Hi everyone. My apologies in the delay of updating. Darth RL again, so what can I say. However, here is Chap 9 for your reading entertainment. Thanks again for reading and sticking with the story.

Greatbear: Thanks so much for your comments.

Y. Seta: I am humbled that you are placing NC into your C2. Thanks for reading!

Slayer rock chick. Thanks and nice pen name ;).

Emerald Green Queen: I enjoy responding to questions. It helps me think about the direction of the story and how you are interpreting what I'm trying to say. So definitely keep your comments coming ;). I think as stime stretches on, Obi-Wan will be a much more dynamic character than what we see in the movies. It was always hard for me to take how stoic he was despite being trained by the idealistic Qui-Gon. And as for as Dooku, his descent is approaching rapidly. We'll be seeing him in this chapter as well. Both Padme and Anakin are already growing as close friends. Where that leads...;) Thanks again for your review and hope you enjoy this chapter!

Doreen: Thank you so much for reading. As far as this story, I plan to write another 12-15 chapters which will end with Anakin being around 14 yrs old. I already have a sequel mostly written, which will take us to around the AotC timeframe so that one will start up as soon as this story is done.

Dtaylor: Like I wrote to Doreen, we still have some time before we see the end of this story before the sequel starts. Thanks a bunch for your review!

Nothingfeelsgood: Yeah, evil cliffes are fun. Thanks again for your kind comments. Yes, we are seeing the strengthening of Anakin's and Padme's friendship and they will need it as time marches on ;). Thanks again!

LetNys: Wow, I am humbled by your nice comment. Always great to know that my writing is clear enough for people to imagine the action. Thanks so much.

Lokigirl: Hmmm..it may or may not be good. Time will tell. Thanks for reading!

A/N: A warm thanks goes out to Jennie for betaing this for me. A thousand thanks! Now, here's the story...
Padmé paced her parents' living room frantically while Sabé, Sola and Darred sat pensive on the nearby sofa. Meanwhile, Jobal and Ruwee were feeding little Ryoo at the kitchen table while they all anxiously waited news on Anakin's condition. At that same moment, both Obi-Wan and the local healer were inside one of the Naberrie's spare bedrooms, examining the boy.

"He had been fine. There was nothing wrong with him." Padmé blurted out to no one in particular as she continued to pace. "What's taking them so long? Why didn't they let us stay in the room with him?"

Knowing how her long time friend could drive herself into a frenzy with worry, the chief handmaiden said calmly, "I'm sure Ani will be alright."

Hearing this, Jobal added, "That's right, Mé. Sometimes children have unexplainable episodes that

seem much worse than they really are."

Padmé abruptly stopped. "But what if it is something serious? What if he was injured while saving me, but it wasn't anything detectable until now?"

Sola shared a glance at her husband before returning her attention to her sister. "Mom's right, baby sister. Besides, getting yourself worked up won't change anything. So just sit down and relax."

The young monarch gave her older sibling a menacing glare before returning to her relentless pacing. Both Sola and Sabé sighed deeply as they knew that nothing short of news from the healer would calm her down. Sabé did wish though, that Obi-Wan would come out and let them know what was happening. She was sure though that the situation was not grave since the healer did not contact a medievac team to rush Anakin to the Medicenter in Theed. For the moment though, the young handmaiden would have to remain the voice of reason to an increasingly agitated Queen.

Jevin Paddo had been the town's chief healer for over thirty years and throughout his vast experience, never before had he encountered a case quite like this. While only anecdotally familiar with Force sensitive maladies, the distinguished gentleman never thought he'd ever have to face one, until now. The nearly white haired, white bearded man frowned again as he ran his med scanner over the unconscious boy. Every indication said that young Anakin should be awake and in perfect health, yet here laid this older child, afflicted with something unknown.

"This is beyond me, Master Jedi. I don't know what else to do for him." Paddo said frustrated.

