Ah, hello, my friends. Back for more of my tale weaving? I'm glad, as this saga is far from over.

We shall pick up ten years after where we left off. There is unrest in the Senate. Several hundred nations have declared their intentions to leave the Republic. This Separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Dooku, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the world.

Senator Padmé Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to the Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an Army of the Republic to assist the overwhelmed Jedi.

It was a dreary, foggy morning off the Coruscant coast when the sleek silver shape of a Naboo tall ship emerged from a Hyperion gate. Through the fog, the twin lighthouses of Coruscant's Grand Harbor guided the helmsman toward the city. Circling the ship were several of Naboo's native yellow ennone, acting as escorts.

By themselves, smaller flying creatures like ennone were incapable of travelling through Hyperion gates, but in close proximity to a ship that could, they could travel in the bubble it created and through the strange warped reality. For larger flying creatures, there was the Hyperion Ring. It was an expensive and bulky device that attached a small Hyperion crystal to a saddle. This, in conjunction with a nautical automaton, could allow someone to cross vast distances effectively by themselves in a short amount of time.

Aboard the ship, one of Senator Amidala's bodyguards entered her reading room. "Senator, we are just outside the capital, we will be docking shortly."

"Thank you, lieutenant."

As the tall ship pulled into the harbor, the dull glow of ships' lanterns shone through the fog, bobbing on the waves and giving them an otherworldly appearance. Ship bells softly clanged and small waves lapped at the stone docks. It would have been quite pleasant for those on the Nubian ship had it not been for the high tensions.

With practiced skill, the helmsman pulled the ship into place at the dock. The ennone escorts landed a short distance away and their riders dismounted before walking over to watch the Senator make landfall.

The first to come down the gangplank was Senator Amidala's chief bodyguard, Captain Gregar Typho, with the nautical automaton Artu-Deetu following closely behind.

Captain Typho walked over to the ennone riders. "We made it," he said, looking back to the ship with his one good eye. "I guess I was wrong, there wasn't any danger after all."

Senator Amidala started down the gangplank with more of her security detail in tow. Halfway down, there came a loud click.

A powerful explosion erupted from between the ship and the dock, throwing everyone on the gangplank through the air. A massive hole appeared in the side of the ship and immediately the hull began to fill with water.

Captain Typho and one of the riders rushed over to the victims of the blast. Along the way, the rider removed and tossed aside her leather helmet, revealing that she had been the real Senator Amidala. She rushed to the side of her decoy, whose body was twisted and charred. "Cordé! Cordé, no!"

"I'm... Sorry, milady... So... Sorry..." Cordé's head turned to one side as blood dripped from her mouth.

"Cordé... I'm sorry..." Padmé reached out with a shaky hand and closed the eyes of her fallen friend.

Captain Typho put a hand on Padmé's back. "Milady, you're still in danger here."

Padmé stood up. "...I shouldn't have come back..."

"This vote is critical. Cordé did her duty, now you need to do yours. Let's go."

Padmé kept staring at Cordé's body.

"Milady, please."

She slowly looked to Captain Typho, then nodded. The two of them left the dock as members of the port authority arrived on the scene.

Later that day, leading members of the Jedi Council met with Chancellor Palpatine in his office at the pinnacle of the Senate building. The office, like his apartment as a senator, was decorated in red suede and velvet. The Chancellor himself sat behind a wide desk with a silver filled font in front of him. An obsidian inkwell and several black quill pens were the only other things atop it at the time.

"I'm not sure how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends," said Palpatine to the Jedi. "More and more nations are joining the Separatists."

"If they do break away-" began Master Mace Windu before being interrupted by the Chancellor.

"I will not let this Republic, which has stood for well over a thousand years, be split in two. My negotiations will not fail."

"If they do fail," Mace Windu began in a measured tone, "you must realize that there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of peace, not soldiers."

Chancellor Palpatine frowned and nodded his head slowly. "Master Yoda? Do you think it will really come to war?"

Yoda closed his eyes. "Clouded by the Dark Side, everything is. Impossible to see, the future is."

"Oh, pardon me, Master Jedi," the Chancellor said as the silver font on his desk rumbled. He waved a hand over it, and the surface took the form of a well-dressed Rodian.

"The Loyalist committee has arrived, your Honor," said the Rodian.

