Author's Note: Hey everyone! I've got another update for you – hope you enjoy! I'll be back early next week with more! Meandmysharpie – Yes, you definitely need those boots! Anakin is walking a dangerous line there. I'm glad you liked Obi-wan's reaction to the announcement of Padme's pregnancy. It made me smile as I was writing it. Hellish Red Devil – Thank you for your faith in my storyline! I knew I had to find a way to bring in Luke and Leia! I couldn't resist. And yes, it's hard to believe the entire trilogy is wrapping up. It's been a wonderful journey, that's for sure! Erik's Leadinglady – Hee! Your posts are great! I'm glad to hear that you like Ani, no matter what. ;-) And of course, it helps that he's easy on the eyes! Padme's Sister – I'm so happy to hear that I surprised you. I was trying to be sneaky with the hints, so I'm glad it worked! All – Thanks for sticking with me! We have some fun stuff coming up, so bear with me and stay tuned!

FOURTH PERFORMANCE, MAIN RINK

Padme was distracted.

She wasn't surprised. After all, the week had not been the easiest on record. After another round of squabbles, Anakin had made a point to act distant. It was obvious he was aware that there was something going on. And while he hadn't pressed her outright, he was quickly becoming resentful and secretive himself.

Am I doing the right thing?

I just want to protect my family.

She was so deep in thought that she nearly missed the soaring musical cue. Recovering quickly, she brought her arms out to the side and skated on one foot, her other leg stretched behind her elegantly. She wobbled slightly, but regained her balance so smoothly she doubted anyone even noticed.

But Anakin probably had. He saw everything when it came to her.

With the exception of one precious secret.

Oh, Ani... What is going to happen to us?

She tried to smile bravely as she executed a sharp turn and returned to her husband. Her chocolate brown costume caught the spot light, the sparkles sending tiny multi-colored prisms across Anakin's stern face. He looked so handsome… yet so formidable.

He grasped her hands, lowering her into the death spiral. The world passed by in a blur as her skates cut into the ice, leaving an iridescent spray in her wake. He brought her back to her feet and she turned into his arms, slightly out of position for the next series of spins. Anakin quickly corrected their stance, the hasty motion causing her hair to billow around her face and his eyes softened at the sight.

You're so beautiful, he breathed silently.

Before she could reply, his expression once again turned dispassionate.

Going into the final segment of the routine, they were side-by-side, feet scrambling to gain speed. Reaching the far end of the rink, they executed a simultaneous pair of toe loops, easily sticking the once-difficult jumps. Raising their hands to the sky, they held the position as the audience cheered excitedly and the music faded away.

"Let's give a hand to Liri and Kaide, my friends!" the announcer called. "Another fine performance by one of the Galaxy's favorite couples. Ah, yes this is surely the perfect ending to an exciting night of skating. But don't leave your seats just yet! We'll reveal the standings - as well as the next project our contestants will have to undertake - after these messages from our sponsors."

Padme tried to catch her breath as the "On Air" signal blinked off and the other skaters headed towards the center ice. Siri and Obi-wan took the position to her right, looking aggravated with each other. She sighed, guessing they had been arguing again.

Her stomach suddenly surged and she clamped her mouth shut, praying the nausea would subside. She really did not want to vomit in front of the entire Galaxy. It would be humiliating.

Then again, she thought, catching Anakin's steely gaze as finally returned to her side. Perhaps there were worse things.

STORAGE ROOM, BEHIND MAIN RINK - SAME TIME

"You wanted to see me?" Mace asked, slipping into the quiet room.

"Unraveling, things are," Yoda pointed out, banging his gimer stick on the floor for emphasis.

Mace frowned, agreeing. "I don't know what has gotten into them."

"Happened, something has," the small Jedi Master mused. "Secrets, suspicion, I sense."

Mace nodded, peering through the window of the small room. "I know. I sense it too."

"A plan, we need."

Mace smiled, his teeth gleaming white in the darkness. "One has already been put into place, my friend." He turned and opened the door quietly. "I must return to my seat. We wouldn't want the Galaxy to wonder at the whereabouts of one of their favorite judges."

