Author's Note: A huge thanks to my readers, especially zan189, Niraha Skywalker, Hellish Red Devil, meandmysharpie, Eriks leadinglady, Hopeless4Life, Anakin's Girl, and Rachel 791. You have been so great to send in such regular reviews – and sweet ones at that. It feels amazing to have such support and I am so grateful. Now, let's see where our adventure takes us today. Enjoy!
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Mace and Obi-wan had apparently reached some sort of a compromise, because they quieted as Padme began to read the next clue out loud: "Teams must now board an airlift and make their way to the Race's Sixth Destination. Hurry! The last team may be eliminated."
Padme and Anakin rushed for the stationary vehicle marked with their names and had it moving before the doors slid shut. Anakin peered up at the rocky cliff-side and blew out a breath when he realized he couldn't even see the top. It was going to be a long, torturously slow ride.
Padme rummaged in her rucksack, happy to find her thick travel cloak as the temperature steadily dropped. With a whirl, she settled it over her shoulders and sank into the warm fabric with a sigh. Suitably warmed, she crossed the space to Anakin. Sensing her presence, he jerked his head to the side and she followed his direction, frowning as she saw Obi-wan and Mace's pod tracking along evenly. It was going to a race to the finish, she realized.
Even though several yards separated them, she could hear their thoughts as clearly as if they were standing next to her. They were grinning devilishly, the unspoken challenge evident in their expressions. What a change from the normal Jedi Masters I'm used to seeing, Padme thought. It's good to see such camaraderie. I have a feeling we're going to need it.
Raising her brown eyes to her opponents, she quirked a brow arrogantly and gave a dismissive hand gesture. Obi-wan scowled in mock outrage while Mace pretended to look shocked. She giggled quietly as their thoughts flooded her mind.
Milady, such haughtiness from a representative of the Republic is quite improper.
Yes, Senator - we are truly shocked. Of course, that won't stop us from beating you and Anakin to the finish line.
Ah yes, I hope you will accept defeat graciously. Remember, the Galaxy will be watching!
She simply shook her head, continuing to laugh as Anakin joined in on the silent conversation. She was so distracted, she didn't feel the shadow slip into the outer corners of her mind. Obi-wan's voice took on a cold edge and she flinched as she heard his words echo through her heart.
Oh Senator, of course you don't mind losing. You have been fighting a losing battle for several years.
Do you really think you will be able to save Anakin? Or Mace? Or me?
We have no faith in you and your supposed abilities. That's why we insisted Anakin continue to use his mind shields.
You are too weak.
Oh yes, you will fail.
Fail.
Snapping back to the present, she sucked in a sharp breath and pressed a hand to her chest. Still engaged in their battle of wills, the Jedi didn't notice her sudden discomfort and she watched them warily. Gradually, their bantering filtered into her mind once again, but she found herself cringing at Obi-wan's voice. She tried to keep her distress hidden, but moments later she found him eyeing her with concern. Forcing a bright smile, she shook her fist in a teasing challenge and felt relief as he turned away.
Breathing deeply, she repeated quietly, "I will not fail. I won't! I- I can't-" The last word was sputtered brokenly as she absorbed the possible implications. She made a show of sorting through her leather pack while she took the time to gather her thoughts and settle her emotions. When the airlift finally crawled to a stop, she leapt out, sinking into the knee-deep snow, her face a mask of concentration. The bitter cold caused her to gasp, but she ignored it and pressed forward, certain she looked ridiculous as she hopped through the fluffy substance.
Meanwhile, Anakin was trying to refrain from using the Force to plow a path in front of him. He watched as his wife took one bouncing step and then another, her cheeks rosy from the brisk wind. He quickly realized the going was a lot easier if he followed her path. After a few moments, she realized what he was doing and he could feel the annoyance radiating from her in waves.
Anakin! Honestly! How lazy are you? She thought darkly, a trace of a smile coming to her lips. Unbidden, an image of his boots floating to him in their dormitory entered her mind.
I'm not lazy! He responded indignantly, trying to push away the image he knew she was recalling. I am the picture of efficiency. I'm sure Master Windu is proud-
But as he looked over to prove his point, he saw Master Windu land face first in a large snow bank as his cloak tangled around his legs. Obi-wan was too chilled to even comment and merely handed him his travel pack, which had spilled open in his tumble. Mace pulled his head covering down further and it nearly shielded his eyes completely. Anakin had a feeling that was a good thing.
Finally, a dancing light could be seen up ahead. Padme picked up the pace, panting from the effort and felt her heart soar as she saw a set of cabins come into view. Anakin had wisely joined her at this point and pointed out the host droid, who had a hologram of the show's logo hovering in the space behind him. After several more strenuous moments, all four of them stepped on the mat at the same time. The host droid beeped quietly as it greeted them.
"Welcome! You have reached the Sixth Destination - The Cabins of Jeepa. Liri and Kaide, Dake and Tarv - you are tied for first place. As such, you will all receive a wardrobe upgrade and a new set of travel supplies. Plus, you will be able to enjoy a free trip to the planet of your choice at the conclusion of the race! Congratulations!"
