The Book of Paths: The Chosen Path

by red rose knight

Six years have gone by since The Long Twilight Path. As sentiments are turning against the Jedi, ObiWan Kenobi and his apprentice Bali Tiro return… COMPLETE

5.

The Book of Healing Part IV

"We have waited long enough. Action must now be taken," the small, willowy figure of Knight Ekyo Tuluim said. Deep green scales shimmered across the small knight's head as black eyes sharply studied Mace Windu. Size had little on the intimidating chairman of the Apprenticeship Management Committee.

Mace eyed the other ten members of the committee before turning his gaze back on the Tibnian Jedi. Speaking with all the power and gravity of a High Council member he said, "It is too early to split up a team."

"You may be a high ranking master, but you are only an advisor to this committee, Master Windu," Ekyo replied with a haut, nasal tone as he straightened adding a centimeter to his height. "The boy is without a master. He needs to be recycled to receive a new master or he needs to be sent to the AgriCorps." There was a short pause, but no one dared interrupt the Tibnian. "Although I seriously doubt that he will have much trouble getting a new master. After all, even with the boy's reputation for disobedience he has faced the Sith more than once. He's an expert and an excellent legacy to any master."

"Bali is a thirteen-year-old boy," Na'tho said as he twisted in his seat to better face the chairman.

Ekyo glared at the elderly initiate supervisor and said bitterly, "He is no longer one of your bright stars. He has been a padawan for several years, Master Supervisor."

"He is a child, nevertheless," a humanoid woman broke the building tension from her seat across the room. Her pale yellow eyes looked to each of the gathered Jedi as she spoke. "We must not forget that he needs a proper support system in these impressionable years. We must do what is best for young Tiro, be it stay with his master on the hope he shall recover or seek a capable new one."

Mace leaned forward. His dark eyes focused on the small, yet domineering Ekyo. "We do not break up teams simply because one member is temporarily incapacitated."

"Temporarily incapacitated?" The green Jedi bellowed and shifted with his growing agitation. "How many more months must we wait? Master Healer Dirad knows no specific cause or treatment for Kenobi's hebetude. Master Healer Lorus has no answers and suggests Kenobi has little or no mental awareness. Should we wait until he dies? That could take weeks or months and during this time Tiro is spending it vegetating in the healing center, his training and studies all but ignored. If we wait much longer this promising padawan will be lost to us. We cannot stand around hoping that Kenobi will recover."

Mace breathed out calmly. "I have seen that Padawan Tiro has returned to his classes and is studying, even if he is doing this in the healing center. As far as his training, I and other masters have taken up his daily lessons."

"He does not need substitutes," Ekyo growled. "He needs a full time master."

The Book of Looking to the Future

"That is all, Master," Bali said softly, "the council said they would investigate. I escorted the senator back to the main entrance and then—"

Obi-Wan tiredly waved his hand, halting whatever the apprentice was about to say next.

Bali frowned but remained quietly seated in his desk chair staring up at the quiet Jedi who leaned against the open door frame.

After an extended silence, Obi-Wan sighed. "Listen to me, Padawan," he said with an even tone. "While Senator Amidala may not have cared who escorted her to the council chambers by doing what you did you showed disorganization and a lax adherence to the rules. If we can bend these rules, then we can take such liberties with the Code. We cannot allow that image, it does not bode well for the Jedi Order."

The apprentice remained silent even as Obi-Wan searched his bright green eyes with a patience of knowing his master was not finished yet.

"You also showed the council that I am not capable of attending to simple duties. How will that look when mission assignments come up?"

"But you are strong—"

A simple wave of Obi-Wan's hand again brought the demanded hush. "But that is not what you told the council."

"I said you were meditating."

"Too tired to escort a senator through the Temple."

Bali frowned and closed his eyes. "Master, I am sorry."

"I do not care that you are sorry, I care only that you will obey me, my very young padawan learner. Do not countermand another master and do not try to protect me. You do more harm than good."

"Yes, Master, I will do better."

Stepping into the small room, the master pressed a hand to the youth's shoulder. "I know you will try."

With a little smile, Bali said, "Master Yoda says there is no try."

"Yes, but he never had to train you."

"I have had classes with him."

"Classes, yes, but live with you, he would pull what remains of his hair out of his little green head."

"Master," the apprentice giggled.

More seriously, Obi-Wan went on, "I am your master, remember that. Soon enough you will be a knight and able to make your own judgements and will not have to listen to your former master's advice."

"I will always listen," Bali smiled.

"Even if it is bad advice?"

"I said I would listen, I did not say I would take it."

Obi-Wan brushed his fingers through his mischievous padawan's dark brown spikes eliciting a soft giggle. Then shrugging into his cloak, the older Jedi sighed. "I suppose now, you believe you should join your friends this evening?"

"Unless you wish I should meditate."

"No, I doubt that would do much good in this case, especially since mediation has not helped you. This is a matter of obedience, Padawan. You must considered everything and everyone you are affecting by making these decisions."

"I will, Master."

Wrapping fingers around Bali's padawan ponytail, the older Jedi pulled the youth's head back. Staring down with a smile, he said, "Just be good tonight."

"I am always good."

"I will remember that in the morning when I am called before the council to explain your behavior this evening."

Blushing, Bali laughed and pulled free of his master's hold. "I would never lower myself to such juvenile antics." The youth stood, meeting his master eye to eye.

"No pranks."

"Now you are just taking all the fun out the evening," Bali teasingly complained.

Obi-Wan gave a warm laugh and led the youth back to the common room but stopped and turned swiftly. "I would suggest you take a spare pair of trousers and hide them somewhere nearby."

Bali just looked at him strangely.

Ignoring the odd look, the ginger haired Jedi walked to the table near the little balcony and picked up his data pad. "Unless of course, you enjoy running back here completely naked." He paused, listening to his padawan's quick retreat into his room and the sound of the small storage doors opening.

"Of course, you know this from experience," Bali said suspiciously as he stowed the pants in the folds of his cloak. "So how many times did it take for you to learn this lesson, Master?"

Smiling, Obi-Wan said, "Bant tells me Liril is eager to join in this evening gathering."

"You know, meditation is a good punishment. I think I will go and—"

"Yes, that might be a good idea. I will tell Awar when he calls that you were too afraid of poor little Liril to show up."

"Master!" Bali shifted. "I am not afraid of her. She's just…it would be best if we stayed on opposite sides of the temple."

"As if that is going to happen." Obi-Wan sat in one of the tall table chairs and activated his data pad. "Have fun, Padawan."

"Thank you." Bali grinned and rushed to the door.

