. 8 hours from Coruscant - using the Corellian Run)
"Master." Anaika groaned. "Why do I have to wear a dress?"
Qui-Gon zipped up the gown. "Because the Queen wishes it."
She groaned again. "But Master Qui-Gon, even in this gown I still look like a Padawan."
That much was true. Her short dark blond hair and thin Padawan braid gave it all away. Even with the beautiful royal blue gown.
The handmaiden the Queen had asked to assist them slipped out of the room, having an idea.
Queen Amidala of Naboo had requested the Jedi to attend the diplomatic function, after a rumored kidnapping attempt. She'd also requested the two Jedi attend undercover. Which was why Qui-Gon was wearing formal attire. He looked distinguished; Anaika had braided his hair back and bound it together with a thin black ribbon. His strong handsome features looked regal, she'd even trimmed his beard. He looked the part and would play it well.
The Queen's handmaiden returned carrying a round hatbox. "I've solved the problem, Master Jedi." she put the box down and removed a light brown wig from it; she also removed two small bottles.
Anaika turned, remarkable well for someone wearing a floor length gown for the first time. "A wig?"
Reba` nodded. "It will work, trust me, Padawan Skywalker."
The teenager yielded and sat down. Letting the handmaiden work, she explained the two bottles, one being glue, the other being the remover.
Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile when the handmaiden was finished. Reba` had hidden Anaika's dark blond hair under neither the light brown wig, which had been glued to her skin with the special glue so it looked natural. Then she'd brushed and styled the wig. Gone was the Padawan; in her place was a beautiful young woman.
Qui-Gon had been told one day he'd turn around and find a beautiful young woman as his apprentice. And it had happened. She was no longer the little ten-year-old he'd taken as his Padawan. In seven years she'd grown up and become a woman.
They had laughed together over those years. He'd held her as she'd cried in his arms. Nursed her through sickness, injuries and frustrations of youth. They had become a family and he loved her as she loved him.
Anaika stood, she smiled a little nervous. Seeking her Masters approval. She looked stunning and felt it. The gown was beautiful. It emphasized her small waist, the V neckline showed a little cleavage. Over all it showed what her usual dark Jedi attire and robe hid. It showed she was a stunning young woman.
A velvet choker chain had been lent to her by the Queen that held a blue stone as blue as her eyes. Reba` had also applied makeup and given her a manicure.
"Will I pass, Master?" she asked.
"Yes Padawan, you will."
Reba` was pleased. "You'll be introduced as Lord Qui and Lady Ana from Coruscant." she explained. "Father and daughter. The Queen thought this would be easer for you."
"Thank you handmaiden."
"And Master Qui-Gon, the Queen has asked for you to be her partner in the first dance."
"Tell the Queen I except," he told her.
"Dancing," Anaika, groaned. "Will I have to?"
"Yes, Ani."
Reba` was surprised. "You can dance, can you not?"
"Yes, but," she pulled the skirt of her gown up a little to reveal the healed shoes. "But never in heels."
The handmaiden looked at the field boots the Padawan had worn. They weren't healed. "You will be required to dance."
"I'll be lucky to walk without falling on my face." Anaika admitted.
"You have excellent balance, Ani. You can walk in heels." her Master assured.
"Then I will inform the Queen of your acceptance." Reba` declared and left.
Anaika let the skirt drop and walked around the room until she felt comfortable.
Qui-Gon held out his arm. "Shell we?"
She took his arm. "I am honored, father."
He smiled, and then escorted her out.
Queen Amidala had felt shivers run up her spin when she'd seen Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Now in formal wear, his hair pulled back, he looked incredibly sexy. She hardly believed the young woman at his side was Anaika. She looked so different. They both did.
The Queen gestured her handmaiden over. Whispering. "You did a remarkable job, Reba`"
"Thank you, your Majesty."
Qui-Gon and Anaika approached the throne.
Governor Sio Bibble announced them. "Your Majesty, I present Lord Qui and his daughter, Lady Ana, of Coruscant."
"Welcome to Naboo." Amidala greeted.
"We're honored to attend, your Majesty." Qui-Gon stated, blowing. "I believe we have a dance later."
"We do, Lord Qui. I look forward to it."
Anaika hid a smile; the Queen was flirting with her Master.
Qui-Gon took Anaika's arm again. *She was not flirting, Padawan.*
*She was, Master.*
*I'm old enough to be her father.* he noted as they moved on.
Anaika disguised her laugh with a cough. *Master, if I were not your apprentice, I would flirt with you.*
He chuckled quietly, whispering. "Thank you, Ani."
"Your welcome, father." she said sweetly.
"Go mingle," he ordered gently. "And keep your eyes open."
"Always." she mused and moved away, mingling. Moving with ease among the diplomats, dignities, and rulers of other worlds.
"You are a vision of beauty," a masculine voice almost purred behind her.
Anaika had sensed his approach, turning with grace. She knew whom he was, having been briefed on all who were attending. "I'm flattered, your Highness."
