Chapter Two
Nadia wait for the starfreighter carrying the new apprentice to take Anakin's place. An Astromech droid approaches her followed by a young man that obviously didn't care if people knew he was a Jedi. He looks at her and smiles.
"Are you Padme?"
"No us sir. She is waiting for you at the palace."
"Lead the way."
Nadia steps into the Speeder waiting at the entrance, the young man follows her. When they are both settled and the droid taken care of they start towards the palace.
"She locked herself in her chambers after they took her brother. She refuses to eat and will see no one."
"Then why am I here?"
"Because Master Luke thinks you can help."
"I guess I can try."
They start up the step to the queen's chambers. Nadia knocks one the door.
"Milady? The council sent him."
"I don't want him here."
"Milady, He arrived on the last transport."
"Send him away."
Nadia looks at him. "I'm sorry sir…."
He takes out his lightsaber and steps up to the door. It opens.
"And what did you think you were going to do with that?"
"You weren't coming out and wouldn't let us in so I thought I'd let us in myself. How did you know what I was about to do?"
"I'm trained as a Jedi."
"Master Luke mentioned you were trained."
"And you didn't believe him?"
"I did. I just didn't know he meant as a Jedi."
"Nadia please take him to Master Than."
"Yes Milady. Shall I have Arian bring you something?"
"I suppose."
Nadia bows and starts off down the hall. "Wait."
"Yes?"
"What is your name?"
"Milady my name is Merric."
He follows Nadia down the hall to Master Than's chambers.
Anakin looks out the window of his room. "Padme would love this."
"What would she love?"
Anakin jumps to his feet. "I'm sorry Master I didn't know you were here."
"It's alright Anakin. What would Padme love?"
"The city."
"Are you sure? Coruscant is much different from Cloud city."
"She loves the city. I hope she's alright."
"You worry about her to much."
"I know Master. I just can't get her out of my mind."
"Don't think about her so much, your enemies will find that she is your weakness and use her against you. Merric arrived in Naboo today. She'll be fine."
"You sent Merric to her?"
"Than is his Master."
"I know. How is Dallin adjusting?"
"He'll be fine. When he stops asking questions. Come the council is waiting."
"Yes Master."
He grabs his cloak and follows Luke to his waiting speeder. Anakin looks back over his shoulder. "Chai-Lyn, if anyone tries to contact me tell them I'm at the Temple."
"Yes Master Anakin."
"Why does she follow you everywhere?"
"Because I saved her."
"I don't remember that."
"Master you don't remember the time we were caught and almost killed by those Troopers?"
"No I remember you getting caught and I went to rescue you when your sister warned us you were in danger."
"I miss her Master."
"I know you do Anakin. You'll get to see her in a few days. She's coming to Coruscant."
"Why?"
"She is coming to address the Senate."
"That can't be the reason."
"Why is that?"
"She was here for that a few weeks ago. What are you not telling me?"
They land in front of the Temple. Luke jumps out and runs up the stairs. Anakin shakes his head and follows his master.
"Fine don't tell me. I'll find out soon enough."
Four Days Later
Padme, Nadia, and Arian step onto the landing platform, Padme looks around an excited twinkle in her eyes.
"I'm so glad to be back in the city."
"Milady we should get you inside."
"Alright Arian."
They walk over to the Air taxi waiting for them. They file into it and it heads to the Jedi Temple.
Anakin stands behind his Master as the rest of the council makes their way to their seats. Anakin notices the seats on either side of Luke are empty.
"Queen Amidala of the Naboo."
Anakin looks up and smile as his sister comes in with Nadia. They bow to the council.
"Padme. It's good to see you again. It's been along time."
She smiles, "Yes it has Master."
"You must be wondering why we asked you here."
"Yes Master."
"The council has decided to grant you and Anakin positions on the council. Once you have passed the trials you shall become Jedi Masters."
Padme looks at Anakin. "Are you sure…….?"
"We are."
Anakin moves to stand beside his sister. They bow and leave the room. Once the door close behind them Padme wraps her arms around her brother's neck and he spins her around. "Can you believe it Ani!"
"I missed you Ami."
"I missed you to. Did you watch the sun rise?"
He looks down. "I missed it."
She smiles at him, "It's alright. You don't have to."
"I did watch the sunset."
"Have you seen Malen?"
"No. Is he here?"
"He's always here now Ani. He's a senator."
"He really did it then."
She nods and smiles, "Mother and Father are going to try and come."
"Is Lando coming?"
"No they haven't been in Cloud City. They went to Tatooine, Shyla is going to live on the old moisture farm."
"That just like her. Does Uncle Luke know?"
"Mother was going to tell him when she came. Is that girl still following you?"
"Who Chai-Lyn?"
"Yeah."
"Yes she still follows me."
"You can't tell me you don't like it because I know you do."
"What can I say she cleans just as well as any droid, and she isn't always falling apart."
"Artoo isn't always falling apart."
"I was talking about Threepio."
"I should get back before Merric starts to worry."
"He's still with you?"
"Uncle Luke sent him to keep an eye on me. I'll see you tomorrow."
She hugs him and hurries off with Nadia. Anakin waits for Luke to come out of the council chambers.