Disclaimer: George and Joss own these characters; I don't. So don't sue me!
As always, a special thanks to my beta Katilwen.
Chapter 4:
Return to Naboo
Anakin stood with Jar Jar in the doorway to Senator Amidala's room as Padmè and Dormè rapidly (and somewhat angrily) packed her things. For while both men may have been relatively young, they both new to keep their distance from the fuming Senator. For just because Chancellor Palpatine had intervened and ordered Padmè to return to Naboo didn't mean she had to be happy about it.
"My sister and I are taking an extended leave of absence." She told Jar Jar, her voice somber as she tried to convey the gravity of the situation to the goofy Gungan. "It will be your responsibility to take our place in the Senate. Representative Binks, know I can count on you."
Jar Jar nodded solemnly. "Mesa honored to be taken on dissa heavy burden. Messa accept this with muy…muy humility andda-"
"Jar Jar, I don't wish to hold you up." Padmè interrupted. "I'm sure you have a great deal to do."
"Of course, M'Lady." With a bow, then a wink to Anakin, the Gungan turned and walked out of the room. The two stood in a tense silence for a few moments before Padmè finally spoke.
"I don't like this idea of hiding."
"Don't worry. Now that the Council has ordered an investigation, it won't take Master Obi-Wan long to find out who hired that bounty hunter. We should have done that from the very beginning. It's better to take the offensive against such a threat, to find out the source rather than try to react to the situation." Anakin assured the Senator.
"I haven't worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act not to be here when its fate is decided!" she said in frustration.
"Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and do what is requested of us." Inwardly he winced as soon as he said this; he knew this particular argument would not go over well with the head-strong Senator.
"Pride!" she roared in response. Ani, you're young, and you don't have a firm grip on politics. I suggest you reserve your opinions for some other time."
Anakin lowered his eyes. "Sorry, M'Lady, I was only trying to-"
"Ani! No!"
"Please don't call me that."
"What?"
"Ani. Please don't call me Ani."
"I've always called you that. It is your name, isn't it?"
"My name is Anakin." The young Jedi replied firmly, his eyes blazing with an inner strength. "When you say Ani, it's like I'm still a little boy. And I'm not."
Padmè paused for a moment and gave the Jedi a once-over. Her gaze softened, and her tone became more respectful. "I'm sorry, Anakin. It's impossible to deny you've…grown up."
An awkward silence followed that statement, as both pondered the several meanings of that remark, before finally Anakin used the Force to pick up an ornament that was sitting by the window.
"Master Obi-Wan manages not to see it. He criticizes my every move, as if I was still a child. He didn't listen to me when I insisted we go in search of the source of the assassination…"
"Mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like." Padmè responded, agreeing with the Jedi. "It's the only way we grow."
Anakin nodded, even as he used the Force to manipulate the ornament higher into the air. "Don't get me wrong. Obi-Wan is a great mentor, as wise as Master Yoda and a powerful as Master Windu. I am truly thankful to be his learner. Only…" he trailed off for a moment, trying to find the right words. "Only, although I'm a Padawan learner, in some ways- a lot of ways- I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am! He knows it, too. He feels I'm too unpredictable- other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it. I know I started my training late, but he won't let me move on."
"That must be frustrating." Padmè replied sympathetically.
"It's worse!" Anakin cried, slightly seething. "He's overly criticle1 He never listens! He just doesn't understand! It's not fair!" he would have gone on, but then Padmè started to laugh. Seeing the look on his face, she waved her hand dismissively.
"I'm sorry. You sounded exactly like that little boy I once knew, when he didn't get his way."
"I'm not whining! I'm not."
"I didn't say that to hurt you."
Anakin took a deep, calming breath. "I know."
Padmè took another moment to study the young man before him. He seemed so lost at that moment, almost pitiable; though she knew he would never want her, or anyone else's, pity. On instinct, she reached out her hand and gently stroked his cheek. "Anakin," she said softly, and the two looked into each other's eyes, looking deep into one another's heart and souls. The moment was fleeting as Padmè's common sense seemed to kick in at the last moment. Trying to diffuse this new tension, she turned her final remark into a more lighthearted comment.
