HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope you all had a great holiday season. My apologies for the delay in updated, but DRL, plus trying to finish writing my other story The Inquest has slowed me down abit. However, we are going to start the New Year right with a post. Hope you all enjoy!

Cantbel: Thank you so much and welcome to the story. Glad to know that you are enjoying!

Emerald Green Queen: Happy that things are still plausible to you. Of course I have to throw in my twists to keep your interest, but I don't think you mind that. As for poor Landis I would say that it he will be important later. How he will be...? Now concerning Anakin, he is reaching the point in his 'training' where he will be asking, as well as encountering very difficult situations that will require explanation by Obi-Wan. How he will handle this will profoundly influence Anakin's future. In reference to his age, yes he is young and not very possessive, but that doesn't mean he isn't 'wishing' for more. This is also something that will affect his growth and future choices. You bring up a very interesting question about Naboo's Defense Force. All I can say, for the moment, is that it is an important plotline that will continue on into the sequel story (For the Love of the Queen). But to answer your question, it will influence the election, but there will be other 'issues' that should pop up. Glad you are still hooked. Thanks again for reading!

Jedi Knight Revan: I really appreciate that. Thanks for reading!

StanfieldSkywalker: Thanks a bunch. I won't do a 'Christmas version' at least not in this story ;). However, I have written a one-shot that deals with the subject. Thanks again and hoped you had a great holiday!

Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: Yes, life is difficult for the Queen, but she did ask for it. And as for Anakin, I'm sure his stomach reminded him soon after his conversation with Padme. Thanks for reading!

Fortune Zyne: So I take it you don't like Siri? Hard to tell (wink). We shall see more of her soon.

GP: Thanks so much. More is here, now :).

Black's Phoenix: Things are definiately brewing. Where they will lead...? Thanks so much for reading!

Ghostreaper181: It does appear that they need a swift kick. Hopefully they will get through their difficulties. As for Anakin, unfortunately, we won't see any real A/P in this story, but definitely hints of it. Thanks for reading!

Vadergirl2006: Thanks so much!

Hiekio: I hope so too! Thanks for reading.

Pokey: Thanks. I definitely think that simple family moments would have really added to the movies. Oh well. That's why we have fanfic. Thanks for reading!

Mizra: Lots of great stuff happening, but they are still cooking. As I mentioned previously, there won't be any AniAmi in this story, but lots of subtle hints. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoy this next installment.

NothingFeelsGood: Thanks so much. Glad you liked the Threepio moment. He definitely can be a pain. Thanks for reading!

Quillian: Awww..you are too kind. Happy to know you are enjoying. More is here!


A light breeze swept through the vineyard as Sabé made her way outside the Naberrie homestead. While the other women were busy discussing names for Sola's baby, she silently slipped away to search for Obi-Wan. Throughout dinner, they had exchanged glances; but the truth was she had been unable to stop watching him since returning from the festival.

It didn't take Sabé long to find him. He had walked to the large tree on the side of the house where he was pacing incessantly—never a good sign. He was so agitated that he seemed unaware of her approach. When she dramatically cleared her throat to catch Obi-Wan's attention, he nearly tripped over one of the protruding tree roots.

"Are you alright?"

"Quite fine, thank you," he answered with a hint of embarrassment.

Sabé tried to hide her amusement. "I figured that a humble tree would not permanently injure a great Jedi such as you. What I meant was that you seemed troubled earlier."

"Oh that," he muttered softly, turning away from her. "I just received some disturbing news." He swallowed as he turned his head in her direction. "Siri has been declared a rogue by the Jedi Council."

"What?"

"Apparently, she and her former Master were on a mission when Siri turned against her." Obi-Wan released a deep breath. "For a slave trader of all things."

Sabé shook her head in disbelief while her mind raced. Siri Tachi was the one who had dissuaded her from her romantic intentions towards Obi-Wan, arguing that he would become a shadow of himself if he were expelled from the Jedi Order.

And now this?

She inwardly shrugged, unsure what to make of this news. Yet, Obi-Wan was distraught and comforting him was the only thing that mattered.

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"

He shook his head, but smiled sadly when he looked up. "I wish there was..."

"I will pray to the spirits to watch over your friend," she offered, disbelieving what she had just said.

Obi-Wan's smile grew. "I truly appreciate your kindness." He shrugged his shoulders as he sank down next to the tree. "I'm afraid nothing can save Siri now."

