Disclaimer: In no way at all do I own any of the original character, locations, ships, or anything else mentioned in Star Wars. They are all owned by George Lucas. I only own my OC. Any similarities between this story and another are purely accidental.

A/N: I'm back! And with several cuts all over my feet and knees from the coral reefs that I so stupidly decided to climb. Was worth it though! I got to see a beautiful sunset!

Masked Masquerader: You liked the reunion? Cool! I was really worried that Obi-Wan would be OOC. Anyway, the extra dialogue comes from scenes that were cut from the movie. I downloaded the script of Episode I from a website that included the scenes that were cut out. I haven't read the novelizations yet, so maybe the dialogue is also featured there.

Black's Phoenix: Thanks!

jedimasterobi-wankenobi: It would be kind of useless to have computers and Internet access out-of-town here in the Philippines cos half the people who live there don't know how to log on to the Internet, much less turn on a computer. Love your name, by the way!

Thanks also to Manson and xXxArwenxXx. I love your stories!

CAUTION! Slight fluff in this chapter between Lyra and Obi-Wan. The beginning of their romantical-ness. (Is that even a word?)

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The sleek ship cruised through the skies of Naboo, landing in the Gungan swamps in order to avoid being detected by droids. Troops unloaded ships in the background as Obi-Wan approached Qui-Gon, who had been conversing with Lyra about the goings-on in Naboo. As soon as Lyra saw the Padawan approaching, she ended the conversation and walked away with nary an explanation.

"Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan city, Master," he reported, trying to hide how hurt and confused he was at Lyra's actions.

"Good," was Qui-Gon's only response. His thoughts seemed somewhere else.

An awkward silence sprung up between them.

"Do you think the Queen's idea will work?" Obi-Wan asked, desperate to break the silence and feeling immensely uncomfortable.

"The Gungans will not easily be swayed," responded the older Jedi, "and we cannot use our powers to help her."

"I'm sorry for my behavior, Master," Obi-Wan finally said, after another silence. "It is not my place to disagree with you about the boy. I am grateful you think I'm ready for the Trials."

Qui-Gon looked at him for a long moment. "You have been a good apprentice," he praised. "You are much wiser than I am, Obi-Wan. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight."

"Thank you, Master," said Obi-Wan, truly feeling grateful. The good feeling, however, burst as he remembered Lyra's reaction to him approaching.

"She knows what you think of Anakin," explained Qui-Gon, no doubt having read his Padawan's mind. "The boy is a brother to her in every way, except, of course, blood." A small smile crept up on his face. "You need to learn to modulate your voice, my young Padawan. She heard you back on the landing platform."

Obi-Wan groaned. "I'll go talk to her."

al

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A small nook between two upraised tree roots was where Lyra had retreated from Obi-Wan. Her old friend's conviction that Anakin was dangerous both infuriated and hurt her. She cradled her head in her hands, trying not to let anger and hurt overwhelm her. How could he think those things of a child?

An entirely unwelcome voice interrupted her thoughts. "May I sit with you?"

Lyra looked up to see Obi-Wan standing over her. She waved a hand at the empty space beside her. "No one's stopping you," she said coldly. Doesn't mean I don't want to.

Obi-Wan sat down beside Lyra. He looked at her, trying to catch her gaze. Lyra firmly looked away, sensing the hurt Obi-Wan was feeling at her actions.

Finally, Obi-Wan stopped trying to get her attention. He then said the thing Lyra had definitely not expected him to say.

"I'm sorry."

In surprise, she looked at him. "You're sorry?"

"For what I said about the boy," he explained. "What I said was totally uncalled for, and completely unfair of me. So I'm sorry." He glanced up at Lyra, and the hopeful look in his eyes destroyed Lyra's anger.

She sighed deeply, hiding a soft smile by looking down. "Well, my reaction was totally uncalled for and completely unfair of me, so I'm sorry too." She looked up. "The Council members have proven themselves wise countless times. It is not my place to judge you for agreeing with them."

Obi-Wan smiled back and lifted a hand to her face, resting it on her cheek. "You could never stay mad at me for long, Lyra."

Lyra sighed and rested her own hand on his, running her thumb against his knuckles. "Unfortunately," she said in an amused tone, the coldness completely dissolved.

"I missed you." Obi-Wan took her hand in his and placed a small kiss to the back of her hand. "It's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back."

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Obi-Wan leaned against a tree trunk, waiting for Jar Jar to come back from the Gungan city. While he waited, he thought about what had happened back between those tree roots.

He had truly missed her, but he couldn't believe he had kissed her. True, it had been a small kiss on the back of her hand, but that small touching had invoked a confusing emotion he thought he would never feel. An emotion he was forbidden to feel.

His thoughts were interrupted by Jar Jar emerging from the lake. "Dare-sa nobody dare," the Gungan stated. "All gone. Some kinda fight, I tink. Sorry, no Gungas…no Gungas."

"Do you think they may have been to camps?" asked Captain Panaka.

"Most likely they were wiped out," Obi-Wan stated pessimistically.

Jar Jar shook his floppy head. "No, mesa no tink so," he said. "Gungan hidden. When in trouble, go to sacred place. Mackineeks no find dem dare."

"Do you know where they are?" asked Qui-Gon.

Jar Jar nodded and led them through the swamp, stopping eventually and sniffing the air. He made a strange chattering noise, making seven Gungan troops exit from the greenery emerge from the bush. They were riding on large animals that Obi-Wan knew were called Kaadus.

"Heyo-dalee Captain Tarpals," Jar Jar greeted.

"Binks!" the Gungan captain groaned. "Noah again!"

Jar Jar grinned sheepishly. "We comen to see da boss!"

"Ouch time Binks," Tarpals said, rolling his eyes. "Ouch time for all you-se."

Obi-Wan suppressed a groan. That does not sound good…

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That does not sound good…

Lyra mentally groaned at what the Gungan captain had said. But she had no time to dwell on it, as she and the group were lead through a clearing of Gungan refugees. At the far end of the clearing was a half-submerged carved head, upon which a fat Gungan, no doubt the leader, stood waiting for them.

"Jar Jar," the Gungan leader ("His name is Boss Nass," whispered Obi-Wan in Lyra's ear) said, "yousa payen dis time! Who's da uss-en others?"

"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo," stated the Queen, coming forward. "I come before you in peace."

"Naboo biggen," stated Boss Nass. "Yousa bringen da mackineeks. Dya busten uss-en omm. Yousa all bombad. Yousa all die-n, mesa tink."

At that, Captain Panaka and the other troops looked around nervously. The Jedi remained relaxed, while Anakin and Lyra watched everything with interest.

"We wish to form an alliance," explained Amidala, only to be cut off as Padmé stepped forward.

Boss Nass looked curiously at her. "Whosa dis?"

"I am Queen Amidala. This is my decoy," she added, pointing to the Queen, "my protection. My loyal bodyguard."

Anakin looked at Padmé, stunned. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon give each other a knowing look. Lyra, although surprised by Padmé's revelation, hid it well.

"I am sorry for my deception," Padmé continued, "but under the circumstances it has become necessary for me to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in, peace…until now. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us…no I beg you to help us."

As she said the last sentence, the young monarch dropped to her knees. Captain Panaka and his troops knelt as well, followed by the handmaidens, Anakin and Lyra, and finally the Jedi.

"We are your humble servants," said Padmé. "Our fate is in your hands."

After a moment, Boss Nass began to laugh. "Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans?"

Padmé quickly shook her head.

Boss Nass smiled. "Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa…bein friends."

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A/N: Next chapter will be up tomorrow. Review please!