"Good," Chancellor Palpatine replied. "Send them up." He stood from his chair and addressed the Council. "I'm afraid we will have to resume this discussion later."

A scant few seconds later, the door to the office opened and Senator Amidala, Captain Typho, Representative Jar Jar Binks, and Senator Bail Organa entered, escorted by the Vice Chancellor. Yoda was the first to greet Padmé. "Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible it is. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."

"It's good to see you too, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who is behind the attack?"

Master Windu answered. "Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on one of the islands off the Naboo coast."

Padmé shook her head sternly. "I think Count Dooku was behind it."

"He is a political idealist, not a murderer," said Master Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"And don't forget, Milady," Mace Windu said, "that Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He wouldn't assassinate anyone, it's not in his character."

Yoda nodded, remembering his old Padawan for a moment before speaking once again. "But for certain, Senator, in grave danger, you are."

Chancellor Palpatine was looking out his window at the sprawling city below. He turned at Yoda's sentiment. "Master Jedi, may I suggest the senator be placed under the protection of your graces?"

Senator Organa, silent up until then, spoke. "Do you think that's a wide decision under these stressful times?"

Padmé had her own qualms. "Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe-"

The Chancellor raised his eyebrows. "The situation is that serious? Oh, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that the additional security may be disruptive for you, so perhaps someone you're familiar with would be somewhat more tolerable. Ah, how about an old friend like Master Kenobi?"

"That is possible," Master Windu said. "He just returned from a border dispute in Ansion."

"Do it for me, milady, please." Chancellor Palpatine's face read of worry. "The thought of losing you... Is unbearable."

Mace Windu turned to Padmé. "I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, milady."

"Thank you, Master Windu."

Senator Amidala's residence in Coruscant was on the top floor of an apartment tower in the city's wealthy district. From this penthouse, anyone inside had not just a gorgeous view of the city below, but a direct and unhindered line of sight to both the Senate building and the Jedi Temple. Senator Amidala had eschewed the apartment provided to her in the Senate building in favor of this one because it allowed her more time to herself, free from the noise from the busy Senate hallways.

Riding the elevator to the top floor were two Jedi. The elder of them was Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, looking much wiser than when we last met him. His hair was now shoulder length and loose, and he had grown a beard much like his master Qui-Gon Jinn had. The younger Jedi was Anakin Skywalker, sporting the traditional ponytail and side braid of a human Padawan.

Anakin fussed with his grey robe, trying to make himself look as presentable as he could. Obi-Wan looked at him, somewhat amused. "You seem a little on edge."

"N-not at all."

"I haven't felt you this tense since we fell into the gundark nest."

Anakin scoffed. "You fell into the nest and I rescued you, remember?" For emphasis, he pointed first to Obi-Wan, then to himself.

"Ah, yes," said Obi-Wan, smirking knowingly. Both master and student laughed at the memory. "Just relax, take a deep breath."

Anakin did take a deep breath, but he let it out as a sigh. "It's just... I haven't seen her in ten years, Master. What if she doesn't remember me?"

"Don't worry, Anakin, you only saved her people."

The elevator slowed as it neared the top floor. Once it stopped the two Jedi stepped into the vestibule that held the entrance to Senator Amidala's apartment. Obi-Wan pulled the door chime.

A short time later the door opened and the distinctive duckbill of Jar Jar poked through. "Obi? Obi!" The Gungan threw the door open and hugged Obi-Wan tightly. "Mesa so smiling to see yousa again!"

Obi-Wan hugged him back. "It's good to see you too, Jar Jar."

After they broke off the hug, Jar Jar led the Jedi into the apartment. "Senator Padmé! Mesa palos here!" He cleared his throat and announced them again in a more official tone. "The Jedi have arriving."

Padmé turned her attention from Captain Typho, to whom she had been speaking, to Jar Jar and the Jedi. As she walked over to them, Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed.

"It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady," said Obi-Wan.

"It's been far too long, Master Kenobi." She looked at the Jedi to his side. He looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place him... "Ani? My goodness you've grown!" She couldn't help but notice he had also become quite handsome over the last ten years.

Anakin smiled, happy she recognized him. He was also in awe of how beautiful she was. "You've grown too. Ah- more beautiful I mean... For a senator." His face turned red.