Prince Adin of Dansha` smiled. "You have me at a disadvantage, Milady. You know me, I however do not know you."
"My name is Ana, my father is Lord Qui of Coruscant," she introduced herself, adding, seeing he was trying to spot her father. "The rather distinguished gentleman talking with Governor Sio Bibble."
Adin's green eyes widened with surprise. Lord Qui was better built then his own weapons Master, who was around somewhere. "Your father is a fit man."
She smiled; the Prince was handsome but nothing like her Master. "He believes a strong mind deserves a strong body."
"He has both then," the Prince decided.
"He does." she agreed.
"And you, Milady?"
"I am as agile in mind as in body, your Highness," she revealed sweetly.
He laughed, picking that up. "I believe so, Lady Ana."
One of the Queen's handmaidens came up to them. "Excuse me, Milady. The Queen wishes to speak with you."
"Of course. Excuse me, your Highness."
"Perhaps a dance later." he suggested, kissing her hand.
"Perhaps," she agreed, freeing her hand. Leaving with the handmaiden. Getting the feeling he was thinking of more then dancing with her. "Reba`, you have no idea how much I thank you." she said quietly.
"Your welcome." the handmaiden said with a slight giggle.
Queen Amidala had left her throne; her handmaidens remained at an expectable distance as their Queen talked with her guests.
Amidala smiled when Anaika arrived. "Lady Ana, we haven't had the chance to talk."
"No, your Majesty." she fell into step beside her.
"How is your brother?"
So, Anaika thought. The plot thickens. "Anakin is well, your Majesty."
"And has he grown handsome?"
"Yes he has your Majesty."
Amidala smiled to herself.
Qui-Gon approached as the music changed to a waltz. "Your Majesty, I believe we have a dance."
She took his arm. "Of course, Lord Qui. Excuse me Lady Ana," she said, seeing the Padawan's amused expression.
Qui-Gon guided the Queen onto the dance floor, taking her in his arms. He smiled politely but his message was to his apprentice. *Stop smirking, Padawan.*
*Yes Master.*
Amidala was surprised; the Jedi Master was a graceful dancer. "Your a remarkable man, Lord Qui."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
Other couples moved onto the dance floor.
Prince Adin found Anaika. "Milady, my I have this dance?"
She smiled, but groaned inward. "Yes of course." she took his arm and let herself be guided onto the dance floor.
Adin took her in his arms, guided her around the floor. "Your light on your feet, Milady."
"Thank you, your Highness." she said, but sensed a disturbance in the Force.
*I feel it also, Padawan.* her Master informed. *Be alert.*
*Yes Master.* she agreed, and then answered the Prince. He'd asked if she had any siblings. "A twin brother who is younger by fifteen minutes, and you, your Highness?"
"A sister, who is also younger."
She smiled, locating the source of the disturbance. *Master, I found him. By the entrance, brown uniform with the Princes' crest. Tall, stocky built, brown hair, brown eyes. Scar left check.*
Qui-Gon found him. *Got him, be alert. What of the Prince?*
*I sense no deception from him.* she reported.
*Then he could be the target. Be careful.*
*Yes Master.*
The dance finished after a few minutes, Qui-Gon escorted the Queen back to her throne. The Prince and Anaika walked over to them, Anaika having used the excuse of introducing her father to him to get the Prince to follow. She positioned herself beside the Queen however, since they didn't know which was the target.
Qui-Gon bowed before the Queen. "Thank you for the dance, your Majesty."
*Right behind you, Master.* Anaika warned.
He straightened and felt the barrel of a blaster at his ribs.
"Don't move." a voice hissed.
The Prince was stunned. "Captain, what are you doing?" he asked his Master-of-arms.
"Nothing that concerns you, your spoilt bratness." he remarked. "And don't try anything, I have a sniper with a clear shot of you. Now your Majesty, you and his Lordship here are going to walk casually to the door."
Anaika found the sniper. *Got him Master.*
*On three. One..Two..Three..*
Anaika acted, using the Force she pulled the rifle from the snipers hands as she knocked the Prince to the floor. The Captain fired where they stood only to have Qui-Gon use the distraction to elbow him in the face, then spin round and bring him roughly to the floor, the blaster now in the Jedi Master's hand, pointing at the Captain's chest.
It was over in a matter of seconds. The Queen's men apprehending both the Captain and his sniper before either could escape. Quickly the guests were escorted out.
Adin helped Anaika to her feet. "You have remarkably quick reflexes, Milady."
"Thank you, your Highness."
Captain Panarka was at the Queen's side. "Lets get you to safety, your Majesty. You too Milord, Milady." he insisted.
The Prince's men were already ushering him away.
Flanked by the handmaidens and the Captain, the three were escorted out. The Jedi either side of the Queen encase of a second attack.
It was midnight by the time they returned to their apartment, having only once left the Queen during that time to change back into their Jedi attire. Anaika had been glade to be rid of the wig, though she had noted her Master left his hair braided.