Obi-Wan, who had stood quietly beside the healer while he conducted his examination, had been reaching into the Force for an answer. While Anakin's life force remained strong, the Jedi Knight was troubled by the disturbed pattern of the Force that surrounded his student. Although Anakin did not seem to have lost any of the luminous Force presence, Obi-Wan also was perplexed over the situation.

After a moment of silence filled the room, Healer Paddo asked, "Although I am not at all experienced with Jedi, I am aware that you can communicate telepathically with other Force sensitive beings."

The young Jedi nodded curtly as he knew what the older man was suggesting. "I was hesitant to try until you had ruled out anything that conventional treatments could cure."

Jevin scoffed. "At this point, I don't think either of us could make things any worse."

Without answering, Obi-Wan closed his eyes as he let his thoughts travel along the bond that he and Anakin shared as teacher and student. Over the month that they had been training, it had developed rapidly and with an intensity that was beyond anything he had ever experienced with Qui-Gon. Indeed, the boy could broadcast his thoughts and feelings so loudly that Obi-Wan had headaches after their first few training sessions.

As he traveled the outskirts of Anakin's being, the Force itself felt disrupted. It was almost as if it had been drained and was furiously trying to replenish itself. Meanwhile, Anakin's mind seemed to be sleeping as Obi-Wan could sense the boy was in the middle of pleasant dreams. Even though he had limited training in the healing arts, the Jedi could not sense anything physically wrong with him, except fatigue. Unwilling to leave it at that, Obi-Wan gently touched Anakin's mind in an attempt to rouse him.

/Young one/

/Master/

Before he could question him further, Anakin's eyes popped open, much to the surprise of Healer Paddo. The former slave gave him a puzzled look as his eyes shot over to Obi-Wan who was just coming out of his telepathic trance.

"Who are you?" Anakin asked exhaustedly.

"My name is Jevin Paddo and I am a healer." Before Anakin could ask another question, the older man interjected, "How are you feeling?"

The young boy stretched his muscles and released a yawn as he continued to look about the room in confusion. His last vivid recollection was sitting under the giant oak tree, talking with Padmé and…

"Where's Padmé? Is she all right?" He asked worriedly, ignoring the healer's question.

Paddo looked up at Obi-Wan who immediately left the room. "Anakin, what is the last thing you remember?"

Becoming frightened, he reflected back on the conversation he had with Padmé prior to falling asleep. He remembered feeling her pain and grief and wanting to do something to help her. What if…what if I did something to hurt her? How could I live with myself? "Please tell me that she's alright." Anakin gritted his teeth as he pleaded, "I have to know."

Before Jevin could answer, Padmé, unceremoniously, ran into the room to give him a crushing embrace. "Ani, you had me so worried. Are you alright?"

Unconcerned about himself, he queried, "Are you okay?"

As she withdrew to see her friend's bright blue eyes filled with worry, she slightly shook her head while a smile eclipsed her face. "Oh, Ani, always worried about everyone else but yourself."

Sensing that she was well, Anakin asked, "Do you know what happened?"

Padmé slightly shrugged as both Obi-Wan and Sabé entered the room. "After I woke, I tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't rouse. I got worried and had Master Obi-Wan bring you inside while I commed Healer Paddo."

As the young Queen and the boy conversed, Obi-Wan stood away from the group, still pondering the situation. Although Anakin's condition was foremost on his mind, something about Amidala was different. She seemed much more alive and vibrant, unlike earlier when she felt worn down by the enormous burden of her duties. Yet, there was something more to this, something elusive that he would have to meditate upon later. For now, his student needed him.

Now joining the group by Anakin's bedside, the Jedi Knight grinned as he ruffled the boy's sandy hair. "I think you have a penchant for getting everybody's attention, my young student."

The boy smirked as he replied. "I didn't mean to do anything, honestly."

Obi-Wan chuckled while shaking his head amusedly at Anakin. "I know. I am just relieved that you are alright." The Jedi then turned to Jevin. "Do you need to take Anakin for further observation?"

Healer Paddo furrowed his brow as he once again withdrew his med scanner to analyze the boy's vitals. He again shook his head as he reviewed the results. "According to this Anakin, you are in perfect health. However, I would ask that you stay in bed the rest of the day and if another episode occurs, comm me immediately."

