Author's Note: Chapter Two is finally here! HellishRedDevil – yes, I'm glad to be back as well and anxious to reveal more about that sinister Jarrick! Niraha Skywalker – I'm so happy you're onboard! Rachel 791 – I'm glad you're enjoying the plot – I'm hoping to keep it light and humorous with a dash of suspense and romance. Meandmysharpie – yeah, I surprised myself by choosing skating – I wanted to do a Survivor type thing originally, but I was afraid it would be too similar to RTTS – and this way, they can be on "teams." Hopeless4Life – thanks! I was hoping that first chapter would grab your attention. Anakin's Girl – Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! Zan189 – I'm so glad you're here and I loved hearing that I made you laugh! Hope I can continue to do so! Thanks for the wonderful reviews everyone! It's good to 'see' you all again!

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JEDI TEMPLE - HEALER'S WARD, SAME TIME

Anakin sat up in bed, his nerves shrieking as they warned him of imminent danger. He exhaled deeply, trying to center himself and concentrate on the Force. Reaching out, he immediately found the bright beacon of his wife and the familiar, comforting presence of his former Master. They are safe...Thank the Force... Smiling to himself, he began to ease back into the plump pillows when another spear of terror shot through his body.

Padme! Master! his mind screamed.

The sudden explosion rocked the Temple, and he gripped the edge of his bed tightly, his knuckles going white. Vials of medication were jarred loose from their position on the open shelves, falling to the floor where they shattered instantly. Throwing back the covers, he swung his legs over the side of the platform and gingerly lowered himself to the floor. Clad only in sleep pants, he remembered to grab his cloak off its peg by the door and threw it over his shoulders as he entered the dim hallway.

"Skywalker!" he heard Mace Windu's biting voice before the Jedi Master even rounded the corner. "Return to your room! Now!"

"But Master-" he began to protest, but the words died on his lips as a wave of dizziness overcame him and he slumped against the wall, defeated.

"They are safe," Mace promised. Bringing a hand to Anakin's shoulder, he squeezed it supportively before continuing, "Stretch out with your feelings. You will find my statement to be correct."

Perspiring, Anakin did as he was told and closed his eyes, trying to dispel the worry that creased his brow. Tentatively, he reached for Padme, rejoicing as he felt her signature singing to him, strong and secure. Shifting his attention slightly, he received a polite acknowledgement from his Master, who seemed agitated but otherwise unhurt.

Padme? Obi-wan? You are all right? he asked silently, needing reassurance.

We're fine, Ani, Padme's voice sounded strained, but otherwise normal.

Yes, just a couple scratches, Obi-wan added tiredly. We'll join you shortly. It seems that we have some arrangements to make...

With a start, Anakin's eyes popped open and he found himself gazing at a very unhappy Master Windu.

"Master?" he wondered. "Does that mean-"

"Yes, Kaide. We're back."

COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NEXT DAY

"The Council is sorry to see you go," Kit Fisto said solemnly, gesturing to the three Jedi before him. "But, we agree with your assessment that going undercover is best. The last attack was too close for our comfort."

"Thank you, Master," they replied simultaneously.

"However, we have noticed that the pairings seem to be uneven," Ki-Adi-Mundi mused. "Knight Skywalker and Senator Amidala make a fitting team, as usual. But Masters Windu and Kenobi do not seem to go together as well - at least, not for this assignment. It is our thought that only one should go."

Obi-wan nodded emphatically and turned to Mace, hoping the competitive Jedi might volunteer automatically out of spite. Unfortunately, he was met with a silent, stoic glare. The implication was so obvious, no words or Force bonds were needed.

Blast!

Resigned to his fate, Obi-wan simply sighed and stated, "I shall go."

"Happy I am that you volunteered, Master Kenobi," Yoda insisted, a twinkle entering his usually serious eyes. "Another head covering accident, Master Windu cannot afford."

Obi-wan felt a slight twinge of satisfaction as he sensed Mace's glower, but his attention was returned to the diminutive Jedi Master almost instantly. Leaning forward as if in anticipation, Yoda quietly asked, "Like to work with an old friend, would you?"

Obi-wan tilted his head curiously, as the feeling of unease continued its rapid spread through his entire body. Finally, he nodded and the door to the Council chambers slid open. A cloaked figure entered gracefully, her face hidden by the shadows of her hood. A few tousled strands of blonde hair were the only identifiable features visible.

"Hello, Kenobi..."

Anakin had never seen his Master so stunned. Mildly alarmed, he started to reach for him when he heard Obi-wan choke out a name.

"Siri."

TWO WEEKS LATER - PLANET SOGUR, ATHLETIC ACADEMY OF THE REPUBLIC

"Kaide and Liri, it is such a pleasure to meet you. My daughter and I are such huge fans of yours," the registration director twittered, waving her two pairs of hands for emphasis.

"Thank you," Padme replied, taken aback by such a tangible display of excitement. Anakin merely smiled, causing the director to flush deeply, all the way to her bobbing antennae. Finally, she regained her composure and resumed her official spiel:

"You have been assigned to Suite 7 and Practice rink B. The droid you sent last week has arrived and has already received the necessary downloads. It will be waiting for you on the ice within the hour. Best of luck!"

Expressing their gratitude, they retrieved their luggage and moved away from the desk, allowing Obi-wan and Siri to step forward to complete the registration process.

"Dake and... Kahla. Oh yes, the new lady love and skating partner?" the director asked. Whispering conspiratorially, she confessed, "I heard all about it on the Holonet gossip report."

Anakin took great delight in watching the many shades of red his Master turned before sputtering, "Yes, that's right."

"Well, welcome, Kahla. You have a good man here," she promised.

"Yes, thank you," Siri grinned, tugging on Obi-wan's arm affectionately. "He's quite a catch. I thank my lucky stars every morning and every night."

"Indeed," she agreed happily. "Now, you two have been assigned to Suite 8 and Practice rink C. Your droid has also arrived and will be waiting for you this afternoon. We look forward to watching your first performance next week!"

"Thank you," Siri and Obi-wan replied simultaneously.

Clasping her hands together, the director eyed the foursome blissfully. "Oh, it is so nice to see you all together again. And with the special addition of Kahla! Oh, if only Tarv were here."

"He'll be along in a few days," Obi-wan said. His tone turned disgruntled as he added, "He has been asked to join the show as a judge."

"How wonderful! Well, the stars have certainly aligned, haven't they?" she chirped excitedly, waving good-bye as the small group turned to go.

"You have no idea," Anakin muttered softly.