To Everyone: My apologies for the delay in posting. Have been having to do writing for my work so that has been keeping me busy and way from fun writing. Thanks for your patience and hope you all enjoy!

Lord Marix: Thank you so very much!

Lord High Protector Valiaun: Glad you are enjoying. As for a name of state, the honor of the High Protectorship is similar to an English 'knighthood' in that there are priviledges and responsibilities; however, it isn't really a political position (although it will change over time) so Anakin isn't required the name change. Also, he was so well known because of his actions during the liberation, it would have been impossible to maintain his anonymity. As for your other questions, keep reading to find out ;). And yes, the deal with Valkin could come back to haunt them. Thanks so much for reading!

Jedi of the Republic: Well, never say never ;). As for Dooku, he definitely has his own agenda. Whether he accomplishes his goals...we'll find out in time :). Thanks for reading!

Master of Random Disaster: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Many times I get things mixed up myself, but thankfully I have a wonderful beta reader who keeps me in line.

E: Will do!

Darthdrew1704: Thank you so much!

Quillian: No problem, DRL stinks sometimes. Thanks for reading and happy to know that you are still enjoying!

Ghostreaper181: I honestly feel that Obi-Wan's prudish ways was one of the major contributing factors to Anakin's fall. Now that he is abit more 'open', we shall see how this impacts subsequent events. As for Palpy, he doesn't know about her wish to die, which of course could come into his advantage. As for how this will all come about...keep reading ;). Thanks so much!

Mizra: Thanks so much. I'm thrilled that you liked. That line was definitely a 'knock' on the canon Jedi.

NothingFeelsGood: Thanks so much. As for Valkin, remember that he was charged by Palpy/Dooku to construct the prototype 'Death Star's' main weapon. So you can understand why he's nervous about failing them.

Pokey: Thanks a bunch. Glad you like Valkin because we will see more of him.

Fortune Zyne: I appreciate that!

Uberjedi: Thanks and welcome to the thread. Hope you continue to enjoy!

Lokigirl: grin

Stanfield Skywalker: Hmmm..that is an interesting notion, but surprisingly, Valkin was being honest. Glad you liked the meeting between Ilianya and Anakin. He will learn a lot from her. As for Obi-Wan and Siri, that too is a great thought...but as always, we shall see ;). As for Valkin, we aren't certain whether he was aware of Padme's/Corde's ruse or not. Remember, he is Force sensitive so...you'll have to draw your own conclusions, for the time being. As I mentioned earlier, the cannon is his 'prototype' for the Death Star's main weapon. Of course it isn't in the form (yet) that we all recognize since if you recall the Geonosians are busy trying to solve the design problems with the battle station itself. Great questions. Keep 'em coming!

MMM73181: Thanks! Should be interesting.

Kates Master2: Thanks so very much!

Black's Phoenix: You bring up an interesting point, to which I can only advise to hold that thought. We shall see that soon as well ;). Thanks so much for reading!


Anakin felt himself drawn to a large, golden crown at the peak of a large mountain. As he stretched his hands toward it, a searing pain filled his senses, causing the world around him to turn blood red. Instinctively, he reached for his weapon, but fell to the ground, clutching at his chest. He felt the essence of his life flooding out of him. With his remaining strength Anakin shifted his eyes back to the crown, which was now soaked in blood. A scream of horror attempted to escape his lungs, but a powerful force held it in his chest. In the shadows he heard someone cackling. The creature stopped to observe him like a predator before it spoke. "Soon your world will be turned to dust and you will be ours…The darkness is coming!"

Rising up in his bed, Anakin screamed out in terror as the realm of the real world returned. His body relaxed when he felt two slender but sturdy arms wrap around him. Unable to see, he buried his face in a mass of curly hair while he wept.

"It's okay…it was only a dream," Padmé whispered. Recognizing her voice, Anakin tried to pull away in embarrassment, but her embrace only tightened. They exchanged a momentary glance before Anakin huddled himself up against her. "Are these as bad as before?"

"Worse," he muttered.

"What did you see?"

"I'm not sure," Anakin answered barely above a whisper. "They are mostly images of things I don't recognize." He then worriedly looked up at her. "How much longer before we reach home?"

"We should arrive within six hours."

Anakin nodded, staring blankly at the wall. "We need to get there soon."

