Disclaimer: George Lucas owns everything SW and I do not.

"Master, why are we being called to a meeting with the Council? We have already been debriefed on our mission to Solas." I managed to catch the tightening of my master's lips from the corner of my eye. "Do you think that we have already merited another assignment?"

My heart was pounding with excitement at the idea of another mission being offered to Master Obi-Wan and I. The last mission to the Outer Rim system of Solas had been a success -- we had freed several slaves taken illegally from the Core planet of Chandrila. I longed for another chance to prove myself to the Council… I wanted to be accepted.

I also knew from my friends at the Temple that Padmé Amidala had been attacked upon her return from Naboo to Coruscant. The idea of seeing her again made me dizzy with emotions that I couldn't quite name. I desired to see her again, to be with her, and I felt guilty about that. Jedi didn't allow themselves to become distracted with selfish personal longings.

Perhaps you are not a true Jedi.

The voice at the back of my mind stung me and I wondered if the words were true…

It seemed that no matter how hard I tried or how well I performed, there were those on the Council that disapproved of me and my motivations. It hurt me to be continuously faced with doubters and there were times I questioned my choice of becoming a Jedi; though my misgivings were kept in silence, far from the searching gaze of this man, my master, who was like a brother to me.

Obi-Wan Kenobi stopped and gestured for me to follow him onto one of the small balconies that lined the great hall of the Jedi Temple. He folded his arms across his chest and quirked one red-gold eyebrow at me. "Anakin, I understand that you are young and that you long to travel and see the galaxy, but you also need to learn some restraint. Life will not always hand you what you wish, padawan, and it would serve you well to remain calm when we reach the Council Chamber."

I tamped down immediately on the flare of anger that sparked in my chest. "I'm not so young, Master Obi-Wan, I just turned nineteen. Besides, I wasn't expecting that we will be chosen to escort Padmé."

A small smile played across Obi-Wan's lips as he glanced at me with growing amusement dancing in his eyes. "So you have already heard the rumor that Senator Amidala is in need of the Jedi Council's help? I'm in wonder that you didn't simply flee the Temple in search of her all on your own."

"You should give me more credit, master," I answered with a frown. "I would never do such a thing." The bitterness in my voice could not be helped or disguised as I continued speaking. "Have I disappointed you? I feel as if I have in some ways seeing that you have so little faith in me."

Obi-Wan reached out and took hold of my shoulders. He smiled warmly at me as he shook his head. "I have great faith in you, my padawan learner, but I also know that I've heard you cry out Padmé's name in your sleep more often than is prudent. I cared about someone once as well, but you have pledged yourself to serving the Republic and you have made commitments to the Jedi Order which are not to be taken lightly."

I nodded once and stepped back from him. "I understand, Master Obi-Wan, and I promise you that I won't embarrass you in front of the Council."

He seemed pleased with my answer and led me back inside. "To be honest, Anakin, I'm not certain whether we are meeting with Senator Amidala or Senator Nafora. I have been informed that both senators need the help of the Jedi."

My eyebrows rose. "Nafora? Isn't he the senator from Hesperas?"

We both nodded to an older Jedi Healer that passed by before Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Indeed he is and I'm as surprised as you are that he has asked anything of the Jedi."

"In one of my classes here at the Temple, I was taught that the Hesperasians are descended from Sith Lords." I paused as Obi-Wan turned toward me with a raised brow. "Is that true?"

He shrugged and waited for me to board the lift before getting on himself. "Yes," Obi-Wan stated simply as the lift doors shut with a gentle swoosh. "But we must not be too hasty to judge the people of Hesperas as they have remained steadfast and staunch supporters of peace throughout the years."

"Interesting," I murmured.

The High Council chamber was a circular room located at the top of the tallest spire at the Jedi Temple. The room itself had panoramic windows that allowed one to look out at the busy space lanes and a good portion of Coruscant as well. It was one of my favorite rooms at the Temple; I loved the inlaid marble floors and the sense of warmth and light that seemed to exude from the very atmosphere.

One day, I will be seated here.

The thought made me smile as Master Obi-Wan and I stepped out of the lift and entered the chamber. My dearest dream was to one day be a master on the Council and to be recognized as a great Jedi.

My daydreams were brought to a sudden halt by the sight of the two people standing in the center of the room. Padmé was not present and neither was any of her aides.

