My thanks to everybody who read and reviewed last chapter. Again, my apologies for the initial goof up. I made sure this time the same thing didn't happen. Hope you all enjoy! Just one more chapter left!

Jedi of the Republic: Thanks so much. I got on a roll when I knew I was coming to the end so I wanted to get everything done in one shot. Thanks for reading!

Firemaker: LOL. Thanks. Glad you are enjoying!

Kates Master 2: Thanks so much. Update is here!

Mo Angel: Am I evil? Yes I am :). Thanks for reading!

Jay Peel: Glad you found us after such a long hiatus. Thrilled to know you still are enjoying. Thanks so much for taking the time to catch up!

Ghostreaper181: Yes, Anakin didn't have an easy time of it. I think for the moment Padme is in too much shock to think straight although in time...who knows? ;). As for the answers to some of your questions, I think this chapter will address them. Thank you so much for the grand compliment. I am awed by your praise and hope that I continue to stay in your good graces. Thanks for reading!

Hinatafanboy: Thanks so much. Siri is definitely an interesting character, one people weren't too keen on early on. However, I think she has won her way into many hearts now. Thanks for reading!

Mizra: Thanks so much. Lots happening in the last update. Hopefully this chapter will answer your many questions. I appreciate you reading!

Jedimaster526: Glad to know you've been hanging in there with me through thick and thin. Before you do anything rash, read this update and it just may quell your anxieties. Thanks for reading!

Crookedpen: Thanks so much. Glad to know you like the action. More is here!

Lochar: I wholeheartedly agree about Veruna. I think if Palpy could, he'd bring him back to life just to kill him again. As for Anakin, he is on the rather sturdy side. Mechanical parts? Hmmm...;). I also concur that Anakin will be most displeased once he learns of Palpy's role with the assassination. Question is, will he learn in time? Thanks so much for reading!

Ss2gohan: The Naboo are definitely moving in the right direction as far as their military. Ellise's designs will only help their cause. As for Anakin's powers, he was unaware how he did that but I will say no more than that for now. Glad to know that you enjoyed the action. Hope it was as fun to read as it was to write. Thanks so much for reading!

Jessica-Angel-Skywalker: Thanks so much for reading. More is here!

Nikeon: Sorry about the cliffe, but they are necessary ;). Besides, I enjoy keep everyone on the edges of their seats. Thrilled that you liked the action. I appreciate you reading!

LokiGirl: Absolutely. Veruna was actually lucky that he died by her hand instead of Palpy's. Thanks for reading!

Tanydwr: Thanks again for spotting the errors in the last chapters. You saved me at least some humiliation.

Stanfield Skywalker: My deepest appreciation for catching the glitches. Darn Word. Anyhow, glad you liked the action sequences. They are indeed fun to write. Thrilled to know that I can still surprise you after all these chapters. Thanks for reading!

Lord High Protector Valiaun: I definitely anticipated not being the most popular writer around here. Still, I couldn't help myself. I'm addicted to evil cliffes. Glad you like Ellise's designs. They will play an important role in the sequel. Hang on to the idea of capital ships ;). Interesting question about the Force. Since women are the bearers of life, it was a logical choice. Plus, with a 'human form' it was easier to give it a character so that it could interact with the others. Thanks so much for reading, I truly appreciate it! Thanks also for the head's up about the edit issues.

Pokey: Thank you very much!

ObiUberJedi: Thanks a bunch! Glad you like.

NothingFeelsGood: LOL. Glad you enjoyed the cliffe. Thanks for reading!

Lisilgirl: I promise that Anakin will have plenty of help. Thanks so much for reading!

Jedi of the Republic: Glad that you enjoyed seeing Shmi and Cliegg. We will see more of them in the sequel. Thanks for reading!

Quillian: Thank you much! Hope the cliffe wasn't too tramatizing. Thanks for reading!


