Author's Note: This is a sequel to Dancing with the Star Wars. You'll probably want to read that one first, but it's not like you'll be 100 percent lost if you don't.

What You Are Getting Into: This will be a lighthearted fic with some romance and adventure thrown in. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Star Wars or The Amazing Race. Just borrowing some characters and general ideas from them. I'm not making any money whatsoever from this - simply having a little bit of fun.

Summary: Sensing a wave of unrest coming from the far side of the Galaxy, a few of our favorite heroes are sent undercover to unravel the mystery.

SIX MONTHS AFTER FINALE OF DANCING WITH THE STAR WARS

JEDI TEMPLE - QUARTERS OF OBI-WAN KENOBI

"We have received reports that the Divided Systems are in the final stages of developing some sort of weapon," Obi-wan explained. "While that alone would be cause for concern, we have discovered a far more chilling goal - the weapon is designed to identify, seek out and eliminate Jedi."

Feeling Anakin tense next to her, Padme sent him reassuring thoughts, willing his anxiety to subside. He squeezed her hand in gratitude.

"We need to go there, Master," Anakin said seriously. "We should find this weapon ourselves and destroy it."

Agreeing wholeheartedly, Obi-wan nodded, "The Council concurs. Unfortunately, the Divided Systems have spies everywhere. All transports - private and public - are being monitored and boarded as they enter the Rempart System. And since the only way to get to their main operations center on Plauu is through the Rempart System-"

"We'll be discovered before we can get there and they will flee with the weapon," Anakin finished, his voice flat.

"So you see our problem," Obi-wan stated. "We need a way to get through the Rempart System without being identified as Jedi."

"Perhaps you could take one of my ships," Padme thought aloud. "They wouldn't dare board a Senator's ship."

"I appreciate the offer, Milady," Obi-wan said, smiling. "But you know how the Divided Systems feel about the Republic. We believe the whole reason behind this weapon is to eliminate the Jedi, thereby making the Republic unstable and driving other Systems to their cause. If they were to spot a Senator's ship, they would be onto us immediately."

"Yes, yes - I understand," Padme said quickly.

"Could we disguise ourselves as refugees?" Anakin asked, remembering his first assignment when he was charged with escorting Padme to Naboo. "That worked pretty well before."

"We considered that," Obi-wan said. "But if this weapon becomes operational before we can find it, there's a chance it could be activated by our proximity if any of the boarding soldiers have it with them."

There was a moment of silence as Padme and Anakin tried to come up with another possible solution. Seeing the look of deep concentration on their faces, Obi-wan felt a stirring of pride in his chest. His one-time Padawan had turned into a fine Jedi - and Padme had proved to be a perfect match for him.

"There is one feasible idea," Obi-wan began. His heart started to pound a bit more fiercely as he prepared to outline the Council's plan.

"We have become aware of a series of ships that are being allowed to pass through the Rempart System without any monitoring whatsoever," he explained. "We have managed to secure spots for 3 Jedi and an accomplice."

"I gladly volunteer to go," Anakin offered.

"I'm happy to hear that," Obi-wan said. "Because the Council has already selected you for the assignment. And you will have a partner, one you're already very familiar with."

Aware that the Jedi Master was looking at her, Padme gasped, "Me?"

"Yes, Senator," Obi-wan replied. "In fact, the entire plan revolves around you and Anakin."

"Us? How?" Anakin asked, obviously confused and looking none too pleased at the thought of Padme being near the Divided Systems.

"Well," Obi-wan began, clearing his throat. "Demand for "Liri and Kaide" has been high since your win on Dancing with the Star Wars. Our Holonet contact has just told us of another show preparing to make its Galactic debut, called Racing Through the Stars. They are desperate to have Liri and Kaide on the show, certain it will boost viewership."

"What does this show involve?" Anakin asked, suspiciously.

