Scenes flashed in front of Obi-Wan's eyes. His mother's soft skin. His father's enormous hands. His brother sharing fruit with him. Owen.

Obi-Wan blinked his eyes, then bowed to the girl once more. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. As a youngling, I was referred to as Ben,"

The girl's jaw dropped. She started to courtsey, but instead bowed. "Uncle Be--I mean, Master Kenobi. It is a pleasure to meet you. Father sends his regards,"

Obi-Wan could see the relief and joy in Auli's eyes. But something still puzzled him...

"You are probably wondering why I've traveled halfway across the galaxy just for a family reunion," Her bright smile turned solemn. "The truth is, I am here as a favor to my father. A war has broken out-"

"Talk about this inside, you should," Yoda interrupted, motioning inside.

Auli bounded up the steps and started inside. Obi-Wan chuckled to himself at her brazenness, a trait that was now obviously a family trait. He followed her and the two Jedi Masters inside.

Mace Windu directed the girl to a small room inside the Temple. He ushered the four of them inside and sat upon a cushion placed on the floor. The others followed in suit. "Now," Mace Windu started, "Why are you here?"

"A war has broken out on my home planet. Peasant families, and even well-to-do families have revolted against King Bartan. The revolution has turned violent. Brothers battle brothers, parents kill children,"

"While that is sad to hear," Obi-Wan politely interrupted, "What does it have to do with me?"

Auli sighed. "My father refused to become involved in such a brutal war. Our family remained neutral...until Alisa was kidnapped,"

The three Jedi listened intently. Obi-Wan spoke. "Alisa was your sister?"

"Yes, Master Kenobi. My younger sister. She is only three years old, too young to know any cause in this war!" Auli gathered her composure. "Forgive me, Master Jedi. But my father sent me to summon your help," Her gaze focused on Obi-Wan.

"Me?"

"He says you are our only hope for rescuing Alisa. Father told me to tell you he has exhausted every other effort he knows. You are our last resort. Our only hope,"

Obi-Wan sighed. He looked to Yoda and Mace Windu. His mind was flurried with thoughts, but he regained his sense of calm. "Why was your younger sister kidnapped?"

"My family," Auli exhaled. Obi-Wan could sense her embarrassment, her fear of sounding foolish. "Is one of status. My father is the head of a Farmer's Corporation, and the League of Farmers on Bellassa. He has the heart of a peasant, but the wealth and status of a much-higher person. I believe Alisa was kidnapped to influence a vote of confidence from my father,"

"You mean you believe she's merely a pawn?" Obi-Wan interrupted.

"Exactly!" Auli exclaimed. "He has strong influence on the public, so-"

"If he endorses one side, the public does as well. And the same is true for the opposite,"

Auli smiled. "You are quite perceptive, Master Kenobi. My father desperately wanted his youngest daughter back, but was afraid to endorse one side or the other out of fear that the other side would have her and subsequently kill her. So you see, Master Jedi, we turn to you in our most desperate hour of need,"

Auli waited for a response from the Jedi, but was met only with silence. She tried to study their faces, but could read nothing from any of their cool expressions. They must be trained to hide what they are thinking, she thought to herself.

"A decision made, there must be," Yoda finally offered. Auli liked Yoda; his eyes were warm and wise.

"In private," Master Windu quickly added.

Obi-Wan rose, then placed his hand on Auli's shoulder. "Come, Auli. I will take you to my padawan's chambers to rest while we discuss this matter,"

Obi-Wan guided Auli down the hallway and into a corridor filled with bedrooms. He reached over and pressed a button, opening the door to one of the rooms. "Anakin?" he called out, looking around.

Obi-Wan and Auli heard a loud yell, then the klang of metal hitting the floor. Seconds later, a young man with close cropped hair and a long braid emerged. "Hello, Master,"

"Ah, there you are, Anakin,"

"I'm sorry, Master. I was cleaning up a droid," he replied. He eyed the young girl with Obi-Wan, but hid his questions.

"This is Auli Mandol. She will be left in your charge momentarily while Masters Yoda, Windu, and I discuss a matter. I will return. Maybe you could...show her around?" Obi-Wan smiled at the prospect of Anakin making a friend.

Anakin gave his master a nod, then Obi-Wan left the room and started back down the hall. As soon as he had disappeared from sight, Anakin turned to Auli. "Hey, Auli. Wanna take a walk, or something?"

She laughed, her tiny giggle filling the room. Her pale blue eyes sparkled with joy. "Sure, why not? I've never even been off Bellassa before, much less in the Jedi Temple,"

The two began down the hallway, and as they reached the Fountain Room, Anakin turned to Auli. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"You don't waste any time, do you?" she smiled. "Well, I suppose you have the right to know. I'm here to find my Uncle. My family is in grave danger, and he is our only hope."

"That's sad to hear, but how are the Jedi involved?"

"My Uncle is a Jedi Knight," she said. "Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is my Uncle."