Padmé smiled at the older gentleman. "Thank you again for coming on such short notice."

"It's not often I get an urgent call from the Queen to come to the High Protector's aid," Paddo joked. He then turned to Anakin and ordered, "Now get some rest young one and I will be back tomorrow to check on you."

"Yes sir," Anakin responded obediently.

The older man then gave a respectful bow to the Queen and nodded at the Jedi as he left the room to return to his practice.

As soon as the healer departed, Anakin was about to get out of bed when Padmé scolded him. "Where do you think you are going, Lord High Protector, sir?"

"I feel fine, Padmé." He argued, but didn't get far as both she and Sabé gently prodded him back on the bed.

"Even so, the healer's orders were for you to stay in bed and I will be seeing to that. You given me a good enough scare for one day, Anakin Skywalker and I'm not about to let you out of my sight."

The young boy huffed as he flopped back onto his pillow. "Yes, your majesty," he said in defeat as he knew that she had won this round. However, he was silently thankful that she was alright and didn't mind the fact that she would be taking care of him. Padmé chuckled as she pulled a wooden chair next to Anakin's bedside and sat down. The two youths sat quietly for several minutes before Padmé snapped her fingers.

"What's wrong?" Anakin asked.

"Nothing. I just thought of something. I'll be right back." The young Queen left the room, only to return a few minutes later holding an easel under one arm and a box with her other hand. "I remembered, not too long ago that I promised to do a painting of you for your mother. And since we will be sitting around the rest of the day, I thought that there was no time like to present to start."

The boy was elated that his friend remembered her promise. After helping him adjust in the bed, she sat back down to start her initial sketches. As Padmé was drawing, she chuckled as she noticed Anakin trying not to move, let alone breathe while she was busy. Wanting to distract him, she said, "There's something I am curious about?"

Anakin sat up further to give the Queen a curious look. "What is it?"

"Yesterday, by the stream, you said the word misha." Anakin nodded silently, allowing Padmé to continue. "I didn't think that was the Huttese word for beautiful."

The former slave shook his head as a slight grin grew across his face. "That's because it isn't."

"I don't understand."

"When I was really young, my mother told me that she was from a planet in the Dantilla system before she was sold to the Hutts." Anakin recalled.

Padmé's face noticeably dropped as she thought about Shmi; however, Anakin didn't notice as he continued. "She would tell me stories of her planet's history, but when I turned about six, she shared with me a secret that everyone from her planet keeps."

"What is it?" Padmé asked as she glanced over the canvas to look at Anakin's expression.

He smirked before he answered, "Their secret is their language."

The girl Queen scrunched her face in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It is never taught to outsiders or in a classroom."

"Then how—"

Anakin interrupted "How do people learn it? It is always taught between two people who care for one another and that's it. Usually, mothers teach it to their sons while fathers teach it to their daughters."

"Intriguing." Padmé remarked as she reached down into her box for another bottle of paint. As her mind wondered, she observed, "I'm not familiar with the Dantilla system. Is it part of the Republic?"

Anakin looked up towards the roof for a moment as he thought about her question. "I know it is beyond the Outer Rim. I think Mom told me it is deep within the Unknown Regions, far from Republic space."

She nodded as she continued to work on painting the contours of his small face. While she was focused, Anakin asked, "Padmé?"

"Yes, Ani."

"I would very much like to teach it to you."

Padmé stopped painting and offered a bright smile to her young friend. "Are you sure we won't get into trouble?" she teasingly asked.

Anakin chuckled, but still trying not to move added, "Other than Mom, I don't think we'll be running into too many Dantillians in the future. They are xenoph--….xenofuah--…Padmé smiled at him as she queried, "Do you mean xenophobic?"

"That's it," Anakin said quickly.

As the young monarch was shading in his ear, she asked, "So when do we start?"

"No time like the present," Anakin said with excitement in his voice.


