Obi-Wan switched off the scanner and turned to exchange a baffled look with his Padawan. "This is decidedly odd."

"Could Dex have been mistaken?" Jacen wondered. His Master just looked at him. "No of course he couldn't."

Obi-Wan swiveled in his chair and called to a stately, elderly Jedi passing by; "Madame Nu?"

The Chief Archivist turned, smiling, "Are you having a problem, Master Kenobi?"

"Yes I am. My Padawan and I are trying to find some information on a planet called Kamino but there doesn't seem to be anything in the archives. In fact it doesn't even show on the star-charts."

Thin eyebrows lifted. "How unusual." she leaned over Obi-Wan's shoulder to reactivate the screen. "Are you sure you have the right co-ordinates?"

"No co-ordinates," the young Master was forced to admit, "I was told it was some twelve parsecs south of the Rishi maze."

Jocasta Nu's eyebrows elevated even further. "Sounds like the sort of directions you'd get from a street tout," she said drily, "or an old prospector or rogue trader."

Jacen rolled his eyes. His Master smiled a little, "All three actually."

Madame Nu played with the touchpad for a few moments but finally shook her head. "I hate to say it, but it looks like the system you're looking for doesn't exist."

"Or perhaps the archives are incomplete," Obi-Wan dared to suggest.

The Archivist straightened, drawing herself up to her full, if unimpressive height. "Master Kenobi, if an item does not appear in our records it does not exist!" She turned and flounced away.

Obi-Wan pressed a control and extracted a small, glassy recording sphere from the reader. "Come, Jacen. There's one more person we can ask."

They found Master Yoda in one of the enclosed verandas off the upper atrium, teaching basic sabre discipline to a class of four year olds. Obi-Wan described their problem and the aged Master chuckled. "Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has, how embarrassing...how embarrassing. Liam, the shades." one of the children touched a control, dimming the windows. "An interesting puzzle," Yoda continued. "Gather, Younglings, around the map reader. Clear your minds and find Obi-Wan's wayward planet we will."

The young Master dropped his recording sphere into the reader and the darkened space around them lit up with stars and nebulae drawing whispers of delight from the children. Obi-Wan walked through the hologram to point to a spot just below the irregular nebula known as the Rishi Maze. "This is where it ought to be - but it isn't," he looked significantly at Yoda. "Gravity is pulling all the stars in this area towards this spot. There should be a star here, but there isn't."

"Most interesting," Yoda mused. "Gravity silhouette remains but the star and all its planets disappeared, they have. How can this be?" he looked at his little pupils: "A thought, anyone?"

A small boy piped up promptly; "Master, because somebody erased it from the archive memory."

"If the planet blew up the gravity would go away," a little girl explained seriously to Obi-Wan.

Yoda chuckled delightedly. "Truly wonderful the mind of a child is. The Padawan is right. Go to the center of gravity's pull, and find your planet you will."

Obi-Wan and Jacen both stared at him, wondering if the Ancient Master really understood the enormity of what he was saying. Obi-Wan called the record sphere back to his hand, extinguishing the stars, and the two Masters moved to join Jacen in the entrance to the veranda. With his back to the children Yoda allowed his face to fall into graver lines. Oh yes, he understood the implications. But there was no point in frightening the younglings.

"Master Yoda, who could have erased the information from the archives," Obi-Wan asked softly. "That's supposed to be impossible, isn't it?"

"Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is," the Old Master agreed. "Only a Jedi could have erased those files, but who and why, harder to answer, meditate on this I will. May the Force be with you."

Master and Padawan bowed as Yoda turned back to his small charges.

…..

"So somebody's been meddling with our records," Master Qui-Gon said pensively, "disturbing indeed."

"The assassin was a shape changer," Anakin reminded them, "could she have been responsible?"

"Inside the Temple itself?" Obi-Wan asked. "It would take more than a change of form to fool a Jedi."

"Which means it had to be one of us," Jacen swallowed, he knew the others were thinking it too but somebody had to say it out loud. "A fallen Jedi, allied with the Sith Master?"

"We must not jump to conclusions," Qui-Gon said, firm and calm. "We must be patient and trust in the Force. In Its own time It will tell us what we need to know."