Out in the corridor, the youth raced to the lift bank, pausing only once to adjust the hidden pair of trousers. His mind, reeling on the best place to hide them, almost did not notice the Mon Calamarian healer waiting in the open lift cart. "Healer Bant," he said with surprise.

"Off to cause trouble I see," she replied with a laugh as they switched places.

"Me? Trouble? Always."

Bant smiled at the youth as the doors closed. Again, as she often was, the healer was stricken by just how much like Obi-Wan Bali was. Telling herself it simply was one of the more harmless side effects of Bali's long term exposure to Obi-Wan and nothing more, she shrugged it off and headed down the hall to the apartment.

Never bothering to even trigger the door chime, she used her medical override and the door whooshed open.

"One of these days, you are going to get a big surprise doing that," Obi-Wan said softly from the table but never offered the healer a glance.

"I've seen it all, there is nothing you can do to surprise me," Bant laughed as she entered the apartment and palmed the door closed.

"Hmm."

"Well hello to you too." Bant turned her attention to the small kitchenette and promptly searched the cabinets until she found the small tin of tea. Quietly working, the healer proceeded to prepare a pot of steaming liquid. Occasionally she would glance over at her friend and smile as he made a few entries into the data pad. She "So is there anything about me in your journal?"

"Yes, I just put a note in about how annoying you are."

"Good, I wouldn't want you to forget me."

"I do not believe that to be possible."

He had been writing it off and on since taking Bali as an apprentice. While the healer did not know exactly what he wrote, she knew he put a lot of care and thought into the words. It was important to him. She also knew that he had spent a great deal of time since beginning his recovery from Force healing Bali adding to the journal.

Tending to the brew, the healer frowned, noting that it was sarroppo tea. Twisting again, she studied the quiet Jedi at the table. "Do you eat often?"

"At least one meal a day with Bali."

But do you eat the food or just play with it? Bant desperately wanted to know.

Obi-Wan looked up from the data pad. His weary eyes met Bant's and he smiled as if knowing her inner thoughts. "Do you think Bali would let me get away without eating?" After a moment of silence, Obi-Wan said, "I know the training bond is strong, but sometimes I swear he is aware of everything no matter how hard I try to mask it."

"He has been your padawan for years. He knows you."

Nodding a weak agreement, Obi-Wan looked back at the data pad. "It was different when I healed him than when I healed Master Jinn."

Bant inwardly growled at the mention of her friend's former master.

"It was easier."

"You knew what you were doing," she replied.

"No, not like that. The act of healing itself. It is like pushing fluid through a series of uneven ducts. You have to drive the energy passed blockages and invisible obstacles."

The healer nodded. She had healed wounds before and understood the difficulties her friend spoke of.

"With Bali everything lined up perfectly. It was not difficult; it just took a lot energy to hold onto him. I do not think I could have done it if I had to fight blockages." Looking away, Obi-Wan closed his eyes. "Whatever attacked him, did not just mean to kill him. It was not a single, fatal wound. It wanted him to suffer and die slowly. It had ripped his shields apart so he could not hide the pain from me. It wanted me to know he was in agony."

"I know," Bant said softly, not knowing what else to say. She had been there when the boy was carried into the healing center. At first she had not known how the boy had managed to live so long, but the answer came when she saw an unconscious Obi-Wan.

"I see the Sith's face flash across my mind sometimes in meditation. I remember what it did to me and know that is what happened to Bali." In the uncomfortable silence that followed, the Jedi turned his attention back to the small device cradled in his hands. Looking back at Bant, he whispered, "I do not know why I write this."

"Do you plan on submitting it to the archives? Someone might find it useful." Bant poured two cups of tea. "I always found it interesting to read about the first hand experiences of Jedi of long ago. You're life will probably be one of the most downloaded files in the archives." Carefully balancing the small bowl shaped containers on one salmon colored hand she carried them to the table.

Taking one of the cups, Obi-Wan sipped it and set it aside as Bant situated herself in the seat across from him. "I think I shall save it for Bali to do with as he wishes. I would hope he might read it someday."

Bant frowned because she could not help herself. "It would only remind him of how boring you are," she chirped, trying to lighten the mood in the room. When that did not work, she softly inquired, "Bali did take spare trousers, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. The last thing we need is a naked padawan running around." Grinning between sips of warm liquid, she added, "Speaking of naked padawans—"

Obi-Wan quirked a ginger brow.

"Don't look at me like that."

Deactivating the data pad, he leaned back in his seat and studied the happy healer. "I did not say a word."

"But you were thinking it. You and Garen were silly enough to leave all your clothes laying around…I just picked them up."

"And ran off with them. You did not tell Liril about that."

The healer grimaced. "I am afraid she can think of that all on her own."

The Book of Stupid Padawan Tricks

"You are bound to get me into trouble," Bali said softly.

"Me?" Awar asked incredulously. "I am not pointing a lightsaber at your head. You are doing this all on your own."

Bali frowned as he took up the palm sized white ball from his friend's hand. The dense material was rough against his skin. "And what if I blow up a master?"

"What if Natala spends this evening moping around? She refused to join us and I do not know if you have noticed but it is difficult to have a surprise party when the victim does not show up."

"I think she has had a rough time."

"Exactly," Awar whispered as a few Jedi passed by. "Her master died and yet, she pulled herself together and managed to pass her knowledge trials. We should celebrate. We would for anyone else and Tala needs this. She has been very depressed and has had a lot of trouble settling in with a new master."

"And you are positive she is in there?"

"I just watched her walk in before I called you. Everyone else is waiting in the cascade room."

"Okay," Bali said softly, gathering up a little more courage. "Okay." He stood and studied the corridor. "What is being banned from the locker rooms again, right?"

The two apprentices walked casually through the hall of the practice section. The area was in that twilight between the day users and evening users so it was relatively quiet. Just as they approached the women's locker room, Bali cast out to make sure no one was nearby or perhaps watching. Then casually he rolled the white ball through the open door.

The dark haired youth looked to his friend. "Should we run?"

"How will she know where to chase us to if we take off."

"Point taken."

Laughing, the two leaned back against the wall and waited. And waited.

Bali shifted around, straining slightly as if it would allow him to see into the locker room. Then Awar did the same thing. They looked at each other curiously then innocently glanced down the halls.

"Is it me," the red haired padawan inquired, "or is this taking a long time?"

"Are you sure it was a soap bomb?"

"Yes. I think."

Bali's bright green eyes widened. "You think?"

"Well, either that or it is a—"

Instantly the two were in motion, scrambling for the open doorway. Inside the room, the air was heavy with warm moisture as the two tore into the dressing area bounding toward the white ball.