"Don't grow up to fast."
Buffy sat on the couch in the living room of the Senator's spacious apartment, listening to the conversation Anakin was having with Padmè with a frown. She had arrived there a few minutes ago with Willow, and her friend had ducked into her room to pack her things. Buffy had been wandering around the living room, taking in the sights around her when her Slayer hearing had picked up her brother's voice.
"Master Obi-Wan manages not to see it. He criticizes my every move, as if I was still a child. He didn't listen to me when I insisted we go in search of the source of the assassination…"
"Don't get me wrong. Obi-Wan is a great mentor, as wise as Master Yoda and a powerful as Master Windu. I am truly thankful to be his learner. Only…only, although I'm a Padawan learner, in some ways- a lot of ways- I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am! He knows it, too. He feels I'm too unpredictable- other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it. I know I started my training late, but he won't let me move on."
"It's worse! He's overly criticle1 He never listens! He just doesn't understand! It's not fair!"
Buffy sighed. Her Slayer hearing, along with her other Slayer powers, had always been either a gift or a curse, depending on the situation. In the field, her heightened senses were a boon, especially in tight situations. Even her strength proved to be an asset, once she had learned how to enhance her lightsaber so that it wouldn't overload when she hit something with all of her strength. But sometimes they put her into awkward positions, like the one she was about to find herself in…
Her train of thought was cut off as Anakin left the Senator's room. "Kicked you out, did she?" she asked, looking up at her brother with a grim expression. At once, Anakin knew what the cause was of it.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't listen in on private conversations."
Anakin turned away and headed for the exit, but Buffy's voice stopped him.
"They'll never let you take the trials, you know." Anakin turned around and looked at Buffy incredulously.
"What?"
"With that attitude. They'll never let you take them. Let's face it, Ani- they're scared of us. We both started training too late, and that makes them worried. Hell, I think the only reason I'm taking the trials now is because it's become a running gag at the temple!
"We broke the mold, Ani. And they don't really know how to deal. So we have to toe the line, do what we're told, and be patient."
Anakin sighed. "I understand, Buffy. I just get so frustrated…"
"I know, Ani," Buffy said, putting an arm around her brother, "I know."
Several hours later, the four travelers found themselves in the bustling industrial sector of Coruscant, home to some of the greatest freight docks in the entire galaxy. The bustling crowds served them well as camouflage, hiding their true identities behind throngs of people, all rushing to get on board transports headed off of the bustling city.
"You stay on Naboo. Don't attract attention. Do nothing without checking in with me or the Council." Obi-Wan was telling Anakin as Padmè said her goodbyes to Dormè. While his harsh tone and no-nonsense attitude rankled the young Padawan greatly, he buried his discontent deep down, minding Buffy's warning.
We have to toe the line, do what we're told, and be patient…
Still, he thought, shouldn't he show me a bit more respect than this? 'Do nothing without checking in?' Haven't I earned a bit more respect than this?
To Obi-Wan, he merely nodded in compliance. "Yes, Master."
"I will get to the bottom of this quickly, M'Lady." The Jedi Knight assured Padmè. "You'll be back here in no time."
"I will be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi."
Meanwhile, Buffy and Master Windu were holding their own conference.
"Remember, Buffy. This is your trial. Protect the Senators, keep them from harm."
"And if harm finds them?" she asked. "That happens a lot in my family, be it Dawn or Anakin."
Mace chuckled. "Yes, he does seem to get into trouble more often than not, doesn't he?" he remarked before turning serious again. "Then do what you must to protect them. Remember- violence should only be used as a last defense.
"And Buffy- watch Anakin. Even though the Council wants to see how he equates himself on this mission, I would feel better if you would do what you can to guide him. Perhaps between you and the Senators, you can teach him patience."
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, then I can turn water into wine. Shooting for the moon there, Master?"