The rustle of elaborate gowns and murmur of feminine voices drew the four Jedi from the balcony back into the main room of the Queen's suite. Amidala was dressed in a black travelling costume glittering with gold and colored silk appliques, a tall filigreed tiara crowning her cowled head. She was followed by her three handmaidens in voluminous flame colored hooded cloaks. Senator Jamillia, in an embroidered violet gown, rose from the sofa as her Queen entered and her own three handmaidens stood waiting by the door, heavily veiled.

The Queen saw Obi-Wan, hesitated, then moved towards him. "Master Kenobi, have you further news for me?"

Startled Jacen looked at Anakin who pursed his lips and shook his head slightly.

Obi-Wan bowed. "Very little I'm afraid, Your Majesty. It seems our bounty hunter is somehow connected with a world called Kamino. I hope to pick up his trail there."

The Queen nodded graciously. "I see. I thank you for your efforts, Master Kenobi."

"It is my pleasure, Your Majesty."

"We mustn't keep the Chancellor's cruiser waiting, your Highness," Jamillia hinted gently.

"Of course, I am ready."

Queen and Senator exchanged a formal embrace on the landing platform, under the watchful eyes of Captian Typho's security troops and a dozen of the Chancellor's Red Guards. "I hope you have a safe journey home, your Highness." Jamillia said.

"I'm sure I will, Senator, don't be concerned." Amidala turned away, walking up the ramp between the files of Red Guards followed by her three handmaidens and two Jedi protectors. The Senator's party, including Obi-Wan and Jacen, watched the cruiser lift off and sail smoothly upward until it was out of sight.

Back in the closed transport one of the attendant handmaidens threw back her cloudy grey veils revealing the delicate features of Queen Amidala. "If anything happens to Sache I will never forgive myself!"

"I'm sure she'll be fine, Padme." Obi-Wan said kindly.

"She's on a Republic cruiser surrounded by the Chancellor's own guards, with Master Qui-Gon Jinn to watch over her. Don't worry about her, Padme."

"Ani?" the Queen turned to stare incredulously at the young Jedi. "How did you get off the cruiser without everybody seeing you?"

He shrugged casually. "Hey, I'm a Jedi Knight. That's what we do."

Obi-Wan snorted gently but restrained himself. Amidala flopped disconsolately into a seat. "If Sache's going to be so safe, why am I here instead of on the cruiser with her?"

"A simple precaution for everybody's peace of mind, Ma'am," Obi-Wan replied soothingly.

Jamillia leaned over to pat her friend's knee. "Humor us, Ammi, we've already had two frights too many."

The Senator's transport swooped away from the landing platform, weaving through the shining towers of upper Coruscant before diving down to skim over the industrial flats surrounding the commercial port to moor itself near the dock of a massive old freighter roughly adapted to carry refugees trying to escape the increasing turmoil engulfing the Republic. Beautiful, under-populated Naboo, enriched by its new Spice wealth, was one of the few worlds to welcome the influx.

Amidala threw off her veils underneath she wore the shapeless, embroidered gown of a young matron from the Thousand Moons system. Verse helped her arrange a lace mantilla over a tall comb. "Keep an eye on Sabe and Yane for me, Milla," she instructed. "And don't let them get on a ship until the medics say they're well enough to travel."

"I will." Jamillia promised.

"And watch yourself, if whoever's behind this is trying to end opposition to the military bill you could be a target too."

"Now don't you start worrying about me, Ammi," the Senator scolded. "I'm very well protected."

"I know." Amidala smiled at Typho. "Thank you for all your efforts, Captain. And forgive me for making your job harder. I'm afraid I'm not always as considerate as I could be."

"It's been an honor to serve your Highness." he replied formally then grinned a little, "If a trying one. Be safe, Ma'am."

"I will be," she laughed up at Anakin, who'd shed his robe to reveal the embroidered vest worn by men of the Thousand Moons. "After all I have a Jedi Knight to defend me."

"I will get to the bottom of this plot quickly, Padme." Obi-Wan promised.

"I'm sure you will." She smiled again; "I could almost feel sorry for that bounty hunter - and the Trade Federation!" then sobered. "You will be careful, won't you?"

"I assure your Majesty I am known for my caution and prudence."

"Except for occasional abberations like jumping out of hundred story windows." said Anakin. He hugged the Master and then Jacen. "May the Force be with you both."

"And with you, my young friend," Obi-Wan returned.

"We better get going, Padme, they won't hold the ship for us." Anakin picked up a couple of luggage cases, Amidala a third, and they stepped out of the transport.