"Do you know what will happen?"

"No," he replied softly. "But something terrible is coming." Anakin darted his eyes nervously about the cabin. "Or perhaps going home is where the danger lies… maybe we should stop?"

"Anakin…"

Pulling away from her embrace in order to pace about the stateroom, Anakin tugged at his lengthening hair while he tried to think. "I don't know what to do." Turning towards Padmé, he yelled in frustration, "I don't know what is going to happen!"

Rising to her feet, Padmé grabbed his wrists while pulling his hands away from his head. "Anakin, try to rest. Worrying yourself into a frenzy will not solve anything."

Yanking his hands away, Anakin turned his back to her. "If I can't figure this out…someone is going to die."

"But you don't know that for certain."

"I should!" he shouted. Padmé backed away from him. "I am after all the Chosen One," he added bitterly.

"Why are you acting this way?" Padmé asked, her voice becoming neutral. "You used to be able to tell me anything."

"Because I'm afraid, Padmé!" Anakin retorted. "I'm afraid that you are the one that will be hurt and I cannot allow that to happen."

"Anakin," she said with a sigh. "There are some things in this life that are beyond any of us. Even you."

"Then why did the Force give me these gifts, but not the ability to change anything?" Anakin fell to his knees. "I never asked for this…"

Joining him on the floor, Padmé wrapped her arms around his back. "I wish I knew the answer, Ani." She gently lifted his chin, wiping away the streaming tears that had fallen down both sides of his face. "But that is why we must treasure every moment of our lives – because we don't know when they will end." She paused to give him a heartfelt smile. "So we must treasure those whom we care deeply for and live each day as if it were our last."

"Are all queens as smart as you?" Anakin giggled between sobs.

"Well, only the truly great ones," Padmé teased as she reached over to kiss him on the check.

Anakin's heart felt as if it leapt into his throat when her soft lips brushed his face. He tried to breathe, but his lungs wouldn't obey and neither would his brain. Not a single clear thought entered his mind other than how much he never wanted that moment to end.

"Padmé…I …

"Your Highness?" Dormé called over the ship's intercom.

Padmé smiled and pointed her finger up requesting Anakin to wait. "Yes?"

"Incoming message from Governor Bibble. Priority one alpha."

Padmé shot a worried glance over at Anakin who immediately stood up with her. "Pipe it through down here, please."

A light flickered over the corner holoviewer as the image came into focus. "Your Highness…my Lord," the elder statesman acknowledged with a half bow. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything important."

Anakin sulked while Padmé shook her head. "No, Governor. Is something wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," he said with a wide grin.

"Then I don't understand…"

"I wanted to be the first to congratulate you on your victory," Bibble said, his mirth steadily growing.

"Victory?"

"Yes," he said with a nod. "You've been declared the winner of the election."

"How can that be?" Padmé asked puzzled. "The campaign has yet to begin."

"Lady Kelaria as of this morning withdrew her candidacy, and the deadline has passed for new candidates to enter the race."

Anakin smiled happily, but Padmé's face furrowed further. "I…I'm not sure how to feel about this."

"You should feel proud," Bibble urged. "It is a testament to your profound leadership, as well as our people's faith in your ability to guide them into the new future."

"It still doesn't seem right. The people should have their day to voice their opinions."

Bibble abruptly shook his head. "They already have or else there would have been more opposition. No, Your Highness, you deserve this. Be happy."

"I appreciate the information, Governor. We shall speak more on this upon my return."

Sio bowed. "I look forward to it."

Once the transmission ended, Anakin cautiously approached her. "Are you alright?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Padmé offered him a sheepish smile. "Looks as if I have a coronation to plan."


"I think you made the right decision, Lady Kelaria," Renaltus declared with a sly grin. The young woman seemed nervous, but did not remove her eyes from his.

"I am only thankful that you took the time to counsel me, Your Highness." Selaré guiltily smiled as she drew closer. "I did not fathom what an enormous undertaking campaigning for the throne would be. I know now that I am ill prepared for such a challenge."

Renaltus briefly smirked before reaching down to the side of his chair for a small, velvet pouch which he held out towards her. "Something for your trouble."

"I couldn't, Your Majesty."

Renaltus waved his hand. "Consider it…a tribute for whatever future you decide to make for yourself now, Milady."

