Author's Note: Hey all! I'm back! Thanks for being so patient – I was hoping to have this up yesterday, but I was struck with a major case of writer's block. I think I've overcome it – now I just have to hope you agree! Erik's Leadinglady – Oh no! Two whole chapters of randomness gone forever? Aw, I'm sorry to hear that you went to all that trouble for nothing. But thanks for the kind words about the last chapter! I'm very grateful and look forward to hearing more of your thoughts! Meandmysharpie – You, my friend, are hilarious! Hee! But you've gotta admit, it would take Obi-wan a long time to work up enough nerve to make the first move. He is like, Captain of the Jedi Code! But yes, he finally got his butt in gear! Yay! But now what? Stay tuned! Hellish Red Devil – Aw, I'm so glad you liked the last chapter and I'm happy it surprised you. Thanks for the comments about Jarrick – since he is my only OC, he holds a special place in my heart, as evil as he is. I'm glad you like how I'm revealing stuff – I'm trying so hard to give hints without giving it all away. Padme's Sister – Yes, Obi-wan had reached his breaking point in the last chapter. He was frustrated and for once, he threw the Code out the window! Here's the update you so nicely requested – sorry it took awhile. Stupid writer's block!

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For a long moment, Siri Tachi's world was perfect.

It was as if they had never been apart. His arms still fit perfectly around her shoulders; his hair was still long enough for her fingers to twine; his lips were still soft and inviting. Everything was as it should be - as it was supposed to have been.

She could have stayed that way forever.

But much to her dismay, the rink lights started to dim, signaling the end of the afternoon's practice session - and the imminent arrival of Anakin and Padme. Reluctantly, she pulled away and brought her gaze to Obi-wan's.

"Wow," she breathed. "That's how you make a statement without saying a word, I guess."

Her heart sank as she felt Obi-wan loosen his embrace and start to back away. Here we go again. She nearly jumped when she felt a gentle hand on her chin.

"I'm not walking away this time," he promised, reading her thoughts. "But… You must sense..." His voice trailed off uncertainly, even as his eyes begged her to understand. "We shouldn't."

Shaking her head numbly, she started to walk away. And that's when he took her hand.

The contact caused her skin to tingle and the warmth of their bond spread through her arm, across her shoulders and down to the other hand. She could feel it in her toes, in her knees and most of all... in her heart. The sensation was something so beautiful, it couldn't be explained.

But underneath it all, there was something out of place that left her feeling... hunted. She closed her eyes and dove deeper, determined to identify the source.

Their Force signatures were becoming entangled, blurring seamlessly into one entity. Just like Anakin and Padme, she realized with a start. But there was something lurking on the edges... a darkness waiting to descend at the right moment, hoping to use the powerful connection to its advantage.

Jarrick.

She sighed, knowing Obi-wan was right. It would be devastating for such a powerful enemy to have control over such a connection between two Jedi... Padme's experience was dangerous enough - and the Senator wasn't even a trained wielder of the Force.

We're never going to catch a break, she admitted sadly. There was no way they could willingly place such a lethal weapon in the hands of a madman.

Pushing her regrets aside, she forced a smile and replied, "I sense it too."

Then she did something that was harder than anything she'd ever done... she let go of his hand and stepped away.

"Want to have dinner?"

He smiled sadly, but nodded. "Okay."

ONE HOUR LATER, SUITE OF LIRI AND KAIDE

Padme chewed thoughtfully as she watched the muted interaction of Obi-wan and Siri. Neither seemed particularly hungry, despite their claims otherwise. In fact, she believed Siri had been pushing that same cube of cheese around for the past fifteen minutes. She stole a glance at her husband and noticed that he was pretending to be oblivious - a fact that was confirmed as he began to speak.

"So, how was your practice today?" Anakin asked. "Good?"

"Dreadful," Obi-wan answered, his tone clipped and unhappy. "We can't seem to land those toe loops."

Siri smiled dutifully, but Padme noticed the sentiment didn't quite meet her eyes. She frowned, silently vowing to corner her friend later and find out exactly what was going on.

She knew something had happened this afternoon. While she and Anakin had been teasing each other, there had been a ripple in the Force. Ani had felt it more acutely, but she was familiar enough with their Bond to recognize it as something important. For a brief instant, it was as if they were all tied together, bound tightly in a net of friendship and love. But then, just as quickly as it had come, it had dissolved, leaving her to wonder if she had actually felt it at all.

She bit her lip as she watched Siri begin to clear the table.

LATE NIGHT, SUITE OF DAKE AND KAHLA

Siri moaned fretfully in her sleep, trapped in a haze of darkness and fear.

"Temporary bond... never happen..."

"Not... foreseen..."

"Too strict... Code... Our advantage..."

"Revenge... powerful..."

"Destroy... Galaxy... Watching..."

"Soon..."

She sat up, sweat leaving a fine sheen on her face and soaking her nightclothes. She took a deep breath and ran a shaking hand through her hair, trying to dislodge some of the tangles. Out of habit, she sent a soothing wave through the Force, blocking Obi-wan and Anakin from her distress.

She wasn't surprised when she found Padme waiting for her on the balcony. She had sensed the Senator studying her all evening and knew a conversation was brewing.

"I figured you'd come," Padme said quietly, holding out a mug of tea.

Siri accepted the offering and sipped the soothing liquid, willing her heart to return to its normal rhythm. Padme waited patiently, certain the Jedi would speak when she was ready. She didn't have to wait long.