Shrill startled cries drowned out the sound of falling water from the showers as several young padawans saw Bali and Awar. Towels and brushes and other objects pelted the pranksters as they closed in on the ball.

"Awar! Bali?" Natala Keya called out as she appeared with barely a towel covering her. "What are you two—"

"Tala," Bali said with a sheepish grin as Awar raced passed him.

The locker room released a muffled burp followed by more cries and few yelps as a gurgling sound spilled out into the corridor, along with a giant mass of solid bubbles that pushed through the doorway. Two brown figures rolled out on the bed of bubbles before being dumped in the hall.

Just as quickly, the unfortunate users of the locker room were either forced out by the bubbles or fled to safety. Including one small girl who landed a foot squarely in the middle of Bali's chest in her interest in getting away from the bubbly blob that was now overtaking the corridor. The foam mass nearly reached the ceiling and was akin to moving in a heavy fog.

After a few moments there was nothing but the continued gurgling of the bubble bomb as it continued to expand.

"You alive?" Awar half moaned.

Groaning, Bali sat up. "I think so."

"Not for long," Tala growled. Igniting her green saber in the bubble fog, she made her presence clear.

"Come on, Tala," Awar said, scrambling to his feet. "You cannot blame us for having a little fun."

"Traumatizing padawans is not fun."

Bali silently got to his feet, hoping he could sneak away from the wet, but mercifully dressed Tala, although she really did look good in just a towel.

"You two are dead," she said moving to divide the two pranksters.

"Run, Bali!" Awar screamed as he took off. "Meet me at the cascade room."

Tala twisted, her black eyes zeroing in on Bali. "You are a little old for these pranks."

"The day I get too old to do this is the day I die."

"Lucky for me, it is your day." Deactivating her weapon, Tala broke into a sprint that Bali barely managed to stay ahead of.

Bali giggled as he raced into the short corridor that led into the cascade room. The sound of the waterfalls gave the dark haired apprentice a sigh of relief.

Until fingers clasped his flowing, bubble covered cloak, nearly ripping him backward off his feet. Twisting, he caught sight of the furious Tala yanking at his cloak as he managed slip free of the material.

The other padawan cried out in frustration as she threw the cloak to the floor and began the chase anew.

"Help me!" Bali howled as he rushed into the room. He did not have time to be awe struck by the massive waterfall that rose up at the far end of the room or the crystal waters of the pool beneath or the stream that ran through the meditation garden. He hit the gentle arch of the wooden bridge and used the Force to give him a little burst of speed before Tala caught him again.

Over the lacquered, Katalinian style bridge with its intricately carved flowers on the railing, Bali sprinted onto the stone path toward the waterfall. "Help!" he called out. He would have screamed again but something very solid slammed into him. "Oomph!" He hit the ground with Tala triumphantly on top.

"No one told me you were back," she said struggling to keep Bali from crawling away.

"I have only been back a few days," Bali said, desperately trying to get away from the furious padawan. "I could use some help!"

"Not enough help in the world is going to save you."

Bali finally managed to escape and scrambled forward to a group of padawans. "Could have used you a few moments ago," he huffed.

"We were having too much fun watching," Miklos, an often classmate, said. The white haired youth helped Bali up.

"What is going on?" Tala said softly, shrinking back from the gathered padawans.

"A surprise party," a still bubbly Awar said as he moved to block the entrance to the bridge. "Surprise!"

Tala nervously ran her fingers through her short brown hair as she stood up. "What did I do?"

Awar walked over to her and threw an arm over her shoulders. "You passed the knowledge trials."

"Weeks ago."

"Well, it is hard to get everyone together these days," the red haired nineteen-year-old said as he led her to the group of her gathered friends. "I knew Bali was coming back so this was a great time to surprise you."

"I am surprised," Tala said softly.

Bali glanced over and saw Liril among several of the female padawans Tala counted among good friends. The Vesian smiled and blew him a kiss. He shrunk away making sure several of the larger padawans stood between them.

"Come on," cried out another padawan, "you are here, have fun. There is nothing wrong with it."

Miklos and Samla, one of Tala's closest friends, rushed out and grabbed the surprised padawan dragging her toward the picnic that was laid out near the edge of the crystal pond.

Samla twisted around to look at the patches of white bubble foam on Awar and Bali. "It was nice of you two to bathe for us."

Roughly pulling his cloak free, Awar marched toward the picnic area. "Well, it is not like I have ever been blown up by my own prank before."

"You thought it was a munge ball," Bali grumbled.

"It could have been."

With the variety of finger foods collected from the cafeteria mostly eaten and the picnic abandoned for the fun of the cool waters, several of the padawans leapt from the waterfall and dived into the clear liquid below.

As cheers and yells called up over the constant flow of falling water, Bali leaned back on the rocky surface just a meter from the edge of the waterfall. He looked down as many of his friends and age mates played before noticing Tala's gaze was fixed on him.

"You have changed," she said softly from her place next to him.

"Master says I am still the same Bali." Then he grinned. "The one who has changed is you."

Tala frowned, turning her gaze to the fun below. "Not for the better I suspect."

"You are prettier than I remember."

"Well you are no chubby cheeked padawan either."

Bali giggled, which inspired the quiet girl to do the same. He leaned to the side and bumped into her with his shoulder.

"Hey," she teased, grabbing his padawan braid and playing with the flame tip. "How did you manage to get all these markers?" Her fingers toyed with the white thread tied in the youth's plaited hair.

"I stole them."

Playfully Tala shoved Bali making him rock a little. "What about this white one? I have never seen anyone else with one."

"It represents exceptional courage from engaging a Sith. I threw one across the room to help my master and another." Bali glanced around before seeking out Tala's reflective black eyes. He could see a great sadness in them. "The only reason I could do it was because the Sith was distracted. It was killing my master."

A simple nod in understanding was Tala's offer. "I watched my master die. She had been badly injured when our ambassadorial transport was shot down Yenora. Even with bacta treatments it was not enough. I sat at her bedside until her spirit passed into the Force. I think I cried for days. I do not even remember the funeral yet I have been told I was there."

"I was on Itheria, I did not know until Awar told me."

"That is okay. It seems I do not know a lot lately either. This surprise." She glanced back down at the revellers.

"You managed to pass your knowledge tests."

Tala smiled briefly then grew solemn again. "What good will it do me? I have no master to complete my training."

"You will find one."

"What if I cannot? I have met with some but—"

Cheers and catcalls from the watery below rang up interrupting the soft conversation.