Anakin tried to look happy but inside he was horrified. A vacation with Mace Windu? And Obi-wan? Oh no! Padme elbowed him gently in his side and he tried to stretch his grin a little wider.
Force, help us all!
CABINS OF JEEPA - TWO HOURS LATER
Padme brought the sides of her hair back and secured them with a jeweled clip, the damp strands spilling down her back. With a click, she heard Anakin turn off the water and watched as a towel soared behind the glass doors. She simply smiled and shook her head as she drummed her fingers on the glistening countertop impatiently. Anakin had locked her in the refresher along with him, not wanting a repeat of the Terraro experience. He still felt guilty that he hadn't been able to keep her safe from that and no amount of arguing had dissuaded him.
He finally emerged from the inner bathing stall, toweling his hair dry. He was clad in the nightwear they had won and the dark blue material fit him well, setting off his deep blue eyes. Padme quickly went to him, slipping her arms around his back. As he turned to her questioningly, she kissed her thoroughly. After several long moments, he stepped back, breathing heavily.
"Wow. What was that for?" he asked, his fingers stroking her arm gently.
"Just because," she replied, flashing him a saucy smile.
"You just want that door unlocked," he mused.
"Who? Me?" she inquired, putting her hands to her chest in a gesture of innocence.
Laughing deeply, he raised a hand and she heard the doors release and swing open. She kissed him again and ran a hand through his hair, cradling the back of his neck softly. She looked at him for a long moment, memorizing his every feature before leaving the room. Anakin watched her go, sensing her undercurrent of worry. He sighed deeply, knowing she would sort things out in her own time. And he would be there for her, no matter what.
Padme hurried to the kitchen and pulled out some utensils, realizing Obi-wan and Mace were going to arrive any moment. She took out a few sparkling glasses and filled one with a deep red wine. Drinking deeply, she savored the pungent liquid as it slid down her throat. Setting the glass down, she rested her hands on the counter and was only mildly startled with the visitor's chime sounded.
Checking the small security monitor, she saw it was indeed Obi-wan and Mace and she admitted them quickly. She fidgeted nervously as Obi-wan glanced at her and quickly turned and walked back into the kitchen.
"Threepio and Artoo have already delivered our dinner. Of course, there is enough for everyone - you know how they like to fuss. Would you care to have a seat?" she asked, the words crashing into each other as she spoke. Mace looked at her curiously and then slid a sideways look at Obi-wan.
"Thank you for the invitation, Senator," Mace acknowledged. "We would be happy to join you. If you will excuse me for a moment, I must speak with young Skywalker first." Turning on his heel, he headed for the main living suite and the door slid shut quietly behind him.
"Master Kenobi, please help yourself to some wine," Padme insisted. She quickly set out plates and sorted through a cabinet, searching for serving spoons. "The food smells delicious; I think we're in for a treat-"
Her words were cut off by a gentle hand on her arm. Looking up, she saw Obi-wan staring at her compassionately. She looked down as she remembered his voice echoing harshly through her head.
Do you really think you will be able to save Anakin? Or Mace? Or me?
You are too weak.
You will fail.
"Do you really think I would ever say such things?" Obi-wan asked quietly.
Padme jumped as she realized he had heard her memories. Shaking her head miserably, she backed away and bumped into the wooden countertop behind her.
"Padme, I had hoped you knew how I felt about you and Anakin. I care about you both very much," he insisted. His words were plain, yet full of meaning and affection. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "My former Padawan is one of the greatest men I have ever known - he is like my brother."
Padme nodded, the words warming her heart. "Yes, I know, Obi-wan. I do."
"Then you should also know I wouldn't trust just anyone with his life."
Her eyes closed as she took in his words. Drawing in a ragged breath, she met Obi-wan's gaze and took his hand in hers as she whispered, "Thank you."
"You won't let us down, Padme. I know it - we all do," Obi-wan insisted. "We are very fortunate to have you on our side. You have proven yourself to be quite... formidable."
She laughed as she remembered some of the crazy stunts she had completed thus far on the Race. Hugging Obi-wan affectionately, she said, "You are a good friend. I'm sorry I worried."
He blushed as he took in her compliment. Lightening the mood he said, "You know... If Anakin is my brother then I suppose that would make you my sister."
"I suppose so," Padme replied, bringing another glass of wine to her lips
"Well, I've always wanted a sister-" Obi-wan began. Padme looked at him curiously.
"Why is that?" she wondered.
"So I could do this!" With a quick flick of his wrist, he tipped her glass forward and caused wine to splash on her face. With a shriek of laughter, she set after him, her brown eyes flashing withthe promise of retribution.
Obi-wan backed away, fumbling for the door panel to the main living suite. Just as she flung the rest of her wine at him, the door slid open...
...And the red liquid crashed down on top of an unsuspecting Mace Windu.