"Yes, Master Windu. I will return immediately." Obi-Wan sighed deeply as he closed off his comlink. He stood silently for several moments, staring at the rows of green vines that covered the Naberrie lands. Although Naboo did hold painful memories, he felt while he was training Anakin, he was in fact training himself to confront his guilt and accept the past. Plus, aside from his teaching duties, Sabé had quickly become a close confidant; much like Siri had been in his adolescence. Only this beautiful young woman was not a Jedi and on several occasions, he felt his self control slipping as he pondered all the possibilities. But he was a Jedi—a Jedi Knight to be more precise. There was no room in his life for matters of the heart. Then how can I protect others if I don't know how to love?

Wishing to escape yet another holovid of Ryoo doing something cute, Sabé went outside to see Obi-Wan staring off into the distance. She stood silently as she studied him while noticing how he carried his anxiety. It hadn't changed since their extended time together back on Tatooine, where they spent many evenings talking about everything under the sun. Sabé then recalled the day that he lost his Master and how she found him after the funeral, weeping by the remnants of the pyre. They never spoke about it, then or since. The young handmaiden just held him as he cried, much like she did the other night when she comforted him after another nightmare. She didn't know what it was about this Jedi, but all Sabé wanted to do was care for him.

Returning from her memories, the young woman approached the Jedi quietly. Obi-Wan was stirred from his daydreams by a soft hand gently caressing his shoulder. He turned his head to see Sabé wearing her wavy auburn hair down and a curious smirk across her face. "Something's troubling you."

It was a statement, not a question. Obi-Wan's arched his eyebrow quizzically. "Am I that transparent?"

A soft smile eclipsed her face as she gently traced his jaw line with her finger. "Only to me." They slightly chortled as she added, "Besides, your shoulders tense up when you're bothered."

"Jedi do not get tense," he retorted as he looked at her matter of factly.

"Oh please, Obi-Wan. Spare me your Jedi nonsense."

The young Knight lightly chuckled as he shook his head in amusement. "Alright, young handmaiden, you have me there."

"Young, huh? I'm not that much younger than you I'll have you know, Master Jedi." Sabé said as she defiantly placed her hands on her hips.

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes in amusement at her antics. She makes me feel like…she makes me feel. It would be so easy to fall in love with her…but I can't. A Jedi does not know love. "As I recall, Chief Handmaiden Orllize, I am ten standard years older than you. I'd say that makes you young, in comparison to me anyhow."

"Nine standard years, my friend," Sabé corrected with mock annoyance in her voice. "My seventeenth life day is next month."

The Jedi chuckled as he saw her stick her tongue out in jest. And without realizing, she had nestled up next to him, while reaching for his hand. "Now my older, wiser Jedi friend, don't try and change the subject. What's bothering you?"

He sighed deeply as he recalled his recent conversation. "I just received word from Coruscant. The Council wishes to meet with me immediately."

Sabé's light humored expression turned to concern. "Do you think they found out about you training Ani?"

Obi-Wan shook his head slightly. "I don't think so. At least, I hope not."

"What would happen if they did?"

The young Jedi sighed deeply as he looked straight into her russet eyes. "It is quite possible they would expel me from the Order."

Squeezing his hand affectionately, the handmaiden observed, "But you knew that when you decided to defy their orders."

Obi-Wan nodded his head in acknowledgement. "True, but I'm sure it will be a routine meeting. If nothing else, they may require me to go on a mission."

"I thought you were permanently assigned to the training facility on Corellia?" Sabé asked, with a hint of worry in her voice.

"I am; however, that doesn't mean that they can't send me on a diplomatic assignment. It was what I was originally trained to do."

With her concern getting the better of her, Sabé wrapped her arms around Obi-Wan's neck and drew him towards her for a kiss. She again sensed his hesitancy; however, unlike other times, the young woman felt his hands trace the contours of her hips as he gently motioned her to draw closer. With this encouragement, Sabé deepened the kiss, causing her heart to race wildly in her chest as she could feel herself beginning to fall.

