Sorry this took me so long Darth Real life and Darth Writer's Block took turns running of my muse.

Now on with the story...

Chapter 3

Post 2

oOo

"What did you do now Master?" Obi-Wan asked recognizing the look on Qui-Gon's face when he appeared in Obi-Wan's small hut. It was a look he had often seen during his Padawan days and usually had to help explain the results to the Council later. "And why is it I fear that even death has not kept you from picking up strays?"

Qui-Gon laughed lightly, Obi-Wan knew him too well. "It is a long story, but suffice to say my latest Padawan is on her first solo mission."

"Padawan? Alive or dead?" Obi-Wan joked as he sat down to dinner enjoying his Master's company.

"Very much alive at least for now, although everyone thought she died. She just finished rescuing her daughter on Coruscant and returning her to her guardians. Leia should have no memory of her." Qui-Gon said as Obi-Wan took a drink and then nearly choked.

Obi-Wan spit his drink across the room some of it even passing through the translucent form of his Master. "Padmé is alive!" He sputtered.

Qui-Gon smirked. "Yes and is now trained in the Jedi arts. I was not sure that she would survive and so decided not to mention it. Now that she is on the move again I thought it prudent to warn you. I would have hated it if one of my Padawan's showing up alive, had given the other a heart attack."

"Why would a supposedly dead person showing up bother me, Master? I talk to you all the time," Obi-Wan retorted. "I only hope her presence on Coruscant does not endanger the one she seeks to save."

"Leia slept through most of her rescue and now thinks it was all a bad dream and Bail is just glad to have his child back." Qui-Gon reassured.

"What happens when that child's mother wants to reclaim her?" Obi-Wan asks gravely, fearing that no one could escape such a confrontation unharmed and that Leia might be hurt most of all. Even without the Emperor's influence.

"Padmé knows that is not an option, at least not as things stand. She wants what is best for her children even if that means that they must remain apart. Padmé hopes that she will be able to redeem her husband," Qui-Gon explained.

"I would love to see that too, but I do not think there is anything left to redeem." Obi-Wan spoke gravely remembering the last time he had seen Anakin.

"Padmé knows what she is getting herself into and that the odds against her but she has to try."

oOo

Padmé took her ship out of hyperspace a few hours away from Bespin and carefully faked a hyperdrive malfunction. Once that was done she limped her way to the planet. As she came into view of Cloud City she could tell that the gas-mining colony was still under construction. 'That's probably how the Jedi was able to hide here.' Padmé thought to as she flew toward shell of what would some day be a beautiful city.

"This is Bespin Control please identify yourself?" Her com-unit crackled to life.

"Bespin Control this the Shuttle Messenger out of Ord Sigatt. I am having problems with my hyperdrive and I am requesting permission to land for repairs." Padmé answered promptly.

"Someone will be dispatched to escort you to a landing pad shortly, Shuttle Messenger." The controller said cutting the connection.

"Thank you," Padmé mumbled to herself wondering what their definition of 'shortly' was.

oOo

Bail strode purposefully into the Coruscant Security headquarters and is immediately led to the Commissioner's office. The security official stood from behind his desk only returning to his seat after his guest took a seat. "I was grateful when I heard this morning that your daughter had been returned safely and assure you will are still looking for those that took her. Sadly though we have not learned anything new either about her kidnapping or return since my office was last in contact with you Senator Organa."

"I have though." Bail said setting the Angel's package on the desk between them. "This was delivered to me this morning. The young man only knew the sender as Angel and as you know my daughter said that an Angel saved her from the bad dream. Apparently it is time for the kidnapper's nightmares to begin."

"I am sure this will be of help." The Commissioner continued not having examined the package yet. "But we will still need to interview your daughter and if possible the delivery boy. What did you say his name was?"

"His name is Bao and he was a guest in my apartments when I left and I am sure he would be willing to give a statement. Given his reactions I am certain he had no knowledge of the kidnapping and little if any part in Leia's return. But I am afraid that my decision about Leia stands. I wish that it had been a nightmare but it wasn't and I will not allow anyone to threaten that belief."

"Even if that means that the criminals escape justice?"

Bail sighed. "They are no longer a threat to Leia and based on what you told me after the botched ransom exchange they are amateurs. I doubt they will ever attempt this crime again on anyone else after such a resounding failure. That is not to say that I do not want to see them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but not at the price of Leia's well-being and that is final. It also doesn't hurt that I took the time to look at the evidence now sitting on the desk and doubt that my daughter's testimony will be needed."

oOo

Boba Fett looked around with a practiced eye looking for any thing of interest to occupy his time while he waited for his contact to arrive. Cloud City was only just coming into its own as a mining town and was a perfect hiding place for Boba's favorite prey, those with a price on their head. Boba was enjoying a moment of anonymity forgoing the armor, which was bound both to his father's and Boba's already growing reputation. He looked like any other teenager, not like the well-trained and armed bounty hunter he truly was.