She smiled and laughed. "Oh Ani, still a charmer like when I first met you." Their eyes met and held for a few seconds before Obi-Wan spoke again.

"Our presence here will be invisible, milady, I assure you."

"I'm Captain Typho of her Highness' Royal Guard." He held out a hand for Obi-Wan to shake, which he took. "Queen Jamillia has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful for your presence, Master Kenobi. The situation is much more dangerous than the Senator would like to admit."

"I don't need more security, I need answers," said Senator Amidala. "I want to know who's trying to kill me."

"We are here to protect you, Senator," Obi-Wan said, "not to start an investigation."

Anakin had other ideas. "We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padmé. I promise you."

Obi-Wan gave him admonishing look. "We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner.

"I- I meant that in the interests of protecting her, Master."

"We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin, and you will pay attention to my lead."

Padmé shifted awkwardly at their exchange.

Anakin was visibly upset by Obi-Wan's chiding. "Why?"

"What?" Obi-Wan was taken aback at Anakin's direct defiance.

Jar Jar swallowed nervously while Captain Typho blew out his cheeks.

Anakin elaborated. "Why else would we be assigned to her if not to find the assassin? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate."

"We will do exactly as the Council has instructed us." There was annoyance and exasperation in Obi-Wan's voice. "And you will learn your place, young one."

To try to defuse the situation, Padmé stepped in. "Perhaps merely by your presence, the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you'll excuse me, it is getting late and I would like to retire."

"Very well, milady," Obi-Wan said, bowing.

Padmé walked off to her room. Captain Typho turned to Obi-Wan. "I know I'll feel better with you here. I'll have a security officer stationed on every floor and I'll be in the security center downstairs."

The two of them walked away as they spoke, leaving Jar Jar and Anakin behind. "Mesa bursting with happiness seeing yousa again, Ani."

Anakin couldn't take his eyes off the door to Padmé's room. "It's like she hardly recognized me, Jar Jar. I've thought about her every day since we parted..."

"She-sa happy. Happier than mesa seen in a long-o time."

Obi-Wan walked back up to them. "You're focusing on the negative, Anakin. Be mindful of your thoughts. She was pleased to see us. Now, let's check the security."

That evening, as a gentle rain blanketed the city, two mysterious people met in one of the dark alleyways of Coruscant's market district. One of them was clad in a set of impeccably maintained silver Mandalorian armor, with a blue kama, or half skirt. On his back he had the silver wings denoting his great prowess. The other person wore boiled leather armor, not of the highest quality, but not the poorest either. With them was a heavily scarred yellow ennone, which judging by its body language, seemed to trust the one in leather far more than the Mandalorian.

"I hit the ship, but they used a decoy," said the one in leather. From her voice, she were certainly female, but the leather helmet and face veil obscured any features save her eyes.

"Then we'll have to try something else," said the Mandalorian, his voice receiving a tinny edge to it from his distinctive helmet. "Something more subtle."

The Mandalorian reached into a leather pouch on his belt and pulled out a wide glass tube sealed with a cork. Inside writhed two very angry looking worm-like creatures. "My client is getting impatient, take these. Be careful, Zam, they're incredibly venomous." He handed her the tube. He didn't let go when she took it. "There can be no mistakes this time."

Zam nodded and the Mandalorian released the tube. She put it in her own pouch and mounted the ennone.

Obi-Wan returned from the elevator and took a seat opposite Anakin in the apartment. "Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way."

"It's been quiet as a tomb here," said Anakin, somewhat dismissively. "I don't like just waiting for something to happen to her."

Obi-Wan pulled out something that looked like a small mirror. "Ah, she's covered the seeing stones..."

"She must not have liked the idea of us watching her."

"What was she thinking?" Obi-Wan got up and walked to the door to Padmé's room.

"Well she did tell Artu to warn us if there are any intruders."

Obi-Wan sighed. "There are more ways to kill a senator."

"I know, but we also want to catch the assassin, don't we, Master?" Anakin rose to his feet and slowly walked towards Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan turned back to his Padawan. "You're using her as bait."

Anakin cast his eyes down. "It was her idea... Don't worry, no harm will come to her. I can sense everything going on in there. Trust me."

"It's too risky. Besides, your senses aren't that well attuned, my young Padawan."

"And yours are?"

Obi-Wan glared at Anakin. "Possibly."

