Here's chapter two!

Black's Phoenix: Yep, here we go... hope you like the story! By the way, I have two more chapters on my Elena story, if you didn't know. Hope you like those, too!

Meanwhile, as Anakin and Padme made their way to the Naboo palace, the Professor, Lady Deathstrike, Storm, Rouge, and Bobby traveled back to Dantooine, after being on Coruscant for a while. Once in the school docking bay, Yuriko saw Logan, Scott, and Jean waiting for them. Logan was looking his normal handsome self, tall, strongly built, dark brown hair, long sideburns, and piercing green eyes. Scott was about as tall, with lighter brown hair, and his glasses. Next to him was a young woman with short, reddish brown hair, beautiful eyes, and a nice figure. That was Jean Grey, and she was married to Scott.

Yuriko darted out of the ship and ran right over to Logan, her beloved husband, and hugged him. "I missed you so much, Logan!" she said.

He pulled away to get a good look at her. "Just couldn't stand being away from a hot guy like me that long, huh?" he grinned, green eyes flashing.

She slapped him on the arm. "Actually, Logan, I'm in love with Kurt," she retorted, crossing her arms and trying to look serious.

"What?"

She grinned. "Just kidding, Wolv, I really couldn't stand being away too long from you." She kissed him lightly.

He chuckled and pulled her close again. "I had a hard time with it too, baby," he replied. "I'm glad you're back."

"Me too."

Jean and Scott walked over to the others, who came down the ship's ramp. "Professor, Storm, guys, it's good to have you back," Jean spoke up kindly.

"It is good to see you too, Jean," Xavier replied, smiling. "We have much to talk about. Come, let us go into my study." He wheeled towards the door, with Scott and Jean following him.

Bobby and Rouge went off to find John and Kitty, while Storm was looking around for Kurt. Suddenly he appeared in front of her, startling her immensely. "Kurt!" she gasped, and hugged him, "You scared me!"

Kurt was embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Ororo," he apologized meekly, "I didn't mean to scare you, I just wanted to surprise you."

She smiled. "Hey, I know you didn't," she replied, "Now come on, I want to hear everything that's been going on with you for the past few weeks." Together they followed everyone inside the building. Even though Kurt's yellow eyes and blue skin looked frightening, he was kind, funny, and loved children, which explained why he had two of his own.

Anakin and Padme made their way into the Naboo throne room, where they saw Queen Jamillia seated on the throne, flanked by Sio Bibble and a couple of advisors. Four handmaidens stood close by, with guards at the doors.

"We've been worried about you," Queen Jamillia said, taking Padme's hand, "I'm so glad you're safe, Padmé."

Padme nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote."

"Given the circumstances, Senator, you know it was the only decision Her Highness could have made," Sio said coldly.

Padme gave him a withering glance, and he shrunk back into his spindly little seat, feeling the defeat down to his shriveled bones.

"How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?" Jamillia casually inquired.

Padme groaned. "Thousands," she replied, staring back at her, "And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war."

"It's unthinkable!" Sio suddenly shouted, slamming his rather small fist into his chair arm. Everyone stared at him. "There hasn't been a full scale war since the formation of the Republic!"

Jamillia ignored him. "Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?" she questioned, glancing at Padme.

Padme shrugged. "Not if they feel threatened. The separatists don't have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the Commerce Guilds or the Trade Federation for help."

"The armies of commerce! Why has nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?" Jamillia asked worriedly.

Padme sighed. "I'm afraid that, despite the Chancellor's best efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of the Guilds," she responded.

"It's outrageous that, after all of those hearings, and four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the Viceroy of the Trade Federation," Sio spoke up, "I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis. Do those money mongers control everything?"

Jamillia looked at him. "Remember, Counselor, the courts were able to reduce the Federation's armies," she reminded him, "That's a move in the right direction."

"There are rumors, Your Highness, that the Trade Federation Army was not reduced as they were ordered," Padme disagreed.

Jamillia looked at her, and then got up. "We must keep our faith in the Republic," she stated, "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."

"Let's pray that day never comes," Padme put in, walking beside her.

The queen nodded, thinking. "In the meantime, we must consider your own safety," she added, and looked back at Anakin, who had ignored the entire session.

"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?" Sio questioned him, folding his arms.

Anakin was startled for a second. "Oh..." he said, reddening, "I'm not a Master yet, Counselor, I'm still a Padawan learner."

"But that's nearly a Jedi master," Padme helpfully put in. He smiled at her and shook his head. She smiled back and turned to the queen. "I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."

Sio Bibble and the queen exchanged a look. Something was going on between Anakin and Padme. "Perfect," the queen said, "It's settled then. Padmé, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... your family's very worried about you."