"They must think we are missing out on all the fun."

"You going to be here for a while?" she inquired.

"I am here for my tests now."

"Another party for Awar to plan," she laughed then smiled at him. "If you ever need a good tutor, Knight Meletek is a good one. He helped me a lot."

Bali was vaguely familiar with the Zabrak Jedi. "I remember he was one of the tutorial supervisors."

"Now he is often needed in the field. We talked during the tutoring sessions. I have this feeling he might want to offer to complete my training," she shook her head sadly, "but I do not think I am ready."

"You cannot always wait until you are ready." Bali said as he took her hand in his. "You just have to jump in."

"Are you two just going to sit around and talk all evening?" Awar asked, standing over them.

"What do you want?" the dark haired padawan demanded of his best friend.

"To do a flying flash."

"Have fun."

Awar huffed irritably as he grabbed Bali's arm and pulled him to his feet. "Do not tell me you are getting to old to have some fun?"

"Oh no," Tala laughed wickedly. "He told me the day he was too old to do this kind of stuff was the day he died."

Bali grimaced at the pretty padawan's delight. "Jedi do not get revenge."

"It was only fair after what you did in the locker room."

Awar laughed. "Come on, Bali, you do not want to disappoint everyone do you?"

Sighing, the padawan stared down at the crowd below swimming about the pond waiting for the exhibition. Undoing his utility belt, the group of padawans cheered. "Just for this," he said as he tossed the belt to Tala, "you get to babysit my stuff."

"I would be honored."

All the revellers gathered at the water's edge and swimming about never taking their attention from the top of the waterfall.

It took only a few moments before a couple of war cries ripped through the almost peaceful garden. With natural speed and agility at their disposal, two very naked padawans took a flying leap off the top of the waterfall to wild cheers.

The brief display ended with two great splashes as the padawans crashed into the crystal waters. Liquid flew up in the air, drenching anyone nearby. Under a flurry of cheers, the two broke the surface, gulping air.

"Now tell me you did not enjoy that!" Awar called out as he shook water from his eyes.

Bali laughed then took his time swimming back to the edge of the pond then brazenly climbed out of the water and approached a grinning Tala sitting on a nearby bench. "My belongings."

"Your what?" she asked looking the naked nineteen-year-old over. "Oh, I gave them to Liril to hold."

The color drained from Bali's face the moment he spied the Vesian tightly hugging he and Awar's clothes. The pink padawan blew him a kiss and bolted out of the cascade room followed by several other age mates.

"Please," Tala said playfully. "You would have jumped without my help. In order to get true revenge, I needed to get you out of your clothes." She gripped the flame tipped padawan braid. "You did not disappoint. Have fun walking back to your apartment. I am sure your master would be please," she teased.

Awar growled from the safety of the water. "What did I ever do to you?"

"You are the instigator."

Even though he was flushed bright red, Bali kept his head high and walked as calmly as he could under the circumstances to a large bush across the stone path. He called out to everyone who was enjoying he and Awar's suffering, "It is a good thing my master does not trust me." After a few moments, he stepped out, revealing he had put the secreted pair of trousers on. Upon approaching a still grinning Tala he asked, "Did our boots suffer the same fate?"

The brown haired girl reached back and produced two pairs of boots then grabbed one of Bali's pant legs and tugged it lightly. "You took all the fun out of my party."

"Awar is still naked."

The Book of Twisting

Outwardly, Anakin was still disgusted with his actions. Shocked to the point that he still could not deal with the brutal murder of Senator Ziat and her guard. He supposed that he should be thankful that he was able to function at all for his insides seemed devoid of all thought and warmth. There was nothing filling him, not even emotion.

He was just floating in a dream—no, nightmare—of his own making. Not even the hope of seeing his lovely wife could sharpen the numbness that had crept into his heart.

Even the Force seemed withdrawn from him as he cast behind him, checking the presence of his Praetorian Guard. They followed him through the gently sloped corridors of the senate building.

When he had finally left his cabin, there had been a message waiting for him from the chancellor. Palpatine had kindly offered to take the details of the report over the holo, but Anakin felt it would be best to tell the man to his face of his grievous error. After all, the chancellor had done much for him over the years; he owed him that much.

Besides, it would delay his return to Padmé. The young man was not sure that he could face her after what he had done.

Stopping the middle of the corridor, he stood frozen.

"Commander Skywalker?" one of his dark helmeted men asked.

Turning on the menacing figures of the Praetors, Anakin announced, "I will face the chancellor alone. It was my mistake and my responsibility. You men are free to go until further notice. Dismissed." It took only a moment before the figures saluted him and crisply turned to march away. They were only soldiers that obeyed him without question; anything they had done under his orders was his responsibility, his fault.

It was a struggle to maintain the same even pace the closer he got to Palpatine's office. His heart was pounding but he could do nothing to change that.

With only a brief pause, Anakin entered into the protected reception area of the private office. His senses remained in a state of alert as he passed several of the red guards stationed about the room.

The pale blue skinned woman behind the massive desk motioned toward the sealed doors leading to the chancellor's office. "He is expecting you, Commander."

Bracing himself, he approached two of the towering red figures that blocked the closed passage. With barely a trace of sound, that only Anakin would be aware of, the guard stepped to the side but kept their weapons at ready as the doors whooshed open. When he entered, he felt them turn and follow closely behind before taking up their stations inside.

The stress worn face of Palpatine looked up from notes neatly stacked on his desk and smiled at Anakin's approach. "Commander Skywalker, I am privileged." He rose from his seat and strode the short distance to meet the young man. "You did not have to immediately report here. I am certain you would see to your wife first."

"I felt I needed to speak to you in person about the mission to Banor."

"I read the reports," Palpatine said softly as he turned and guided Anakin to the more informal section of his massive office. "Kikleen Euguot was taken into custody. The Republican Guard is hunting down the remaining members of the Murid Peace Coalition. It went well."

"But I—"

Palpatine waved a pale hand silencing the younger man. There was an undeniable power behind the simple gesture that even in his state of turmoil Anakin could not refuse.

"We are fighting a war," the politician spoke smoothly, "and should we lose, the Republic would be lost to the chaos and outlaws that would rule by terror. Think of the lives that would be devastated." He gave an oddly unsympathetic smile, but it was his words that entranced the commander. "Should we win the Republic will remain stable and peaceful. The kind of place that would bid you to relax and raise a family in without fear. That is all I want. Is that not what you want?"

"Yes, sir, but—"

"It seems with all wars that there will always be casualties. While we may not like it, sometimes the good and the innocent must die if it is for the greater good. It cannot be helped."

