DISCLAIMER: see chapter one

CHAPTER FIVE
Welcome to Aurora

"C3-PO? The droid? You want me to take a protocol droid?" I ask with a bewildered laugh.

"Yes, Master Kenobi, while the Archives greatly appreciates the loan of the droid from Jedi Skywalker the privilege of his great assistance…he is driving us crazy! And since Anakin Skywalker is on a mission and unreachable we are turning him over to the listed guardian," Assistant Chronicler Tate Llyen nods and beckons the gold covered droid from the far side of the room over to us.

"I am listed as the guardian?" there must be some mistake!

"Yes, Anakin listed you as the guardian of the droid should something happen to him. So he's yours."

"But what if I should have to leave as well?" I blink; my ship is actually being loaded as we speak.

"Then he becomes Senator Amidala's droid as she is next."

I stare mouth agape at Tate who quickly backs from the room in a flash before I have a chance to protest.

Minutes from take off and I now have a stuffy protocol droid to contend with!

"Master Kenobi, good to see you again," Threepio comes over gesturing a stiff wave.

"Hello Threepio," I sigh, this is going to be a long trip, "Come on, we are going on a trip," I lead him to the secluded landing pad on the far side of the Jedi Temple.

"Show our new droid to the common room Artoo," I wave to R2-D2.

"Hello again Artoo, it is good to see you again," Threepio follows the droid onto the ramp.

I signal to the single attendant who nods and goes back into the Temple to return moments later with Master Yoda following along with my wife shroud in heavy elegant black robes. I nod to them as they enter then silently follow them on board, the ramp closing behind me.

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The Platinum Ebony is a ship Padmé and I bought three months ago so we would have a private ship available to us at all times. Neither she nor I like to depend solely on the whim of others, especially now with the war.

The ship it's self is not impressive to look at, many have called it a piece of junk. But it's the hyperdrive that made it a bargain to good to pass up. The previous owner mentioned it had been a smuggling ship at one point in it's not so illustrious career, but when he got a glimpse of my lightsaber by accident he wisely changed the subject. It was purchased on the hush through a contact of Dex's so it's mostly clean and highly untraceable.

Because the ship is rather unassuming in looks it isn't given a second glance which is all the better for our need anonymity. Its hyperdrive assures that if ever the need should come up Padmé and I can get our family out of danger in mere seconds.

It's Corellian in design with an almost circular body and a side of the ship cockpit. We've redone the inside to incorporate a hidden nursery complete with droid nanny and have refurbished the common room to accommodate restless evenings, or if the need comes up, plan battle tactics. It's equipped with all the latest technology for communication, engineering, navigation, weaponry and security. The sleeping quarters can hold up to six with a separate master wing that has the nursery adjacent to it revealed by a sliding panel wall that opens fully.

I've heard that it has a sister ship by the name Millennium Falcon, but its pure rumor.

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"Honey…where did you put those space quadrants?" Obi-Wan asks me.

"They are right…" well huh, "I put them right there," I point to the flight console.

"They aren't there," he grumbles.

Well, thank you Mr. Obvious, I couldn't see that, glad you could clear that up for me. I begin to search the area and the area around the co-pilot seat.

"Darling, I need to know when to make the jump." Oh, his lips call such nice terms of endearment but his voice seems to say anything but sweet things.

"That's fine dear, I am trying," I glare.

"There they are…under the Better Space Ports and Gardens," he points to the data pad under last weeks 'zinepads.

I had them to him silently then step back as he goes into this mode, no word of thanks or anything.

"I am going to go check on Leia," I sigh shaking my head glad to be getting out the cockpit… before I choke him.

I move towards the common room glad to be able to stretch my legs and arms. It's about time for Leia's bottle.

"Can I get anything for you Master Yoda?" I ask seeing the Jedi Master seeming deep in thought.

"Thank you, no," he answers shaking his head.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, just thinking, I am," his eyes seem sad.

"This war has us all thinking a bit more."

"Yes…know war, your daughter will."

I swallow hard, "I hope not…I long for peace. But not just for my daughter but for the galaxy in general. It's seem like the galaxy is weary. Not just weary from his war but weary from running, you know? Like all this time we've been in a constant race with some unavoidable fate…we need a time of true peace and healing."

"Insightful, you are but great much too do and if true unavoidable fate is…then what to do?" he questions me with sad, sad eyes.

"I…I don't know."

He nods the shakes his head changing the subject, "Force strong with Leia. Future, bright it is," he gives an 'hmph' sound with a satisfactory nod.