Sabé knelt down to face him. "Couldn't you go after her?"

"I would if I knew where she was," he admitted. He shook his head, his eyes trailing downward. "However, if I was to find her, and she did not submit…I would be forced to kill her." His face contorted painfully. "Rogue Jedi are dangerous, especially a Knight who may have turned to the Darkside…"

"Darkside?" She asked curiously.

He smiled as he patted the space next to him, inviting her to sit. As Sabé moved over, he began. "Every living being in the universe is part of the Force, which is what gives a Jedi his strength and knowledge. Unfortunately, there are those who exploit this energy and twist it to serve their own needs. People such as these have turned away from the light. In doing so, they fall within the shadows the Darkside, making them capable of terrible things."

"How do you know if someone is bad or good?"

Obi-Wan grinned as he gave her a sideways glance. "Just as you know as a bodyguard which people you have to watch while others are harmless; it's…"

"…something you learn," Sabé finished.

"Precisely."

She was about to question him further when she heard Anakin shout from the bottom of the hill. "Sabé!"

"Yes?" She yelled, sitting up.

"Padmé's looking for you."

The handmaiden ungraciously snorted and rolled her eyes before answering, "I'll be down in a minute." Sabé then turned to Obi-Wan and flashed a smile. "If you'll excuse me, Master Jedi, I am needed inside."

"Of course, Milady." He answered while rising.

When she was heading down the hill, Obi-Wan called out, "Sabé."

The handmaiden paused and turned around. "What's the matter?"

"Can I ask you something personal?"

She stiffened slightly before nodding. "Of course."

"Back on Malastare, the day before Anakin's race, did Siri tell you something…" his voice trailed off as the courage to finish his sentence escaped him.

Sabé cocked her head to one side, her expression hardening. "It was of no consequence. Besides, what does it matter now?"

"I just wanted to know," he acquiesced. "I thought perhaps Siri was the reason why you ended our relationship. You do know that she and I would never be more than friends."

Her eyes no longer could hold his piercing stare. She allowed hers to fall towards the ground while she hoped she could find an answer to satisfy them both. "I did what I had to do, even though it wasn't what I truly wanted."

"Then your feelings haven't changed."

Sabé sighed deeply as she turned around. "It is…too late."

As she started to walk away, Obi-Wan muttered, "I cannot stop loving you, no matter what you think you have to do."

Sabé's heart fluttered in happiness as a large smile grew on her face. More than anything she wanted to jump into his arms and pretend that everything that had transpired over the past three years was but a bad dream. When she was about to proclaim her feelings, Anakin appeared at her side. "Sorry to interrupt, but Padmé said it was urgent."

Sabé huffed loudly, offering a frustrated glance at Obi-Wan. She then tilted her head slightly as she glanced at the Jedi. "Shall we continue this at another time?"

"By all means," he answered evenly.


Sabé could not stop grinning until she reached the front of the homestead when she was greeted by the deep scowl of her Queen.

"You know, that look could become permanent," the handmaiden joked.

Padmé's expression slightly lightened before she handed her a small datapad. "What's this?"

"News from Coruscant."

Sabé read quickly, her face paling when she finished. "This can't be right."

"I'm afraid it is," Padmé answered as she took the datapad back.

"We weren't even informed that Viceroy Gunray's trial was going to be held so soon."

"Apparently that was intentional," she responded angrily.

Sabé shoulders raised and fell dramatically as she exhaled loudly. "Well, it was a dismissal of one of the lesser charges. There are still several major pending."

"True, but with the way this was handled is suspect. How can we not assume that the same thing won't happen next time?" Padmé mused, pacing about in a small circle.

"Have you spoken with Senator Mar?"

The Queen paused for a moment, her frown furrowed even deeper. "I just got off the holoviewer with him." She winced before continuing, "According to what he said, he was just informed about the change in the court docket—that the judged deemed it unnecessary to call him or me to a dismissal session."

"So I take it Gunray will remain free until the next trial date?"

Padmé snorted and rolled her eyes. "It gets better than that. The bureau of elders on Cato Neimoidia declared that Nute Gunray will remain the Viceroy over the Trade Federation for life."

"That's ridiculous," Sabé spat. She then looked up at the Queen. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the courts," she reasoned. "But perhaps this was the swift kick I needed."