In the rear crew quarters of the Jedi transport, Obi-Wan silently meditated on his bunk. Although the voyage to Alzoc III proved fruitful, he found himself doubting what they would find upon reaching Duro. Siri had remained unusually quiet since their departure. He reasoned that her complete recovery depended upon finding the lost girl. If the worst happened and they found Dahlia dead, how would Siri be able to cope? Striving to center himself, Obi-Wan immersed his being into the rolling currents of the Force, hoping that it would guide him to an answer.

"Hello, my son," the familiar gentle voice called out.

"Qui-Gon!" Obi-Wan said in disbelief.

The spirit nodded. "How are you, Padawan mine?"

"I cannot believe this….how can this be?"

Qui-Gon grinned as he walked over and sat next to him. "Have you already grown so old that you've forgotten the lessons I taught you?"

"Nothing is impossible with the Force as his ally," Obi-Wan recited automatically.

"You still make me proud."

Obi-Wan's features fell as he reclined against the wall. "I wasn't sure that I had, especially with all I've done against the Code."

"You mean Anakin and Sabé?"

"By rights I should be expelled from the Order," Obi-Wan sighed.

"In the eyes of the Jedi, perhaps." Qui-Gon responded with a mirthful grin. "However, the Force itself is pleased and remains with you."

"I don't understand," Obi-Wan questioned.

"Surely you have felt the abrupt shift in the Force since your decision to train young Anakin?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I did what I thought was right."

"And how did that make you feel?"

Obi-Wan thought momentarily, reflecting upon the events of the past few years. "I was quite lost after you were taken from me…There were days I wasn't sure if I was capable of going on alone. However, after I decided to train Anakin, and then…when I fell in love with Sabé…everything changed. The Force seemed lighter somehow. I felt I had a new purpose."

Qui-Gon placed his spectral hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "That is why I could not be more proud."

"I was afraid that I had failed you. After all I was raised to believe that the Jedi Code and the will of the Force were one in the same."

"I'm sorry I filled your head with such…nonsense," Qui-Gon apologized. "The will of the Force is something that is beyond simple mortal understanding. Only now am I beginning to comprehend her infinite secrets."

"Her?" Obi-Wan asked curiously, raising his eyebrows.

Qui-Gon warmly smiled. "A lesson for another time. While I am thankful to look upon you once more, I'm afraid I bring bad tidings."

"What is wrong?"

"Something has happened to Anakin and you must go to Naboo. His life will depend upon it."

Rising to his feet, Obi-Wan questioned, "What has happened?"

"He was injured saving the Queen. You must hurry."

Looking at his former Master in silent resignation, Obi-Wan queried, "What am I to do once I arrive? I am no healer."

"He needs your presence. Go to him."

Blinking rapidly, Obi-Wan realized that he was alone once again. Taking heed of Qui-Gon's instructions, he raced out of his room and into the cockpit where Siri was going through the navicomputer's charts.

"Where are we?"

Siri frowned as she searched. "We're one point two parsecs from reaching the Rimma Trade Route jump point, why?"

"We need to make for Naboo immediately."

"Naboo? Why?" Siri questioned, scrunching her face.

"Something has happened and Anakin needs our help."


Padmé sat pensively outside the main surgical ward, surrounded by her family and all her handmaidens. Anakin had been brought to Theed's Medicenter where he was immediately ushered into emergency surgery. Ten standard hours had passed, and there was still no word. Aside from going to the communications bay to try to find Shmi and then the refresher where Rabé and Saché helped her change out of her tattered clothing, Padmé had strategically placed herself by the surgical ward entrance hoping for some news.

While still trembling from the day's events, Padmé's thoughts were solely on Anakin. He had saved her life once again, but this time the price had been much higher. She was angry at herself for not taking his nightmares more seriously. If she had, then perhaps he would be sitting with her at that moment. What if he died? What would she do without him? Tears began to trail down the sides of her face, which she made no effort to wipe away.

Sabé held out a white handkerchief until Padmé noticed. "Thanks."

Sabé sadly smiled. "How are you doing?"