But he is a Jedi. How could I ever have a life with him, let alone have a family? It could never be…but, I think I love him. Oh Great Spirits, help me. Needing to breathe, the two drew slowly away, while staring affectionately into the other's eyes. The corner of Obi-Wan's mouth rose in a smile as he brushed away several strands of loose auburn hair from her face. A look of regret then flashed in his eyes as she realized that he had to leave, again. At that moment, Sabé didn't know if her heart could continue to take this. However, she was not going to give in to her fears that easily.

Before he could speak, the chief handmaiden offered, "I will ask Mister Naberrie if I can borrow one of his speeders so I can take you to the transport center."

Realizing that she did not want to say good-bye just yet, the Jedi simply nodded. "I need to go inside and take my leave of her majesty and Anakin."

Sabé sadly smiled as she followed him inside. The heart wants what it wants and nothing the brain tells it will ever make it change its mind. She chuckled inwardly as she remembered her father's words from what seemed like such a long time ago. It looked again like his sage-like advice was right on. Sabé's mind told her that it was foolhardy to seek a relationship with a Jedi, but her heart didn't concern itself with the circumstances of that decision. Force help me, I AM falling in love.


A loud crack radiated throughout the cabin as Count Dooku's datapad met the ship's bulkhead. For weeks, he had attempted to use the information that Viceroy Gunray had given him concerning the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. Using the most sophisticated equipment in the known galaxy, the former Jedi Master employed several technicians to aid him in determining the precise coordinates of the transmissions. The first set was the most discouraging, as well as the most unbelievable. It had indicated that the earliest transmissions were broadcasted from Coruscant; however, on closer inspection, it was from the automated industrial district, which was devoid of all humanoid life because of the dangerous pollution that had accumulated there for millennia.

The second piece of data the Count obtained though was more plausible. It pointed to a region well outside the Outer Rim, in the Unknown Regions. However, since Dooku no longer had access to the Jedi archives, which possessed the most updated starmaps of that area, the information was useless. It would be suicide to travel, first into the Unknown Regions alone, but secondly, without any established hyperspace routes; it could take years to reach the coordinates, if they even existed. Dooku would need help, so he decided to leave Serreno to seek out the one person he knew who could help.

The Xinthos Cluster was one of the furthest destinations the former Jedi had ever traveled throughout his time in the Order. Nearly fourteen parsecs from Serreno, it took Dooku three weeks via hyperspace to reach this distant world. Xinthos Prime was the only inhabitable world in this region and was ruled by a family of well respected arms dealers who traced their lineage back to the great Mandalorian clans of yesteryear.

The planet itself was composed primarily of rugged, mountainous terrain with two large oceans that separated both hemispheres. Mandoria, the only inhabited city on the planet, was situated at the base of Xinthos Prime's largest mountain. The Ord clan's weapon factory was built into the side of the mountain and was heavily fortified against any unwelcome visitors. Built within the living rock was the family's mansion that was a haven for the ruling member, as well as a site for receiving important off-world visitors.

As the landing ramp of Count Dooku's shuttle retracted, he saw the boy in the man he had once known long ago. Valkin Ord, the ruler of Xinthos Prime and a noble of great wealth and influence bowed humbly as he saw the former Jedi. From an early age, he had an affinity for weapon design and factory construction. He spent many years in the Republic, going from academies to universities across the Core Worlds, learning every piece of engineering he could wrap himself around.

He was thirty standard years old, but he looked much younger than he was. Valkin stood slightly over six feet; he had a strong build with dark brown hair. Throughout many of the Mid and Outer Rim worlds, he had quickly gained a harsh reputation from his enemies. However, Valkin was considered to be a fair man and always sought a mutually beneficial deal. He had friends as high as the Supreme Chancellor and many Senators owed him a favor or two when he miraculously came to their aid in the past.

