PART 42

Obi-Wan and Padme were relieved once they came into Felucia's atmosphere to discover it was completely empty, no star destroyers, no imperial shuttles. Obi-Wan landed the ship in the planet's dense forests, keeping the ship hidden.

"It's really beautiful, despite it being so hot and humid" Padme said while standing on the platform of the ship.

"We will be safe here for now" Obi-Wan said as he started gathering supplies off the ship.

"Then what are we going to do?"

"We will be patient, I will meditate, the force will guide us."

Padme shot Obi-Wan a doubtful look as she went back into the ship to check on Mara and Sola. He knew she was starting to give up, the last ten years had been stressful for both of them, but they always had each other. Now he felt as if he was slowly losing Padme, the most powerful man in the galaxy was pulling her away from him. Palaptine.

His search for her was taking too much of a toll on her. Obi-Wan sensed her fear, terrified something will happen to Mara and Sola.

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A tent was set up outside the ship, it was able to shield them from the plant's glaring sun and keep cool, Obi-Wan, Padme, Sola, and Mara sat inside while Threepio and R2 stayed on the ship, keeping watch in case a message comes in. Obi-Wan contacted Bail informing him of what happened on Roon, the Senator telling Obi-Wan he would send a message if he learns any information of Palpatine's next move.

While they sat inside the tent eating, Padme noticed how quiet Sola was, not making conversation or even looking at anyone. Mara was acting her usual self sitting with Obi-Wan, Padme knew Mara didn't really understand about Luke and Leia, she was too little. After they finished eating Obi-Wan went outside to meditate, while Padme tried to talk to Sola, but she was still non-responsive. She decided to let it go and read a story to Mara instead.

When both girls were asleep, Padme went outside to look for Obi-Wan he had been gone for almost 3 hours. She found him a few feet outside the tent, sitting on the ground with his eyes closed. She didn't want to disturb him but she knew she had to speak with him.

"We will have to leave in the morning, the Empire is on the move" he said as she slowly approached him.

"Where are we going?"

"Across the galaxy, I have a few ideas of where we could go."

"Then what? We will always be running; I don't want this kind of life for Sola and Mara."

"The only other alternative is for us to be separated from them Padme."

"No I can't, I can't send them away to live with someone else, I can't go through that again."

"It wouldn't be forever, the alliance will be planning an attack soon, the Emperor won't be able to have nearly as many troops involved in this search."

"Where could we even send them?"

"They could stay on Mon Mothma's home planet or even Alderaan with Bail."

That was a possibility; like Bail, Mon Mothma was very involved in the rebel alliance and had even visited Padme a few times on Hoth, Padme knew she could be trusted. "I don't know Obi-Wan, I'm just so afraid."

"I think it's the best way to keep Sola and Mara safe."

"Where would we go?"

"Back to Tatooine."