"Apart from nearly being assassinated... I'm trying to take it one breath at a time," Padmé replied.

"I just got off the comm with Panaka. Gentree confessed that he helped orchestrate the attack, but it was Veruna who had gathered the others." Sabé's features tightened as she continued, "Apparently, this movement against the new military wasn't very widespread. He said they had difficulties recruiting people. Most of those involved weren't exactly operating on all thrusters."

"Perhaps the Trade Federation was somehow involved?" Padmé wondered.

Sabé shook her head. "Our most recent intelligence reports indicated that they have contracted their fleet to within their borders as mandated by the Senate. Still, I think a planet wide investigation should be instigated — in case this wasn't an isolated cell." Nodding noncommittally, Padmé stared blankly across the room. "Your Majesty?"

Exhaling loudly, Padmé sat up. "Do whatever you think is necessary…"

"You should really try to get some rest," Sabé suggested.

Padmé grunted and turned away. "Anakin doesn't get that luxury… so neither shall I."

"You can't blame yourself for what happened, Padmé."

"And why not?" Padmé asked angrily, whirling to face her handmaiden. "My decision may have cost Anakin his life."

"As much as you want to, you can't see into the future. Nor can you prevent terrible things from happening to people. No one can."

Padmé scoffed, but a crack of a smile broke through, causing Sabé to look at her curiously. "I said more or less the same thing to Anakin only a few weeks ago."

"And he probably acted just as stubborn as you are being now."

"You know our friend well," Padmé responded, a stray tear falling from her eye.

Sabé wrapped her arm around her and squeezed her affectionately. "We just have to hold faith that the spirits will take care of him."

The doors to the surgical ward suddenly opened, revealing an exhausted looking Yané. The others rose as Padmé jumped out of her seat to greet her.

"What is his condition?"

Yané's expression darkened further as she glanced briefly at the others. "I'm afraid the situation is grave. We were able to repair the damage to his heart and lungs, but he lost a lot of blood even before the surgery and well…he's lapsed into a coma. There's a strong possibility that he's suffered brain damage, but we won't know for certain until we can do further tests."

"Coma," Padmé muttered in horror. "Can't you place him in bacta or a kolto tank?"

Yané shook her head. "Both treatments are hard on the body and for the moment, he is too critical to risk it."

"Can I see him?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Giving the others an apologetic look, she added, "but just you. He needs his rest."

Padmé thanked her and then followed her inside. She nearly gasped aloud when she saw him. Anakin was lying motionless on a biobed with tubes running from him to different machines. Several monitors around the room broadcasted his vital signs with the only sound that could be heard was the rhythm breathing of the artificial respirator.

"Oh Ani," she whispered as she reached for his hand. "Why do you have to be so brave?"


Palpatine stalked down the corridors of Theed Palace with no particular destination. It took every shred of his practiced control not to destroy the building with his wrath. The damned fool Veruna had betrayed him. The situation had been well in hand. He had disrupted the Force about Skywalker enough that he would have only been hurt, not severely damaged as he was at the moment. He grimaced as he admitted to himself that he had underestimated the former King's daring. In the end it would have been better to have killed him back at the Highland's castle.

What was most troublesome, though, was that he had foreseen a much different event. Indeed, this was the second time that his profound prophetic gift had failed him. He turned around suddenly when he thought he heard the cackle of laughter; and yet when he probed the dark hallway with his senses, he felt that he was alone.

Or at least, he was the only mortal present.

"Very clever," he called out. "You are quite the trickster." Palpatine darted his eyes about while straining his ears for a response. "However," he continued. "I did not think you were daring enough to sacrifice your own precious Chosen One."

From the shadows a voice finally answered, "How little you truly understand the nature of things within my realm, Sidious."

"You are nothing but a hopeless idealist," he barked back.

"My, my, is that fear I hear in your voice?"