Anakin closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. He had killed them all.

Drawing the folds of his dark cloak with the intricate gold and silver embroidery around to make sitting in one of the plush chairs in a small informal area easier, Palpatine looked up and studied the quiet young man. "Ziat was destined to be voted out of office soon. The Banor are not pleased with her continued support of the Jedi Order. Seems they have little love for the protectors of the peace. Governor Issiot was more than happy to accept the aid of the Republican Guard in apprehending those environmental terrorists. Do not trouble yourself."

Everything within Anakin wanted to scream that he could not, yet there was that little tug on the edge of his mind that told him Palpatine was right. That Ziat had deserved her fate, after all she was a Senator living a rich life while her constituents toiled in the mines and refineries slaving away to make ends meet.

Besides, he had enjoyed it. A small part of him longed for another mission where he could carry out the chancellor's justice.

"For all of your loyalty, I have something for you." Without any explanation the chancellor rose from his seat and strode to a shelf filled with archaic items. Turning back to see Anakin waiting a distance back, he gave a warm mischievous smile. "Come, I think you will appreciate this small token of my gratitude. For in these trying times, it is your service that I have come to rely so heavily on. I trust you above all others."

Whatever lingering thoughts he had possessed on Ziat were now gone as he approached the waiting politician. "Your Excellency?"

From one of the lower shelves, Palpatine pulled out a very old ornately decorated wooden case. "It seems as chancellor, one is obliged to receive a great many things. There is literally a warehouse filled with gifts and items over the lifetime of the position. Of course it would be unethical for the position to put to use any of these gifts but we must graciously accept them. When my office was forcefully renovated after the attack years ago I sought out some of the older items in storage for decoration. To my surprise I found this." He held the box out to Anakin.

The commander studied it but saw nothing special about it. "Sir?"

A friendly laugh was all the politician offered before opening the box and revealing a lightsaber hilt.

Anakin's bright blue eyes widened at the sight of the weapon.

"There is very little in the way of records for this. The box was carved by the Massassi. Who gave this gift or why such a weapon is inside it is unknown. I did venture to have a researcher look into it but he found nothing."

Still stunned by the sight, all Anakin could do was stand there and stare at the weapon. He wanted it, wanted the familiarity of a saber hilt in his hand. The sight stirred a longing deep within the former Jedi that he did not realize existed.

It whispered to him.

Wanted him.

"Since there is no record of such a gift and the Jedi are so guarded of their weapons, it only seemed fitting that someone like you should possess it. Here it collects only dust." He held the box a little closer to the young man. "Take it."

You know you want it.

Carefully reaching out, Anakin wrapped his longer fingers around the cool metal. His heart sang with the need to have the weapon. To hold, to use it and dance with the Force as he had done so many years ago. Twisting the weapon about in his grip he smiled at the familiar weight and how easy the weapon became a part of him.

"I doubt it works anymore. It could be thousands of years old for all anyone knows."

"A well-built lightsaber can withstand time." Taking a step back, Anakin activated the weapon. He was nearly startled from the revery by the sight of the glowing red blade.

Taken again by the familiar hum of the weapon, he moved through a simple kata, careful not to singe anything.

"It is a fine weapon," Palpatine said as he replaced the box on the shelf behind him. Twisting around with a questioning look, he asked, "I do not believe I have ever seen a Jedi carrying a red lightsaber before."

"They don't."

"Well, all the more fitting then for an ex-Jedi to carry a non-Jedi weapon."

"It is perfect," Anakin intoned studying the splashes of red light over his dark clothing.

All the warmth slipped from the chancellor's voice as he spoke gravely, "I trust you will put it to good use."

"Yes."

The Book of Innocent Run-ins

Bali yawned loudly and fell up against the brushed silver walls of the lift as it traveled through the temple levels. He brushed fingers through his partially mashed brown spikes and yawned again.

Leave it to his master to insist on a very early morning practice session. This was definitely a punishment. He just did not know for what yet. Did Obi-Wan not realize the late hour at which he got in?

Feeling the lift car begin to slow and not wishing the doors to open and reveal to another Jedi his bedraggled appearance Bali straightened and adjusted his tunic and belt. He felt a little strange not having his utility belt but it was being held hostage and he knew he would have to attempt a rescue soon. The Force spiked a gentle warning just as the doors glided open.

"Hello, Liril," the youth dully said not wanting to lead her on in anyway.

The Vesian padawan stepped into the opening and braced herself against the doorframe. "Hello," she purred. "Did you have a good time last night?"

"Excellent." He made sure to remain cool, even though he knew is master was waiting. "Where is my belongings you so kindly took care of last night? I would really like to get them back."

Liril gave a warm laugh that made the apprentice feel slightly uncomfortable. "Oh, I am keeping them someplace special." She reached out and languidly drew her finger down the front of his tunic. "Maybe we could get together and exchange—"

"Should you not be focusing?"

She frowned.

When Bali tried to exit the lift, the other padawan shifted to keep him pinned. He sighed. "I must be someplace now. Would you please excuse me?"

"What are you going to do?" she asked with the return of the playfulness in her tone.

"Saber practice with Master." He could call through the bond for help but then Obi-Wan would never let him live it down.

Liril grinned. "I bet you are something to watch."

"I really need to go."

"But you just got here."

Grinding his teeth, Bali stepped forward. "I really have to go. Master gets impatient when I am late."

Frowning, Liril took half a step backward just enough for Bali to crowd his way through and into the corridor. "I won't bite," she teased.

"I know but I have to go."

"At least not too hard."

Bali froze and turned slowly, not wishing to have his back exposed to the hormonally challenged Vesian.

"I am trying to focus," the pink skinned girl growled.

Retreating another step the youth said softly, "Well, at least you have not attacked anyone today. Have you?"

"No," was the short reply. "I still scare you."

"I am not scared of you," Bali indignantly replied. "I am more scared what master will do to me when I am late."

The Book of Discussions

"You are late!" Obi-Wan barked.

"Forgive me, Master. I had a little run in with Liril."

"Obviously you survived." Obi-Wan swiped his saber through the air loosening up as Bali prepared to meet the older Jedi on the stone practice floor.

"It was difficult but I came through it with all appendages attached." Bali smiled as he walked out into the center of the floor. Taking his saber in hand and allowing the green glow of the humming blade to light his face, he turned to his master. "Whoever said the Temple was safe has never met a Vesian on the prowl."

"That is why you must always be aware of your surroundings. No matter how safe you feel, there is always a chance for danger." Obi-Wan paced the length of the floor sizing his still weary looking padawan up. "Bant told me she has your belongings locked up in her office. You should stop by sometime when she is on duty and retrieve them."