"Funny. I thought I was shooting for Naboo."
"God help us all, I helped you get a sense of humor."
"Be careful out there, Buffy." Mace said seriousness evident in his voice. "And may the Force be with you."
"Right back at'cha, Master." Buffy replied with a slight bow, and then she turned and followed the others onto the transport.
"I hope he doesn't try anything foolish." Obi-Wan was saying as Mace turned his attention back onto those that were left on the platform.
"I'd be more concerned about her doing something than him." Captain Typho replied. "She's not one to follow orders."
"Like-minded traveling companions." Dormè added. Mace shook his head.
"I'd be more worried about Buffy and Willow." He remarked. At their questioning gazes, he continued. "My Padawan's told me many stories of their previous exploits. If any of them were to get into trouble, it would be those two first."
The transport ride was long and rather uneventful. They had decided to break up into two groups- Buffy with Willow, naturally, and Anakin with Padmè, in order to diffuse any suspicion of their persons. So while Anakin and Padmè spent the time mooning over each other (well, Anakin mooned, Padmè was much more subtle about it), Buffy and Willow spent the time just catching up with each other, talking about their accomplishments and the trials they had faced over the past ten years.
Soon enough, the transport dropped out of Hyperspace and approached the planet. Willow glanced out the view port and smiled.
"We're here." She said. "You know, I really want to get back to Earth. But if I couldn't- Naboo's wonderful. It's got ancient forests, lush valleys, and the waterfalls...it's probably the closest place there is to heaven." A sad looked passed over her face. "I'd give it up in a heartbeat to see Tara again for five minutes." Buffy sat in awkward silence as Willow closed her eyes briefly, and then suddenly stood up. "We should strap in. We'll be landing soon." Wordlessly, the two got back into their seats and strapped themselves in.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was perplexed.
Analysis of the toxic dart in the Jedi labs proved to be inconclusive, which in and of itself was unusual. The labs held the most complete set of resources in the galaxy- for them to come up empty was almost impossible.
Of course, the labs weren't the only resources Obi-Wan had. His years under Qui-Gon had taught him many things, and one of the biggest lessons was how to make friends with the people who know things that most people would not. Which led him on this particular day to a small, ground level diner called 'Dex's Diner.'
"Can I help ya?" the server droid asked him as he entered the diner.
"I'm looking for Dexter." The Jedi replied.
"Whaddya want him for?" she asked suspiciously.
"He's not in any trouble." Obi-Wan assured her. "It's personal."
The droid looked to size him up for a moment, before she finally yelled over her shoulder, "Someone to see ya, honey. A Jedi, by the looks of him."
"Obi-Wan!" a loud, booming voice called out from the kitchen. The Jedi smiled and waved to the large alien.
"Hey, Dex!" he replied warmly.
"Take a seat, old buddy! Be right with ya!"
Obi-Wan sat down and gratefully accepted the cup of ardees the droid offered him. Soon enough, the enormous four-armed alien came out of the kitchen and Obi-Wan rose to give his friend a hug.
"Hey, ol' buddy!"
"Hey, Dex. Long time."
Dexter managed to squeeze into the booth across from Obi-Wan, and then ordered a mug of ardees for himself. "So, my friend, what can I do for ya?"
"You can tell me what this is." Obi-Wan replied, holding up the toxic dart for him to see. Dexter looked it over for a few moments, then his eyes lit up with recognition.
"Well, waddya know. I ain't seen one of these since I was prospecting on Subterrel beyond the Outer Rim."
"Do you know where it came from?"
"This baby belongs to them cloners." He replied. "What you got here is a Kamino saberdart."
Obi-Wan's face scrunched up in confusion. "Kamino saberdart? I wonder why it didn't show up in our analysis archive."
Dex pointed down to the dart as it lay on the table. "It's these funny little cuts on the side that give it away." He explained. "Those analysis droids you've got over there only focus on symbols, you know. I should think you Jedi have more respect for the difference between knowledge and wisdom."
