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"I'm sorry Master Kenobi, but there is no match in our archives." The analysis droid pushed the dart back to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan leaned back in his seat. He was stuck. He had shown the dart to numerous friends, asking for help, and none had been able to tell him anything. He ran a hand through his beard. He did not know where to go next. No Jedi had given him any help, and now the analysis droids in the Archives could not place the dart either.
Obi-Wan wanted to get to the bottom of the assassination attempt as quickly as possible. He could not shake the feeling that his Padawans should not be alone on Naboo any longer than necessary. He took a deep breath and left the archives, hoping that the Force might lead him to the answers.
When he stepped out into the hall, he ran into Mace Windu. Obi-Wan bowed respectfully to the Jedi Master. Mace looked at Obi-Wan, "Have you had any success, Obi-Wan?" The Jedi Master asked bluntly.
Obi-Wan sighed his familiar sigh, "I'm afraid not."
Mace continued to look at Obi-Wan, "You are uneasy, young Kenobi, what is troubling you?"
Of all the Jedi Masters, Mace Windu was not particularly the one that Obi-Wan wanted to express his concerns to, but the feeling continued to nag at him. "I am concerned for my Padawans Master Windu."
Understanding registered in Mace's eyes. Obi-Wan continued, "I do not know if they were ready for this assignment on their own."
"Obi-Wan, your Padawans are very close to Knighthood. They are the best, and that day is fast approaching."
Obi-Wan nodded. Of course he had known...Mace interrupted Obi-Wan's thoughts. "Obi-Wan, you must understand. The Council does not wish me to tell you this, but it is important."
Obi-Wan was confused, "What?"
Mace took a deep breath. "Obi-Wan, this is more than simply a routine mission to protect a Senator. This is a test."
Obi-Wan stared at Mace, not wanting to believe what he was saying. "A test? What kind of test?"
"Obi-Wan, Senator Amidala has long been a source of...infatuation for Anakin, the Council has seen this. If he is to be a Jedi than he must learn to overcome his temptation. It is the only way."
"Master Windu, I do not think that this is a good idea. Anakin still has training to complete, he can still be impetuous in his decisions. I think that it is too soon for this."
Mace gave Obi-Wan a look, "That is why we sent both your Padawans."
"I still do not understand."
Mace took a deep breath. "Obi-Wan, Sarah may certainly be more rational than Anakin, but she has much to learn as well. Yet they are best friends."
Obi-Wan was feeling frustrated. The other Jedi was talking much, but not saying anything. "Master Windu, with all respect, I do not understand."
Mace put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Obi-Wan, you have become a very wise and a very powerful Jedi, and Qui-Gon would be proud, but you are blinded by affection for your Padawans. I know that you do not want to let them go, but the Council is in agreement that they are ready to start the path to Knighthood, and this is their first test. I cannot say any more."
Mace squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder and walked away, leaving Obi-Wan feeling confused, and alone.
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When Anakin and Sarah stepped off the transport with Padme, they had to shield their eyes from the bright sunlight. Sarah was amazed. She had never been to Naboo, and it was one of the most beautiful planets that she had ever laid eyes on. Anakin smiled at her reaction. He was glad to be back.
The Jedi and the Senator made their way to the Palace of Theed, where they would meet with the Queen. Padme sat and Anakin and Sarah stood behind her chair unobtrusively. The Queen began to speak, "Senator Amidala. I am so glad to see you well. These recent attacks on your life have been unnerving."
"I can assure you that I am quite alright," Padme told her.
The Queen spoke again, "We are greatly concerned by the actions of the Separatists, but our first priority now is your safety."
The Queen's advisor Sio Bibble spoke. "What do you suggest, young Jedi?"
Anakin was about to speak when Padme interrupted, "Oh, Anakin and Sarah are not Jedi yet, they are still Padawans. But I was thinking that there are some homes up in the Lake Country. I will be quite safe there, I assure you."
Anger rose up inside of Anakin, "Excuse me Senator, but we are in charge of security."
Padme turned to Anakin, "Please, Anakin, this is my home. I will be safe here."