Obi-wan was quick to answer, knowing this type of show would fit his apprentice like a glove, "You and Padme will work as a team, following clues and solving challenges as you make your way through the planets of the Rempart System. Eventually, the Race will take you close to Plauu and we can reach the main operations center from there."

"And I'm assuming the show's ships won't be the subject of the Divided Systems' scrutiny?" Padme followed.

"Correct," Obi-wan confirmed. "All 12 teams are to have full access to all planets and the space in between. As a gesture of goodwill," the Jedi Master had to choke out the words. "The Divided Systems have promised to leave the ships in peace. They are hoping it will increase public sympathy towards their movement."

Padme narrowed her eyes at the thought. She had to admit, it was a smart strategy.

"I'll do it," she agreed. She couldn't just sit around while the Divided Systems manipulated the Galaxy - and possibly designed a weapon that was meant to kill her husband!

"Who will make up the other team of Jedi?" Anakin wondered, shooting Padme a wary glance. He still didn't like the idea, but he knew arguing with her would get him nowhere. He could sense her determination just by looking at her - no Jedi mind reading necessary.

"Well, it will be me," Obi-wan stated, looking a tad uncomfortable. "And Master Windu will be my teammate. Or, as the Galaxy will know us, Dake and Tarv..."

TWO WEEKS LATER, PLANET FISKIIP - OUTSIDE SHUTTLE BAY

"On my signal, you will board the ship marked with your names. Your Travel Packs and your Camera Droid have already been loaded on board. Once you leave the planet's atmosphere, you will jump into hyperspace until you reach the Rempart System. The Guardians of the Divided Systems have been instructed to let you pass without incident, so there's no reason for worry. Once you enter the Rempart System, activate your Messaging system for the next clue," the droid host explained in a lilting metallic voice. The hovering cameras rotated from side to side, trying to catch the expressions of all the teams.

Feeling a surge of adrenaline, Padme glanced at Anakin to see his foot tapping anxiously. So, apparently she wasn't the only one ready to start their next adventure. Suppressing a smile, she cast her eyes to the side to see how Masters Kenobi and Windu were handling the anticipation. Again, she was mildly startled by the change in their appearances - Obi-wan's trademark facial hair was gone and his hair had been lightened and cut into a short, crisp style. The smile on his face was young and carefree.

Master Windu, on the other hand, still managed to look stern and foreboding even while sporting a new goatee. His gleaming head was covered by a scrap of dark fabric and he was dressed, like the other contestants, in casual clothes and boots. There wasn't a Jedi robe in sight. Quickly, she turned her attention back to the droid as it finished its instructions.

"Competitors, prepare for the race of your life! It is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of Racing Through the Stars!" With that, the droid zipped away.

Suddenly, there was a loud whistle and the giant shuttle bay doors opened.

The race was on!

With a grin, Anakin grabbed Padme's hand and they began running towards the ships, steps behind Obi-wan and Mace. Immediately, her eyes fell on their ship, clearly labeled "Liri and Kaide."

"There!" she cried, pointing. Anakin nodded and they quickly headed onboard. Pausing briefly at the door to enter the 'liftoff' sequence, she saw Obi-wan and Mace scramble onto the ship marked "Dake and Tarv." Smiling at their intense expressions, she ducked into the ship and felt the ramp retract as the door closed with a quiet hiss. Smoothly, she turned and headed towards her husband, already knowing where she'd find him.

"Engaging the pre-flight check," Anakin called, running through the controls and sensors. Hearing a rumble, they looked out the front windshield to see Obi-wan and Mace take off, not bothering to run through the safety routine.

"Not exactly exhibiting the fine art of patience, are they?" Anakin muttered. Reaching across her, he flipped a few switches and she felt their own engines roar to life. Within moments, they were soaring through the sky, quickly approaching the atmosphere. Hearing a tremendous whoosh, they looked up to see Obi-wan and Mace jump into hyperspace.

Padme and Anakin weren't far behind.