"Well, Dex, if droids could think, there'd be none of us here, would there?" the Jedi laughed, then sobered quickly. "Kamino…doesn't sound familiar. IS it part of the republic?"
"No, it's beyond the Outer Rim. I'd say about twelve parsecs outside the Rishi Maze, toward the south. It should be easy to find, even for those droids in your archives. These Kaminoans keep to themselves, mostly. They're cloners. Good ones, too.
Obi-Wan scratched his beard in thought. "Cloners? Are they friendly?"
"It depends."
"On what?"
"On how good your manners are." Dexter answered with a grin. "On how big your…pocketbook… is."
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, already deep in thought.
"We've been worried about you. I'm so glad you're here, Padmè."
Queen Jamillia stood in the Queen's main chamber in the Theed palace, surrounded by her handmaidens and the Naboo heads of state. Across from her, Padmè, Willow, and the two Jedi all bowed in respect.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I only wished I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote."
"Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has explained it all." Sio Bibble said. "Returning home was the only real choice you had."
"Doesn't mean we had to like it." Willow replied, crossing her arms.
"How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the Separatists?" the Queen asked bluntly, never one for small talk.
"Thousands." Padmè answered. "And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into civil war."
"It's unthinkable!" Sio Bibble exclaimed. "There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic!"
"I hate to say it, but it had to happen sooner or later." Willow interjected. "Too many systems, with too many conflicting opinions. It was only a matter of time before things started to boil over."
"Do either of you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the Separatists back into the Republic?" Queen Jamillia asked.
"Not if they feel threatened." Padmè replied assuredly. "The Separatists don't have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves, I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is that they will turn to the Commerce Guild or the Trade Federation for help."
"The armies of commerce!" the Queen practically snarled, anger and distaste evident on her voice. After the Trade Federation had brought Naboo to its knees ten years earlier, no one held any love for them or their allies. "Why has nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?"
"Money." Willow replied. "Despite the Chancellor's best efforts, the Trade Federation is still a very wealthy entity, and they are backed by the Commerce Guild. That buys a lot of friends in the Senate."
"It's outrageous!" Bibble exclaimed. "It's outrageous that after all of those hearings and four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is STILL the viceroy of the Trade Federation. Do those money-mongers really control everything?"
"As we used to say on earth, 'it's all about the dolla-dolla bill, playa." At Anakin Willow's bemused looks, Buffy amended, "Granted, I never said that…"
"Remember, Counselor, the courts were able to reduce the Trade Federation's armies." Jamillia said calmly. "That's a move in the right direction."
Padmè winced, knowing the real truth of the situation. "There are rumors, Your Highness, that the Federation's army was not reduced as ordered."
Anakin stepped forward. "The Jedi have not been allowed to investigate," he stated. "It would be too dangerous for the economy, we were told."
"We must keep our faith in the Republic." Jamillia declared. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we loose it."
"Let's pray that day never comes." Padmè said quietly.
Queen Jamillia then motioned to Sio Bibble, who in turned motioned to the attendants. All in the room quietly left, save the Queen, Bibble, and the four from Coruscant. Once the door closed, the Queen spoke. "In the meantime, we must consider your own safety. What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?"
"Anakin's not a Jedi yet, Counselor," Padmè interrupted, and Buffy groaned silently to herself. "He's still a Padawan learner. I was thinking-"
"Hey, hold on a minute!" Anakin cut her off, obviously upset and put off by her obvious dismissal.
"Excuse me!" Padmè shot back, standing up to Anakin's imposing glare. "I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."
"Excuse me!" Anakin said angrily, not backing down either. "I am in charge of your security here, M'Lady."
Buffy rolled her eyes at the childish display between the two, and turned to Willow to see if she could sort it out. Seeing the amused look on her friends face, and realizing she wouldn't get any help there, the Slayer decided to take matters into her own hands.
"BAI-tuo, AN-jing-eedyen!" she shouted, then proceeded quietly, "You're to protect her, Anakin," Buffy said, "but this is her world. She knows it better than either of us. Don't forget that."