A short distance away, the bounty hunter named Zam flew through the rain atop her ennone. The strange worms in the tube writhed uncomfortably, they hadn't been fed in some time.

Anakin busied himself at the window looking out at the rain. In the distance, he saw a lightning bolt. Even now, he thought it was wonderful that fresh water could just fall from the sky. Obi-Wan walked up beside him. "You seem tired."

There was no point in hiding it. "I haven't been sleeping well."

Obi-Wan remembered a conversation they had a few weeks prior. "Are you still having the dreams about your mother?"

Anakin nodded meekly. "I don't know why I keep dreaming about her."

"Dreams pass in time."

"I'd much rather dream about Padmé. Just being around her... Sooths my senses."

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "Soothing, or is it dulling?"

"I..."

"Be careful with your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order, a commitment that is not lightly broken." Obi-Wan chuckled. "And don't forget, she's a politician, and they're not to be trusted."

"She's not like the others in the Senate, Master."

"It's my experience that politicians focus only on those who fund their campaigns. They're by no means scared of forgetting the niceties of democracy, so long as it aids them in the end."

On the roof of the apartment, Zam gingerly landed her ennone on the slick tiles. She dismounted and cautiously made her way over to the round white chimney that serviced Senator Amidala's room. She reached into her pouch and withdrew the tube. Zam looked at the creatures inside and shuddered. She shifted the chimney cap just enough to get her hands inside, then she uncorked the tube and let the worms slither down the inner walls.

Inside Padmé's room, Artu began his half-hourly sweep. To his credit, it was very thorough, but failed to include the fireplace or chimney. Having not detected any threats, Artu returned to standby.

The worms slithered down the flue and through the open damper, dropping onto the cold ash below. They quickly sensed the body heat from Padmé and crawled as quickly as they could towards the promise of a meal.

Zam waited on the roof, lovingly stroking the scarred face of her ennone. She couldn't leave anything to chance, she would wait and make sure the worms had killed the senator. Any minute now, they would find her and their venom would do its work. An unpleasant way to die, but there were worse.

"And besides,you're generalizing," said Anakin, continuing his conversation with Obi-Wan, both oblivious of the impending threat in the next room. "The Chancellor doesn't seem to be corrupt."

"The Chancellor is a politician. I have observed that he is very clever in following the passions and prejudices of the senators."

The worms wriggled their way up the bedpost. Not much farther now. Just a quick journey across the silken sheets and they could feast.

Anakin folded his arms. "I think he's a good man. My-"

The two Jedi quickly turned their heads towards the door to Padmé's room, sensing something wrong. Anakin sprinted at the door, kicking it down and launching himself through the air. Before landing on Padmé's bed, he drew his Lightblade and cut both of the worms in half just before they had reached Padmé's neck.

Padmé herself woke with a start at the commotion. "What's going on?"

From the roof, Zam heard the noise from below. The plot had failed. She clambered atop her ennone and spurred it to fly, dislodging several roof tiles in the process.

Obi-Wan heard this and looked out the window. Just as the ennone flew past, he jumped through the window on instinct, receiving several small cuts from the glass. As his master had done a decade prior, he used the Force to extend his jump and grab onto one of the ennone's claws.

After ensuring Padmé was unharmed, Anakin ran from the room and rushed to the apartment's private roost, upon which sat a sleeping Coruscant green wyvern. He leapt on its back, alarming it, and took the reins. The wyvern took to the sky and Anakin focused on his master's presence. Obi-Wan would need his help.

Between the weight of Zam and Obi-Wan, the ennone was struggling to stay aloft, but Obi-Wan's grip on the wet scales was beginning to loosen. Zam looked down at the Jedi and jerked the reins left and right to attempt to dislodge him. Obi-Wan grunted, barely holding on. Trying something else, Zam had her ennone dive, then sharply pull up. This did the trick, and Obi-Wan fell.

Anakin urged his wyvern on, watching his master plummet. He dove, matching Obi-Wan's fall. Just before striking the ground, Obi-Wan landed awkwardly in the saddle behind Anakin. His master saved from a messy death, Anakin pulled the reins back and they flew after the would-be assassin.

Obi-Wan readjusted himself in the saddle. "What took you so long?"