Palpatine calmed himself before feeling the corners curl into a grin. "Despite your best efforts, your will has failed and soon there will be nothing to stop me." He paused impatiently. "What is your response? I'm waiting!"

The dark shadows grew. The corridor became ice cold. "I promise, the time will come when you will answer for your deeds."

"But not this day, and quite possibly not for many millennia."

"Sir?"

Palpatine swiveled around to see his youngest assistant standing nervously behind him. Casting a brief look back over his shoulder, he saw that the corridor was once again filled with the night light reflected from Naboo's twin moons. Turning back around to the young man, he asked softly, "What is it?"

"My apologies, Your Excellency, but there is an urgent message coming through on your shuttle's emergency network."

"Lead the way."


With Siri following closely behind, Obi-Wan hurried through the Medicenter corridors en route to the surgical ward. Upon entering, he spotted Sabé, who quickly closed the distance to wrap him in a crushing hug. After an all too-brief kiss, she backed away, flashing a curious glance at him.

"How did you know?"

"It is a rather…long story. What happened?"

Sabé's face fell. "Anakin saved Padmé from an assassination attempt, but was stabbed in the back.

Obi-Wan and Siri shared quick glances of concern. "How is he?"

"He survived the surgery, but he is in a coma. The healers aren't very optimistic that he will recover."

"Where's the Queen?" Obi-Wan asked, looking about the room.

"She's inside the ward with him. We've tried to get her to rest, but she is being…" Sabé paused as she wiped a tear from her cheek. "…she is being her typical stubborn self."

"Would it be possible for me to visit with Anakin?"

Sabé nodded. "Can you do anything for him?"

"I am no healer, but hopefully my presence can be of some benefit."

Aside from the time spent with Siri in the healer's ward, Obi-Wan too was no stranger to long visits to med facilities, especially after some harrowing experiences on several missions in his youth. Still, he could not help trembling upon seeing Anakin's state. The young Queen, who had taken vigil at Anakin's bedside, had fallen sleep with his hand in hers. Even more troubling, the luminescence of the Force that usually surrounded his student was slowly fading into oblivion. Obi-Wan looked up to see the dire expression on Siri's face. They both knew that time was short.

Moving to the head of the bed, Obi-Wan placed his hand on Anakin's forehead, attempting to channel some of his own Force energy into his friend. However, the void was immense, causing him to recoil painfully. Glancing at Siri, who was shaking her head, she observed, "His injuries are too great."

Before he could reply, Padmé sat up and rubbed her eyes with her free hand. Looking at them in surprise, she said, "Obi-Wan…Thank the spirits that you are here."

He smiled and he offered her a polite half-bow. "We came as soon as we heard…"

"Please, help him!" Padmé pleaded.

Obi-Wan knelt down before her and softly said, "I'm afraid that Anakin's condition is far beyond our abilities. His fate is now with the will of the Force."

"You must try," Padmé demanded. "He's your friend… your student!"

"He is like my son," Obi-Wan sadly replied. "And if there was any way for me to help, I would."

"I'm sorry, Master Kenobi." She apologized, looking back at Anakin. "I am just desperate to save him.

Obi-Wan reached up and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "I understand." He paused to study her momentarily, then moved his hand to her forehead. "Rest," he commanded softly.

Padmé blinked her eyes several times before falling unconscious. Obi-Wan picked her up to lay her down on a nearby couch. Turning around, he saw Siri staring at Anakin.

"Are you alright?'

"He is in the place that I was…" Siri reflected with a seemingly distant gaze. Shifting her focus back upon Obi-Wan she continued, "Somewhere between life and death."

Obi-Wan offered her a smile. "Let us hope, like you, that Anakin can find his way back."


It was early in the morning when Ilianya returned to Theed. Through the currents of the Force, she had sensed what had occurred and what was required of her. Obscuring her presence, she entered into Anakin's room unobserved. Ilianya saw the Queen sleeping on the far side with two Jedi on the floor, both deep in a meditative trance. Moving next to Anakin's bed, she briefly probed the Force to assess the extent of his injuries.