I am silent not sure how to reply. Obi-Wan has sensed too the great pull of the Force in her life but we have not even discussed the subject of Jedi…I am not sure how I feel about it. Other than, I do not want to give up my daughter…

"Calling you she is," Master Yoda breaks my thoughts. I look questioningly at him then hear her cry. I laugh and with bottle in hand head to her open nursery.

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Aurora is a beautiful planet with same amazing natural attractions as Naboo. It's over eighty percent water and the land is covered with lush green forests filled with skyward reaching Balya trees. Balya produce a red sweet fruit that is indigenous and exclusive to Aurora.

But the waterfalls are the main trademark for the planet and are plenty. The central city and capital is Truvanna and its there that the Royal Palace is actually built into the largest waterfall on the planet. The blue stone structure pierces the middle of the waterfall the walls carved and ornate. Towers reach up above the top of the fall making it a sight to behold.

Water flows on either side of a massive angled bridge as we approach the outer grounds. The first courtyard we come to is in the shape of a semi-circle and rose vine trellis sound the perimeter and a compass of rose hued slate is laid in the cool blue stone under our feet.

"Guide with honesty, Lead with conviction, Follow with faith," I read the script under the compass points.

Padmé nods. Yoda is beside us and the bickering droids somewhere behind us.

From this courtyard, a pillar rises up with carved images on it, and three paths of stairs join at it as they wind down from the palace face. At the top of the stairs the palace face which is an almost triangle shape jutting out from the solid rock, there is a flat patio with perfectly groomed landscaping of rose bushes and lilies.

"Senator Amidala, Master Yoda and Master Kenobi, Queen Grace is expecting you!" a regal looking, if not pompous, man comes from the palace entrance and starts down the center path, a placid smile on his face.

"Governor Bass, a pleasure to see you again sir," Padmé laughs putting her hands into the man's out stretched waiting ones. He kisses her lightly on each cheek. I raise an eyebrow.

"Yes, my dear, it's been far too long!" the man with hair of urine, or yellow if you prefer, but the way he looks at my wife with those slime, or green if you are going to be picky, eyes makes me want to hurl…or kick him, I am up for either…or both.

"This way, the Queen is waiting," Bass (what kind of name is that anyway?) just now seems to realize Master Yoda and I here. Bass…rhymes with class, mass, and I-am-going-to-make-you-sing-saprano-if-you-keep-looking-at-my-wifes-a…

"Thank you," Master Yoda acknowledges Bass, and then glares at me; I give him a slight shrug and a seriously blank look. We follow Bass who has my wife on his arm and I am ready to clobber the guy.

The formal hall is pale blue marble from the floor to the high, high ceiling, all but the two spanning glass panels at the entry which showcase the sparking clear water creating an ever changing art piece on either side.

We move at a quick pace to a large set of steps at the end of the hall. I eye Bass and Padmé with the barely restrained interest of a crazed Bantha.

Portraits of royal leaders adorn the walls, their names clearly stamped in brass plaques beneath them as we mount the cold steps. The last picture is of an elderly looking man with laughing eyes, King Richard, it read. None of the current queen are on display. Odd. We come to the Throne Landing and abruptly stop.

"Your Highness, I present Senator Padmé Amidala, from the planet Naboo, and Jedi Master's Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi," Bass stepped forward giving a stiff bow.

The woman sitting on the cushioned stately throne scarcely resembled the common ideal of a queen. About the same age as Padmé, her mass of dark auburn hair tumbling freely, her attire lacking the elaborate formality of Naboo's royalty her face free of concealing make up, her skin a fine shade of pale ivory. Her jewel green floor length dress is embroidered with designs of birds in flight, the thread a color that seems to vary with the changing light. A layer of sheer material hangs from her shoulders, down her back and along her arms making slight sleeves. Atop her head sits a simple crown of silver with an amethyst in its center the size of Leia's fist. But I think it's the piercing hazel eyes that make you stare.

A striking woman in her own right and quite beautiful but my wife is a hundred times more beautiful then Queen Grace could ever be. This is why if Mr. Bass gets much closer I will have to deal with him swiftly and most assuredly, painfully.

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"Padme!" Anna laughs exuberantly coming from her throne with long though graceful strides.

"Anna!" I grin as we embrace.

"I haven't seen you since…since the year after the Federation attack on your home! It's been too long!" she smiles, eyes lighting up.

Anna and I spent six years as best friends throughout boarding school and close ally's and confidants when I ruled Naboo. Her family is the Royal Family of Aurora, she has ruled now for five years…since her father passed away.

"Far too long Anna, we have so much to catch up on!" I grin as we share a giggle.

"Hmm, your companions seem to think I am not acting very much like a queen," Anna calms her mirth linking her arm with mine turning us to see Master Yoda and Obi-Wan.