The individuals standing there sent a shiver up my spine so fearsome and majestic was their appearance. The man was about Master Windu's age and taller than anyone present. He had an oval face with sharp masculine features that spoke of intellect and willpower; clearly, he had once been a handsome man, but he had a weary spirit that seemed to weigh him down. Long, nearly black hair cascaded down to his elbows, but was held back from his face by a series of three braids that he had drawn to the back of his head. A silver and black jeweled band tied his braids in place. The man was adorned in a magnificent gray septsilk robe embroidered with vines of jet black, trimmed at the cuffs by sleek black fur.

There was a presence to this man that proclaimed him to be a leader and that demanded respect. His eyes, when I truly studied them, made my throat go dry.

Eyes like none I had ever seen stared deep into my own. Deep, rich sapphire blue irises surrounded large, round black pupils that did not seem to adjust as other humanoid eyes did. I felt as though he had looked into my soul and seen every secret deed I had ever committed or thought I had ever had. The idea froze the blood in my veins, but what made it worse was the fact that I could not sense anything in return on his part… it was as though he was not really present in the Force.

He had what looked to be a long silver needle embedded in the flesh directly below his bottom lip in a horizontal position. Also, two small silver needles, each tipped with tiny, twinkling, black gems pierced each of his high, arched eyebrows in a horizontal manner as well.

I had to force myself to look away from him and I thought I saw him briefly smile from the corner of my eye. The young woman standing at his side was more pleasing to look upon, but every bit as majestic as the male.

She was perhaps twenty-six or twenty-seven, but the smoothness of her skin and the placid expression she wore made it difficult for me to judge. She was only centimeters shorter than myself with a lithe figure that spoke of a woman who enjoyed physical exercise.

Her face was oval-shaped as well, but her features were gentle. Sloping cheekbones added character to her countenance and her chin was strong, but feminine. A soft, patrician nose and elegantly arched, raven-colored eyebrows and sweetly bowed, lush lips only served to illustrate her unique beauty.

When she turned and looked at me fully, I at once noticed that she was closely related to the man standing beside her. There was no hiding the resemblance between them. They shared the same eerie, alien blue eyes; though her own eyes were more welcoming in nature… not that I could sense anything from her either.

Hair as dark as midnight cascaded down about her waist freely like a curtain of silk. She wore a simple ivory gown that was embroidered with silver vines around the high collar at her throat and the cuffs at her wrists. Like the man beside her, she too had a silver needle that pierced her flesh just below her bottom lip. The needle was smaller and capped at each end by a small creamy pearl.

I knew that the pair had to be royalty of some sort and I felt my face grow red with embarrassment as she arched one eyebrow upon noticing my stare. I turned away and allowed my attention to rest upon Master Windu as was appropriate.

"Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker," he began in his rich baritone. "we are pleased you arrived so promptly. Please allow me to introduce you to Senator Yllian Nafora and his daughter, Kadal Nafora. Senator Nafora is… "

"Jedi Master Windu, with all due respect, my father is now King Yllian."

My eyes widened a little upon hearing the husky, sweet voice that emanated from the woman standing beside me. She was the woman I had dreamt of on Solas; I recognized that voice. The expression on her face remained serene, but I could see the spark of resentment in her eyes as clearly as I heard it in her speech. I straightened and turned my attention back to Master Windu.

Mace Windu was not a man to be disrespected and the quick frown that appeared and just as quickly disappeared told me he was highly displeased. He nodded slowly toward Kadal. "Excuse my mistake," he replied smoothly. "King Yllian of Hesperas is here to ask for our help in investigating the murder of Queen Teresea." Master Windu nodded to King Yllian politely. "Please continue, Your Highness."

King Yllian Nafora was clearly used to public oratory; his entire manner was of a man entirely confident in himself and unafraid to address others. He stepped forward and looked at each of the Council members in turn before speaking. "My sister, Queen Teresea of Hesperas, member of the Royal Clan of Nafora was brutally assassinated two weeks ago. She was at her retreat on the shores of our western sea and was… " he suddenly became quiet and I felt a surge of grief so intense that I nearly moaned aloud. Clearing his throat, Yllian continued in a far weaker voice. "she was killed by a bomb which had been remotely detonated. We believe that this attack was coordinated by the Separatists and I am seeking the help of the Jedi to investigate."

"A rich world is Hesperas," Master Yoda began, blinking slowly. "The Separatists think you are responsible? Why? An ambitious clan could this not be? Or an angry trade partner?"

Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded and leaned forward in his chair; stroking his goatee. "I must ask why you believe this to be the Separatists as well. Forgive my saying so, but Hesperas is a shadowy world and we know little of your ways. Could Master Yoda be right and this assassination be an internal matter?"