"Oh, you know, Master," began Anakin sarcastically. "I had to make sure the wyvern was ready to fly, wings properly stretched..."

A crack of lightning lit up the sky, giving a perfect silhouette of their target. Obi-Wan pointed. "There he is."

Anakin continued. "...saddle fitted right, things like that."

"If you spent as much time practicing your swordsmanship as you put into sharpening your wit, your skills would rival even Master Yoda."

"I thought they already did."

Obi-Wan glared. "Only in your mind, my very young Padawan."

It was slow, but they were gaining on their target. Zam looked back and cursed under her breath. She tried to lose her pursuers by weaving between several alabaster towers, but if anything, it only narrowed the gap.

She was becoming frantic. Out of desperation, she had her ennone fold its wings and dive. This maneuver always terrified her, but she couldn't think of anything else. The two of them hurtled towards the ground in freefall.

Anakin followed suit, diving after the assassin. Obi-Wan was not pleased with this. "Anakin? Pull up. Anakin? Anakin!"

Anakin laughed in a combination of joy at flying and schadenfreude at his master's discomfort.

Zam and Anakin both pulled up at the last possible instant before hitting the ground. A familiar-looking Dug was knocked over by the sudden wing gusts. He dusted himself off and swore at the riders as they flew away before mumbling something about Tattooine.

"Anakin, you know I hate when you do that!"

"But Master, I thought you liked flying."

"Flying is one thing, but what you do is suicide!"

Zam was beginning to lead them closer to the poorer parts of the city, closer inland. Here there were workshops and metal foundries with towering smokestacks. Around them the storm was growing worse. The rain fell heavier, stinging the riders while crosswinds threatened to blow them out of the air.

As Anakin flew past one of the smokestacks, a bolt of lightning hit it, making the hair of both the Jedi stand on end. For a few seconds, all the sounds around them were replaced by ringing.

After the ringing had faded, Obi-Wan nervously tapped Anakin on the shoulder. "Eh, maybe stay away from those."

Zam tried weaving between towers again, with the same result as the previous time. Try as she might, she couldn't shake them. She was heading too far inland now, so she made a quick dive and turn. Perhaps the Mandalorian could help her.

While flying through the market district again, she spied a large covered bazaar with wide halls. A souq, she remembered from her travels. She flew into its entrance and down the halls.

Anakin flew past the souq. Obi-Wan looked back at the entrance, then to his Padawan. "Where are you going? He went that way!"

"Master, if this chase keeps going for much longer, I'm worried the lightning will fry them. Personally, I'd very much like to find out who they are and who hired them. This is a shortcut. I hope."

Zam and her ennone deftly weaved their way through the souq. Wing gusts rattled the shutters of the shops they blew past. She glanced behind and was relieved to see that her pursuers were not there. She slowed down confident she had escaped.

Anakin circled his wyvern high above the plaza where he expected the assassin to appear, but there were no flyers of any kind in sight. Obi-Wan folded his arms and glared at Anakin for the third time since they arrived in Coruscant. "Well done. You've lost him."

"I'm deeply sorry, Master."

"That was some shortcut, Anakin. He went completely the other way."

Anakin sensed something and looked down.

Obi-Wan didn't notice. "Once again, you've proven-"

"If you'll excuse me," Anakin said, handing the reins to Obi-Wan and jumping off the wyvern.

Obi-Wan watched as Anakin fell. "I hate when he does that." He guided the wyvern after his reckless Padawan.

Down Anakin fell, outpacing the raindrops around him. Coming towards him, completely unaware of the incoming Jedi was Zam and her ennone.

Anakin had only been slightly off with his judgement. Instead of landing on top of the assassin, he landed behind the saddle. The ennone jerked down at the sudden increase in weight and gave a cry of alarm. Anakin's left hand grabbed onto the back of the saddle and he held on for dear life as the ennone swerved to try and shake him off.

Zam began panicking again and tried to kick at Anakin. Her foot hit him in his shoulder, but he held on tightly. With his right hand, he drew his Lightblade and swung it, cutting through part of the ennone's wing membrane. The ennone screamed in pain and thrashed.

The sudden movement jarred Anakin and he reached up to grab the saddle with his other hand, dropping his Lightblade in the process. From behind, Obi-Wan saw the hilt hurtling end over end towards him. He reached up a hand and neatly caught it, then attached it to his belt next to his own.

