Author's Note: Hi everyone! Thank you for the wonderful reviews! And another round of applause to those of you who have stopped in to read some of my one-shots. I love hearing from you – when I see your name pop up, it's like seeing a familiar face. I am truly fortunate to have such support. Hope you like today's chapter! Let me know! (Hellish Red Devil, I have a feeling the last part is right up your alley!)

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Padme's feet began to ache as they pounded the unforgiving surface of the freighter's floor. They had been up and down several floors and had not found any signs of the other kiosks. She almost wished she would fall down another hole if it meant finding something, but her aching shoulders kept her from actually speaking the thought out loud.

Finally, they rounded the corner and entered what had once been a weapons room. Padme blanched at the sight of the laser canons and other instruments of destruction. A feeling of relief swept through her when a second kiosk lit up along the far wall, effectively distracting her from the grim contemplation. Hanging back slightly, she watched Anakin press on the center console, causing another piece of parchment to slide out. He quickly unrolled it and relayed the clue quickly:

"...KG. For their next challenge, teams will need to enter the Central... And that's where it stops."

"So, we need to go to Sector 84-KG where we're going to participate in some sort of a challenge," Padme mused, piecing together the clues.

"The final clue should tell us more," Mace added, tucking his copy into his utility belt.

"And I think I might know where it might be," Anakin offered, heading for the staircase. Hurrying up the stairs, he began to explain, "Thus far, the clues have been in areas imperative to a crew's survival. The first kiosk was in the galley, the second was in the weapon's room. Well, if you think about it, every crew member's survival truly hinges on one person..." With that, he trailed off as they came to a stop in front of a heavily reinforced door that had been blown off the hinges.

The Captain's Quarters, Padme realized. Obi-wan and Mace looked at Anakin with a touch of pride in their gazes as the third kiosk blinked to life. Moments later, Padme unrolled the clue and read the final installment of the three-part riddle - ...Command Aviation Field and find the marked jet packs.

As they ran back through the ship, Padme felt the adrenaline begin to surge through her body.

We're one step closer...

Ready or not.

SHIP OF LIRI AND KAIDE - THIRTY MINUTES LATER

Padme watched Anakin frown in concentration as he tinkered with a spare engine part. Setting it aside, he checked the hidden compartment that held his light saber. He removed the faithful weapon and examined it thoroughly. Apparently satisfied, he returned it to its hiding place and replaced the panel, running his fingers over the seamless edges. Normally, she wouldn't think anything of it.

But this was his tenth inspection.

She put a soft hand on his arm and his eyes met hers reluctantly. She was startled by the look of worry on his face and poured her concern for him into their bond. She remained motionless for several moments, certain he would speak when he had his thoughts gathered.

She was right.

"I'm being overwhelmed by a terrible feeling of anxiety," he confessed, the words so soft she almost missed them. "Something is coming and I have no idea what it is or how to prepare."

"Whatever it is, you'll meet it with bravery and strength," she insisted. He smiled slightly, soothed by her statement. His thumbs brushed a light pattern over the backs of her hands before he stood up and headed for the front of the ship.

Padme stayed for a few moments longer before heading over to Artoo. She kneeled in front of him and entered a query, deftly punching in the top secret codes. He studied her silently before answering with an affirmative beep, the tone quiet and sure. Relieved, she stood and joined Anakin in the cockpit.

CENTRAL COMMAND AVIATION FIELD - MAIN HANGER

Padme scarcely noticed the large crowd that had gathered to watch the challenge, the fans anxious to see the famous faces of Racing Through the Stars. Rushing towards her jet pack, she jumped at the sudden cheer that went up as she and Anakin came into full view. Forcing a bright smile, she waved before slipping on the jet pack and detaching the dangling clue.

"Use your jet pack to navigate across the Molten River. On the far bank, contestants will need to ascend the Spike of Binkai before shedding the devices. Don't stop now! Your next clue is waiting," she read, her voice straining to be heard over the excited crowd. Anakin nodded emphatically to indicate he understood as he eased into his own jet pack. Meanwhile, Obi-wan and Mace were frowning at the several female fans calling their names and gesturing frantically.

Laughing quietly, Padme tucked the clue into her boot and yanked the starter cord, listening as the small rockets hissed to life. She brought up the main controls and snapped them into place, grasping the shifters easily in her hands. Tentatively, she pushed the throttle away from her body and gasped as she lunged forward, her toes dragging on the ground.

Okay, there must be a way to rise off the ground, she thought, stopping to review the controls. Otherwise, I'll burn my feet off before I get 10 yards offshore.

Spotting a prominent yellow icon, she pressed it down and held it while she tried again. Her patience was rewarded as she steadily rose off the ground and headed forward, her boots now dangling several feet off the floor below.

That's more like it! she cheered silently. Glancing to the side, she watched the three Jedi propel themselves along the ground, refusing to examine the controls in their hurry to gain a good position. A small trail of dust followed their every move as their boots scraped and bumped along the hard ground.

Ani – try pushing the yellow button. Her telepathic instructions were met with silence as he focused solely on gaining a lead over the Jedi Masters. Shaking her head, she maneuvered herself to the exit and flew into the meadow. The echoes of the crowd's fading cheers rang in her ears as she grinned.

Now that she was out in the open, she pushed the controls even harder, laughing in delight as the wind whipped through her hair, causing her braid to spin crazily behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Anakin slowly rise up from the ground as he finally figured out how to operate the finicky machinery. She sensed him giving instructions to Obi-wan and Mace and soon they were also climbing for the sky.

Reluctant to cross the churning lava alone, she hovered over the embankment until Anakin caught up, the two Jedi Masters by his side. With a nod, the foursome started across the fierce looking river and Padme instinctively drew her legs up as they began to sting from the oppressive heat.

Suddenly, she heard the rockets on Anakin's jet pack sputter and cut out. He fixed her with a fearful look as he slowly sank towards the fire below. She shoved at her controls, trying to dive after him, but the jet pack didn't respond. In the end, she could only watch helplessly as his boots made contact with the molten liquid. His screams mingled with her own as she watched him slowly sink out of sight. His eyes were the last thing to vanish as they bored into her soul, staring at her accusingly.

In the sudden silence, she could hear his thoughts reverberating through her tortured mind.

Why didn't you save me, Padme?

Why?

NO!

You will not take him!

She shook her head, desperate to clear the horrifying images from her mind. The three Jedi looked at her worriedly and she pretended not to notice as she fumbled with her controls. She was squeezing them so hard, a detached part of her mind was surprised they didn't snap.

Finally, a cooling breeze drew the attention away from her and they all glanced up as the curtain of steam parted. A tall, black tower could be seen in the distance. The Spike of Binkai!

Padme twisted her controls to the right and the jet pack responded instantly. Her eyes never left the regal structure, afraid to acknowledge the fiery stream below.

For she knew what she would see - a pair of blue eyes, mere seconds before they burst into flames.

Despite the scalding temperature that surrounded her, she shivered.