"I am in your debt," she said while bowing before him.

At that same moment, Landis entered the small, makeshift throne room, but seemed to hesitate when seeing Veruna with the young woman. "Your Highness, I apologize for the interruption but you have an urgent message coming over on the hypercomm."

"It is alright, my friend. Lady Kelaria and I were just finishing." Renaltus briefly grinned. "Now, if you would excuse us, my dear. I have business to attend to."

Selaré smiled warmly as she took her leave; meanwhile, Landis continued to watch her until she departed. He then fixed his gaze upon the former King. "Tam and Dal have returned from Theed."

"And?" He asked impatiently.

Gentree sighed before he continued. "They have obtained the holos of the complex plaza, as well as areas that would serve our purposes."

"You don't approve," Veruna observed after several moments of nervous silence.

"Your Highness…I am not sure that this is the best course of action."

"And why not?"

Landis folded his arms against his chest. "If you make Amidala a martyr, you will only reinforce the people's resolve to keep the army, even if Parliament reinstalls you as King."

"Whoever said anything about removing the army after we achieved our objective?"

"But, sir." Gentree said dumbfounded. "The others believe…"

"In what they choose to believe," Renaltus corrected.

"You are using them…"

Veruna grinned as he wrapped his arm around his servant. "Just as any King would utilize those under his command."

Landis stiffened, but his expression betrayed his thoughts. "What will happen to them?"

"Only that they will be in the hands of the spirits." As Renaltus turned to enter the communications room, he paused in the doorway. "By the by, who is calling for me?"

"Chancellor Palpatine," Landis answered with a wry grin.


They called it the machine.

At least, that was what Siri had heard about the instrument developed by the Temple healers for Jedi who had been severally injured during a mission. She had come to both fear and respect the inanimate object that was helping her regain her strength. Giving the machine another thrust, Siri stopped when she saw Obi-Wan leaning against the doorway. "You seem to be getting better at it."

"Or perhaps I have finally stopped fearing it," she quipped.

Obi-Wan warmly smiled as he joined her. "How are you feeling?"

"I swear…if I had a credit for every time I've been asked that since coming back."

He waved his hands innocently, giving her a smile of encouragement. "We are all just concerned about you."

Siri slumped in exhaustion while cracking a grin. "I know, my friend. It is just so….frustrating. There's a little girl that is being herded throughout the cosmos, waiting and hoping for me to save her."

"Have the nightmares returned?"

Ignoring him, she pushed harder on the machine with her legs; sweat further beading down the sides of her face. "I need to get my strength back so the Council will see that I'm ready to return to duty."

"Siri," Obi-Wan's voice became more stern.. "Have they?"

Hunching over, she released a tired breath while looking at him solemnly. "Yes they have….so what of it?"

"You know that you cannot resume your duties until you've dealt with what has happened."

"I will handle that in my own time and way," she barked as she continued with her exercises. "I think the Masters on the Council have forgotten what it's like to be a Jedi in the field."

"Forget not those trials," called out Master Yoda who had quietly joined the two, unobserved. "Long do they stay with one."

Both Obi-Wan and Siri instantly jumped to their feet, with the latter bowing her head in embarrassment. "Master…I humbly offer my apologies."

Surprisingly, the diminutive Jedi chuckled while he hobbled to join them. "Many times in my youth, question I did the wisdom of my Masters. Such is the way of things for all Jedi."

Siri knelt down, her features relaxing. "Master Yoda…there is a young girl I encountered on my mission that is in need of my help."

"Regrettable it was, that the slave ship escaped our watch. But even for a Jedi, impossible it would be to find any of those that have been sold off."

"But Master," Siri retorted, "I think I know where the child is."

"Oh?" Yoda responded, his ears rising up. "How certain are you of this?"

Blinking several times, she answered, "I have seen her in my dreams…calling out to me."

"An attachment you made with this girl?"

"Yes, Master." Siri dutifully admitted. "However, I think it is more than that now…I think she is Force sensitive."

"Why didn't you mention this before?" Obi-Wan chimed in.

With an obvious look of irritation, Siri calmly answered, "I wasn't sure until my recent nightmare."

"So you still are having them," he observed.

Becoming increasingly annoyed, Siri rose up. "I have to do what I feel what is right… just as you would do, old friend."