The padawan blushed.

"Lucky for you, she knows her padawan just as well as I know you."

The shear look of relief on Bali's face was more than Obi-Wan could hope for. "Thank you, Master."

"Do not thank me yet." Lunging, he lightly attacked his padawan, forcing Bali to struggle to block before breaking off. His reflexes were a little sluggish, but after years of working with the youth, Obi-Wan knew that Bali would snap out of his daze before the next strike. "I ran into Madame Serinka on the way here."

"You look like you survived."

Obi-Wan arched a ginger brow. "Padawan."

Looking appropriately humbled, the apprentice leapt back, avoiding another strike from his master's blade.

"It seems someone set off a soap bomb in one of the locker rooms. They are still cleaning the bubbles out of the corridor."

"What sort of deviant mind would do such a thing?" Bali inquired in mock horror.

"Oh, probably the same one who would strip off all his clothes and jump off the waterfall in the cascade room."

Bali just frowned and wondered how Obi-Wan knew.

"Remember, Padawan, I know everything."

"So it seems." Again the youth moved to block another light strike.

"You will make the appropriate reparations for your actions." Bringing the pale blue blade about, Obi-Wan then took up a defensive position.

"You are making me attack?" Bali asked.

"One of us must or we will stare at each other for the next hour."

"I am not comfortable making the first strike."

"Exactly."

"We do not attack."

"An attack is not always a weapon aimed at you."

"But I—"

All innocence lost the instant Bali bounded forward and attacked his waiting master but to no avail. Obi-Wan easily blocked the green blade. Short, compact strokes deflected any further attempt and easily put the youth on the retreat.

"You are agitated," Bali said quickly between clashes of blue and green.

"Hardly" Obi-Wan growled throwing himself against the youth, driving him off the mat and nearly to the wall.

Bali leapt, bounded off the wall and flipped over his master's head, twisting into a perfect block. Shifting the blue and green blades apart, Bali drove the point toward his master's heart.

Moving with feline grace, the Jedi master bounded out of the way. His blade sliced toward Bali's ankle but the youth quickly leapt up, saving his foot, and nearly clipped his master's shoulder.

"Master, you are agitated."

"Irritated, maybe."

"You? Never!"

The Force danced between the two Jedi but it moved with Obi-Wan's command. His lightsaber sliced gracefully through the air crashing with the familiar static grind against Bali's blade. "Very funny, Padawan."

"I thought," the apprentice was jarred and bounded backward, "it was."

Again the blades crashed together, sliding nearly to their hilts. Turning about, Obi-Wan broke off and used his elbow to catch Bali's cheek which the padawan quickly countered. Locking his free arm around his master's, the apprentice then twisted and drove his blade backward. Using the youth's motion and the aid of the Force, Obi-Wan through the crafty apprentice over his shoulder.

The briefly airborne padawan slammed into the stone floor with a burst of air from his lungs, his saber deactivated and skittered across the floor. Taking his fall in stride, Bali rolled and reached with the Force calling the weapon back to his hand.

Obi-Wan quickly attacked before the youth could bound back to his feet and Bali rolled across the floor, occasionally managing to counter the strikes. Spinning about on the cool surface, the padawan kicked out and connected with his master's booted ankle.

The Jedi went down, diving into the stone but as he rolled and leapt to his feet so did Bali.

Sweat dampened ginger tips hung down around Obi-Wan's eyes. He breathed heavily as he drew up his weapon, holding it defiantly between he and Bali as they walked circles around the floor. The burn was deep in his muscles but he would not allow that weakness to affect his performance.

"I spoke to Yoda," Obi-Wan said alternating between deep breaths and strikes. Seeking out Bali's defensive weakness, the master took advantage and lightly singed the younger Jedi's right shoulder.

Bali winced and asked, "He found you?"

"You act like I was hiding."

The padawan grinned. "Of course not, Master. Hey!" He jumped out of the older Jedi's range to check the burned material over his right elbow. "Careful."

"Be on guard, Padawan." Obi-Wan drew the tip of his saber blade in a small circle.

Engaging his opponent again, the youth thrust cutting through the tight defenses but at the last moment was caught in a tight block that nearly robbed him of his weapon.

"You are taking to many risks," Obi-Wan said. "You are leaving yourself to exposed."

"Yes, Master." Drawing his defenses tighter, Bali bound forward so his master could not so easily drive him back. Green and blue clashed repeatedly as each sought to drive their point through the other's defensives. The apprentice growled as he again slammed into his master's powerful defenses.

"He thinks I should teach," Obi-Wan said between easy deflections of his padawan's attempts to strike the bout ending blow.

"You should."

Twisting about, Obi-Wan kicked out, the heel of his boot firmly connecting with Bali's chin. The padawan stumbled back a step but keeping his control caught the master's foot. His attempt to knock Obi-Wan from his feet was thwarted as the older Jedi flipped backward, somersaulting over the stone floor and landing with grace.

The lines of strain depended around the older Jedi's eyes. "He wants me to teach initiates."

Bali burst into laughter and nearly lost his saber arm. Regaining control, the padawan met his master chasing the Jedi along the stone floor. "What is wrong with that? Afraid of a few younglings?"

"If any of them are like you, I will be in trouble."

"I can see you chasing after little ones through the corridors."

"Why did I bring this up?"

"Because you are considering it and you wanted me to talk you out of it." Bali lunged forward and tried to send Obi-Wan on the retreat but the master held firm.

Obi-wan cut through Bali's defenses landing the tip of his blade just below the youth's chin. "Surrender."

Bali frowned as he froze in place then with a sigh of resignation he deactivated his weapon. "Someday."

"Yes, someday. But for now, you need to work on your right side." The older Jedi breathed heavily between sentences. "You repeatedly left yourself open."

"Yes, Master."

"Do not just agree with me, Padawan. I am certain Mace is itching to chase you around the room and that is what he will do if you do not correct that weakness."

"I have improved."

"Yes, but I doubt he has neglected saberplay in your absence."

"One can always hope."

The Book of Lost Allies

"Grave news this is," Yoda said as his gaze left the life-sized holo of a Rodian Jedi.

Plo Koon breathed heavily through his mask before speaking. "And who is responsible for Senator Ziat's murder?"

"Unknown," came the answer over the slight static. "She and her guard were killed execution style."

Breaking from the normally serene image of the council, the members exchanged surprised looks.

Leaning forward in his seat, Mace Windu questioned the investigator. "Her files. She had some important documentation."