"It was another dream. I overheard them again, plotting and planning," she explained. Briefly, she recounted the disjointed conversation, goose bumps trailing down her arms as she recalled the harsh voices.

"It's odd that it would happen after your connection with Obi-wan," Padme noted mildly.

Siri tightened her grip on the handle of the warm beverage, trying to keep her face a mask of serenity. "Whatever do you mean?" she finally managed.

"I felt it, Siri. Earlier this afternoon. Something happened between you and Master Kenobi."

"Yeah, we had a big fight. I even threatened to tear off Threepio's leg and stuff it-"

"No, there was something more. A shared moment or something."

It was a shared moment, all right, Siri thought sarcastically. But she kept her mouth shut and simply shrugged her shoulders.

"Come on," Padme pleaded, exasperated. "This is no time to be shy. What is if it's the key to this whole mystery and we missed it because you were being bashful?"

Rolling her eyes, Siri explained what had happened, complete with the feeling of foreboding that came with the deepened connection. When she was finished, she looked at Padme, expecting to see sympathy coloring the young Senator's gaze. Instead, she saw massive confusion.

"What is it?" Siri finally asked. The words came out sharp and biting and she winced.

"I just don't quite understand," Padme commented, taking no offense to Siri's brusque manner. "That wasn't the sense Anakin and I got at all."

"What do you mean?" Now it was Siri's turn to be confused.

"Well to us, it felt like all the pieces were falling into place..." She paused, searching for the right words. "It was as if we had been given another ally in the fight against the dark side - one that could not possibly be defeated."

"So, which is it then?" Siri wondered, anguished. "Are we supposed to welcome this attachment or fight it?"

Padme put a soft hand on the Jedi's arm, trying to offer silent support. "You'll make the right decision, Siri," she insisted. "I know you will."

THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE THIRD PERFORMANCE, WAITING AREA

Siri clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to work through the nerves that were making her knees weak. Needless to say, the past few days been pretty rough and most of the fault was her own. Torn between wanting to embrace her Jedi partner and sending him far away, she knew she had been especially contrary and awkward. And now, here they were - preparing to go out before an enormous live audience without having completed a single successful toe loop - and it was all her fault. If only she could relax and concentrate…

Master Windu, you are about to have the sweetest revenge possible, because I am going to make a fool out of myself, she admitted.

At least her costume looked nice. A deep blue, it was long-sleeved with a fluffy skirt that actually came to her knees - a vast improvement, in her opinion. The bodice was embroidered with a spiraling vine pattern that sparkled in the light. Keeping with the theme, her hair had been pulled into a twist, but a few tendrils had already escaped and she hoped they wouldn't stab her in the eye.

If I'm going to look like an idiot, I don't want my eyes watering while I do so, she resolved.

"Are you ready?"

The voice seemed to come out of nowhere and Siri jumped, immediately searching the surrounding area for danger. When she landed on the familiar Force signature of Master Windu, she relaxed and he materialized out of the shadows.

"I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized.

"It's all right," she insisted. "I should have been paying attention."

He studied her from across the room. "You look tired."

Thanks a lot, Master. That's just what I want to hear.

"I haven't been sleeping well. It turns out this assignment is fairly stressful." She hoped her voice sounded light and nonchalant, but she had a sinking feeling it didn't.

"I sense you are conflicted about something, young Tachi."

Oh great! Now Master Windu suspects something. She wanted to groan and stomp her feet in frustration. Could this situation get any worse?

Pushing down the rising sense of panic, she simply replied, "You do?"

"I do. You must trust in the will of the Force. It will not mislead you." He gave her a knowing look as he spoke.

She blew out a deep breath. "How do I know the difference before the Force's will and my fears?"

"When you're calm of heart and mind, listen closely. You will know."

Siri watched the Jedi Master exit the room, his steps as silent as his entrance. She frowned, aggravated with the mysterious advice.

He is as confusing as Master Yoda, she fumed.

Any further puzzling was halted as Obi-wan entered the room, looking dashing in his dark blue costume. He held out a hand and smiled, his eyes sparkling at the sight of her. "Ready?"

LOCATION UKNOWN – SAME TIME

Jarrick leaned into the wide array of soft pillows, a glass of red wine in his hand. Absently, he straightened the silken blanket that lay across his lap and stared into the cracking flames of the elaborate fire pit.

The time was drawing near. Everything was going according to plan, just as his Master had predicted. There would be no failure; his circle of revenge would finally be complete and his power unmatched.

The Jedi would pay for abandoning him on that cursed planet. His abilities would be displayed for all to see and he would get the recognition his Master said he deserved. Yes, the Jedi would rue the day they left him behind, deeming him unfit for their pitiful Order.

He sighed and plucked at the blanket.

There had been one small glitch, he admitted. That female Jedi had proved to be quite bothersome, flaring up an old connection his Master had thought irreparable. Thankfully, all was not lost. Further reflection brought the realization that it could even prove useful, if manipulated correctly – for once she was destroyed, the grief would rend Kenobi helpless.

That left Skywalker. Jarrick smirked as he imagined how the pathetic Jedi would become a Galaxy-wide laughingstock, exposed as nothing more than an elaborate fraud…

And then, at last, he could claim his rightful place as The Chosen One. If only his Mother were alive to see it, everything would be set right…

The wine glass shattered and he looked down at his hands in surprise. They were covered in red wine and he blanched, noticing its resemblance to blood.