Dooku had befriended his father, Candren Ord several decades prior. On numerous occasions, he had aided the former Jedi through many difficult conflicts which broke out in the Outer Rim. The Count had spent considerable time during these visits, talking with a young Valkin about the Jedi and his adventures. In fact, he and Qui-Gon became close friends during the times they spent in this region. However, what especially intrigued the Serreno Count was how the Force surrounded the boy. Indeed, he felt that Valkin could have been a powerful Jedi had he been discovered by the Order when he was younger. He had even taught him some techniques in using the Force; however, Dooku kept these sessions basic because he feared Valkin's thirst for power could lead him down the dark path if he learned more. However, that was no longer important he mused as he stared at the metallic case that rested next to his seat.

"Master Dooku, it is indeed an honor to receive you." Valkin said as he extended his hand out in greeting.

The grey haired man slightly grinned as he accepted it. "It is good to see you again, my old friend. I was saddened to learn of Candren's death. Your father was a great man."

The weapons dealer slightly nodded as he motioned the former Jedi to follow him into the residence. Once they reached Ord's private library, Valkin motioned for the elder gentleman to sit. "Is it true what I've heard about Qui-Gon?"

Dooku sighed loudly as he nodded. "I'm afraid it is, Valkin. He was struck down by a Sith warrior."

"What have the Jedi done in response?"

The anger began to swell in the Count as he folded his arms snugly against his chest. "Nothing, which is why I left the Order."

Valkin slightly nodded as he placed his hand on Dooku's shoulder. "I had hoped that those rumors were also untrue."

Dooku silently nodded as he cast his gaze to a portrait of Candren at the far corner of the room. Studying his long time friend closely, Valkin sat back into his large chair with his fingers forming a steeple. "I take it though that you didn't come all this way to offer your condolences."

The Count smirked as he relaxed into his chair. "I need your help, old friend."

"You know I will do whatever is in my power, Sar."

"I need to borrow one of your heavily armed fighters with an updated navicomputer of the Unknown regions.

Lord Ord furrowed his face in curiosity. "May I ask for what purpose?"

Dooku hesitated briefly before answering, "Certain friends have given me …information that I need to investigate."

An amused grin grew across Valkin's face. "I thought not being a Jedi would make you less cryptic, Master."

Sar chuckled as he realized that he was behaving rather Jedi-like in his explanations. "Quite right, my friend. I apologize. I met Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation on Serreno several weeks ago."

"Really? I thought the Republic was going to lock him up and throw away the key for what he did on Naboo."

The former Jedi shook his head. "Hardly. He is out on his own recognizance; an order straight down from the Supreme Chancellor himself."

Valkin folded his arms as he said, "That's unlike Palpatine to be so merciful; especially for somebody who invaded his own home planet."

Dooku shrugged his shoulders. "Nevertheless, the Viceroy was released and he came to tell me about the Sith Master that orchestrated the whole blockade. However, he was not the one that Qui-Gon's padawan struck down on Naboo."

The weapons dealer sat up in his chair and looked disturbed, catching Dooku's attention. He sensed the Force around him dim. "What is it, old friend?"

Valkin shook his head as he urged the Count to continue. "As I said before, Gunray and his advisor met me at my manor and gave me the coordinates of the Sith's transmissions that they had tracked."

"And they pointed to an area in the Unknown Region?"

"Precisely."

The younger man stood up and walked restlessly about the room. Dooku felt his inner turmoil stirring over something; however, he knew that pushing him would not get any answers. Valkin looked visibly troubled as he walked to the base of his father's painting. For a moment, it looked as if he was seeking advice over what to do from it. Finally he broke the silence. "In a way, I was hoping the rumors about you leaving the Jedi were false. But I see now how your lessons about destiny and the Force are true"

"In what way?"

Lord Ord walked away from the corner of the room to stand before the Count. "Around two weeks ago, I received a coded transmission from deep in the Unknown Regions." Dooku nodded silently as Valkin continued. "This in itself isn't strange because I get requests from there often. However, this was different. Aside from the elaborate broadcast security, I literally felt cold when I responded."

The former Jedi didn't need the Force to know to whom the weapons dealer had spoken. "Sidious," the name escaped his lips causing the young man to turn away.