"All records involving the environmentalists are gone. The building is gone, masters. After the Banor magistrate's completed their investigation the building was mysteriously consumed in a massive fire. It was allowed to burn unimpeded."

"Anything else?" Mace asked.

"Master, the Republican Guard arrived shortly after the report of the Senator's death came in. Banor is now under martial law. My ship was one of the last to leave before the blockades went up around the planet. Last word I received was that all known members of the Murid Peace Coalition were killed when they resisted arrest."

There was a brief silence before Mace nodded to the Rodian knight. "Thank you, and may the Force be with you."

When the communication ended, Plo Koon chose to speak again. "We have lost a great ally and with her the Murid's probe into the clone factories on the outer rim."

"It is well known the Kamino are cloners," Depa Bilaba said. "That is hardly evidence to prove the origins of the Republican Guard. We must endeavor to keep searching."

The Book of Waiting in the Wings

Obi-wan tugged mercilessly at his rust colored cloak and then folded his arms into the billowing sleeves.

Walking slowly through the corridor, his expression remained a perfect mask of Jedi serenity, but the weariness was there. It appeared in his movements and in the deep lines around his eyes.

Even though the training bond Qui-Gon Jinn had once shared with his apprentice was long gone, he still sensed the changes in his former padawan. It seemed he had always noticed the changes, the weariness, but he never stood back and allowed himself to just see it. His mind had always been elsewhere, thinking about so many other things, defending that which needed to be that he could not see the tug of a cloak, the shiver, or the exhaustion that haunted his former apprentice's eyes.

Or maybe he did not want to.

Obi-Wan only paused when Bali raced through the corridor to catch up with him. The ginger haired Jedi smiled at the sight of the youth.

Walking alongside one another, they did not exchange spoken words, yet Qui-Gon sensed a communication more intimate than any training bond. He could feel the natural flow of the Force between them and envied it.

After merely a few steps, footfalls fell in unison masking their number as the two traveled through the wide corridor. Qui-Gon carefully shifted his hiding place to better observe the two as he took care to reinforce his shielding.

The dark haired youth was barely shorter than his master and Qui-Gon was continually surprised at how much Bali had grown. After all, the apprentice had always looked small for his age. A little boy who was not made to face the world he was going into as a Jedi.

Bali broke into a smile even though no words had passed between he and Obi-Wan. The white haired Jedi could sense Bali's Force signature, noting that it was so bright that it reminded him of Obi-Wan's.

"I plan on meeting with Awar later," Bali finally said aloud.

"Why do I sense more trouble?" was his master's reply.

"He is going to help me brush up on the knowledge trial."

"Please do not take any answers from him, Padawan." Obi-Wan froze in the corridor and glanced about.

Retreating a step, Qui-Gon wrapped himself in another layer of Force shielding, hoping it would protect him from Obi-Wan's search. The last thing he wanted was to be caught spying. What the elder master wanted was to speak with Obi-Wan, if even for another moment, but he would not interfere with his former apprentice and Bali's conversation. He would wait until Obi-Wan was alone.

"What is it?" Bali asked.

"Nothing," Obi-Wan shook his head slightly. "Nothing."

They walked down the hall leaving Qui-Gon to strain to keep them in sight. He was about ready to give up when Obi-Wan paused again. He shifted unsteadily then nearly lost his footing if it were not for Bali's quick reflexes.

"I am not the only one who got little rest last night," the youth teased as he held onto his master's arm and led him to a small alcove with a bench overlooking the city below.

Gratefully, Obi-Wan sank to the bench but Bali did not easily let go of the older Jedi. It took only a moment before a frustrated looking Obi-Wan shook off the helping hand.

Qui-Gon leaned back, deeper into his hiding place and closed his eyes. He remembered some of the last words Obi-Wan had spoken by the mediation gardens.

I am tired.

He had often thought of those words and unlike his former apprentice's other announcements, he had heard them and understood what was being said.

Qui-Gon Jinn could ignore it no longer.

The Book of Temple Ghosts Part IV

"You out in waiting," Healer Eleka said from an exam room doorway she blocked as she pointed a long finger down the corridor.

"I am his master," Qui-Gon began in the often re-enacted scenario. He stood firm and slowly brought his arms together across his chest. She could not stand there indefinitely if she hoped to treat Anakin.

The dark skinned healer dully stared at the maverick.

Beyond her shoulder, on an exam table sat Anakin with a cooling pack wrapped around his sprained ankle. The apprentice watched as the two master's wills clashed.

"My rules have never changed," Eleka sternly intoned. "Masters will remain in the waiting room until the exam is complete. I would think as often as Obi-Wan was brought in here, you would know that."

"But Anakin—"

"Is a big boy and does not need his master hovering."

"You have no say over my padawan."

"In the healing center I have complete say." She raised one of her hands in a serene gesture and smiled. "If you insist on staying, you can only as a patient. I will knock you flat on your back and then we would have to examine you for injuries. I especially a thorough head scan."

Qui-Gon retreated as Eleka was one for keeping her promises.

"If you so much as step foot in this room you will wake up tomorrow strapped to a gurney. Are we clear?"

Narrowing his eyes, he studied the mad healer. "Yes." Now wishing to see her gloat, he turned swiftly and marched away. As he walked he took in a few deep breaths to calm himself.

Wandering toward the waiting room, Qui-Gon paused then began to pace the corridor. He should have just stormed into the exam room. Well, no, Anakin was ten now and wanted to show that he was able to do this on his own. It wasn't like he was newly arrived from the temple.

Eleka was right, he grudgingly agreed. Anakin is a big boy. He is a Jedi padawan and not a child that needed to run to his mother for every bruise and scrape.

Ripped from his revery, the master was shaken by Dirad's voice. The often quiet healer barked and threw orders about only in a grave emergency. "Prep a Malfalox solution! Yes, a full dose."

Mention of the sedative and Force suppressor caused a chill to race down the master's spine. It was only used in extreme cases and rarely ever a full dose. From his knowledge of the drug, it was only administered in small portions until the desired effect was achieved. The only times he had known the drug to be used in a full doze was by slavers and other unscrupulous members of society who had acquired the drug in the black market to use against Jedi for nefarious purposes.

"Everything is burning!" Obi-Wan's all too familiar voice reverberated through the healing center. "Stop! The fire—"

The pained cry sent Qui-Gon's heart racing and caused him to draw closer to the emergency rooms.

"I don't want to burn! Help me!"

Peeking around a doorway, Qui-Gon could see the hustle of medics and healers but could not see into the exam area for the drawn curtains. Not that he wanted to see what was happening. Obi-Wan's pained cries were more than enough for the master to know something terrible was happening.

