"WHAT?" Anakin's outburst rivaled her own, Padme thought with an inward smile.

"Now Anakin," Obi-wan started to explain, "We need someone there with the Senator, just in case. The only way to do that is if you're a contestant as well."

"I am a Jedi!" Anakin exclaimed. "Jedi do not enter dance competitions!"

"Wait just a moment, Ani," Padme interrupted. "What happened to 'I know it's going to be uncomfortable but you need to do this' and 'you'll be safe, I'll see to it personally...'" She made a point to emphasize the last word.

"Yes, but I meant in a regular, Jedi kind of way," Anakin backpeddled.

"I'm sorry, Anakin, but the Council has made its decision," Obi-wan stood up and grasped Anakin by his shoulders. "I know it's going to be difficult, but we need you by the Senator's side."

Anakin chanced a glance at Padme and could tell by the firm line of her lips that she wasn't pleased with his protests. Deep down, he knew he needed to support her and he would feel better being able to watch over her in person. Plus, there was the fact that they'd be together for a few weeks, uninterrupted.

"Very well, Master," he agreed. "I will abide by the wishes of the Council."

CORUSCANT - SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Anakin and Padme stiffened as they heard the heavy entry doors close behind them, locking with a resounding snap. Refusing to look back, they continued towards the reception area, barely noticing the magnificent artwork that towered above them.

Reaching the registration desk, they set their luggage down and pressed their palms down on the scanner.

"Welcome!" the woman behind the counter chirped. She glanced down at the datapad. "Ah, so you are Liri and Kaide? Wonderful! Our last arrivals!"

She pressed a button on the desk and two droids instantly appeared and picked up their travel cases.

"You are in Dormitory E and will have Studio 5 as your practice area. Your choregraphy droid will be waiting for you there," she explained, smiling brightly. "Anything you may need over the next few weeks should be stocked in your rooms. The first performance is in 5 days - best of luck!"

Padme was suddenly overcome with an urge to hit the cheerful woman. She could see Anakin struggling with the same thought. Quickly, she nodded politely, took Anakin's hand in hers and followed the droids to their room.

DORMITORY E - ONE HOUR LATER

After making one last sweep of their spacious apartment, Anakin reluctantly knocked on the closet door.

"Padme?" he called. "Are you ready to practice?"

There was a muffled curse and a thump before the doors finally slid open.

"Don't say a word," she warned. "This is what I was given for practice clothes!"

It took all his Jedi training not to burst out laughing. His lovely wife was clad in a pink sleeveless bodysuit, a short fluffy skirt, shimmery leggings and tall pointy shoes.

"How do they expect me to move in these things," she cried, massaging her feet. "They're agonizing!"

"It'll be okay," Anakin said, reassuringly. "Come on, we have to get to the studio."

Reluctantly, she followed him out the door.

STUDIO 5

After a few moments, they found themselves standing in the entryway to their practice studio. A large wooden floor was surrounded on 3 sides by floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Lush curtains framed the back wall, blocking most of the glaring sunlight that threatened to peek through. A large sound system was set up in the corner, next to a table overflowing with food and drinks.

"Our cheorgraphy droid was supposed to be here, right?" Padme questioned.

"I thought so," Anakin replied. He could feel the nervousness coming off of her in waves. Through the Force, he tried to reassure her and she glanced up at him gratefully.

"Greetings!" a voice sounded. "I'm very pleased to see you've arrived, Master Ana-... I mean, Master Kaide and Mistress Liri."

Startled, they both turned towards the voice.

"Threepio?" they gasped.