"How so?"

"I've been agonizing over the new Defense Force Bill for some time. Now, it is very possible that our enemies could return at any moment."

"What shall we do?" Sabé queried, tilting her head.

"Everything in due time," Padmé answered, patting her on her shoulder. "For the moment, gather our things. We need to return to Theed immediately."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."


When Sabé departed, Anakin glanced at both her and Obi-Wan quickly "Master, I'm sorry I bothered you."

Obi-Wan slightly chuckled while shaking his head. "No worries, Anakin. Besides, I'm sure we will have an opportunity to speak later." He beckoned to Anakin. "Tell me, my friend, what is on your mind?"

"I was wondering if we could talk some more about the Sith you encountered."

Obi-Wan noticeably tensed before directing Anakin to sit. "What in particular do you want to know?"

He thought briefly before asking, "What was it that you felt when you were in its presence?"

Obi-Wan sat quietly, remembering the events of that terrible day. It was something that he had spent the last few years meditating upon, trying futilely to find a moment that if done different would have saved his Master's life. He had felt the Force urging him to forgive himself; that it was the will of the Force and not that of the Sith's. Still, Obi-Wan could not let it go. Looking up he saw the intense stare of his student fixed upon him while he waited patiently for his answer.

"I remember feeling cold around him. In some ways it was as if he wasn't even there. But, the burning rage that he placed into each strike was more intense than anything I've ever encountered.

Anakin sat quietly, listening carefully until Obi-Wan finished speaking. "I think I felt something similar a few weeks ago."

"Where?"

"Here on Naboo—at the Florenza castle. The Queen was supposed to meet with former King Veruna, but when we arrived, I felt something terrible…I was colder than I ever had been in my life, but then it disappeared. It almost felt like it was aware of me"

"What did you find when you went inside?"

"Death," he answered with a sigh. "It looked like the King had hired Outer Rim mercenaries who turned on him."

Obi-Wan reclined against the hill, stroking his growing beard. "While sensing a tragedy through the Force is not uncommon, the fact this event suddenly disappeared and seemed alert to your presence is rather disturbing." He closed his eyes briefly. "Did you sense any malice towards you or the Queen?"

Anakin thought for a moment. "No, Master. Just cold and emptiness."

"I'm not sure what you sensed, but you were fortunate that whatever it was had already left."

"Do you think it was the Sith, Master?" Anakin asked hesitantly.

"I don't know, Anakin. If it was, we must consider the possibility of moving you off of Naboo."

Anakin's entire body locked while giving Obi-Wan a sullen stare. "There's nothing to consider, Master. This is my home and I am bound to defend it, no matter who the adversary."

Obi-Wan leaned closer to the younger boy. "I understand that you have your obligations as this planet's High Protector, but as the Chosen One you have an even greater duty to the galaxy."

"We've never really established that I am this mythical figure that Qui-Gon said I supposedly was," Anakin blurted. "Honestly, I feel no different than anybody else."

"But you are, Anakin," Obi-Wan replied. "In all my years at the Temple, I've never encountered any Jedi your age capable of the things you can already do."

"I'll never be a Jedi, Master." Anakin said, unable to mask the pain of that rejection. "What does it matter then?"

"Qui-Gon believed in you, as do I," Obi-Wan pointed out, patting him on the shoulder. "I am aware we haven't spent too much time considering this role in your training; but perhaps it is something we should pay more attention to."

Anakin nodded slightly before standing up in frustration. He started to pace, but stopped as he turned to focus on something down the hill. Curious, Obi-Wan stood up and noticed that Anakin was intently watching Padmé and Sabé having a discussion. He smiled as he placed a hand of comfort on the boy's shoulder. "I see it is not only duty that holds you here."

"I've loved her ever since the moment she walked into Watto's shop," Anakin admitted, shrugging his shoulders dramatically. "And all she thinks of me as that little boy from Tatooine… nothing more."

Obi-Wan smiled knowingly. "Remember that Padmé has a responsibility that neither you nor I could possibly imagine." When he saw Anakin become even more dejected, he added, "Besides, you both are young and in time, things could change. Even your feelings could become different and one day you might not think of her in that sense."

Anakin shook his head dramatically while folding his arms. "There will never be anybody else for me but her."