"What is it?" Dirad asked between howls.

An unidentified Jedi knight answered him, "It is a Doyga submission dart. They were firing them at us when we escaped. He was part of the primary extraction team."

Qui-Gon grimaced.

Obi-Wan cried out as the sound of falling equipment rattled to the floor. "Help! No. No!"

"Where's the Malfalox!" Dirad bellowed.

The Book of Attacks

"Is everything all right?" Dormé asked the instant Padmé roughly discarded the data reader she had spent the last hour staring at in disbelief.

"No." Sighing, the senator looked up to her decoy and bodyguard. "Yes, of course, everything is fine. It seems everything is great if you are the Chancellor. His detractors are dying by the handful. The Loyalist Committee had scheduled a meeting with Senator Ziat when she arrives from Banor. She is dead." Growing silent for a time, Padmé shook her head and then offered a dull smile when she rose from her seat in the small office area of her apartment. Marching into the main room she announced, "I must prepare some notes. Then I must go and speak with Senator Organa."

"Milady?" the handmaiden asked as she raced after the determined young woman. "It is very late. Certainly Senator Organa—"

Suddenly pinning on Dormé and searching the handmaiden with determined brown eyes, Padmé finally said, "No, it cannot wait. There is no time left. Tell Captain Lanat to ready for my departure." She made to say more but instead paused. Returning to the journey to her private chambers, she stopped again and studied the handmaiden who had dutifully followed. "No, wait, I want to be alone for a while. I will call for you when I am ready."

"Yes, Milady."

Watching the Senator retreat, Dormé waited until Padmé was well out of sight before turning back to the large common room. She glanced about and saw there was little for her to do until she was ordered to do so.

Quietly the young woman started to the communications unit but detoured long enough to pick up a shawl Padmé had discarded earlier. Folding it over her arm, she decided for the moment, the best place to put it would be in Padmé's office. After a cursory glance of the room she headed to the comm.

Out of the corner of her eye, a flash of blue caught her attention. When she turned to the dark, expansive windows of the room she was shocked to see the intense blue light. Drawing closer to the window she studied the blue dot. A small part of her imagined it was just a speeder that had gotten off the traffic lines.

Dormé stood frozen as the dot rose and slowly turned into a glowing shaft of blue. She took a step back from the window just as a shadow moved behind the darkened glass moments before it exploded.

"Assassin!" The handmaiden was instantly in action, racing toward one of the emergency alert buttons stationed about the room. Just as her hand triggered the alarm a pale blue lightsaber flashed through the air and sliced deep into the handmaiden's exposed back. Crying out she sank to her knees but could do little as the blade came down a second time killing her.

The apartment's main doors flew open revealing two heavily armed Naboo security guards. They were immediately brought to pause by the sight of a Jedi standing over Dormé's lifeless body. It would be their downfall.

Before the men could react, bright green eyes flashed as the Jedi flipped over the volley of blaster bolts. The blue blade swiftly removed the blaster wielding arms of the men. With the grace and finesse of an expert saber wielder the guards' lives where ended.

Turning with lightning quick speed the Jedi raced through the public side of the apartment and bounded into the sitting area of Padmé's private chambers. The Senator stood very still with a small blaster aimed at the intruder.

"You are no Jedi," Padmé said evenly.

"I was once," Halla Keizian laughed. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a series of intricate knots and a ginger tipped padawan braid hung from behind her right ear and cascaded over her shoulder. She tugged at the edge of her golden brown colored cloak that protected the light colors of her tunic. "I like these colors much better than black."

"You are mad," the senator said as she kept her blaster aimed directly at the false Jedi and carefully inched along the wall toward the door.

Halla beared a wicked grin while pacing about the length of the room. Keeping the pale blue weapon raised, she kept Padmé cornered. "I am only what my master tells me to be," she answered absently.

The false Jedi then leapt toward Padmé and the Senator fired but her shots were easily deflected. The blaster was knocked from her hand as she was thrown to the floor. Jerking back a step, Padmé howled the instant the tip of the blade pierced her shoulder. Clutching the wound, she struggled to put distance between her and Halla, while desperately trying to reach the fallen blaster.

With the lightest flick of the lightsaber, the blaster was sliced in half as Halla bounded in front of Padmé's escape route. She twisted the deadly blade about and brought it down toward the young woman grazing her arm. Padmé cried but struggled to remain in control as the blade came at her again.

Ducking back out of the blade's reach, she kicked out catching the rich brown leather boot and knocking her attacker back. She scrambled to her feet and raced for the door. She could feel the hum of the lightsaber in her ear.

Fire laced up the back of her calf as the saber cut into it. The pain was so intense that Padmé tumbled to the floor. Horror filled her at the sight of her dead guards and Dormé's blank stare.

Powerful hands grabbed her by the collar and ripped her up off the floor. "No," the senator groaned as the tip of the blade singed the material of her dress at her abdomen.

"Wouldn't that be a pretty sight for your husband to come home to? What would he think about your guts being spilled all over the floor?"

"No," Padmé said softly, unable to struggle against the mad woman's iron grip. She howled the instant the blade burned through the layers of her dress. "No!"

Halla stopped. Her wild green eyes searched Padmé's. "You are pregnant!"

"What—"

The false Jedi tossed the young woman to the floor. Halla let loose a feral howl. "He sent me to kill a pregnant woman!" Caught up in a fit of madness, Halla used the blue saber to destroy anything in her path.

A sobbing, wounded Padmé tried to crawl away over the shattered remains of the window. She too numb to think clearly as her gaze focused on Dormé's still form. Crawling past her faithful handmaiden she reached one of the dead security guard's blasters.

Wincing, she twisted about and aimed at the mad woman who was still hacking away at the furniture. Never allowing Halla the chance to notice her, Padmé fired. Orange blaster bolts tore toward the false Jedi causing her to leap back before escaping through the shattered window.

For a time Padmé held the weapon firm until her strength finally gave out and it fell to her side. She sank to the carpeted floor, concentrating only on every shallow breath.

"Padmé!" a terrified cry ripped into her dazed mind. "Padmé!"

"Anakin?" she whispered softly but did not possess the strength to do anything else. Relief flooded through her when gentle arms pulled her close.

"Help! Someone get help!" Anakin screamed. Turning his attention back to his wounded wife, he whispered, "What happened? Who—"

"Sith," Padmé managed. "Black clothes. Monster."

"Shh, it is safe now. I promise. I am here to protect you."

With the last of her strength, she whispered, "Sith beast."