"Who are you?" Obi-Wan questioned

"And what are you doing here?" Siri demanded as she stood up beside him

Ilianya glanced up and smiled. "I am here to help the Chosen One, young Kenobi." She turned her head, "Young Tachi."

Obi-Wan seemed to blink in surprise. "How do you know us?"

"We have no time for conversation if we want to save Anakin's life."

Their voices woke Padmé. "General Tro…What is happening?"

"I cannot go into detail, Your Majesty. Right now, I need for everyone to concentrate on Anakin. Focus on sending him some of your strength and support."

"What are you going to do?"

Ilianya peered at her quizzically before answering. "I'm going to save him."

"How?" Questioned Siri. "He is well beyond any Jedi healing techniques."

Ilianya placed both of her hands around Anakin's right wrist and closed her eyes. "The Force can heal in ways unknown to the Jedi." Opening her eyes, she added, "Now, concentrate."

Both Obi-Wan and Siri obeyed, meanwhile, Padmé moved over to Anakin's left side to hold his hand. Before closing her eyes once more, Ilianya smiled and whispered, "He will need your support most of all."

"But I am no Jedi."

A large grin eclipsed Ilianya's face. "No, you're not." She said with her grin widening. "You are something much more. Just believe."

"Very well."

Summoning her full strength in order to surround Anakin's prone form with energy, Ilianya focused intensely and sought his spirit. The normally calm currents of the Force that surrounded Anakin were instead a raging torrent that fought her attempts. Probing more deeply into his mind, she felt herself sucked into the painful misery he was experiencing. Shielding herself, Ilianya reached out with the Force to break through.

The raging storm disappeared and she found herself in a peaceful meadow filled with flowers and rolling hills. In the distance she saw a tall tree on top of a hill with a still form sitting underneath. Moving closer she smiled at the look of surprise on Anakin's face.

"General Tro? What are you doing here?"

"I might ask the same of you, Anakin."

He had a puzzled look as he seemed to ponder her question. "I was at the coronation when something happened…I think I was injured." Worry instantly filled his face as he asked, "What about Padmé? Is she alright?"

Ilianya nodded. "She is fine. You are the one who is in jeopardy."

"Am I going to die?"

"I can heal your physical injuries, but you must help me."

"How?" Anakin asked with a puzzled look.

"I need to form a healing bond with you, but the pain will cause you to resist. I need you to fight it all your strength."

Looking at her wearily, he said, "I don't know if I can."

"If you don't, then you'll most surely die."

Anakin nodded as he closed his eyes. "I shall try."

As Ilianya initiated the bond, she jarred when she felt the shear strength of the Force within Anakin. It was as if she had flown into a supernova—it was beyond anything she had ever experienced. Yet despite his raw power, she was able to glimpse memories of kind acts and gentleness. In that moment she understood the true nature of his existence.

"You never cease to amaze me, Exile." The Force called out to her.

Ilianya opened her eyes to see the woman gently caressing Anakin's forehead. "Did it work?"

"He's still alive isn't he?"

Rising quickly to her feet, Ilianya angrily leered at her. "Why would you do such a thing? He was hardly ready for such a test."

"He did succeed though," the Force answered with a knowing smile.

"The Sith Master could have easily destroyed him. This was a very dangerous gamble."

The Force continued to smile as she focused her sight upon Anakin. "You of all people should understand the importance of trials."

Ilianya sighed deeply, sitting down opposite the woman. "I do understand now about the importance of the Queen. She is quite strong."

"Indeed," the Force answered. A look of delight filled her features as she witnessed Anakin's eyes opening. He gave her a curious look before he shifted his glance towards Ilianya.

"Am I dead?"

"Hardly," she answered smiling.

"You seem familiar," He said to the personified Force.

She smiled and shook her head. "Are you better?"

"Yes…although I am a bit confused."

"That is understandable," she responded. "You've had a difficult time of it."

"Where am I?"