Obi-Wan's expression remained unchanged as he refrained from commenting since experience had taught him otherwise. He had never considered how important the bond with the young Queen and Anakin was to his student. A Jedi would see this attachment as a distraction, possibly a detriment to Anakin's training. However, Obi-Wan had learned that connections with others were actually a great source of strength and ought to be encouraged. He believed that Anakin's crush would evaporate in time, but that the Queen would always be an important part of his life.


The small freighter rocked violently as hoards of small pirate vessels swarmed about it. Siri grinned briefly before firing her quad cannons at the helpless ship's communication array, effectively severing them from any help. Krayn smirked proudly as he leaned over her chair to watch the attack.

"What is their status?"

Siri focused her ship's sensors towards the smaller vessel. "Their shields are down; the hyperdrive has received significant damage and their communications relay has been disabled."

"Good," he answered. "You may bring us along side and engage the docking rings. Once your done, join us at the hatch. I want you to lead the boarding party."

"As you wish," Siri responded unemotionally.

In the past few weeks, she had accompanied Krayn on numerous raids along the Kessel Run, attacking unsuspecting transport or small cargo carrying vessels, and seizing those on board whom they sold upon returning to the Outer Rim. She continued to be amazed at how many credits they earned through this enterprise, and it was only growing. While Krayn was the major slave runner in this sector of the galaxy, Siri learned that he was only one of many. But despite their individual power, each one appeared to be subordinate to an even greater proprietor.

Once the docking clamps were engaged, the transport vessel's main airlock opened immediately. Siri, accompanied by two dozen of Krayn's loyal guardsmen quickly ran inside the ship to capture the occupants. Stunning blasts echoed throughout the small cabin, yet Siri walked calmly while she used the Force to locate those that had decided to fight rather than hide. She had been completely engrossed in her task that she had become separated from the others. When she was sure that she was alone, she quickly withdrew her comlink.

"Master, do you read me?"

A brief echo of static preceded Adi Gallia's soft voice. "Yes Siri, you're coming in fine."

"We just locked onto another transport ship. I am transmitting the coordinated to you now."

""Very good, young one. Master Vos and Master Tiin are one sector away and will track your ship to the Outer Rim."

Siri sighed. "I have yet to learn who is in league with Krayn. My instincts tell me that there is somebody even greater behind everything"

"Be mindful of your feelings, Siri. They must be in tune with the Force if you are to learn the real truth."

"Yes, Master." Siri turned around quickly when she heard a noise. Instinctively, she reached for her lightsaber but didn't activate it as she felt that she was alone again.

Adi asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Master, but I should not keep this channel open for much longer."

"Keep in contact and if you find your cover compromised don't hesitate, get out."

"Understood. Tachi out."

After placing her comlink back inside her tunics, she was about to rejoin the group when she heard a rustling sound in the far corner. Extending her senses to search for danger, Siri grinned as she walked over to find a small girl hiding underneath a partially empty crate.

"Boo!" the blonde child shouted.

If not for her years of Jedi training, Siri would have lurched backwards in surprise. "Boo yourself."

"Who are you?"

"My name is Siri. What's yours?"

"Dahlia."

"What are you doing under there?"

"Hiding from the bad people."

Siri grimaced since they were there to take this girl and her parents. She was about to question the girl further when an echo of warning through the Force caused her to act. In one motion, her sapphire blade deflected several blaster bolts that were intended for head.

"Tachi!" snarled Aurra Sing, again taking aim.

Instinctively, Siri dashed forward and destroyed the assaulting weapon, sending sparks and pieces flying across the room. She was about to continue her attack upon the bounty hunter when Krayn yelled out. "Stop!"

The two women halted their assault to look at the man. Sing immediately pleaded, "Why are you in league with this Jedi scum, Krayn?"

"She's no longer a Jedi, my friend. She's now one of us."

Aurra rapidly shifted her eyes from the slaver back to Siri. "Is that so," she remarked suspicious.

"It is and I expect you to extend her the same courtesy that you would show me," Krayn ordered. "Is that clear?"

"For the moment," Sing snapped. "That is until I prove to you that she is making a fool of you."

"Careful Sing," Krayn warned. "You haven't exactly proven yourself to me, no matter what that giant slug has said on your behalf."

"You would be wise not to speak of the mighty Hutt in such a way," Aurra retorted. "He is, after all, your silent partner in this venture."