Anakin shot a look at his sister, then let out a sigh of defeat. "Duì bù qi."
"Besides, the Lake Country is perfect." Willow added. It's quiet, remote, and nobody pays attention to anyone else's business."
"Padmè," the Queen added, "I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave. You're families very worried about you."
"Then that's what we'll do." Willow decided. "We'll go see mom and dad, stay the night, and then head to the Lake Country tomorrow morning."
That settled, the six worked to finalize arrangements, before the four finally headed off to see the folks.
TBC…
Translation:
BAI-tuo, AN-jing-eedyen! "We will enjoy your silence now!"
Duì bù qi. "I am sorry."
A/N: Holy crap that was…just kinda there. I know, this chapter was boring, but it was necessary in the long run. The bad news is we got one more chapter of set-up coming (Padmè and Anakin go on a picnic, Buffy and Willow bond some more, Obi-Wan goes to Kamino). But AFTER that- we got a field trip to Tatooine, Geonosis, Dooku, Clone's kicking ass… and then we move into the real fun of Episode III.
Oh, and if anybody knows of any good English-Chinese tranliteration/translation websites, please help me out. I'm going to need one.
Chapter 4 Review Responses
Allen Pitt: Gyagh! DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN! I did a spit take on my monitor, for cryin' out loud.
RaeAngel: I hope you feel better. In all honesty, the Padmè-Anakin stuff is the hardest to write- it took me two weeks to get this chapter out because of it! So I'm thinking a little less of that, since everybody knows what happened, and a little more Buffy and Willow bonding. As for a Buffy pairing, she does get a man- in the first chapter of Episode III. Of course, she also looses him that same chapter…
X-Spider: I'd be happy to look over your story, but I'd be lying if I said I had any idea who those guys are, other than Greek gods. Or Norse. Maybe Goa'uld?
Ascanius: I do read it over a couple of times before postin- once after the Beta sends it back, once when I post it to TTH (since I need to insert HTML tags there), and once when I post it to FanFic to insert the breakers. Of course, there are always a few errors and misspellings to slip through, but I do try to weed them out. And since Episode I is already published and completed, I'll assume you meant Episode III- and I hope to start that before the end of the year.
Genaral Mac: Here's another one for you. Sorry it sucks.
What? Tell me that chapter didn't suck!
Just Me Prime: Nejaa Halcyon is a real character, and is the father of Corran Horn, another real character and member of the Jedi in Luke's time. I first read about him in 'Jedi Trials', and he and Anakin have a very touching moment at the end of the book which I won't give away here. As for Buffy, even though this chapter sucks, I hope I showed just how much she matured over the years, and just how influential she is with Anakin.
Spk: I'm glad you're liking the first story. Hope that you like the rest!
Cycloneozgirl: I thank you for the compliments- it's nice to know that I have improved, even if I don't see it sometimes. I hope I can continue to provide good reading material in a timely manner. Thanks for the review!
Devine-desire: You think Willow got scary now, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Bobboky: I'm probably going to go back an edit that out. Revisionist history- ain't it great? Of course, that was the only REAL mistake I've made. All the others WERE intentional:)
MaxCobra: Buffy isn't the focus of the Prophecy- Anakin is. Willow is not a Jedi, nor will she ever be. As for Dawn, we'll be seeing her again. Sometime…
Jedi-Princess: I was just happy to see Shane again, even if it was for a few seconds. As for the story, yes Buffy and Anakin share similar dreams, though not always about the same thing. As for Willow- I'm not talking.
Marz1: Oh, I AM bringing Faith into the story. Look for her in about three-four chapters. And no, Buffy is the only one to pick up on Palpatine's evil vibe, and she only really feels that something is 'off' about him.
Pepsi.queen.I: I do indeed plan on bringing in some Firefly/Serenity influences into my story- Buffy and Anakin speaking Chinese, for one (which I'll explain next chapter in more detail). Thanks for the review!