Certain that she was referring to his unsanctioned training of Anakin and noticing Yoda's penetrating stare now fixed on him, Obi-Wan shrugged. "I am just concerned about you."

"I will be fine once I find Dahlia." Both Jedi then turned their attention towards Yoda who was quietly appraising the situation, but his expression, as always, was completely unreadable.

"Sanction this mission, the Council will not." Siri was about to protest when he raised his hand to stop her. "However, grant you a leave of absence, I shall. Return to the Temple, in six weeks time. Report your readiness to resume your duties, you will then."

"Yes, Master." Siri answered with a sly grin. "Thank you."

As the venerable Master departed, Siri quickly gathered her things and was about to leave when Obi-Wan called out to her. "Where will you start looking?"

"From my dreams I recall seeing a blue pulsar above a green planet."

"That is rather vague, don't you think?" Obi-Wan replied.

"Unlike you who used to fall asleep in stellar cartography class, I was able to narrow down the choices using the Temple archives to a small system in the Quence Sector and another near the Arkanis Sector." Siri pointed out grinning.

"Quence Sector," he muttered to himself. "That's deep in the Outer Rim. It will take over a week to get that far."

"That is why I haven't a moment to waste."

"Care for some company?" Obi-Wan asked.

"That depends."

"On?"

She seemed to hesitate before smiling. "On your promising not to preach the Jedi code if we have to resort to unorthodox measures to save Dahlia."

Obi-Wan chuckled and shook his head. "I am hardly in the position to do such a thing."

"Qui-Gon would be proud of you," she responded with a large grin. "I think you are becoming more like him."

The only retort Obi-Wan could respond with was to laugh. Somehow, that thought brought him great comfort.


After tossing his gear in his room, Anakin ambled upstairs in his residence and knocked softly on his mother's bedroom door.

"Come in!"

He smiled happily as his mother rose up from her terminal to give him a crushing hug. "When did you arrive?"

"Early this morning, but I had to attend several meetings with the Queen before I could come home."

Shmi beamed at him as she gave him another hug. "I'm glad you are safe. Are you hungry?"

"Starving," he declared by rubbing his stomach. While they made their way down to the kitchen where Threepio fretted about a malfunctioning garbage disposal, Anakin relayed to her the events of the past few weeks, but skipped the parts that he knew would worry her. While he was talking, he felt something different about his mother. She seemed happy—more than that, she appeared to be almost glowing.

"Enough about me. How about you, Mom?"

"What about me?" Shmi answered innocently.

"I don't know," Anakin remarked. "You just seem… really happy."

"Of course I am," Shmi responded. "I have you here at home with me again."

Giving her a look of disbelief, he asked, "How was your last trip to Tatooine?" He felt her exuberance spike at mention of the sandy planet—something that was very atypical. Apparently, whatever was making her joyous had to do with that Force-forsaken place.

"It went well. Ruwee and I were able to help several new families, as well as see the others that we had been taking supplies to."

"I'm glad to hear that," Anakin said, his curiosity now growing insatiable. "Mom?"

"Yes?" She answered while mixing some ingredients together.

"Is there something I need to know about?"

When Shmi looked up, her cheeks were bright red. "Whatever do you mean?"

Anakin sighed and looked down. "You just feel…different."

Placing down the glassware in which she was preparing his meal, Shmi walked to the other side of the bar to sit next to him. "Ani…I've met someone."

"And?"

"And…he's a really nice man."

At that moment, realization of what had occurred entered Anakin's mind. His mother was in love. Anakin recalled having seeing her that way once before when he was a small child. But fate, which is always cruel for slaves, had taken away her beau shortly after he had declared his affections for her. Since then, Shmi had devoted her attention entirely to Anakin, but he had always felt the pain and loneliness that she had harbored since she lost her beloved companion. Anakin wanted to be happy for her, but a sharp pang of jealousy was quickly rising. What if this person wanted to take her away from him?

"Are you going to marry him?" he asked, expressionless.

Shmi choked loudly and then offered him a large smile. "No, but he has come to mean a great deal to me…both he and his son."

"Son?" Anakin murmured, now consumed with envy.

"Yes, their names are Cliegg and Owen Lars…they are moisture farmers who live on the outskirts of Mos Eisely."