"Overestimate your popularity, you do," Yoda replied, but his tone was amused.

"Perhaps, but I will have earned it when you see what's in store for the remaining contestants."

"Hmmm," Yoda snorted. The door clicked shut and he was alone again. Moving slowly, but efficiently, he went to the window and studied the ice below.

He could only hope Master Windu's plan was a success – so much depended on it.

MAIN ICE - FOUR MINUTES LATER

Siri shot a sideways look and caught Obi-wan smiling at a dark-haired woman in the crowd. In one fluid motion, she clasped his hand and squeezed.

"Ouch!" he gasped. "Not so tight."

"Our characters are supposed to be in a relationship. With each other," she hissed. "Stop ogling other women."

"I wasn't," he insisted, offended. "She was wearing some sort of shirt that had my name on it. I was simply trying to read it."

Trying to appear casual, Siri scanned the crowd and her eyes once again landed on the aforementioned woman. Sure enough, she had "Dake is a Darling" embroidered across her shirt.

"Oh for the love of-" she sputtered.

"See? I have fans!" Obi-wan bragged, pleased with the situation.

"Perhaps, but it does appear as though she is intoxicated," Siri noted dryly. Just then, the woman's head lolled over and she drooled on her neighbor's shoulder.

Obi-wan's disappointed retort was cut off as the "On Air" signal flashed on and the announcer's voice echoed through the arena.

"Welcome back to Skating with the Star Wars! It is now time to reveal the team standings. Since the numbers are steadily dwindling, we will only announce the top three. So, in ascending order... Third place goes to: Yirn and Aspa!" The crowd clapped excitedly as the two contestants bowed and curtsied.

"Second place goes to... Dake and Kahla!" Siri felt a tug on her hand as Obi-wan pulled her forward, waving to the audience. Blushing deeply, she did the same and was once again overwhelmed by the warm reception.

There was a grin in the announcer's voice as he geared up for the final reveal.

"And the first place honor goes to... Liri and Kaide!" Siri's heart sank as she watched the couple acknowledge the applause with strained smiles. She felt a flicker of worry for Padme as the Senator placed a trembling hand to her temple.

The announcer broke into her troubled thoughts. "It is now my pleasure to announce our plans for our next episode, which is sure to be a tremendous crowd pleaser."

Siri snorted her disagreement with the presumption.

"Teams will be paired up for the sole purpose of designing their own routine and then performing it live. That's right - four to a team, one routine, zero choreography droids. How will they handle it? What will they come up with? Those are all good questions that will be answered... next week."

The crowd groaned in disappointment, as the announcer concluded, "We look forward to seeing you back here at that time! Good night!"

Siri watched Mace Windu vault the judge's table and nearly wipe out as he landed, not used to the slick surface. He quickly regained his footing and started forward like nothing had happened. In his hand, he held a slip of parchment, which listed the two-team combinations.

"The next week should be very interesting," he said by way of greeting.

Shocked by the turn of events, the contestants could only nod reluctantly in response.

"Now, I have the match ups right here." He waved the piece of paper enticingly.

"We've tried to pair the teams that have similar styles in an attempt to make the transition easier. I have been assigned the duty of announcing the teams, so here we go. Makala and Poya, you will be teamed with Yirn and Aspa. Liri and Kaide-"

Siri tensed, wondering if they would be grouped with their friends or separated. She relaxed as she heard, "You will join Dake and Kahla." The Jedi Master then fixed Siri with a meaningful stare before turning to the remaining contestants.

She sighed in acceptance. It seemed Master Windu intended them to put aside their differences and do well - and he expected her to lead the way. She nodded to herself, making a silent promise. They would give a performance the Galaxy would never forget. She would see to it.

She had a feeling it was vital.

"Come on, team! Let's go!" she cried weakly, pumping her fist sarcastically.

Her three teammates looked at her like she had lost her mind, but slowly headed for the suites.

"Oh, this is going to be easy," she muttered.

Stifling a groan, she followed.