As he scanned the crowds his attention was drawn to a blonde headed woman in her late twenties or early thirties. She didn't act like most of his prey did; yet it seemed like he should recognize her. Boba prided himself with being up to date on all decent bounties, yet he could neither put a name or price to the face. 'Even if she is disguised I should be able to identify her.' Boba thought as he carefully followed the woman since he had nothing better to do and no one else to track. Who ever she was she was keeping Boba on his toes tracking her. 'Good practice at least.' Boba followed her as she purchased some standard supplies and then returned to the repair bays.

Things started getting more interesting then. A very nervous high-level technician approached her though at first their conversation was nothing out of the ordinary. 'What are you hiding and from who?' Boba thought wishing he had his armor now, some of the extras built into it would have made eavesdropping easier. As it was he just managed to hear something about a mutual friend from Ord Sigatt. Then the tech relaxed some around the woman though he continued nervously glancing around not that it was helping him any, Boba had no intention of being spotted by a skittish amateur. Then they took their conversation within the shuttle away from Boba's prying ears.

Boba knew that the woman was important but not why and the Tech's actions were suspicious enough to warrant further attention. But he was out of time right that moment; his contact was already waiting for him. So Boba slipped over and placed a tracking device in a well-hidden area so that he would be able to find the woman when he figured out who she was. 'Because I will figure out who she is and as Dad always said it is better to be out a tracer than a bounty.' Boba thought making his way out of the hanger area and making a mental note to check out the tech later.

oOo

Kairra was amazed at how quickly the young boy was inhaling what ever they sat in front of him. "Slow down young man or you will make yourself sick. No one here is going to snatch it away and even if they did there is plenty more where that came from."

Bao slowed down. "Your only 'fraid tha' if I ma'e miself sick you'd get in trouble." Bao said with more insight than the young aide would care to admit. Bao only stopped once he had eaten enough that Kairra was sure that he would explode at any moment.

One of the other junior aids came in carrying a bundle of cloths. "These are my little brother's, he's about your size. I hope they will fit you."

"He won' min'?" Bao asked not used to all this generosity.

"No, he won't mind. Anyway, we are just trying to make due till we can get you some decent cloths of your own." The aide reassured.

"Bao, this is Hiram Gage he is another of the Senator's aides." Kairra said by way of introduction seeing a possible way out of this assignment that would not jeopardize her career. "Hiram, since our young guest seems more comfortable around you and you are more experienced, considering your younger brother, perhaps you could look after him."

Hiram could see Bao glaring at Kairra out of the corner of his eye and silently agreed with the sentiment. "I would be glad to see to our guests needs." Hiram said trying not to laugh at Kairra obvious relief or the speed of her departure. Shaking his head Hiram turned his attention to Bao who was still glaring at the door.

"I don' like 'er." Bao stated definitively.

Hiram smiled at the boy's blunt honesty. "Truthfully neither do I, but thankfully I rarely have to work with her. She usually remains on Alderaan dealing with the matters of the Alderaani Court, whereas my specialty is more toward the senatorial matters... So why don't we try to forget she exists and get you cleaned up?" Hiram said gesturing for Bao to follow him.

Bao eyed his new keeper skeptically. "Wha' am I suppose' ta call you? She tol' me ta call 'er Ms. Sedule." Bao asked rolling his eyes as he said the snooty aides name.

"My friends call me Hiram and I hope that you will allow me to be your friend." Hiram said leading Bao to the guest suite in the Senator's apartments.

Hiram was starting to worry that he had said something wrong when Bao finally spoke. "Kay."

Hiram smiled knowing that Bao didn't give trust lightly but that perhaps this would be the first step. Opening the doors Hiram led Bao into the guest suite. "The 'fresher is right in there." Hiram said pointing at the door and taking a seat at a nearby desk. "Take your time and don't hesitate to tell me if you need anything."

"Wha' are you goin' ta do?" Bao asked.

"I am going to sit here and work on some of my assignments." Hiram said pulling up his work on the terminal built into the desk.

Bao nodded and disappeared into the 'fresher with one of the sets of cloths Hiram had lent him.

oOo

"First off Garret, you need to calm down or you will end up attracting unwanted attention to yourself." Padmé advised as she pushed her short blond hair out of her face.

"OK," the jumpy technician said sitting down in the offered seat.

"Dex didn't tell me much but I know that you are not the one that is needing a ride out of here." Padmé stated knowing that the man in front of her was not a Jedi.

"No, my wife is…" He started.

"I know. Is she somewhere safe?" Padmé asked cutting him off before he could say the word even in the privacy of her shuttle.

"For now at least but we are afraid that will not be the case much longer. She was put in a position where she had to use her 'gifts' to save our daughter and we are afraid that it will get back to the wrong ears." The worried husband explained.

"I understand. Will she be the only one joining me?" Padmé asked trying to keep the discussion short.

"Yes, our daughter and I will be joining her later. Where are you planning on taking her that she will be safe?"

"In this day and age safe for those like you wife is all relative. I know a world that owes a great debt; owes them for their freedom if not their lives. I know the world quite well and have contacts on Naboo that will help us disappear." Padmé said reassuringly.