Anakin's entire body shrugged as he listened. As much as he wanted to dislike them, he recalled that the few moisture farmers that he had encountered were honest and decent folk. He supposed that since it was a fruitless trade, those involved did it solely for their clientele without delusions of obtaining wealth. Anakin quickly beat back the dragons of jealousy. He wanted nothing more than for his mother to be happy and he would do nothing to take that away from her.

"So…what are they like?"

Shmi's smile grew larger. "Funny you should mention that, because they both are very curious about you, too."


Renaltus slowly walked into the holoviewer room. Even the image of the Supreme Chancellor was frightening enough that he wished he didn't have to look at him. However, since Palpatine never favored voice only communications, he tried to hide his overwhelming fear. Upon seeing the blue image, Veruna thought he saw the hint of a grin fill its features—undoubtedly the Dark Lord of the Sith knew his every thought and feeling.

"Your Excellency, how might I be of service?"

"What is your status?"

"All has gone just as you predicted."

Palpatine's smirk grew. "Excellent. And what of the coronation site?"

"My people have obtained the holos of all the buildings and underground passageways of the area. We will be ready to execute the plan."

"How many will…participate?"

"Six, Your Excellency."

The image paused momentarily "I believe one more is needed."

"Excellency?" Veruna queried.

"Yes, seven will assure that our plans are successful."

"But, sir…there are no more to choose from."

Palpatine sneered. "There is you, my friend."

Me?"

"Yes…you will lead your people in this task so that the Naboo will see that you are the one who will guide them into the future."

"But, Your Excellency…I have no training in such affairs."

"It does not take much to pull a trigger and end a life," Palpatine responded without emotion. "Besides, once this deed is accomplished, I will consider your debt to me paid in full."

"I have a doubt, Your Excellency."

"I don't," the Chancellor retorted. "Do what must be done."

"As you wish, Your Excellency."

When the image disappeared, Veruna felt his entire body shake. Even though he had never personally killed another human being, he feared more the retribution of the Sith than the judgment of the spirits on his soul. This deal was getting worse with each passing moment.


Searching through the Force for answers was always a dubious process. For days, Ilianya had felt an unusual shift, but could not determine its meaning. The shroud of the Darkside was indeed strong—stronger than she had felt in millennia. Ilianya knew that this didn't bode well for the universe. Indeed, in times past when she had encountered such disturbances, she had taken it as warning to disappear into the nether regions of the Outer Rim. Unfortunately, this time she could not run away.

"Why do you fret so?"

Ilianya looked over her shoulder to see the Force standing behind her. "I've felt a disturbance."

Her smile grew, which almost appeared to be filled with mischief. "Yes, I am well aware of this."

"What is going to happen?"

Clicking her tongue and shaking her head, the Force answered, "I thought immortality would have taught you by now not to worry so much about the whims of humanity."

Ilianya sighed in frustration. "Are the Sith going to attack?"

"What makes you think that?"

"The darkness has been growing—as if it is strengthening its resolve to act."

"And you attribute that to the Sith solely?" The Force queried. "Simple men can accomplish equally heinous feats without being attuned to my voice."

"The Sith tend to be the only ones powerful enough to accomplish such a thing," Ilianya pointed out.

The Force slightly nodded as she placidly surveyed the room. "The moment of the Sith is still far in the distance, but you are right, they have been busy. In fact, the greater of the two will travel to Naboo."

"When?"

"Soon," the Force answered, apparently more intrigued by a flowering plant than by Ilianya's questions. "They are aware of you, of course."

"I feared as much," Ilianya remarked. "What must I do?"

"You must leave…but only for a time."

"How long?"

"You will know."

Folding her arms, Ilianya asked, "And what of the Chosen One and the Queen?"

"What of them?"

"If I leave and with the Sith coming, who will protect them?"

A smile, both luminous and terrible grew across the face of the Force. "Life is always filled with trials and tests…" Ilianya gave her a confused look before she continued, "the time has come for the Chosen One to learn this simple fact."

"What are you going to do?"

"Be ready to heed my call to return," the Force urged.

Ilianya cautiously approached her. "Please, tell me!"

The Force leaned her face next to her ear, much like children telling secrets. However, she kissed her cheek and whispered, "I promise, you'll learn of it soon."

TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are always appreciated!