"You did well this evening, Padawan," he praised.
"Thank you, Master."
They heard the knock on the door. "The Prince." Qui-Gon informed.
Anaika went and opened it.
Adin was surprised to see a Jedi apprentice and not Ana, until he realized it was. "I wanted to thank you. For saving my life."
She smiled, gesturing him to come in, shutting the door when he was. "This is my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn." she introduced.
"Thank you Master Jinn. You have a remarkable apprentice," the Prince stated.
"I do indeed, your Highness. Excuse me. Not to late, Anaika." Qui-Gon insisted.
"Good night Master."
He bowed to the Prince and then retired to his room. *Let him down easy, Ani.*
*I will Master.* she assured, hearing him chuckling in her mind.
Adin saw her smile but didn't understand the meaning behind it. "Your quiet a convincing actress."
"I apologize for deceiving you, your Highness. The Queen insisted on the deception." Anaika explained.
"It's alright."
She ushered him back towards the door, opening it. "Good night, your Highness."
He saw she wasn't giving him any more then that. "Good night, Anaika." he bided then left.
She shut the door, turning off the lights; she went to her own room. After changing quickly in a sleep shift she laid in the darkness, finding she couldn't sleep despite being tired. Getting up, she slipped out of her room and into her Masters, curling up beside him. Something she hadn't done in years.
Qui-Gon smiled in the darkness and slipped his arm around her waist. "What's wrong, Ani?"
"Nothing," she whispered. "I just didn't want to be alone."
"All right." he said. Then kissed the back of her head. "You're getting too old for this."
"I know." she said sleepily, eyes closed.
He didn't let her go, didn't send her back to her room. She was becoming more a Jedi Knight and less the apprentice. And he was going to miss her.
*I love you too, Master.*
He smiled again. Then went back to sleep.
She was gone by morning. He showered, dressed and was ready to go. Carrying his pack into the sitting area.
Anaika was ready, waiting. Meditating quietly.
Qui-Gon touched her shoulder. "Time to go, Padawan."
She opened her eyes and stood. "I'm ready, Master."
Taking their packs they left the apartment. A young lieutenant was waiting outside; he escorted them to the hanger.
Anaika stowed their packs aboard the Republic Cruiser while her Master talked with Captain Panarka. She was coming down the ramp, when she saw the Queen arrive, dressed in handmaidens robes.
Padme` went directly to the apprentice. "Anaika." she hugged the young woman. "Thank you."
Anaika blushed. "I did what I had to, your Majesty."
"I have something for you." the young Queen announced and put a gold chain in her hand.
Anaika looked at it, a small perfect Nubian pearl hung off it. "Your Majesty I can't except this."
"Of course you can." Padme` took the chain and put it around the younger woman's neck. Then gave her a small velvet pouch. "This one is for Anakin. Tell him..," she hesitated. "It's from his Angel."
Anaika nodded. "I will."
"Thank you." the Queen hugged her once more then went over to the Jedi Master.
Anaika put the pouch away, then after tucking the pearl beneath her tunic, she went inside the ship to the cockpit. "Begin pre-flight," she told the Captain. "We'll leave as soon as Master Jinn is on board."
"Yes Jedi Skywalker."
She went to the Salon Pod to wait for her Master, relaxing a little. She sensed her Master come on board, then again before he joined her.
"You made an impression on the Queen, Padawan." he remarked sitting beside her.
"She is a remarkable person, Master."
They felt the ship lift off, remaining seated until after the transition from normal space to lightspeed.
Anaika stood, pacing a little.
"Your concerned about something, Padawan. I know that look," he noted.
"I believe I understand why we are here, Master," she revealed, stopping.
"Oh?"
"To stop Anakin from going over to the dark side."
Now she had his full attention. "Go on."
"Master Kenobi worried about Anakin's anger, being concerned that he was failing his apprentice. Then after our arrival, mine especially and our interaction, Anakin had changed, his control has improved, he hardly loses his temper."
"But?" Qui-Gon pushed.
"But," she sat near him again. "I have a feeling there is a catalyst yet to come that could push him down the path of darkness."
"Concerning his mother?" Qui-Gon guessed.
"Yes," she played with her Padawan braid. Then asked. "How different would she be, Master?"
He sat back in his chair. "Your mother was never a slave."
"No and no one would ever call Lady Shmi Skywalker a slave either," she noted.
"No, but Anakin's mother has been."
Anaika sighed. "I've surmised if anything were to happen to Shmi Skywalker, that Anakin believes he could have prevented. Then that would be the catalyst," she concluded.
"We should bring this to the Council."
"Master, the Council is not going to allow interference. You know that."
"Than what do you suggest, Padawan?" he asked. "Go behind the Council's backs?"
"We do what me must, Master." was all she said.
Qui-Gon understood her. "Yes Padawan, we do."
Author's Note: A little warning - Chapter 5 is rated R NC17.