"Why are you doing this? Taking this risk?"

"I owe my life and any hope of regaining that which was taken from me to them." Seeing him nodded in understanding and acceptance. "I plan on leaving tomorrow afternoon."

"She will be here." He stated standing to leave. "May the Force be with you."

"And with you and your family Garret." Padmé said as he left.

oOo

Almost an hour had passed before Bao came out hardly looking like the same child. " 'ow da I look?" He asked a little nervously.

"Much better." Hiram said with a smile, noting Bao's hair was lighter than Hiram had guessed now that the dirt was removed. "Though, I think that a hair cut is probably in your near future at least to even its length out, depending on if you like it long or not." Hiram said trying to keep Bao involved in the decisions as much as possible.

Bao just shrugged his shoulders. "Is t'e Senator bac' yet?"

"Yes, he came back shortly after you entered the refresher. He said that since you were busy he would check back after he looked into some things. Senator Organa also asked me to tell you that thanks to the information you brought the authorities should be taking the kidnappers in to custody with in the next few hours." Hiram informed the young boy.

Bao froze in fear. "T'ey won' fin' out 'bout m' part will t'ey?" Bao said his accent deepening out of exhaustion. Having lived on the streets for almost as long as he could remember and Bao knew what happened to snitches and it wasn't pretty.

Realizing his mistake Hiram was quick to reassure the Bao. "No, there is no reason for them to ever know who you are. As far as it matters to them you are only a delivery boy you had no knowledge of what you were delivering or how it might be used. And even if they did learn about you I guaranty you that you are safe here. This apartment is considered to be Alderaani territory. There is a large staff of security both with in it answering to the Senator and in this building insuring the security of all the Senatorial apartments. You are safe here." Hiram said with every ounce of conviction he could. 'Only your Angel has ever gotten through security undetected.' Hiram thought to himself as Bao nodded and then yawned fighting the call to sleep. "When was the last time you slept?" Hiram gently inquired.

Blinking sleepily Bao mumbled his answer. "Nigh' 'for las'." Bao might not be comfortable in these strange surroundings but he doubted that anyone here would wish him harm. It was a strange feeling not having to watching the shadows. He might not trust them to truly have his best interests in mind but he knew they also did not have any reason to bring him to harm. It wasn't exactly trust but it was closer than Bao had felt in a long time.

"You've had a long and exciting day then and I bet you are exhausted." Hiram said noting that there was probably a story there but knowing now was not the time to pry. "Why don't you give the guest bed a try then?"

Bao nodded already half-asleep standing up. Hiram walked over and pulled down the covers then tucked them around the too small form. " 'ill you be 'ere?" Bao asked sleep removing some of the armor he usually carried at least temporarily.

"Yes Bao, I'll be here when you wake. I will just be in the front room if you need me." Hiram smiled realizing he was now talking to himself seeing as Bao hadn't last much past the affirmative.

oOo

The Commissioner was personally overseeing the capture of the kidnappers. He was quite surprised to find their hide out still inhabited when the taskforce arrived. He instructed his men to keep their weapons on stun unless fired upon since he doubted that the kidnappers would be able to, based on the blaster packs that had been confiscated by the rescuer. Once he gave the order and his men poured in the building, it didn't take ten minutes to get both of the suspects in to custody. Based on the reports the Commissioner received later, both of the hungover and inept kidnappers had gotten a rude awakening as security officers came pouring into their hide out. The one in the front room had managed to pull a blaster and attempt to fire before a stun bolt sent him back to unconsciousness, while the one in the back hadn't even surfaced from his drunken stupor. The reports also listed a great deal of evidence proving that the young Princess had been there and under what kind of circumstances. 'I hope the Senator was right and we don't need his daughter's testimony because she doesn't need to remember this.' The Commissioner thought as he looked over the reports.

oOo

Padmé smiled looking up from her meditations and finding Qui-Gon watching her. It was a scene that had played out many times during her training. "Morning Master." Padmé said stretching. "Have you checked on the twins lately?" That was the one thing Padmé missed about being 'alive' again. It was far harder to safely check on her babies.

Qui-Gon smiled, she had asked him the same question almost every time they had spoken since her return. "They are still fine. If that had changed I would not have waited for you to ask. I informed Obi-Wan of your return yesterday."

"How did he take the news?" Padmé asked nervously.

"Just as I expected. It surprised him and he was worried about your plans but he understands and hopes you succeed." Qui-Gon reassured her.

"If it is the will of the Force then I will. For now though it seems I must wait. I had a vision the other day. It showed the Empire's down fall but I fear we will have to be patient if we do not want to make matters worse." Padmé spoke gravely remembering what all she had been shown.

"I know that is not an easy thing for you, waiting."

"My children are safe and I will not selfishly threaten that. It isn't the Jedi way." Padmé said with conviction forgetting for a moment that they were no longer in the safety of their crystalline sanctuary.

Occupied by their discussion neither of them had sensed a stranger approaching. So both were caught of guard by the unexpected voice. "You're a Jedi?"

A/N: I will try not to leave you hanging from this cliff, too long.