"Queen Teresea was approached by Count Dooku only three weeks before her death. He wished for Hesperas to join the Separatists, but she refused and ordered me to go at once to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and inform him of what had happened." Yllian Nafora winced. "I know for a fact that Teresea had the full support of all of our clans. She was the first monarch in three hundred years to be so honored and I fear that I will not be accorded that same honor. No, I am certain that Count Dooku is partly or wholly to blame for the fate that befell my sister."

Mace Windu smiled sympathetically. "With all due respect, Your Highness, you do realize that Count Dooku was once a Jedi? He may have left the Jedi Order, but we have a hard time believing that he would be capable of murder."

I was startled as Master Obi-Wan's rich voice rolled over me and I wasn't sure which surprised me more; the fact that he was interrupting the Council members or the words that flowed from his mouth.

"But you must admit that the circumstances of the timing between Count Dooku's petition of Queen Teresea, her refusal to cooperate, and her murder is rather disturbing." Master Kenobi shifted his body slightly so that he could make full eye contact with Master Yoda, Master Windu, and Master Mundi. "I believe that this matter should indeed be investigated."

Master Plo Koon nodded slowly and spoke in a voice made harsh by the special respirator he wore. "I concur with Master Kenobi. The timing and the circumstances leading up to the assassination are beyond coincidental. It pains me to think a former Jedi might be capable of murder, but we must investigate."

Yoda sighed. "Agree, Master Koon, I do. With a heavy heart do we send Jedi to investigate. Pray, we do, Your Highness, that mistaken you are."

Ki-Adi-Mundi and Mace Windu shared a long, quiet look before Mundi caught my gaze and quickly turned his attention to my master. "Master Kenobi, Senator Amidala was attacked two days ago upon her return to Coruscant under very similar circumstances to Queen Teresea's assassination. She also expressed concerns that Count Dooku was involved and has requested our help."

"When do we start?" I blurted out.

The expression on both Master Obi-Wan's face and that of Master Windu were nearly enough to make me wish I could sink through the very floor. I felt my face heat up under the scrutiny of the Council and released my humiliation to the Force. I knew that holding on to the emotion would lead me directly to anger and I couldn't afford that now.

Master Windu steepled his fingers before his chest and frowned. "I and Master Kenobi will be dealing with Senator Amidala. You will be investigating the murder of Queen Teresea on Hesperas, Padawan Skywalker."

The blood drained from my face and my heart began to pound so loudly I was certain that everyone present would hear it. "Pardon me, Master Windu, did you just say… "

Obi-Wan Kenobi let his bright eyes flicker over me; disbelief obvious in their depths. "I cannot disagree more, Mace, as Anakin still has much to learn."

I felt a surge of burning, white-hot anger at Obi-Wan's words, but I held it at bay while standing before the Council. The last thing I needed was to have Master Yoda or Master Windu sense my feelings.

Yoda tapped his cane on the floor with emphasis. All attention was turned to him and his large eyes took in each one of us before he spoke. "The skills to investigate Padawan Skywalker has, Master Kenobi. A close watch will I keep on your padawan and report to both of us often will he." Yoda's ears lifted slightly. "Good for him this assignment will be; feel this in the Force we do."

Yllian and his daughter were staring intensely at one another. He finally broke away and looked at me and I felt as though he were probing my mind. "We welcome the help of Padawan Skywalker."

"Arrangements will be made to pick up Padawan Skywalker from the Temple," Kadal Nafora continued in her exotic, sensual voice. "We leave for Hesperas in two days time. The coronation of King Yllian will take place the day after our arrival. We will of course extend every courtesy to you, Apprentice Skywalker."

"Then it is settled," Mace Windu intoned gravely. "we wish you a peaceful and successful reign, Your Highness."

King Yllian bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Master Windu." he turned toward his daughter and nodded. "Come, Kadal, we have much to do and little time in which to accomplish our tasks."

I watched as King Yllian of Hesperas turned and left the Council Chamber with his daughter close behind him. To my surprise, she stopped at the doors and looked at me for a moment before again following her father. Once the doors closed, my master sighed heavily and met Master Yoda's gaze.

"Are you certain that sending Anakin alone to a world suspected of Sith activity is wise?" Master Obi-Wan asked. "The Council has suspected the Hesperasians not only because of their heritage but because of their secrecy. We are still looking for the other Sith Lord responsible for Qui-Gon's death; the Sith we seek may well be one of the Hesperasian leaders."