The noise of the spaceport broke over them like a wave. Amidala flinched involuntarily and Anakin looked at her in concern. "I guess I'm a little nervous." she apologized. "I'm not used to being on my own, no guards, no handmaidens..."

"You got me," he pointed out "and Artoo as well."

She glanced back at the little droid trailing them. "You're sure he won't attract attention?"

"Astromechs are very common, even refugees from the Thousand Moons might own one."

They joined the crowd moving slowly towards the starfreighter's gaping entry ports; Men, women and many children, dressed in the styles of a dozen systems and loaded down with their worldly goods
in boxes and bales. Amidala saw a number of droids sprinkled through the crowd. Anakin was right, Artoo wouldn't attract notice.

When they finally reached the entry port they were greeted by a bored rating holding a data pad; "Names?"

"Anakin and Padme Lars."

He glanced down his list, "Right cabin 0586 D deck. Welcome aboard."

Amidala opened the door to cabin 0586-D and found herself looking into the startled face of a young woman about her own age. "Oh! I'm sorry, I must have the wrong cabin." she started to close the door, Anakin keyed it open again.

"No you don't, it's a four way cabin." He continued to the couple already occupying the room. "Anakin Lars and this is my wife Padme."

"Jadis Kloome." said the young woman, "And this is my husband Piter." She was small, plump and pretty with curling brown hair, wrapped in layers of colorful shawls. Her husband was taller, fair
haired like Anakin with worried hazel eyes.

A chirping sound came from a bundle on one of the bunks. "Oh!" said Padme, "a baby!"

"She's very quiet." the mother assured her hastily.

Padme laughed, "Don't worry my sisters have half a dozen children between them. I'm used to babies." Jadis relaxed a little. "What's her name?"

"It's Isell."

"Hello, Isell. I'm Padme," she said bending over and smiling into the scrunched little face. "We're going to be travelling companions." Maybe she was going to enjoy this trip after all.

…..

Obi-Wan walked slowly down the exercise gallery with Sabe beside him supporting herself on two sticks. She'd been on his mind ever since he'd heard about her injuries. Finally he'd given in to the
need to see for himself how she was. Besides, as a royal bodyguard she had the right to hear what he had learned.

"The Trade Federation again." she was saying, shaking her head. "I suppose that makes more sense than the miners." Sabe's resemblance to Amidala was quite superficial, a matter of size and coloring. She was much more beautiful than her Queen. Obi-Wan pulled his eyes away with an effort. "I wish we'd never discovered those Spice veins on our moons," she continued. "They've brought us nothing but trouble."

"Why are the miners discontented?" Obi-Wan asked.

"That's just it, there is no reason!" she exploded. "Working conditions are good. Our safety standards are the highest in the Republic. The pay scale is better than Kessel's. Granted living conditions are a little crude but I wouldn't expect wildcat miners and prospectors to mind that."

"Neither would I," Obi-Wan agreed thoughtfully. He risked a sidelong glance at her. "The Queen believes they are being manipulated by the Separatists, or rather whoever's behind the Separatists."

"The Trade Federation," said Sabe, "or the Sith?"

"That is what we all fear," he admitted. They reached the end of the gallery, turned and started back up. "I'm sorry to have missed Yane," Obi-Wan said, not altogether honestly, trying to turn the subject. Worry wouldn't help Sabe's convelescance.

She smiled. "Yane will be sorry too, but the poor thing's stuck in a bacta tank," the smile became a grimace. "Have you ever had bacta treatment, Obi-Wan?"

"Once or twice," he admitted, "not very pleasant."

She laughed. "Now there's a Jedi understatement for you. Its horrible stuff and I have two more sessions scheduled!"

"You have my sympathies," he assured her.

"I shouldn't complain." she smiled up at him. "I know it's taken weeks off our recovery time. They tell me there'll be no scarring at all."

"It's miraculous stuff," Obi-Wan agreed, "as good as a Jedi healer and far more available."

"If only it weren't so gooey!" she complained, and it was his turn to laugh.

They reached the door at the upper end of the gallery and turned to face each other. "Thank you for coming, Obi-Wan, it's good to hear what's really been happening. The Queen and Senator Jamillia
left a few things out - not wanting to worry us of course."

"In my experience you worry all the more when you suspect things are being kept from you," he answered.