Anakin opened his mouth to speak again but Sarah gave him a look and he stayed silent. The Queen nodded, "Then it is agreed, you and the Jedi will go to the Lake Country."
Padme nodded, and the small group left the Palace.
As soon as they were outside, Anakin turned to Padme, "We are the Jedi here, Padme, we are supposed to make the decisions!"
Padme stopped and faced Anakin. "This is my home, Anakin! Perhaps I need to remind you again, but I know Naboo better than either of you do, do not argue with me."
Anakin was taken aback, but Padme spoke again. "If you two don't mind, I would like to see my family. They live close and it would not take long."
Anakin glanced quickly at Sarah, and she shrugged. The three then made their way to Padme's family's home, Artoo trailing faithfully behind them.
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When they arrived at Padme's home, the two little girls playing outside ran straight to Padme, giving her hugs. They then glanced curiously at the Jedi. Apparently they did not find Anakin and Sarah terribly interesting, for they went straight to Artoo, shouting and playing with him, Artoo beeping happily in response.
Padme's eyes twinkled when she looked at the two young girls, she glanced at the Jedi and led them inside. When they walked in, she called out to her parents, "Mom! Dad! I'm home!"
A woman came walking into the room. She looked like Padme, with same brown hair and eyes. She was older than Padme, but very beautiful. Sola threw her sister into a hug. "Oh Padme! It is so good to see you! You look beautiful!"
Padme hugged her sister hard. "Oh Sola, it is so good to be home. I have missed you and the girls so much!"
Sola's attention then turned to the Jedi. "And who are you two? Friends of Padme's?"
Padme spoke, "Sola, this is Anakin and Sarah. They are Jedi."
Sola's eyes widened. "Jedi? Oh Padme!"
"Sola, please! It is okay. Chancellor Palpatine thought that it would simply be wise to have some extra protection. It is a precautionary measure, simply that."
Sola looked as though she wanted to say something else, but Padme's parents entered the room then. Her mother rushed to Padme, "Oh darling! When we heard the news, we were so worried! It is so good to see you here!"
Her father looked at Padme lovingly. He did not speak, but he nodded at his wife's words. Padme's mother was looking curiously at the Jedi. Padme spoke, "Anakin and Sarah, these are my parents, Ruwee and Jobal. Mother, Father, this is Anakin Skywalker and Sarah Walterr. They are Jedi Padawans to Obi-Wan Kenobi, do you remember him?"
Ruwee spoke. "Of course we remember. Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of the Jedi who saved our daughter's life all of those years ago. You are most welcome in this house. We have never forgotten the bravery of the Jedi during the blockade."
Jobal suddenly spoke, "Oh! You all must be starving from your journey! I must insist that you stay for a meal."
Anakin spoke, "Thank you for hospitality."
Sola grabbed Padme's wrist, "Come, Padme." The two women went to join their mother in the kitchen, leaving Ruwee standing with the two Jedi. He spoke softly, "Please, tell me young Jedi. How much danger is my daughter in?"
Anakin and Sarah glanced at each other. Sarah spoke, "I am afraid that she is in greater danger than she says. There have been two attempts on her life."
Ruwee's face fell. His love for his daughter was obvious. Anakin interjected, "But we feel that she will be safe here. Sarah and I will protect her, please do not worry."
Sarah spoke again, "Our Master, Obi-Wan is getting to the bottom of this as we speak. We can assure you that he is one of the finest Jedi in the Order. We do not think that it will take him long."
Ruwee's face lightened a bit. "Master Kenobi saved our daughter's life once, I do have complete faith in him." His eyes flashed over the two Padawans, lingering on Anakin for a moment longer. "And I suppose that if he trained the two of you, than I should not worry."
Anakin and Sarah gave him reassuring smiles. He managed to give them a tiny smile in return. "As I have said, I have complete faith in the Jedi. They saved Naboo all those years ago. If there is anybody that I trust with my daughter's life, it is the students of Obi-Wan Kenobi."
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A/N: I hope I will be able to update soon, but if I don't get to before Christmas, I just want to wish Happy Holidays to all! Thank you to everyone who has been reading and a special thanks to everyone who has reviewed! You guys are the best! More to come soon!