"This is an intermediary between life and death," the Force answered.

"Who are you?"

"That is the Force, Anakin." Ilianya interjected.

"The Force?" He asked apparently confused. After Ilianya nodded solemnly, he added, "I thought the Force was just an energy field."

Ilianya and she shared knowing grins before the Force answered, "I am the one who brings order from chaos. My essence is what breathes life into the universe. I am everything and I am nothing."

Anakin looked over at her as he sat up seemingly dumbfounded by her revelation. The Force then said, "I am very proud of you, my chosen one. You have done well."

"I have done nothing but kill others," Anakin said somberly. "I hardly think that deserves any praise."

The Force smiled as she rubbed the side of his face with the back of her hand. "But what about the lives you've saved? By your actions, you've prevented a terrible fate from befalling the Naboo people." He was about to protest when she lifted her hand. "It was my will. That should clear your conscience; but all in due time, my beloved. For now, you must go back."

"I cannot go now," he insisted. "There is so much I need to know."

"When you learn to open yourself fully to hear my voice, more will be revealed. Until then, I shall be watching."

"My lady, may I only ask only one thing?" The Force smiled and motioned silently for him to continue. "Why am I your chosen one?" Anakin asked, cocking his head to one side.

The Force leaned her face next to his ear, but rather than speaking, she kissed his check then straightened. "Always remember, you are never alone."

Ilianya placed her hands on Anakin's shoulders. "It is time to go home."


Padmé opened her eyes when she heard the chime of the life support machines echoing louder and louder. Darting her gaze over to Anakin, she gasped when she saw his blue eyes fixed upon her. For a moment, she didn't know what to say as she looked upon him.

"Are you an angel?" He asked with a crooked grin.

She could not help but cry as she reached over to embrace him. "Anakin…I thought I lost you."

"Impossible," he answered, his grin growing. "You said I still have much to do. And who am I to disobey your orders?"

Obi-Wan moved closer to Padmé, offering Anakin a smile filled with relief. "How are you, my apprentice?"

"I feel like I got ran over by a pack of banthas," Anakin quipped. "But thanks to General Tro, I'll survive."

As one, the others in the room shifted their gazes towards Ilianya, who was standing quietly next to Anakin with a strange grin on her face. "Everyone here made this possible," she insisted.

Siri chimed in, "How did you do it?"

"Magic," Ilianya replied, offering a wink at Anakin.

"However you did it…our many thanks." Padmé said happily.


Once he felt the shuttle devoid of other life, Palpatine used the Force to activate the hypercomm channel. Within seconds, the static-filled image of the kneeling Count Dooku appeared before him.

"My Master."

"Darth Tyrannus. What news do you bring from Kamino?"

"All is well with the plan. The first units have performed beyond expectation."

Wrapping his arms across his chest, Sidious grinned. "This is indeed welcome news."

"The next generation is almost ready, my Master." Dooku advised. "However, the cloners have brought a rather…interesting proposal to me."

"Speak," the Dark Lord ordered.

"For five hundred thousand more credits they can engineer a failsafe command that would allow us to supersede any order they are carrying out at the time."

"Would this state be reversible?"

Tyrannus shook his head. "Not directly, my Master."

"Explain."

"As long as you are in possession of the clones' command codes, even if the failsafe is engaged, they will retain absolute loyalty to you."

Palpatine contemplated the offer momentarily. "Very well. Give the Kaminoans what they want."

"And the order?"

Reaching into the Force, Sidious allowed his consciousness to search until he found the right answer. "We shall call it Order 66—the destruction of all non-clone commanders in the field."

"I will see to it immediately, Master Sidious."

Once his image disappeared from sight, the Dark Lord could not help but smile. True, he had been betrayed; but he knew that all was not lost. Events were again unfolding as he desired, and despite the Force's admonishments, one day soon the universe would be under his feet. Unlimited power was within his grasp.

TBC-Thoughts,comments and reviews are always appreciated!