A small smile stole across Yoda's face. "Alone do you think Anakin is going? With him, will I travel. Invited have I been to attend King Yllian's coronation. A great opportunity to learn the ways of the Hesperasians is this. Discover, we will, if a Hesperasian the Sith Lord is."

My heart began to sink at the thought that Master Yoda was going to Hesperas as well… not to mention the fact that I was again missing an opportunity to see Padmé! I kept my mouth firmly shut so as not to find myself scrubbing porridge pots in the Temple kitchen with the serving droids.

Obi-Wan Kenobi looked very tired suddenly and I found myself feeling sorry for him, but envious of him as well. He was the one who would be seeing Padmé, not me. He nodded and flashed a weary grin. "At least I shall be spared all sorts of boring court etiquette! I'm certain you will learn a great deal in your time on Hesperas, my young padawan."

I stared sullenly at him for a moment before allowing myself to speak. "I suspect that if you bring Senator Amidala anywhere near Naboo that you'll be enjoying some time at court as well. I doubt that Queen Jamillia will allow you to set foot on the planet without visiting her." A devious grin stole across my face. "I have heard that Sabé Lennori is now Princess of Theed and has the queen's ear."

It was worth the disapproving stares of the other masters to see my own master's face turn several distinct, and intriguing, shades of red.

Obi-Wan Kenobi cleared his throat loudly and urged me to follow his lead in bowing to the other masters. "Come Anakin, we have to attend to your training."

I could have sworn that I saw a very large, very amused grin on Mace Windu's face, but knowing the man -- I was sure that I was mistaken. He acknowledged our departure with a graceful nod. "You have our leave to go. May the Force be with you both."

The minute the Council Chamber doors closed behind us, Master Obi-Wan stopped and pointed at me; a broad smile on his face. "You are a sly one, Anakin. I shall endeavor to keep a better eye on you."

"Me master?" I kept my attitude as innocent as possible. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Obi-Wan snorted in obvious disbelief. "Right!" he sobered and reached out to squeeze my shoulder. "I know you are disappointed that you were not chosen to help guard Senator Amidala. I shall relay any message you might have for her."

I began to open my mouth, but clamped it shut instead. What did one say to the girl he has loved for ten years? Should I confess my love for her to Obi-Wan? Did he already know?

"Tell her… " I took a deep breath and swallowed the knot growing in my throat. "Please tell Padmé that I'm sorry to have missed seeing her again and that I have followed her career closely and she should be proud of herself."

Obi-Wan pulled away from me and crossed his arms over his chest; his brow was raised and his expression was one of surprise. "Is that all?"

I nodded, suddenly uncomfortable in my own skin. "Yes, master."

"Anakin… "

"I would like to work on my swoop if we aren't going to lightsaber practice right away," I stated in a dull monotone.

He shrugged and began to walk; I fell into step beside him. "Fine, padawan. Take the rest of the day and work on your swoop, but we should meet for katas before the dinner hour."

I nodded thoughtfully. "Are you worried I'll make a mistake on Hesperas, master?"

Obi-Wan kept his gaze centered straight ahead and nodded to other Jedi as we met them in the corridors; I followed suit so as not to embarrass him. His voice was soft and thoughtful as he spoke. "No, Anakin, I am not worried that you will make a mistake. I fear that receiving a solo mission at your stage of training might add to the arrogance that I already sense from you."

I came to a halt and stared at the man I regarded as my own brother. His expression was open, but placid so that I was required to use the Force in my attempt to read him. My frustration was mounting as I sensed very clearly that he found me to be the most arrogant person he knew. My face felt like it was on fire. "I'm not arrogant!"

"Indeed?"

"How can being confident in one's abilities be misconstrued as conceit?" I thundered. "You have confidence in your powers and I don't see Master Yoda telling you that you're arrogant!"

Master Obi-Wan shook his head. "I see that this conversation will have to wait for another time. I will see you one hour before dinner in training room seven." He continued to walk and I stared after him with growing resentment.

I was not arrogant and one day he would be forced to make an apology to me. Drawing in a deep breath, I released my anger and instead tried to picture a familiar angelic face with the deep, dark eyes that had haunted me all my life, but instead eerie, piercing blue eyes came to me. I remembered the erotic dream of Kadal Nafora I had experienced on Solas and felt my throat go dry. What did it mean? It took all my strength to push away Kadal from my mind.

Breathing deeply, I focused and felt a sense of peace as Padmé's face appeared in my mind's eye as I walked toward the docking level of the Temple.