The ennone was losing altitude, between the extra weight, the exhaustion, and the injured wing, it had to land. Zam and Anakin struggled on its back. Anakin reached a hand out and grabbed Zam's veil, ripping it free. Her face burned with animalistic anger, determined to save herself. In her rage, her face shifted, taking on reptilian characteristics.

Scattered pedestrians looked up and saw an ennone heading right for them, wailing in pain. They ran or jumped aside to keep from being crushed as it landed hard on the street. Zam and Anakin were both thrown by the impact. The former scrambled to her feet and into a tavern nearby.

Anakin had struck a lamppost hard enough to knock the wind out of him, but not enough to seriously injure him. He shakily got to his feet in time to see the assassin's escape.

Obi-Wan landed close by and hopped off the wyvern. Anakin ran up to him, pointing to the tavern. "She ran in there, Master!"

Obi-Wan placed his hands on Anakin's shoulders to steady him. "Patience. Use the Force. Think."

"Right, I'm sorry, Master."

"She went in there to hide, not to run."

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan held out Anakin's Lightblade. "Next time, try not to lose it. This weapon in your life."

"I try, Master."

Obi-Wan sighed as they entered the tavern. "Why do I have the feeling you're going to be the death of me?"

Anakin looked hurt by this. "Don't say that, Master. You're the closest thing I have to a father."

"Then why don't you listen to me?"

"I'm trying."

Quietly, Obi-Wan muttered. "That you are..."

Even at the late hour it was, the tavern was still busy. Likely, this had more to do with the patrons wanting to get out of the storm outside than it did wanting to get something to drink. At various tables, there were patrons playing cards, rolling dice, and of course drinking. The two Jedi scanned at the crowd.

"Can you see him, Anakin?"

"I think he is a she, and she is a changeling."

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, be extra careful." He looked around again. "Go and find her."

"Where are you going, Master?"

Obi-Wan turned his head and smiled. "To get a drink."

The elder Jedi walked to the bar and held up a finger to the barkeep. The barkeep gave a grunt and filled a small glass with a blue liquor. Obi-Wan knocked it back, grimacing at the bite of the alcohol. It was much stronger than he had expected.

A shabbily dressed man walked up to him and with a flourish of his hands, produced a small pouch from seemingly out of thin air. "Do you wanna buy some smokeweed?"

Obi-Wan did an arcane gesture in front of the man's face. "You don't want to sell me smokeweed."

With another flourish, the pouch vanished again. "I don't wanna sell you smokeweed."

Obi-Wan did another gesture. "You want to go home and rethink your life."

The man walked away. "I wanna go home and rethink my life..."

Obi-Wan ordered another drink.

From the middle of the crowd, a figure clad in leather armor slowly made their way towards the bar. One hand carefully reached down and drew a weathered pistol. Their eyes were set on the Jedi drinking at the bar. When they were just a few paces away, they raised the pistol with both hands.

Obi-Wan spun around suddenly, drawing his Lightblade. As he spun, he swung it, cleanly severing his assailant's hands at the wrists. Zam cried out and sunk to the floor, staring at where her hands used to be.

Anakin rushed over. "Are you okay, Master?"

Obi-Wan retracted his blade. "Yes, I'm fine."

Anakin addressed the hushed crowd. "Jedi business, go back to your drinks."

The two Jedi helped Zam to her feet and Obi-Wan tossed a few Thalers on the bar for his drinks. Together, they walked Zam outside and into an alleyway. They let Zam sit against the tavern's outer wall.

Obi-Wan's face had a look of compassion, despite everything that had transpired that night. "Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?"

Zam groaned. "It was some senator from Naboo."

"And who hired you?"

"...It was just a job."

Anakin tried to have the same compassion as Obi-Wan, but there was an edge of anger. "Who hired you? Tell us."

"Guh..."

"Tell us now!"

"A bounty hunter called-"

There was a thud as a dart struck her in the throat. The Jedi looked at where the dart had come from in time to see a man in Mandalorian armor spread large silver feathered wings from his back and fly off.

Zam began choking. Her features shifted rapidly between reptilian and humanoid before settling on reptilian as her body went limp. Obi-Wan respectfully closed her slitted eyes then pulled the dart from her neck.

"Toxic dart..."

"All that for nothing."