"It's always best to know the truth," Sabe agreed. "However bad that may be." she gave him a smooth warm hand. "Good luck, Obi-Wan, and be careful."

"I am always careful." he smiled.

And she gave a little snort of laughter. "From what I saw on Naboo, you Jedi don't know the meaning of the word!"

"- Master?"

Obi-Wan blinked back to the present, "Yes, Jacen?"

"I said we have clearance for high orbit."

"Excellent. We'll rendevous with our booster ring then set course for Kamino."

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan braced himself against the mild acceleration as the wedge shaped two man fighter began its climb towards space. Far from curing his obsession the visit to Sabe had increased it. The image of her face, the sound of her voice kept intruding, ruining his focus, it was ridiculous. He was far too old to feel like this! He composed himself for meditation. 'I will master this emotion. I will concentrate on my duty and my mission!' Going to see Sabe had been a mistake. One he would not repeat.

….

Anakin entered their cabin to find Padme alone, sitting on a bunk with Isell in her lap, the baby gurgling happily as she chewed on the end of the long brown braid falling over Padme's shoulder.
"You really do know about babies." He said with a note of surprise.

"I'll have you know I'm a very experienced aunt, four nieces and two nephews. She's a little darling isn't she?" Padme glanced up at Anakin and a mischievous glint came into her eye. "Want to hold her?"

He stepped back, visibly alarmed."I don't think so."

"Oh come, on. It's easy, put out your arms."

"I don't know anything about babies," Anakin protested, obeying with reluctance.

"There's nothing to it. Just put your hand under her little head here, and support the rest of her body with your arm so." Padme stepped back and laughed out loud at the look of barely contained panic on his face. "Brave Jedi Knight scared to death of a little bitty baby!"

Isell made an indignant sound, not quite a cry, obviously not appreciating the change. Anakin gave Padme a defiant look and made an effort to relax, reaching out with the Force to sooth the small mind.

"No fair using your Jedi mindtricks!"

"It won't hurt her." he promised and smiled uncertainly. "What an odd little mind. Nothing but sensations and emotions, but she's got very strong likes and dislikes. She likes you."

"And I like her, don't I sweetheart?" Padme told the baby.

The cabin door opened and Jadis came in, followed by Piter. "Thanks for watching her, Padme. You and Anakin better hurry and get something to eat before they close the mess."

The mess hall was uninviting all too obviously an empty cargo hold, dotted with little clusters of emigrants at makeshift tables or picnicking on the deck. Anakin and Padme, trailed by Artoo, stood
in line for their rations of mush and bread then found themselves an empty table.

"Have you heard from your mother at all since leaving Tatooine?" Padme asked suddenly.

Anakin grinned. "Better than that, I've seen her. Master and I stopped by Tatooine on our way back to Coruscant."

"She's well then?"

"Very well, a month or so after we left Watto sold her to a moisture farmer named Cleigg Lars. He fell in love with her, freed her and married her."

Padme smiled delighted; "Oh, how lovely. I'm so glad."

"Me too, Cleigg's a good man. He's got a son, Owen, not much older than me and he's just crazy about Mom too. Owen's going to be married soon to a nice girl from Anchorhead which will be good for Mom she could use another woman's help around the place." He paused. "I'm happy for her really I am she's got a great life. But -"

"You wish you could be part of it." Padme finished sympathetically.

"Yeah." he sighed. "But that's just not possible."

R2D2 rolled up to their table and offered Padme an extra slice of bread. "Why thank you, Artoo." She looked back at Anakin. "It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi, not being able
to visit the places you like, or do the things you like..."

"Or be with the people I love," he finished for her.

"Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden to a Jedi." 'Padme Amidala, you're flirting! Stop it at once!'

Blue eyes locked with brown. "Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say we're encouraged to love."

"You've changed so much," was all she could think of to say, gazing mesmerized into those azure depths.

"You haven't changed a bit," he answered. "You're exactly the way I remember you."

"And how do you remember me?" 'I said stop it! What are you thinking, Amidala?'

"As perfect," he answered, those compelling eyes still locked on hers, "absolutely perfect in every way."

A laugh burbled out of her. "Oh, Ani, I'm not that. Just ask Sabe or Rabe or Governor Bibble or -" he put a hand over hers, stopping the list of names.

"To me you are perfect." he said. And she could think of no reply.