I have to conceal my smile at Obi-Wan's shock. He seems clearly off balance! I suppose I didn't go into detail on the extent of Anna's and my friendship, I honestly hadn't really thought about it being a shock. Clearly it is.

"Anna, these are my dear friends," I laugh.

"A pleasure," Anna turns on her well known charm that puts to ease nearly everyone she encounters. One of the reason's she is so respected as a peaceful ruler is for her way of diffusing some of the most hostile political confrontations…this charm has to help.

"I have read your proposal and am ready to discuss it, but first shall we have some refreshments?"

"Thank you, Queen Grace," Master Yoda hovers on his glide.

"Right this way then, Governor Bass will you show the Jedi to the library…and have their droids needs seen to also. The Senator and I are going to freshen up," Anna takes me by the arm and pulls me in the opposite direction.

"Yes, your highness," Bass bows stiffly.

A/N: Well sorry for the wait! But from now on, the updates should be a little more structured and more regular! I hope you guys aren't getting bored with the story. I've noticed the views have dropped a lot, and while I do so VERY VERY VERY much appreciate the people who have reviewed, (I can't thank you guys enough) I hope I am not boring people to quit reading. If you have any ideas about something amiss in my story please drop me a line. Again you guys are awesome for reviewing…I think I am just having a crisis of insecurity LOL Much Love –RaeAnne

Blackrosemystic: Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Such an awesome review…and I too hate sauerkraut, and peas…and cooked carrots…and relish…and…. LOL thanks again for the review :-)

the rain in spring: Yeah, I felt a bit sorry for Anakin in ROTS…but I didn't hold my breath…I hated him by the middle of the movie, yep hated him. But I suppose it's because I liked him that I am making the fall in my story a little more drug out, giving him a bit more reason to freak. I want him to struggle just so I feel better, thinking that there was enough good in him that he at least fought off the evil till the last minute.

Oh thank you, I am glad that it seemed Jedi like, Obi-Wan's struggle I mean. Obi-Wan is such a 'deep' character. He feels deeply, he just seems to deal with it better then Anakin. I wanted there to be humanization of Obi-Wan throughout my stories. That was the original focus from the beginning, just a deeper look, a thoughtful look at (in my opinion) the most understated but important person in the Star Wars realm. I started this series with 'Human' and have tried to dig a layer deeper with every story to come to a final understanding of the man and the Jedi. I do hope I haven't screwed up too up much…

Life outside of fan fiction? There's life out there beyond this computer screen and keyboard? Why has no one told me of this? I must explore…I wonder if the natives are friendly? I will bring back tales of my adventures to share with group…oh yes, tales of the 'Other World' where computers are not melded to the residents! LOL my life, it's hectic, it's scary, and it's mine…wouldn't trade it…well maybe for a Twinkie… LOL

sarahhillary39: LOL hey I inspire dreams, right on! LOL Well I hope your dream was good, even if it did have a boat race and dragons…I hope there was lots of Obi-Wan, (he makes all my dreams good…aww LOL) So glad you enjoyed the chapter!

LadyJadePerendhil: Right on, you go right on and flame Palpatine, the guy is slime through and through. I am glad you are enjoying the Obidalaness of my story, makes me happy when readers enjoy and take the time to say so:-)

SuP3R G1R: you are too kind! I am actually in the planning stages of a possible up coming story, but I've got to finish this one first LOL :-) Always your faithful reviewing is awesome! Thanks :-)

mrs. skywalker: No, Anakin isn't going to be there, he's still on his assignment. Obi-Wan's mission to Aurora is top secret.

sassy-satine: Well thank you so much for the praise, though I wasn't fishing for it :-) I would love to think that maybe somewhere out there in the great big fanfiction fandom there is a writer being slightly inspired by something I have written…

Wow, I am so thrilled I was able to bring in an idea that might have been thoroughly explored before to mind! It just kind of hit me as I was writing and thinking about the three year gap between AOTC and ROTS and how since I was playing with an already arrived Leia how anguish would be felt for Obi-Wan not only being away from his wife, but daughter.

Oh, Anakin, yeah he gives me that icky feeling in my stomach too…He has a way of butting his head into even the sweetest of family moments.

I loved your huge review, reviews just make my day!

TheAmazingTecnocolorRingWraith: Eww, Darth WalMart! Now there is an evil man there!

Oh I so appreciate the drum mallets! I hope this chapter is as well received:-)

Jedi-Bant: You are so right, Yaddle, girl, not boy! LOL I can't believe I made such a mistake, but you and others have corrected me, thanks though for heads up! I just…I don't know, wasn't thinking I suppose LOL :-)