"Yes, Master Dooku. It was him and he wished to make a purchase."

"For what?"

Valkin sighed as he looked visibly shaken. "For a heavily armed fighter with an updated navicomputer with maps of the Unknown regions…for you."

"Me?"

"Yes," Ord said as his body once again trembled. "I told him that I hadn't seen nor spoken to you in years. That I didn't think I would ever see you again."

Trying to maintain his composure by hiding behind his well practiced Jedi stoicism, Dooku calmly asked, "What did he say to that?"

Turning away, Valkin looked down to the floor. "He told me that you were already traveling to meet with me and when you came, you would request the same piece of equipment. And when you did, I was to accompany you to the set of coordinates that you already possessed…to meet him."

Unable to suppress his shock, Dooku's mouth went agape as he abruptly stood. The older man anxiously walked about the room, uncertain how the Sith Lord even knew of his existence, let alone foresaw him traveling to the Xinthos cluster. Unless finding and destroying Sidious was by the will of the Force. His task was even greater than he originally imagined. The former Jedi continued to pace pensively until he fixed his gaze upon the Xinthonian.

"You must learn the ways of the Force, if you are to accompany me to confront the Sith. This was the other reason why I came to you for help."

Valkin looked at Dooku with stunned disbelief. While he had always felt the Force around him, he lacked the training in order to control it. Even though his friend and even Qui-Gon had taught him many invaluable skills, there was much he simply did not know or understand. "But how could I be of any help to you against a Sith—A Sith Master at that."

"Have faith my friend," the elder gentleman bellowed. "We do not need to depart today. But when we do, it will take us several days to reach our destination, correct?"

The arms dealer sighed as he nodded affirmatively. While he observed Valkin's trepidation, Dooku reached over to pick up the metallic case that he brought. Upon opening it, he said, "I brought something for you that I thought might be useful in our upcoming adventure."

The younger man moved over the case and a huge smirk crossed his face as he looked inside. Sitting in the middle of the case was an arched, metallic lightsaber, similar to the former Jedi's. Valkin then felt a rush of excitement of finally being able to use his connection with the Force for his own advantage. "So when shall we begin, Master?"

"Immediately, my friend," Dooku said in response. "We don't want to keep Darth Sidious waiting for long."


The speeder ride to the nearby transport center was quiet. After taking his leave from Anakin and Padmé, Obi-Wan quickly gathered his things and then he and Sabé left the Naberrie lands for the transport station. The young Jedi's mind was racing with thoughts of the Council, training Anakin, as well as his growing feelings for the Queen's chief handmaiden. Perhaps it was serendipitous that Master Windu's summons came when it did. Indeed, after his earlier encounter with Sabé, he spent the remainder of the time reciting the mantra of the Jedi Code to himself.

The young handmaiden was even more confused than before. Earlier that day, it seemed her Jedi friend was allowing himself to release his feelings for her. But within the blink of an eye, his stoic nature again took over as he quickly withdrew into himself. Why must I pick such an infuriating man to fall in love with? She sighed deeply, catching his attention.

"Something troubling you, Sabé?"

She quickly glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. "Nothing at all, Jedi Kenobi."

His expression dropped into a frown with her reply. "When did we get so formal?"

"Why are you acting like the back end of a shaak?"

"I beg your pardon, Milady?" Obi-Wan asked incredulously.

"It's nothing. Forget it. "She said as she continued to focus her eyes on the road.

Obi-Wan exhaled loudly as he crossed his arms in defiance. Although he had his romantic entanglements before, none of those girls had been able to get under his skin quite like Sabé. The young Jedi knew that his withdrawal from her was necessary. Finally breaking the silence he said, "I know why you are upset with me, Sabé. And believe me; I am angry with myself as well."

"Why don't you enlighten me as to why I'm upset, oh all knowing Jedi Knight sir."

Shaking off her sarcasm, he continued, "This isn't easy for me either, you know."