Padme nodded. "Thank you, your Highness," she said, but looked worried. They all exited down the main staircase.

Anakin, Padme, and Artoo turned onto a side street. Anakin was back in his Jedi robes, which he found a lot more comfortable then the refugee's clothes. Padme wore a beautiful simple dress. She stopped, beaming. "There's my house!" she said, and looked at Anakin. She started forward; Anakin hung back. "What?" Padme asked. "Don't say you're shy!"

"No, but I..." Anakin began untruthfully.

Suddenly, there were shouts from two little girls, Ryoo and Pooja. They came running toward Padme.

"Ryoo! Pooja!" she exclaimed happily. She scooped up the two little girls and hugged them. "Go wake up Artoo," she said, and set them down.

"Artoo!" the little girls shouted. As they saw the droid, they hugged him. Artoo whistled and beeped, and the two grown-ups laughed. After watching the girls for a minute, Anakin and Padme went on toward the house, while the girls stayed and played with Artoo.

Sola, Padme's beautiful older sister, came in from the kitchen carrying a big bowl of food. Sola was like the big sister Serena never had, and the two cousins were very close. "They're eating over at Jev Narran's later, Mom," she called over her shoulder, "They just had a snack. They'll be fine." She put the bowl down on the table, where Anakin, Padme,
and Ruwee Naberrie, Padme's father, were coming into the room.

"Padmé!" Sola cried, hugging her little sister. "You're late. Mom was worried."

Padme shrugged. "We walked," she explained, and turned to Anakin. "Anakin, this is my sister, Sola."

"Hello, Anakin," Sola said brightly.

Anakin nodded. "Hello," he replied shyly.

Sola sat, as Jobal Naberrie, Padme's mother, came in with a heaped bowl of steaming food. "...and this is my mother." Padme said to Anakin.

"You're just in time for dinner," Jobal said, "I hope you're hungry, Anakin."

Anakin looked at the delicious food, mouth watering. "A little," he lied.

Padme grinned. "He's being polite, Mom," she spoke up, "We're starving."

Ruwee smiled and sat down in the chair at the end of the large table. "You came to the right place at the right time," he said cheerily, as everyone else sat and started passing food.

Jobal turned to Padme. "Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We were so worried."

Her youngest daughter gave Jobal a dirty look, and Ruwee smiled as he watched. "Dear..." he began.

Jobal put up her hand in defense. "I know, I know... but I had to say it," she interrupted. "Now it's done."

Ruwee rolled his eyes at Anakin, who grinned and put some more food into his mouth. He was liking Padme's family quite a bit.

Sola glanced at her sister. "Well, this is exciting!" she exclaimed. "Do you know, Anakin, you're the first boyfriend my sister's ever brought home?"

Anakin stopped chewing and swallowed, blushing up to the roots of his hair. Padme rolled her eyes. "Sola!" she said, "He isn't my boyfriend! He's a Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me."

"A bodyguard!" Jobal said worriedly. "Oh, Padme! They didn't tell us it was that serious!"

Padme shook her head. "It's not, Mom, I promise. Anyway, Anakin's a friend. I've known him for years. Remember that little boy who was with the Jedi during the blockade crisis?" They nodded. "He grew up."

Jobal sighed. "Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven't you had enough of that life? I certainly have!"

"Mom, I'm not in any danger," Padme retorted.

Ruwee glanced at Anakin. "Is she?" he inquired seriously.

Anakin looked down and nodded. "...Yes ...I'm afraid she is."

"But not much," Padme added quickly. Anakin gave her a sideways look.

Sola thought for a minute. "Padme, have you heard anything from Serena lately? We haven't seen her in ages!"

Padme smiled. "Yes, actually she was in Coruscant for the past few weeks, and we saw each other frequently."

"And how is our girl?" Ruwee asked fondly.

Padme grinned at him. "She's doing great, dad," she replied, "She's brave, talented, beautiful, a Jedi Knight, and well known by the Senate."

"But not taller," Anakin added, grinning mischievously, smug about his height. Padme glared at him, while the others laughed.

Later that afternoon, as they were getting ready to leave, Anakin watched as Padme threw some things into a bag. "Don't worry, this won't take long," she reassured him.

Anakin shrugged. "I just want to get there before dark," he said.

Padme went on packing, and he looked around the room. "You still live at home," he observed.

"I move around so much, I've never had a place of my own," she said. "Official residences have no warmth. I feel good here. I feel at home."