The bounty hunter had confirmed her suspicions, but for the moment, Siri needed to maintain appearances. Quickly she stormed away from the group to gather up the still hiding child. "I'll take this one back to the ship." Siri smiled evilly. "One such as this will fetch top credits."

The slaver bowed his head in acceptance, waving his hand slightly. Siri continued to smile as they returned toward the docking ring. Meanwhile, the little girl who had not shown any fear since she found her, looked quizzically at her.

"Where are you taking me?"

"To my ship," Siri answered abruptly.

"What will we do there?"

'We're going on a long trip."

Dahlia seemed to be considering her response as her face scrunched for a moment. Finally, she released a small while patting Siri's shoulder. "I don't think you are one of those bad people."

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Siri asked, "What makes you think that?"

"Your eyes are too nice."

Siri couldn't help but crack a smile at Dahlia's perceptiveness. "You seem to know a lot for being a kid."

"When you've traveled a lot, you learn things," she responded.

Siri chuckled as they proceeded to the cargo hold where the others were being held. Setting down Dahlia, she knelt and whispered in her ear, "You are right about me, but promise that it will be our little secret."

She smiled in delight. "I promise, just as long as you come to visit me."

"Deal," Siri said as she opened the door and lead her inside. Leaving the holding quarters, she felt a terrible pain in her heart at seeing the different people whose lives would change so drastically unless the Jedi succeeded in intercepted the rendezvous ship near the Mid-Rim. She was also bothered by the revelation that the Hutts were involved in this. That was a complication she had been hoping to avoid, but as always, she would do her duty.


Looking out at the rowdy gathering of humans and aliens, who went to hear what a former Jedi had to say, the Serreno Count balanced his weight from behind the makeshift podium. He was no stranger in the Outer Rim. The small, good natured Rodian who had introduced him had tried to the best of his abilities to calm the audience down, but to no avail. Finally, Dooku seized their attention.

"My friends!" he bellowed, raising his arms in the air. "I am proud to stand amongst you." A hush filled the crowd as all eyes were focused on the Count. "I come to bring you tidings from the people of Serenno and to reassure you that you haven't been forgotten." A loud roar followed from the audience. The planet had emerged from one in a series of civil wars that had plagued the populous for several generations. The Republic provided little to no assistance to the world, other than its pledge to help them rebuild once they resolved their internal disputes.

For this reason, Darth Sidious instructed him to travel here in order to 'plant the seeds' of discontent. This place would be the first test to judge the readiness of the galaxy for change. "Our Republic fathers, as respectable as they are, do not understand the struggle with day to day life as I and others do." Dooku paused briefly, extending his awareness into the Force to read the moods of the people. As they had predicted, the people were angry that the Senate had abandoned them.

A sly grin filled his face at this revelation. "Or perhaps they are not honorable and a time will come to replace them." Cheers once again erupted the small meeting hall as shouts of 'Death to the Republic' and 'Down with Palpatine,' echoed forth. Dooku interjected, "The Chancellor is a decent man, of that I am certain. Yet those who occupy the chairs of the Senate only care about lining their pockets to fund their campaigns while worlds like yours suffer from the aftermath of such brutality."

A middle-aged man burrowed his way through the crowd in order to reach the front. He possessed the chiseled face of a person who had experience far beyond his years and his Force presence seemed diminished from having witnessed countless atrocities. "The Republic doesn't exist out here, Count Dooku," he called out. "All that we've known is survival. What the politicians on Coruscant do is of little concern when our children are starving and our wives are dying from easily treatable infections." The man's jaw tightened as he continued, "These are the issues that concern us, Count."

Dooku listened carefully to the man's diatribe, not once attempting to interrupt until he was finished. He flashed the man a quick smile before returning his focus on the others. "As a member of the ruling family on Serenno, I have been authorized to pay to your provisional government a tribute of one hundred million credits a year until your reconstruction is complete."

Another ear-piercing roar filled the air as he withdrew from the podium to listen to the accolades. Dooku grinned inwardly, intoxicated by the rush of the people's support. He even imagined himself for a brief moment, in his Master's place atop the center seat of power in the Republic, guiding the galaxy to a better future. When he once again gazed at the angry man, Dooku sensed a shift in his feelings—he was grateful for what the Count was offering and now was more open to suggestion.

The first seeds had taken root.

TBC-Thoughts, reviews and comments are welcomed:)