Sabé slammed on the speeders brakes, pulling off to the side of the road. Once they stopped, she turned angrily towards the young Jedi. "No, I don't know. But I'll tell you what I do know. One minute you are kind and sweet and caring to me; then the next, you shut me out and won't even talk to me." Before he could respond, she cut him off, "I am not a Jedi. I can't read minds nor can I simply turn my feelings for you off and on like some game."

"How I feel about you is not a game, Sabé."

She scoffed as she retorted, "Hard to tell from my end." The two looked at each other intensely as she added, "I know you Jedi are not celibate by any stretch of the imagination so if all you want from me is…"

Before she could finish her sentence, Obi-Wan rushed over to give her a crushing kiss. Although the young handmaiden wanted to hold on to her anger by resisting his caress, Sabé's heart cried out for her to relish the moment as she gave into his affections. After he slowly pulled away from her, he flashed a roguish grin.

"The problem is Sabé, what I do want from you is forbidden."

With feigned ignorance, she asked in a voice barely above a whisper, "And what is it that you want from me?"

Obi-Wan shook his head as he slumped in his seat dejected.. While staring towards the grassy fields he meekly answered, "Your love."

A soft smile grew across her face as the chief handmaiden reached over to place her hand in his. With her free hand, she gently turned the young man's stubble filled face. "But you already have that."

"I know," he said sadly. "But it is something that I cannot accept nor return; lest I abandon all that I know."

Sabé released a breath she didn't realize that she was holding as she saw the struggle on his face. "I know this is difficult for you, Obi-Wan; and I apologize for my harsh words. I too feel…frustrated that I can't simply be with you."

"What do you want to do?"

The young lady sat silent for several moments. Finally returning her attention towards him, she suggested, "We could be lovers."

Obi-Wan looked at her with a mixture of shock and amazement. "But that's not what I want."

"Oh?" she remarked as a frown formed on her face. "Am I not pretty enough?"

"No, I mean, yes, I think you're beautiful," he remarked while tripping over his words. "And of course I would want nothing more than to be intimate with you; but that's not my main motivation." She smiled brightly as she nodded for him to continue. "I just don't know if I am ready to give up everything…"

"To be with me." Sabé added as a look of pain filled the Jedi's face.

"Honestly, yes," he said as he did not remove his gaze. "All my life, the only thing I wanted to be was a great Jedi. It was how I was raised and who I am. However, after losing Qui-Gon, then witnessing the Council's treatment of Anakin and of course, my feelings for you, I'm not certain of anything anymore."

The handmaiden squeezed his hand affectionately as she offered, "Thank you for being open with me, Obi-Wan. I do truly appreciate it." He gave her a smile as she continued, "And I can sympathize with your dilemma, now that I understand it better.' Sabé then leaned towards him as she said, "If you tell me you love me, I promise I will wait until you are ready."

"But I couldn't ask you to do that. It wouldn't be fair."

Sabé shook her head. "You didn't ask and my heart is for me to give away."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and held it in for several moments before finally releasing it. "I do…love you Sabé. Force help me, but I love you…very much. But I can't make any promises now."

"Nor do I ask you to make any now. Your word is more than enough." The young woman retorted.

A curt smile eclipsed his face as he remarked, "What did I ever do to deserve having you in my life?"

Sabé chuckled as she teased, "I don't know, Master Jedi, but whatever it was, you must have been extra good at what you did."

The two reached over to give one another soft, sensual kiss with both wishing that it could last forever. Returning to reality, Sabé pulled away and started the speeder back up. Within minutes they reached the transport station. The two lovers warmly embraced as Sabé whispered, "Come back to me safe, my love."

"I will. I promise." Obi-Wan said as he took his leave from her to embark on his mission.

The young handmaiden stood in the same spot to watch his ship take off and didn't leave until it disappeared from sight. She look up silently as she contemplated the future, or lack thereof. While she was fully aware that he was what her heart wanted, for how long would this arrangement keep her happy? Perhaps the spirits or the Force would smile on them and give them what they both wanted. But for now, she would wait for his return.

TBC-Reviews and Comments are always welcomed :)