Anakin sighed. "I never had a real home," he admitted. "Home was always where my Mom was." He picked up a framed hologram. "Is this you?" he asked. The hologram showed Padme at age seven or eight surrounded by forty or fifty little green creatures. She was holding one in her arms, and they were all smiling hugely.

"That was when I went with the relief group to Shadda-Bi-Boran," Padme exclaimed. "Their sun was imploding, and the planet was dying. I was helping to relocate the children. See that little one I'm holding? His name was N'a-kee-tula, which means sweetheart. He was so full of life. All those kids were. They were never able to adapt... to live off their native planet." She looked at it sadly.

Anakin, not wanting to make her sad, picked up another hologram. It showed Padme at age ten or eleven. She was wearing official robes and standing between two robed legislators, her expression severe.

"My first day as an Apprentice Legislator," she continued. "Notice the difference?" She pulled a face, and Anakin grinned.

The view was just like the star map hologram, plus, the storm-shrouded planet of Kamino was exactly where it ought to be. Obi-Wan's Starship disengaged from the hyperspace transport ring and headed down toward the planet.

Obi-Wan and Serena gazed at the planet with satisfaction. "There it is," Obi-Wan spoke up, "right where it should be. Our missing planet, Kamino."

"Those files were altered," Serena said smugly. "Jocasta was wrong. Mwa ha ha ha."

Obi-Wan looked at her strangely, and she shrugged nonchalantly.

Heavy rains and hard-driving winds lashed the platform as Obi-Wan's Starship approached. The huge, ultra-modern city of Tipoca rested on great stilts that kept it above the pounding and ever-present waves that covered the surface of the watery world.

The Starship landed, and the two Jedi got out and made their way through the howling wind toward a tower on the far side of the platform. A door slid open as they entered, and a shaft of brilliant light pierced the swirling rain. The Jedi passed through it and went inside. Obi-Wan pushed the soaking hood from his face, and Serena grinned as she shook her sopping hair.

"Master Jedi, so good to see you," a calm female voice suddenly said.

Obi-Wan wiped the rain from his face and blinked in surprise at a tall, pasty-white alien named Taun We. She had large, almond shaped eyes and a long neck. Serena looked suspiciously at her.

"The Prime Minister expects you," the alien continued.

Obi-Wan looked at her warily. "I'm expected?" he said, and glanced at Serena, who shrugged her shoulders helplessly.

Taun We nodded. "Of course! He is anxious to meet you. After all these years, we were beginning to think you weren't coming. Now please, this way!"

Obi-Wan masked his surprise as they moved away along the corridor. How come they're expecting us? he said to Serena, who showed no emotion.

I guess you'll have to hide your curiosity and wait a minute, won't you? She replied dryly.

The door slid open. Obi-Wan, Serena, and Taun We entered and crossed to where Lama Su rose, smiling, from his chair, which, like all the furniture on Kamino, seemed made out of pure light.

"May I present Lama Su, Prime Minister of Kamino..." Taun We spoke up, "and this is Master Jedi..."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi," he put in, bowing.

Lama Su nodded, and looked at Serena. "And his wife, Master Jedi..." Taun We waited for Serena to speak.

Serena was embarrassed. "Oh," she began hurriedly, "I'm not–"

"This is my wife, Serena Kenobi," Obi-Wan put in, interrupting her. She looked shocked and glared at him. What in the world are you doing, Obi-Wan Kenobi? She demanded, crossing her arms.

Just play along, he replied.

Lama Su indicated a chair, but Obi-Wan remained standing. Taun We hovered over Serena, who looked up at her. The room was bathed in brilliant white light, and the whole place was ultra high-tech.

"I trust you are going to enjoy your stay," Lama said, "We are most happy you have arrived at the best part of the season."

Serena looked at him as if he was nuts. Best part of the season? What in the heck are they talking about? Since when is dark, cold, and rainy the best part of the season? She heard Obi-Wan chuckle mentally.

"You make me feel most welcome," Obi-Wan said, trying not to smile.

Hardy har har... Serena said sarcastically.

Serena...

Shutting up now.

Not the words I was going to use, but thank you.

"Please..." Lama gestured to the chair. "And now to business." He said. "You will be delighted to hear we are on schedule. Two hundred thousand units are ready, with another million well on the way."

Obi-Wan was confused, and glanced at Serena. "That's... good news," he said, improvising.

"Please tell your Master Sifo-Dyas that we have every confidence his order will be met on time and in full," Lama continued. "He is well, I hope."

"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan apologized, "It's Master - ?"

Lama frowned. "Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas is still a leading member of the Jedi Council, is he not?" he said.

Serena glanced at Obi-Wan worriedly.

OK, now's that lovely part where I get some wonderful reviews. Thank you!